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FDL Reads: Night Watch

Night Watch by Terry Pratchett

Reviewed by: Sarah Baker, Circulation Assistant

Genre: Fantasy, Cop Drama

Suggested Age: Teens, Adults

What is the book about?: Sir Samuel Vimes of the Anhk-Morpork City Watch is on the hunt for a killer. A serial killer who targets coppers. Carcer is a true psychopath, the kind of man who doesn’t see the wrong in what he’s doing. The Watch corners him in the Unseen University; Sam goes after Carcer himself, unwilling to risk his men. Lightning strikes the building, charged with magic, and Sam and Carcer are thrown back in time. And not just any time, but right during the Revolution (Truth! Justice! Reasonably Priced Love! And A Hard Boiled Egg!) that he’s already been through once, as a young copper. Assuming the name of his mentor (who incidentally was killed just as Sam and Carcer landed), Sam now has the unique opportunity to teach his younger self better ways. He has a chance to steer history. But will history be steered? Can he keep Carcer from derailing his future? And will Sam make it back to his own time?

My Review: This book is so good, and is my favorite of the Night Watch books. To be fair, it does get dark. There’s a secret police force known for kidnap and torture. There’s assassination and deceit. There’s violence and death. It’s not graphic, but it’s there and it creeps into things. But it’s an amazing mix of political commentary and intrigue, humor (both regular and black), and how there are somethings that you can’t change, no matter how much you try. It strips Sam to his essence, to the core of what makes him a good copper and a good man. You have profound moments like this one – “That was always the dream, wasn’t it? ‘I wish I’d known then what I know now’? But when you got older you found out that you NOW wasn’t YOU then. You then was a twerp. You then was what you had to be to start out on the rocky road of becoming you now, and one of the rocky patches on that road was being a twerp.” But you also have moments like Death telling someone they’ve reached the end of cake, or the dry sarcasm of Dr. Lawn.

This is book 29 of Discworld, and book 6 of the Night Watch. You could probably read this one on its own, but the impact might not be as profound. It will help if you’ve read a few of the Night Watch books first (I recommend Jingo and Feet of Clay), if only to really understand how Sam Vimes (and Anhk-Morpork) works. And you might find yourself wearing a sprig of lavender on May 25th.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Intense, Thought-provoking, Timely

Give This a Try if You Like… Life on Mars (television show, British or American), grizzled detectives, time travel

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!

admin2018-04-24T15:00:30-05:00April 24th, 2018|

FDL Reads: The Girl in the Spider’s Web

The Girl in the Spider’s Web by David Lagercrantz

Reviewed by: Dawn Dickey, Library Volunteer

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: The Girl in the Spider’s Web continues the adventures of fictional heroine Lisbeth Salander. In this, the 4^th book in the series, Salander’s deeds and misdeeds are again intertwined with that of investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist. Computer genius and hacker Salander is hired to find out who has stolen the ideas of noted computer scientist Frans Balder. At almost the same time, Balder contacts Blomkvist, suggesting they meet. Salander’s and Blomkvist’s paths cross again when Balder is murdered. Both Salander and Blomkvist frantically try to save the life of Balder’s autistic son, August, who has witnessed his father’s murder.

My Review: The first books starring Salander – product of a horrific childhood and dysfunctional family – began with the late Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. (You might remember this title from the 2011 English-language film starring Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig.) The series is now continuing under the capable writing of David Lagercrantz. It is no easy thing to take up a series started by another writer and both recreate and expand on the characters and themes. Lagercrantz does both well, and, in addition, also does a good job with summarizing the characters’ histories, so that a reader could take up this 4^th book and not be totally lost. His characters are true to the series’ roots, and the themes are intricate, appropriately reflecting the characters’ flaws and moral dilemmas. The complex plot has plenty of surprises to keep you guessing. The plot and its denouement also set the groundwork for the next book in the series. The Girl in the Spider’s Web is a suspense-filled read, and I am greatly looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Intense, Techie, Contemporary

Give This a Try if You Like… HBO’s True Detective; books & films with strong female protagonists such as Jane Casey’s Maeve Kerrigan mysteries; or Nordic noir suspense by writers such as Camilla Läckberg, Jo Nesbø, or Yrsa Sigurđardóttir.

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!

admin2018-04-17T16:17:50-05:00April 17th, 2018|

FDL Reads: It

It by Stephen King

Reviewed by: Jacob Roberts, References Assistant

Genre: Horror

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: In the small town of Derry there is a haunting that rears its head every twenty-seven years. It is said to be as old as time, and thrives off of the fear it conjures. It is able to haunt the steadiest of minds, because it knows you; it knows us all. It knows our deepest fears, but nobody knows what It is. Its true nature has never been seen, but it prefers to take the shape of Pennywise the Dancing Clown in order to lure young children to their death. Yet, the seven children it chooses to prey on in the midst of the 80’s soon prove that It has literally bitten off more than It can chew. However, even though they were able to fend it off as children, It has healed and rested as they grew up and went their own ways. Now they are forced to come back to the place where it all started and to finish it once and for all, except this time there is only six.

My Review: Stephen King’s It is a well-known cultural icon, and it has either caused or aided in many to develop coulrophobia (phobia of clowns), yet many only know it from the attempts there have been to depict it on the big screen. This is probably due to its text exceeding one-thousand pages. However, I would encourage anybody that loves reading to check this book out. It is so much more than just a horror book. Ever since I read it my freshman year of college, it has remained at the top of my must-reads for people. This is because of the caliber of writer Stephen King is, and how he is able to bring a sense of realism to such a fantastical and paranormal horror-story. He draws on peoples real emotions to respond to truly fictitious events. He creates characters with real and raw backstories, that aid in understanding why their deepest fears are what they are. Yet, the aspect of the novel that tied it all together for me, as a reader, was the fact that the struggles these characters experienced day-to-day didn’t just consist in their fight with a deadly clown, but also with more conventional struggles such as Beverly’s alcoholic father, Eddie’s overbearing mother, and the bullies that chased them around town.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Horrifying, Thought-provoking, Relatable

Give This a Try if You Like… The Shining by Stephen King, Watchers by Dean Koontz, or Black Chalk by Christopher J. Yates

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!

admin2018-04-11T12:09:47-05:00April 11th, 2018|

FDL Reads: The Ones

The One by John Marrs

Reviewed by: Sylvia Shults, Circulation

Genre: Suspense, Science Fiction

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: If you could take a genetic test to tell you who your perfect match is, would you do it? In the near future, scientists have discovered a DNA test that matches people with their soulmate, determined by their genes. To find your one true match, out of seven billion people, through a scientifically proven method — what a gift! A happily ever after with your perfect someone should be guaranteed … shouldn’t it? But even soulmates can hide secrets … and some secrets are more serious than others. This book follows five people who have taken the test, and have discovered who their soul mates are. The plot races forward with giddy speed, and you will NOT see the plot twists coming!

My Review: This is one of the most ridiculously entertaining books I’ve ever read in my life; certainly it’s in the top ten of Books That Have Blown My Mind. It’s always a joy to see an author take on a challenge and nail it. One story with this many twists and turns and “gotchas” would be amazing — but this book has FIVE stories, told in alternating chapters. (I have the bad habit of sliding my eyes over to the end of a chapter — I can’t help it. I had to read with one hand over the white space at the end of the chapter, so I couldn’t inadvertently spoil it for myself, because the chapter endings were SO marvelously unexpected!) The author delineates each character so well that you know immediately who is the subject of each chapter. And the plot twists are so sly and nasty, you start to wonder at several points, is there going to be a happy ending for ANY of these characters? It’s so worth reading to the end to find out. This book rocked my world!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Twisty, exciting, addictive.

Give This a Try if You Like… Room, by Emma Donoghue; Behind Closed Doors, by B.A. Paris.

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!

admin2018-04-09T10:03:32-05:00April 9th, 2018|

Star Wars Day 2018 Itinerary

Fondulac District Library announces Star Wars Day, which celebrates reading and the stories of one of the most popular sagas of all time. The all-ages event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2018.

Free activities and programs for all ages will run throughout the day and include Jedi training, crafts, games, Star Wars Bingo, prize drawings, and much more. Special guests from the 501^st Legion, the Rebel Legion, and the Mandalorian Mercs costume clubs will be in attendance and available for photographs. Additionally, members of the East Peoria Robo Raiders, a local First Tech Challenge (FTC) team, will participate in a presentation and demonstration of the real-life “droids” they design, build, and take to competition. The library also offers Star Wars-related books and movies on display and available for check out.

Special Activities

10:15 Star Wars Bingo
11:30 Jedi Training (both Jedi training sessions are the same)
12:30 Jedi Training
2:00 Real-Life Droids: East Peoria Robo-Raiders

Ongoing Activities

I Spy with My Jedi Eye: Starting at the Children’s Information Desk
Craft Cantina: Children’s Department: Story and Craft Room – Star Wars puppets
Star Wars Puppet Theater: Children’s Department
Photo Booth: Children’s Department
Jedi Training Obstacle Course: Children’s Department & Atrium
Video Arcades: Second Floor (Teen Space)
Tattooine Tattoo Parlor: Second Floor
Perler for Padawans: Second Floor
Mace Windu’s Mementos: Second Floor
Force Fair: Atrium & Children’s Department – Porg Invasion, Death Star Destruction, and Blast-a-Trooper.
Star Wars Science Station: Atrium
Admiral Ackbar’s Snack Bar: Treats for sale from the Friends of the Library

For more information about this special event, call the library at (309) 699-3917. This post will be updated with any changes or additions to the schedule.

Elizabeth Anderson2018-04-05T14:51:42-05:00April 5th, 2018|

FDL Reads: The World of Lore

The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke

Reviewed by: Carey Gibbons, Reference Specialist

Genre: Supernatural History

Suggested Age: Adults, Teens

What is the book about?: This is the first book in a projected series based on the popular podcast Lore, also by Aaron Mahnke. Each chapter is a transcript of a Lore podcast episode, focusing on gruesome and supernatural creatures. The book, like the podcast, features unexplained phenomenon as recorded in history. Each chapter is its own story, so the book as a whole is not a linear narrative. Chapters are grouped in sections focusing on creatures like vampires, werewolves, elves/gremlins/goblins/dwarves, and nature based creatures such as the wendigo. Chapters also take place in various times and settings, and Mahnke also does a good job of relating historical phenomenon to the present day. Two more volumes, focusing on “wicked mortals” and “dreadful places” are coming out later this year.

My Review: I am kind of a big baby about horror, but Lore (both book and podcast) are about as frightening as episodes of The X-Files. So, I don’t need to keep my light on at night, but I’m also not about to go walking in the woods after dark after reading a few chapters. In fact, I do read Lore before bed. The short chapters that each tell their own stories are perfect reading when you aren’t able to stay up all night to finish a book. However, I do feel that the book loses some of the scare factor that is present in the podcast. Mahnke uses his voice and music to create a spooky ambiance that is missing in the book. The book reads more like interesting unexplained history than horror, but is still good. Honestly, I’m more excited about the books coming out later this year, but if you like the podcast, or have been meaning to give the podcast a try, the book is also worth your time. Also, this is a great book for teens and more mature tweens who are into the supernatural – some violence but no swearing or sex.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Historical, Unexplained, Weird

Give This a Try if You Like… Stand-alone X-Files episodes, Unexplained Mysteries, horror movies like The Blair Witch Project

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!

admin2018-04-05T13:26:38-05:00April 5th, 2018|

We’re hiring!

Fondulac District Library is currently seeking applicants for two part-time positions. Please visit https://www.fondulaclibrary.org/about-us/jobs for more information.

genna2018-04-04T11:16:13-05:00April 4th, 2018|

FDL Reads: Mother Panic volume 1

Mother Panic volume 1: A Work in Progress by Jody Houser and Tommy Lee Edwards

Reviewed by: Dave Gibbons, Library Volunteer

Genre: Graphic Novel, Super Hero

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: Gotham City has long been the home to gritty super heroes and psychopathic villains; what happens when the line between the two gets blurred to the point that you can’t see it anymore? Violet Page (alter ego of title character) has all the things you need to become a rampaging super-vigilante: ultra-rich…check, futuristic technology… check, all-consuming dark origin story that makes Batman’s seem idyllic… check. However Violet is not Bruce Wayne. Sporting a bright white techno suit rather than the dark tones you might expect, Mother Panic wants the attention of evil-doers. Perhaps this is a character flaw, but Mother Panic isn’t an ordinary hero. Supporting a mother who is suffering from a particularly psychedelic version of dementia, Violet has to find time to fight outlandish and gore filled crimes that might even be too much for Batman. Through it all she is desperately seeking revenge, but but who does she want revenge on and how far will she go to get it?

My Review: This is a comic that seeks to double down on the concept of “Batman as a psychotic,” with a main character who is unrepentant and seemingly unredeemable and very difficult to sympathize with. Part of the Young Animals imprint for DC comics, Mother Panic is a lone title that is completely original (with cameos from several familiar super heroes). Written as a sort of commentary on the concept of celebrity, this comic asks “what if Paris Hilton became Batman” but without any of the levity that that question implies. While the art is amazingly expressionist the story is dark and gets darker and darker, to a point where is starts to feel very uncomfortable. Leaning on ideas such as “orphanage of evil” that we have seen ad nauseum in the Bat titles, Mother Panic tries to turn it up a notch by adding a layer of filth to everything. But that filth could be just a contrast to the stark white judgement of the protagonist, a character who’s trustworthiness as a narrator is questionable at best.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Dark, Stylistic, Graphic

Give This a Try if You Like… Black Mirror (television), Arkham Asylum by Grant Morrison, Books of Blood by Clive Barker

Rating: 3/5

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!

admin2018-04-03T17:53:10-05:00April 3rd, 2018|

FDL Reads: The Joy of Bird Feeding

The Joy of Bird Feeding: The Essential Guide to Attracting and Feeding Our Backyard Birds by Jim Carpenter

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Anderson, Communications

Genre: Non-fiction, Wildlife

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: This book provides bird feeding tips, information about 180 different birds that visit feeders, and solutions for common dilemmas, such as squirrels and starlings. Learn about different types of bird feeders, favored foods, and more in this handy and comprehensive reference guide.

My Review: Carpenter provides a solid foundation for getting started with feeding backyard birds. A person who has never set up a bird feeder before will be able to create a feeding station that maximizes enjoyment and minimizes the mess and frustration after reading this book. It’s packed with beautiful photos and interesting facts about birds. I found myself pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of species that live in or pass through Illinois at different times of the year. Following the tips and guidelines in this book has helped me to set up a fantastic bird feeding station that provides hours upon hours of enjoyment. I think my avian friends would agree that this book is a worthwhile read for the beginner birding hobbyist.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Informative, Practical, Straightforward

Give This a Try if You Like… For the Birds by Anne & Mary Schmauss, field guides

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!

admin2018-03-30T15:15:03-05:00March 30th, 2018|

FDL Reads: Oryx and Crake

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

Genre: Science Fiction

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: Oryx and Crake is a dystopian novel told from the perspective of Snowman, who may be the last man left on Earth to survive a deadly epidemic or “Waterless Flood.” We see how Snowman survives by scavenging for food and finding temporary shelter in abandoned buildings. The narrative shifts back and forth from past to present so that the reader gets some background about Snowman, formerly known as Jimmy, and what happened before the outbreak. In the 2020s, corporations controlled the world and genetic engineering had run rampant. Genetic hybrids such as pigoons, rakunks, and liobams have been created in labs and now run free in the empty cities. Joining them are new humanoid creatures known as the Crakers. These were created to be superior to humans. Devoid of emotions such as jealousy and greed, the Crakers are physically flawless and look to Snowman as a godlike leader and teacher. Snowman spends his days in the post-apocalyptic city trying to survive and thinking about his once girlfriend, the beautiful Oryx as well as his best friend, Crake.

My Review: Oryx and Crake has been on my reading list for several years. After reading The Handmaid’s Tale in my early twenties, I knew I had to try more of Margaret Atwood’s novels. There has actually been quite a resurgence of interest in her books due to the popularity that accompanied the Hulu adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale last year. This novel’s writing style is at times grim, mournful, as well as darkly humorous. In the post-apocalyptic timeline, Snowman seems somewhat like distant character and it was hard for me to like him. But, the flashbacks work to provide more characterization which I appreciated. It would have been nice to get the perspective of other characters, but Atwood actually provides this with the second novel in this series called The Year of the Flood. When I began reading I thought I would not be able to easily visualize such a strange landscape, but Atwood does an excellent job with description and visualization. Though the idea of Oryx and Crake seemed very strange and alien at first, I realized that it could be our not too distant future.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Weird, Futuristic, Disturbing

Give This a Try if You Like… Dystopian novels, Octavia Butler, Ursula Le Guin

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!

admin2018-03-28T15:20:12-05:00March 28th, 2018|