For Adults - Fondulac District Library | East Peoria, IL

FDL Reads: This Side of Paradise

This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Reviewed by: Jacob Roberts, Reference Assistant

Genre: Classic Literature

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: Fitzgerald’s debut novel, This Side of Paradise, follows a young egotist, Amory Blaine, who is born into a dysfunctional upper class family during the years surrounding World War I. The novel consists of two books; the first displaying his rise to status and his early ventures at St. Regis’s and Princeton. There is a short interlude that comments on his time at war, and then the second half of the novel follows his life after the Great War. The entire novel consists in his endeavor for status and prestige, and his attempt to makes sense of the world around him. Yet, due to those he encounters throughout his life, along with the circumstances he is put in, he begins to discover himself at the expense of losing what little understanding he held of the world around him.

My Review: While this novel fared far better during Fitzgerald’s lifetime than many of his other works, I must say that I prefer the stylistics in his other stories, such as The Great Gatsby, and Josephine: A Woman with a Past. The melodic prose that exists in his other works, presents itself as more or less a simple façade in This Side of Paradise. This is not to say that This Side of Paradise lacks beautiful imagery; just that it is evident that it was his debut novel, as his other works are seen to prosper from the mistakes that were made in this novel. However, beyond stylistics and purple prose, the novel as a whole has the ability to engage the reader until the end. It makes the reader as desirous for a resolution to Amory’s destiny as Amory himself. It even presents a few love affairs, which force the reader to wonder where they may lead to, and how they may soften Amory’s egotism and derail the life he aspires to live.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Contemplative, Romantic, Adventurous

Give This a Try if You Like… The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald, Atonement by Ian McEwan, and/or Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence

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!

admin2018-03-08T14:04:21-06:00March 8th, 2018|

FDL Reads: The Ravenous

The Ravenous by Amy Lukavics

Reviewed by: Sylvia Shults, Circulation

Genre: Horror

Suggested Age: Adults, Teens

What is the book about?: Mona and her four sisters are army brats. Their father, a colonel, is away serving the country most of the time. Their mother is distant emotionally rather than physically, as she battles depression. A tragedy pulls the family together for a split second, then sets the survivors spinning on a trajectory that quickly spirals out of control.

My Review: I don’t care much for brooding, angsty teen vampires. But a cannibal? Well, now, that’s a change of pace! This book was a deliciously gruesome horror story. With several characters to keep track of, the author did a great job of delineating each sister’s personality in the very first chapter. She kept up that attention to character all through the book, while ratcheting up the tension to piano-wire-garrote-tightness through the entire story. At first, the tension was interpersonal, as the sisters squabbled amongst each other and tried to survive their mother’s mental illness and their father’s perennial absence. But after the youngest sister, Rose, died in a completely random accident — and was resurrected by their mother — the stakes became much, much higher. Sisters were pitted against each other in a vicious fight for mental stability, and later, bare survival. I hesitated to give this book five stars at first, simply because the denouement was a bit simple. The ending was GREAT, but the wrap-up was a bit tidy. I’d have liked a bit more soul-searching on the survivors’ part. But yeah, I’m giving it four and a half stars, because the nail-biting tension in the book was JUST what I needed to take my mind off my own issues for an evening.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Gory, Tense, Riveting.

Give This a Try if You Like… the stand-alone episodes of Supernatural.

Rating: 4.5/5

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!

admin2018-03-06T13:53:33-06:00March 6th, 2018|

Book Clubs at the Library

Adult Book Club

The Adult Book Club welcomes readers who are 18 years of age and older. Titles are chosen by club members and feature a variety of subjects and genres. The group reads one book per month and meets in the library’s conference room on the third Monday of every month at 1:30 p.m. At March’s meeting, the club will discuss The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan, and at April’s meeting, the club will talk about My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier.

Out of the Box Book Club

The Out of the Box Book Club welcomes readers who are 18 years of age and older. The club reads one book per month and explores a diverse selection of titles and formats, including graphic novels. Meetings take place on the third Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at locations throughout East Peoria. March’s meeting will be held at Jason’s Deli, and the group will discuss Fun Home by Alison Bechdel. April’s meeting takes place at IHOP, and the club will talk about Turtles All the Way Down by John Green.

Books for both clubs are available for pick-up at the library or through Interlibrary Loan. Please see a librarian for details.

Elizabeth Anderson2018-03-05T09:15:49-06:00March 5th, 2018|

FDL Reads: Shade the Changing Girl vol. 1

Shade the Changing Girl vol. 1: Earth Girls Made Easy by Cecil Castellucci, illustrated by Marley Zarcone

Reviewed by: Dave Gibbons, Library Volunteer

Genre: Graphic Novel, Science Fiction

Suggested Age: Adults, Teens

What is the book about?: Sometimes, life is easier when you can just be someone else. Bored dropout Loma Shade certainly thought so when she stole the infamous Madness Coat and astral projected away from her home planet of Meta to inhabit the brain-dead body of Megan Boyer. Before her injuries Megan was popular, beautiful, and a horrible bully to everyone she knew. How can Loma hope to navigate Megan’s social minefield, and can she do it before forces back on Meta find her original body? Or before the madness coat erodes her very soul?

My Review: In an attempt to return to the heyday of the popular Vertigo era of DC comics, several titles have been “reimagined” under the new Young Animal imprint: Shade the Changing Girl is the latest incarnation of “Shade the Changing Man” (originally created by Steve Ditko, and revamped in the 80s by Peter Milligan and Chris Bachalo). Somewhere between a sequel and a reboot, this Shade is truly its own comic. Less esoteric then the previous version, the story has a very down to earth relatable feel as Loma struggles to deal with her own alienation (she is actually alien after all) and the consequences of Megan’s actions. This is not for a moment to say the comic is overly dour – it has several moments of lighthearted fun. I hope that future volumes will continue this tone rather then sinking into trite darkness in an attempt at complexity.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Modern, Fun, Metaphysical

Give This a Try if You Like… Steven Universe, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, Star vs. the Forces of Evil

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!

admin2018-03-02T13:21:43-06:00March 2nd, 2018|

#FDL: 40 Years of Pointed Ears

40 Years of Pointed Ears: The End of an Era

February 28th marked the end of an era for comics fans all over the world. ElfQuest, the longest running independent fantasy graphic novel series in the USA ended after 40 years of adventure, romance, and sheer awesomeness. Wendy and Richard Pini independently created and distributed ElfQuest, beginning in February of 1978. Fans were in love. Over the years, ElfQuest broke off into a number of related series, featuring characters and time periods outside of the original quest. But in 2013, the Pinis brought fans back to the central story of Cutter, Leetah, and Skywise for The Final Quest, which published its last issue this week. It’s an awesome time for those of us who have been fans for a while, but it’s also never too late to immerse yourselves in the World of Two Moons.

If you’re just starting out, Dark Horse is re-releasing all of ElfQuest in pretty handy omnibus form. We have ElfQuest: The Complete Quest volume 1 right here.

If you’re ready to jump into The Final Quest, we have volume 1 of that as well.

You can also put a variety of ElfQuest volumes on hold through interlibrary loan and have them delivered to the library of your choice.

If you’re already an ElfQuest fan and looking for something to fill the ElfQuest shaped hole in your heart, I’ve found the following to be pretty awesome stories. They’re not the same, but Cutter would want us to seek out new and exciting things, right?

Rat Queens volume 1: Sass and Sorcery, by Kurtis J. Wiebe and Roc Upchurch – Some D&D with a sense of humor.

The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet, by Becky Chambers – If you like the fantasy and sci-fi genre combo of ElfQuest, this book is for you.

Uprooted, by Naomi Novik – This one is for fans of that heart-stealing tree-shaper, Redlance.

Annihilation, by Jeff Vandermeer – Do you like the forest maybe a little too much? Cool.

Watership Down, by Richard Adams – An epic and unexpected journey. The creation of something good. The circle of life.

Shade and sweet water.

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.

admin2018-03-01T19:08:35-06:00March 1st, 2018|

FDL Reads: Blood of the Earth

Blood of the Earth by Faith Hunter

Reviewed by: Joscelyn Lockwood, Youth Services Assisstant

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: Nell Nicholson Ingram’s life was turned upside down with the appearance of the vampire hunter, Jane Yellowrock. Little did she know, that was only the beginning… PsyLED (a branch of Homeland Security for policing paranormals) agent Rick LaFleur appears on her doorstep asking her to go back into the church cult she grew up in. The vampire Master of Nashville has reported one of her favorite people missing, and God’s Cloud church is the number one suspect.

My Review: Nell is one-part botanist, one-part hermit, and one-part… well, we really don’t know what, yet. Something magical. She reluctantly agrees to help out with the missing vampire case, while both cursing and cheering the interruption of her quiet life. As the story progresses, we begin to learn more, both about Nell’s background within the cult and what exactly her powers are. Watching her grow as a character is one of the reasons I fell in love with this book and series.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Creative. Fun. Unexpected.

Give This a Try if You Like… Crime drama. Strong Women. Humor.

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!

admin2018-02-28T13:15:43-06:00February 28th, 2018|

New and Upcoming Titles for Spring 2018

An updated list of New & Upcoming Titles at Fondulac District Library has been added to the website! The books on this list are available to check out or place on hold.

Here is a sampling of a few of the latest titles:

Download (PDF, 112KB)

Elizabeth Anderson2018-02-26T10:21:03-06:00February 26th, 2018|

FDL Reads: Monstress Volume 2

Monstress vol. 2: The Blood by Marjorie M. Liu, Illustrated by Sana Takeda

Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

Genre: Graphic Novel – Fantasy

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?: The story of Maika Halfwolf continues in this second installment of Monstress. Joined by a talking cat and a child with a fox tail, 17-year-old Maika journeys to Thyria to uncover the mysteries surrounding her mother and the monster within her. The Monstrum, an ancient being with the power to destroy worlds, has a seemingly insatiable appetite for blood. Maika tries to resist its urge to murder and eat people, while hoping to find a cure at the same time. On her journey for answers, she meets new characters, including her goddessfather, Seizi, and the powerful Shaman Empress. We also learn more about the political turbulence between the Arcanic and Cumean societies while Maika’s own troubled childhood is revealed slowly through a few flashbacks.

My Review: Majorie Liu expands the universe she introduced in Volume 1, adding to the already impressive world-building of this steampunk fantasy. The illustrations of the various settings and anthropomorphized characters are gorgeous as well as immersive. The reader is presented with a few answers, but there are still mysteries left unsolved such as the identity of Maika’s father and more about her past that will hopefully be explored in later volumes. I didn’t enjoy this volume as much as the first, but that is probably because the story is not over yet and I was left wanting more. I’m sure the next installment will be worth the wait.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Mythical, Imaginative, Macabre

Give This a Try if You Like… Fantasy with extensive world-building, steampunk

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!

admin2018-02-22T16:59:25-06:00February 22nd, 2018|

We’re hiring!

The library is now accepting applications for a part-time Library Page position. Please visit https://www.fondulaclibrary.org/about-us/jobs for more information.

genna2018-02-21T15:52:05-06:00February 21st, 2018|

#FDL: Youth Media Awards 2018

ALA Youth Media Awards 2018

Last week was a big week. We had Galentine’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Fat Tuesday, and Ash Wednesday. The ALA (American Library Association) also announced their Youth Media Awards recipients, a pretty big deal in library land, and also a big deal for you who are interested in children’s and YA books. This is also a big deal for authors as new editions of their books are now released with one of the sweet medals showing they won on the cover. So, here are 2018’s Youth Media Awards, with links to library holdings. I have listed the major award winners only for the sake of brevity – to see all of the winners and honor books as well, click here.

John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature:
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly – Four kids’ lives intertwine after a prank involving a guinea pig and a well. Will friendship triumph in this middle grade story of the perils of middle school life?

Randolph Caldecott Medal for the most distinguished American picture book for children:
Wolf in the Snow, illustrated and written by Matthew Cordell – A little girl and a wolf cub are both lost in the snaow. Can they help each other find their way home in this picture book?

Coretta Scott King Book Awards recognizing African American authors and illustrators of outstanding books for children and young adults:
Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson, is the King Author Award winner – Jade needs to get out of her neighborhood if she’s going to succeed. She takes every opportunity she can, but some of those opportunities try to pigeonhole her into roles that don’t fit her at all.
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets, illustrated by Ekua Holmes, is the King Illustrator Award winner – This is an anthology of poems celebrating great poets.

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults:
We Are Okay by Nina LaCour, is the 2018 Printz Award winner – Marin ran away from her old life. But now, 3000 miles away, she’s alone in her dorm during winter break and her best friend is coming to visit.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Award honors an author or illustrator whose books, published in the United States, have made, over a period of years, a substantial and lasting contribution to literature for children:
The 2018 winner is Jacqueline Woodson, whose award-winning works include Brown Girl Dreaming, After Tupac & D Foster, Locomotion and Show Way.

Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in writing for young adults:
The 2018 winner is Angela Johnson. Her books include Heaven, Looking for Red, The First Part Last and Sweet, Hereafter.

Odyssey Award for best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States:
The Hate U Give, (link to audiobook) is the 2018 Odyssey Award winner. The book is written by Angie Thomas and narrated by Bahni Turpin – Star Carter is the only witness to her friend Khalil’s murder at the hands of a police officer. She now has to navigate life with pressure on all sides, trying to maintain peace in her community and her own safety and well being.

Stonewall Book Award–Mike Morgan & Larry Romans Children’s & Young Adult Literature Award given annually to English-language children’s and young adult books of exceptional merit relating to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience:
Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert – Suzette comes home from boarding school and doesn’t think she ever wants to go back. Her friends and family are here, including her brother,who has been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. But to complicate things, Suzette ends up falling for this amazing girl… the girl her brother loves.
The 57 Bus, written by Dashka Slater – Two teenagers from vastly different backgrounds spend 8 minutes together on the same bus. Their lives will never be the same.

Theodor Seuss Geisel Award for the most distinguished book for beginning readers is:
Charlie & Mouse, written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Emily Hughes – Two brothers spend the day together, doing awesome brother things.

William C. Morris Award for a debut book published by a first-time author writing for teens:
The Hate U Give by by Angie Thomas (link to printed book) (see description above)

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.

admin2018-02-20T09:30:05-06:00February 20th, 2018|