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#FDL: Multimedia Books

Multimedia Books

I’m a complete sucker for a book where the story is told through multi-media, such as text messaging, social media, transcripts, or images. Some folks are calling this kind of storytelling “modern epistolary” as most multi-media aspects are forms of communication. In modern times, maybe Frankenstein’s monster would be texting the good Doctor. The novel that really set this format related genre off was World War Z by Max Brooks, published in 2006. It’s a multi-person “historical” account of a zombie apocalypse told through interviews and electronic communication and so worth checking out. If you liked World War Z or just want to check out some good books in this format, here are a few suggestions.

The Rise and Fall of D.O.D.O. by Neal Stephenson and Nicole Galland. This is the story of the inception and downfall of a super secret government organization that uses witches for the purpose of quantum physics based time travel. It’s told first as a series of diary entries and over the course of the book incorporates emails, letters, chat transcripts, and one character’s internet search history.
Night Film by Marisha Pessl. This is a book about the mysterious death of Ashley Cordova and her reclusive father, a cult horror film maker. We follow investigative journalist Scott McGrath as he tries to uncover what really happened to Ashley. The printed and audiobooks include an app that gives you access to chat conversations and news articles about Ashley and her father. Some chapters include medical reports and pictures. Those and interactive links are all included in the e-book.
Sleep Over by H.G. Bells. Sleep Over is exactly what it sounds like – the world is hit with an insomnia plague. People stop sleeping. Their bodies start shutting down. The world crumbles in weird and unpredictable ways. H.G. Bells takes the WWZ approach with this book and tells the story of the insomnia apocalypse from the perspectives of multiple characters in interview and electronic exchange formats.
The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero. This book is a ton of creepy fun. The protagonist, only known as A, inherits a house from wealthy relatives he didn’t know he had. He’s also pretty sure the house is haunted but needs proof. Cantero tells the story of A and this haunted house with letters, handwritten notes, transcripts of audio surveillance equipment, and ciphers.
The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler. This one is also a ton of fun. It’s 1996 and Josh and Emma are next door neighbors and best friends. Emma’s dad gives her a computer as a high school graduation gift. Josh gets his hands on an AOL disc. They pop in the disc and are taken to – facebook? Considering facebook wouldn’t be invented for another 8 years this is weird. The teens have a strange glimpse into their future lives and realize through the facebook status updates of their future selves, that the things they do in a given day now can change the entirety of their lives in the future.

Post by Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist

About #FDL

Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.

admin2018-05-22T18:29:38-05:00May 22nd, 2018|

FDL Reads: Projekt 1065

Projekt 1065 by Alan Gratz

Reviewed by: Sylvia Shults, Circulation

Genre: Historical Fiction

Suggested Age: Teens

What is the book about?: Michael O’Shaunessy is a teenage boy living in Berlin in 1943. His parents are the Irish diplomats to Germany, and Michael is a member of the Hitler Youth. He is also a spy for British Intelligence, as are his parents. Michael must walk a fine line between blending in at school with his peers, and keeping his eyes and ears open for information that may help the Allies win the war. It’s a lot for a thirteen-year-old to handle, but Michael’s life is about to get a whole lot more interesting — and dangerous. He is tasked with learning more about Projekt 1065, an experiment that may win the war for the Allies — and may get Michael killed.

My Review: Okay, I knew the Nazis were horrifying. But wow — seeing the Nazi Party “from the inside” — through the eyes of a member of the Hitler Youth — was intense. Teenage boys are creatures of impulse, and Michael has to keep a tight rein on his emotions during things like book burnings and attacks on Jews. He has to fit in so his peers will trust him, and so he and his parents aren’t arrested as spies and executed, or worse, sent to a camp. This book gave me a new appreciation of what ordinary people had to go through during World War Two, fighting for justice in the face of unspeakable cruelty. Michael is so very believable as a teenage kid who’s just trying to survive the war, and trying to help as best he can. This is a firestorm of a book in which the action never lets up, and the author really makes you feel the urgency of life in Berlin in 1943. The war was not going well for the Axis at that point, and the Nazis were getting desperate. That desperation, and the dedication of the Allies, shines through in every page. Highly recommended!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Fast-paced, exciting, intense

Give This a Try if You Like… Any Captain America movie, World War Two movies where the odds seem impossible

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!

admin2018-05-22T16:20:01-05:00May 22nd, 2018|

FDL Reads: Night Film

Night Film by Marisha Pessl

Reviewed by: Dawn Dickey, Library Volunteer

Genre: Suspense/Thriller

Suggested Age: Adults, Teens

What is the book about?: When Night Film begins, investigative journalist Scott McGrath’s career is in shambles. In his eagerness to score an exclusive about legendary, reclusive filmmaker Stanislas Cordova, McGrath makes the mistake of quoting an ominous accusation from an unsubstantiated, untraceable source: “There’s something [Cordova] does to the children.” McGrath’s public repeating of this accusation against Cordova proves to be his undoing, and McGrath’s career unravels. But when Cordova’s daughter is found dead, McGrath is again drawn into digging into Cordova’s mysterious past.

My Review: “Everyone has a Cordova story, whether they like it or not. Maybe your next-door neighbor found one of his movies in an old box in her attic and never entered a dark room alone again. Or your boyfriend bragged he’d discovered a contraband copy of At Night All Birds Are Black on the Internet and after watching refused to speak of it, as if it were a horrific ordeal he’d barely survived.”

These are the opening words of Night Film, and they set the scene for the creepiness that follows. Pessl excels at using words to paint spooky scenes with a paranormal flair. Pessl cleverly supplements her frightening word pictures with visual materials that add to the intrigue, such as scans of McGrath’s research notes, screen shots of members-only websites about Cordova, news articles, and more. All-in-all, this was one creepy read, I was spooked enough that I considered not finishing the book. I did finish the book, however, and I am glad I did! Highly recommended if you like a scary read!

Three Words That Describe This Book: paranormal, investigative thriller

Give This a Try if You Like… Paranormal Witness, Sinister, or psychological thrillers

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!

admin2018-05-17T12:43:11-05:00May 17th, 2018|

#FDL: Bowie’s Blackstar

We Have Music!

FDL has a book review blog called FDL Reads, which you can check out here. But FDL also has music and movies and Sarah Baker (your friendly circulation assistant) has reviews Blackstar by David Bowie.

Blackstar by David Bowie

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Rock

Suggested Age: Adult (some language)

Track Listing: Blackstar — ‘Tis a pity she was a whore — Lazarus — Sue (or In a season of crime) — Girl loves me — Dollar days — I can’t give everything away

Run Time: 41 minutes

My Review: This album had a lot going on, much of it unusual, even for Bowie. There is more jazz present than in most of his more popular songs, and it shines in almost every song. The frequent saxophone solos are often melancholy, and the use of flutes lends an air to each song that other instruments wouldn’t capture. It also really showcases how much he’s picked up from other artists over the years, allowing influences to float to the surface. The only song that really missed the mark for me “‘Tis A Pity She Was A Whore.” The lyrics are raunchier, but are nearly covered by the music. To quote Amadeus, “too many notes.” I also found it slightly odd that this is the only time in his career that he swears with any strength or regularity.

This album is Bowie’s farewell letter, and it hits the target. Listening to it in the wake of his death was both hard and cathartic. Listening to it now, it’s hard to remember he’s gone.

Three Words That Describe This Album: Bold, Poignant, Excellent

Give this a try if you like…David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead

Rating: (out of 5) 5/5

Post by Sarah Baker, Circulation Assistant

About #FDL

Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.

admin2018-05-16T13:25:48-05:00May 16th, 2018|

FDL Reads: To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Reviewed by: Jacob Roberts, Reference Assistant

Genre: Southern Gothic, Coming-of-age

Suggested Age: Adults, Teens

What is the book about?: To Kill a Mockingbird follows the childhood of Jean Louise Finch, a young girl that goes by the name Scout, as she struggles with the conflicting morality that exists in the small southern town of Maycomb, Alabama. Scout is seen to age from six to nine throughout the novel, and is full of imaginative fervor with her brother Jim and good friend Dill. Early on they find themselves embarking on a new schoolyear, exploring the mystery of their neighbor Boo Radley, and shaking off the little authority Calpurnia and Aunt Alexandra instill upon them. However, as it is at the height of colored segregation during the 1930’s, they have a lot to learn about the world around them and just how they fit into it all. Their dad, Atticus, plays as their moral compass, but the town is shaken as an African-American man named Tom Robinson is prosecuted for assaulting a young white woman. Atticus, as the local lawyer, takes the case and sets out against the town to prove his innocence, causing not only the children to question what they know, but the town itself.

My Review: Harper Lee’s classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, has been held in high acclaim by all its readers throughout the decades. It produces insight only children can perceive, as the adults around them cave to the traditions of the past. It begs attention to dilemmas far ahead of its time, and that is why it remains relevant today. It shares a story of love, compassion, humanity, and acceptance that people in today’s society can’t help but continue to connect with. Lee is able to produce raw emotion and understanding through a childlike perspective. However, although it is through a child’s eyes that realization is achieved in To Kill a Mocking Bird, there exists a sense of authority with what is shared with the reader. It suggests that humanity grows naïve with age, and that if there is to be a change with anything in society it begins with the children that we raise.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Insightful, Moving, Reminiscent

Give This a Try if You Like… Wise Blood by Flannery O’Connor, The Heart is A Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!

admin2018-05-15T12:30:41-05:00May 15th, 2018|

FDL Reads: My Favorite Thing is Monsters

My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris

Reviewed by: Dave Gibbons, Library Volunteer

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: Monsters are the very personification of alienation and loneliness. They are the ultimate outsiders, which is why Karen Reyes relates to them so well. Navigating adolescence in the politically charged world of urban 1960’s Chicago, Karen finds solace in monsters; from late night b-movie frights to the demons she finds in paintings hanging in the Chicago institute of art. She even obsesses over her brother’s horror comics. The world of these monsters and the violent but real and very prejudiced world start to blend as she unravels the sordid details of her murdered neighbor Anka, a Holocaust survivor. Secrets come to the surface quickly: her mother’s terminal illness, her brother’s seemingly romantic lifestyle, her own emerging sexuality, school friends and enemies, all emerging like monsters in an increasingly surrealist world.

My Review: I didn’t pick up this book the first time I saw it, briefly flipping through it appeared to be just a bizarre sort of sketchbook. After hearing amazing reviews from people I trust, I decided I would give it a shot. I’m very glad I did. This book is a prime example of the medium that is graphic novels. Formatted as the diary of ten year old Karen Reyes, a girl who loves monsters, and even sees herself as one, the story is instantly immersive and intimately relatable. Reyes returns time and again to her love of monsters as she struggles to understand a world that makes very little sense. Not to be dismissed, the art style, using exclusively ball point and felt tip pens seems on the surface unassuming but quickly dispels that notion as Karen explains her favorite fine art paintings to the reader. The artistic style becomes increasingly complex, starting as something of a colorful juxtaposition with the gruesome and traumatic experiences that Karen is telling the reader about and evolving into an echo of the world Karen inhabits. It has allusions to everything from the low brow such as Jack Davis illustrated EC comics covers and Basil Wolverton’s grotesque mad magazine illustrations to fine art such as Henry Fuseli’s “the nightmare.”

Rather than explaining everything out right, readers have to “read between the lines,” much as the 10 year old narrator is forced to as adults rarely explain things that they think she is not ready for. While Karen isn’t naive about the situations she finds herself in, she does approach them from a place with adolescent priorities and resilience. With few exceptions the characters are not good or bad. Rather they react to, or are products of their environment much like the monsters that are an integral part of this story. Also like those very monsters, this story has an enthralling quality that left me wanting more.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Unique, Complex, Engaging

Give This a Try if You Like… Sculptor by Scott McCloud, The Building by Will Eisner, American Splendor by Harvey Pekar, Robert crumb et. al.

Rating: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Art: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!

admin2018-05-10T18:56:37-05:00May 10th, 2018|

FDL Reads: The Power of Kiowa Song

The Power of Kiowa Song: A Collaborative Ethnography by Luke E. Lassiter

Reviewed by: Laura Warren, Adult Services Manager

Genre: Non-Fiction, American Indian Culture

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: In The Power of Kiowa Song, Luke E. Lassiter discusses many aspects of American Indian powwow including the dances and the songs performed there, with special attention to Gourd Dance. Each chapter explores the path that the author took to study with American Indian individuals, as well as what he learned while studying with them. The chapters include diagrams of the way these dances are set up as well as song structure for those songs performed there. The history that these people have endured is explored as well. The importance of song meaning and correctness of singing are discussed through experience and through the help of generous individuals and their expertise. The author must gain the respect of the community, due to the dubious history that American Indians have had with anthropologists, to put this book together.

My Review: This book has both stories and data gathered by the author as an anthropologist. My academic training is as an anthropologist as well, so I enjoy the amount of knowledge this book imparts, but this is by no means just a dry list of facts. Lassiter places us in his shoes as he approaches the individuals that he so desperately wants to learn from. We go down the path with him and learn from those who mentor him through the powwow. We begin to know these people and they become co-authors, through their wisdom and vast knowledge. We begin to understand that these songs have power, and what that means in the context of American Indian culture. Luke E. Lassiter has a great respect for the individuals he ends up singing alongside, and we can really feel this throughout this book.

Three Words That Describe This Book: informative, fascinating, uplifting

Give This a Try if You Like… Cahokia: The Great Native American Metropolis, Traditional Teachings of Native American Elders, American Indian Culture, Music Theory, Dance History

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!

admin2018-05-09T13:41:46-05:00May 9th, 2018|

#FDL: It’s MerMay!

Happy MerMay!

I didn’t know what Mer-May was until this year and it sounds delightful. Basically, it’s a month long celebration of mermaids, where people draw a different mermaid each day based on a prompt – all of which can be found here – and post it to their social media accounts to share with the world. For example, I did a quick little sketch based on the prompt for today, which is “masculine.”

And now all of you get the joy of seeing a funny mer-man for MerMay. But you can still celebrate MerMay even if you’re not inclined to draw mermaids every day. And considering the fact that IL skipped spring and went right into summer, the idea of mermaids is pretty refreshing.

Read some mer-fiction. Mermaids are really hot in paranormal romance right now, especially in YA fiction. If you’re looking for some good mermaid reads, check out The Siren by Kiera Cass (author of The Selection series), Monstrous Beauty by Elizabeth Fama, Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire, or Wake by Amanda Hocking.
Watch a mer-movie. The Shape of Water has a mer-man/Creature From the Black Lagoon creature, but he still counts. Splash is a classic. Ponyo is an awesome Studio Ghibli movie that is kid friendly. And The Little Mermaid seems like an obvious choice, but it’s so good.
Check out one of our Makey Makey kits and turn yourself into a musical mermaid with this water piano project.
Add “mer” to the front of every other word.

Post by Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist

About #FDL

Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.

admin2018-05-08T18:27:27-05:00May 8th, 2018|

FDL Reads: Pax

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Anderson, Communications Assistant

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Suggested Age: Tweens, Teens

What is the book about?: Twelve year old Peter is forced to abandon his pet fox, Pax, when his father enlists in the military. Stricken by grief and his undying loyalty to his pet, he sets off on a journey to find him. As obstacles bar the path to reunion, both Peter and Pax discover more about themselves and their duties to the new friends they’ve made.

My Review: Like many stories about animals, this is a book that strives to strike an emotional chord with the reader, and it has moments where it hits the mark. The story is thoughtful and layered with deeper, more symbolic connections for older readers, while still offering a straightforward tale for a younger audience. I enjoyed Pennypacker’s fresh and vivid sensory descriptions, and appreciated that she was able to paint a scene without slowing down the narrative for a more restless reader. The chapters alternate between the point of view of Peter and Pax, allowing for the growth and development of both characters. The deepening of the characters in this story and the unfolding image of their lives is, in my opinion, one of the strongest aspects of this book. Though the ending was not an unexpected one, I did find it a little abrupt because I felt there were some loose ends. That being said, life is often riddled with such loose ends, and one could argue that it makes this story hit a little closer to home.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Vivid, thoughtful, unrelenting

Give This a Try if You Like… Foxy by Helen V. Griffith, A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean, and My Life of Crime by Richard W. Jennings

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!

admin2018-05-04T13:28:46-05:00May 4th, 2018|

#FDL: Books on Display

Take them! Take them all!

A fairly regular question I get from library patrons is, “Can I take a book from this display?” Or, they circle a display without asking and I tell them they can take anything on it and they look a little shocked. But here’s the thing about books, DVDs, CDs, books on CD, or equipment boxes that we have on display – those displays are for you, our patrons! Librarians create displays based on ideas that we hope you find interesting and put items on those displays in the hope that you will take them home with you. We want you take items from our displays and it warms our hearts when you do, because that mean’s we’ve made a successful item/patron match.

A patron’s main concern is taking an item and ruining the display. First, taking an item doesn’t ruin a display. While we try to keep our displays well stocked and maintained (more on this in a minute), a display with some gaps in it means that patrons really like the display and are interested in the topic it’s covering. Gaps in the display might also encourage other patrons to take books – after all, if someone else has already created a gap, the second or third person won’t be “ruining” the display. Taking an item from the display doesn’t ruin the display for another reason – librarians have back-up display items. We design displays with the intent that they get “ruined.” Take the books – take all of them! We have so many more we can use to replace the ones that people take. And you know what? Take those books too! We have others.

In short, displays are here to serve you. We want you to take the items we’ve decided to showcase. We hope you like them.

Post by Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist

About #FDL

Welcome to #FDL! #FDL is a twice weekly update on all things Fondulac District Library and East Peoria. Twice a week, library staff will make posts that highlight some aspect of library life and relate it to you – our readers. Have you ever wanted to know which Dewey number represented a certain topic? Are you looking for book recommendations based on your favorite television show or television recommendations based on your favorite book? Have you ever wondered about the secret details of librarian life? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then #FDL is for you. We look forward to writing posts that are informative and entertaining and hope that you enjoy getting better acquainted with Fondulac District Library.

admin2018-05-04T10:41:23-05:00May 4th, 2018|

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Multimedia Books

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We Have Music!

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Happy MerMay!

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Take them! Take them all!

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