There is no Repairman Jack in this book, but the Touch is one of the more appealing concepts in Wilson’s interconnected books. Wilson explores the idea of the healer and how the gift works, what it would do to a physician who dared to practice it, and how people respond in different ways to the idea. It is an engaging story with more excitement and twists than expected, and I’m looking forward to seeing how else the Touch is used in Wilson’s books.

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At my local library, Bob Graham’s books are on display regularly. I have never taken the time to read them. After seeing this one, I will have to go and look more closely.

It’s a book with a message. A book that addresses children as people, not just kids.

REVIEW

Black Mirror brings together art, struggle for identity, mourning of a sibling,  trust issues, charity, and a mystery where none is expected. I’ve been on a search for mysteries recently, other than the serial variety. Anybody else have a favorite to share?

REVIEW

Book of the Month for June 2009 is a repeat author.  I’ve been meaning to read Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass  for years and was spurred to do so by my enjoyment of her 2008 book Every Soul a Star. There was a bit of a stir after the publication of Jeremy Fink, and I’m happy to report it lives up to the buzz.

REVIEW

Current Pick and List of Previous

The title of this jumped out at me. It didn’t end up being what I thought, but I was pleasantly surprised by the story. Even more surprised to find it is linked to an author’s adult fantasy stories, and looking more closely, most of his many books. The series is Repairman Jack, and there are a few concepts addressed here that are themes running through his books. There will be more reviews to come, as I have already read one of the adult books.

REVIEW

Working on a roundup of short stories, I came across this book. I chose it, because it is the first I’ve seen with entries by soldiers and others deeply involved in war.

People will likely come away with different messages from the book. I don’t know that it would change anyone’s mind, but perhaps open some.

I have started a thread related to the book in my forums, since I would like to hear others’ responses. I believe it is a very important topic to discuss, though I tend to clam up myself when face-to-face with people.

REVIEW

Again I had the pleasant problem of which book to pick for Book of the Month. I had seen someone else’s review and was jubilant and anticipating this month. But then I went to an author/illustrator’s talk on her work process. I hadn’t seen Kathy Mallat’s books before (maybe a glimpse of the cover of Just Ducky). I came away ecstatic about five of her books. She read those five, and none of them were ones I picked out from the display to peruse in the few minutes before her discussion (although Just Ducky would have been if it had been with the other books, and I was interested in The Picture That Mom Drew). The book I’ve chosen this month is Mama Love, but the four others are so strong (for different reasons) I want to showcase them here:  Brave Bear, Just Ducky (review soon), The Picture That Mom Drew, Trouble on the Tracks.

She has three other books. Oh, Brother is about sibling relationships. Seven More Stars! is a nice counting and bedtime book. Papa Pride is similar to Mama Love.

Current Pick and List of Previous

Time for the next installment of Pratchett. Can you tell he’s one of my current favorites?

Thief of Time is one of the more philosophical of the Discworld books. And I think, one of the best. Keep in mind, understanding is easier with multiple reads.

This is also one to be added to my Time Travel list. Manipulation of time is the main focus, though there is a smidgen of travelling.

Ultra-Condensed

One of my favorite local artists displayed her work at the Bangor Public Library last month. Brenda Ferguson uses interactive gatherings to promote her art and the process of painting with pastels. She has drawn with viewers watching and asking questions at her reception, and this time she supplied the materials for visitors to try their hand.  She achieves incredibly rich and vivid color with chalk pastels through a layering process, and her most common motifs are fruit, rocks, and flowers. Her work can be viewed at Hollywood Slots in Bangor, ME (a larger-than-life mural in the entryway) and on her website. I noticed also that she has announced submission of a children’s book. Coming soon, I hope.

I read two Mem Fox books recently: Tough Boris and Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge. My question is: Did Mem Fox pick her own illustrators? All of her books that I’ve seen have gorgeous pictures that fit perfectly. I almost want to pick them for Picture Book of the Month on the strength of their illustrations. But while I like certain aspects of each story, neither feels strong enough for Book of the Month. Still, not to be missed.