Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Supernatural

Awards:
Mythopoeic Fantasy Award Nominee for Adult Literature (2012), ALA Alex Award (2012), The Reading List Genre Awards for Fantasy (2012)

Summary:
Two talented illusionists, Celia and Marco, are pitted against each other in a competition held within a mysterious night circus. Both trained since childhood for this final purpose, the two find themselves slowly drawn to each other as they struggle to understand the strangely beautiful magic that binds them.

My Thoughts:
Either fantasy is just not my genre, or this book is not very well done. Considering its 4 out of 5 rating on Goodreads, I’m thinking maybe the former.

After all the hype about this book, I really expected something amazing. Instead it felt so long and repetitive - and did I mention looooong!? It’s pretty rare for me to give a poor review and I really wanted to give this book a fair chance, but I felt super unsatisfied after finishing it. Firstly, there are way too many characters to keep track of. Secondly, character development is poor – probably because there are too many characters to develop! I also found myself annoyed at the author’s use of so many protaganists, lacking seemless transitions among so many points of view.

While the quality of the writing itself is excellent and the story intriguing, it just failed to reach me at a higher level. But like I said, maybe fantasy is just not my genre. If your into circuses and magicians, you will certainly find some value in Morgenstern’s descriptive prose and superior use of the English language.

Weigh in on The Night Circus today. Borrow a copy from your local Vaughan Library.

Age:
Adult

Genre:
Non-Fiction, Autobiography, American, Coming-of-age, Humour

Summary:
Justin Halpern follows up his #1 New York Times Bestseller Sh*t my Dad Says with I Suck at Girls, a book tackling his trials and tribulations in the dating scene. Sprinkled throughout with funny quips from his father, Halpern’s biography holds nothing back, sharing with the reader every gritty detail of growing up and dating. Through his voice we hear about a childhood crush gone awry, late night exploits with misguided waitresses and his final brave attempt to hold on to lasting love.

My Thoughts:
In one word: HILARIOUS! This book flew by as I finished it up in two days. Not a book for the prudish, Halpern’s biography is blunt and vulgar. Some of his experiences are so theatrical – like getting chased out of the woods by homeless men – they almost border on the unbelievable. Each hilarious anecdote had me laughing out loud and even finding bits of myself in the shy and terminally awkward Halpern. A must read for those with a sarcastic sense of humour!

Borrow I Suck at Girls from your local Vaughan Library today!

Full Title:
Identical Strangers: A memoir of twins separated and reunited

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Biography, Memoir, Historical, Investigative Journalism, Mental Health, Non-Fiction, Science

Summary:
This book shares the true life story of Elyse and Paula, two twins who don’t know each other exists. Both adopted and in their mid-thirties, the twins know few details about their birth mother and the circumstances surrounding their adoption. Each has settled down into their respective lives.

But one fateful letter will change everything when Elyse learns that she has a sister. From there she meets her identical twin Paula and sets in motion a course of events that will change their lives forever.

My Thoughts:
A thought provoking and well written account of a very unusual and unethical science experiment. Schein and Bernstein are compelling authors who share their feelings without apology. Each of the twins experience the reunion differently and it was interesting to learn their disparate feelings. I especially enjoyed the nature vs. nurture debate, a topic that has always fascinated me. This book will appeal to a broad audience of readers.

Borrow Identical Strangers: A memoir of twins separated and reunited by Elyse Schein and Paula Bernstein from your local Vaughan library today.

I’m really excited that Janet Evanovich’s first book in the Stephanie Plum series is now a movie, arriving in theatres on January 27^th.  In “One for the money”, Stephanie Plum, former department store lingerie salesperson turned bounty hunter, meets her nemesis as she hunts down wanted cop Joe Morelli.  Since he was her former high school boyfriend, obviously things are going to be…interesting to say the least. 

This is the first book in a lighthearted action adventure series, the most recent being “Explosive Eighteen”.  I admit that I haven’t read the last few, since after that many books, the plots seem repetitive.  But for the first few novels, I was quite amused by the antics of Stephanie and also her extremely funny grandma; both characters are quite the feisty ladies!

Reviews aren’t out yet for the movie, but I’m optimistic it will be entertaining (Check out the trailer online).  And if you are a patient person and don’t want to see the movie in the theater, you can wait for the movie to make it to VPL’s catalogue, and then add your name to the inevitable waitlist.

Full Title:
How Full is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life 

Age Group:
Adult and Child

Genre:
Non-Fiction, Self-Improvement, Science, Sociology

Summary:
If you can imagine the metaphor of a bucket, then you can re-imagine your life! When your bucket is full and when you actively fill the buckets of others, you are on the road to drastically reducing negativity in your life and discovering true happiness.

In this collaborative effort, Rath and Clifton share with readers their philosophy on life. When we “dip” from the life buckets of others, no one benefits. But when we take the time to share positivity, to tell people how much they matter – to make every moment count – we are taking action to improve our relationships, health, and productivity.

My Thoughts:
In simple, straightforward language, Rath and Clifton unveil a unique and compelling attitude toward personal fulfillment. What I liked about this book is its accessibility. How Full is Your Bucket? is succinct and pleasant to read. It is free from theoretical jargon, with an inspiring focus on positive strategies.

This book is an uplifting choice for anyone who is looking for deeper satisfaction in their life!

Borrow How Full is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life from your local Vaughan Library today! For the little ones in your family, try How Full is Your Bucket? For kids.

Full Title:
Love Times Three: Our True Story of a Polygamous Marriage

With:
Brooke Adams

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
American, Autobiography, Memoir, Non-fiction, Religion

Summary:
Meet Joe, Alina, Vicki and Valerie – a modern family with a twist! As Independent Fundamentalist Mormoms, polygamy is a key tenet of faith for the Darger family, who share their home with their 23 combined children. Alina, Vicki and Valerie are all “married” to Joe but he is only legally married to Alina. On the same day he also “married” Vicki. Some years later Vicki’s twin sister Valerie joined the family with her five children after experiencing a painful divorce.

The family, who experienced their fair share of hardships over the years, shares with readers the beginning of their families and their desire to be accepted in society. In an attempt to educate readers and de-stigmatize their lifestyle, the Dargers open up about all aspects of their lives, including jealousy, discrimination and many more personal challenges.

My Thoughts:
For fans of the TV shows Big Love or Sister Wives, Love Times Three is the next step toward making sense of a lifestyle that is both fascinating and immensely varied. Although this certainly was not the most well written book, it did not disappoint in its exploration of polygamy, providing a well rounded foundation of religious beliefs, in addition to the inevitable challenges of living the lifestyle.

The Dargers are a likeable family who reveal numerous details about their lives. From what I could tell, they are genuinely happy. At the end of the book, some of their eldest children share their thoughts on growing up in a polygamist family, and their opinion on carrying on the lifestyle. This is an interesting read from a human interest standpoint and definitely worth a check!

Borrow Love Times Three: Our true story of a polygamous marriage from your local Vaughan library today!

Full Title:
Nickel and Dimed: on (not) getting by in America

Accolades:
New York Times Bestseller

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Non-Fiction, American Literature, Investigative Journalism, Social Commentary, Economics

Summary:
What is it like to live poor in America? To answer the question, Ehrenreich embarks on a completely immersive journalism experience, from juggling customers at big chain restaurants to folding women’s clothing at Wal-Mart.

Through a variety of low paid, back-breaking labour, Ehrereich uncovers an “invisible” world rich in corruption and manipulation. What she discovers will either confirm your suspicions, or open your eyes to an unseen world. Backed by plenty of hard hitting facts, Nickel and Dimed is sure to get you thinking about the plight of low-wage workers in America (and even Canada!).

My Thoughts:
Eerily reminiscent of my own days as a low wage worker, Nickel and Dimed brings poverty out of hiding, forcing readers to acknowledge the power struggles that are happening all around them.

As a young adult I remember working the front lines of customer service for bare minimum pay. First there was my four year stint at McDonald’s beginning at age 15. That was a crash course in coping with unreasonable, obstinate customers, intimidating managers and awful hours. Then there was a garden center job, where you could often find me trying to lift 50 pound flower pots filled with wet soil (gah!). And finally working at a pet store, where I met a 19-year-old girl who was struggling to raise two young children, deal with the children’s deadbeat father and cope with her own mother’s alcoholism. I still can not even fathom the struggles she was enduring at that time. All of these jobs were humbling experiences where I learned the value of hard work, tenacity and even gratitude for my sheltered, privileged life.

But the difference with my situation was that I always knew, like the author, that it was only temporary. And I always had the cushy support of my working middle class parents who helped support me through university.

Nickel and Dimed is a wonderful eye opener that is certainly worth a read. For a more recent book with a similar concept, try the riveting Working in the Shadows: a year of doing the jobs (most) Americans won’t do. You can check out my review here: http://www.vaughanpl.info/leisure/?p=3067.

Borrow Nickel and Dimed: on (not) getting by in America from your local Vaughan Library today!

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Dystopia, Adventure, Classic, Horror, Social Commentary

Summary:
John Hammond aspires to build an amusement park like no other in the world. An amusement park featuring real live animals. But not just any ordinary animals. Hammond’s stocking his park with biologically engineered prehistoric dinosaurs and species ranging from the docile brachiosaurus to the deadly velociraptor.

But before Hammond can open his park, worried investors demand that the park gets endorsed by professionals. So Hammond invites paleontologist Alan Grant and paleobotanist Ellie Sattler, along with the famed mathematician Ian Malcolm. In fact, Hammond is so sure his park will be a money-making hit that he invites his two young grandchildren Tim and Lex.

What begins as a fascinating, mind boggling trip for the group, turns into a nightmare when an unexpected storm and a sabotaging computer programmer (Dennis Nedry) leave the island without any security mechanisms. Soon the group must race for cover from the ruthless T-Rex and evade detection from the wiley velociraptors. They’re sure to be in for a wild ride.

My Thoughts:
A frighteningly realistic tale, Chricton’s nearly prophetic novel warns of a future in which biotechnological advances, in the hands of greedy capitalists, threaten to wreak havoc on the planet.

Dinosaurs have always been a topic that fascinated me and I remember watching Spielberg’s Jurassic Park and being both thrilled and terrified by the prospect of dinosaurs come to life to terrorize humans.
Spielberg made many changes to the novel when he directed the 1993 megahit film adaptation. These changes make for one heck of an awesome movie. And after reading both the novel and watching the movie, I must say the movie still reigns supreme with me.

Try it out for yourself! Borrow Jurassic Park and Jurassic Park the movie from your local Vaughan library today!

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Autobiography, Canadian, Non-Fiction

Summary:
In her revealing autobiography, multi-million dollar recording artist Shania Twain takes readers back to her humble beginnings in her hometown of Timmins, Ontario. Twain chronicles her earliest years, beginning with her troubling, poverty-afflicted childhood and following her slow but progressive rise to fame.

Twain is raw and unapolegetic, sharing with the reader her parents’ abusive relationship, the often horrific conditions her and her siblings lived in, and the untimely death of both her parents in a tragic car accident. Twain even shares with us the betrayal of her 14-year long marriage to Mutt Lange and how she learned to love again. A Canadian icon, Twain’s memoir is as much a celebration of her struggles as it is of her huge and unexpected international success.

My Thoughts:
Enthralling from the start, Shania’s earliest years are the most captivating in From This Moment On. And wow, what a childhood it was! Living with domestic violence in substandard conditions and being moved from house-to-house, Shania shares with us a life of instability, poverty and deep dysfunctionality. Shania certainly worked like a dog for her much earned success and unlike many other pop artists, did not reach fame until her late twenties.

The first half of this book is certainly the best and it was hard to put down. Twain is a surprisingly good writer. The feel of Canadian culture, especially those cold Canadian winters, really hit home with me. I felt the book did lag a little in the second half, when Shania starts experiencing mainstream success, but overall this did not detract from the readibility of the book.

Fans of Shania and her music will certainly be interested to learn more about the life of this Canadian icon. Borrow From This Moment On from your local Vaughan library today!

Full Title:
The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels–A Love Story

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
Non-Fiction, American, Chick-lit, Humourous, Memoir, Romance

Summary:
Popular blogger and cookbook author Ree Drummond entices readers with the passionate, true story of how she met and fell in love with her husband, whom she refers to as Marlboro Man. During a short pit stop to her childhood home in Oklahoma, then in her mid-twenties, Ree begins to plan a future move to Chicago.

A city girl at heart, and just out of a four year relationship, Ree is ready to chase a new life in a big city. But everything changes when she has a chance encounter with a handsomely rugged cowboy. The two eventually begin a whirlwind romance that will have Ree completely questioning her future. But there’s one thing she knows with all her heart- she can’t leave the new love of her life!

My Thoughts:
I could really pick apart some major flaws in this book, but I have to admit something: IT’S HIGHLY ADDICTIVE! I couldn’t put it down. It was that fairytale romance we all dream about; the one that we all wish for. And there was definitely enough meat (literally and figuratively) to fill up a whole book, beginning with Ree’s move back to Oklahoma and ending with her first year of marriage. Ree now has four children with her husband and is an infamous American blogger.

Now it’s time for me to point out some criticisms. Despite being highly readable, these are some points that eventually began to annoy me:

1. You never learn Marlboro Man’s real name until you read the dust jacket (it’s Ladd!)
2. Ree borders on being a tad too idealistic about her steamy relationship (call me a pessisimist, but I’m sure Ladd didn’t always smell amazing and look sexy after a long day working with cows on the ranch!)
3. Ree doesn’t ever work during the time when she returns home and into her years as a mother (She’s a bit too involved in her appearance and doesn’t have much career ambition)

Ok, with those beefs aside, I still really liked this book. It drew me in chapter-by-chapter. Although the book takes place in the 1990s, it felt like a throw back to simpler times, when people met face-to-face (not online!), when a man actually called you to tell you how much he enjoyed your date (instead of texting!) and when chivalry was still alive and thriving!

You gotta check out this book! Borrow The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels from your local Vaughan library today! Check out Ree’s popular cookbook too: The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl.