WooReads Patron Book Reviews: History Buff Edition

Check out these nonfiction book reviews written by our patrons as part of the WooReads: WPL Adult Reading Challenge. The more book reviews you share on WooReads the more likely you are to win one of our random drawings!

Join WooReads today to log your books and share your reviews with your community.

Lincoln's Last Trial : The Murder Case That Propelled Him To The Presidency

By Dan Abrams

The true story of Abraham Lincoln's last murder trial, a case in which he had a deep personal involvement--and which played out in the nation's newspapers as he began his presidential campaign. It was very insightful. Interesting and a fast read. I didn't want to put it down.😀

~Valdajean J.

Jefferson's Daughters: Three Sisters, White and Black, in a Young America

By Catherine Kerrison

A nonfiction scholarly book about Martha, Marie and Harriet Jefferson- lots of new information about the family- reads like a novel.

~Agnes W.

Operation Columba: The Secret Pigeon Service

By Gordon Corera

An interesting, but at times confusing, story about how homing pigeons were used to carry secret messages, rescue downed pilots and support the French and Belgium resistance during WWII.

~Mary R.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Fiction Best Sellers

Check out what your fellow WooReaders said about these critically acclaimed novels! Like what you read? Click the title to link to our catalog.

Share your reviews on WooReads and keep logging those books. We have read 1,172 books so far. Help us to reach 5,000 before the end of May 2019.



There There

By Tommy Orange

A well-written and well-crafted debut novel of contemporary identity seeking. This story of multiple characters claiming some relationship to the urban Native American experience (modern day Oakland) tightens as the novel draws to a dramatic overlapping ending that echoes the tragic narrative behind the story being told.

~William C.

Lincoln In The Bardo (Audiobook)

By George Saunders

Just finished the audiobook of Lincoln In The Bardo.

It was an amazing 7 1/2 hours. I listened in chunks of half an hour to an hour, often intending to stop at the next chapter break, but being compelled forward.
It gets very intense.
If you like Nick Offerman's voice, there's plenty of that. There are also 165 other voices.

Heads up:
Strong language (including slurs)
There's a description of a slave being raped.

~Marguerite B.

*********************SPOILER ALERT**************************

In The Woods

By  Tana French

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It grabbed my attention quickly. I was very interested in Rob and his story-line. I loved his partner Cassie. She was my favorite character. I'm still questioning whether Rob was a reliable narrator or not. He did warn us, he's a liar. The book could be a little slow at times, but I felt it picked up in the second half. Then, I couldn't put it down. There were many times I wondered if Rob and Cassie would solve the murder or not.

The only thing that I did not like was (SPOILER) that the first mystery of Rob and his friends was NOT solved. This definitely irked me. I was more intrigued by this mystery than the murder mystery that the book followed. I desperately wanted to know what happened to Rob in the woods. I wanted to know what happened to his friends.

So, overall good. I would recommend to those looking for a good murder mystery. However, if you are easily frustrated by some mysteries not being solved, this may be one to avoid.

~Cynthia O.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Tear Jerkers

Grab a tissue folks. These books will bring tears to your eyes.

White Oleander

By Janet Fitch

A bestseller, but mostly sad. A young girl whose mom goes to prison, and she goes to foster care. She braves it out and manages OK, but your heart aches for her.

~Karen S.

Hey Kiddo

By Jarrett Krosoczka

This is a great book. Highly recommended. The story made me cry and I loved the pictures of Worcester. His grandparents reminded me of my parents and their contemporaries so much.

~Patricia A.

Maybe In Another Life

By Taylor Jenkins Reid

Stepped out of my reading comfort zone by reading this (contemporary romance novel). Highly recommend; got teary eyed at the end. Really made me thankful for all that I've accomplished, have and the people I've met in life. I sometimes wonder "what if," but have to remember that the steps I've taken brought me to where I am today. I'm right where I'm suppose to be.


~Mary T.

Lily And The Octopus

By Steven Rowley

** spoiler alert ** The ending of this book had me crying and there were some tender parts in the book, but I became annoyed with the overuse of the octopus symbol, particularly during the battle scene. Ok! I get it ! This was your epic tale and the octopus was your white whale, but, as my mother would have said, "Enough already!!"

~Jeri G.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Books That Will Keep You Guessing

Take a break from the work week and check out these mystery/thriller reviews! Don't forget to log your books on WooReads and help us read 5,000 books as a community before the end of May 2019!

Righteous

By Joe Ide

I’ve been dabbling in reading crime and mystery fiction this year and I read the first IQ novel after reading a positive review for the most recent volume in the NYTimes. I figured I’d start at number 1 and work my way up to the third. The first one was a quick, easy read, but this one was a little too grim for me, and the ending seems a little rushed. I’m in for the third installment though since the through-line of IQ’s sad love life seems to be ready for a turnaround based on something that happens in the final pages. I need something good to happen for this guy!

~Gail H.

The Drop

By Dennis Lehane

A one night reading experience-cover to cover, this book is engaging, captivating and intriguing. The characters are located at a South Boston bar where shenanigans prevail. -🙌 Dennis Lehane at his best

~Agnes W.

Pretty Girls

By Karen Slaughter

Loved this book, could not put it down. A girl is missing in a small town. A now woman wonders if it had anything to do with her sister missing 20 years. A thriller, I will be looking for other books by K. Slaughter.

~Karen S.

In A Dark, Dark Wood

By Ruth Ware

Really good build up, propelled the action and tension forward really well, but by the end the "who done what" was pretty obvious, making it painfully frustrating waiting for characters to catch up.

~Heather W.

Stay Hidden

By Paul Doiron

A faced-paced (taking place over just a few days) murder mystery set on an island off the coast of Maine populated by believable hard-scrabble residents and temporary visitors to the island - including the game warden detective in this on-going series, Mike Bowditch. The book evokes well its November coastal setting. The author's strongest work yet.

~William C.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Nonfiction Edition

WooReaders! We have reached 15% of our goal. Help us read 5,000 books before the end of May 2019. Go to our WooReads site and log your books today. Here are some intriguing reviews for nonfiction books that will inspire you to pick a book up today. 

The Library Book

By Susan Orlean

A far ranging social history of the Los Angeles central library. Orleans introduces us to the colorful characters and controversies surrounding the founding and growth of the library and does some sleuthing to try to determine the cause of a mammoth fire that destroyed a large part of the library’s collection. A library-lover’s dream book
~Gail H.








Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture

By Roxane Gay

An anthology, so definitely some bits stronger than others, but overall, worth the read. It took me forever to get through it because there's only so much one could take in a single sitting, but lots of material to make one think (and make one sad, and angry, and....)
~Heather W.









I Can't Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other Reasons I've Put My Faith in Beyoncé

By Michael Arceneaux

Laugh out loud funny, honest, and thought-provoking. Thank you for sharing your fears, dreams, and hopes!
~Adrienne H.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Books in a Nutshell

As of this blog post we have read 528 books. Thank you to all of the WooReaders who have logged their books for September and October. Keep logging!


Looking for some recommendations? Check out the book reviews below and on WooReads (on WooReads, select the drop down menu in the right hand corner where your name is and click "Reviews" then click the "Peer Written Reviews" tab). And always check our Booklists and Staff Picks page!

Also, if you have registered for WooReads, don't forget to pick up your lanyard from your favorite branch.

The Rules of Magic

By Alice Hoffman

😄 I decided to read this book because it should have came before Practical Magic. It allowed me to get an insight of the characters beforehand. Awesome read!!!!!!

~Valdajean J.

Look Behind You

By Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen

Enjoyable book, fast paced action. Couldn’t read it fast enough. Good twist at the end. My only disappointment was would have like a little more of why.

~Karen S.

My Name is Lucy Barton

By Elizabeth Strout

Review:
The woman in a hospital bed reflects on the relationships that have formed her character.

~William C.

A Celebration of Authors 2018

A Celebration of Authors 2018 

The signature fundraising event of the Worcester Public Library Foundation 

Please join us for an extraordinary evening of cocktails, food and conversation with four celebrated authors to benefit the programs and services of the Worcester Public Library.
 Thursday, October 25, 2018: 5:30-9:00 p.m. Mercantile Center @ 100 Front Street Worcester, MA 

Featured Authors 

Ann Hood 

Ann Hood is the author of the bestselling novels The Knitting Circle, The Obituary Writer, and The Red Thread as well as the memoir Comfort: A Journey Through Grief which was named one of the top ten non-fiction books of 2008 and was a New York Time's Editor's Choice. The winner of two Pushcart Prizes, two Best American Food Writing Awards, a Best American Spiritual Writing and a Best American Travel Writing Award, her most recent books include the novel The Book That Matters Most and the memoir Morningstar: Growing Up with Books.

Gregory Maguire 

Gregory Maguire is the New York Times bestselling author of After Alice, Confessions of an Ugly
Stepsister, Lost, Mirror Mirror, and The Wicked Years, a series that includes Wicked - the beloved classic that is the basis for the blockbuster, Tony Award-winning Broadway musical- Son of a Witch, A Lion Amoung Men and Out of Oz. Maguire has lectured on art, literature, and culture both at home and abroad. He lives with his family near Boston, MA.

Roland Merullo

Roland Merullo is the award-winning author of twenty books of fiction and non-fiction. These range from suspense novels (Fidel's Last Days, A Russian Requiem, Revere Beach Boulevard, The Return) to love stories (A Little Love Story, The Talk-Funny Girl, Leaving Losapas) to golf and travel books (Golfing with God, Passion for Golf, The Italian Summer, Taking the Kids to Italy) to humorous spiritual road trips (Breakfast with Buddha, Lunch with Buddha, Dinner with Buddha, American Savior). His work has been translated across the globe, from China to Brazil, from Korea to Croatia and has sold hundreds of thousands of copies to date. His most recent novel is The Delight of Being Ordinary.

 Randy Susan Meyers

 Randy Susan Meyers' internationally bestselling novels are informed by years working with families
impacted by violence. Her fourth novel, The Widow of Wall Street, was called an "engrossing emotional journey" by Kirkus Review, and "compelling" by Associated Press. She has written The Comfort of Lies and Accidents of Marriage, which was chosen by People Magazine as "Pick of the Week." The Murderer's Daughters, Meyers' debut, was a month-long Target Book Club pick for the country and called a "knock-out debut" by the LA times.

Moderator: Stephanie Pasha is currently the President of the Worcester Public Library Board of Directors. She is the Assistant Vice President of Strategic Volunteer Engagement at WPI.

Read the daily edition of Telegram & Gazette Online

No time to visit the library to browse the daily edition of the T&G? We've got you covered! WPL cardholders can now access for FREE, the daily Telegram & Gazette in full color which includes all news articles, classifieds, weather reports, puzzles and more! Access is available same day as print edition.

What Do I Need To Access the daily edition of T&G?

• A device with internet access

• A valid WPL card

That's it! Click here to find it on our website.

Text only versions of the T&G are also available from 1989-present via the WPL website. If you need to access any issues of the T&G from before 1989, please come to the Main Branch of WPL for access to our microfilm collection, or submit an information request through Ask a Librarian.

~Gretta

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Cozy up with some book reviews!

Worcester! Join our community and help us read 5,000 books before the end of May 2019. Register for WooReads: Adult Reading Challenge and start logging your books today. There will be random drawings throughout the program for books logged and reviews written. Logging more books and sharing more reviews will increase your chances of winning one of our random drawings.

Not sure what to read? Check out these book reviews below written by your fellow patrons. This is the perfect time of year to cozy up with a good book!

Keep on reading. 

Hot Milk
By Deborah Levy

Although its scope is wide (set in Spain, Greece and influential references to England), this novel is successfully claustrophobic, detailing how a 20-something budding anthropologist who is bruised by her divorced parents comes to terms with the dysfunctions of her life and those of her temporary friends. A tightly-written and therefore rewarding reading experience even if it is not filled with many feel-good moments.

~William C. (First winner of our Book Critic Drawing!)








The Leavers
By Lisa Ko


A wonderful, heartbreaking book about belonging. The Leavers is the story of Deming and his mother Polly who come to America from China. It is a great story about the immigrant experience, about love, about family, ,about multicultural adoption, about fitting in, about education... it's all here and it is beautifully written.

~Jeri G.










Crazy House
By James Patterson

Love James Patterson books for the most part, but this one was a disappointment. It was geared to a teen, suppose to be like a Hunger Games. No where as action packed. It was a future world with individual colonies, too many rules and hardships to fight.


Finished it I guess I can get a second book. I know I’ll skip that.


~Karen S.

Digital Spotlight on Periodicals

Summer Reading 2018 has come to an end… you’ve collected your prizes, attended events all summer, and logged your reading to help Worcester read waaay over our goal of 1 million minutes! After all that frenzied reading to get that Libraries Rock! tote bag, t-shirt, or maybe even a special raffle prize, you deserve to sit back, relax, and enjoy some casual reads.

Lucky for you, over 100 popular magazines you know and love can now be accessed online thanks to the magazine collections on
RB Digital and Overdrive. Access to latest issues of magazines like Newsweek, Yoga Journal, Reader’s Digest, US Weekly, and many others are at your fingertips, from anywhere, at any time, and for as much time as you need! You can access both resources from our ebooks and digital media page!

Unlike checking out physical magazines, digital magazines have unlimited checkouts with no return dates or late fees- once you check it out, you have it in your account for as long as you desire. So whether you’re on a beach somewhere with your kindle soaking up the last of the summer rays or catching up on the news at home, come visit your digital magazine collection on RB Digital and Overdrive.

Read on!
-Gretta

Libraries Rock! Historical Fiction Book Reviews Abound

Our summer reading program has come to an end but we still have some book reviews to share! Enjoy these historical fiction book reviews and see what other books were reviewed on our blog. Not only did patrons share book reviews but they also shared reading selfies and bookfaces. Thanks for reading and sharing with us, Worcester!

The Taster

By: V.S. Alexander

Did you know Adolf Hitler had 15 young women taste test his food during World War II? This story was inspired by a real life, sole-survivor of the 15 tasters, Margot Wölk, who didn’t reveal her past life until she was 95 years old. In The Taster, the heroine’s name is Magda Ritter. She must learn how to detect all different types of poisons and bad mushrooms; her life depends on it. However, she is potentially sacrificing her life for a man she secretly loathes. This is a heart-wrenching tale of the horrors of that war through the unclouded eyes of a German woman who finds herself working very closely with the man himself.

                                                                 ~ Lex P.

Salt to the Sea

By: Ruta Sepetys

This is Sepetys first book I read, and it lead me to read all of her books at the beginning of the summer. You see the story through multiple characters eyes, but it doesn’t get confusing at all, if anything it makes you want to keep going and see how one persons point of view differs so much from
another’s. It’s one of my highest recommendations for a good book hand down.

~Lisa P.

Between Shades of Gray

By: Ruta Sepetys

I’m not usually one for historical fiction but wow this was such a good read! Each page just made me want to read more. It’s sad, but also uplifting. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a snapshot of history.

~Lisa P.

Edgar Allan Poe and the London Monster

By: Karen Lee Street

In this adventure with Poe, the readers will find not only a great and mysterious hunt for his family's past but also some events that could have inspired the American writer, such as the raven, his most famous poem. It is worth every single page. Will Poe face his past once and for all? You will only discover at the very last chapter!

~Juliana M.

As much as I love historical fiction, my problem with historical fiction is that you always know what's going to happen.

George R. R. Martin

Libraries Rock! To the Woods and Beyond Book Reviews

Our summer reading program ends August 18th but there is still time to submit book reviews! Submit 5 book reviews or any combination of book reviews, reading selfies, and bookfaces, and be entered into a random drawing to win a fun prize!

The Woods 

By: Harlan Coben

Great book, couldn’t read it fast enough, but, sad when it was done. It’s about a summer camp, 4 counselors turn up missing. Only 2 bodies were found. (2 of my kids are working at a summer camp this year)! Years after the fact, the brother of one tries to find what happened to his sister and one other. Bodies were never found. A few twists along the way as usual with Harlan Coben. Great not want to put it down read.

~Karen S.

Ill Wind

By: Navada Barr

Murder mystery set in Mesa Verde National Park. The main character is Anna Pigeon a National Park Service ranger. The plot revolves around her interactions as a ranger, and the death of a fellow ranger under mysterious circumstance. The backdrop is the cliff dwellings of the Anasazi people who lived there for over 700 years before vanishing. Interesting story with an archaeological flavor.

~Deborah B.







The Martian

By: Andy Weir

This book review is about The Martian by Andy Weir. The main character, Mark Watney, is an astronaut stranded on Mars, alone. An unexpected dust storm nearly kills him, and his crew has to abandon him and the Mars expedition altogether. This story is essentially Apollo 13 meets Castaway, but the stakes are much higher. There isn’t even oxygen to breathe on Mars and no way to signal anyone for help a planet away. Andy Weir is a very technical writer; he goes into great detail about the chemistry, math, and engineering pertinent to the story. This can be somewhat intimidating and confusing to read through, but the storyline is worth it. The Martian keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time, wondering if Mark can pull off the biggest space disaster of all time.

~Lex P.

The mountains, the forest, and the sea, render men savage; they develop the fierce, but yet do not destroy the human.

Victor Hugo

Libraries Rock! Short and Sweet Book Reviews

Our summer reading program ends August 18th but there is still plenty of time to submit book reviews! Submit 5 book reviews or any combination of book reviews, reading selfies, and bookfaces, and be entered into a random drawing to win a fun prize!

Girl, Wash Your Face

By: Rachel Hollis

Such an amazing book! So glad I read it! 

~B.B.

Homer's Odyssey

By: Gwen Cooper

Homer’s Odyssey is the story of a blind cat adopted by the author Gwen Cooper. There was pathos, humor and sadness (as is almost always the case where animals are concerned). I highly recommend it for cat/animal lovers.

~Deborah B.

The Atrocities 

By: Jeremy C. Shipp

The Atrocities is a quick easy read. Grabs you from the beginning with all its twist and turns. 

~B.B.

The Lopsided Christmas Cake

By: Wanda E. Brunstetter & Jean Brunstetter

I love this book because it brings me back when I started baking and decorating cakes and some of them came out lopsided or uneven. Lol brought smiles to my face while reading.

~Cathy Ann T.

The Golem and the Jinni

By: Helene Wecker

The Golem and the Jinni was a delightful surprise. It is the story of a golem and a jinni whose lives intersect in 1890s New York City. As the story unfolds, you discover the intriguing relationship between these two creatures. The book is exceptionally well written, and held my interest from beginning to end.

~Sharon B.

Libraries Rock! Witty and Cozy Book Reviews

Share your book reviews with us on our Summer Reading site and we will share them here. Submit 5 book reviews or any combination of book reviews, reading selfies, and bookfaces, and be entered into a random drawing to win a fun prize!

Elements of Wit 

By Benjamin Errett 

This book contains several examples of the great wits of the world and how they developed their craft. Some stories are familiar, such as Winston Churchill's many lines, and others not so much, but overall the book succeeds not on the strength of the subjects, but the subject itself-wit. Errett carefully defines what wit truly is and how to differentiate it from comedy, etc. When finished, you will have a new appreciation for the word play and careful, hard work that goes into a person seemingly witty without effort.

~Cameron L.

Lost Books and Old Bones

By Paige Shelton

Why I chose this book:

One of my favorite genres is cozy mystery. When I came across this one, the title jumped out at me, and so did the setting — not only do I like cozy mysteries and bookshops, but I particularly like mysteries with a different geographical setting (Great Britain, Botswana, Georgia...). Minotaur Books provided a review copy.

Review

I cannot stop thinking about this book since finishing, which happened altogether too quickly. I shall have to seek out the others in this series.

Delaney Nichols is an American in Scotland, working at a used bookshop. The bookshop houses various treasures, including an antique scalpel set that belonged to Dr. Knox. In the 1820's, Dr. Knox had conducted medical research using murder victims' bodies. When an acquaintance of Delaney is murdered outside the bookshop a few hours after discussing the scalpels, and the history of Dr. Knox and his suppliers pops up again and again, Delaney is drawn into hunting down the present-day killer. After an exciting and complex search, an unexpected though not unimaginable culprit is apprehended.

I was consumed by Lost Books and Old Bones. The contemporary characters were people whom I could imagine running into in a bookshop or museum. You find out more about them organically, just as you would with actual acquaintances. I also enjoyed her inclusion of historic figures, namely Dr. Knox, William Burke, and William Hare (the latter two were murderers and cadaver suppliers). Tying the cozy mystery to true crime enhanced my suspension of disbelief. If you think about it, who comes across multiple murders (this book is third in a series) and sets out to solve them herself, other than protagonists in cozy mysteries? No one. But tying the actually-caught-and-convicted murderers to the fictitious murder grounded the novel in a unique way.

The search for the killer was a perfect balance of complexity, red herrings, and common sense. At no point did a question of, "Really???!!!" interrupt my reading. Just as I uncovered layers of the characters, so too were layers of the crime uncovered. Everything developed naturally, from the clues to Delaney's and the police's investigations. At the end, though, the culprit did start monologuing about the crime. Even that, somehow did not feel contrived.

Can I recommend this any more highly? You like mysteries? Bookshops? History? You'll probably like this.

~ Victoria D.

Libraries Rock! Book Reviews Of Late...

The Gatekeepers

By Chris Whipple

For fans of Leo McGarry of "The West Wing" or maybe more recently Doug Stamper of "House of Cards," this book explains the role of Chief of Staff to the President of the United States. The author, journalist Chris Whipple, was able to get 18 living chiefs together to be interviewed about their job and their particular troubles navigating the politics of their time and the Presidential figure they served. 

This book is a thorough look behind the scenes and offers some insight on how critical decisions were made by presidents going back to Nixon. Gain more understanding of politics and who influences the President by reading this book.

~ Christopher R. 

The Stranger

By Harlan Coben

This book was so good, I was sorry to have to put it down to sleep and eat. Fast paced action, lots of twists and turns. Unexpected but great ending. Passing my book on. Recommend it to read. Taking out more by this author!

~ Karen S. 

This is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare 

By Gabourey Sidibe

Why I chose this book:

I enjoy reading memoirs of contemporary figures. They are personal histories that help me better understand how other people think and view the world. When I saw this among Harcourt Houghton Mifflin's Spring offerings, I requested a review copy, which was provided.

Review

Gabourey Sidibe, the star of the film Precious, relates her struggles and triumphs from childhood and young adulthood.

From a young age, Gaborey struggled with healthy eating; she struggled through obesity and an eating disorder. She also struggled with her parents' divorce (when her Senegalese father engaged in his cultural norm of polygamy), financial hardship, and bullying. Hand in hand with those issues, she suffered from depression, to the point that it became necessary to drop out of college. After improving her mental health, she was unable to re-enroll in college due to financial constraints and then struggled to find work due to her lack of a college education. She ended up working as a phone sex "talker" and helped to support her family. Through a series of fortuitous events, she arrived at an audition for the film Precious and became the actor she is today.


This Is Just My Face was eye-opening. I didn't know anything about Gabourey before reading this book. The synopsis of the book stated that it was about the star from Precious; I had seen the film, I like memoirs, and I especially like reading about inspirational or strong women, so my attention was caught, but that was all I knew going in. I couldn't have told you who Gabourey was a month ago. Now I think I know her as well as she is comfortable being known by the public, though her writing style is such that I felt like I was having a long conversation with a best friend. And she is funny! That was really my biggest impression of her, aside from her being an inspirational example, that is. She tackles serious topics, shedding light on how she has dealt with unhealthy relationships, what has precipitated her forgiveness, and about maintaining her mental health. Her strength and perseverance are heartening, and reading about her responses to different struggles has validated my own responses to similar issues, such as forgiveness and (unrelated) bullying. I devoured this book and have been recommending it to everyone I can. I am a new fan of Gabourey Sidibe after reading this

~ Victoria D.

Libraries Rock! Summer Reads Book Reviews

Share your book reviews with us on our Summer Reading site and we will share them here. Submit 5 book reviews or any combination of book reviews, reading selfies, and bookfaces, and be entered into a random drawing to win a fun prize!

The Hate U Give

By Angie Thomas

I loved this book! It wasn't the usual type of book I like to read but I kept hearing people talk about it. So I decided to give it a try. I wasn't disappointed i couldn't put it down. It made me laugh it 

~ Jasmine A.

Steve Jobs

By Walter Isaacson

This is an excellent read. Almost 600 pages, it avoids feeling long and stuffed and repetitive. It gets to the essence of what made Jobs so successful and also so irritating. For someone, like myself, that grew up during the infancy of computers, it reminded me of so much that took place to make so much of what takes place seem simple. The truth is that all the technology we enjoy today took years and years and mistakes to get to where we are, and Isaacson along with Jobs had me asking, at the conclusion and throughout, where we will end up. And this is coming from me, someone not in love with technology, but strangely curious about it. I suggest and recommend this book to anyone in their 40s and 50s as a nostalgia ride, to anyone younger as a reminder of what they did not experience, and to anyone of any age that is curious.

~ Cameron L.

When Things Fall Apart: Heart advice for Difficult Times

By Pema Chödrön

A beautiful and inspiring book about learning to accept the ebb and flow of whatever comes our way in life. Pema Chödrön is able to simply but powerfully convey this message through a variety of different analogies. Highly recommended!

~ Sarah L.