Library Ladies book reviews for June 2009

Eclipse

By Stephanie Meyer

Eclipse continues the story of Bella and her vampire love Edward, weaving various plots and subplots to hold reader interest. In the realm of the human and ordinary, Bella fills out college applications and she and Edward talk of future plans, both of which are fraught with complication. In the superhuman world of vampire and werewolf, trouble is afoot – Bella is still being hunted, a string of unsolved murders occur, newborn vampires are possibly on the loose, and battle becomes a necessity.

In the midst of it all, the triangle between Bella, Edward and Jacob Black deepens and intensifies, as Bella struggles with her feelings for both of these very different men. Her dilemma is represented by the cover art of a broken ribbon; not only does she find it difficult to choose between those she loves, but she also is unable to break away completely from her human life. These relationships spin with love and angst toward bittersweet realization and the book’s conclusion.

Review by Traci Thompson

Breaking Dawn

By Stephenie Meyer

This is the fourth and final volume of the Twilight series. Not to give too much away to those who are just starting the series, Bella finally gets what her heart truly desires. There are many special events in this volume, such as a visit from the Volturi (the Italian rulers of the Vampire Culture), visits from vampires from all over the world and preparations for a major vampire war.

The love triangle between human, vampire and werewolf continues to be the focal point of this last installment. There is much angst and even a section written from Jacob’s point of view. A new addition to the Cullen family brings many new desperate situations to bedevil the heroes. Alice’s desertion of her family in their most desperate time of need adds pathos to the plot. But the ending satisfies all with a happy outcome for human, vampire and werewolf.

This series is touted to be written for youth. It has proven to be very popular with teenagers. I was introduced to the series by my late 20s daughter-in-law. Many of my contemporaries are reading the series. It is not just a “sci fi” book but a pretty good love story that transcends the generations.

For those who complete the series and still haven’t gotten enough, there is an incomplete fifth book from the series online. “Midnight Sun” was an incomplete draft written from Edward’s point of view. It was posted on the Internet without the author’s permission. Meyer now has the draft form of “Midnight Sun’ on her Web site www.stepheniemeyer.com with a note of explanation. I have not read “Midnight Sun,” but others have and have found it to be a good addition to the series.

Review by Martha Lee

Dewey, the Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World

By Vicki Myron and Bret Witter

Do you like history books? How about biographies? Is a great pet story more your cup of tea? Well this book has all that, and it takes place in a small library in Iowa.

As the story begins, the Head Librarian of Spencer Public Library comes in early one bitterly cold morning in January 1988. Checking the book drop is one of her first duties. This morning, among all the returned books is huddled a nearly frozen small kitten. Thus we are introduced to Dewey Readmore Books, who is to become a worldwide celebrity and the darling of Spencer Library for the next 19 years.

Dewey’s special personality and big heart allowed him to win over the library board, the library patrons and eventually the citizens of Spencer and the world.

Dewey seems to know who needs his attention and how to win the heart of those not so happy to have a cat in the library. We are able to follow Dewey’s life as he greets the patrons each day, as he decides which child to sit with during story time, as he presides over meetings held in the library’s meeting room and as he posses for pictures with visitors from all over the United States. We are also given glimpses of his more adventuresome side as he explores the lighting fixtures of the library or rides the shelving carts around the library or sleeps in any small box he can find.

Interspersed with Dewey’s story are the story of Spencer, Iowa, and the life of Vicki Myron, the director of Spencer Library. We are given a short, but fascinating, history of the town of Spencer with special insights during one of their worst economic crises. We are allowed inside the life of Vicki Myron with her family, her struggles as a single mother and her struggles with health issues.

Dewey wins the hearts of all who get to know him through this very readable book. Enjoy and then go visit your library!

Review by Martha Lee