Harborfields Public Library Adult Summer Reading Club "Swing Into Reading"

Club 31's Grand Prize Winner is...

2009-08-19T11:30:00.002-04:00

Shirley Levy! She won two tickets to the John W. Engeman Theater at Northport.

We would like to thank all those who participated so enthusiastically in the Club 31 Swing Into Reading program. We hope you all discovered and enjoyed many memorable books.

Booknote Review: A Short History of Nearly Everything

2009-08-10T12:42:00.002-04:00

Excellent knowledge of all things science for the lay person.

Title: A Short History of Nearly Everything
Author: Bill Bryson
Reviewed by: Paul N.
5 Stars

Booknote Review: No Country for Old Men

2009-08-10T12:39:00.003-04:00

Book turned into a movie, where miraculously the movie is as great as the book. Story of regular guy who finds a lot of money and the criminals who own it move to retrieve it.

Title: No Country for Old Men
Author: Cormac McCarthy
Reviewed by: Anonymous
5 Stars

Raffle Winners - Week #7

2009-08-06T17:03:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the following Club 31 winners:

Tower of Games 2: Sandy Bucher

Be Creative: Jill de la Sota

Date Nite: Suzanne MacDevitt

Booknote Review: The Horse Boy

2009-08-06T17:00:00.003-04:00

Despair, hope, willingness to explore and keep faith in the unknown. These are some of the elements that keep these parents on the path for healing their son Rowan's autism. The instant connection of Rowan and the two horses in this story is miraculous. an arduous and challenging journey on horseback and van across Mongolia to see a number of faith healers brings an unexpected transformation of Rowan and his parents' lives.

Title: The Horse Boy: A Father's Quest to Heal His Son
Author: Rupert Isaacson
Reviewed by: Shirley L.
5 Stars

Booknote Review: Area 7

2009-08-06T15:35:00.003-04:00

Sequel to "Ice Station". Can read as stand-alone. Non-stop action. Fast read. U.S. President with squad of marines versus 50 special forces traitors in a show down with 14 nukes as the prize.

Title: Area 7
Author: Matthew Reilly
Reviewed by: John C.
5 Stars

Booknote Review: The Siege

2009-08-06T15:33:00.003-04:00

A group of Yale students from prominent families are held hostage on campus. All agencies become involved in trying to rescue them before they all die. Very engrossing.

Title: The Siege
Author: Stephen WHite
Reviewed by: Maureen B.
5 Stars

Booknote Review: Olive Kitteridge

2009-08-06T15:29:00.004-04:00

A joyous and tearful reminder of our own human frailties. Written in a series of short stories, each connecting the lives of both young and old in the ocean village of Crosby, Maine. Olive Kitteridge, a retired school teacher is the constant character who dislikes the changes in her town and doesn't always confront the changes in her own life.

Title: Olive Kitteridge
Author: Elizabeth Strout
Reviewed by: Susan W.
4 Stars

Booknote Review: City of Thieves

2009-08-03T14:45:00.007-04:00

Two young men, on a quest to find eggs during the siege of Leningrad, encounter the horrors of war but also discover some simple joys of life.

Title: City of Thieves
Author: David Benioff
Reviewed by: Dianne G.
5 Stars

Raffle Winners Week # 6

2009-08-03T14:12:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to the following Club 31 Winners:
Do-It-Yourself: Mitchell Thomas
Picnic In The Park: Michael Fallon

Second Book Prize

2009-07-30T10:04:00.002-04:00

You are entitled to a "Swing Into Reading" Calendar for reading at least two books. If you haven't gotten yours yet, please pick it up at the Reference Desk before August 7th.

Booknote Review: Growing Up Again

2009-07-27T14:02:00.002-04:00

A must read for those with Type 1 diabetes or their families.

Title: Growing Up Again: life, loves, and oh yeah, Diabetes
Author: Mary Tyler Moore
Reviewed by: Sharon L.
5 stars

Booknote Review: The House at Sugar Beach

2009-07-27T13:57:00.002-04:00

Helene Cooper is a "Congo" descendant of two Liberian dynasties dating back to 1820. Born in Liberia in the 60's to the black privileged class,their lives changed forever in April 1980 when the overthrow of the government forced them out of Liberia to live in America. Living in various southern states, Helen eventually became a reporter for the "Wall Street Journal" and "The New York Times." After spending time in Iraq as a reporter, Helene went back to Liberia to make peace with her past, and especially her adopted sister whom she hasn't seen in 23 years. Fascinating, informative historical content as well as a story sure to reach your heart.

Title: The House at Sugar Beach
Author: Helene Cooper
Reviewed by: Susan W.
5 Stars

Booknote Review: The Defector

2009-07-27T13:46:00.002-04:00

Gabriel Allan, smart super spy once again keeps the world safe from bad guys. The story includes recurring characters from his previous novels. Very good!

Title: The Defector
Author: Daniel Silva
Reviewed by: Shirl C.
5 Stars

Booknote Review: The Forgery of Venus

2009-07-27T13:43:00.002-04:00

Chaz Wilmot is a famous artist who has the ability to paint in the style of the old master. This ability gets him involved in a world-wide forgery ring and its (many) consequences.

Title: The Forgery of Venus
Author: Michael Gruber
Reviewed by: Marilyn G.
5 Stars

Booknote Review: Dewey

2009-07-27T13:33:00.004-04:00

A kitten is abandoned in the library book slot. The library adopts him and soon he becomes a hero in the town of Spencer, Iowa. It's a story of love, friendship and pride in this farming community. A great book.

Title: Dewey: the small town cat who touched the world
Author: Vicki Myron
Reviewed by: Sharon L.
5 stars

Raffle Winners - Week #5

2009-07-27T09:50:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to this weeks raffle winners:

Taste of Italy: Pat Radovich

Ultimate Car Wash: Sharon Somerville

Booknote Review: The Five Love Languages

2009-07-23T09:40:00.002-04:00

A wonderful book about discovering your own primary love language and the love language of other people in your life. With this knowledge, you can communicate love to people in your life in a way that it can be received.

Title: The Five Love Languages: how to express heartfelt commitment to your mate

Author: Gary Chapman

Reviewed by: Felice P.

5 stars

Booknote Review: The Land of Mango Sunsets

2009-07-23T09:37:00.002-04:00

Great book. Easy summer read. Keeps your interest -- you will enjoy it!

Title: The Land of Mango Sunsets

Author: Dorothea Benton Frank

Reviewed by: Michelle M.

4 stars

Booknote Review: Horse Soldiers

2009-07-23T09:31:00.003-04:00

True story about a small group of special forces soldiers who entered Afghanistan right after 9-11 to fight the Taliban with the Afghans. Very enlightening, politically, considering today's war in Afghanistan. Will appeal to military types.

Title: Horse Soldiers: the extraordinary story of a band of U.S. soldiers who rode to victory in Afghanistan

Author: Doug Stanton

Reviewed by: Fred D.

5 stars

Booknote Review: The Glass Palace

2009-07-23T09:28:00.001-04:00

Follows several families through trials and tribulations from 1885 to about 1998 throughout Malaysia, India and Burma. Great cultural detail of these little-known places.

Title: The Glass Palace

Author: Amitav Ghosh

Reviewed by: Sandy B.

5 stars

Booknote Review: A Year by the Sea

2009-07-23T09:25:00.003-04:00

Wonderful memoir describing a year in Joan's life; rediscovering herself after kids and a long marriage. Inspiring.

Title: A Year by the Sea: thoughts of an unfinished woman

Author: Joan Anderson

Reviewed by: Terry D.

5 stars

Booknote Review: The Help

2009-07-23T09:21:00.003-04:00

What a great read! It's 1962 Mississippi. Two black maids and one white young woman's lives intertwine at a time when so much is changing in the South. I could not put this book down.

Title: The Help

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Reviewed by: Karen B.

5 stars

Raffle Winners Week #4

2009-07-20T11:54:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to this week's raffle winners:

Wine Connoisseur was won by Marilyn Guariglia
Snuggle Up With a Good Book was won by Dena Maldon

Booknote Review: Tough Luck

2009-07-16T12:16:00.004-04:00

Brooklyn kid gets mixed up with the wrong crowd and tries to solve his money problems by taking part in a "can't lose" robbery which goes very wrong. Great 80s/Brooklyn references. A fast, fun read.

Title: Tough Luck

Author: Jason Starr

Reviewed by: Chris F.

4 stars

Booknote Review: Firefly Lane

2009-07-16T12:04:00.003-04:00

This is one of the most engaging books I have read in a long time, despite a little bit of a slow start in the first chapter - but it picks up entirely from there. This story chronicles the lives of two best friends over twenty years, through many of life's experiences and obstacles, including betrayal within their own friendship. My one warning is that there is a tragic twist to this story... went through half a box of tissues with this one!

Title: Firefly Lane

Author: Kristin Hannah

Reviewed by: Elena L.

5 stars

Booknote Review: The Mercy Room

2009-07-16T11:38:00.003-04:00

Moving, mysterious story leaving one with a great deal to think about.

Title: The Mercy Room

Author: Gilles Rozier

Reviewed by: Debbie F.

5 stars

Raffle Basket Winners - Week #3

2009-07-13T09:44:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the following winners:

Green Thumb was won by Melanie Danielsen
Man's Best Friend was won by Pamela Moyka

Booknote Review: The Venetian Judgment

2009-07-09T13:47:00.003-04:00

If you like the previous two, you'll enjoy this read. Twists and turns galore!

Title: The Venetian Judgment
Author: David Stone
Read by: Anonymous
Number of stars: 5

Booknote Review: You Remind Me of Me

2009-07-09T13:43:00.002-04:00

Beautifully written account of two half brothers struggling to forge a new relationship and undo the mess they've made of their lives.

Title: You Remind Me of Me

Author: Dan Chaon

Read by: Beth S.

Number of Stars: 5

Booknote Review: Magic Hour

2009-07-09T11:57:00.003-04:00

This is the fourth book I've read by this author and one of her best. It is about the wild child that walks into the Olympic National Forest and the child psychiatrist who treats her and learns to love her. I couldn't put it down!

Title: Magic Hour

Author: Kristin Hannah

Read by: Mary S.

Number of stars: 5

Booknote Review: Strangers

2009-07-09T11:53:00.003-04:00

The life of an older and solitary man. Rejected by women he loved when young because he was dependable and dull, too nice - he tries in his later years to form connections. As always, Brookner is subtle and both chilling and moving.

Title: Strangers

Author: Anita Brookner

Read by: Meryl E.

Number of stars: 5

Booknote Review: Look Again

2009-07-09T11:36:00.003-04:00

Great summer, easy reading. Unforgettable characters keep you guessing, plots and exploitation of emotional justice.

Title: Look Again

Author: Lisa Scottoline

Read by: Linda B.

Number of stars: 5

Booknote Review: People of the Book

2009-07-09T11:11:00.005-04:00

This book is fiction but you know the author has researched it well (both the scientific and religious aspects of publishing). It traces a unique copy of the Jewish Sarajevo Haggadah, its history after being rescued during the war.

Title: People of the Book

Author: Geraldine Brooks

Reviewed by: Roberta M.

Number of stars: 5

Raffle Winners - Week 2

2009-07-06T18:03:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to this week's winners!

Spa Time was won by Rita Amoreno

Tower of Games I was won by Ann Marie Coakley

Booknote Review: The Tehran Conviction

2009-07-06T17:59:00.002-04:00

Excellent novel on Iran, both the current situation and its history. It was sometimes like watching the nightly news.

Title: The Tehran Conviction

Author: Tom Gabbay

Read by: Shirley C.

Number of stars: 5

Booknote Review: Very Valentine

2009-07-06T17:55:00.002-04:00

Main character is an Italian woman whose family is involved in the shoe making business. The business is in jeopardy and she is put into the position to save it. A fun read!

Title: Very Valentine

Author: Adriana Trigiani

Read by: Jen M.

Number of stars: 4

Booknote Review: The Lady Elizabeth

2009-07-06T17:49:00.004-04:00

Based on the young Queen Elizabeth I's life starting at age two, until she becomes Queen. She reflects a lot on the beheading of her mother, Anne Boleyn, and how she really was destined to be Queen.

Title: The Lady Elizabeth
Author: Alison Weir

Read by: Heather G.

Number of stars: 5

Booknote Review: Fisherman's Bend

2009-07-06T17:36:00.003-04:00

Dark undercurrents run through a small village in Maine. The author combines humor and down-east flavor in this roller coaster surprise.

Title: Fisherman's Bend

Author: Linda Greenlaw

Read by: Anne D.

Number of stars: 4

Booknote Review: Gunpowder Green

2009-07-06T17:13:00.003-04:00

Wonderful mystery centered around a tea shop. Memorable characters.

Title: Gunpowder Green

Author: Laura Childs

Reviewed by: Eileen G.

Number of stars: 5

Booknote Review: The Shack

2009-07-01T10:20:00.002-04:00

A family loses their little girl on vacation. The father returns to the scene of the crime when he receives a message from "Papa" in her mailbox. He encounters God in the shack.

Title: The Shack

Author: William P. Young

Read by: Kathy E.

Booknote Review: Riding Lessons

2009-07-01T10:04:00.003-04:00

Story of a woman stuck between her past, present and future. Going through a divorce, she returns to her parent's home stable in order to deal with her father's illness, her teenage daughter and her life.

Title: Riding Lessons

Author: Sara Gruen

Read by: Anonymous

Booknote Review: Rise and Shine

2009-07-01T09:53:00.003-04:00

A book about two sisters. Their lives couldn't be more different. One is a popular on-air personality, and the other works as a social worker in Harlem. How they support, rejoice, and mourn with each other.

Title: Rise and Shine

Author: Anna Quindlen

Read by: Anonymous

Booknote Review: Handle with Care

2009-07-01T09:36:00.003-04:00

Willow was born with "brittle bone" disease. This affects her parents and her 12-year-old sister, Amelia, especially when mom decides to sue her doctor and best friend for wrongful birth. True to form, a Picoult twist at the end.

Title: Handle with Care

Author: Jodi Picoult

Read by: Sandy B.

Booknote Review: Run

2009-07-01T09:22:00.003-04:00

Wonderfully written. You don't know where she's going with this story. You care about all the characters.

Title: Run

Author: Ann Patchett

Read by: Debra L.

Booknote Review: Little Pink House

2009-06-29T20:24:00.003-04:00

This is a true story of a woman's battle against eminent domain. Her pink house has become an historic landmark. It was moved to another location intact and is a tribute to her efforts.

Title: Little Pink House: a true story of defiance and courage

Author: Jeff Benedict

Read by: Elizabeth M.

Booknote Review: Pretty in Plaid

2009-06-29T20:10:00.003-04:00

Jen Lancaster continues to entertain, this time telling the story of her childhood, focusing a great deal on her nine years in college, and her foray into the career world - in essence, a prequel to Bitter is the New Black. I love Jen Lancaster books because they make me laugh out loud and she is never afraid to be herself.

Title: Pretty in Plaid: a life, a witch, and a wardrobe, or the wonder years before the condescending, egomaniacal, self-centered smart-ass phase

Author: Jen Lancaster

Read by: Elena L.

Booknote Review: 10-10-10

2009-06-29T19:56:00.002-04:00

Enable those who are challenged in making important life decisions to evaluate the consequences in the immediate future, relatively short-term, and long term. Excellent self-help guide.

Title: 10-10-10: a life transforming idea

Author: Suzy Welch

Read by: Lisa L.

Booknote Review: Outliers

2009-06-29T19:52:00.003-04:00

Malcolm shows how in Industry, Academia and Culture, there are people who stand out, and why they stand out.

Title: Outliers: the story of success

Author: Malcolm Gladwell

Read by: AJ F.

Booknote Review: It's All Too Much

2009-06-29T19:37:00.004-04:00

Peter Walsh does an excellent job of guiding you through a step-by-step, room-by-room plan, to declutter your house. He also gets into why and how it got that way.

Title: It's All Too Much: an easy plan for living a richer life with less stuff

Author: Peter Walsh

Read by: Maryann M.

Booknote Review: Three Cups of Tea

2009-06-29T19:33:00.003-04:00

Greg's attempt to climb K2, the world's biggest peak, failed and he is nursed back to health by the village people. He promises to return to build a school, raises money and goes back. He has built fifty-five schools serving the Pakistan and Afghanistan communities. A wonderful read!

Title: Three cups of tea : one man's mission to promote peace... one school at a time

Author: Greg Mortenson

Read by: Angie J.

Booknote Review: The Last Lecture

2009-06-29T17:05:00.004-04:00

This book is full of good, honest wisdoms on life. Randy's positive attitude toward everything (even his cancer) showed us why he was such a beloved and successful professor. He had so much to offer... I am glad at least he left us this book of wisdom.

Title: The Last Lecture

Author: Randy Pausch with Jeffrey Zaslow

Read by: Un C.

Raffle Winners

2009-06-29T12:17:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to the following winners of the first Raffle Drawing at Club 31:

YOGA QUEST was won by Alison Schmitz

HOT OFF THE GRILL won by Cynthia Forstbauer

This week's raffles are: SPA TIME and TOWER OF GAMES I

So get reading and and get your "coat checks" into those top hats!

Recent Booknote Review: The Little Giant of Aberdeen County

2009-06-25T15:52:00.005-04:00

A girl is very large and this story is about her hardships and challenges in life. I loved this story and the characters.

Title: The Little Giant of Aberdeen County
Author: Tiffany Baker
Read by: Meri O.

Recent Booknote Review: City of God

2009-06-25T15:39:00.004-04:00

The latest book by this author in her series about old New York. These books center around two families - the Devreys and the Turners. The Turner's are a family of MDs and apothecaries, and the Devreys are in the shipping business. Many historical facts of the birth of New York City and the United States are intertwined.

Title: City of God: a novel of passion and wonder in old New York

Author: Beverly Swerling

Read by: Angela V.

Recent Booknote Review: Still Life

2009-06-25T15:32:00.004-04:00

Loved this book. One of those books that you can't wait to go to bed to get to the book. Woman is hit by a car and left in a coma. She can hear everything going on in the hospital room. Very suspenseful!

Title: Still Life

Author: Joy Fielding

Read by: Suzanne M.

Recent Booknote Review: The Scarecrow

2009-06-25T15:25:00.004-04:00

Thought provoking - what could happen if bacteria is introduced into oil wells.

Title: The Scarecrow

Author: Michael Connelly

Read by: Anne D.

This Week's Raffles Are....

2009-06-23T11:12:00.007-04:00

Hot Off the Grill & Yoga Quest

These two prizes will be raffled off this coming Friday, June 26th. So get your books read to increase your chances of winning!

Club 31 is Opening Monday!

2009-06-18T12:34:00.003-04:00

Visit Club 31 to sign up for the Adult Summer Reading Club!

Swing Into Reading! 2009 Adult Summer Reading Club

2009-06-16T12:25:00.009-04:00

"Club 31" will be open for business starting Monday, June 22nd, running through August 7th. When you register at the Reference Desk you will receive your Adult Summer Reading Club Packet.

The steps are simple: After reading a book of your choice, you will list it on your "Dance Card" Reading Log and have a chance to win one of the prizes on display.

To help you get into the "Swing" of things, place your complimentary raffle ticket near the prize of your choice, complete the literary puzzles, sign up for our special programs, and feel free to comment on the book reviews you see on our blog.

Two prizes will be raffled off each Friday, and a special Grand Prize will be raffled off on the last day of the reading club.

So find a good book and "Swing Into Reading!"