Each month the Readers Services Staff meets and discusses, among other things, books read over the previous month. Choices reflect a wide range of tastes both fiction and nonfiction. Here are some of the titles mentioned at the last meeting:
Trespass by Valerie Martin
A rich story that subtly explores issues of immigration, class conflict and family relationships. Book illustrator Chole Dale’s orderly, predictable life in rural New York dramatically changes when her son Toby marries a Croatian immigrant. Two subplots are cleverly woven throughout this engaging story that forces the reader to confront his/her beliefs when challenged by one's children’s decisions. Leaves the reader with much to ponder.
Confessions of a Jane Austen Addictt ~ Laurie Viera Rigler
An engaging fun story that is not too deep ~ Lots of Regency Period details about a contemporary woman who wakes up in Regency England ~ Great for Jane’s fans
The Commission: The Uncensored History of the 911 Investigation ~ Philip Shenon 973.91 SHE
Page-turner , behind-the-scenes view of what’s involved in acquiring information ~ New York Times journalist Shenon used the original 911 Report for his definitive, eye-opening work that uncovered information wars, political machinations and investigative secrets that are part of everyday life in Washington, D.C.
Inés of My Soul ~ Isabel Allende
Sweeping tale based upon documented events narrating the life of Chile’s founding mother ~ Story is replete with romance, warfare and nation building events: elements that ordinarily guarantee a satisfying experience, but not so with Allende’s book with its lack of appealing characters.
Jumper: Griffin’s Story ~ Steven Gould
Realistic science fiction, in conjuction with the recently released movie "Jumper" this is survival story about a teen who is being hunted for his ability to teleport. Not to be confused with the book Jumper - also by Gould - in which a teen self- teleports in order to escape abuse ~ Recommended for any age, but especially for teens.
Little Girls in Pretty Boxes: The Making and the Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters ~ Joan Ryan 796.4408352 RYA
An exposé of the world of sports that fosters the “elite of the elite” and sacrifices the experience of childhood ~ Detailing horrific injuries, starvation diets and inhumane tactics, Ryan’s book has been hailed for its honest, chilling portrayal of the prevailing philosophy of “winning at any cost.”
Breakfast with Buddha ~ Roland Merullo
If you’re looking for a heartwarming story with lovable, believable characters, try Breakfast with Buddha. New York publisher Otto Ringling’s parents have been killed in an automobile accident not far from their North Dakota farm. He and his sister Cecilia must return home to settle their parents’ estate. With a slight twist of fate, Cecilia‘s friend, a Mongolian monk, travels home with Otto instead. Along the way Otto introduces the monk to wonderful slices of Midwest America while Otto unexpectedly reaches a modest level of spiritual enlightment. This witty, thoughtful story is not to be missed.
The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason
It is 1886, and London piano tuner Edgar Drake is commissioned to leave his quiet life and travel to the jungles of Burma to repair a special grand piano owned by an enigmatic British army officer who uses the piano to maintain peace among warring Burmese tribes. Complex interesting characters with vivid descriptions of another culture create a compelling narrative, though the plot is somewhat confusing at times.
We hope everyone remembers to participate in Earth Hour 2008 this Saturday, March 29th. If you aren't aware, the City of St. Charles is joining this worldwide effort to raise awareness about global warming by encouraging everyone to turn off their lights between 8:00 - 9:00pm on the 29th. 
The National Book Critics Circle announced its awards last evening. Junot Diaz's