Oct 12 14:25

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:
That’s So Annoying: An Etiquette Expert on the World’s Most Irritating Habits and What You Can Do About Them by
Cynthia W. Lett

We all have our own pet peeves and irritations and this book offers solutions to handling these situations. It is a fun book but I was a little disappointed in the lack of creativity. For several issues the author simply says we have to live with it, including screaming children in public places and people who use express checkout lanes with too many items. I expected this book to have more unique ways to handle difficult issues. It is a fun to look through but not all that insightful. --KH
October 12, 2009

 

»
Oct 12 14:22

Fiction

By: belsky Tags:
Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch
Locke Lamora is an orphan, thief, con man, and leader of the Gentleman Bastards. He inhabits a world that is like a futuristic version of Venice. It’s hard to put this story in a category—certainly it’s fantasy, but it’s also a caper novel, and you may also find echoes of “Oliver Twist” in there. I was surprised that I liked this book as much as I did. There’s another book in the series out, and the third volume is slated for 2010. --SB
October 12, 2009

 

»
Oct 12 14:17

Fiction

By: belsky Tags:
When Madeline was young: a novel by Jane by Hamilton
Aaron and Julia Maciver inhabit 1950s suburban Chicago with Aaron’s first wife, Madeline, who suffered a brain injury shortly after the wedding and now functions on the level of a seven-year-old. The book is narrated by the couple’s son, Mac, now an adult, who looks back upon the unusual family arrangement. --SB
October 12, 2009

 

»
Oct 12 14:13

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:
Making of the fittest: DNA and the ultimate forensic record of evolution by Sean Carroll
Carroll, a University of Wisconsin professor, looks at how DNA demonstrates the evolutionary process. In a readable manner, he uses monkeys, dolphins, and microbes to demonstrate evolution and DNA. Picks up where scientist Richard Dawkins has left off. A complex subject explained for the non-scientist. --SB
October 12, 2009

 

»
Oct 09 08:40

Fiction

By: belsky Tags:
The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by
Leanna Renee Hieber

The Guard protects Victorian England from demons and the underworld in this remarkable fantasy novel. A prophecy predicted that the six members of The Guard should expect a seventh member to join them; this member will help them win the war against evil. When Percy Parker arrives at The Guard’s doorstep, she has no idea what is in store for her. Also including Greek myths, Jack the Ripper, and romance, this is a highly enjoyable fantasy read and I was delighted to learn that Hieber plans to make it a series. --KH
October 9, 2009
 

 

»
Oct 09 08:35

Fiction

By: belsky Tags:
You’re not you by Michelle Wildgen
Bec is a college student having an affair with a married professor. When she takes a job assisting Kate, a young woman with ALS, she finds that Kate can raise funds, teach Bec how to cook gourmet meals, and deal with life on her own terms. Bec moves in with Kate and takes over some of the tasks that Evan, Kate’s husband, had been doing. An intimate look at the relationships among people. This is the author’s first novel.  --SB
October 9, 2009

 

»
Oct 09 08:32

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:
Horsing Around in Wisconsin: The state’s best stables, barns and trails for lessons and training by Anne M. Connor

Everything you wanted to know about horsing in the state. The book is divided into four quadrants: Southwest, Southeast (covers Winnebago Co.), Northwest, and Northeast. Each section provides a listing of stables and barns, and riding trails. Some stables/barns and trails are covered in depth and others have a short description. All have location and contact information. List of Wisconsin horse associations and selected tack shops can be found at the end of the book. Since I knew there were great horse trails at the Wildcat Mountain State Park, I checked to see what they said about them. They were mentioned as being some of the most popular trails in the state. Another exceptional book from the publisher, Trail Books, based out of Black Earth, Wisconsin. –SS
October 9, 2009

 

»
Oct 09 08:28

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:

Ghost hunters: William James and the search for scientific proof of life after death by Deborah Blum
At the turn of the twentieth century, a group of well-known intellectuals formed the Society for Psychical Research in America. William James may have been the most recognized name in the group, but there were also psychologists, philosophers, and two future Nobel Prize winners. Much of the society’s efforts were devoted to exposing frauds, but even the hard-core scientists were baffled by medium Leonora Piper. A fascinating book, for both believers and nonbelievers.  SB

October 9, 2009

 

 

»
Oct 09 08:24

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:
Motorcycling Across Wisconsin by William Murphy

I’m not a motorcycle owner or rider, but still picked up this book out of curiosity. The book consists of many motorcycle tours throughout the state. Each tour is provided with a map, detailed directions, background information on the area, what will be seen along the route, and the mileage of the route. Tours include around Lake Winnebago, Kickapoo Valley (very scenic), a Superior ride, Great Lakes rides and Door Peninsula. Appendices include Wis. Motorcycle Operation Laws, Hotel & Motel contact information and motorcycle dealers and repair shops. A definite recommendation for riders who like to enjoy the ride, attractions and scenic views along the way. --SS
October 9, 2009

 

»
Oct 09 08:20

Nonfiction

By: belsky Tags:

Every creeping thing: true tales of faintly repugnant wildlife by Richard Conniff
An enlightening and amusing look at some of the “least huggable members of the animal world.” Coniff, a science journalist, examines 16 different beasts, including snapping turtles, bats, sharks, and porcupines.  --SB

October 9, 2009

 

»