A Satisfying Mystery with More

Although there's a mystery at the center of the novel, What Was Lost by Catherine O'Flynn doesn't feel primarily like a mystery. The first section follows 10-year-old detective Kate as she navigates her Birmingham, U.K. neighborhood in a world where almost no one notices her. Her whole life has a somewhat sinister feel to it, including her teacher Mrs. Finnegan who is "criminally unsuited to teaching small children."

The second section of the book takes place twenty years later and centers around Lisa, a young woman who works in a music store in the Green Oaks shopping mall in the same neighborhood. The strongest parts of the book are the painful, true and funny descriptions of the tedium and humiliation of working in customer service while serving a sadistic and ambitious boss. According to the author's bio, she was drawing on her experience working in record stores.

The two sections of the book tie together and overlap in many directions for an interesting and satisfying conclusion.

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

Reviewed by Jean

Books as History

Imagine a rare religious book is discovered in the aftermath of the Bosnian war in Sarajevo. This is how People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks begins. Dr. Hanna Heath is asked to assess the condition of the Sarajevo Haggadah and try to re-create its historical journey. The book holds religious connections for Jews, Christians and Muslims and therefore is an important find.

Brooks leads the reader back and forth from the present day research and Hanna’s personal story to the past where we enter into the historical episodes of each clue found from the book. The rose colored stains, insect wing, missing clasps, drop of salt and the white hair each hold their own historical story and the reader is transported backwards as each clue unfolds with this book ending at the beginning of the books journey in 1480 Seville.

This is a good read, especially for those who enjoy historical fiction.

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

Reviewed by Denise

Searching for Light in a Dark World

Imagine living in a city where the only light is provided by electricity. Then imagine that electricity is starting to fail. Every time the lights go out, you are plunged into total and utter darkness! That is the scenario of this captivating book, The City of Ember by Jeanne Duprau.

Lina and Doon are two twelve year olds living in Ember. They have both just finished school and have become workers in the stringently regulated system that keeps everything flowing in the city. But soon they realize something is wrong. Supplies such as food and clothing are running out, the mayor has a terrible secret, and people are beginning to panic whenever the lights go out (which is more and more often!). Together Lina and Doon must solve the age-old mystery of Ember and find out what is beyond the “unknown regions” surrounding the city.

This is a wonderful and captivating read. It’s geared primarily to middle school readers but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Both the characters and the action are well written and plausible, despite the slightly science fiction quality of this futuristic/apocalyptic world.

This book is part of a series which continues with the People of the Spark and the Prophet of Yonwood, which I definitely have on my list to read next (a fourth and final book is scheduled to come out in the Fall). The City of Ember is also being made into a movie coming out in October.

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

Reviewed by Lori M.

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