Fox’s current biography picks up where his 2002 book, Lucky Man left off. The reader gets an inside view of Fox’s eighteen year battle with his neurological disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and his efforts to form the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
The tone is very upbeat, despite the description of the detailed political process the actor took to be able to create an environment for research for neurological patients. Detailed descriptions of Michael’s daily medical regime, intense personal limitations, and love for his family are sprinkled throughout along with stories of meeting Lance Armstrong, Muhammad Ali, and our new President.
If you enjoy stories of success in the midst of adversity or enjoy a good, solid read about the inner workings of political campaigns and what makes them tick, Fox’s new book is for you. -Kathy (Hamilton)
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver evokes emotions buried or never felt, as read by Dean Robertson and reviewed by Star Lawrence.
Everyone has told me for years that I should read Barbara Kingsolver, so naturally I never had. Then, on a quick library run for disks and not liking female readers too much for reasons I have described elsewhere, I grabbed this book because it looked long and was read by Dean Robertson. Funny about that—Dean is a woman, and with her rapid, ironical and slightly twangy delivery, is the best thing about this book—except for the fantastic writing.
Even if you were not alive during the Congo uprisings in 1959 (I remember reading about this), The Poisonwood Bible will capture you into a family story so engrossing you won’t want to leave your characters…your friends, almost your own siblings. My own father was dominant, bossy, a little scary and always completely correct in everything he said or did. Just ask him—or he would tell you anyway. Nathan Price is a dogmatic preacher, who bustles his “whither-thou-goest” Georgia wife and four daughters off to Africa on a missionary trip that alters all their lives forevermore. He made me think of my father. His quiet wife, who provides only glimpses of her inner life and any regrets or signs of rebellion, made me wonder what my mother had been thinking all those years of our childhood.
But enough about me. You will thrill to the racing poetry of Kingsolver’s dry wit and descriptions of Africa and a small village in upheaval as forces of man and nature try to claim and reclaim the rampant lushness and bounty of that continent.
As the decades march on, the four daughters and their mother struggle to cope with a central tragedy. “Life marks you,” the mother murmurs, with typical understatement. They go their separate ways, two staying in Africa and two going back to the United States. Wait, someone is missing. Yes, someone is. Actually, two people, don’t forget the preacher.
If you like big “saga” type “listens,” this is the one for you. Sixteen hours well spent. Not counting the hours you will spend thinking about it afterward.
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
April 3, 2009
Jobing.com Arena, Glendale AZ
Wow, what a show! As a Springsteen concert neophyte, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Friday’s show but I knew I would be entertained. It’s been said that his concerts are more like a revival instead of a rock concert and I would have to agree. Bruce and his crew rocked the house in Glendale for almost three hours---non-stop. Bruce is almost sixty years old; the ages of his band mates average fifty-eight years old. One would assume age might limit their ability to perform the music America has been listening to for almost forty years; one would be absolutely wrong in that assumption. The energy they put into this performance was nothing short of amazing. Springsteen’s voice was strong from beginning to end and the E Street Band sounded like they could have played ‘til the cows came home.
From the reviews I read, Springsteen must have had a little extra love for us desert-dwellers. He took requests; “Because the Night” (written by Springsteen but made popular by 10,000 Maniacs) and “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” were ad-libbed to his set list and were huge fan favorites. “The Rising” was a request that he also played at Barack Obama’s inauguration concert.
Music that reminds people about 9/11 seems to have fallen out of favor but that didn’t stop him. “Hard Times (Come Again No More)” was written by Stephen Foster in 1855 but remains relevant today. The gospel/spiritual feel was complemented by background vocals and Soozie Tyrell’s soulful violin. Five out of thirteen songs from “Working on a Dream” were performed but it never felt like he was pushing his latest release. “The Wrestler” was edgy, raw, and emotional---as expected. “Working on a Dream” and “My Lucky Day” were upbeat and energetic which was a nice contrast to the folksy “Outlaw Pete” and the poignant “Kingdom of Days”. The six song encore set was slated to conclude with the rousing sounds of “American Land.” Instead, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band left us with “Dancing in the Dark”---the perfect ending to an outstanding and memorable performance. -Linda (Downtown)
The tenth anniversary of the Columbine High School shootings is today so it is fitting that this comprehensive new history of the tragedy hit the shelves earlier this month. Cullen is a journalist who covered the shootings ten years ago for salon.com. He has extensive knowledge of the catastrophe and conducted a thorough investigation into the lives of the killers, the victims and the law enforcement officials who worked on the case.
The chapters alternate between discussing the shooting itself and its victims to detailing the lives of the shooters, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, and what might have caused them to murder. Overall, it makes for a mesmerizing read that compels the reader to race through the chapters. Cullen’s writing style is brisk and very detailed, yet novelistic in its approach. There is new information provided about the Cassie Bernall myth, the psychopathy of Eric Harris and the blunders and mistakes that the police made and how they learned from them. This is a riveting and fast-paced account of one of the most haunting tragedies in American history. – Anbolyn (Downtown)
This historical nonfiction title is another in a series by the author Brad Matsen who chronicles the adventures of two scuba divers/treasure hunters, John Chatterton and Richie Kohler. The storyline is unique, in that the emphasis is on discovering why the Titanic sank so quickly while being a brand new steel icon of the time.
Intense writing portrays situations during present day and in the past in a historically accurate and detailed view. While multiple flashbacks set the quick tone, dialogue moves the story along in present day, in which vast details are revealed about ship building to help understand and quicken the pace. The dangerous underwater setting and flashbacks to 1912 set the tone for a nail-biting discovery on both fronts with many of the original, historical figures who were on the fateful liner that night.
Prominent characters, from the present day divers who make some startling discoveries about Titanic, to the actual seamen and ship builders during the Industrial Age, draw an accurate picture of the time they lived in and help make them relatable to any lover of history or adventure. The reader is drawn into the story with this sympathetic yet accurate depiction of why the Titanic sunk on April 14, 1912. - Kathy (Hamilton)
Are you a renter? Or maybe you own rental property? If so, the information you acquire at our Understanding Landlord/Tenant Laws program will be invaluable . Join us next Wednesday, April 22 at 7:00 pm at the Downtown Library for a discussion of your rights as a renter or landlord. Lawyers from Community Legal Services will be here to give you guidance. Here are some items you might want to check out before you attend the program:Every Landlord's Legal Guide by Marcia StewartEvery Tenant's Legal Guide by Janet PortmanThe Landlord's Book of Forms and Agreements by Cliff RobersonThe Landlord's Survival Guide by Jeffrey TaylorRenters' Rights: The Basics by Janet PortmanUnderstanding Landlord/Tenant LawsWednesday, April 227:00 pmDowntown LibraryClick here to register or call 480-782-2803 for more information.
Looking for the perfect book to read during spring break or anytime mindless entertainment is necessary to escape from economic downturns and other calamities? Look no further than What I Did for Love.
Actress Georgie York is all grown up now but her adoring public still sees her as the spunky teenage heroine of a popular television sitcom. Her husband has abandoned her, her movie career is panned by critics and she wakes up in Vegas married to her detestable former costar, Bramwell Shepard. In keeping with her plucky image, Georgie is determined to make the best of a seemingly bad situation. The love-hate relationship between Georgie and Bram is the spark that ignites their sex life, but could also be their undoing.
What I Did for Love demands nothing more than a poolside seat with a tall, cool drink (preferably with an umbrella in it) and the desire to escape into a fun romp through the make-believe world called Hollywood. - Linda (Downtown)
OK, I admit it, I love movies; I will watch a movie over the news or TV any day. In Swing Vote I was not disappointed, I really liked it. I found it to be a cute, feel good movie, mostly a comedy; but, with a serious bent to it as well.
Kevin Costner plays Bud Johnson a divorced, newly unemployed, single dad whose vote will determine who will be the next president of the United States. Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper, Nathan Lane and Stanley Tucci are the two presidential candidates and their campaign managers respectively will do anything to get Bud to swing his vote their way.
Molly, Bud's 12 year old daughter, played by Madeline Carroll, is superb. Molly is the adult and responsible one in this relationship who must get her father to understand what his vote truly means.
This is a movie I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to my friends. I give it a 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.- Chris K. (Downtown)
Throughout history there has been much speculation regarding whether Queen Elizabeth I was indeed the “Virgin Queen” or if she bore a child, in secret, as a very young woman. The historical fiction novel, The Virgin Queen’s Daughter, explores this possibility.
The story begins as young Mistress Elinor de Lacey (Nell) has a chance encounter at the Tower of London with the imprisoned Princess Elizabeth. Elizabeth is intrigued with the child and promises her a chance to serve as a lady-in-waiting when Elizabeth takes her rightful place as queen.
Years pass and Nell is summoned to court as promised. Nell is unusual for a young woman in the 16th century; she has an independent mind and she is well versed in philosophy, language and science. Her mother was a lady-in-waiting to Katherine Parr and is vehemently opposed to Nell joining Elizabeth’s court. She knows the danger and vulgarity of royal service. Nell’s mother and nursemaid also harbor a secret that could bring imprisonment or a worse fate to the family. Nell’s love-hate relationship with Sir Gabriel Wyatt adds romance and sexual tension. As the story unfolds, more potential evidence of Nell’s parentage adds to the turmoil of English politics.
Ella March Chase’s debut novel takes the reader to the lavish but dangerous court of Queen Elizabeth I. She offers vivid descriptions of time and place. Her characters are well-developed and engaging. Though it is historical fiction, The Virgin Queen’s Daughter allows the reader to explore the possibility that Elizabeth I was not the “Virgin Queen” after all. -Linda (Downtown)
Life of Pi is a weird form of mystery by Yann Martel, read by Jeff Woodman with Alexander Marshall, reviewed by Star Lawrence.
Life of Pi is not a who-dunnit, but a did-it-happen. I am way behind the power curve on this one—people recommended it to me way back when I could read books with pages. Silly me, I judged by the cover—a folk art pix of a tiger in a rowboat. Maybe not, I kept thinking haughtily, eyes sliding to the next book on the shelf.
Finally, I got Life of Pi on CD—even then it sat alone on my dresser—all the other tapes came first.
Boy, was I a dope. Pi is not the mathematical constant, but a 16-year-old Indian lad’s first name (he’s named after a swimming pool, as he will tell you in the somewhat sleepy introduction to this adventure, bear with, it’s worth it). His dad is a zookeeper and the family moves from Pondicherry to Montreal, sailing with some animals that have been sold to zoos in Canada and America.
A storm arises, and Pi can’t sleep and goes on deck. What happens next—well, that’s the mystery. He ends up in a lifeboat with some of the animals, including a 450-lb Bengal tiger, a hyena, an orangutan, a rat, and a zebra.
No, this isn’t some cheesy Noah riff. The hyena attacks the zebra and tears off chunks. Pi is afraid of the tiger and suspends himself on an oar sticking out of the bow to stay safe. At this point, the ship gurgles beneath the ocean.
Pi is at sea with the tiger for seven months—or was he? How does he survive? Can he intimidate the beast enough to live? They finally come to a weirdly undulating island made of delicious algae and swarming with meerkats. But I will leave that part for your delectation.
In an Epilogue, officials of the Japanese shipping company approach Pi and ask what happened. He tells them what we already know. They don’t buy it. Okey-dokey. He tells them another story, weirdly paralleling the first. Is this the truth?
Or is a tiger roaming the jungles of Mexico?
Your call.
The winner of American Wife is Pinky68! Please call the Downtown Library reference desk at 480-782-2803 to redeem your prize and congratulations!
Fox’s current biography picks up where his 2002 book, Lucky Man left off. The reader gets an inside view of Fox’s eighteen year battle with his neurological disorder, Parkinson’s disease, and his efforts to form the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
