Being married 27 years myself, I am always entertained by stories of marriage and family, and all the joys and tribulations associated with both. The Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler is set in Baltimore and the plot moves effortlessly over a period of sixty years. Known for capturing the tumultuous lives of the ordinary American middle class, the author symbolizes the rocky road of Michael and Pauline Anton’s relationship using the attack on Pearl Harbor as the back drop for their first meeting.
Without getting bogged down in the details of the social issues of the day Ms. Tyler focuses on the complexities of family life within a changing society as the mismatched couple builds their family through the 1950s: having children, moving from the city to the suburbs, taking care of elderly parents, and suffering through adulterous behavior.
The family is torn apart in the sixties as the reader is witness to the effects of the developing counterculture of hippies, beatniks and drugs leaving Michael and Pauline to struggle with abandonment and wondering what they could have done differently.
Eventually the couple and the family reach a middle ground in which ignoring differences and moving past placing blame allows one character to quietly reflect about Michael and Pauline. ''You were ice and she was glass, two oddly similar substances, come to think of it -- and both of them hell on your children.''
I highly recommend “The Amateur Marriage” and others by Anne Tyler including “Ladder of Years” and “The Accidental Tourist”.
--Larry G.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Author Visit: P.T. Deutermann!!
P.T. Deutermann, although not a Southerner by birth, is one by choice. After a 26-year career as a Naval officer, Mr. Deutermann retired to Rockingham county to write full-time. His first nine novels are suspense thrillers, many of them having some type of connection to the navy. In 2006, he released The Cat Dancers, the first of the series featuring retired Sheriffs’ Deputy, Cam Richter. The series is set primarily in western North Carolina, in the fictional Manceford County, which is somewhat north and west of Charlotte. The Cat Dancers are a shadowy group of vigilantes, who have an initiation ritual of a face-to-face encounter with a wild mountain lion. Lt. Richter becomes personally involved when his ex-wife, a sitting judge, is killed.
In the next installment, Spider Mountain, Deputy Richter is now ex-deputy Richter, and he has opened his own private investigation business, assisted by the two best sidekicks in crime fiction, a pair of German Sheperds named Frick and Frack. He agrees to help a friend out by looking into the brutal assault on a female forest ranger in a remote area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There, he runs into a sinister Appalachian matriarch named Ginny Creigh who controls the local crystal meth trade, and owns most everything and everyone in their neck of the woods.
In The Moonpool, one of Cam’s investigators is found dead in a convenience store restroom in Wilmington, North Carolina. When her body sets off radiation alarms, a heavily guarded nearby nuclear power plant, becomes suspect. Racing against time, Cam uncovers an inside threat, a plan to use the plant's own systems to initiate an unstoppable, disastrous series of events.
In the most recent novel, Nightwalkers, released this past June, Cam decides to retire (again) and purchases a 700-acre antebellum plantation in the North Carolina countryside. He almost immediately finds himself targeted by a determined stalker, who holds Cam responsible for some unknown crime. Cam will need all of his resources, including his redoubtable German Shepherd companions, to stay alive as he deals with the stalker, some very eccentric people, and all the entanglements of a place suddenly alive with ghostly secrets and the fruits of a bloody past.
P.T. Deutermann is currently at work on his 14th book, a historical novel about World War II, to be called Glory. He is part of the Authors on the Road program, and will be speaking at the Headquarters Library on Tuesday, September 1st at 6:30 pm. This event is free to the public and is sponsored by the the North Carolina Literary Festival, which will be held in Chapel Hill on September 10th through the 13th.
--Sana M.
In the next installment, Spider Mountain, Deputy Richter is now ex-deputy Richter, and he has opened his own private investigation business, assisted by the two best sidekicks in crime fiction, a pair of German Sheperds named Frick and Frack. He agrees to help a friend out by looking into the brutal assault on a female forest ranger in a remote area of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. There, he runs into a sinister Appalachian matriarch named Ginny Creigh who controls the local crystal meth trade, and owns most everything and everyone in their neck of the woods.
In The Moonpool, one of Cam’s investigators is found dead in a convenience store restroom in Wilmington, North Carolina. When her body sets off radiation alarms, a heavily guarded nearby nuclear power plant, becomes suspect. Racing against time, Cam uncovers an inside threat, a plan to use the plant's own systems to initiate an unstoppable, disastrous series of events.
In the most recent novel, Nightwalkers, released this past June, Cam decides to retire (again) and purchases a 700-acre antebellum plantation in the North Carolina countryside. He almost immediately finds himself targeted by a determined stalker, who holds Cam responsible for some unknown crime. Cam will need all of his resources, including his redoubtable German Shepherd companions, to stay alive as he deals with the stalker, some very eccentric people, and all the entanglements of a place suddenly alive with ghostly secrets and the fruits of a bloody past.
P.T. Deutermann is currently at work on his 14th book, a historical novel about World War II, to be called Glory. He is part of the Authors on the Road program, and will be speaking at the Headquarters Library on Tuesday, September 1st at 6:30 pm. This event is free to the public and is sponsored by the the North Carolina Literary Festival, which will be held in Chapel Hill on September 10th through the 13th.
--Sana M.
Monday, August 3, 2009
What Might Have Been...
Fragment by Warren Fahy is a story about what might have been.
The story opens on a ship called the Trident that happens to be the backdrop for a show called SeaLife. SeaLife chronicles the adventures of a team of scientists as they explore the uncharted reaches of the south Pacific. Unfortunately, the show has lousy ratings, no drama and is basically wrapping up. The Trident is heading home when they get a distress signal coming from Henders Island. They decide to answer the call and from here on out in the story their lives, shortened though they will be, take a turn for the worse.
Henders Island is what the rest of the Earth might have been like if it hadn’t broken up into the continents we know today. Strange and violent species have evolved in a hypercompetitive environment where everything eats everything else. Humans are no match for any of the animals, as some of the Trident’s crew find out the hard way. After the inauspicious and bloody landing of some of the show’s scientist is broadcast on television, the military sends a fleet to the island with their own handpicked experts. Their plan to destroy Henders Island is complicated by the discovery of a benign and intelligent species and the race to save it from destruction.
Fragment is a great read in the same vein as Jurassic Park or Relic. I would highly recommend it.
--Mike N.
The story opens on a ship called the Trident that happens to be the backdrop for a show called SeaLife. SeaLife chronicles the adventures of a team of scientists as they explore the uncharted reaches of the south Pacific. Unfortunately, the show has lousy ratings, no drama and is basically wrapping up. The Trident is heading home when they get a distress signal coming from Henders Island. They decide to answer the call and from here on out in the story their lives, shortened though they will be, take a turn for the worse.
Henders Island is what the rest of the Earth might have been like if it hadn’t broken up into the continents we know today. Strange and violent species have evolved in a hypercompetitive environment where everything eats everything else. Humans are no match for any of the animals, as some of the Trident’s crew find out the hard way. After the inauspicious and bloody landing of some of the show’s scientist is broadcast on television, the military sends a fleet to the island with their own handpicked experts. Their plan to destroy Henders Island is complicated by the discovery of a benign and intelligent species and the race to save it from destruction.
Fragment is a great read in the same vein as Jurassic Park or Relic. I would highly recommend it.
--Mike N.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
What Did You Read on Your Summer Vacation??
Where did the summer go?
Wasn't it just yesterday that the kids were STARTING their summer vacation? Now begins the madness that is Back to School Season, rivaled only by Holiday Season in its chaos. Moms and dads begin that mad rush to get school supplies, new clothes, and those last-minute required reading books the kids need for their projects.
Before you get lost in the world of pencils, sneakers, paper, and Trapper Keepers (do they still make those?) take a moment to appreciate all the wonderful things you did this summer: the beach, the movies, and especially the books!
With so many wonderful books having been released this summer, I spent many days reading by the pool. My favorite summer read would have to have been Relentless by Dean Koontz. I absolutely love books that scare me, and this one definitely did the trick! It was his best since Velocity, if you ask me.
But enough from me. I want to know what made it into you're beach bag this summer. Did Pahlaniuk's new book thrill you? Did you fall in love with Danielle Steel's new release? Let us know! Either way, we hope you had a safe and happy summer. =)
--Jenn C
Wasn't it just yesterday that the kids were STARTING their summer vacation? Now begins the madness that is Back to School Season, rivaled only by Holiday Season in its chaos. Moms and dads begin that mad rush to get school supplies, new clothes, and those last-minute required reading books the kids need for their projects.
Before you get lost in the world of pencils, sneakers, paper, and Trapper Keepers (do they still make those?) take a moment to appreciate all the wonderful things you did this summer: the beach, the movies, and especially the books!
With so many wonderful books having been released this summer, I spent many days reading by the pool. My favorite summer read would have to have been Relentless by Dean Koontz. I absolutely love books that scare me, and this one definitely did the trick! It was his best since Velocity, if you ask me.
But enough from me. I want to know what made it into you're beach bag this summer. Did Pahlaniuk's new book thrill you? Did you fall in love with Danielle Steel's new release? Let us know! Either way, we hope you had a safe and happy summer. =)
--Jenn C
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
August Releases
Hey there, Readers!
There are plenty of great books coming out in August. Don’t miss the following titles, available at your library!
Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon
At the hub of newest Dark Hunter novel is Fang Kattalakis, brother of two powerful members of the Omegrion (the council that leads the Were-Hunters). When war breaks out, Fang must choose between saving the woman he loves and breaking the law of his people, ruining his relationship with his brothers. Don’t miss this suspenseful new novel by this New York Times bestselling author, releasing August 4.
Smash Cut by Sandra Brown
The Queen of romantic thrillers is back with more heart-pounding suspense. Serial killer Chreighton Wheeler is obsessed with re-enacting scenes from films. When Creighton’s uncle is shot dead in a robbery, gallery owner Julie Rutledge is convinced that Creighton is behind it. A rash of crime follows as Julie and criminal lawyer Derek Mitchell join forces to catch Creighton. Brown delivers another fast-paced read, available August 11.
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Wildly popular author of “The Other Boleyn Girl” begins a new series, telling the story of Elizabeth Woodville Grey, who assisted in making the War of the Roses take root. As a 27-year old widow, her marriage to 22-year old King Edward IV is not only shocking, but it shifts loyalties: Elizabeth’s family becomes Edward’s strongest supporters while Edward’s chief advisor becomes the epicenter of a plot to overthrow the King. Gregory delivers another entertaining and entirely plausible historical novel, set to release on August 18.
A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz
One of the Kings of horror and suspense shocks readers yet again with his new book- but not in the way you’d think. What’s surprising about this book is that it’s not a horror. There’s no evil priest, crazed psychopath, or unimaginable monster in this new release. Instead, it’s a humorous, touching, from-the-heart story about Koontz’s dog, Trixie. He does insinuate that Trixie is special in an otherworldly sense, but what pet owner wouldn’t? This debut nonfiction novel from Koontz is not to be missed, and is available on August 25.
Know of some other new releases that are worth mentioning here? Let us know what you think!!
--Jenn C.
There are plenty of great books coming out in August. Don’t miss the following titles, available at your library!
Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon
At the hub of newest Dark Hunter novel is Fang Kattalakis, brother of two powerful members of the Omegrion (the council that leads the Were-Hunters). When war breaks out, Fang must choose between saving the woman he loves and breaking the law of his people, ruining his relationship with his brothers. Don’t miss this suspenseful new novel by this New York Times bestselling author, releasing August 4.
Smash Cut by Sandra Brown
The Queen of romantic thrillers is back with more heart-pounding suspense. Serial killer Chreighton Wheeler is obsessed with re-enacting scenes from films. When Creighton’s uncle is shot dead in a robbery, gallery owner Julie Rutledge is convinced that Creighton is behind it. A rash of crime follows as Julie and criminal lawyer Derek Mitchell join forces to catch Creighton. Brown delivers another fast-paced read, available August 11.
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Wildly popular author of “The Other Boleyn Girl” begins a new series, telling the story of Elizabeth Woodville Grey, who assisted in making the War of the Roses take root. As a 27-year old widow, her marriage to 22-year old King Edward IV is not only shocking, but it shifts loyalties: Elizabeth’s family becomes Edward’s strongest supporters while Edward’s chief advisor becomes the epicenter of a plot to overthrow the King. Gregory delivers another entertaining and entirely plausible historical novel, set to release on August 18.
A Big Little Life by Dean Koontz
One of the Kings of horror and suspense shocks readers yet again with his new book- but not in the way you’d think. What’s surprising about this book is that it’s not a horror. There’s no evil priest, crazed psychopath, or unimaginable monster in this new release. Instead, it’s a humorous, touching, from-the-heart story about Koontz’s dog, Trixie. He does insinuate that Trixie is special in an otherworldly sense, but what pet owner wouldn’t? This debut nonfiction novel from Koontz is not to be missed, and is available on August 25.
Know of some other new releases that are worth mentioning here? Let us know what you think!!
--Jenn C.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Downtown Owl Makes the Unremarkable Remarkable
Even if you could find Owl, North Dakota on a map, you probably wouldn’t stop there. It’s just like any other Nothingtown in 1980’s America: no cable. No culture. No nothing. Just boredom, and a whole lot of it. No one moves away and hardly anyone moves in. With a population of only 800, everyone knows what everyone else is doing. All the time. It’s very Big Brother/George Orwell (ironically, the majority of the book takes place in 1984).
Living in this bleak town are several unremarkable characters, living quiet and indistinct lives. Julia Rabia, a schoolteacher who recently moved to downtown Owl, finds herself “more depressed than she had ever been in her entire twenty three year existence,” despite the instant celebrity status that comes with being a beautiful stranger in a small town. Mitch Hrlicka plays high school football and is mainly concerned with how weird he is (or isn’t) and whether he is going to have to fight Chris Sellars. Horace is seventy-three, and thinks a lot about Alma, his wife who passed away of a disease unknown to him.
There are no fireworks in Downtown Owl. Mitch does not become a star NFL quarterback. There is no prince on a white horse to come and rescue Julia. Horace continues to frequent the same coffee shop day in and day out. Klosterman offers an unromanticized looks at small town life. He disregards convention to give readers a look at what it’s like to be a plain person leading a plain life in a plain town. The end result is a raw, honest look into what could be the life of anyone who grew up in rural America.
You would expect the pace of a book about a “down” town to move as lazily as the town itself. However, the plot chugs along nicely, as you find yourself getting more and more wrapped up in the lives of Owl’s citizens. Everything seems complacent, if not perfect, when disaster strikes out of nowhere. Readers will find themselves caught as off guard and unprepared for the story’s climax as the characters are for the blizzard that strands them. In the end, you’ll be dazed, rereading the last few chapters over and over to make sure you understood correctly.
Downtown Owl was only released last year, and is the first novel by Klosterman, a Minnesota newspaper columnist. But you would never know it, because it has a “modern classic” feel to it that is reminiscent of Kerouac or Salinger. Klosterman has accomplished something few people could ever do: he has captured the essence of normality, and recreated it between the covers of his book. In doing so, he has created a novel that is not only timeless, but a true joy to read, too.
--Jenn C
Living in this bleak town are several unremarkable characters, living quiet and indistinct lives. Julia Rabia, a schoolteacher who recently moved to downtown Owl, finds herself “more depressed than she had ever been in her entire twenty three year existence,” despite the instant celebrity status that comes with being a beautiful stranger in a small town. Mitch Hrlicka plays high school football and is mainly concerned with how weird he is (or isn’t) and whether he is going to have to fight Chris Sellars. Horace is seventy-three, and thinks a lot about Alma, his wife who passed away of a disease unknown to him.
There are no fireworks in Downtown Owl. Mitch does not become a star NFL quarterback. There is no prince on a white horse to come and rescue Julia. Horace continues to frequent the same coffee shop day in and day out. Klosterman offers an unromanticized looks at small town life. He disregards convention to give readers a look at what it’s like to be a plain person leading a plain life in a plain town. The end result is a raw, honest look into what could be the life of anyone who grew up in rural America.
You would expect the pace of a book about a “down” town to move as lazily as the town itself. However, the plot chugs along nicely, as you find yourself getting more and more wrapped up in the lives of Owl’s citizens. Everything seems complacent, if not perfect, when disaster strikes out of nowhere. Readers will find themselves caught as off guard and unprepared for the story’s climax as the characters are for the blizzard that strands them. In the end, you’ll be dazed, rereading the last few chapters over and over to make sure you understood correctly.
Downtown Owl was only released last year, and is the first novel by Klosterman, a Minnesota newspaper columnist. But you would never know it, because it has a “modern classic” feel to it that is reminiscent of Kerouac or Salinger. Klosterman has accomplished something few people could ever do: he has captured the essence of normality, and recreated it between the covers of his book. In doing so, he has created a novel that is not only timeless, but a true joy to read, too.
--Jenn C
Monday, July 6, 2009
(READ) IT AGAIN, SAM
This morning, I stumbled across this Newsweek column about the joys of rereading, where author David Gates explains why he keeps going back to certain books over the years. By happy chance, I’ve just finished my annual re-reading of one of my all-time favorites, These Old Shades by Georgette Heyer (I had to buy a new copy, I think my third, because mine is beginning to fall apart, despite my best efforts at preservation). I first read it when I was 11 years old, and it’s a big part of the reason I fell in love with the romance genre. Every time I read it I discover something new about it.
I know I’m not alone in this habit. Everybody has a “comfort read,” a book to pick up when you just want to return to something familiar. It could be a certain mystery or thriller; it could be the books set in the Middle-Earth that J.R.R. Tolkien created for Frodo and company; it could be Bruce Catton’s nonfiction books on the Civil War.
I think the rereading habit starts early in life. I remember as a kid reading, over and over, the Winnie-the-Pooh books by A.A. Milne (the pre-Disney ones, with drawings by Ernest Shepard). Ask any parent how many times he or she has read Goodnight, Moon or Green Eggs and Ham to a child. Adolescent and young-adult readers find and hang on to their favorites, too – books like Bridge to Terabithia or Holes. So it’s only natural that we carry this habit with us into adulthood.
Off the top of my head, I can think of at least a dozen books I’ve returned to over the years, everything from These Old Shades to A Time to Kill by John Grisham and Sharpe’s Waterloo by Bernard Cornwell. Someday I’ll work up the energy to go back and reread all the Patrick O’Brian novels and Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond Chronicles.
What about you? What books do you find yourself rereading?
--Nora
I know I’m not alone in this habit. Everybody has a “comfort read,” a book to pick up when you just want to return to something familiar. It could be a certain mystery or thriller; it could be the books set in the Middle-Earth that J.R.R. Tolkien created for Frodo and company; it could be Bruce Catton’s nonfiction books on the Civil War.
I think the rereading habit starts early in life. I remember as a kid reading, over and over, the Winnie-the-Pooh books by A.A. Milne (the pre-Disney ones, with drawings by Ernest Shepard). Ask any parent how many times he or she has read Goodnight, Moon or Green Eggs and Ham to a child. Adolescent and young-adult readers find and hang on to their favorites, too – books like Bridge to Terabithia or Holes. So it’s only natural that we carry this habit with us into adulthood.
Off the top of my head, I can think of at least a dozen books I’ve returned to over the years, everything from These Old Shades to A Time to Kill by John Grisham and Sharpe’s Waterloo by Bernard Cornwell. Someday I’ll work up the energy to go back and reread all the Patrick O’Brian novels and Dorothy Dunnett’s Lymond Chronicles.
What about you? What books do you find yourself rereading?
--Nora
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