Water for Elephants

Title of Book: Water for Elephants: A Novel
Author: Sara Gruen
Format: Standard Print

Brief Review:
To be honest, I was not interested in reading Water for Elephants. The subject matter, a memoir of a 93 year old former circus veterinarian, didn't sound like a story I would be interested in reading. About the fifth time a patron brought the book back and asked "Have you read this? It's wonderful!", I decided I needed to read it. I am so glad I did! The author did a wonderful job telling the story of some very interesting characters and the reader gets a true behind the scenes look at the people who made up a circus during the depression. The narrator of the story is Jacob, who runs away to join the circus after his charmed life takes a tragic turn. He gets a real life education. So did I while reading this book. I highly recommend this book, and I'm so glad I read it!

How did you find out about this book?
Recommended to me by several members of the library.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?
Yes! (And have done so many times)

Reviewed by:
Judi, Library Staff Member

Dear Mrs. LaRue

Title of Book: Dear Mrs. LaRue, Letters from Obedience School
Author: Mark Teague
Format: Standard Print

Brief Review:
Ike is a dog with a notebook, and writes down bad things he imagines. He saves his owner and becomes a hero.

How did you find out about this book?
I found it in the library.

Would you recommend this book to a friend?
Yes

Reviewed by:
Sara, Age 8

"The Bad Beginning"

Title of Book: The Bad Beginning
Author: Lemony Snicket
Book Format: Standard Print

Brief Review:
It is about 3 children who will inherit a large fortune when they come of age. But when their parents die in a suspicious fire they are forced to live with their guardian who will take "special" care of them. Little did they know all he wants to take special care of is their fortune.

How did you find out about this book?:
School Library

Would you recommend this book to a friend?:
YES!!!

Review by Emily, Age 11

The first review is in!

Our first review has been submitted. One of our young patrons turned in the first review of the year for a book titled "The Bad Beginning". A bit ironic since the book challenge is off to a good start.

Join our online book challenge!

Beginning January 1, 2009 members of the Meigs County - Decatur Public Library will take up the challenge to "Read 100 Books in 2009". This does not mean each member is expected to read 100 books this year. The total will be the sum of all books read and reviewed on this site by members of our library.

How it works:

1. Read a book! Any book! You are not restricted to reading items owned by our library.

2. Write a brief review of the book. Did you enjoy it? How did you find out about this title? Do you recommend this title to other readers? What format did you choose?
(Formats available from our library include standard print edition, large print edition, audiobook, digital audiobook and e-book)

3. Submit your review to the library for inclusion on this blog. You may turn in reviews to the circulation desk, mail them in, or send them to us in an email attachment. Library staff will maintain the blog and will add all reviews submitted as soon as they are received.

4. Check this blog frequently to see how we are doing. If we make it to 100 BOOKS by the end of the year, the Friends of the Library will host a special event celebrating our achievement!

5. Read another book!


If you have any questions about this exciting new challenge, please visit the library for more information.

So, are you up to the challenge?