Overdue by Stephanie Perkins

 

Reviewed by Kristin

Ingrid and her boyfriend Cory have been together for eleven years, since their literal first day of community college. They have never dated other people, like EVER, and have settled into a life where they are real adults who live together, but haven't actually considered whether marriage is in their future. When Ingrid's sister announces her engagement to a woman she's been dating for a mere two years, Ingrid and Cory decide they should explore their options. In other words, take a month to see other people, and then come back together to either move toward marriage, or...not.

Ingrid is a library clerk in a small branch in a North Carolina mountain town. She enjoys her job, but possibly more because she enjoys working the circulation desk with her co-worker Macon, rather than having a true calling to be a librarian. Macon is her friend, but there has always been something between them and Ingrid's mind goes straight to him as soon as the possibility to date other people opens up. But of course, Macon is way too much of a gentleman to take advantage of her.

Obviously, the story continues with Ingrid and Macon figuring out their feelings, but to say more on that would be a spoiler.

This was good, but could have used some editing for length. The audiobook was almost 13 1/2 hours long, and it dragged on in places. I never was tempted to put it aside, but there were points where I was wondering how in the world Ingrid could take the long way around the metaphorical block AGAIN as her life took several twists and turns. This title is described as the adult debut of a bestselling young adult author, so maybe she (and her publisher) thought that adult books required more.

I do have one very specific issue with something that Ingrid did. While scoping out potential dates in her time away from Cory, she checked to see if the men had library cards, and if so, what were they reading. (At this point, library people should be shocked and appalled!) We would NEVER invade someone’s privacy like that for personal reasons. Borrower records are sacred, and library staff will defend your right to privacy practically to the death. The author’s bio says she used to be a librarian and a bookseller, so I found this very much out of line with what I expected from the main character. Overreaction on my part? Maybe, but you can rest assured that your reading records are safe here at your local library.

I still enjoyed the book with its vivid descriptions of books, libraries, bookstores, plants, food, paint colors, and Edmond the cat. Every book needs a cat.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ghost-Hunting for Dummies by Zak Bagans

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

 

Yes, there is a “for Dummies” book for just about anything, including Ghost-Hunting.

Bagans, the host for Ghost Adventures and curator for The Haunted Museum, has produced a guide for all those who wish to seek out spirits.  Divided into four major sections, the book begins with “The Basics of Ghost Hunting.”  This includes a brief history of spirit beliefs going back to the ancient Egyptians, and then follows up with retellings of some of the most famous ghost tales including The Bell Witch.  He then goes through some of the history of ghosts, including scientific exploration, early researchers and believers, etc.

The second section deals with getting ready to search for ghosts, offering tips on where to look (cemeteries are a good option), researching reputably haunted places, equipment (FYI: BPL has a thermal imager for checkout in our Library of Things), and –perhaps most importantly—what dangers a ghost hunter might face.  These are not limited to angry spirits or trespassing charges, but also things like mold, asbestos, and histoplasmosis.  He also advises to take a first aid-kit, leave children at home, and don’t chew gum while recording.

The next section brings it all together, when it’s time to start the real investigations. Bagans covers capturing ghosts on film, evaluating evidence, contacting ghosts (Ouija boards, ghost boxes, table tipping, automatic writing, and so forth), interviewing witnesses, building case reports, “building a presence” in the ghost hunting community (don’t know if pun was intended or not), and what to do when things go wrong.

The final section contains lists of haunted places and signs that your own house is haunted.

Even if you don’t decide to open your own paranormal investigations, you’ll have a better idea of what these intrepid souls have gone through when you watch Ghost Adventures or Ghost Hunters or other such programs.

Nevermore Book Club

 

We refer to the Nevermore Book Club as our “free-form book club.”  Members read whatever they like and they talk about the book with the group.  Fiction, non-fiction, new books, old books, adult books, YA books, children’s books, picture books—you name it, they read it.  Just to give an idea of the breadth of the members’ choices, here is a list of recent books read.

 

The women  by Kristin Hannah

 

Al Capone does my shirts by Lisa Kurkov

 

How to hide an empire : a history of the greater United States by Daniel Immerwahr

 

The library of lost dollhouses : a novel by Elise Hooper

 

The girl who lived twice by David Lagercrantz

 

The girl who takes an eye for an eye by David Lagercrantz

 

The white dawn : an Eskimo saga by James Houston

 

The last gentleman adventurer [electronic resource] : coming of age in the Arctic by

Edward Beauclerk Maurice

 

The snake scientist by Sy Montgomery

 

Inside animal minds : the new science of animal intelligence by Mary Roach

 

The octopus scientists : exploring the mind of a mollusk by Sy Montgomery

 

Jayber Crow : a novel by Wendell Berry

 

Demon Copperhead : a novel by Barbara Kingsolver

 

The crystal cave by Mary Stewart

 

Shantaram : a novel by Gregory David Roberts

 

One hundred years of solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

 

Missing sister by Joshilyn Jackson

 

Mrs. Nash's ashes by Sarah Adler

Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature edited by Becky Siegel Spratford

Reviewed by Jeanne

I am not really much of a horror reader.  I am definitely not a horror movie fan.  I will read and watch atmospheric things, like Something Wicked This Way Comes (both book and movie) or We Have Always Lived in the Castle. But when Halloween rolls around, I find myself wanting to read something a bit spooky. That’s why this book caught my eye. With horror being such a popular genre, I’m interested in why people want to write horror, and why people want to read it. This book has a lot of answers to that question.

Editor Spratford brought together nineteen contemporary horror writers and let them write a personal essay on what moves them to write this genre.  These are the newer authors; don’t expect Stephen King, Dean Koontz, F. Paul Wilson, or any of the long-established writers.  Even so, there were many names I knew, including Grady Hendrix, Alma Katsu, Tananarive Due, Jennifer McMahon, and Stephen Graham Jones. Some I didn’t, but all had interesting things to say. Many wrote to make sense of the world, often in response to childhood trauma; others wrote about the influences that led them to write horror, such as a particular movie or book.  Some speculated on the purpose horror plays in our lives and why people are drawn to it as a genre. 

I enjoyed the different ways the authors approached the question, and the different writing styles. Most of all, I enjoyed learning about some of the new authors.  Reading the essays of the ones I knew gave me some insight into their books; the others either sounded intriguing or else let me know that we weren’t on the same page (no pun intended.)  

I found this to be an interesting and entertaining read.  I will say that Grady Hendrix’s story raised a few hairs on the back of my head, too.

Bloody Mary: A Graphic Biography of Mary Tudor by Kristina Gehrmann

 

Reviewed by Jeanne

People are still fascinated by the Tudors.  Not only did they reshape parts of Europe, but there were so many complicated and charismatic characters involved, none more so than King Henry VIII, Mary’s father.  The book begins in 1518, when times were happy for two year old Mary.  Her parents, Henry and Catherine of Aragon, were (apparently) happily married, though Henry still wants a son and heir.  A daughter is not going to cut it.  He does have Mary educated as befits a ruler but his attention soon turns to another woman—Anne Boleyn. 

Told from Mary’s point of view, this book covers a lot of British history in a personal way.  It deals with Mary’s relationship with both her parents, and reflects Mary’s deep Catholic faith.  When her father breaks with the Catholic Church and becomes head of the Church of England, she is devastated, both emotionally and spiritually.  Yet she survives, and goes on to become the Queen of England after her brother’s death. The way that she rules is a reflection of that faith, and the belief that it is God’s will that she eradicate heretics. It’s also how she became known as “Bloody Mary.”

I know there are some who are not sold on the graphic novel format for non-fiction but I have to say I have seen some excellent ones. My personal favorite is The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the History of Television by Koren Shadmi.  (Christy's review of that title can be read here.) This one, while drawn in a somewhat more cartoon style, still does an excellent job of presenting the facts.  She includes scenes which may reflect opposing views of Mary as a way of showing what others thought or passing on bits of gossip, such as when a very young Mary learns that her father is having an affair.  While these instances may not have a specific source to back them up, it would be reasonable to assume that such things occurred.

While I’m not really well versed in Tudor history, the book did back up what I did know.  I have long been interested in King Henry VIII and his six wives, and this book gives the reader a good feel for the “behind the scenes.” I did read the end notes, and while the author doesn’t cite her sources, some of the text reads as if it has been quoted.  The author, who is German, does explain some of her artistic techniques and that she used as well as references and illustrations for clothing, buildings, etc.

I found this to be an informative and attractive way to learn more about Queen Mary and the Tudor family.

Nevermore: Paging Doctor, Girl with Ice in Her Veins, Refuge

 Nevermore 9-30-25

Reported by Rita

 

Paging Doctor...: 50 Emergency Room Cases by  David Berg MD

In Paging Doctor…, Dr. David Berg invites readers into the pulse-pounding, emotionally charged world of emergency medicine. This collection features 50 gripping emergency room cases, told through personal accounts from doctors, nurses, and medical professionals on the frontlines.

For anyone curious about what it truly means to answer the call when lives hang in the balance, this book offers a raw, unforgettable look inside the heart of modern healthcare.

I really enjoyed this book. It was like reading a doctor's notes.     - CD     5 stars

 

The Girl with Ice in Her Veins by  Karin Smirnoff

As unrest simmers in the snowbound town of Gasskas, Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist are drawn into a web of violence and buried histories involving a murdered journalist, a missing hacker, and Lisbeth's vanished niece, forcing them to confront dangers both personal and political.

I couldn't put it down. The ending seemed a little loose and left me hopeful for another book in the series.      - GP       5 stars

Refuge by Dot Jackson

Mary Seneca Steele spontaneously packs a suitcase, gathers up her son and daughter, and drives away in her abusive and dissolute husband’s brand-new Auburn Phaeton automobile, leaving her privileged life in Charleston behind. It is the beginning of a journey of enlightenment that leads Mary “Sen” to the mountains and mysteries of Appalachia, where she will learn unexpected family secrets, create a new life for herself and her children, and finally experience love and happiness before tragedy will once again test her. 

I really enjoyed the writing; it is very descriptive. I enjoyed it.      -MH     4 stars

 

Other Books Mentioned:

Elephants: Birth, Life, and Death in the World of the Giants by Hannah Mumby

The Tumbling Turner Sisters by Juliette Fay

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Miriam (Treasures of the Nile, #2) by Mesu Andrews

Isabella Nagg and the Pot of Basil by Oliver Darkshire

A Grim Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer (S.C.Y.T.H.E. Mystery, #1) by Maxie Dara

Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver by Mary Oliver

No Ordinary Bird: Drug Smuggling, a Plane Crash, and a Daughter's Quest for the Truth by Artis Henderson

The Harvey Girls by Juliette Fay

 

New Books:

Dark Renaissance: The Dangerous Times and Fatal Genius of Shakespeare's Greatest Rival by Stephen Greenblatt

Mona's Eyes by Thomas Schlesser

Street Cats & Where to Find Them: The Most Feline-Friendly Cities and Attractions Around the World by Jeff Bogle

The Martha Odyssey by Bonny Gable

 

Reviewed by Rita

Recently, I had the opportunity to read The Martha Odyssey by Bonny Gable for the Radio Bristol Book Club. From the very first paragraph, I found myself captivated by the narrative, which is set against the beautiful backdrop of Abingdon, Virginia, circa 1915. The story unfolds through the perspective of the young and somewhat awkward Beatrice Earle Damron, known as Bea, as she embarks on her journey at Martha Washington College for the first time. Bea has traveled to Abingdon from Clintwood, Virginia, where her father has reluctantly permitted her to attend one year of college before returning to their family farm.

While nervous about being away from home, Bea is excited to further her musical education in hopes of finding a more fascinating life outside of her Appalachian hometown. Bea has played piano from a very young age and is looking forward to the opportunities that a Martha College education will afford.

Upon getting her room assignment, Bea meets her next door neighbor, Ruby Pearl Atkins. Ruby is a drama student from Galax, Virginia with big dreams of her own, and enough spunk and confidence for her and Bea. This will come in handy throughout Bea's time at Martha College. I immediately related to Ruby and her charming over eagerness to befriend Bea and become her cheerleader from day one.

All incoming freshmen are assigned an upperclassman "mother" to guide them through their first year. Bea is paired with Varina Armstrong who is from an affluent Abingdon family and not thrilled being assigned to a "mountain girl" from Dickenson County. I could sense right away that there was going to be tension and drama between the two young ladies and I was not disappointed.

One the first day of class, there is a recital where Bea surprises every one with her performance of Chopin's "Fantaisie-Impromptu" without sheet music. It is soon all over campus that Bea can play circles around Varina. Varina does not take this very well, especially since it has been announced that there will be a competition at the end of the semester where a full scholarship to the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, Maryland will be awarded. This sets up a rivalry between Bea and Varina that plays out throughout the semester.

I enjoyed the layers of suspense and mystery that was so prevalent in the story. There are social society initiations that explore the ghostly aspects of Martha College and Sinking Spring Cemetery. I don't want to give too much away, but some of the students may have used these rituals to torment their foes.

Another important character is a striking Native American blacksmith named Jonah, whom Bea encounters at a nearby stable during a stroll on a chilly Saturday morning. Visiting the stable becomes a regular distraction from the drama of the highly competitive atmosphere at the school. Initially visiting to spend time with the horses and ease her feelings of being homesick, but soon it is more than just the horses that draws her there. I really enjoyed watching these characters grow to trust one another. I also enjoyed the interactions between Bea and the horses which always gave her a sense of home.

There was so much to love about this book. From the well-developed characters to the immersive descriptions of the area, I felt transported to the world of Beatrice Earle Damron. This is by far my favorite book I have read this year. I look forward to more from this debut author.