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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., Mint Hill Branch

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Author David Cristofano immediately draws us into the psyche of Melody Grace McCartney. Melody is the main character and narrator of The Girl She Used to Be, an intriguing account of a young woman trapped in the Federal Witness Protection Program. We experience Melody’s yearnings: to be safe, loved, and free from her haunted past. This she is denied until she feels love towards a man who may lead her to her death. Utilizing this unexpected plot twist in a gripping and quick read, The Girl She Used to Be combines romance and suspense into a dramatic conclusion.

Reviewed by Linda O., University City Regional

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A school reunion. A murdered founder. A house full of suspects. It has the elements of a classic whodunit. Emily and Ollie, Chicago police detectives are called to a former school for children with autism. The founder, Dr. Schermerhon has been found murdered by what appears to be stab wounds and other gruesome injuries. The suspects include former staff, students who are now adults, and their parents. As the detectives probe into the present and past, they learn about autism as well as Dr.Schermerhorn's methods. Who would have wanted to kill the well-renowned man? Maybe someone who knew the ugly truth about him. This startling read is told in Emily's voice with detours into the past and present of other characters.

Reviewed by Jeanenne R., Steele Creek Branch

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The Golden Rules for Managers offers very simple advise on how to become a better manager. The information is so uncomplicated and straight-forward, that one can effortlessly begin to incorporate it into their management style. Each chapter tackles a different topic; from Vision and Planning to Feedback and Performance Management to Leadership. One may even discover that you currently are using these techniques and didn't even know it! Everyone will discover a saying or two that will resonate with them and will assist then in becoming a better manager. The last rule listed in the book is one everyone should remember: Your job is not your life.

Reviewed by Angela A., Cornelius Branch

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Kate Morton’s novel The Forgotten Garden begins with a 4-year-old girl found alone on the docks in Australia in 1914, having arrived on a ship from England. A loving couple decides to keep Nell, but reveal on her 21st birthday that she is adopted. From there progress several individual stories interwoven with each other: Nell’s search for the truth about her family in 1975, her granddaughter Cassandra’s discovery and investigation of Nell’s background after her death in 2005, and the story of those integral to Nell’s history, Eliza Makepeace and the Mountrachet family, from 1900-1914. From start to finish, this book weaves a riveting tale of suspense, family secrets, betrayal, and even fairy tales.

Reviewed by Sandra S., North County Regional

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