A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The Gutenberg Project has been making books in the public domain (no longer under copyright) available as free eBooks for a number of years. Their collection of titles is large and growing. Their online indexing provides links to public domain works in many formats for reading on a computer or many other e-readers.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is appropriate to share with you today. Follow this link and enjoy turning the virtual pages of this actual print book published in 1843. Notice the worn pages and crumbling binding. Pause at each illustration by John Leech.

Have a very Merry Christmas with your family and friends!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Another eBook from the Gutenberg Project. Pour a hot chocolate, find a youngster to read with, and share the excitement in Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore.

Ho, Ho, Ho!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Truce: the Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting by Jim Murphy

War - It's dirty, muddy, rainy, tiring, dangerous, bloody, depressing, physically and emotionally exhausting. Soldiers long for it to end. Imagine fighting a war, you've dug your trenches and are taking cover within. Across the battlefield your enemy has done the same. You are staring each other down with guns pointed - on high alert. BUT it is Christmas Eve! You long for home and your traditional family time. Your comrades feel the same. If only you could have a small bit of Christmas here on the battlefield. Let's sing carols!

It was the sound of caroling that brought the Christmas truce during World War I. The British and German soldiers had been fighting across a bloody battlefield when a small group of Germans began to sing "Silent Night." Small make-shift Christmas trees and lighted candles appeared along the trench lines. More carols back and forth across enemy lines. At midnight they shared a religious service. At first their Christmas truce was fragile but eventually they came out of their trenches and shared the quiet of a world without gunfire. They could hear birds chirping! It was a friendly gesture and one welcomed by the soldiers.

This is a true story and well researched. Truce: the Day the Soldiers Stopped Fighting by Jim Murphy is filled with photographs and illustrations depicting the days of the Christmas truce. You'll enjoy reading this story of peace during this Christmas season.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Box From Braunau : In Search of my Father's War by Jan Elvin

It seems that our U. S. veterans keep many war stories to themselves. They are trained in the U. S. military, become patriotic comrades with each other, sent off to war, sometimes return home a hero, then never share the experiences with their family. That was the life Jan Elvin lived with her father. He was a World War II veteran and hero who kept his stories tucked away in his memory.

It was a metal box that always sat on her father's desk that was opened upon his death, that spurred Jan Elvin to write The Box From Braunau : In Search of my Father's War. She intersperses the journal writings of her father with actual events that she researched matching the timeline and places where her father was stationed. As she explored his experiences, she came to the realization that her father had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). His was undiagnosed but the author's insight points to PTSD which would explain her father's silences and anxieties.

This is a dry read but does give you, the reader, an empathy for those who serve our country in particular those who see battle. We must honor their commitment and its impact on their families.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick: The Movie Hugo

Hollywood has been busy turning great books into exciting movies! The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick is out now as the movie Hugo. The book won the Caldecott Medal for illustrations in 2008 so it only makes sense that the movie should also be cutting-edge 3D imagery. Martin Scorsese has directed the movie and I'm very pleased that Asa Butterfield was selected to play Hugo - he has the perfect eyes! If you've read the book, you'll know from the illustrations how crucial the eyes are to the mysterious elements.

Enjoy this movie trailer and pick up a copy of the book from your library!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Hunger Games: Movie Trailer

First glimpse at The Hunger Games movie. Exciting!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams

You've got that right! The title speaks volumes. Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams reveals a home life that truly IS NOT ordinary. Young Lacey, 13 years old, is trying to keep the life she shares with her Momma together. At her young age, she can barely cope with the troubles her Momma encounters.

From the first page you will feel like you are peeking into a place you have no business knowing. This is a suspenseful story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You'll feel sorry for Lacey and her teasing at school, lack of friends, and missing her Aunt Linda. You'll cheer her on as she finds a way out of this life and her dreams that Momma can hold down a simple job at a Winn-Dixie grocery store. When a nice looking young man from her school and neighborhood befriends her, you'll know how important his friendship can be to her survival. You'll be swept along with this story trying to make sense of Momma, Lacey, and Aunt Linda's situation.

Lacey loves her mentally ill mother yet resents her, too. She's angry at her Aunt Linda for moving away leaving Lacey alone with Momma. She's desperate to have an ordinary life with friends she can bring into their home and a job she can enjoy. All of this will unfold slowly and darkly as you peek into Lacey's life.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

River House: a Memoir by Sarahlee Lawrence

I already know who I'm going to recommend this book to. I think she might like this one. Although, based on the title, I never would have guessed River House: a Memoir by Sarahlee Lawrence would reveal the tough life on a ranch.

This is a true adventure story. River rafting in South America, log home building by hand in the frigid U.S. north, maintaining cattle on a ranch, longing for a life away from these struggles, Ms. Lawrence takes us on her journey and to the edge of our seats. This is also the story of a daughter's relationship with her father. You will see parallels between Sarahlee's hopes and dreams and those of her father.

She's a young woman, an only child, trying to find her place in the world. An expert guide for river rafting, she's been away from her parent's home in Oregon several years when she longs to return home. Her work as a guide is tiresome and physically draining. Life back on the family ranch is not easy either. The author is one hard-working, tough gal. She sets her sights on high goals and wants to achieve them herself.

When you finish reading River House: a Memoir, be sure to check out Ms. Lawrence's website. Her photos will bring to life all that you've experienced while following her story. You'll see that beyond what learned from her memoir, Sarahlee is one courageous woman. She has taken life by the horns and there is no stopping her. Kudos to her and others who experience life to the fullest!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Cardturner : a Novel About a King, a Queen, and a Joker by Louis Sachar

This may be the first YA novel about playing the card game of bridge that I've ever seen. Growing up in a home where my parents played bridge and were active members of bridge clubs, I had to give The Cardturner by Louis Sachar a try.

Alton is 17 years old and his great uncle needs him. Uncle Lester Trapp is wealthy, in poor health, blind, and an avid bridge player. To continue to play bridge, he needs someone to be his "eyes" at the bridge tournaments - a cardturner. As many great uncles in novels, Uncle Lester is also a bit cantankerous. Alton is a typical teen, a bit lackadaisical, looking for a focus to his life AND a girlfriend. Yes, there is also a love story here.

What I didn't expect in this novel were all the details about the art of playing bridge including some play-by-play tricks taken at the bridge table. Although I have tried to play bridge and understand some of what's involved, I will admit that I scanned over the bridge plays. As it turns out, the author, Louis Sachar is also an avid bridge player.

Alton finds himself immersed in Uncle Lester's bridge world and friends. Over time he develops an appreciation for the skills needed to play. You may guess it, before this novel is done, Alton does become a bridge player in his own right. Now that is not a "spoiler" for you, the reader, because there is much to enjoy in this book. If you don't play bridge or even card games, this may not be a book for you. If you enjoy your grandparents or other elderly relatives, you'll want to give this a chance.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Death Cloud by Andrew Lane

Who hasn't heard of Sherlock Holmes. The use of the name Sherlock, as in "I'm no Sherlock, but ..." is part of our popular culture meaning how adept someone is at figuring things out. Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective in a series of short stories and novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle from the late nineteenth century to early twentieth century. The stories have stood the test of time and the character, Sherlock Holmes, is gaining new popularity due to both television and movies based on him.

Andrew Lane wrote Death Cloud to bring the Sherlock Holmes character back to life but as a young teen. In all of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's writings we learn very little of Holmes' early years. What life experiences gave him the ability to see details in events to help him solve mysteries? Why was he able to see the big picture? Who were his friends and teachers? What about his family - parents and siblings?

In Death Cloud we meet Sherlock as he is leaving a boys school for the summer. He must board with an elderly aunt and uncle because his immediate family can not take him in. It is there that he joins with a homeless young man and a tutor. Together they solve the mystery - the death cloud they see is actually hovering swarms of bees. But why?

Read Death Cloud by Andrew Lane to meet young Sherlock Holmes and see what's up with all the bee hives and bees. If you find that you're intrigued and want more, the Afterward that the author leaves the reader with will fuel your appetite and point you in the right direction to discover more about Sherlock Holmes.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Hunger Games, the movie

I hope you're excited about the upcoming movie based on Suzanne Collins' book, The Hunger Games. The premier is expected in March 2012 but the cast can be seen at this Entertainment E-online article. Based on this cover of Katniss Everdeen, to be played by Jennifer Lawrence, I'd say we're in for a great movie! Doesn't she look exactly like you imagined Katniss to look? She sure does for me.

Catching Fire, the sequel to The Hunger Games, will have its movie premiere November 2013.

Read my blog post on the book The Hunger Games.

Read my blog post on the book Catching Fire.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt

Brothers and sisters - relationships that are for a lifetime. We love our brothers, we love our sisters but they can sure frustrate us. The Things a Brother Knows by Dana Reinhardt certainly proves that true.

Levi and Boaz. You'll feel their love for each other, you'll know their pains. Boaz is the town hero. He has just returned from a tour-of-duty with the U.S. Marines in a desert country. The town is very proud of him and thankful for his service. Levi, his 17 year old brother, has always lived in Bo's shadow. Now he's benefiting from his brother's heroism: high-fives from high school students he's not known, the attention of girls, and a new, plum job. Yet the reality in their home is that Bo is NOT doing too well. He's spending his days alone in his room not willing to talk to family or friends. Everyone is willing to give Bo some time knowing it can't be easy to return to civilian life. Levi is not so sure. He believes Boaz is planning something - a trip away from home.

When Bo does set out on foot heading to Washington, DC, Levi wants to follow. Bo will have none of that, he wants to hike alone. With the help of family and friends, Levi persists and Bo reluctantly, silently accepts his presence. Mind you, they are walking hundreds of miles for days on end to DC! What can brothers do spending that much time together? Will they regain the closeness they once shared? Why DC? What is Bo looking for in our national capital?

You'll be surprised. You'll learn about what it takes to be a U.S. Marine. You'll feel sympathy for this family. You'll burst with pride for Levi and Bo. And you'll likely shed a tear - it's that good!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Dewey: The Small - Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicky Myron with Bret Witter

Look at this face! Isn't this a most precious kitty face? Who wouldn't fall in love with this cutie? Dewey Readmore Books was found in the library's book return drop box one very cold January morning in Spencer, Iowa. The library staff is used to finding all sorts of things in that drop box but this frigid morning they heard a noise - a meow! From that moment on, Dewey became a permanent resident of the library.

When you pick up Dewey: The Small - Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicky Myron, you'll read about all of his antics, his comfort spots, his temperament, and how Dewey connected with the library patrons. He was a source of comfort for many. Before long, Dewey's story was shared - he was famous! He was on the cover of Iowa library newsletters, the local Spencer newspaper, in Cat Fancy magazine, and more.

To this day, the Spencer Public Library still dedicates a web page to the story of Dewey. If you're a cat lover, a fan of libraries, or just want a comfort book to curl up with, definitely check Dewey: The Small - Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicky Myron out from your library.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Sync

Good news! Free audio books! I wrote about this last summer and Sync is back! Mark your calendars now so you don't miss any of the titles offered. You can even have Sync text reminders to you. The fun begins June 23rd. Dates, titles, and texting info are below -- see you @ Sync!

Mrs. Boehm

SYNC YA Literature into Your Earphones

2 Free Audiobook Downloads Each Week

June 23 - August 17, 2011

Teens and other readers of Young Adult Literature will have the opportunity to listen to bestselling titles and required reading classics this summer. Each week from June 23 - August 17, 2011, SYNC will offer two free audiobook downloads.

The audiobook pairings will include a popular YA title and a classic that connects with the YA title's theme and is likely to show up on a student's summer reading lists. For example, Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, the first book in a popular series with strong allusions to Romeo & Juliet, will be paired with Shakespeare's classic.

To find out when you can download titles to listen to on the run this summer, visit www.AudiobookSync.com or text syncya to 25827

SYNC Titles

Summer 2011

6/23/11 - 6/29/11

Shiver By Maggie Stiefvater

Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

6/30/11-7/6/11

Little Brother by Cory Doctorow

The Trial by Franz Kafka

7/7/11-7/13/11

Where the Streets Had a Name by Randa Abdel-Fattah

A Passage to India by E. M. Forster

7/14/11-7/20/11

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

Beowulf by Francis B. Gummere [Trans.]

7/21/11-7/27/11

Chanda's Secrets by Allan Stratton

Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

7/28/11-8/3/11

Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari

Rescue: Stories of Survival From Land and Sea by Dorcas S. Miller [Ed.]

8/4/11-8/10/11

Immortal by Gillian Shields

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

8/11/11-8/17/11

Storm Runners by Roland Smith

The Cay by Theodore Taylor

Teen Summer Reading @ BDL

It's Summer!! Time to read and relax with a cool lemonade. Be sure to check out the Teen Summer Reading Program at Brighton District Library. If you read even for a little while each day, you'll be entitled to register to win some very nice prizes. Prizes include Target gift cards, Flip cameras, audio books, and more. There will be a party at the end of the reading program and activities to join in throughout the summer. Crafts, gaming, martial arts, Zumba - you name it. There's something for everyone this summer at BDL. Catch all the details at their website: Teen Summer Reading Program. Let's keep reading!

Review by Mrs. Boehm

Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and my Journey from Homeless to Harvard by Liz Murray

You know from the title that Liz Murray went from homeless to Harvard. As you read her memoir, Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and my Journey from Homeless to Harvard, you can't help but wonder how she managed to accomplish that. Her parents were mainline cocaine users, unemployed and spending their government issued checks within days they were cashed. This story is not nice.

Liz's descriptions are graphic and smelly. She watched them as a toddler shooting up cocaine in their kitchen. As a preschooler, she kept watch through the night for her dad to return home with his $5.00 bag of drugs. She and her older sister went hungry often and Liz stopped attending school because of the humiliation she endured from other students, after all, she did not bath, sleep, eat, have clean clothes, or any idea about what was a 'normal' life.

She left her mother's home at the age of 15 when her mother was diagnosed with AIDS. She was homeless at that very young age. She shoplifted food, slept hidden in friend's closets, and managed to elude the truant officers and child protective service social workers seeking to place her in an institutional home. At the age of 17 she realized that it was up to her to take charge of her life - no one was going to pay her rent but her. She found an alternative high school with teachers who lovingly supported her efforts without knowing her homeless state. She completed 4 years of high school in 2 years. Yes, she did enter Harvard, earning the prestigious New York Times scholarship, and graduated in 2009.

In January, 2011 it was announced that Ms. Murray's memoir won the YALSA Alex Award given to 10 books each year that were written for adults but with a strong appeal to young adults. You can read more about Liz Murray at Manifest Living - her program aimed at helping adults transform their lives.

My favorite quote from Liz Murray: "No one truly knows what is possible until they go and do it."

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn: The NewSouth Edition

You may be aware that there is much brouhaha about a recently published edition of Huck Finn in which "nigger" and "injun" are replaced as well as other editorial changes. I was curious to get the publisher and editor's perspectives on this and thought you may like to know as well.

This article, Auburn-Montgomery Professor Alan Gribben Not Shocked His Editing or Twain Classics Drawing Fire, gives that perspective. It also links you to an excerpt from the introduction in this new edition which is most informative.

The new edition is worthy of discussion but the brouhaha may be unfounded when you're informed by the editor and publisher of their reasoning for presenting this new edition of Huck Finn. The editor, Gribben, is a Twain scholar and certainly there are rewrites all the time on the classics - condensed, children's versions, graphic novels, etc.

Watch for a copy of this New South edition in the BHS Media Center.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Paper Towns by John Green

This should be read by all - all of us, all of YOU! There are so many facets that John Green has put into his award-winning novel, Paper Towns, that it goes well beyond a mystery - its identified genre.

First and foremost, this book is about friendship. Not just the "hi, how are ya" friends that you pass in the hall. True friends that never give up on each other. Friends that will go to the ends of the earth with/for you. Reading Paper Towns draws the reader into the mundane, the exciting, and the scary of that kind of friendship.

Quentin and Margo are neighbors, have been since they were toddlers. Their childhood friendship drifts apart as they've grown up until one night, just before their high school graduation, Margo enlists Q's help to pull some midnight pranks. The next day - she's disappeared! Not the first time she's run away, but now she is 18 so no longer the minor that her parents can compel home. Even the police take a hands-off approach to looking for her. Not Q! He finds clues among her belongings and most importantly within the notes she's made in her copy of Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman.

It's a mystery because Q and friends now must try to find Margo. It's also a love story between friends and between Q and Margo. As you read you'll want Q to find her but you may or may not want Margo to love Q. That's the final question - Will they ever be able to resume their childhood friendship that was lost so many years ago as they grew up? How have they changed? Why did Margo leave town just before graduation? Do they really know each other at all? When you finish reading Paper Towns, go ahead - try to find Agloe, NY on Google maps. :-) That's what I did too!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI by Ryan Smithson

This is a true story. This is the story of a very young man. This is a war time story and it is happening now. Ryan Smithson, in Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI, tells us of his daily life becoming a GI and defending our freedom in Iraq. He was right out of high school. Yes, your age. Think forward to June when many of you will graduate. Some will begin planning for college days, others will find work for the summer, others will find their life's career. Ryan chose to join the Army Reserve.

His story is simple. His story is gritty. His story is one many of us will never know if not for books like Ryan's. He was just sixteen the day our country was attacked by terrorists flying jets into NYC's Twin Towers. You will read how that impacted his decision to defend his country. You will read about the day-by-day routines of the military life - the exciting and the mundane. You will read of his life after he returned home from Iraq and how that experience impacted his life's work.

If you are contemplating a military commitment, this book is a must read. Ryan's story may very well be yours.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me by Condoleezza Rice

I'll never forget the first time I saw and heard Condoleezza Rice. She was at the Republican National Convention in August 2000. George W. Bush had just received the nomination to run on the Republication ticket for president of the United States. Her speech that night spoke of her support for George W. Bush and it gave us glimpses into her family's story. Her father is a Republican because at that time in Alabama the Republicans allowed him, an African American, to register to vote whereas the Democrats did not. I listened as she told us of her grandfather working hard to attend college because he knew with education he could succeed. Mind you, at that time few people had the funds to attend college and even fewer African Americans. Condoleezza Rice's grandfather began a tradition that kept her family college-educated ever since. I listened intently as this young woman spoke with such eloquence and sincerity I thought, she could be our next president!

In her autobiography, Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me, you'll be impressed by Ms. Rice's story. She is a very accomplished woman and I attribute that to her parents and grandparents' commitment to education. Her interests are varied including being a concert pianist and longing to be the Major League Baseball commissioner! She has served President George W. Bush in several capacities and as the first African American woman Secretary of State.

If you long to learn about strong women, you must read this book. You will be inspired.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Have You Looked at Blogger Lately?

Blogger is about to have some major upgrades! This blog that you are reading, BHS Reads, is written on the Blogger web-based platform. Stay tuned for design changes, just as soon as they are available and I explore them. Watch this cute video, Have You Looked at Blogger Lately?, for some amazing stats on blogging and bloggers. We're WRITING!



Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

After reading Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman, I'm inclined to think that Ms. Hoffman loves the South. Although her novel begins with 12 year old CeeCee living in Ohio with her parents, we soon learn that her mother longs to be back home in the South lamenting often that living in the North isn't living at all. CeeCee's life is tragic because her parent's lives are also tragic. Her father is often away leaving CeeCee alone with her crazy mother. You'll quickly realize that life in Ohio is a train wreck waiting to happen. Indeed, after her mother's accident, CeeCee is swept away to live with her wealthy, southern great aunt Tallulah.

This book can be over-the-top sweet unless you are a fan of southern charm novels. It is interspersed with underlying tensions such as southern racism, mean-spirited ladies, and the loss of CeeCee's parents. The story moves along from one vignette to another, one character's story to another, but the end result is satisfactory. You'll cheer on CeeCee and Oletta, the African American cook and housekeeper, as they take on one challenge after another. I was troubled by the lack of young friends for CeeCee, with one exception. She seemed to be happy being swept up in the Savannah ladies' circles for most of this book. It is a nice story on many levels. I hope you'll enjoy it too.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

My Reading Life by Pat Conroy

It's hard to commit to a favorite author. Once you commit, then you'll need to tell others. They may question why. It reveals something about yourself as a reader and they will know. You'll know it when it happens, when you find a favorite author, and you may keep it to yourself for awhile. You'll read other works by YOUR author to confirm your adoration of him/her. When you're ready, speak up! PAT CONROY IS MY FAVORITE AUTHOR! Yep, now I've shouted it and you all know.

It happened when I read his work, The Prince of Tides. I've since read his full body of work including My Reading Life, his most recent. As the title suggests, this is Pat Conroy's story about his life with books. My gift to you are some of his most delicious jewels I've savored while learning about Pat Conroy, the reader.

On authors: "I've searched out those writers unafraid to stir up the emotions, who entrust me with their darkest passions, their most indestructible yearnings, and their most soul-killing doubts." [That is how I feel about him as an author when I read his books.]

On books: "I take it as an article of faith that the novels I've loved will live inside me forever." [I feel the same way about favorite books.]

On his quest for a better father figure: "I was on a lifelong search for a different kind of man. I wanted to attach my own moon of solitude to the strong attraction of a good man's gravitational pull." [Beautiful words - moon of solitude.]

On good writing: "It is taking the nothingness of air and turning it into a pleasure palace built on a foundation of words." [Nothingness of air - gorgeous!]

On reading: "My inextinguishable ardor for reading seems connected to my hunger for story lines that show up in both books and the great tumbling chaos of life." [Life is a tumbling chaos.]

On himself: "I could read a million books and still consider myself a half-baked, mediocre thinker." [We should all reflect on ourself as a thinker.]

On books: "Books are living things and their task lies in their vows of silence." [Books have taken a vow of silence.]

And it goes on and on. I flagged so many pages as I moved through My Reading Life and each one confirms why PAT CONROY IS MY FAVORITE AUTHOR!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Nothing by Janne Teller

Life has no meaning. Nothing matters. Why should he go to school? Why achieve? It's all pointless. That is the proclamation of Pierre Anthon in Janne Teller's disturbing book, Nothing.

As Pierre takes up residence in his family's plum tree, he chides his seventh grade classmates daily because they will not agree with him. They don't like that their friend will not come down from the plum tree - day and night he's in the tree. They must do something to make him realize that life does have meaning. Their plan - to build something of meaning.

It begins innocent enough. They take turns bringing their most meaningful treasure, a personal sacrifice, to the growing pile - a favorite book, a pair of shoes, boxing gloves. Their pile of treasures grows and with each addition the sacrificial items become more gruesome. They keep their growing pile locked in an abandoned sawmill. They sneak under the cover of darkness to the sawmill unknown to their parents and authorities. How far will this go? Can this madness be stopped? Why are they demanding that each other's sacrifices become more and more meaningful which in turn more dangerous to relinquish.

At one particular gruesome scene, I had to stop reading. I couldn't believe the author was going to continue this insanity. I was extremely bothered by the direction this book was heading yet I wanted to know the outcome - to finish the book. It took me three days to pick it up again. I was near the end and I had to force myself to read through that scene.

If you decide to give this one a try, read it during the day. It's that middle-of-the-night reading that will get to you.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Calling all biology lovers! Have you hard of HeLa cells? No? Yes? Perhaps some of you have. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is the story of the HeLa cells. HeLa is the name given by cell biologists as they were cells taken from Henrietta Lacks - hence, HeLa.

I did a quick, informal survey on Facebook asking if any of my friends had heard of HeLa. No googling, just tell me if you knew. Two thought they had seen a television show and one friend's son had talked about it at home. All others, 15 of my friends, had no clue. I found that fascinating with the hype for this book and story. I hypothesized that friends in the sciences would have known. I wondered how widespread the knowledge of HeLa would be. I was one who had no clue until my sister told me about this book. She had read it and it fascinated both of us.

Henrietta was a poor black woman who died of cancer in 1951 about the time medical science was attempting to replicate cells for studies and to combat polio. Her cells replicated at almost break-neck speed. They were then shared around the world, under the name HeLa cells, for research - completely unknown to her family. As a poor, uneducated family it was difficult for them to understand how Henrietta's cells were still alive today.

This is an interesting book to say the least. Whet your appetite for Henrietta's story here. Find the book in your library to enjoy an intimate insight from research the author did speaking to Henrietta's family. You'll learn more than biological science.

Watch Rebecca Skloot talk about writing The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

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