Reviews

Staff Review

Pit Bull: the Battle Over an American Icon

By Bronwen Dickey
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by Helen H.
Jun 10, 2016

Please ignore the title of this book. Read only the subtitle, for that is the true subject of Bronwen Dickey’s seven-year investigation into the history, hype, and true meaning of what it means to have, hate, or even think about pit bulls. When I first heard about Pit Bull from KC Dog Blogger, Brent Toellner, I was interested, but a little intimidated.

Staff Review

Fairytale Girl and Martha's Vineyard, Isle of Dreams

By Susan Branch
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by Hannah Jane W.
Jun 8, 2016

The Fairy Tale Girl and Martha’s Vineyard, Isle of Dreams must be read together. The two books were originally meant to be one book, but Susan Branch’s life is so packed with living and inspiration that one book quickly became two very powerful volumes overflowing with growth, play, wisdom and a hefty dose of girl power. Though the books are heavy&nbsp

Staff Review

Meet the Author: Brian J. Daldorph

By Brian J. Daldorph
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by Helen H.
Jun 8, 2016

Brian Daldorph teaches creative writing, literature, and writing classes in the English department at The University of Kansas and poetry at the Douglas County Jail in Lawrence, KS. He has also taught in Japan, Senegal, and England. He has published several poetry collections and is founder and editor of Coal City Review. His poems, stories, articles, and reviews have been widely published.

Staff Review

Yes Please

By Amy Poehler

Rated by Library Staff (not verified)
Jun 7, 2016

Listening to the audiobook of Amy Poehler’s Yes Please exceeds expectations. To hear the comedic build-up, delivery, and nuance of each joke she lands is a joy. Poehler tells us writing is hard and she is trying to lower expectations so when it turns out well we are impressed. However, there is no need to try and fool the reader; the writing is crisp, witty, hilarious, and often soul-searching.

Teen Review

Calvin

By Martine Leavitt
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by Chris K.
Jun 6, 2016

It's been a long time since a book has transported me so completely. Has taken me so deeply into myself that I become oblivious to the world around me and my head spins with disconnection when I try to regain awareness. Just me and the book, and nothing else. I started reading and was supposed to stop because life was still going on around me, but I didn't. I couldn't find my way back. So life moved on without me until I finished the book. Now I must figure out how to catch up, but that's okay. It was worth stopping at a special place for a while.

Teen Review

The Glittering Court

By Richelle Mead
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by Octavia V.
Jun 4, 2016

Richelle Mead, well-known for the Vampire Academy series has written a new book, The Glittering Court. While there are no vampires or werewolves in this new fantasy series, there is instead, Adelaide, Countess of Rothford.  Adelaide lives with her grandmother and has no source of income, leaving marriage her only choice.

Staff Review

The Vegetable Butcher

By Cara Mangini
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by Traci M.
Jun 2, 2016

If you are someone who regularly eats the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables, good for you. For the rest of us, who might feel overwhelmed in the produce section or at the local farmer's market, this is a great place to start. Featuring over 50 vegetables and a couple of sneaky fruits, the author takes you through selection, preparation, and cooking.

Teen Review

The Watsons Go to Birmingham--1963

By Christopher Paul Curtis
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by Becky C.
May 31, 2016

Told from the point-of-view of 10-year-old Kenny, it's really his big brother Byron who's the hero of this funny, emotional sucker-punch of a novel. Byron, thirteen, is a juvenile delinquent--a black sheep--according to Kenny, and pretty much everyone else in the so-called "Weird Watsons" family. But in the end it's Kenny who helps Byron overcome his depression over witnessing tragic events during a trip to visit their grandmother in Birmingham, Alabama during the height of the struggle for Civil Rights. 

Staff Review

The Affinities

By Robert Charles Wilson
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by Diane H.
May 29, 2016

Have you ever felt that you didn’t belong anywhere? Ever wanted to be with people who understand as much as you understand yourself? If so, the affinities are for you. Of course, you may not be a match for any of the twenty-two groups at the heart of Robert Wilson’s The Affinities.