The One Man

The One Man by Andrew Gross

If you have ever read any books written by Andrew Gross and thought you had him pegged, think again. This historical thriller was not what I would have expected. It is an amazing read that kept me turning the pages except when I had to put it down to get a handle on my emotions.

The One Man is set during WWII mainly in Auschwitz. The United States is on a mission to save Dr. Alfred Mendl, a Jewish Pole who just happens to be an electromagnetic physics professor who is a resident of Auschwitz. They are convinced that what he knows will knock at least six months off the race to create the atomic bomb (and win the war). They are considering the unthinkable, sending someone to break into Auschwitz to get Mendl out.

Nathan Blum escaped from the Polish ghetto in Krakow a few years earlier and when he arrived in the U.S. he joined the army. He always felt guilty about leaving his parents and sister behind, even though it was their request. He learned that they were killed in the ghetto in retribution for the killing of a Gestapo officer. He is currently working at a desk job as an Intelligence Officer in the United States Army, but has made no secret of the fact that he wanted to do more. Because he speaks Polish and German, he was approached to take on the top secret mission. Blum agrees to break into Auschwitz to rescue Mendl and bring him back to the United States.

The story that Andrew Gross has written is mesmerizing. It is exciting, creative, emotional and moves very quickly. This is not a memoir, but the descriptions of life in the camp are gut-wrenching and similar to many I have read in other books. The ending of this book had me tearing up, it was a totally unexpected ending, but once I read it, it was very fitting.

I definitely recommend this book! If you like historical fiction, you will enjoy this book. If you like reading about WWII, you will like this book. If you enjoy a good thriller/suspenseful read, you will like this book.

Amazon Review

Happy Thanksgiving

We will be closing today at 5:00pm and will not open again until Monday November 28th.

We hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving Weekend!

Firefight

Firefight by Brandon Sanderson

Firefight is the second book in the Reckoners series, sequel to Steelheart.  Eliminating Steelheart was supposed to make life more simple.  Instead, it only made David realize he has some big questions.  There is no one in Newcago who can give him any answers. Is he willing to go on a quest darker, and more dangerous than the fight against Steelheart?

First off a disclaimer, I really, really like Brandon Sanderson's books.  This sequel to Steelheart is no exception.  Sanderson did a great job continuing the story.  It takes up where Steelheart left off (I won't say too much about the plot in case you haven't read the first book.)  The Reckoner's are continuing their fight against the Epics, but the stakes are getting higher and by the end of the book several characters will make the ultimate sacrifice.  Will all be lost or will David be able to find a way to save them all?  

Sanderson does an amazing job at keeping the same personalities for his characters and the story is never boring as he builds the plot, keeping us abreast of the events as though we were there.  The story line is original and fresh and definitely worth reading!

You can find this book in the Young Adult section of the library.

November Book Club

Come join us for our monthly Book Club on Thursday night!

 

Join us for a relaxing evening!

 

Rain Reign

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin

Fifth grader Rose Howard is a high functioning autistic obsessed with homophones, rules and numbers (especially prime numbers). She lives alone with her father, who divides his time working as a mechanic and going to The Luck of the Irish bar drinking beer. One rainy night he comes home with a dog for Rose--basically, it was the best thing he ever did for his daughter. Rose named the dog Rain (Rein, Reign--a special homonym trio!) and she became Rose's companion and best friend. When a really bad hurricane hits their small town, Rain goes missing. Now, Rose must find her dog. But in her search she discovered that Rain's original owners were also looking for him.
She already had so little in her life and it was very sad to see her lose the one thing that made home life bearable. Reading the parts where her classmates were giving her a hard time and bullying her was painful. I rejoiced when she finally made a connection with one of the girls in her class. And the way her dad treated her... ! Good thing she had her uncle.

Rain Reign is a beautiful, brilliantly written novel with a wonderful heroine who will grab your heart.  It's very readable and can be easily read and enjoyed by upper elementary and older students. I urge you to pick up Rain Reign today or tomorrow or whenever, but do not let this novel pass you by

Amazon Review

Candy Making!!!

There is no better way to get ready for the Holidays then by making sweet holiday treats. So be sure to stop by the library tonight where we will be making candy centers, fudge, and tempering chocolate.

Come Doodle With Us!

The Saturdays

The Saturdays by Elizabeth Enright

     Meet the Melendys, a father, 4 children and their housekeeper Cuffy.  They live in a comfortable brownstone in New York City.  13 year old Mona, who wants to become an actress; 12 year old Rush who is very mischievous; 10 year old Randy, who loves to dance; and thoughtful 6 year old Oliver.

     Tired of wasting Saturdays doing nothing, the four children decide to start the Independent Saturday Afternoon Adventure Club (I.S.A.A.C.)  They decide to put all their resources together and take turns spending the entire amount when its their turn.

     Each Saturday brings a new adventure to the Melendy children living in New York City.  They discover that combining their allowances and using it on their selected Saturday, makes each Melendy child's adventure possible.  A great chapter book, taking place in the 1940's.  This is the first book in the series of Enright's Melendy Quartet, about the close knit family and their surprising adventures.

This book can be found in the intermediate section of the library.

Behind Closed Doors

Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

Jack and Grace Angel are the perfect couple. Jack is an attorney that defends battered women and Grace is an excellent cook and perfect hostess when they entertain in their home. They have been married for just over a year and Jack will never leave Grace's side, even when she has a luncheon out with the "girls".

This is a psychological suspense that was a pretty good read. Some of the scenarios were a little unbelievable, but if you could get past that, it was worth the read.