Comments from the Book Discussion Group at DeSoto Library regarding our July 2009 selection:

Life on the Mississippiby Mark Twain

The question was asked, “Would you recommend this book to someone else?”

The collective vote of the 8 members attending the meeting was an emphatic "No!" Only one member actually read the book in its entirety. All felt the book was much too weighed down by factual content about the Mississipi River and steamboat piloting. The general feeling seemed to be that only those aspiring to become steamboat pilots would find the book worth the time investment to read it.

Janine Myers, Facilitator

Author Nancy Pickard to visit Edgerton Branch on July 14

Author's Visit: Nancy Pickard
Tuesday, Jul. 14 • 2:30 p.m.

Do not miss a visit of the nationally known Kansas mystery writer Nancy Pickard. She will talk about her latest mystery novel, The Virgin of Small Plains. Book will be available for purchase or bring your own for Nancy to sign. No registration is necessary; everybody is welcome.

Directions to Edgerton Library
When traveling on Interstate Highway 35 south, take the Edgerton exit. Turn right onto Sunflower Road. Sunflower becomes E. Nelson Street. Edgerton Library is on the left side of the street, across from the City Hall.

Contact Info:
Edgerton Library
319 E. Nelson
Edgerton, KS 66021
(913) 893-6720

Comments from the Book Discussion Group at DeSoto Library regarding our June 2009 selection:

Murder Inside the Beltwayby Margaret Truman

The question was asked, “Would you recommend this book to someone else?”

Marie: “Yes!”

Judy: “Most definitely.”

Sue: "Yes. Interesting view of Washington, D.C., and a good read."

Vickie: “Very surprised by the quality and will definitely read more.”

Jane: “Yes. I'll read more.”

Janine: “Truly surprising. Ties up all the loose ends.”

Brenda: "Up-to-date look at D.C. underworld."

Rose: "Yes."

Comments from the Book Discussion Group at DeSoto Library regarding our May 2009 selection:

The Soloistby Steve Lopez

The question was asked, “Would you recommend this book to someone else?”

Marie: “Yes. I would definitely recommend the book.”

Judy: “Yes. I thought it was very thought-provoking and interesting.”

Sue: "Yes. It brings to everyone's attention the problems we have with mental health in our society."

Ann: “Read the book before you go to the movie.”

Jane: “Yes. I thought it was well-written and really good.”

Janine: “A very good portait of friendship.”

Georgianna: “I found it fascinating and also thought it posed a lot more questions than it answered.”

Maye: “I learned a lot about homelessness, mental illness and intelligence, all in one person.”

Brenda: "Teaches a real-world lesson."

Rose: "I liked the book. I liked the author. I liked the movie."

Comments from the Book Discussion Group at DeSoto Library regarding our April 2009 selection:

The Shape Shifterby Tony Hillerman

The question was asked, “Would you recommend this book to someone else?”

Marie: “Yes. I enjoyed reading about North American culture.”

Judy: “Yes. I liked the Navajo background and thought it was interesting.”

Sue: "Yes. It's not his best but is typical Tony Hillerman."

Ann: “I would recommend the author's books. He's the one who got me interested in reading Native American books.”

Jane: “Yes. I liked it.”

Janine: “Enjoyed the Navajo perspective and the background on Navajo rugs.”

Georgianna: “Yes. I think this is an interesting concept that I've read from other authors but they don't have the Navajo slant to them.”

Rose: “Yes, I recommend it.”

Brenda: "I'm glad I've been introduced to Tony Hillerman, the man."

Comments from the March 2009 selection:

Comments from the Book Discussion Group at DeSoto Library regarding our March 2009 selection:

Kabul Beauty Schoolby Deborah Rodriguez

The question was asked, “Would you recommend this book to someone else?”

Marie: “Not good reading for sensitive people.”

Vicki: “An interesting look into an Afghan woman's life.”

Brenda: "Not quite believable. She [the author] seemed somewhat flippant."

Sue: “An amazing story. Makes you appreciate more being an American woman.”

Jane: “Pretty good book. Surprising.”

Janine: “Revealing look at post-Taliban Afghanistan and the Afghan women.”

Georgianna: “Not going to plan a vacation there.”

Ann: “Entertainable.”

Judy: "Compelling enough to make you want to keep reading."

A Conversation with Tobias Wolff

Janine thought you might find this interesting.

A Conversation with Tobias Wolff
Event Type: Authors and Literary Events
Date: 5/12/2009
Start Time: 6:30 PM
End Time: 8:30 PM
Library: Off-site
Description: Event will be held at the KCPL Plaza Branch, 4801 MainThe Big ReadThe author of Old School, Tobias Wolff, discusses our Big Read selection and his literary career - including his new short story fiction compilation Our Story Begins - with Angela Elam of New Letters on the Air, who will record the conversation before a live audience for later broadcast. One of the few contemporary writers with an assured spot in literary history, Wolff won the PEN/Faulkner Award as well as three O. Henry Awards. He is also a two-time finalist for the National Book Award. Contact KCPL for more information about attending.

http://calendar.jocolibrary.org/evanced/lib/eventsignup.asp?ID=11523&ret=eventcalendar.asp