Shelfari

New Releases and Shelfari Readers

   

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

“The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows is a delightfully engaging book about the island of Guernsey in 1946. The entire book is told through correspondence between Juliet Ashton, a writer working on a story about the German occupation in Guersey during WWII, the members of the eponymous society, her agent, and her erstwhile boyfriend. Each letters sparkles with the writer's personality from Juliet's world-weary writer to Isola's gruff affection to Dawsey's sweet, unassuming observations of the world around him. The story flows quite easily without the extraneous detail of a novel told in the normal format. We may not see every scene and those we do see are only from one perspective, but the authors build suspense and romance in equal measures. When the truth about Juliet's feelings are finally exposed, I couldn't help but breathe with a little catch in my throat. This book reminded me of the joy I find in reading. Not a word was wasted, and every page was a wonder.”  ~Clockstein 

 

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

“Daniel X is just your average fifteen year old, but only if your average fifteen year old is a bona fide Alien Hunter. When Daniel was three his parents were killed by The Prayer, a ruthless praying mantis-like creature from another world. Since then Daniel has made it his life's mission to hunt down The Prayer and all the other evil aliens that are determined to destroy Earth. Armed with nothing more than his unique powers, three not so imaginary friends, and his charming wit, Daniel sets off on whirlwind journey to kick some major alien butt.

James Patterson has most recently left his mark on the young adult market with his smash hit Maximum Ride series. This time around he shifts gears and brings us a strange and delightful science fiction tale that is loads of fun for all ages. Daniel X is a memorable and endearing character that is constantly full of surprises. Patterson and Ledwidge have collaborated to give us not only a fantastic new character, but also a fantastic story that is impossible to put down.

After sloshing my way through Patterson's mediocre Sail, I was beginning to wonder if he had indeed lost his edge. Daniel X is a refreshing reminder that Patterson still has what it takes to craft page turning fiction. After this engaging new offering fans both young and old will be begging for more Daniel X.”  ~Jachism 

 

Moscow Rules

by Daniel Silva
“Daniel Silva is one of my favorite thriller writers. His hero, Gabriel Allon, is a restorer of religious art and an assassin for an Israeli agency called "the Office". He's an intriguing character. I've read all of the Allon series, and I recommend them to thriller fans.”  ~Suzanne F

 

Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip—Confessions of a Cynical Waiter

by The Waiter

“Good writing, but I find myself lacking too much sympathy for the self-admittedly arrogant writer of this prose. Some parts are humorous jabs at selfish customers, and the occasional glimpse of deep humanity.”   ~Eris

Outside a library in Tokyo

 

When I look back, I am so impressed again
with the life-giving power of literature. 
If I were a young person today, trying to gain a sense of
myself in the world, I would do that again by reading,
just as I did when I was young.
~ Maya Angelou ~

(picture by Amanda Schaufler)

Attention, English Lit majors!

...well, also Anglophiles, Masterpiece Theatre addicts, and anyone who's read Evelyn Waugh's novels.  A film version of his 1945 masterwork, Brideshead Revisited, opens in select theatres today and nationwide on August 1.

 

I was asked to see it at an advance screening and review it for a friend's film-related website.  If you are interested in reading what I thought of the adaptation, visit here. 

 

While things are exploding everywhere in this summer's theatres, it's nice to retreat and revisit the graceful grounds of Brideshead. 

 

David Nudo

Will you be a 21st century Abolitionist?

Last night I attended a private screening of CALL+RESPONSE, a docu/rockumentary about human trafficking in the 21^st century.  About 100 people packed into a small theater in downtown Seattle along with the film’s director/producer (and musician), Justin Dillon.   

 

While performing in Russia, Dillon met a young translator in her late teens who told him about an opportunity she had to travel to the U.S. for work.  Something about this “opportunity” didn’t sit well with Dillon and his quest to understand the plight of slaves in the 21^st century began.  Using his musical background, Dillon initially wanted to perform a benefit concert to raise awareness and funds for this cause.  However, as he reached out to fellow artists it became clear that a movement had started.  

 

CALL+RESPONSE exposes the horrific lives of the millions of children and young adults being sold into prostitution, slave labor or used as child soldiers every year.  It was impossible to remain unmoved by the stirring images and interviews with children from around the world.  Interwoven between these heart wrenching stories were passionate musical performances (from: Matisyahu, Natasha Bedingfield, Moby, Cold War Kids, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Switchfoot, Scrolls, Rocco De Luca).  Actresses Julia Ormond and Ashley Judd narrate portions of the film and share their experiences working to end slavery.  Madeleine Albright, Dr. Cornel West, Nicholas Kristof, government officials and the directors of non-profit organizations (International Justice Mission, Not for Sale) that are fighting slavery provide insight and depth to this issue.   It is a compelling film and one I highly recommend seeing, but it’s only the beginning.     

 

CALL+RESPONSE asks the audience to become a part of the 21st century Abolitionist movement to end human trafficking on a global level.  After the film, Dillon shared about his journey creating the film and took time for Q&A.  A young man asked the question we were all thinking, "What do I do now?"  How can I be involved?  What can I possibly do to make a difference? 

  

The film will show in theaters nationwide this October.  Since it was funded by private donations, 100% of profits from the film are going to fund global field projects on the front lines of this issue.  The first contribution you can make is simply by going to see the film.  You will then have the opportunity to respond on a personal level.  Focusing on partnerships with local organizations and non-profit groups to accomplish actionable tasks, this Abolitionist movement begins with you.  Whether it through a financial donation, artistic expression, political activism, legal representation or social work—use your unique talents and skills to bring love, dignity and justice to the oppressed.  What will your response be?

 

-Amanda

CALL+RESPONSE Trailer

Additional Resources:

    

YA Summer Read: Life As We Knew It

(YA Member Review of Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer)

                                  

This is an incredible book that could change the way you look at the moon.

In what is probably the present-day, an asteroid is known to be heading towards the moon. The scientists don't think it's going to be any kind of a problem, but they reveal how conceited they can be when it turns out the asteroid was of sterner stuff then expected. The moon is hit so hard it causes it to move closer to the earth.

The result includes vast tsunamis, major earthquakes, and the eruption of numerous volcanoes. The seashores and their cities are destroyed around the world. A blanket of ash from the volcanoes causes colder weather. The very structure of civilization breaks down as there is no more electricity. No more shipments of food or fuel.

The story is about a girl named Miranda who keeps a diary of what happens. She has two brothers and a mother; the father has divorced the mother and remarried another woman who is now pregnant, but there seem to be no major hard feelings between any of them.

The story becomes one of survival, and what they all must do in order to try to find some way to survive the climate changes and the loss of any kind of “normal” life. They have to find a way to heat the house, get food and water, deal with diseases, and deal with the breakdown of civilization as gangs do what they want, hired thugs guard the hospital, and houses are ransacked on a regular basis.

It's all done very realistically. Miranda not only has to deal with all the changes going on, but her own friends either die, move away, or become religious zealots (or a combination of two or more of those). She has to grow up quickly, and to care for others at an age where she's still used to being cared for herself.

It's a very frightening story, and a very readable story. It's one of the best novels of its type that I have ever read. I put it in the “must read” group.”

By Ranko

Happy Birthday & a Banned Book

Happy Birthday: Ernest Hemingway! 

  

Words from the writer…

 

"For a true writer each book should be a new beginning where he tries again for something that is beyond attainment.  He should always try for something that has never been done or that others have tried and failed.  Then sometimes, with great luck, he will succeed."  ~Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961)  

 

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Banned Book: Lady Chatterley's Lover

 

Forty-nine years ago, today, D.H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover was ruled “not a dirty book” by a U.S. District Court Judge. The Postmaster General had banned the book from being sent in the mail because he deemed it “obscene”.   The court lifted the U.S. Post Office ban based on arguments from Charles Rembar that the postmaster general was not qualified to judge the obscenity of any material sent through the mail.  Written in 1928, Lawrence’s novel was considered scandalous because of its explicit sex scenes and language (also banned in the U.K., India and Australia).      

 

Curiosity regularly gets the better of me and I had to visit the American Library Associations (ALA) list of banned books.  They have compiled lists of the most challenged authors and books.  This brings up an interesting question. Do you think there is ever justification for banning books?

 

Amanda

 

What Bibliophiles Dream Of

Looks like I found my dream home!  Thanks to Kevin for finding this lovely picture.

Amanda

Photo courtesy of BestPicEver.com.  For more images.

New super-shelf to show off what you're reading now

Having trouble keeping up with your reading list?  Now there’s a great way to keep your I Plan to Read, Reading Now, and I’ve Read lists up to date.  Check out the new way to manage what you're reading on the “What’s New” page.

Quickly scroll through your books by using the back and forward arrows - you can view all the books in your Plan to Read, Reading Now and I've Read lists simultaneously! Move a book from Plan to Read to Reading Now or from Reading Now to I've Read with just one click of the "move to" button!  Once your books are on the I've Read list you can rate them and enter the date read from the pop up. 

 

Want to see this beautiful (yet functional) shelf elsewhere?  Then keep an eye on member profiles.

 

Happy Reading!

Amanda