FDL Reads: Peach Blossom Spring
Peach Blossom Spring by Melissa Fu
Reviewed by: Deb Alig, Circulation Assistant
Genre: Historical Fiction
Suggested Age: Adult
What is this book about? Peach Blossom Spring is the story of three generations of the Chinese Dao family who are in search of a permanent home from the late 1930s until 2005. Dao Xiaowen was married to Shui Meilin and they had a young son named Dao Renshu. Dao Xiaowen’s older brother, Longwei, was married to Xue Wenling, and they had two daughters, Liling and Lifen. Dao Xiaowen was killed in the war with the Japanese leaving Meilin to raise Renshu with the help of Longwei. As the Japanese raid their homeland during WWII, the Dao family must relocate. They scramble to seek shelter and to search for a new place to live. It is during one of these raids that Liling, Renshu’s favorite cousin, suffocates in a cave. Renshu, Meilin, and Wenling never recover from Liling’s death. After this tragedy, Longwei insists that the family move to Shanghai by way of steamer ship. Meilin agrees that she and Renshu will join the family on the ship, but she changes her mind and they do not board. Instead she guides Renshu up into the hills in search of her family’s compound. To her dismay, her childhood home has been destroyed by the Japanese, and she and Renshu decide to head for Shanghai in search of their family. Following WWII, the Chinese engage in a Civil War. The Chinese Civil War was fought between the Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party. Fearing the Communists, Meilin and Renshu leave the mainland and head for Taiwan. Meilin makes her home in Taiwan, and Renshu leaves for the United States following his graduation from National Taiwan University. He receives a scholarship to study engineering at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. Though he is happy to be in the United States, he is fearful of socializing with Chinese immigrants and engaging in Chinese politics. He fears for the safety of his mother in Taiwan. Dao Renshu changes his name to Henry Dao and he marries an American girl named Rachel. He becomes a citizen, they move to Los Alamos, New Mexico where he works for Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, and they have a child named Lily. Though Lily wants to know her Chinese heritage, Henry is reluctant to share. He wants to protect her from what he fears can harm her, and he does not want to talk about his traumatic childhood. When his mom passes away, Lily and Henry go to Taiwan to lay her to rest. It is in Taiwan that Henry decides to share with Lily some of her Chinese heritage.
My review: The title of this novel is from an ancient Chinese fable that Meilin shares with Renshu. The fable is etched on a scroll that Meilin carries with her. The scroll pictures an old fisherman who happens upon a peach grove in full blossom. The fisherman enters the grove and discovers a village of paradise where all of the citizens are happy and they have everything they want and need. The fisherman is welcome to stay, but if he chooses to leave, he may never return. So the fisherman decides to stay. Throughout the story, Meilin shares a variety of fables with Renshu, Liling, and Lifen. These fables are a great addition to this novel. I also liked how the author included locations, dates, and maps in addition to the chapters. This is my favorite novel so far that I have read for FDL Reads. If this book sounds appealing, give this picture book a try: Peach Blossom Spring by Fergus M. Bordewich
Rating: 5/5
Three words that describe this book: historical, engaging, traumatic
Give this a try if you like… Pachinko by Lee Min-jin, Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht
If you are interested in viewing East Asian Scroll Paintings, visit https://scrolls.uchicago.edu/view-scroll/53
#FDL: What We’ve Been Reading
FDL staff has been busy reading all kinds of things this fall. Check out our recommendations below!
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Kean
I just finished Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane, as it was recommended to me by another librarian. This story of two families gripped me from the beginning and allows the reader a glimpse into their joys and struggles as the families tackle love and marriage, addiction and recovery, and illness and treatment. While that seems like it might be a recipe for a depressing downer of a book, perseverance and hope made me as the reader want to get to the end of the story. – Genna, Library Director
King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
A warrior princess, Isolde, and her father, the king, are losing a war with the vampire nation. To end the war and avoid complete destruction, they must surrender to Vampire King Adrian in exchange for peace and protection. To seal the deal, Princess Isolde will have to forge an alliance by marrying the vampire king, thus becoming queen of the vampires. – Jeremy, Adult Services
The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson
This book is a sequel to Richardson’s earlier book, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Both books are true stories based on the program that began in the 1930’s of horseback delivery of library and literacy materials through the Appalachian mountains in southeastern Kentucky. Honey Lovett is the daughter whose story takes place in the 1950’s and details the struggles that women faced in all areas of their lives whether working in forestry, mining, literacy efforts or simply as wives. – Becky, Adult Services
Horus Rising: Book 1 of the Horus Heresy by Dan Abnett
I’ve played Warhammer 40,000 for 24 years and have recently decided to read some books that detail the history of the setting in more depth. The book was much better than I expected. – Nick, Circulation Manager
Elsewhere by Alexis Schaitkin
This novel is about an isolated community living amongst the clouds in a mountain valley. Idyllic, except for the ‘affliction’ that marks their community: the regular disappearance of young mothers. Atmospheric and culty, I love the framing and how the mystery is unfolding. – Beth, Communications
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Verity Crawford is an esteemed and respected author, most famous for her series of fictional novels written through the viewpoint of the villain. When she has a terrible and mysterious accident that leaves her unable to finish the last three installments of the series, her husband and publisher seek out Lowen Ashleigh to ghost write the remainder of the series. Lowen, unqualified and virtually unknown as an author, soon finds herself in Verity’s home office sifting through her personal notes and records when she comes across some very troubling documents. Was the death of not one, but two of Verity’s children the result of two separate freak accidents? Was Verity’s injury due to yet another freak accident, or was something more sinister at play? Are Verity’s injuries as severe as they seem? Why is Jeremy so adamant to have Lowen of all people finish the series his wife spent so many years carefully crafting? This thriller will keep you guessing all the way to the end and have you split between what to believe. – Katie, Circulation
Forbidden City by Vanessa Hua
I was drawn to this book by its title. I have always been fascinated with China’s Forbidden City, the fortified gilded palace of its past emperors. But the novel is not about the Forbidden City. Rather, it’s about Chairman Mao Zedong’s Communist Cultural Revolution and a sixteen year old girl who becomes his lover and a model revolutionary. – Deb, Circulation
Normal People by Sally Rooney
This is the coming-of-age story of Connell and Marianne, two students from a small Irish town. Despite differences in social standing and class, they are drawn to one another and begin a secret relationship while in high school. There are intense feelings and communication disasters, but Connell and Marianne continue to connect and reconnect during their college years, discovering a bond that is irresistible to ignore. – Susie, Adult Services
Over My Dead Body: Unearthing the Hidden History of America’s Cemeteries by Greg Melville
Just in time for spooky season, this is an engaging book on what makes America’s cemeteries unique. From the first burying grounds at Jamestown, to the development of cemeteries as real estate investments, to modern “green” burial, there is a wealth of interesting information in this quick read. – Sylvia Shults, Circulation
Flash Fire by T.J. Klune
I read Flash Fire as an audiobook, and the narrator brought life to all of these lively characters, especially the teenage protagonist Nick. As a sequel to The Extraordinaries, it built on the story with new challenges to overcome and a couple twists, and the ending made me immediately put book three on hold. – Alice, Youth Services Manager
Books by author/illustrator Jon Klassen
These picture books have a great autumn vibe! I love the simplistic art style as well as the dry humor – these titles are great for kids and adults! – Chelsea, Youth Services
The Rock from the Sky by Jon Klassen
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
Thrawn Ascendancy Series by Timothy Zahn
Right now I am reading the Thrawn Ascendancy series by Timothy Zahn. This series is the origin story of Grand Admiral Thrawn – first seen on screen in the Star Wars Rebels series. It follows him on his rise in the ranks of the Chiss Ascendancy and shows how he developed his unparalleled tactical skills that he uses for what he views as the greater good. – Rebecca, Business Manager
#FDL is an update on all things Fondulac District Library and books.
Celebrate the Friends of FDL!
Join us in celebrating the Friends of Fondulac Library during National Friends of Libraries Week, October 16-22! The Friends of FDL provide crucial support to the library through advocacy, financial support, and volunteerism. Our Friends are an amazing group of volunteers who dedicate countless hours of their time to the library. The Friends of FDL maintain our ongoing Book Sale and host the annual BIG Book Sale, volunteer for events like Star Wars Day and the Big Rig Petting Zoo, sponsor our summer reading programs and babysitting classes, and more! We’re so grateful for all they do!
The best way to support the Friends is to join them (annual dues are only $5), but there are many others ways to support them throughout the year. Donations of gently used books are always needed to keep the book sale stocked. Visit the library on October 27 to sign holiday cards for members of the U.S. military and watch for them in the Veterans Day Parade on November 5. After the parade, they’ll pass out book sale coupons and give free books to veterans.
The Friends always bring some holiday cheer to the library with their Holiday Basket drawing in December – enter for the chance to win one of three amazing family baskets! And find wonderful treats, gifts, stocking stuffers, and handmade items at their annual Holiday Craft and Bake Sale on December 1-3. Proceeds from the sale support the library and its programs.
Books with a Twist!
Sometimes you’re reading a book, and you think you know what is going to happen. Then, all of a sudden, WHAM! Plot twist!
A plot twist is a surprise development that can change the direction of the story and things that the reader thinks they have already figured out. Readers learn to look for clues in the story or try to anticipate the ending, but a good plot twist will provide a big surprise that fits with the beginning of the story when you look back. Here’s a list of plot-twisting books your children may enjoy.
Picture Books
Eat Pete by Michael Rex
Interrupting Chicken and the Elephant of Surprise by David Ezra Stein
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach
Finders Keepers by Keiko Kasza
This Book Will Not Be Fun by Cirocco Dunlap
Juvenile Fiction
The Boy, the Boat, and the Beast by Samantha M. Clark
The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel
Cogheart by Peter Bunzl
The Night Gardner by Jonathon Auxier
The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby
When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead
– Jackie, Youth Services Assistant
FDL Reads: The Girl Who Takes and Eye for an Eye
The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye by David Lagercrantz
Reviewed by: Becky Houghton, Reference Assistant
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
Age Group: Mature Teen, Adult
What is this book about? With this book Langercrantz continues the Millennium Series written by Stieg Larson which began with the well-known book The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and other titles. As this new book begins, Lisbeth Salander, noted hacker and seeker of justice, is serving a prison sentence in Flodberga prison where a fellow prisoner Faria Kazi is being abused and mistreated by the leader of a prison gang. As a result of protecting Faria, the gang leader issues a death sentence for Salander which follows her even once she is released from prison. Lisbeth is also seeking to uncover secrets from her traumatic childhood with the help of her former guardian, Holgar Palmgren and the noted journalist, Mikael Blomkvist. Once she is released, both these story lines combine to make for an action filled and fast-moving tale with many twists and turns.
My review: I enjoy this series of books despite my difficulty with the Swedish names for characters and locations. The book lived up to my expectation that the story would be exciting and full of intrigue. I enjoy the complexity in plot that all the books in this series have. The story is fast-paced, taking place in only a week with flashbacks to the events which brought the characters to their current circumstances. Salandar traces her childhood experiences back to a project called Project 9, a nature verses nurture project conducted by the Registry for the Study of Genetics and Social Environment. This was a twin project which involved not only Lisbeth and her twin Camilla, but also involved a set of male twins, Leo Mannheimer and Dan Brody who factor heavily in the plot. While tracing information about Project 9, Salandar is also tracking down the killers of Jamal Chowdhury, the lover of Faria Kazi who Lisbeth protected while in prison. This fast- paced book is available for checkout in print at Fondulac District Library and electronically through Libby.
Give This a Try if You Liked: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest or The Girl in the Spider’s Web
Three words that describe this book: Exciting, Fast moving, Intriguing
Rating: 4.5/5
FDL Reads: Somersett
Somersett: Benjamin Franklin and the Masterminding of American Independence
By: Phillip Goodrich
Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Specialist
Genre: Nonfiction, History – American Revolution
Suggested Age: Adult
What is the book about? What do you envision when you think of Benjamin Franklin? An eccentric inventor? A sage, elder Founding Father? How about a cunning schemer who spent decades laying the groundwork for the success of the American Revolution? The latter is what author, Phillip Goodrich, contends in this fleshed-out, extensively-researched account. Benjamin Franklin wanted his beloved Pennsylvania out from under the thumb of the Penn family. He saw the only way to do that was to gain independence for ALL the colonies. Together with a secret cabal of other Englishmen, Benjamin Franklin plotted and planned, biding their time and watching for the British courts to make a critical ruling. What was the auspicious ruling they were waiting for? Somersett v. Stewart: a case where the British court freed a black man who had been born into slavery in the colonies.
My Review: I listened to the audiobook which has some dramatized conversations included in the narration that are not in the printed book. I enjoyed it very much. The author even says that you can start with the Interlude (which details Somersett v. Stewart) first if you want to read it separately from the Benjamin Franklin narrative. I did not do that, but I can see the appeal. I found the audiobook to be very detailed and comprehensive regarding Benjamin Franklin’s role in bringing about and supporting colonial independence. There are so many things that Goodrich lays out as directly occurring due to Benjamin Franklin, it’s easy to wonder if things could have gone the other way if he not had his hand in so many aspects of the conflict between the colonies and the Crown.
Side note: The print edition on our shelf has a slightly different title; Somersett: or Why and How Benjamin Franklin Orchestrated the American Revolution.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Illuminating, Revelatory, Wide-Reaching
Give This a Try if You Like…Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom by David W. Blight, The Cause: The American Revolution and its Discontents, 1773-1783 by Joseph J. Ellis, and Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy by Nathaniel Philbrick
Rating: 5/5