Ritter's Readers

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

2010-01-05T09:29:00.002-05:00

This lovely book explains Taoist principles in an easy to understand, fun way using the familiar characters of A. A. Milne, Pooh bear and others. The book was written around 1983, but its still recommended for anyone who wishes to understand this Chinese school of thought. Its a delightful and quick read and it is highly recommended for everyone.

Novelist

2009-11-10T10:12:00.010-05:00

Looking for something new to read? Try out Novelist Plus, a resource that provides reviews for non-fiction and fiction readers alike. Readers can also get series information by looking up their favorite author or typing in the series name.

To get to Novelist Plus:

Go to http://ritterpubliclibrary.org
Click on 'Databases' on the right side of the screen
Choose 'Novelist Plus' from the dropdown menu in the center of the 'Database' page. The database resources are in alphabetical order.

The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson

2009-11-10T09:59:00.003-05:00

The Murder of King Tut provides insight into what the boy king's life might have been like, while weaving through the mystery of how and why he was murdered.
Patterson's take on the subject grabs a hold of readers from the first few pages and keeps their attention through a fast paced story of murder and intrigue.

Readers of Patterson's other works and new comers to his works will enjoy this one.

The Shadow of Reichenbach Falls by John R. King

2008-11-25T16:08:00.010-05:00

The Shadow of Reichenbach Falls

Sherlock Holmes with amnesia?

The beginning of the story introduces Thomas and Anna. Even though the two had just met, Anna invites Thomas on a picnic to Reichenbach Falls where she claims her father had fallen to his death. As they are picnicking, they observe a scuffle at the top of the falls, which results in a man falling to his death.

Thomas, unable to sit and do nothing, dives in to rescue the man, who revives without any memory of who he is or why he is being hunted. From there the story is delightful, but strays into the supernatural in some places.

Moriarty, of course, plays a large role in the story and we receive insight into the character before he became the evil mastermind. The author doesn’t delve too deeply, but recounts a past that even involves Jack the Ripper.

The story itself takes place in the time between Holmes’ ‘death’ and his reappearance. This title was an excellent read and fans of Doyle’s stories will enjoy it, providing they can handle the literary license that the author takes with the original story and the supernatural components. These elements are not generally found in the canon by Doyle and go against the nature of Holmes’ character, but the author weaves the story well and the supernatural elements are interesting to say the least.

Much of the narration is done by Thomas and Moriarty, although; Holmes does chip in from time to time. Thomas becomes a de facto Watson in this tale, even though Watson himself does appear in the story looking for evidence that his friend had survived.

This title is recommended to anybody, but is not the best book for introducing the character of Sherlock Holmes. It’s best for new readers who are curious to pick up The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and, if these readers are interested in this story, reading the short story, “The Final Problem,” is a must. It is part of the collection: The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.

As always, feel free to request any of these books from your local library. All Clevnet library members may either contact their library to make a request or email the title you would like along with their library card number and the library at which you would like to pick up your items to: info(at)ritter.lib.oh.us.

Find a Book with NoveList

2008-09-03T13:33:00.023-04:00

NoveList is an excellent tool for helping you locate your perfect book, and it's free to Ohio residents through the Ohio Web Libr ary.

Some tasks you can complete are:

To find NoveList, go to www.ohioweblibrary.org and click on Resources.

Next, scroll down and choose NoveList from the Books, Arts, & Literature category and click on NoveList.

From the main NoveList page, you can type in your search and go. These is also a help link if you need it.

Remember, this serivice is for Ohio residents with a valid Ohio library card number. If you are not an Ohio resident, you should check at your local public library to see what resources are offered.

If you have questions, please e-mail us at info (at) ritter.lib.oh.us

Book Explorations of Ohio Authors

2008-06-25T14:39:00.002-04:00

The Ohio Center for the Book has provided information on authors tied in some way to the State of Ohio.

Examples include:
R.L. Stein
Sue Grafton
Cynthia Rylant

The site includes information on books for all ages, quizzes based on the books, links to reading lists and other book sites and details on new book releases.

For more information, check out the site Ohio Center for the Book. Then click on the DelMio.com Book Explorations link.

Heat by Bill Buford

2008-05-14T13:02:00.004-04:00

(March 2008)

Mr. Buford is a respected journalist for the New Yorker and an amateur chef. On assignment to write a piece about Mario Batali, the owner of Babbo’s restaurant in NYC, Buford asked the renowned chef if he could work in the kitchen and unearth the secrets of a three star restaurant. Buford’s work became an obsession and he spent the next three years learning the trade.

Heat is an account of high-strung chefs who have mastered the art of fine cooking and exact timing to turn out a great meal. The reader is treated to the years of education, both in-school and hands-on, that go into making a gourmet chef. Buford traveled to Italy to tutor under a well-known pasta maker and a Dante quoting butcher.

In a hilarious aside, the reader is treated to an episode where Buford carries home a whole pig and proceeds to butcher it in his New York apartment. After years of slicing his knuckles, burning his fingers, sweating over vats of sauces, and suffering under the whims of testy chefs, Buford reached his goal of becoming an insider.

Ghost at the Table by Suzanne Berne

2008-04-15T11:27:00.003-04:00

Cynthia Fiske lives a comfortable single life in San Francisco writing young-adult historical books. Her older sister, Frances, is an interior designer who lives and works in Concord, Massachusetts. Frances convinces Cynthia to come to Concord to spend the Thanksgiving holiday. Since Cynthia is writing a book about the daughters of Mark Twain and a visit to his home in Hartford would be helpful, she agrees to share her holiday with her sister.

For Frances, this holiday would be their last chance to make amends with their 82-year-old father who recently suffered a stroke. His much younger wife is divorcing him and he is not able to cope on his own. Cynthia has not had any contact with her father for years because she is convinced he is responsible for the poisoning death of their invalid mother decades before. The holiday starts on a sour note and the rest of the festivities go downhill from there. The sisters battle with painful memories, each convinced of the correctness of their recollections.

In an interesting twist, Berne parallels the Fiske sisters with the daughters of Mark Twain. As the story unfolds, the reader is forced to take sides in this tale of a modern dysfunctional family.

**Images on this blog are taken from Amazon.com or Fantasticfiction.co.uk.

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

2008-04-08T10:08:00.008-04:00

Yuki and Shigure Sohma take Tohru Honda, a girl they find camping on their land, into their home. Tohru, whose mother died recently and who has been recently forced to leave the shelter of her grandfather's house, objects based on her fear of becoming a burden to the Sohma family. She finally relents and agrees to stay in return for becoming their cook and house keeper (which they desperately need!).

Tohru discovers that the family is cursed almost right away when a boy named Kyo smashes through the roof of the house.
The curse? When members of the family are embraced by the opposite sex, they turn into animals from the Chinese Zodiac. Eventually, Tohu meets every member of the family that carries the curse.
What follows is a complex story as character pasts are revealed and wounded spirits are healed. Can Tohru manage to break the curse in time for the one who suffers most: the cat, Kyo?

This manga is a work in progress. Volume 19 was just released in March and Volume 20 is not due until early July. The story line of volume 19 seems to indicate that the climax and ending of the story are just above the horizon.
The story itself is great for ages 13 to adult, but does have some particularly cruel characters.

Give it a try! Please email us to request this title. Include your name, library card number and the title. Clevnet requests only please. email to: info@ritter.lib.oh.us

Bleach by Tite Kubo

2008-03-24T14:35:00.007-04:00

Tite Kubo's Bleach is an entertaining action manga currently consisting of 22 volumes with more on the way. It may seem like a lot, but the series actually reads quickly and is, at times, very suspenseful.

The main character, Ichigo Kurosaki, appears to be a normal high school boy, but he has the ability to see and talk to spirits. One night, in search of a corrupt soul called a Hollow, Rukia Kuchiki, a shinigami (soul reaper), enters Ichigo's home. Moments later, Ichigo's family is attacked by a Hollow intending to devour Ichigo's soul for its strength. Rukia becomes injured because of Ichigo's refusal to stay out of the fight and is unable to battle. Turning her power as a shinigami over to Ichigo, who slays the Hollow, she starts the series on its way as Ichigo seeks to protect the ones he loves and grows stronger in the process.

This series is definitely one of my favorites. Its fast and fun, with colorful characters and surprising plot twists. If You've read Buso Renkin, you may notice some similar ideas. For example, both Ichigo and Kazuki get their power from a strong female lead and both have similar reasons for wanting to be stronger.

I recommend this series for anyone 13 and up. It might be just a bit too violent for anyone younger, otherwise; I strongly recommend this title for all manga lovers. This is also another great series to try if you have never read manga before.

Please feel free to email us at info@ritter.lib.oh.us with the title and volume number that you would like to order along with your library card number and we will place a hold for you. Remember, we can only place holds for patrons who are members of a Clevnet library. Please also feel free to comment if you have read the series. We would be happy to hear from you.

For more information on this series visit Amazon.com.

Buso Renkin by Nobuhiro Watsuki

2008-03-24T13:33:00.003-04:00

This action manga (japanese comic book) series comes from the author of Ruroni Kenshin, a fantastic series about an ex-samurai warrior. Buso Renkin is rated for teen readers, but adults will certainly enjoy it too. I found this series to be a quick and enjoyable read with only ten volumes to tell the complete story.

Kazuki Muto, high school student, sees a girl in an abandoned factory being attacked by a monster. He pushes her out of the way and is killed in the process. The girl, Tokiko, uses a Kakugane (an alchemic item) to replace Kazuki's heart and restore him to life. Kazuki soon learns that he wants to help the girl in her battles and finds that, with the kakugane, he can summon a lance to fight the monsters, called Homonculi. As Kazuki fights, he gets stronger, impressing Tokiko and her captain. Then one day, his kakugane is shattered during a battle against a foe of unimaginable power giving him only a little time to remain human. Can Kazuki find the cure or will he have to be executed by his comrades before he becomes a threat?

Buso Renkin mixes action, humor, suspense and a little romance. A great series for readers who have not yet experienced manga and also for those who enjoy it already.

If you've already read it and would like to share your thoughts, please feel free to comment.Or, is you'd like to begin reading the series, email info@ritter.lib.oh.us with the title and library card number and I will be happy to place the hold for you. If you've already read some of the series, be sure to let me know what volume you would like to read. We can only place holds for patrons of the Clevnet library system.

For more information and reviews, visit Amazon.com.

Celebrity Detox by Rosie O'Donnell

2008-02-04T13:30:00.000-05:00

I found this title to be a quick and interesting read. In it, Rosie discusses her time on 'The View;' why she signed on to do the show and why she ultimately left the show. She bares her thoughts on Barbara Walters, Donald Trump and Barbara Streisand. Her discussion of the feud with Donald Trump was particularly enlightening.

But the book is not simply about the celebs and the controversy that surrounds her. It also discusses her deeper thoughts on money, family and her values. This, I believe, is the best part of the book.

I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in leaning a little about a celebrity's life and thoughts. Rosie O'Donnell fans will enjoy it for sure, but others may find it an enlightening view into her life.

Friends of the Library Annual Chocolate Festival

2008-01-30T18:03:00.000-05:00

Chocolate Festival and Romance Novel sale!

Sample delicious chocolate dishes prepared by local cooks, then vote for the Chocolate Champion!
Or pick up an entry form and compete for the title.
Saturday, Feb. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m.

While you're here, browse our used paperback sale for all your favorite authors such as Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts.

T Is for Trespass

2008-01-08T18:22:00.000-05:00

T Is for Trespass by Sue Grafton
P.I. Kinsey Millhone takes the responsibility for investigating the background of a home healthcare worker hired to care for her elderly neighbor, Gus Vronsky. In her initial investigation Kinsey can find no fault with Solana Rojas, the aide hired by Gus’s grand-niece. But the reader gradually learns that Rojas is a cunning sociopath who wants to ingratiate herself into Vronsky’s life so that she can steal his money. Kinsey and Solana go head-to-head in this chilling tale as the reader learns how easily the elderly can be manipulated. For readers’ familiar with the Millhone mysteries, all of our favorite characters from previous novels are in this tale. The only exception to the status quo is that Kinsey has a Mustang instead of her trademark VW bug. I think Grafton chose a sturdier car in this book because of a vicious scene near the end of the novel where she fights off a big, bruising hulk who is Rojas’s son. The Mustang is Kinsey’s defense against his onslaughts. A neatly wrapped conclusion has Solana and Kinsey tangled in a furious, to-the-death fight, but Kinsey wins the day.

For Fans of the Discworld Series

2007-12-12T13:57:00.000-05:00

According to a library news site, Terry Pratchett, author of the Discworld series, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

You can find out more by going to the Discworld News site.

Who Will Complete Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series?

2007-12-11T10:47:00.000-05:00

According to Mediabistro.com, fantasy author Brandon Sanderson will possibly be the one to finish Jordan's work. So, fans of the series will get their long awaited ending.
The article says the title of the unfinished book is: A Memory of Light.

You can view the original article by clicking on this link.

Join Now!

2007-11-21T11:25:00.000-05:00

Ritter's Book Clubs!

All kinds of book clubs are available for you at Ritter Public Library. Come in the afternoon, come in the evening, or even participate from home - online.

Shorelines Book Club meets every fourth Thursday at 1 p.m. Classics Plus meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. To find out about online programs, click on Good Reads on the website.

As Always, if you have any requests or questions, feel free to email us at info@ritter.lib.oh.us with your name, library card number and your request.

The library will be closed today at 5:30 p.m. and all day on Thursday, November 22.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Lottery by Patricia Wood

2007-11-14T12:43:00.000-05:00

Lottery by Patricia Wood (October, 2007)
The likeable narrator of this novel is 32-year-old Perry Crandell who has an IQ of 76, but is not retarded, as he would like you to know. Perry lives with his grandmother Gram who helps him cope with life, spouting her gems of folk wisdom. Gram has taught him how to survive, how to write everything down, and how to play the lottery every week. When Gram dies, Perry’s family swoops in and swindles him out of his share of Gram’s inheritance. But when he wins $12 million in the Washington State Lottery, suddenly everyone pays attention to him. Perry holds his own as he continues his job at the marine supply store, falls for the local convenience store clerk, and figures out what is most important in his life. This is an appealing book about love, trust, and living with the cards life has dealt.

Taming the Scotsman by Kinley Macgregor

2007-10-25T15:15:00.000-04:00

This is a fun historical romance set in Scotland. Nora, who is the niece of Eleanor of Aquitane, seeks out Ewan MacAllister for protection from her father and her betrothed and for an escort to her aunt in England. The trouble is that Ewan has already been part of a story like hers before and with tragic consequences. At first, Ewan wants only to get Nora to his brother so she can be returned to her father as soon as possible. When Ewan realizes he loves her, he must decide whether to risk stealing Nora from her betrothed. Is Nora worth a possible feud between two clans?

I'm not a history buff, so I can't say how historically accurate this novel is, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the characters.

I checked out the e-book version from the Clevnet Digital Library. If you haven't taken a look at it, I really recommend it. You can download books on your computer to read or listen to in your home. Best of all, there are no late fees. Everything is automatically returned on-time. You can also find the book in our catalog.

To request a copy of this book or any other book on this blog, send an email containing: your name, library card # and the title of the book to info@ritter.lib.oh.us.

*The image was taken from the Clevnet Digital Library page.

Don of the Dead by Casey Daniels

2007-10-06T16:32:00.000-04:00

This delightful mystery is set in Cleveland, OH. The main character,Pepper Martin, is a cemetery tour guide. After a fall and a bump on the head, Pepper finds she can see ghosts, and in particular, the ghost of the deceased mafia Don Gus Scarpetti. After some convincing from Gus, Pepper agrees to help him discover the truth about who really had him killed.

If you like mysteries, I recommend you check this one out. The storyline is filled with just enough intrigue to hook you, but not so much that you feel the need for a break from the suspense (I read it in one sitting). I enjoyed the colorful characters and the pace of the story kept me interested.

If you would like to check out a copy of Don of the Dead by Casey Daniels, send an email to info@ritter.lib.oh.us containing your Clevnet library card number, the title of the book you would like to request and the library where you would like to pick up your book.

Erie County Reads!

2007-10-04T11:56:00.000-04:00

"One Book, One Community"

During the month of October, the five public libraries of Erie County, Ritter, Huron, Sandusky, Milan-Berlin, and Bellevue, are joining in this nationwide program by reading Marley & Me by John Grogan. Request a copy of the book and join our book discussion groups, or join us on the first Saturday in October for a dog-gone good time at the movies. Program details are on the online calendar. Grogan appears at the Sandusky State Theater on Thursday, November 1.

To place a hold on Marley and Me, call the library at (440)967-3798 or email your library card number, the title you would like to request and the Clevnet library where you would like to pick up your book.

There will be some copies for checkout on display at the library, so stop in and pick one up!

Author, Robert Jordan Dies

2007-09-17T13:26:00.000-04:00

Robert Jordan, author of the "Wheel of Time" series, died Sunday of a rare blood disease.

New Fiction at Ritter

2007-08-28T14:36:00.000-04:00

New books at Ritter Public Library:

1. This Time of Dying by Reina James

This novel is set in England during the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic.Undertaker, Henry Speake, recognizes the signs of a possible epidemic and tries to get the government to initiate quarantine. Unable to find anyone who will listen, Henry allies himself with Allen Thompson, a school teacher. Together, they try to survive an epidemic worse than the Plague.

2. The Scribe by Francine Rivers

This novel, fifth in Rivers'Sons of Encouragement series, tells the story of Silas, scribe to Peter and Paul.

3. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

Sookie Stackhouse is back and this time she's on her way to a vampire summit with the vampire queen of Louisiana. Harris' mysteries are always a delight.

4. Genesis of Shannara: The Elves of Cintra by Terry Brooks

This second installment in the Genesis of Shannara trilogy that began with Armageddon's Children, begins with Logan Tom as he tries to locate and save urchins, Hawk and Tessa from execution. Meanwhile, Angel Perez is searching Los Angeles for an ancient race of Elves.

If you would like to place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this blog, please send us an email to info@ritter.lib.oh.us, including your name, the book title and your library card number. If you would like to pick up your book at a library other than Ritter, please provide us with the name of your chosen pick-up library. We regret that we can only place holds for Clevnet library patrons.

Newly Named Afternoon Book Club!

2007-08-20T14:48:00.000-04:00

We are pleased to announce: Ritter’s afternoon book discussion group has a new name and is looking for new members.

Here are just some of the books we’ve already read: March, In the Time of the Butterflies, Sparrow, and Empire Falls.

This month’s choice: Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach. Request a copy today, then join the conversation – every fourth Thursday at 1:00 pm.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

2007-07-27T09:50:00.001-04:00

Fear not, this not a review. I'm not going to spoil it for those of you still waiting.
Just know that the seventh and final volume of Harry Potter is superb.

Happy Reading!

A Thousand Splendid Suns by khaled Hosseini

2007-07-16T19:01:00.000-04:00

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Wow! If you thought the Kite Runner was good, then this second book by Hosseini is a must read. This heart-wrenching story is bound by two women of differing backgrounds, Miriam, the illegitimate child of a wealthy businessman in Herat, and Laila, a much younger, educated woman raised by liberal parents in Kabul. Wishing to remove Miriam from the legitimate family, the 15-year-old is betrothed to a shoemaker three times her age. When she cannot produce an heir, her husband becomes a brute. Set in the second half of the 20th century, war grips Kabul as the Russians, tribal factions, and the Taliban all tear the country apart. Laila is born the day the communists take over. She is adored by her father but emotionally neglected by her mother in favor of her older brothers. Laila turns her affections to Tariq, a neighborhood boy who lost one leg to a land mine. When Tariq’s family flees to Pakistan amid the turmoil, Laila stays with her parents, only to see them killed in a mortar attack on their home. Laila is 14, wounded, and in need of care. Miriam and her husband, Rasheed, take her into their home. To secure a safe future, Laila, is forced to make a horrible decision and she marries Rasheed. As life becomes constrained for the women of Afghanistan, both Miriam and Laila comfort each other trying to survive a despotic household. That this is probably an accurate portrait of life in a male-dominated society is the most disturbing aspect of this book.

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich

2007-07-16T18:54:00.000-04:00

Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum, the not-so-great bounty hunter from Trenton, New Jersey, is up to her neck in problems in this 13th book of the series. When her oh-so-mysterious friend, Ranger, asks her to plant a bug on her ex-husband Dickie Orr, the operation goes terribly wrong. The next day Dickie ends up missing and bloodstains are found on the floor of his home. Stephanie is the prime suspect in his disappearance and possible death. To clear her name, Stephanie investigates and finds that Dickie has allied himself with some unsavory business partners who are involved with drug running and money laundering. Add to this her other wacky bond skips and the book is non-stop fun. Hunky Joe Morelli, her sometime boyfriend, and sexy Ranger, a fellow bounty hunter that leaves her breathless, have their hands full trying to keep Stephanie out of harm's way. Plum’s dysfunctional family members and the cast of quirky characters are all back for this latest adventure.

Summer Reading Grand Prizes

2007-07-12T15:30:00.001-04:00

At the end of this month, we will hold the drawings for the Summer Reading Grand Prizes. Prizes are:

First place: 2 one day passes to Cedar Point
Second Place: 1 AAA membership with a Rand McNally Road Atlas
Third Place: 2 one day adult tickets and 2 children's tickets to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo & the Rainforest.

Winners are drawn from among all weekly entries. The more you participate, the better your chances. Its not too late! To enter: simply read a book, attend an adult program at Ritter Public Library, or participate in one of the library's book discussions and then fill out an entry form. You may enter as many times as you like.

Good Luck!!!!!

Mystery Contest Enters Final Week

2007-07-08T13:38:00.000-04:00

This is your final week to quialify for the chance to win a summer's worth of ice cream!Adults and children alike are welcome to participate.

Come in and pick up an entry form listing the authors of books that are missing their titles. Book covers are hanging around on display in the children's, adult and teen areas. They are numbered to match the authors on the entry form. Next, locate the book cover that corresponds with the author on your entry form, find the book in the library and write the title down on the entry form. It's that easy!

When you've finished, put your entry form in the box marked "Mystery Contest Entries." Good luck and don't forget to write your name and phone number! Yummy ice cream awaits you!

p.s. This picture of the contest entry box was taken from my cell phone.

Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier

2007-07-06T15:46:00.000-04:00

Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier

I really enjoyed reading Cold Mountain which brought a lot of fame to writer Charles Frazier. Thirteen Moons is what is called his “sophomore effort.” This book is written in the first person and follows the life of Will Cooper, a 90-year-old survivor of the North Carolina frontier. The author loosely based his main character on a real person in North Carolina’s history. Will is orphaned at a young age and sent off to a remote post next to the Cherokee nation to tend a general store. For seven years he looks after the store for its owner. When the owner dies, Will inherits the store, and becomes a prosperous merchant. He then teaches himself the law by reading law books late into the night. Will also becomes an honorary white chief of the Cherokee nation, using his title to help defend the Indians from being raped of their land and culture. In the end he must bear witness to the Trail of Tears when the Cherokees were removed from their land. Giving in to his wanderlust, he travels around the country and during the Civil War organizes a troupe of Indians to fight for the Confederacy. Later in his career he becomes a state senator. Throughout his life, Will pines for his one true love, Claire, a girl he won in a card game. The last scenes find Will sitting on his back porch taking pot shots at the passing trains. This book is truly for history buffs. It is long, but richly written, and in the end worth the time spent.

Cape May Court House: A Death in the Night by Lawrence Schiller

2007-07-05T12:07:00.000-04:00

I recently finished reading Cape May Court House: A Death in the Night by Lawrence Schiller and I have to say I was hooked from the start. I'm usually reluctant to read non-fiction because it doesn't often interest me, but this book succeeded where others have failed.

In this true crime novel, a man, Eric Thomas and his wife, Tracy, who is six months pregnant, head out late one snowy night to take their fevered daughter to the hospital. Tracy was driving.

When they were found a few hours later, their Ford Explorer had hit a telephone pole. Tracy was dead, her husband was injured and her daughter was unharmed and appeared to be fever-free.

The Medical Examiner, after trying and failing to get information on air bag fatalities, declaired the cause of death was asphixiation possibly caused by the force of the airbag.

It seems like nothing's amiss right? Are you sure, because Forensic experts hired by Ford disagree. They think it was murder.

This was a really engaging book covering all of the facts of this case. All through the book, I felt like I was on the journey of discovery with the lawyers. I speculated right along with them. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves true crime and to people who like crime shows, but are reluctant to read non-fiction crime accounts.

If you would like to place a hold on this book or any of the others mentioned in this blog, send an e-mail, info@ritter.lib.oh.us, with your name and library card number. If you do not want to pick up the book at Ritter, please let us know which library you would like to have your hold sent to.

As always, comments are welcome!

Summer Reading Pictures!

2007-06-15T11:54:00.000-04:00

I thought it might be nice to put up some pictures of our decorations. These are of the area where the Adult Summer Reading entry slips and the Adult/Teen/Children's Find the Missing Book Titles contest forms can be found.

Sarah did a wonderful job with our CSI!

This is her Evidence Tray:

This last one is of the side of the Reference Desk:

I decorated the desk using some Crime Scene tape from a previous book display highlighting women mystery writers. The tape came in a kit from the Sisters in Crime, which is an organization that provides support for women mystery writers. I enlarged book covers as part of the title contest and used them to decorate the desk.

These particular book covers are not part of the contest. I did A LOT of them, so there were plenty to use as decoration. I decided that the decor was cuter with the titles covered up, but the books in the picture, if you're interested, are: Kathy Reichs' Break No Bones, G.A. McKevett's Death by Chocolate, and Gillian Roberts' A Hole in Juan.

Summer Reading is Here!

2007-06-11T15:49:00.000-04:00

Apologies to our readers for the lack of updates. We have been busily setting up for the Summer Reading Program: 'Get a Clue at Your Library.' The theme centers around mysteries of all kinds.

At the library, we are planning a contest where we will be asking you to guess the title of a a set of mysteries from all over the library using the book cover (without the title) and the author's name.

Also, read a book, join a book discussion or attend an adult program and you can enter to win weekly prizes. Two or Three winners will be drawn weekly and all entries will kept until the end for the grand prize drawings. In the past, the grand prizes have included tickets to Cedar Point. The more you participate, the better chance you have of winning. Good Luck!

What's New @ Your Library?

2007-05-23T14:02:00.000-04:00

New Nonfiction at Ritter Public Library for the month of May:

Understanding Biodiversity by David Zeigler

The title describes it all. This book attempts to explain the many different facets of biodiversity. The author does use some scientifc jargon, but explains the meanings right away. This is a plus since not everybody has a degree in Biology.
This book will appeal to readers with an interest in the sciences and to readers curious about the world around them.

Ordinary Miracles:Learning from Breast Cancer Survivors by S. David Nathanson, M.D.

Dr. Nathanson shares some of the experiences of 71 of his patients as they deal with breast cancer. In a quote from the book jacket:

"In these pages, Nathanson shares stories from his patients, teaching us about the experience of breast cancer and explaining how these individuals found and fueled the will and power to defeat the disease."

Miracle in the Andes: 72 days on the mountain and my long trek home by Nando Parrado

Written by a survivor of the disasterous 1972 crash of a plane carrying rugby players from Uruguay to Chile in the Andes. In the crash, Parrado lost his mother, his sister and many friends. This is the riveting account of his ordeal and will appeal to readers who enjoyed Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air.

Of course, these are only a few of the books we've recently purchased. Come in and see what's new!

To place a hold on any of the books mentioned in this blog, email the book title/author and your library card number to:
info@ritter.lib.oh.us

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore

2007-05-18T13:00:00.000-04:00

In this amusing story, Charlie Asher, beta male, sees a strange man wearing mint green at his wife’s hospital bedside, just after she dies. Charlie is left to wonder over why no one else seems to have seen anything and to raise his newborn daughter on his own.
Almost immediately, Charlie begins to notice strange things, items in his pawn shop glowing, bird-like shadows following him, and people dying around him. Seeking out the man in the mint green suit, Charlie learns that he is now a ‘Death Merchant.’ The story grows steadily more bizarre as Charlie investigates his suspicions that he might actually be ‘Death’ with a capital ‘D.’

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore is an entertainingly bizarre look at death. I enjoyed reading this book immensely and I recommend it to lovers of humor, horror and fantasy.

What's on Your Bookshelf?

2007-05-15T10:50:00.000-04:00

Have you read anything you would like to share? We look forward to hearing what you think about the books you are reading. Post a comment and tell us all about them!

Let us know the title and who wrote it and what you think about it. If you liked or didn't like it, tell us why.

Anyone is welcome to leave a comment. We'd love to hear from you wherever you are! Comments can be anonymous, so don't be shy.

Remember: try not to give away the ending for those who may become interested in the book you comment about.

I'll start: I just finished reading The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. I missed the boat when this book was really popular, and another staff member recommended it.

A thirteen year old girl is murdered and the book is about her family and her friend's reactions to her death and to the terrible crime in their midst. I thought it was a beautiful book, even if it dealt with a terrible tragedy.

I've been told its a 'love it or hate it' book and I loved it.

Now its your turn......

The Circus Fire: A True Story of An American Tragedy by Stewart O'Nan

2007-05-08T12:23:00.000-04:00

A short while ago I finished listening to the audiobook for Stewart O'Nan's The Circus Fire, which details the events surrounding the fire at the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in Hartford, CT on July 6, 1944. The author details the grim history of circus fires and shows how this history lead to the tragedy in 1944.
This book is a somber, taking the reader through the events before, during and after the fire in excruciating detail. The tale of the fire itself details events that were both horrifying and heroic, either way; I didn't want to stop listening.
Amazon.com’s review had this to say:

http://www.amazon.com/Circus-Fire-Story-American-Tragedy/dp/0385496850/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-4763019-9591330?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1178641410&sr=1-1

O'Nan interviewed dozens of witnesses and examined police reports, newspaper accounts, and court documents while researching the fire. The result is an engrossing--though agonizingly painful--account of the great fire and its aftermath. He probes the tragedy's enduring mysteries--How did the fire start? Who are the unidentified victims? Who is Little Miss 1565?--and offers up conclusions of his own. He also provides remarkable vignettes of panic, heroism, and grief: Merle Evans and the band playing "The Stars and Stripes Forever," the circus disaster march, over and over; Bill Curlee, standing atop the wild animal chute throwing trapped children to safety; the Cote sisters, who made it home safely then broke down when asked why they were back so early. O'Nan tells their stories with compassion--albeit with a slight tendency toward the macabre.

I highly recommend this book, but it is not for the faint of heart.

If you would like to place a hold on this book or any of the others mentioned in this blog, feel free to call the library at (440) 967-3798 or email your name, library card number and the book title to info@ritter.lib.oh.us.

How to Survive a Robot Uprising by Daniel H. Wilson

2007-04-26T11:32:00.000-04:00

This book follows in the vein of the Worst Case Scenario books, but with a science fiction twist, covering topics such as: “How to survive a car chase with an unmanned ground vehicle” and “How to escape from a Smart House.” I had a great time reading this book, which also offers advice on how to treat a laser wound if you are injured in the rebellion. It was a thoroughly entertaining read and is suitable for the technophobe in all of us.

If you liked the Worst Case Scenario books, you may also like this book. It will have more appeal to fans of science fiction because of the subject matter and, for those of you who are more sensitive to strong language, I only noticed a few spots; one that I remember was a quote from the movie, The Terminator. I also didn’t notice any strong or offensive violence. I felt like this was a safe read, even if it did cause me to cast my coffee maker a suspicious look or two.

Wilson’s book was a lot of fun and I hope you like it as much as I did.

What's on Your Bookshelf?

2007-04-24T10:47:00.000-04:00

Now that we have explained how to post comments, we would like to hear from you! This is your chance to tell us about the books you are reading now. Even if you don't like the book, comment on it. We are always interested in what others are reading.

Just be sure to give us the author, title, what you think of the book and why. Try not to give the plot away, in case you peak someone else's curiosity.

Or.....

Use this opportunity to ask us questions about books and authors. Remember, this is a public blog, so no personal information and please stick to questions about books or authors.

If you would like to place a hold on any of the books mentioned in this blog, please send us an email to rit1@ritter.lib.oh.us with your name, the book title and author and your library card number. If you want the book on tape, CD, large print, or some other format, please be sure to let us know in your email.

How to Leave us a Comment

2007-04-24T10:30:00.000-04:00

One of the wonderful things about having a blog is that you, the readers, get to tell us what you think. Some of you may not be familiar with how this works, so I am going to give you a little 'how to.' Anyone already familiar with the process can just skip this post.

Posting Comments

To post a comment:

Click on the title of the blog post

Scroll to the bottom of the page.Click "Post a Comment."

You may get a 'security warning' message. Click either yes or no. Yes is better, but no works too. The computer just wants you to know that the area is not secure, so please don't post any personal information.

Along the right side of the screen, you will see a space for you to type your comment. You'll see it labeled 'Leave your Comment.'

All you have to do now is type and click the orange 'publish your comment' button.

Any questions?

The Dream Hunter by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2007-04-03T12:32:00.000-04:00

The Dream Hunter is the latest paranormal romance from Sherrilyn Kenyon. It is the first book in a new series, but shares many plot and character details with her popular "Dark Hunter" series.

The basic plot:
This particular book is the only one in 8 months that actually enticed me to finish it. I like my romances with a lot of plot and I wasn't disappointed.The hero of the story, Arikos, is a Greek god of dreams cursed to feel nothing except when he is in the presence of someone who feels strongly. Enamoured of the emotions he feels through Mageara, an archaeologist in search of the city of Atlantis, he makes a deal with Hades:two weeks as a human in exchange for Megeara's human soul.

****Some Possible Spoilers****

The heroine, Megeara, isn't a 'faint in his arms the first time she sees him' sort of girl. Throughout the first half of the book, she is extremely distrustful of Arikos and rightfully so. (Wouldn't you be suspicious if you pulled a drowning man out of the Mediterranean with no other boat in sight?) Arikos is more of an anti-hero than a hero. In his desire to be with Megeara as a human, he trades her life to Hades, an action he later realizes was selfish. Even knowing this, be not afraid: like all romances, there is a "Happily Ever After."

****End Possible Spoilers****

This book and the books in the "Dark Hunter" series require the ability to suspend disbelief; you are, after all, reading fantasy when you read paranormal romances. Gods and goddesses and other fantastic characters are integrated into the modern world, where very few humans are aware of their existence.

What I love most about Kenyon's novels, in general, are the strong heroines and the engaging plot lines. If you have not read Kenyon's work before, I recommend starting with Night Pleasures, the first novel in the "Dark Hunter" series, to familiarize you with some of her characters before you read this book. It certainly can stand alone, but some of the irony will be lost and new readers may even be a little confused.

Another thing I need to mention:Kenyon is imaginative and does not shy away from sexual detail, so if you like gentle romances, you probably won't enjoy her books as much. That being said, this book was an enjoyable read.

I Feel Bad about My Neck by Nora Ephron

2007-03-22T12:02:00.000-04:00

This little book will probably hit a funny bone with the more mature female readers. Nora Ephron is the author who brought us When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail and much more. I Feel Bad about My Neck has essays on purses, cooking, parenting, reading and of course, the changes in your neck when you age. She actually thinks 90% of your clothes are eliminated because of neck style! In addition to the light essays are the more serious ones. Would thousands of young people still be alive if the series of events precipitated by Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky had not occurred? And in your 60's should you still be worrying about putting money away for retirement or just live it up? This book could be read in one sitting on a leisurely afternoon and you will find yourself chuckling out loud.

Welcome

2006-11-20T10:15:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome to Ritter Public Library's Reader's Advisory blog. Here we will be discussing books and resources for avid readers and, maybe, a little about some of the programs we offer. Your comments and questions are welcome, we'd love to hear from you!
We hope to have our new blog completely up and running soon, so check back often or feel free to subscribe.
We have tried to make it as easy as possible for you to access our blog. You can subscribe in a variety of ways and our feed should work with any feed reader.

Check back with us soon!!

Reference Staff