Blog Post
Great Book for Teens: Since You’ve Been Gone
by skcramer
I’ve been a fan of Morgan Matson ever since reading her first book, Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour, but this summer, I completely fell in love with her latest book, Since You’ve Been Gone.
Shy Emily knows her sociable best friend Sloane will always be there to take charge in new situations, but when Emily returns home from a family trip, she discovers her best friend is gone. Sloane is not at home and won’t answer her calls or texts. Then Emily receives a mysterious letter from Sloane, a list of fifteen random things to do – like kiss a stranger and ride a horse – and hopes that completing this list will somehow reveal what happened to Sloane. More coming-of-age story than mystery, this book will resonate with any shy teen who has had to grow more outgoing after a big life change. It's a great read for anyone who enjoys smart realistic teen fiction with a touch of romance and is perfect for fans of Sarah Dessen or Stephanie Perkins.
Blog Post
Terms and Conditions May Apply
by krayla
Debut author Robert Glancy certainly impressed with his 2014 novel Terms & Conditions. The narrator begins the tale with the realization that he has no idea who he is. Frank is told he was in a car accident after what his brother called through a slip of the tongue, a "little episode." Frank goes on a personal quest for himself and the answers to what really happened that fateful day. Clues start to come back to Frank in flashes- a white door, plastic anatomical models, a book his wife wrote... but what does it all mean? "Terms & Conditions" has the qualities of a thriller in its pacing and gradual reveal of information while also feeling like a noir detective novel. Readers will discover alongside Frank which characters are reliable friends and who is truly trustworthy.
"Terms & Conditions" will have readers both on the edge of their seats and laughing! My favorite element used in this novel is the footnote, reflecting the style of legal documents. Nearly every page has at least one footnote further elaborating on Frank's thoughts and dark sense of humor. However, the novel remains approachable to all audiences and comes highly recommended for both mystery and humor lovers!
Blog Post
A Long Way From Chicago
by eapearce
There are so many fun kids’ books out there from recent years that sometimes we forget about the great older books that are still fantastic reads today! If you or your children are looking for something new to read, why not try something “old?” One of my personal favorite books, A Long Way From Chicago, was published in 1998 and won the 1999 Newbery Honor. Written by Richard Peck, the book is really a series of short stories, told from the perspective of a young boy who visits his wild grandmother with his sister during the summers of the Great Depression and early World War II. Joey and Mary Alice consider themselves worldly—they are from the big city after all!—and can’t imagine what the tiny Illinois town where their grandmother lives could have to offer.
They are quickly proven wrong when they help their grandma tresspass, catch the town sheriff in his underwear, aid their grandma in catching catfish illegally (in a stolen boat!), and see their first dead body. The vivid story-telling that Peck employs allows readers to share in the experiences that Mary Alice and Joey have, and to make memories along with them. The wonderful, heart-warming story that is A Long Way From Chicago has stuck with me since I first read the book as a child and I still recommend the book to readers of all ages. It is worth noting too that this book and its companion novel, A Year Down Yonder (winner of the 2001 Newbery Medal), are both wonderful to read aloud or listen to on audiobook. The AADL has copies of A Long Way From Chicago, A Year Down Yonder, and both on audiobook available!
Blog Post
Attachments, by Rainbow Rowell
by manz
After reading Rainbow Rowell’s Printz Honor winning teen novel Eleanor & Park and falling in love with it, I was very excited about what was next from her. I then ate up the next teen novel Fangirl, even though it didn’t taste quite the same as Eleanor & Park. While waiting for another teen book by her I went back and grabbed her adult novel, Attachments – and it was a delightful read.
In Attachments it’s 1999 and Lincoln’s job as “internet security officer” is to monitor company email, reading and flagging any inappropriate work emails being sent. He gets caught up in reading email conversations between Beth and Jennifer. They talk about life as best girlfriends should, sharing many intimate details. He knows he should flag the emails and turn them in, but he can’t – he has to continue reading their saga. Lincoln falls for Beth through reading these emails, which are just hilarious. (I want to hang out with Beth and Jennifer and laugh at their quips.) But how will Lincoln ever be able to meet Beth in person and not mention that he’s been reading about her life and that he feels like he knows her?
Oh, does Rowell write some funny dialog! I really enjoyed the alternating format of reading Beth and Jennifer’s email exchanges laced with chapters about Lincoln’s life – living with his mother, playing Dungeons & Dragons, joining a gym, and reconnecting with a college buddy in order to force social interactions on his awkward self. It's a great summer read, even for those not into love stories.
Next up from Rowell is Landline, and she’s also collaborating on writing two graphic novels, according to her wonderfully designed website.
Blog Post
Michigan Activity Pass - Fun for the Family!
by dahlemd
Spending time with my grandkids is something I enjoy regardless of the activity or season. I try to make it a point to expose them to as many cultural activities that I can over summer vacation. Whether it is visiting a museum, attending live music performances, or seeing a historical site, summer seems like the perfect opportunity to broaden their learning experiences in a fun, organic way.
This is why the Michigan Activity Pass (MAP) is one of my favorite services offered by AADL. MAP allows cardholders complimentary/reduced admission, or entitles them to other exclusive offers for over 70 participating cultural facilities all across Michigan. The AADL has five passes per week for every participating organization. Library cardholders can print a pass from the AADL website either from home or the library. From the website, click on the "Services" tab, and then click on "Michigan Activity Pass" on the list of "Unusual Stuff to Borrow".
I always to suggest to patrons who are going on vacation to see if there are any venues listed in MAP either on their route, or near their destination to add to their itinerary. MAP is great tool to get more acquainted with our great state! You can search for the participating attractions here.
Blog Post
Virginia Woolf’s Garden: The Story of the Garden at Monk’s House
by ballybeg
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‘….there are cherries, plums, pears, figs, together with all the vegetables. This is going to be the pride of our hearts, I warn you.’ Virginia Woolf.
If you are: a) an admirer of Virginia Woolf and interested in the private, intimate side of her life or, b) a garden lover with a special attraction to English gardens or, c) simply in need of a relaxing, beautiful book, with outstanding photographs, that will transport you to the garden haven of Leonard and Virginia in the Sussex countryside, then this book is waiting for your enjoyment.
Virginia Woolf's Garden: The Story of the Garden at Monk's house is written by Caroline Zoob, who lived at Monk’s House and tended the house and garden for ten years on behalf of the National Trust of England. This is an intimate and detailed account of the full glory of these gardens which include many walkways and terraces, an orchard, ponds, three distinctive gardens, beehives, a cactus house, a bowling lawn and the writing lodge. It sounds rather formal, but these outdoor “rooms” are all relaxed, with an unstudied air. The glorious photographs, by Caroline Arber, contrast expansive views with small, enclosed spaces – and flowers everywhere!
There is a full history of the gardens from the beginning through to the present, where they continue to be cared for and developed, with all the flowers, fruits and vegetables grown by the Woolf’s, but with some new (and carefully chosen) additions to enhance the beauty for the admiring public.
With many new and old photos of the gardens, the house and its famous residents, with both their human and canine friends, this beautiful book is pure pleasure and reveals a side of the famous author I never imagined.
Blog Post
Unbored: The Essential Field Guide to Serious Fun
by manz
Summer and no school is just around the corner, and this giant book is full of ways to keep you busy with a variety of subjects. While the book features "serious fun," it's written more on the funny side. It has a great cover and great illustrations, which totally nudge me to like certain books more.
Unbored gives you big ideas and how to start them, including how to grow a science garden, make your own games, zines, and LED graffiti You can also learn how to perform kitchen experiments, blog, fix your bike, and lots more.
The book also features some fun lists! Including a list of banned books you should read, secret history of young adult novels, best ever sports movies, best ever stop-action movies, best ever animal movies, best ever DIY fiction, and the best ever clean hip hop songs.
There’s also informational bits thrown into the book. Learn some weird facts about condiments, or browse a list of kitchen cures, and learn how to train your grownup to be a ninja.
UNBORED! That’s what you’ll be at the end of the book. Be sure to check out the book preview to see examples of what's inside. And check out the awesome website for the book! There is a TON of great stuff to look at.
Blog Post
The Circle
by krayla
Dave Eggers delights again with his newest novel, The Circle. His prose engulfs readers in an eerily familiar world of social and political advancement, somewhat reminiscent of the classic 1984. Readers will wonder what it truly means to be anonymous, and deliberate whether it is a concept more archaic than essential. At the heart of the novel is The Circle's omniscience and its proclamation that "secrets are lies."
Mae Holland, a young college graduate, is stuck in a dead-end career with no hope of leaving her provincial town, when former roommate and business legend Annie offers her a job at The Circle, a company known for its technological advancement and innovation. Although Mae impresses many with her work ethic, her lack of social media presence causes concern in her superiors. The main goal of The Circle, after all, is to connect people of the world in order to achieve infinite knowledge, and ultimately, enlightenment for humankind.
Eggers is best known for his biography, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. He has received multiple awards including Time Best Book of the Year. Eggers also has local acclaim as he is a founder of 826 National, related to Ann Arbor's 826 Michigan.
Blog Post
Fun Youth Novel: True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp, by Kathi Appelt
by annevm
For raccoon lovers -- think Raccoon Tune by Nancy Shaw and Rascal by Sterling North -- this book is a rare find indeed. The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp, by Kathi Appelt, stars raccoon brothers Bingo and J'miah, the latest recruits to the Official Sugar Man Swamp Scouts. The chance to serve the Sugar Man -- who rules the swamp and loves sugarcane -- is an honor and a huge responsibility. The story unfolds as wild feral hogs and developers threaten the swamp, yet Sugar Man can't seem to wake up. The raccoon brothers are particularly memorable, as are a host of other characters including 12-year-old Chap Brayburn and Gertrude the rattlesnake. This highly imaginative, fast-paced book was a finalist for the 2013 National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Kathi Appelt has won many other awards and may be best known for her book The Underneath.
Blog Post
Fun Comedy/Detective Hybrid from Carl Hiaasen
by krayla
"Bad Monkey," by Carl Hiaasen, is nothing short of morbidly hilarious. An ex-detective named Yancy is determined to win his job back on the Monroe County police force by proving he can solve one of the most gruesome and puzzling murder cases the beach town has ever seen. Yancy suspects foul play and will do anything to see that the truth comes to light.
Hiaasen's private eye style mirrors the darkness of "The Big Sleep" while incorporating ridiculous characters more reflective of "The Big Lebowski," with many characters that offer a slightly offensive vocabulary. Readers will laugh to tears over their uproariously selfish acts, such as when an enormous spec home diminishes natural wildlife and blocks the beautiful Florida sunsets and Yancy subjects the builder to constant pranks to destroy his business prospects. The novel also features an incredibly detailed setting complete with side stories that only augment the main plot line.
In addition to being the author of numerous novels, Hiaasen is also a regular columnist for The Miami Herald and the author of the children's book "Hoot."