admin - Fondulac District Library

About admin

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far admin has created 312 blog entries.

FDL Reads: As You Wish

As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes

Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

Genre: Nonfiction

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: Cary Elwes narrates this audio book about the making of the classic film, The Princess Bride. He focuses on his experience playing Westley, but also features interviews with others involved with the film including Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, and Mandy Patinkin, as well as author and screenwriter William Goldman, producer Norman Lear, and director Rob Reiner. The cast and crew share behind-the-scenes anecdotes and tidbits about making the iconic film. The Princess Bride’s screenplay had been circulating in Hollywood for several years before it finally went into production under Rob Reiner. Reiner was a big fan of the novel since he was a kid and was determined to make a great swashbuckling fantasy that would appeal to both children and adults. The resulting movie wasn’t received well at the box office, but gained most of it’s popularity and fans when it was released on VHS several years later. Now, after The Princess Bride celebrated it’s 30 year anniversary, it is ranked by the American Film Institute as one of the top 100 Greatest Love Stories and by the Writers Guild of America as one of the top 100 screenplays of all time.

My Review: The Princess Bride has been my favorite film since I was very young. I dreamed of being Buttercup as I played dress up at home. Listening to this audio book brought back a lot of those memories and feel-good nostalgia. Cary Elwes has an awesome voice for narration and is very talented at impressions of other celebs, including his co-star Andre the Giant, who is lovingly remembered by many of the cast and crew. I enjoyed the amusing stories about production. For example, Rob Reiner laughed so hard that he could not remain on set during Billy Crystal’s scenes as Miracle Max, and Cary Elwes broke is toe off screen and was certain he would be fired on set. He really was in excruciating pain when he delivered the line, “Life is pain, Highness!” Though he doesn’t throw any of his co-stars under the bus with embarrassing secrets, Elwes does offer fans plenty of behind-the-scenes tales that were interesting, humorous, or touching.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Humorous, interesting, nostalgic

Give This a Try if You Like… The Princess Bride (film or book), books about films, audio books read by the author

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

admin2018-09-28T06:13:48-05:00September 26th, 2018|

FDL Reads: House of Robots

House of Robots by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein

Reviewed by: Callen, library patron

Genre: Fiction

Suggested Age: Juvenile (8-12 years)

What is the book about?: Fifth-grader Sammy Hayes-Rodriguez struggles to fit in when his inventor mother requires him to take her latest creation, a robotic ‘brother,’ to school with him to learn to become a student.

Video Review: Check out Callen’s video review as a WTVP Rainbow Reader.

Rainbow Readers is a series of short videos (30 to 60 seconds long) produced by WTVP that run locally on-air in-between regularly-scheduled children’s programming throughout the school year. Congrats to Callen for being chosen as a super reader in 2018!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Robots, Disasters, Adventure

Give This a Try if You Like…Treasure Hunters by James Patterson, Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

admin2018-09-28T06:06:40-05:00September 23rd, 2018|

#FDL: October LibraryReads

LibraryReads is the monthly nationwide library staff picks list for adult fiction and non-fiction. It’s goal is to share what library staff from all over the country have read recently. Participation is open to everyone who works in a public library, whether senior staff or new arrivals, in any area of the library.

The books below are scheduled to be published in October. The publication information is included with each annotation. To see what FDL staff has currently read and loved, visit FDL Reads reviews.

The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory

“A disastrous public wedding proposal results in a chance meeting between Nik and Carlos. What follows is a delightfully humorous and sweet story about two people falling for each other while remaining seemingly unaware of their blossoming romance. The book sets itself apart by portraying a self-aware, feminist woman who enjoys positive relationships with female friends. An engaging and upbeat multicultural romance.” -Publication: 10/30/2018 by Berkley Jove

LaNiesha Bowles, Boston Public Library, Boston, MA

The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton

“Events that occurred in the late 19th century at Birchwood Manor cast their shadows over the next 150 years, with various mysterious voices explaining how those events affected their lives. Attentive readers will be rewarded as clues are revealed. Atmospheric and perfect for gothic fiction fans of Sarah Waters and Beatriz Williams.” Publication: 10/9/2018 by Atria Books

Virginia Holsten, Vinton Public Library, Vinton, IA

Consumed by J.R. Ward

“This first book in Ward’s newest series featuring firefighters in New Brunswick, NJ, includes well-crafted macho heroes, tough female characters, and believable relationships. Readers will be excited to see where this series goes. For fans of Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series and readers who like gritty and steamy suspense.” – Publication: 10/2/2018 by Gallery Books

Kelsey Hudson, Middleton Public Library, Middleton, WI

The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain

“In 1970, young and recently widowed Carly learns that the baby she is carrying has a fatal birth defect. Enter her quirky but lovable brother-in-law, who proposes a highly improbable solution: travel to the future where a medical procedure exists to save her unborn child. This twisty story with well-developed characters is highly recommended, but with a trigger warning for mothers. A good crossover title for domestic fiction and science fiction readers, and fans of Kristin Hannah, Jodi Picoult, and Chris Bohjalian.”- Erica Naranjo, Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento, CA – Publication: 10/2/2018 by St. Martin’s Press

The Library Book by Susan Orlean

“An investigation of the fire that devastated the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986 evolves into a page-turning history of the immense impact libraries and books have had throughout time. Profoundly moving and enlightening, and a clear call to readers to appreciate and support their libraries. For readers who enjoy high-quality narrative nonfiction.” -Publication: 10/16/2018 by Simon and Schuster

Jesica Sweedler DeHart, Neill Public Library, Pullman, WA

November Road: A Novel by Lou Berney

“Set in the weeks just after JFK’s assassination, a mob hit man on the run meets a woman who has just impulsively left her alcoholic husband. A beautifully written suspense novel that’s hard to put down, with well-developed, sympathetic characters and plenty of intrigue. Fans of John Hart and Dennis Lehane will appreciate this fast-paced thriller.” – Publication 10/9/2018 by William Morrow

Jill Smith, Bayport Public Library, Bayport, MN

One Day in December by Josie Silver

“An enjoyable page-turner, with a romance that begins with a chance connection at a bus stop and brews in secret over a number of years. More literary romance than chick-lit, this title would be a good choice for readers who enjoy books by Meg Donohue or Erica Bauermeister.” – Publication: 10/16/2018 by Broadway Books

Marlyn Beebe, Long Beach Public Library, Long Beach, CA

Unsheltered by Barbara Kingslover

“Willa and her college professor husband made all the “right” decisions, yet are nearing retirement holding an empty bag. The rise of the service economy, materialism, middle-class disenfranchisement, a labyrinthine health care system, immigration–even Charles Darwin–all factor into this relevant story about social upheaval and an ever-changing American Dream.” – Publication: 10/16/2018 by Harper

Lori Hench, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore, MD

Virgil Wander by Leif Enger

“Virgil Wander survives a car crash with some speech and memory problems, and encounters a kite-flying stranger searching for information about his long-lost son. Enger explores and intricately layers the feelings and stories of an entire town full of people, each trying to survive their own life-changing experiences. A good pick for readers who enjoy quirky characters and for fans of Kent Haruf.” -Publication: 10/2/2018 by Atlantic Monthly Press

Elizabeth Isabelle, DeKalb County Public Library System, DeKalb, GA

The Witch Elm by Tana French

“This standalone novel has all the things readers love about the Dublin Murder Squad books–well developed characters, exquisite plotting, and deep explorations of human nature. Toby leads a charmed life with an idyllic childhood, a good family, a loving girlfriend, and promising prospects. But a vicious attack changes everything. Atmospheric, twisty, and perfect for readers who like Gillian Flynn or Kate Atkinson.”- Publication: 10/9/2018 by Viking

Laura Bovee, Chicopee Public Library, Chicopee, MA

A Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult

“This harrowing and insightful novel unwinds backwards in time over the course of a day during a tense hostage situation at a Mississippi women’s clinic and is told through multiple points of view: the gunman, the hostage negotiator, patients, clinic staff, and a right to life advocate. All sides of the abortion issue are explored with compassion through the characters’ stories, helping readers empathize and connect. Fans of Picoult’s issue-driven novels will not be disappointed.” -Publication: 10/02/2018 by Ballantine Books

Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, MA

Post by Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

#FDL is a weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria.

admin2018-09-27T11:47:34-05:00September 22nd, 2018|

Autumn 2018 Newsletter Now Available

The latest issue of Community Connection, Fondulac District Library’s quarterly newsletter, is now available! It is mailed to residences within the library district and also is available for download and printing from our website. Printed copies can also be picked up at the library.

Whether you are into history, writing, gaming, music, science, or crafts, we’ve got something planned for everyone at the library this fall! Please take a moment to review the newsletter and mark your calendars with the great lineup of programs happening at Fondulac District Library through December. Enjoy!

Download (PDF, 2.32MB)

admin2018-09-19T10:53:31-05:00September 19th, 2018|

FDL Reads: The Girl in the Locked Room

The Girl in the Locked Room by Mary Downing Hahn

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Pidde, Communications Assistant

Genre: Fiction

Suggested Age: Juvenile (8-12 years)

What is the book about?: Jules is used to old houses because her father renovates them for a living, but something about her father’s newest project is a bit different. In this house, there is a ghost of a young girl who has been trapped ever since a tragedy took place many years ago. Jules is determined to discern the truth, free the girl’s spirit, and bring peace to her and her family.

My Review: I’m always excited to read the latest of Hahn’s books. As with several of her other newer titles, this book features changes in point of view at chapter breaks. Some chapters are from Jules’s point of view and others are from Lily’s – the resident ghost. This creates a less frightening story because the ghost is more of a regular character who just happens to be dead. It’s a twist that I think Hahn executes well, and I enjoyed the fact that there was more “ghost face time.” Another interesting aspect of the story is the way that Lily’s mind works as a ghost and how it affects her memory. The book also describes how ghosts “materialize” to be seen by living people. I enjoyed Hahn’s creative theories, and they helped to keep a fairly classic plot formula fresh and engaging. This book also features some thoughtful theories about time, the past, and the different possible futures that decisions can create. It’s a quick and easy read that isn’t too frightening for a younger reader, but it still contains enough substance for the children on the older end of the target audience.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Time, Tragedy, Friendship

Give This a Try if You Like…Time for Andrew by Mary Downing Hahn, The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

admin2018-09-27T11:35:51-05:00September 19th, 2018|

FDL Reads: Strange Practice

Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw

Reviewed by: Dave Gibbons, Library Volunteer

Genre: Contemporary Paranormal

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: From her London clinic, Dr. Greta Helsing treats the maladies and illness the supernatural world encounters. From depression in ghouls to banshees with throat strain, she has seen it all. When called in to help critically injured Varney the Vampyre, star of Victorian penny dreadfuls, her desire to help exposes her to a murderous cult of monks terrorizing London through a series of “rosary killings.” Suspecting that this is more than your run-of-the-mill serial killer, Dr. Helsing will enlist a diverse ensemble to save the community. Unraveling the mystery of these murders is no small feat. And when the crazed cultists are revealed to have larger, more monstrous plans Greta and her crew will have to break into museums, enlist a tribe of subterranean ghouls and even make a deal with the devil to take them down.

My Review: Vampire stories are one of two sub-genres of horror that have made me increasingly jaded (the other being zombie stories) because they have become overplayed and have resulted in a glut of sloppy novels, thus when I learned that cast features a few vampire characters I was wary. Fortunately, rather then relying on tired archetypes, Vivian Shaw chose to highlight the diversity of the undead. While one vampire is brooding and mopey and one is rich and beautiful, there are also old and sick ones as well. This story treats it’s characters, both supernatural and mundane, as people; painting a world of individuals who are both sympathetic, dynamic and very “human.” While there is a romantic subplot, it is not the focus of the story or even the main character, rather the focus is on the different types of relationships that the characters have with each other. The moments that stood out were the small ones, such as Greta is caring for her various patients, doing little things to show how each person was worthy of care. Contrasted against a villainous cult of monks whose unwavering “moral” compass caused the killing of several innocent Londoners.

This is one of those rare books that is incredibly complex despite having a relatively simple plot line. Choosing to focus on the minutia that would realistically go on in a supernatural world rather than glossing it over in favor of swooning drama, the author presents the supernatural world with an intricacy that is breathtaking. More than once I found myself looking up details she used to describe a functional “underworld” only to find that real world aspects that I didn’t even know existed (for example mercury arc rectifier bulbs are indeed very creepy). In a lesser author’s hands this amount of detail could get overwhelming and cause the story to fall apart but in this instance it just leads to monumental worldbuilding.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Supernatural, Technical, Human

Give This a Try if You Like… Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, Hellboy by Mike Mignolia, and Nightbreed by Clive Barker

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

admin2018-08-30T08:15:43-05:00August 30th, 2018|

FDL Reads: Killing Floor

Killing Floor by Lee Child

Reviewed by: Jacob Roberts, Reference Assistant

Genre: Thriller

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: In the small, well-kept town of Margrave, Georgia an ex-military police officer is taken into custody for murder. His name’s Jack Reacher, and he was drifting through, on an impromptu decision, due to a legend he once heard from his brother. He now realizes his mistake, as the longer he stays the more corruption unfolds around him. He nearly leaves town once he is cleared, but new evidence comes to light that makes him realize the corruption of the town is more than a stray, meandering decision he had to get off at an arbitrary backwoods bus stop—it’s personal.

My Review: Jack Reacher is an extraordinary case to consider for the avid reader. Child refuses to create a passive character. Rather, he creates a character that seeks adventure, and will win against every situation that is placed in front of him. Because of the little flaw that is present in Reacher it may make the critics wonder how such an unrealistic character can keep them turning the page. I believe it is because of the innate desire that we all have when we read books to have the tough guys be knocked down. If Jack Reacher wasn’t fighting for truth, then the book wouldn’t sell, but because he walks up to the bullies of our youth and knocks them down a peg or two we rejoice alongside him. I believe that the reader forgives his lack of flaws for the amount of trouble that he finds himself in. Despite a constantly winning character, he is forced into countless life or death situations that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Child does a terrific job at emphasizing Reacher’s strength as a beacon of attention that appears to draw, rather than discourage, his enemies because of the threat he poses to both their operation and their desire to enlist compliance throughout the community.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Intense, thrilling, fast

Give This a Try if You Like…Dealbreaker by Harlan Coben, City of the Sun by David Levien, or The Cove by Catherine Coulter

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

admin2018-08-28T12:45:07-05:00August 28th, 2018|

#FDL: Asking for Library Items

Not Finding What You’re Looking For? Ask Us!

Whether you’re someone who can navigate the library like a pro or someone who needs a bit of help finding what you’re looking for, FDL welcomes everyone. But sometimes, even the most seasoned of library patrons has come to the reference desk because they can’t find an item they’re looking for because it is not a part of FDL’s collection. Sometimes, these are obscure works that we don’t own simply because there isn’t a whole lot of demand for them. Sometimes we don’t own something because it slipped through the cracks. For example, we might have gotten rid of a popular first book in a series because it was too broken to repair and forgotten to order a replacement. It happens.

But, what we want you to know is that it is always 100% okay to ask us about these items. Occasionally, someone will come up to the desk and say something along the lines of, “I can’t believe you don’t have x, y, or z!” And sometimes, the librarian who is helping them will say, “I can’t believe that either!” And then we work to fix that hole in the collection. In the meantime, we’re more than happy to order items from different libraries so you can have the items you need as soon as possible. The bottom line is to not be afraid to ask. And to know that getting materials for you – whether that means putting something on hold or buying a new copy – is a big part of our job. It’s never a hassle or too much trouble.

Post by Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist

#FDL is a weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria.

admin2018-08-24T09:47:54-05:00August 24th, 2018|

FDL Reads: The Kiss Quotient

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

Genre: Romance

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: Stella Lane is an econometrician. She loves math algorithms and has made a fortune predicting the online shopping patterns of consumers. While she is beautiful and young, she has never had a boyfriend and does not date. The fact that she has Asperger’s makes it hard for her in social situations and the thought of making out just plain grosses her out. When her mom puts the pressure on her to date, Stella decides to hire Michael Phan, a gorgeous Vietnamese/Swedish escort, to help her practice. Stella and Michael have great chemistry and soon their “business” relationship turns into real love.

My Review: I absolutely loved this book. I am not a regular reader of romance and wasn’t sure if I would like this novel. But there were so many positive reviews about The Kiss Quotient this year that I decided to try it. This is the debut novel of the author, Helen Hoang. Hoang began the research for it and was actually diagnosed with autism herself during the process. Stella’s #OwnVoices perspective helped me to better understand what it might be like to have high functioning autism. Both Stella and Michael are so likeable and relatable, even though they were very different from me. The story is cute, but also steamy and romantic at the same time which is a great balance. In the end, this book has really nice themes of acceptance, patience, and understanding.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Cute, Sexy, Unique

Give This a Try if You Like… Romance, The Hating Game by Sally Thorne, Adam, Love stories about opposites attracting

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

admin2018-08-24T09:08:00-05:00August 24th, 2018|

FDL Reads: Turtles All the Way Down

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

Reviewed by: Joscelyn Lockwood, Youth Services Assistant

Genre: Contemporary YA Fiction

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What is the book about?: Aza never wanted to investigate the disappearance of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett, but her most fearless and best friend, Daisy, is tempted by the hundred-thousand-dollar reward. Connected by a link from childhood, they start the hunt with Russell’s son, Davis. All the while, Aza is trying. Trying to be a good friend. A good daughter. A good student…. While dealing with ‘the ever tightening spiral’ of her own thoughts.

My Review: True to life and heart-wrenching, Aza’s diagnoses of anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder are at the forefront of this story. As Daisy and Aza are immersed in the hunt for Russell Picket, Green masterfully weaves in her daily struggle. He writes about the medicine, the therapy sessions, the spiraling thought patterns. All of it in detail, so you really understand and sympathize with the character’s struggle.

The only possible downfall to this, and this may have even been the author’s intention, is that the disappearance plot does fall by the wayside at times. It is still a wonderful read. This was the first book I’ve read by John Green, but it won’t be the last.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Angsty, Philosophical, Emotive

Give This a Try if You Like… The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Jenny Lawson, The Dear Hank and John podcast.

Rating: 4.5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

admin2018-08-21T17:27:41-05:00August 21st, 2018|