Friday, July 31, 2009

Book Reviews from Master The Art of Reading Participants Bait by Alex Sanchez: I'd have to say that after having read Alex Sanchez's other books I realized this one was a little different. By different I mean it dealt with a subject matter that usually isn't brought bup in teen literature very often, a taboo topic of sorts. The story focuses on 16 yr-old Diego, a young man who has been put on probation for beating up a fellow classmate. Part of probation is having to see a counselor by the name of Mr. Vidas. Through the sessions we learn of Diego's deep dark secret that he's been kept hidden for many years which had been the fuel for his raging outbursts. What interested me the most was the fact that Mr. Sanchez drew from his years of experience working as a probation officer and poured that into the story therefore bringing realism to the fictional characters he created. Due to the subject matter I would recommend it to older teenagers and adults. This is not the Life I ordered by Deborah Stephens: This is a book that helps one to understand that many difficult things can happen in our lives and these things can be dealt with in the best possible way and we must not ever give up. Good Woman by Danielle Steel: Better than the typical "D. S." novel-not as predictable as others, although hard to imagine that it really happened to the main character-slightly far-fetched. Good story, easy reading. One day at a time by Danielle Steel: A quick read-entirely too predictable-the same themes over and over; repetitive-could have been condensed to 10-20 pages. In my opinion-not one of DS's best. Deadly little secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz: Young adult book with an unsuspected twist and some mystery. Mistaken Identity by Cerak VanRyn: Heartwrenching yet hope inspiring Shack by William Young: This was a very interesting book. A really good thinker book. It is a fictional story about God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus. A personal encounter with them. It really made me think about my personal relationship with God. 2:07:28 PM     New Links on our Site. You can see the new links we've added by going to our Resources page. 1:46:12 PM     Upcoming Events at Hackley Public Library Book End Art 2 PM Tuesday, August 4 Turn the ordinary bookends into works of art for the Library shelves. Kids will work with decoupage and acrylics to give book holders an all new look! Teacher and artist Ronace Hogan will lead the project. Registration required. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. Altered Jeans for Tweens 2 PM Saturday, August 8 Bring an old pair of jeans to this program for grades 4 - 7. Everyone will make a cool jeans purse and go home with plenty of ideas for more advanced projects. HPL staffer Cassandra Hamilton leads the program. Registration required. Please call the Youth Services Department at 231-722-7276 x 230. West Michigan Symphony “Instrument Petting Zoo” 2 PM Thursday, August 13 Discover --- and really play --- the amazing instruments of the symphony orchestra. Kids will see, touch and hear the trombone, snare drum, cello, tuba and more. WSSO Education staff lead the program 1:44:55 PM

© Copyright 2009 Jocelyn Shaw. Last update: 8/3/2009; 2:42:56 PM. Photo curtesy of Marjorie O'Brien