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Fall into a Good Book!  Independence Public Library Staff Reviews

Below are book reviews from various areas of fiction and non-fiction done by the staff at the Independence Public Library.  The library owns each of these books, so you can check them out from us!  If you would like to reserve one, stop in or give us a call at 334-2470.  The reviews are also on the library website www.indylibrary.org along with a link to further information about each book on Amazon.com.  Enjoy!

Fiction Thriller Review by Brady Kremer
Hangman’s Curse by Frank Peretti
Hangman's Curse is an intriguing novel about a family of detectives of who are asked to investigate strange happenings at a small town school. The book has a few twists and is easy to read. In it is also a good lesson about the dangers of bullying. The author of this book is Frank Peretti and can be found in the Young Adult Section of the library. If you like this Book check out the sequel Nightmare Academy also available at the library.

Mystery Review by Vonnie Hoskins
The Shadows by Edna Buchanan
The murder of an upstanding Miami family man as he returns home one evening 44 years ago is solved by a special homicide unit.  This Cold Case Squad discovers a locked chest left in the victims quickly vacated historic family home, “The Shadows”.  Answers are found to questions many decades old. “Shadows” is the second in a cold case themed novel from this prize wining author.  This book is a quick read, with plenty of action, for detective – crime – mystery readers.  If you like Marcia Muller, Margaret Maron, or Ruth Rendell you’ll love Edna Buchanan.

Romantic Suspense Review by Amy McGraw
Slow Burn by Julie Garwood
A romantic suspense novel with most of the emphasis on the suspense, making it a book I enjoyed. Kate MacKenna has been living a successful and quiet life in Silver Springs, South Carolina, however, things change abruptly when she is notified of a multi-million dollar inheritance left to her by her great uncle. Kate begins receiving mysterious phone calls, cars try to run her down, and explosions happen wherever she goes. Kate’s good friend Jordan Buchanan is very concerned about her friend’s welfare and sends her brother Dylan to protect Kate. The more investigating Dylan does the more relatives he discovers wanting Kate “out of the picture” for them to receive their rightful inheritance. A page turner until the very end including a twist and turn along the way.

Science-Fiction Review by Sam Andersen
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover
This Star Wars novel is one of the most anticipated sci-fi books of the year.  Based on the masterpiece by George Lucas, the book captures the adventure of the film while adding that magic which is contained whthin every book.  Following the adventures of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi the book takes you through the changing of Anakin to the dark side of the force, and then to the coming of the terrible Darth Vader.  The book is packed with information not put in the film version, but is approved by George Lucas.  This final installment of the Star Wars epic is a must read for any sci-fi lover.

Biography Review by Laura Blaker
Divided Minds: Twin Sisters and their Journey through Schizophrenia by Pamela Spiro Wagner and Carolyn S. Spiro, M.D.
This powerful memoir illustrates the connection between twins and the heightened complexities when one twin lives with schizophrenia.  Pamela, who starts hearing voices and feeling extreme paranoia when she is in the sixth grade, is not diagnosed until she is in her 20s.  She struggles with self-mutilation and the shortcomings of her medications, inconsistent care, and varied theories about schizophrenia.  Carolyn, who becomes a psychiatrist, is caught between a mix of varied emotions…love, anger, apathy, helplessness, and wanting to live her own life.  A compelling page-turner for those interested in mental illnesses, twins, and relationships in general.

History Review by Steve Pederson
1776 by David McCullough
America’s war for Independence is a well-known history, but few writers tell so compelling a story about that first year of the war than historian David McCullough in his latest book, 1776.  McCullough, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for biography, focuses on the first year’s struggle between the inadequately trained and supplied Americans and the might of the British Empire.  As American and British politicians tried to reach a compromise, events unfolded into open conflict and both sides found themselves locked in a struggle that was determined as much by weather and luck as it was by strategy.  In David McCullough we have a master practitioner in the art of storytelling.  His expert research combined with descriptive prose make the era and people he writes about come alive. 

How-To Review by Tony Bengston
Digital Photographer’s Handbook by Tom Ang
Digital Photographer’s Handbook is a must read for anyone interested in taking digital photographs.  It includes everything a pro-sumer would want to know about digital photography and more!  You will find quick fixes, detailed diagrams and creative techniques.  Digital Photographer’s Handbook includes lists of websites for resources, manufacturers and software.  The most practical book on digital photography I’ve found to this day, even my college handbook!

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