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Aenied retold
A review of Black Ships by Jo Graham

 Jo Graham undertook a difficult, challenging task with her debut novel, Black Ships.  Using historical fact and Virgil's epic ...read more

Reviewed by Jane J - Central on June 19, 2008 | 0 comments

Old-fashioned haunting, or governess gone wild?
A review of The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

 Sometimes, reading those dutiful introductions at the beginnings of old books can pay off.  Quite a while ago, I read The Turn of the Screw, by ...read more

Reviewed by Jon - Central Library on June 18, 2008 | 2 comments

In need of a swoon
A review of North and South by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

 This winter's Public Television Jane Austen series inspired me to revisit the classics.  Since I felt a urgent need for more swooning, I picked up North and South, one of  ...read more

Reviewed by Lisa - Central on June 17, 2008 | 3 comments

Not a job I'd want
A review of Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Alladi Venkatesh

 Even for a day. Every now and then I read nonfiction books which just make me shake me head and wonder at the authors who write them, as well as how and why they do.  Sudhir Venkatesh's latest book, ...read more

Reviewed by Sarah - Alicia Ashman on June 13, 2008 | 0 comments

The other green monster
A review of Poor Things by Alastair Gray

 I'll admit, I'm not much of an incredible hulk fan. Though it's been several years since I first read Mary Shelley's classic monster novel, I've always had a soft spot for the big green guy she created in Frankenstein. Inspired by a viewing of ...read more

Reviewed by Kylee on June 12, 2008 | 1 comment

Who knows best?
a review of Hall of Best Knowledge by Ray Fenwick

 I have certainly wasted my fair share of time reading tabloid magazines.  When I dip into an issue of "Hollywood's Best and Worst Bodies" I know what to expect.  The photos may be doctored and privacy may be invaded, snarky commentary will be provided by comedians and/or celebrity stylists and the following week enraged publicists will fight back with new, better than ever photos of their wronged, misrepresented clients.    With ...read more

Reviewed by Molly - Central on June 11, 2008 | 2 comments

Serial killer with a mission
A review of The Calling by Inger Ash Wolfe

 I’m always on the lookout for new crime writers who can join the company of authors such as Michael Connelly and George Pelecanos.  I think that I’ve found one in The Calling.  The pseudonymous Inger Ash Wolfe has written an engaging and suspenseful crime novel.  I hope these characters ...read more

Reviewed by Kathy K. - Central on June 10, 2008 | 0 comments

Angel among us
A review of The Third Angel by Alice Hoffman

 Alice Hoffman's latest novel, The Third Angel, tells the story of three women at important moments in ...read more

Reviewed by Lesley - Central on June 9, 2008 | 0 comments

The beginnings of the murder mystery
A review of The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher by Kate Summerscale

 Many people think that the sensationalization (is that a word?) of crime began with the OJ Simpson trial.  Of course that's one that certainly impacted on the media and our psyches, but the sensationalist nature of heinous crimes has been around for a long time; as Kate Summerscale ...read more

Reviewed by Jane J - Central on June 7, 2008 | 0 comments

Vegetarian, vampire?
A review of Life Sucks by Jessica Abel

 Life Sucks provides a  funny spin on the seemingly endless spate of vampire fiction.  At least, this was my first encounter with a vegan-wannabe vampire slacker ...read more

Reviewed by Barbara - Alicia Ashman on June 6, 2008 | 0 comments
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