Good Reads & Views

Final Target by Steven Gore
FIC Gore, Steven

In this debut thriller, Graham Gage, ex-cop turned private investigator, finds himself in a race against the FBI and Ukraine gangsters to solve a stock swindle and arms deal to save his friend who unwittingly became involved with both.  In spite of detailed legalese and multilayer plots this is a fast placed ride in corporate fraud and international crime full of suspense and intrigue.

Royko in Love by Mike Royko
070.92 Roy

Mike Royko, syndicated columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner, was famous for his tough witty columns that made life miserable for the bad guys while delighting his readers. For Royko himself the most important words he wrote are the ones featured in this book—the letters he wrote to his lifelong love, Carol, both before and after their marriage. This is a vibrant, funny and sometimes heartbreaking collection that gives us another insight into a Chicago area icon.

Spiritual Envy: an Agnostic's Quest by Michael Krasny
211.7 KRA

Agnostics say that God's existence or nonexistence can't be proven, as opposed to atheists who believe that there is no God and the devout who believe that there is a God. NPR host Krasny has evolved from a strong believer of the Jewish faith into an agnostic who has too many questions that cannot be answered. Forever seeking, this book tells his story of becoming an agnostic. Written in an almost conversational style, this is a very thoughtful book that might provide insight to believers and non-believers alike.

Little Bee by Chris Cleave
FIC Cleave, Chris

This is the story of Little Bee, a young illegal refugee girl from Nigeria, whose very existence influences the lives of people she comes in contact with. Told in the voices of both Little Bee and Sarah, the English woman whose life intersects with Little Bee’s, this is a beautifully written book. Some moments are funny, some are achingly sad and it is recommended that you keep a box of tissues within reach.

Can God Be Trusted? Finding Faith in Troubled Times by Thomas D. Williams, LC, THD
231.7 WIL

Thomas Williams is the Vatican Analyst for CBS News and the author of the book Spiritual Progress.  In this book, he brings up issues that are facing many Christians today.  In a troubled world, many people find that they are asking God some very tough questions, and then are not patient enough to wait for His answer.  This book poses some of those hard questions, and then refers readers to Bible verses that will help them answer these difficult questions.

Princess in the Spotlight by Meg Cabot
YA Cabot, Meg

Mia Thermopolis has recently been told that she is a princess.  Now she must deal with the 9^th grade, a body guard, her first television interview, and a secret crush all at the same time.  Mia is trying really hard to learn as much as she can about being a princess while trying to pass her Algebra class.  Then her mother tells her a small secret, which Mia’s Grandmother soon turns into a very large and embarrassing ordeal.  Join Princess Mia as she continues her princess lessons, completes most of her homework, and discovers who her secret crush is.

Better Off Wed by Laura Durham
PBK Durham, Laura

A light and amusing mystery / chick lit novel involving a wedding planner. Annabelle Archer, proprietor of Wedding Belles, lives and works in Washington, D.C., where she and her colleague Kate (who regularly mutilates clichés) work with brides—and bridezillas—to make sure their special day is perfect. When the mother of the bride collapses and dies at one of their wedding receptions, Annabelle and her friend Richard, who catered the event, become suspects—and then decide to act as amateur detectives, in an attempt to clear their names. Their curiosity is ill-regarded by Detective Reese, the handsome police officer in charge of the investigation. The romantic tension between Annabelle and Reese enhances this cozy mystery, which won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel.

Against the Machine: Being Human in the Age of the Electronic Mob by Lee Siegel
303.4833 SIE

The internet is becoming increasingly important in our lives, and that importance is changing our culture . According to the author, the emphasis on commerce and popularity as measures of quality, the ability of one person’s anonymous, cutting words to influence millions, and the marginalization of those without the money or tech savvy to participate are the dark side of modern technology. And these issues affect us all.

Cryoburn by Lois McMaster Bujold
FIC Bujold, Lois McMaster

It takes hyperactive Imperial Auditor Lord Miles Vorkosigan’s genius for trouble to find a conspiracy among the frozen dead. When the emperor orders him to check out a cryonics company eager to expand into the empire, Miles ends up spreading chaos throughout the complacent cryonics companies of Kibou-daini, which are so much better at freezing people (and their assets) than thawing them out. There is a twist at the end which will shock those who’ve read the previous books in the series. A funny book which examines a serious issue. If you enjoy this book, try Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series as well.

Dead End Gene Pool by Wendy Burden
B Burden,Wendy

Cornelius Vanderbilt’s great-great-great-great-granddaughter, Wendy Burden, tells all about her quirky branch of the family tree in this amusing and startling read. For example, Burden’s father died when she was in grade school, but it was only when she found a clipping of his obituary that she discovered he committed suicide. From her own fascination with mortuary science to her grandparents’ lavish spending habits to her mother’s search for the perfect tan, Burden’s sharp tongue spares no one – including herself.