Historical Fiction conjures up Elizabeth I

The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir (2008)

Elizabeth Tudor's early life is vividly imagined in this entertaining novel. Perhaps one of the most fascinating women of history, Elizabeth would grow up to be one of the most powerful monarchs of England. Even before she came to power her early life was full of uncertainty, manipulation, political intrigue, and plots against her life. From the time of her mother Anne Boleyn's beheading, through her tumultuous young adult years, Elizabeth set her self apart with her dignity and matched wits with the most brilliant men in England.

Alison Weir's story explores Elizabeth's transformation from a seductive flirt to the Virgin Queen, and while she takes fictional license, she crafts her story with attention to historical detail fashioning a captivating story.

To find this book in the Library, go to our website at www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Korie B.

Not Jane's Best

After just finishing Jane Kirkpatrick’s newest series Change and Cherish, I have to say that I was disappointed in the quality of writing and storyline in this series. As an avid Jane Kirkpatrick fan, I expected a smoother storyline. The author was too wordy with the thoughts of Emma, the main character. However, as far as historical research, Jane does an excellent job. I am ready to go explore Aurora Oregon, which is where most of the story takes place.

If you enjoy historical fiction, I would still suggest this novel as Jane Kirkpatrick researches her material well. If, however, you are looking for another great read by her, this is not it.

Kirkpatrick is writing a new non-fiction book Aurora: An American Experience in Quilt and Craft, about the quilts that are mentioned in this book. It is due out in the fall of 2008.

To find Jane Kirkpatrick’s books in the Library, go to our website at http://www.newberglibrary.org/

Reviewed by Denise

Skeletons out of the closet

Do I need to talk you into reading the latest David Sedaris book? If you are already a fan, probably not. Like me, you anxiously await his next collection of essays every time you finish one.

You won’t be disappointed with When You Are Engulfed in Flames. As always, Sedaris offers funny insights on both the absurd and the mundane. Sure, he’s a little older and more content, and it certainly shows; most of the essays in this collection have to do with domestic life with his partner Hugh. But he is still just as funny and you will still laugh out loud while reading this book!

If you haven’t ready David Sedaris yet, I would recommend starting with one of his older collections like Holidays on Ice or Naked and working you way through to this latest one. Listening to him is great fun too so you might try one of his audio book versions.

You can find all of Sedaris’ books by going to our catalog at www.newberglibrary.org

Reviewed by Lori M

War and Hope

The Translator: A Tribesman’s Memoir of Darfur by Daoud Hari

The terrible situations in this book can make it hard to read. Yet it is also somehow warming to the heart. Though this true story of the genocide in Darfur is appalling, Daoud brings hope and freshness by sharing stories about the people, their customs and way of life.

The story begins as Daoud’s village is destroyed by warring factions. We follow him through 2005 as he fights the rebels and the government. As an educated man, his father encourages Daoud to fight the rebels with words instead of guns. We experience near misses, humbling scenes of war and Daoud’s own hopeful insight as he challenges his enemies in his own unique way. Along this journey the reader learns about village life, the countryside and the history of an ancient land. Though tough to read in some spots, the book is well worth the effort.

If you enjoy audio books, the audio book is read by Mirron Willis. The delightful African accent is like listening to Daoud himself tell his story.

To find this book in the Library, go to our website at www.ci.newberg.or.us/library

Reviewed by Denise

City of Bones

Clary's night starts out innocently enough at a club, but in just a few hours, events twist. Her eyes are opened to the world of vampires, faeries, werewolves and the Shadowhunters, the powerful fighters that keep the demons under control. When she tries to ignore the dawning truth, her mother is kidnapped, forcing Clary to join the world of the Shadowhunter to free her mother. Leading the young Shadowhunters is Jace, a sarcastic teenager with a deadly aim and killer looks. As Clary and Jace battle to discover the whereabouts of her mother, the world teeters perilously close to an all out war.

The first in The Mortal Instruments trilogy, City of Bones is a thrilling adventure full of danger, wit and love.

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments: Book 1) by Cassandra Clare
Young Adult: Grades 7-13

If you like this story, check out:
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments: Book 2) by Cassandra Clare
Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle Trilogy) by Libba Bray

To find these books in the Library go to our website at www.ci.newberg.or.us/library

reviewed by Korie

Back in the USSR

Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith is set in the Soviet Union in the 1950s. Leo Stephanovich Demidov works for state security and the author does a great job of conveying how restrictive the society is; it seems everyone is kept in line by fear.

When Leo becomes convinced that a serial killer has been targeting children, he’s considered a dissident since, officially, there's no murder or crime in the USSR. After Leo and his wife Raisa are forced to run from the government and throw themselves on the mercy of strangers, it becomes clear that many people are not ruled by fear and are willing to risk their own lives to do what's right. The middle of the book is a little slow, but the last quarter of the book is fast paced and the ending is exciting. Smith seems to have done a lot of research (this is his first book) and does a great job of conveying life in the Soviet Union in the 50s.

To find this book in the Library, go to our catalog at www.ci.newberg.or.us/library

Reviewed by Jean