Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin

Audience: ages 3 and up
(5 out of 5)

Did you know that dragons love tacos?  Well they do!  They like beef tacos, chicken tacos, pork tacos, big tacos, little tacos and on and on.  Just don't feed them spicy salsa.  Because they hate spicy salsa.  Make sure you read the labels on mild salsa carefully because some contain jalapeno's and that will cause bad things to happen at your dragon taco party.


This is a really cute book with nice big colorful illustrations.  Pick it up today to read to the kiddos!

Fifty Shades Freed by E.L. James

This is the final book in the "Fifty Shades of Grey" series by EL James. I've read
the other 2 "Fifty Shades" books, and I'd have to say that this is the weakest in
the set. As another reader of these books said to me before I started, this book
reads like a soap opera.

Here's the setup for the series - a rich, handsome billionaire named Christian
Grey begins to romantically pursue the wallflower protagonist - Anastasia Steele
- after she has to interview him when her journalist roommate is ill. The twist is
that Prince Charming, Grey, wants to do things with Ana that are very out of step
from the usual romance novel, things that would be more suited to a Penthouse
forum or the diary of the Marquis de Sade. But through Ana's love, Christian
modifies his tastes and becomes more normal and "vanilla." By the time this book
starts, the pair are married and on their honeymoon. Christian is still very
controlling and protective of his wife, but she constantly defies him, eventually to
her peril. Crazy ex's, bad bosses, and some scary times in vehicles occur before
the pivotal kidnapping scene, but all resolves happily, and as the novel closes,
we find the couple lounging with their son, awaiting the birth of their daughter.

What makes this book and the whole series wildly popular is the sex. James ­
writes the sex scenes well, and there are A LOT of sex scenes. But I shudder to
think of all the sweet, young things who might pick up this book, thinking this is
how their first sexual experience/partner will be. While titillating, Christian and
Anastasia's constant need for sex and each other, despite Anastasia's
inexperience with men (she is a virgin when they meet), speaks more to their
youth and James' need for a salacious page turner than to reality. James makes
each sex scene modern and different, and there is none of the awkwardness that
a reader finds sometimes in other bodice-rippers on the market. In this book,
Christian's sexual needs have become more vanilla, and Anastasia has
developed a taste for the kinky, so they have finally found some middle ground.

It is fascinating watching Christian's journey back to normal from where he
started in the first book, and I'm glad that I read this in order to complete the story
arc in my head. For new readers, however, this should not be the first book they
read in the series, and anyone who has read the other two like I have will be
more than relieved when this one ends that there are no more books in the
series. At least this will be the easiest one for filmmakers to adapt, because its
plot twists are very similar to many TV shows.

Submitted by Gerti

Sahara by Clive Cussler

Well, here it is another Clive Cussler adventure. I've read so many of these; it's starting to get old. Don't get me wrong, they're all great stories, and not too predictable, but in future novels I'd like to see a little more depth in the plotline instead of the main characters' diving expeditions. I'm okay with a bit of diving mechanics, but devoting an entire chapter to it is not exactly "suspenseful." Thankfully, this novel takes place in the middle of the desert, so diving is out of the question.

The storyline is typical of this series, corporate tycoons, conspiracies,
shipwrecks, and high-stakes action. This time, the ocean is being polluted from the Niger River in Africa with a chemical that accelerates the growth of red tides, which can halt the oxygen production of the ocean. This would threaten the survival of the human race, as you can imagine what would happen if we were deprived of oxygen. As always, Dirk and his pals rush to the rescue, trying to discover the source of the contamination. The source is a so called "solar detoxification project" under ruthless French billionaire entrepreneur Yves Massarde, which is in fact a nuclear waste dumping ground. The project is in the middle of the Sahara Desert and virtually ignored by the rest of the world.

If Pitt does not act soon, the world will suffocate. Even if the source is found, the heroes will have to
fight both Washington bureaucrats and African warlords to stop Massarde. Again, no spoilers here, as
you know, these books are immense so it would take me at least another page to layout the story in­
full. What I will tell you, however, is that Clive Cussler is a decent author and I really recommend his
books. Thanks for your time!

Submitted by Max

Goodbye, Columbus by Philip Roth

I have read several books by Philip Roth in the past. And then recently I saw the
movie "Goodbye, Columbus," since it was mentioned in the sexy '70s novel "Fear
of Flying." Between the two, book and movie, I would have to say that I far prefer
the book, as Roth's writing is much more amusing and gives the story a clarity
the movie lacks.

In the movie, which starred Ali McGraw (for no good reason, by the way, since
the character Brenda Patimkin in the book is described as having red hair. .. )
there is never really a clear reason for the title. The Roth book, however, makes
it crystal clear. The title derives from Brenda's sporty brother, Ron, and his
obsession with OSU. He constantly listens to a record which was given to him
(and all the other graduating seniors) by the school, and the final few words of
the record are "Goodbye, Columbus." Since Ohio State University is located in
Columbus, Ohio, it becomes clear that the goodbye is not only for Ron and his
college experience, but also refers to the passage from childhood to adulthood
that the lead characters face. And in this novel, there is no going back to that
earlier, more innocent time.

The hero (or is he an anti-hero?) is a Newark Colleges of Rutgers University
graduate named Neil Klugman, who develops a crush on Brenda during a trip to
her country club. As his educational pedigree indicates, Neil is not wealthy. He is
just the poor cousin brought to the country club on a day trip by his cousin Doris.
Brenda has him hold her sunglasses while she swims, and he is so smitten that
he finds out her name and calls her to ask her out. It's a classic set up ... He is
the poor boy from Newark, she a rich girl from Short Hills who goes to Radcliffe.
She is everything a rich girl should be, toned and tanned, sporty and spoiled. And
despite his humble upbringing, it is Neil's fabulous mind she enjoys having
around. She has him to dinner, although his mother calls him "Bill"; she has him
back to the club, even after hours; she invites him to stay at her house for weeks,
even as her harried mother is busy planning brother Ron's wedding. But is he
using her for sex and luxury, or is she using him to get attention from her
parents? You as the reader will have to decide.

The movie does triumph during the wedding scene, but in all other cases, this
story and the words of Roth are what sparkle brighter than any movie star. This is
a clever coming of age novel, and for me, it is modern in its ambiguity. Is Neil the
hero, or the villain of the piece? You must read it to find out how the relationship
ends, and decide who plays what role for yourself.

Submitted by Gerti

Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony and Rodrigo Corral

Reading Level: Young Adult
(4 out of 5)

Chopsticks is a compilation of pictures, IM messages, postcards, letters, newspaper clippings, etc.  You can sit down and read this book in one or two hours.  When you are finished you can't help but start over to see what you missed because you aren't sure if some things were real or not.  I like to think that they were but after reading some reviews and conferring with a co-worker I think I might be wrong.

Glory is a piano prodigy.  After her mother's death she retreats into her music, and her father has raised her to play sold out shows.  Brillant and lonely Glory is drawn to, Frank, the next door neighbor boy.  She loses herself in his paintings, mix CD's, and late night IM conversations.  Soon, Frank becomes both her connection to the world and her escape from reality.  Before long Glory snaps only being able to play the song "Chopsticks".  When Glory disapperars nothing is what it seems.  And we must decide what is real, what is fiction, and what has been madness all along...

To find out more about the book and see about the app go to http://chopsticksnovel.tumblr.com/

5 Ingredient Favorites by Rachel Lane

Reading Level: Adult Non-Fiction
(5 out of 5)

I am always on the look out for easy recipes.  I love to cook but that doesn't mean I want to slave away in the kitchen.  I love recipes that have 5 ingredients or less.  This cookbooks is full of over 140 delicious sounding recipes.

Chocolate Banana Smoothie pg 18 sounds yummy, Cheese and Sweet Potato Pasties pg 22 look yummo, Spicy Chicken Fried Rice pg 146 looks oh so good, and the Apple Turnovers pg 312 look just right for fall.

Seriously need to stop it with the cookbooks.  My stomach is growling! :)

Check out this book!

Muffin Tin Chef by Matt Kadey

Reading Level: Adult Non-Fiction
(5 out of 5)

I love using my muffin tin to cook.  I make lasagna cupcakes, taco cupcakes, sausage and egg cupcakes, baked oatmeal muffins, I think you get the idea.  So I was super excited to see that the library got this cookbook.

Bacon and eggs pg 18, Extra Moist Chocolate Cakes pg 122, Mini Macaroni and Cheese pg 70, and Spinach Dip Bowls pg 48.  Yum, Yum!

Come and check out this book!

Desserts in Jars by Shaina Olmanson

Reading Level: Adult Non-Fiction
(5 out of 5)

Just when you didn't think dessert couldn't get any cuter, it does with this cookbook: Desserts in Jars.  Something about putting dessert in a jar just makes it cute, even when it looks like a hot mess.  The recipes in this book look oh so good.  She has cakes, pies, mousse, and even macarons in a jar.

I want to try the cherry almond crumbles pg. 97, "fried" ice creams pg. 118, and lemon-blueberry bread puddings pg 83.  The Neapolitan cupcakes on the front cover look scrumptious.  All these food cookbooks are making me hungry.  I need to start reviewing some regular books ASAP!

Come check out this book out!

The Bust DIY Guide to Life by Laurie Henzel and Debbie Stoller

Reading Level: Adult Non-Fiction
(4 out of 5)

This guide has a little bit of everything.  Recipes, how to make clothes, makeup tips, how to make items for the home, it even has how to brew beer.  It really is a cool book for women.

On pg 139 find out how to turn cassettes into a coin purse.  Pretty neat! 

On pg 50 they made a lamp out of books.  It looks really cool but a part of me cringes knowing those books will never be read.  I hope they were old and grungy!

Jewelry Upcycled! by Sherri Haab and Michelle Haab

Reading Level: Adult Non-Fiction
(5 out of 5)

For those of you out there that like to make jewelry and like to be green, this is the book for you.  This book shows you how to make jewelry out of plastic bottles, cell phones, gift cards/credit cards, bubble wrap, cassette tapes,  leather, found objects, glass, and much more. The end products are so cool!

I haven't tried anything yet but I want to.  It's just finding the time.

Dinner in a Dish by Southern Living

Reading Level: Adult Non-Fiction
(5 out of 5)

Easy One Recipe Meals

You had me at Easy!  Another great cookbook with pictures for almost every recipe.  The snob in me is coming out.  I may have to buy this book.  I think 98% of the recipes looked delicious.  The other 2% I just didn't get a good chance to look at them.

The Three Cheese Baked Pasta pg. 168 looks heavenly, Spinach Ravioli Lasagna pg. 171 would make Popeye cheer, The Spicy Glazed Shrimp Kabobs look yummy pg. 279!

Hurry in a check this book out!

Pizza Pie

Pizza by Carla Bardi

 Don't you just love the shape of these books?  I do, but I don't.  The book lover in me loves the shape because on each page is a photo of a delicious round pizza or pie.  But the librarian in me knows that I have to fit a round book on a shelf full of square books says it's just not right!  But it's a good thing the book lover and the librarian are one and the same and they say who cares the book is round.  Enjoy the delicious looking photos and yummy sounding recipes.  While you would think that both books would be by the same author, you would be wrong.

Pies and Tarts by Rachel Lane

Pizza is by Carla Bardi and Pies and Tarts is by Rachel Lane.  Both are drool worthy.  The cookbook snob in me loves that each recipe has a color picture.  I don't like cookbooks without pictures.

Pizza has your basic recipes like Mushroom Pizza pg. 42, Two-Cheese Pizza pg. 54, and Pizza with Tomato, Garlic & Sausage pg. 106.  It also has some adventurous pizzas like Cheese Pizza with Onion, Apple & Walnuts pg. 26, Pizza with Tuna & Peas pg. 80, and Calabrian Pizza with Ricotta & Sausage pg. 98.  I would like to make my pizza with tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic.  It would be a Lacey special.

On to the Pies and Tarts.  These pies and tarts look so good you really want to cut into the pages to get a slice.  I want to try the Creme Brulee tart pg. 56, Banana Toffee pie pg. 64, and Chocolate Almond Cream pie pg. 122.  Oh they also have tarts with macadamia, yum, strawberries, and other yummy fruits, nuts, and chocolate. 

Check these books out!  Try not to drool all over the pages!

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

Reading Level: Adult
(4 out of 5)

This series was recommended to me by a trusted library patron.  She hasn't steered me wrong yet.  But I did have to ask her whether or not the main character, Merit, and the main hot and delicious vampire, Ethan, were ever going to hook up.  Blasted she told me yes and no.  She wasn't going to give it up.  I'm just not sure I want to read several books where they are at arms length and never quite together because you know I have enough frustration in my life and I don't need that with a book series.  She said to calm down, and to read the books.  That I would like them.  I told you she hasn't steered me wrong.

I did like the first book.  It's nice reading about an area that you are familiar with.  This is the first book in the Chicagoland Vampires series.  Vampires have recently came out of the closet.  People really aren't happy with the fact that they are living amongst the undead but, hey what can you really do.  Merit is your average graduate student until she is attacked by a rogue vampire and left for dead.  That is when she is changed into a vampire by the uberly hot and frustratingly old fashioned Ethan.  He is rather old school wanting to be called Master and Liege.  Ethan is rather put off when Merit doesn't fall at his feet in gratitude for saving her life.  She didn't get a choice and she isn't really happy being fanged and having to drink blood.

It's hard enough trying to learn how to be a proper vampire when someone is still out to kill you.  And life gets really interesting when she finds out her Grandfather is the Ombud (Police for the supernatural), her best friend is a burgeoning sorceress, and she finds out she has some wicked cool powers.

The Boy in the Song: The True Stories Behind 50 Rock Classics

Did you know that the Beatles song "Hey Jude" was written for John Lennon's son Julian or that Eric Clapton's son "Tears in Heaven" was written about his son that died?

The Boy in the Song: The True Stories Behind 50 Rock Classics by Frank Hopkinson and Michael Heatley gives the readers the stories on how each boy or man inspired the artists.  The songs span decades from the sixties with The Beatles to Adele's "Rolling in the Deep."

One of the best stories was from Alanis Morrisette's "You Outta Know" who was supposedly written about Dave Coulier, who played Joey on Full House.  Although Alanis never admitted to who the song is about Coulier did say the two dated.

This book is full of background information on some famous songs and is informative for all music lovers.