Stitches: A Memoir by David Small

A graphical autobiography - that's what you'll find when you read David Small's Stitches: A Memoir. David Small is the author and illustrator of award winning children's books. I'm sure you've read Imogene's Antlers - that's one of his. For many years I've savored the illustrations he's created and enjoyed the books he co-wrote and illustrated with his wife, Sarah Stewart. I met her at a conference a few years ago and enjoyed her book talks very much. Because they make their home in southwest Michigan, I feel like a neighbor. It saddened me to read of David's young life and the troubles he endured in this memoir.

A graphical book is told through images and when the illustrator is an award winner, you can be sure that many feelings are conveyed in the eyes of the character's faces. He was a sickly, lonely boy and his parents did little to help him. Perhaps that is why he turned his attention to the solitary pursuit of drawing.

You'll be drawn to the story of David Small when you take a moment to carefully look into the eyes he's drawn. Give this one a try. It's worth your time.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad: Which e-Book Reader Should You Buy? by John P. Falcone

It seems that there have been many conversations around me recently about e-book readers. Which one to buy? Which model do people own? How do they like using it? Which bookstores sell which model? Can you use it for email? Can you browse the Web? Can you read it in the dark? Where do you get your books? Can you download library e-books to it? My head is in utter confusion!

I haven't decided yet if I want to own one or not. I am an avid reader but not just of books in print. I more often read articles online so my 13-inch MacBook Pro works quite well for my online reading. Would I really use another digital reading device? I decided to seek answers from a pro.

John P. Falcone is a reviewer for CNET News. For several years I've turned to CNET Reviews when considering a tech purchase. Their insight is straightforward providing information and a "best products" list. There is no need to be a subscriber to obtain this information. So I turned to CNET for help and John P. Falcone had my back.

In his article, Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad: Which e-Book Reader Should You Buy?, Mr. Falcone methodically steps you through the thought process - the essential questions to consider. Pay close attention to question 6. Do you need support for the EPUB format? I know that many of the e-books that you can download for a 14-day loan period from our public library, Brighton District Library, are in the EPUB format. If you're like me and prefer to use your library over purchasing books, this will be an important feature to consider.

Click here for the John P. Falcone article reviewing e-book readers. I still have not decided to purchase one. Can I borrow yours to help me decide? ;-)

OverDrive, the audio and e-book provider for Brighton District Library, offers their list of compatible and incompatible devices too - well worth clicking and browsing.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm