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This book is a very candid and close-up look at one man’s journey through drug addiction and homelessness. Stringer’s story takes place during the 1980’s on the mean streets of New York City. When he learns of his business partner’s death and shortly thereafter the death of his brother from AIDS, a downward emotional spiral begins. His cocaine use takes him down very fast and the account he gives of the people he meets and the places he goes are all too real to be imagined. Stringer ends up as editor for “Street News”, a paper written by and for the homeless. I had to admire the fact that this middle-aged man dug himself out from the brink of despair and hopelessness when his newfound talent and love for writing changed everything. He truly is an intelligent and gifted storyteller that captures the reader.

Reviewed by Alice A., Independence Regional

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Relive renowned explorer Ernest Shackleton's journey to claim the last great prize in continental exploration. Just as World War I broke out in Europe, Shackleton and a crew of 27 sailed out of a whaling port at Georgia Island. They hoped to achieve the unattainable: the first transcontinental crossing of the Antarctic. Their clipper ship, the Endurance, weathered great odds and brought them within 100 miles of their destination, only to be compacted by shifting ice and frozen solid. They drifted in their harbor of safety, the ship itself, until it was finally crushed like match wood. Stranded on the flows, the heroic crew began their 20-month ordeal. Photographs by exhibition photographer, James Hurley, bring to life this extraordinary and haunting tale of survival.

Reviewed by Helene B., Main Library

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Melinda begins her freshman year as an outcast. At the end of the summer she committed the biggest faux pas in Merryweather High's history--she called the cops on a party. But she has a secret, a secret that leaves her speechless. It scars her lips, swells her tongue, and parches her throat. Her mouth moves, but nothing comes out. Melinda retreats behind this wall of silence, deeper into her head, where she hopes to escape the harsh reality of her secret, of her world. But slowly her secret unfolds and, as it does, Melinda realizes that she must speak or suffer more. Anderson delivers a heroine whose voice will touch readers as she relates her painful experience through burdened thoughts and witty, sarcastic commentary.

Reviewed by Alyson B.

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Reader's comments about this book

When Melinda finally chooses to "speak," her words of pain and desperation reveal a story of rape and betrayal.
-Amanda, Charlotte

Melinda only wants to be normal again. If only she hadn't called the cops on that party. But she didn't do it on purpose. She was just calling the police because she had been... Well, she didn't do it on purpose. Melinda doesn't fit into any of the normal stereotypical groups, and she can't hang out with her old friends anymore, so what CAN she do? Parts of this book will make you laugh, and others will bring tears to your eyes. Melinda's story is that of a teenager with a terrible secret, but in the end she finally finds her voice. Speaking never felt so good.
-Mary, Charlotte, NC

Speak was a truly moving book about a girl who lost all her friends the night she told the police about an illegal back-to-school party that she attended, after she was raped. At times I wanted to cry because of how her peers treated her, but I was satisfied with how it ended.
-Chelsea, Charlotte, NC

This book takes you inside the mind of someone trying to get over something awful that has happened to her. It really makes you think and once you start you won't be able to put it down.
-Gwen, North Ridgeville, OH

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The setting is wartime Europe, 1934-1940. Children are being evacuated from London's East End to the English countryside. Among them is William Beech, whose mother leaves him with Mr. Tom, a lonely man in the village of Wierwold who reluctantly accepts his new responsibility. The two share loneliness and together they triumph over their fears and shortcomings and forge a bond of trust. Through everyday village life, the two come to recognize the power of the human spirit.

Reviewed by Melissa K., Mint Hill Branch

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Reader's comments about this book

This book is one of my all time favorites. William is a lucky boy to have been placed in the care of Mr. Tom. If there were more "Mr. Tom's" in the world it definitely would be a better place. An unforgettable story that touches your soul.
-Michelle, Charlotte, NC

I absolutely loved this book. My friend forced me to read it and I just fell in love with it. It's great for both William and Mr. Tom that he was placed there. Definitely one of my all time faves.
-Kaitlin, Charlotte, NC

I absolutely loved this book. I read it every year to my sixth grade class, and they loved the book as much as I. It provided so much material for class discussion. Each year, the kids and I hated for the book to end. The painting on the cover is lovely.
-Joan, Mt. Carroll, Illinois

This book is an amazingly touching story and I highly recommend it to both children and adults who love a great read.
-Rebecca, Brisbane ,QLD

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Brian's plane crashed and he is the only survivor. What if he is not found by the end of the Summer? He can already see signs of Fall, and he is outgrowing his clothes and running out of food. Brian only has his survival pack and his hatchet. Can he build a shelter, hunt for food, make warm clothes, and fight off predators? Live and struggle with Brian through a wilderness winter in this exciting survival story, an alternative to the original story in Hatchet .

Reviewed by Sarah H., Independence Regional

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Life in the US Southwestern Territories was difficult. Sarah Agnes Prine, age 18, gives a picture of the time in this fictional display. Guided by her father's desire for greener pastures, Sarah follows the family to Texas and back to Arizona when illness, nature, and violence take her father and several brothers. Through years of hard work filled with happiness and tragedy, we see one woman fulfill her dreams of building her own family and receiving an education. Sarah is an inspirational character of determination and will who evokes the atmosphere of the wild west.

Reviewed by Sarah H., Independence Regional

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Things Unspoken not only depicts life in 1950s Hollywood, it is a story about growing up without a mother, about a family code of silence, about alienation, and love, and loyalty, and learning the hard way. Most of all, it is about transcendence. A funny, sad, engaging story that should be read and shared. One of the Best Books of 1999 in the LA Times.

Reviewed by Charles A., Santa Cruz, CA

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In this hauntingly beautiful work, the pain of a sexually abused child named Annie is conveyed through the ache of narrative poetry. The story, which takes place over a summer vacation, uses parallels of swimming to help describe the suffocation of Annie's abuse. The author does a wonderful job of describing the emotions Annie encounters throughout the summer in great detail, without over-emphasizing the explicit details of the physical abuse. By offering Annie's innocence and strength, the book provides an exceptional portrayal of a difficult subject, as well as creating a guide for hope.

Reviewed by Amanda B., Main Library

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This is a book that every woman should read, and probably every man. Thanks For the Mammogram tells the story of Laura Jensen Walker and her husband Michael. On their first wedding anniversary Laura is diagnosed with breast cancer. The author relates the devastation she felt, and how she got through it all with the love of her family and friends, and her humor. Breast cancer can be a devastating disease, but laughter can help get you through it all. Ms. Walker also gives us funny little stories about people she met throughout her illness. There is also a chapter in which Michael tells how he coped with his wife's illness. Ms. Walker proves that laughter is the best medicine.

Reviewed by Chris A., University City Regional

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All Andi wants is to get away from her dysfunctional family, so when she hears about The United States Military Academy in West Point, NY, where she can get a free college education in exchange for five years of Army service after graduation, she thinks it sounds perfect. But, before she can even start her school year, she must survive the Beast, five weeks of grueling, agonizing cadet training designed to break cadets and rebuild them as soldiers. Efaw's first novel is a powerful look at a young woman with the potential to be the best, if only she can convince herself she can do it. It will leave you aching for an equally inspirational sequel.

Reviewed by Snow W., South County Regional

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Peter O'Banyon is about to depart from this life as lighthouse keeper of Port Hope, a tiny island off the more famous Nantucket. In his cancer-weakened state, he prepares a final entry in the leather-bound logbook and reminisces out loud to his daughter, Kathleen - recalling the details of his life in love and in war. The Port Hope lighthouse itself becomes a central character - an embodiment of safety, refuge, hope - and a symbol of the faith that has helped three generations of the O'Banyon clan weather the storms that punctuate life. The character-driven story is an inspirational piece that attests to the incredible power and influence of faith, hope, and love.

Reviewed by Susanne W., South County Regional

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Wintering over at the South Pole means living in almost total darkness, with temperatures as low as 100 degrees below zero, and no way in or out from February to October. In 1999, Dr. Jerri Nielsen and 40 scientists, engineers, and support staff spent the winter at the South Pole as many had before them. To add to the already harsh conditions, Dr. Nielsen, who was solely responsible for the physical and mental fitness of the others, discovered a lump in her breast. With the help of her fellow ?polies? she administered a biopsy which revealed the lump to be an aggressive, fast-growing cancer. Dr. Nielsen, with the help of Maryanne Vollers, shares the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of dealing with her cancer, chemotherapy treatments, and her daring rescue from the place she had grown to love. Over half of this inspiring book focuses on how Dr. Nielsen ended up at the bottom of the earth, what daily life is like at the Pole, how the ?Fun 41? grew to be a family, and the great rituals that helped them to stay sane. Ultimately, this is an engaging story of exploration and self-discovery wrapped in a captivating setting.

Reviewed by Lynn L., Hickory Grove Branch

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Fifteen-year-old Gabe Rodgers has just moved from the Texas heartland to the Canadian Northwest Territories to be closer to his father, a driller on an oil rig. Gabe's father arranges a flight with a bush pilot to show Gabe some of the sites of the Northwest Territory. The bush pilot is taking a Dene boy and his uncle back to their village on the Nahanni River. Sitting in the co-pilot's seat, Gabe checks the maps and reads the names of the mountain ranges that surround their small Cessna. "Up here nature reigns supreme." And so it does as Gabe and his new friends will soon find out! An adventure written in the style of Gary Paulsen's Hatchet, Will Hobbs' Far North weaves a fast-paced, action-packed journey that will draw you deeply in.

Reviewed by Jim M., Main Library

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Gary Paulsen has to be one of the foremost adventure writers today. In this biography Edith Hope Fine explores Paulsen's early life which he describes as 'ugly' and 'a rough run'. With no support from his immediate family, Gary learned to rely solely on himself. This often meant escaping from his alcoholic parents into the Minnesota wilderness for food as well as serenity. After finding out that he could earn money by trapping destructive animals for the state of Minnesota, Gary relied on his wilderness skills to overcome personal adversity and push on to become the writer he is today. How can Gary Paulsen write such eloquent and riveting adventure stories?... Gary Paulsen has lived them!

Reviewed by Jim M., Main Library

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Ever wonder where Gary Paulsen got all those ideas to write the Hatchet series? He lived them! In his autobiography, Gary Paulsen relates incidents in his life and how they were incorporated into his character, Brian Robeson. One chapter not to miss is "Eating Eyeballs and Guts, or Starving." Paulsen reminds us that if you are hungry, truly hungry, it will not matter that what you eat is not the choicest piece of meat. There is even a culinary chapter on "The Joy of Cooking" in which he describes how you can cook, eat, and live in the wilderness. This is a great read for those fans of Brian and his series of adventures.

Reviewed by Jim M., Main Library

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The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, began accepting women in 1996. That year, four women began as freshman cadets and this is the story of one of these pioneering women. This true account details Nancy Mace’s transformation from a “knob” freshman to an accomplished graduate from “El Cid.” Written in the first person, Nancy shares her experiences from her first haircut to coping with military life to adjusting to college. Mace delivers an honest, humorous, riveting story about her journey to be the first female graduate of the Citadel.

Reviewed by Amy R., University City Regional

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In this book, Malika Oufkir takes us on an unforgettable journey through a part of her life and Moroccan history. Raised in her youth with King Hassan's daughter, as a sister of a princess, her life turns upside-down when her father, a high-ranking officer in Hassan's army attempts a coup in the 1970s and is subsequently murdered. Malika and her family are put in a desert prison where they remain for 20 years, the conditions of which are meant to kill them. Malika, one brother and a sister escape and, through a series of miracles, enable the rest of their family to be freed. A story of truly indomitable human will, and triumph of spirit.

Reviewed by Edith S., Main Library

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If you think your family is dysfunctional wait until you read about Jeannette Walls family in The Glass Castle. Jeannette is the second of four children raised by her drifting, hippie parents all over the country. The family never stays in one place long, the children attend school sporadically at best and their alcoholic father can never keep a job long before "the FBI", or rather the bill collectors, start coming after him and they have to move. Despite the terrible poverty and chaos they grow up in, Jeannette and her siblings all become responsible, normal adults and maintain a relationship with their parents. The Glass Castle is an incredible book that explores the complexities of the unconditional love of a family.

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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In 1527 Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca was appointed treasurer (and royal watchdog) to the latest expedition of hard luck conquistador Panfilio de Narvaez. Narvaez and several hundred others seeking gold and glory landed near Tampa Bay in 1528. From there things started to go wrong. Eight years later, Cabeza de Vaca and three companions stumbled into a Spanish raiding party near the Gulf of California, the only survivors of Narvaez' ill fated group. Paul Schneider paints a unique story of survival in a harsh wilderness utilizing the written record left by Cabeza de Vaca himself.

Reviewed by John C., Main Library

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Chris Gardner's mother told him that he could make a million dollars if he wanted to. Who would have thought it would actually happen! The Pursuit of Happyness is the account of a black man's struggle to the top of the stock market industry and the story of a human being not willing to give up in the face of poverty and homelessness. He did not settle for an ordinary life, but pushed through abuse, racism, and poverty in order to reach his destiny, not only for himself, but for his son and daughter to come. This memoir will inspire anyone who dares to pick it up and read it. It will make you change your life forever if you so desire.

Reviewed by Vivian B., University City Regional

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In the winter of 1910, two trains traveling the Great Northern Railway line towards Seattle had no idea what awaited them in the Cascade Mountains. Gary Krist uses a variety of primary sources including diaries, letters, telegrams, court records, and newspaper articles to accurately recount this tragedy. The passengers and workers of The Seattle Express and The Fast Mail trains spent days living on their trains as they sat on snow blocked tracks. Countless railway employees worked to clear the tracks against an unforgiving blizzard. As hope glimmered and escape seemed possible, the worst of this disaster unfolded. This is the true story of a ferocious storm, heroic efforts, and the reality of the aftermath that will astound you.

Reviewed by Cassandra H., Mint Hill Branch

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Tracy, Olivia and Holly were best friends in high school. Over the years they kept in touch, so when Olivia's husband dies and she moves back to the U.S. they decide to go on a sailboat cruise. With a two man crew, the three friends plus Tracy's daughter set sail from St. Thomas. But, what was supposed to be a ten day leisurely cruise turns into a twenty-two day nightmare. Through a series of mistakes the women end up on the boat alone, with no food or power and under attack from modern day pirates/drug smugglers. They must use all their wits and strength to survive this horrific situation. Still Summer examines the strength of relationships and love when put to a life or death test.

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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The climb to the top of Mt. Everest has become for many their ultimate goal; for others it has become the source of their income. With this have come greed, stupidity, and even death. This book tells in riveting detail the account of Kodas’ attempt to scale Everest with guides who are anything but helpful. At the same time, he tells of a 69-year old doctor who attempts and ultimately summits but fails to return. This interesting account paints a vivid portrayal of what life and death on Everest has become.

Reviewed by Gloria J., North County Regional

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In November 1994, Peter DeLeo, along with two of his best friends, goes for a Sunday morning pleasure flight in the Sierra Nevadas. Wind shear forces the small plane to crash, leaving the three severely injured but still alive. Peter decides the only chance they have to survive is for him to walk out to get help for his friends. He recounts in vivid detail his battle to survive. His survival in the wilderness without food or water in blizzard conditions is incredible. His thirteen day fight to survive is remarkable and a very interesting telling of what can be accomplished when death is the only alternative. This is a great read!

Reviewed by Gloria J., North County Regional

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Forever on the Mountain tells the story of the 1967 expedition to scale Alaska’s Mt. McKinley. The National Parks Service required two groups to combine into one in order to get permission for the attempt. The group of twelve young men clashed from the beginning. Whether that was the problem or the unheard of blizzard conditions that remained on the mountain and prevented rescue, only 5 of the 12 survived. This expedition takes place before mountain climbing was as popular as it is today. The National Parks Service was not prepared for major rescue operations and did not have the proper equipment as they do now. All of this makes for an interesting accounting of a very tragic event in climbing history.

Reviewed by Gloria J., North County Regional

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Dark Summit relates the story of David Sharp, the British climber who was left to die near Everest’s top while forty climbers passed by. Sharp was on his own, not a member of a group, with no support, no Sherpa, and very little oxygen. Although many stopped to assist him, he still died. The book also includes the story of Lincoln Hall, an Australian climber who summitted. On the way down, he quickly floundered. Hall was declared dead and left on the mountain, but he survived the night. He was found by climbers the next morning and survived. Everest is a very dangerous place. This book gives an accounting of why it continues to draw climbers from all over and how it can so quickly kill.

Reviewed by Gloria J., North County Regional

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Gleaned from countless interviews from surviving airmen, headhunters, and their family members, this is the story of stranded American soldiers who survived in hostile territory during World War II with the help of Dayak tribesmen. The title is not pejorative: the Dayaks were indeed headhunters, though their humanity and compassion was evident in the way that the separated airmen were all taken in, fed, and protected by different tribes. The Dayaks went so far as to hunt Japanese soldiers to defend the airmen, and actually formed a force to help the Allies following their ill treatment by the Japanese. Overall, an uplifting story about how people from completely different worlds can support each other in times of crisis.

Reviewed by Meri H., University City Regional

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How would you react if your spouse of over twenty years suffered a traumatic injury and required long-term care? Alix Kates Shulman finds out when her seventy-five year old husband Scott falls and suffers a traumatic brain injury. He recovers, but has virtually no short-term memory and will require constant care. Many of Alix's friends don't understand why she wants to take on most of Scott's daily care; some encourage her to place him in a nursing home and move on with her life. But Alix remembers their vows, "in sickness and in health", and is determined to enjoy their altered relationship rather than focus on what is lacking. To Love What Is tells a powerful story of love and commitment.

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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When Jana Kohl decided she wanted to buy a toy poodle, she contacted a breeder and then on impulse decided to visit his home to see the dogs. When she arrived and saw the horrific puppy mill conditions, she refused to support this industry and started looking for a rescued pet to adopt. That was how she found Baby. Baby was a breeding dog rescued from a puppy mill and had lost one of her front legs due to the physical abuse she had suffered there. Baby quickly became a mascot for animal advocates and Kohl decided to create this book to share her story and promote animal rights. Baby's story is inspirational and anyone who has adopted a pet will understand this Rare Breed of Love.

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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Norman Ollestad grew up with his father pushing him into extreme sports from a very young age. He hated getting up early to surf huge waves or having to ski in dangerous conditions to prepare for competitions and races – he just wanted to be a normal kid. But one day these skills would save his life. On the way to a skiing award ceremony with his father and his father’s girlfriend their plane crashed into a mountain. Norman was the only survivor and had to use all of his athleticism and courage to get down the mountain and find help. Alternating between the plane crash and adventures Norman had growing up with his dad, this is an incredible story of courage and a father’s intense love for his son.

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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The Sleavin family was living their dream of sailing around the world, until a nighttime collision at sea off the coast of New Zealand changed their voyage into a tragedy. Judith Sleavin, the lone survivor, entrusts this true story to her family friend Hester Rumberg. Though not a writer by trade, Rumberg has written a compelling account. Rumberg explores the lives of the Sleavins, showing their love, their passion for sailing and their joy of connecting with new people. She blends Judith’s amazing survival, recovery, and determined quest for accountability for the accident into a riveting and meaningful book.

Reviewed by Linda O., University City Regional

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Colum McCann based his novel on the life of Polish poet, Papusza. We meet Zoli Novotna at age six as she and her grandfather flee the fascist troops who killed her parents and siblings. They join a caravan of gypsy harpists and her grandfather defies tradition by teaching her to read and write. As she matures, Zoli becomes a celebrated poet/singer whose writings are sought by Western publishers who want to tap into her popularity. Unfortunately, the communist regime tries to harness her fame for their own purposes. Zoli is banished by her Romani family. Betrayed by a forbidden love and exiled, Zoli embarks on a dangerous journey toward the West - seeking a place to call home. A fascinating story of loss and redemption!

Reviewed by Susanne W., South County Regional

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The four Welch kids were devastated when their father was suddenly killed in a car accident. Then a few months later their mother was diagnosed with cancer and within three years of their father’s death they lost their mother as well. Amanda was 19, Liz 16, Dan 14 and Diana 8 when they were all sent to live with different families since no one wanted to take all four together. The kids struggled to cope with the loss of both parents and being separated from each other. It takes five more years before all the kids are fully back in contact or living together again. This is an incredible story of the powerful bond between siblings who had only each other to rely on.

Reviewed by Jessica B., University City Regional

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In mid-July 1942, French police conducted a roundup of about 10,000 Jews in Paris – holding them in the Vêlodrome d’Hiver until transport to camps. Ten-year-old Sarah experiences that horror. She tries to save her toddler brother by locking him in their cupboard, believing that someone will be able to return soon and free him. The author juxtaposes the story of American Julia Jarmond, who is investigating the roundup, and Julia’s French in-laws, who are connected to Sarah. Brief chapters create a heart racing pace as all is revealed. "Zakhor, Al Tickah." Remember. Never forget. You won't.

Reviewed by Susanne W., South County Regional

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