FW_librarian's Completed Shelf
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FW_librarian's rating:
Added Aug 16, 2018
Some Danger InvolvedSome Danger Involved, Downloadable AudiobookBarker and Llewelyn Series, Book 1
by Thomas, WillDownloadable Audiobook - 2016Downloadable Audiobook, 2016
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Apr 29, 2018
Comment:
If you like Sherlock Holmes' mysteries, you will enjoy listening to this fresh and entertaining mystery novel with its larger than life intelligent and admired (in high and low places) Scottish-born detective and his petite agreeable Welsh assistant who force their services into the dark underpinning politics of London and its cultural class separation during the Victorian age in England. All that is supposed to be black and white seems gray, connected and very suspicious. Who can you really trust? The voice actor-narrator does a remarkable job switching from one accent to another.If you like Sherlock Holmes' mysteries, you will enjoy listening to this fresh and entertaining mystery novel with its larger than life intelligent and admired (in high and low places) Scottish-born detective and his petite agreeable Welsh assistant…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Apr 29, 2018
Comment:
A heart-wrenching and reflective book that exposes the vulnerabilities of our cultural backgrounds and the effect it has on our relationships. We feel the dilemmas and the compassion that connects each resident to each other’s past, present and, inevitable future. Erdrich is an artist when it comes to character development. This is an excellent book group discussion choice.A heart-wrenching and reflective book that exposes the vulnerabilities of our cultural backgrounds and the effect it has on our relationships. We feel the dilemmas and the compassion that connects each resident to each other’s past, present and,…
Such A Lovely Little WarSuch A Lovely Little War, BookSaigon, 1961-63
by Truong, MarcelinoBook - 2016Book, 2016
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Apr 29, 2018
Comment:
From a child's perspective, Truong writes an excellent child's narrative about his own family returning to Saigon during the early 60s. The illustrations are dramatic and effective and show the dichotomy of a city trying to maintain its modern existence in a time of political turmoil, confusion and all the while, having bombs explode across the street. Using his own young voice, Truong expresses natural bewilderment with a sense of objectivity while depicting the devastation of his father's home city, country and his marriage.From a child's perspective, Truong writes an excellent child's narrative about his own family returning to Saigon during the early 60s. The illustrations are dramatic and effective and show the dichotomy of a city trying to maintain its modern…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Apr 10, 2017
Comment:
It's a reasonably safe mystery with not a lot of violence and one that involves a cowboy officer who works for the U.S. embassy in Paris and who is determined to find his favorite bookseller who disappears after selling the officer a rare and valuable book. You'll enjoy the descriptions of Paris including the food and beverages and the diversity of characters and, especially, the history of the ever-famous street booksellers.It's a reasonably safe mystery with not a lot of violence and one that involves a cowboy officer who works for the U.S. embassy in Paris and who is determined to find his favorite bookseller who disappears after selling the officer a rare and…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Apr 10, 2017
Comment:
If you've been to Russia as a tourist, you know what it feels like to be thrown into sharing a space with someone who is totally unlike you for what seems like the longest train ride in the world. You'll appreciate the description of the train car attendant who is part scolding teacher and part public servant. And, you can visualize looking out the compartment window and into the seemingly bleak landscape of Siberia. And although it may take some time, like the train ride, you'll understand how the base life stories of a crass and earthly ex-soldier effect a young woman who appears to be searching.If you've been to Russia as a tourist, you know what it feels like to be thrown into sharing a space with someone who is totally unlike you for what seems like the longest train ride in the world. You'll appreciate the description of the train car…
Hive MindHive Mind, BookHow your Nation's IQ Matters So Much More Than your Own
by Jones, GarettBook - 2016Book, 2016
Added Apr 10, 2017
Comment:
Jones shares research and data and theorizes that the lowest common denominator in intelligence has extreme negative repercussions politically, economically and culturally for any nation. Higher intelligence individuals are better workers, have more patience, show more cooperative behavior (team-players), have better memories with the results of making better decisions. When grouped with other higher intelligence individuals, they make a more compassionate and more productive team which, in a sense, trickles up and creates quality nation (or organization) . Interesting read.Jones shares research and data and theorizes that the lowest common denominator in intelligence has extreme negative repercussions politically, economically and culturally for any nation. Higher intelligence individuals are better workers, have more…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Feb 07, 2017
Comment:
This thought-provoking love story is shaped by secrets, competition, and manipulation. The watercolor illustrations artistically portray vivid powerful character expressions and the blending of color tones enhances the far-off feeling of foreign lands. It's a book you'll want to read more than once.This thought-provoking love story is shaped by secrets, competition, and manipulation. The watercolor illustrations artistically portray vivid powerful character expressions and the blending of color tones enhances the far-off feeling of foreign…
African-American ClassicsAfrican-American Classics, Book
Book - 2011Book, 2011
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Jan 25, 2017
Comment:
Amazing to think that these independently illustrated African American short stories were written in the late 19th and early 20th century. The writing is brave, edgy and culturally enriching.
Girl at WarGirl at War, eBookA Novel
by Nović, SaraeBook - 2015eBook, 2015
All copies in use
Holds: 1 on 1 copy
Holds: 1 on 1 copy
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Jan 23, 2017
Comment:
Written from the point of view and voice of a young woman who feels she must return to the country where she experienced horrific events and to confront her current life's decisions and relationships. The level of writing is more directed to teens but anyone who reads it will be drawn to research more about the complicated war and breakup of the Balkan countries.Written from the point of view and voice of a young woman who feels she must return to the country where she experienced horrific events and to confront her current life's decisions and relationships. The level of writing is more directed to teens…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Jan 23, 2017
Comment:
Even if you haven't listened to the previous two audiobooks with main character private detective Striker, you'll love this gruesome white-knuckle story about finding someone who is slicing off pieces of young women and whose next victim may be Striker's secretary. You'll think twice about walking past dark alleys even if the street is well lit.Even if you haven't listened to the previous two audiobooks with main character private detective Striker, you'll love this gruesome white-knuckle story about finding someone who is slicing off pieces of young women and whose next victim may be…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Nov 13, 2016
Comment:
As with his Inspector Maigret stories, Simemon is a master of characterization. While fleeing from a Nazi invasion, a naïve small-town husband is separated from his pregnant wife and daughter during their long and arduous train ride to the south of Belgium. A young foreign woman who has escaped from the authorities ends up in the husband's train car and a desperate relationship is created with secrets and perhaps, an unknowing ulterior plan.As with his Inspector Maigret stories, Simemon is a master of characterization. While fleeing from a Nazi invasion, a naïve small-town husband is separated from his pregnant wife and daughter during their long and arduous train ride to the south of…
Added Oct 03, 2016
Comment:
What happens when the super hero you created for your comic book, shows up one day and starts hitting on all the young women in town including the one you love and who dumped you to be with a self-centered egotistical self-made musician? A lot of action with comical (no pun intended) lines and nice illustrations make this a fun read that includes a bit of self-reflection and a solved mystery.What happens when the super hero you created for your comic book, shows up one day and starts hitting on all the young women in town including the one you love and who dumped you to be with a self-centered egotistical self-made musician? A lot of…
Added Sep 20, 2016
Comment:
What happens when a novelist, who is suffering a bit of writer’s block, finds a Ziploc bag on the beach near her remote island home in British Columbia that is filled with esoteric items from Japan? This story brings two families in two different times in history, together in a tale that is partly family and social-dysfunction and partly spiritually healing. For those who love philosophy and literature, this is the perfect book choice for discussion.What happens when a novelist, who is suffering a bit of writer’s block, finds a Ziploc bag on the beach near her remote island home in British Columbia that is filled with esoteric items from Japan? This story brings two families in two different…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Aug 22, 2016
Comment:
Powerful illustrations depict three very different and moving Irish immigration story lines that take place during three different time lines in New York City. I wanted so badly to change the direction of the characters to make it, somehow, more palatable. A must read for those who love graphic novels.Powerful illustrations depict three very different and moving Irish immigration story lines that take place during three different time lines in New York City. I wanted so badly to change the direction of the characters to make it, somehow, more…
Added Aug 16, 2016
Comment:
Excellent sequel to Cuckoo's Calling with investigator Comoran Strike hired by the pathetic-acting and thorny wife of an eccentric writer who has disappeared. Competing publishers and writers vying for glorification muddy the investigation with their secrets and lies. A great mystery story with a bit of gore thrown in and a gutsy sidekick secretary who proves she is more capable than she appears.Excellent sequel to Cuckoo's Calling with investigator Comoran Strike hired by the pathetic-acting and thorny wife of an eccentric writer who has disappeared. Competing publishers and writers vying for glorification muddy the investigation with…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Aug 16, 2016
Comment:
True crime story involving a long-time California and Washington serial killer who gets away with murder because his amiable personality does not fit the status quo and, because a police investigator, who on his own personal agenda, decides to withhold evidence and manipulate witness statements. A local Seattle writer won the Pulitzer Prize for his investigative reporting which saves an innocent man from his convicted death sentence. Published in 1992 this story is validation for shared crime databasesTrue crime story involving a long-time California and Washington serial killer who gets away with murder because his amiable personality does not fit the status quo and, because a police investigator, who on his own personal agenda, decides to…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Aug 16, 2016
Comment:
The rawness of life in early 20th century New York for Jewish immigrants is evident with the absence of choice for twin sisters who are pulled toward polar-opposite directions. The strong black ink illustrations drive an inevitable tragic story that I found extremely hard to put down. Excellent historical fiction story line and powerful illustrations.The rawness of life in early 20th century New York for Jewish immigrants is evident with the absence of choice for twin sisters who are pulled toward polar-opposite directions. The strong black ink illustrations drive an inevitable tragic story that…
Detroit City Is the Place to BeDetroit City Is the Place to Be, BookThe Afterlife of An American Metropolis
by Binelli, MarkBook - 2012Book, 2012
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Aug 16, 2016
Comment:
This book was chosen by our book club because all of us frequented Ann Armor and Detroit in the 1970's-1990's. While Ann Arbor was a vibrant college city, we were warned not to go out alone and not at night while staying in Detroit. We would take an almost empty downtown tram to Greektown for fabulous food. We often wondered how a city famous for making the coolest of cars like Camaros and Thunderbirds and for helping create the Motown sound, look so run-down and become so deserted. Binelli shares the history of Detroit including its very beginning as a French trading post to Henry Ford's success and eventual singular-product manufacturing mistakes and the unfortunate progression of politicking at its worse. It would take a group of unique artists and film producers to try and breathe new life in a city that was viewed as an urban disaster. Interesting city-history read.This book was chosen by our book club because all of us frequented Ann Armor and Detroit in the 1970's-1990's. While Ann Arbor was a vibrant college city, we were warned not to go out alone and not at night while staying in Detroit. We would take an…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Jun 27, 2016
Comment:
A lot of people, including the Democrats, think that Bernie Sanders is an outsider so how did he come this far? This short graphic-novel explains the story behind the man who actually will go down in history as one of the few reputable, steadfast and decent "for the people" politicians of our time.A lot of people, including the Democrats, think that Bernie Sanders is an outsider so how did he come this far? This short graphic-novel explains the story behind the man who actually will go down in history as one of the few reputable, steadfast…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Jun 27, 2016
Comment:
Fast moving fantasmic in-your-face action with 4 young tough and street-smart papergirls protecting and maintaining their turf at all costs. Because it takes places in the early hours after Halloween, there is a loss of knowing what is really happening and who is friend or foe. The shocking ending hooks the reader into wanting to find out where it's all headed.Fast moving fantasmic in-your-face action with 4 young tough and street-smart papergirls protecting and maintaining their turf at all costs. Because it takes places in the early hours after Halloween, there is a loss of knowing what is really…
Hunting SeasonHunting Season, Audiobook CDA Novel
by Camilleri, AndreaAudiobook CD - 2014Audiobook CD, 2014
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Jun 20, 2016
Comment:
Take an Agatha Christie mystery and mix it with some Shakespeare comedy to set a scene on a small Italian island where everyone is either related to their neighbor or is sleeping with their neighbor. Throw in some hilarious sexual escapades and add a stranger who appears to know a lot about the island and how to make himself invaluable. Then, sit back and enjoy the ride. Excellent voice actor.Take an Agatha Christie mystery and mix it with some Shakespeare comedy to set a scene on a small Italian island where everyone is either related to their neighbor or is sleeping with their neighbor. Throw in some hilarious sexual escapades and add…
FW_librarian's rating:
Added Jun 09, 2016
Comment:
Sweet children's book that uses a safe-looking large stuffed-bear to represent a homeless person living in the city, sleeping on cardboard and being ostracized by passing pedestrians and store merchants. The "how" he got there is not explained but the "how" people treat him can definitely make anyone think twice about their own behavior.Sweet children's book that uses a safe-looking large stuffed-bear to represent a homeless person living in the city, sleeping on cardboard and being ostracized by passing pedestrians and store merchants. The "how" he got there is not explained but…
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FW_librarian's rating:
Added May 30, 2016
Comment:
Ever wondered how a classic horror story like Frankenstein became such an international cult icon? From the Shelley book to the 1931 James Whale's black and white horror film, Horton reveals to us the background story and reasons why Whale's film may have been the biggest contributor of the monster's popularity. Quick and excellent read.Ever wondered how a classic horror story like Frankenstein became such an international cult icon? From the Shelley book to the 1931 James Whale's black and white horror film, Horton reveals to us the background story and reasons why Whale's film…
FrankensteinFrankenstein, Audiobook CD
by Shelley, Mary WollstonecraftAudiobook CD - 2011Audiobook CD, 2011
FW_librarian's rating:
Added May 30, 2016
Comment:
Having read and studied this book in a horror fiction class, it became one of my favorite go to's because its themes are forever current: egotism, narcissism, rejection, postpartum depression, revenge, compassion, discrimination, family dynamics, classism, regret - to name a few. The audiobook edition is dramatically read by an excellent voice actor who may sound a bit over the top but, if you think about it, this story is remarkably way over the top considering it was written by a young woman in the 1800's.Having read and studied this book in a horror fiction class, it became one of my favorite go to's because its themes are forever current: egotism, narcissism, rejection, postpartum depression, revenge, compassion, discrimination, family dynamics,…
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