Virgie's Picks

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 Retired Teacher from Minnesota

 

 Proud Grandmother

 

 World Traveler

 

 & Outdoor Enthusiast

 

 

 

Virgie's New Picks

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother (Hardcover)

By Amy Chua
$25.95
ISBN-13: 9781594202841
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Penguin Press HC, The, 1/2011
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As parents, don’t we all want to do what’s best for our children? This thought-provoking book reveals that the Chinese just have a totally different idea of how to do that. Western parents try to respect their children’s individuality, encouraging them to pursue their true passions and providing a nurturing environment. The Chinese believe that the best way to protect your children is by preparing them for the future and arming them with skills, strong work habits, and inner confidence. One cannot deny either child-rearing strategy for raising strong, happy children. This book made me think that there must be a “middle road” to successful parenting, taking the best from each cultural belief. The memoir is told by a Chinese mother, raising her two daughters the “Chinese way.” At times it made me flinch, and at other times I saw the sense of it. Surely, this is a book that will give you ideas to ponder!

Wonderstruck (Hardcover)

By Brian Selznick, Brian Selznick
$29.99
ISBN-13: 9780545027892
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Scholastic Press, 9/2011
This book contains two stories, set 50 years apart. The story of Ben is told through words. The story of Rose is told through amazing, detailed pictures. Both children are deaf, and struggle to find what they are looking for. The two stories intertwine, and at the end, they come together into one creative and tender story. This book is great not only for independent readers, but also as a read-aloud to younger, emerging readers. The book gives many opportunities for observation and discussion as the stories unfold. I loved it!

Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal (Hardcover)

By Conor Grennan
$25.99
ISBN-13: 9780061930058
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: William Morrow, 2/2011
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If you enjoyed reading about the mission of Greg Mortenson in Three Cups of Tea or the thrilling adventure of Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air then you must read this powerful book. You will not be disappointed! This is the memoir of a young man who only meant to travel abroad for a year, but took a detour working in an orphanage in Nepal during their recent Civil War. This experience changed his carefree goal of seeing the world, and thrust him into a personal mission to help those children who suffered as a result of the war. This true story of corruption and child trafficking in Nepal, and the author’s success in forming a non-profit organization to reunite these children with their families, is an inspiration. A portion of the proceeds from this book go to the author’s non-profit organization, which continues to help the trafficked children in Nepal.

The Magic Room: A Story About the Love We Wish for Our Daughters (Hardcover)

By Jeffrey Zaslow
$27.00
ISBN-13: 9781592406616
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Gotham, 12/2011
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This is NOT a story about about bridezillas but rather reflections on the most important moments in the life of a bride-to-be! A best-selling journalist and author of The Girls From Ames, Jeffrey Zaslow visits a small town wedding shop to uncover the dreams of real women on the verge of commitment. Becker’s Bridal Shop, a four generation family business, is located in a small rural town 90 minutes from Detroit. Within the bank-turned-bridal-shop is the “magic room”, a renovated bank vault, where thousands of brides-to-be try on their dream dresses. The author is drawn to the emotional life transition stories that take place in this small shop, paying attention to the bonds between daughter and family. As one looks at these four generation interactions you can see the changes in culture and how America views the institution of marriage. These reflections may be helpful to consider as you look back on your own wedding day, or look forward to that special day for that special someone in your life!

The Day the Falls Stood Still (Hardcover)

By Cathy Marie Buchanan
$24.99
ISBN-13: 9781401340971
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Voice, 8/2009
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This historical chronicle of Niagara Falls takes a look at environmentalism in the early 1900’s. Even a hundred years ago, the question was posed; is it “less” to have “more” or is it “more” to have “less?” This is a love story between the daughter of the Niagara Power Company, and a poor riverman, who has a mystical understanding of the river and the need to preserve nature’s wonder. If you’ve been to Niagara Falls in the past, you’ll enjoy the authentic pictures and stories of early Niagara Falls. If you’ve never been there, you’ll want to visit after reading this book!

Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's Adversities (Hardcover)

By Elizabeth Edwards
$22.95
ISBN-13: 9780767931366
Availability: Special Order - Subject to Availability
Published: Crown Archetype, 5/2009
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Elizabeth Edwards, wife of presidential candidate John Edwards, crafts an inspirational meditation on dealing with life’s biggest challenges.  She is no stranger to adversity! Although she does not dwell on the specifics of her adversities, Edwards’ thoughtful reflections are an inspiration, and provide helpful perspective.  This is the perfect reading for anyone who seeks peace in knowing they are not alone with life’s problems. “You cannot change the wind, but you can adjust the sails. How we adjust our life now does make a difference in the life we have left.”

Into the Beautiful North (Hardcover)

By Luis Alberto Urrea
$24.99
ISBN-13: 9780316025270
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Little, Brown and Company, 5/2009
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This story revolves around the dilemma in many Mexican towns; men have traveled to the North (USA) in search of money and jobs, but they do not return. There are few men left in the villages. Nayeli, the main character whose own father left, is determined to illegally travel “up north” to recruit 7 men for their village and to find her father. With the help of her two girlfriends and the town Taco Shop owner, Nayeli completes her quest. This book gives you a different perspective of illegal immigration. 

Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague (Paperback)

By Geraldine Brooks
$15.00
ISBN-13: 9780142001431
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Penguin (Non-Classics), 4/2002
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This book has been around for several years, but has a new meaning in the light of todays H1N1 Flu epidemic. The story is inspired by the true event of a plague that occured in 1665 in a town in England. Within a year, two thirds of the town was dead, and the other third were taking over more responsibilities. Through the eyes of the main character, observe what can happen in a community that faces such a tragedy. How did the plague affect faith ... relationships ... social order? This is a very moving story which gives thought to our own potential danger!

Noah's Compass (Hardcover)

By Anne Tyler
$25.95
ISBN-13: 9780307272409
Availability: Special Order - Subject to Availability
Published: Knopf, 1/2010
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Anne Tyler tells the story of Liam Pennywell, a 60 year old teacher who has been “let go” of his position as a 5th grade teacher, and thus forced into early retirement, requiring financial adjustments as well as a lot of time on his hands!

 

In Anne Tyler fashion, the author introduces Liam, passive and depressed, who looks back on his uneventful life, which has nevertheless  left some wounds. With all this extra time to ponder, Liam’s life takes on a new meaning, and Liam is ready to begin a new chapter in his life. It makes one wonder if there is a little bit of Liam in us all!

The Weight of Silence (Paperback)

By Heather Gudenkauf
$13.95
ISBN-13: 9780778327400
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Mira, 7/2009
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This is a story of two rural Iowa families, each with seven year old daughters who are best friends. Calli suffers from selective mutism, brought on by a family tragedy that pulled her deep into silence as a toddler. Petra is her best friend, her soul mate, her voice!  On a normal weekend, these two families are awakened to the unbearable situation ... both girls are missing! This is a mystery to be solved! Are the girls together? Are they lost in the woods? Or have they been abducted? Calli’s brother Ben searches for the girls in the woods, only to come upon a grizzly scene. Will Calli be able to finally use her words to tell what really happened in the woods?
This is a captivating story which will keep you up late at night ... it’s just too difficult to put down!

 

 


Virgie's Past Picks

The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir (Paperback)

By Kao Kalia Yang
$15.95
ISBN-13: 9781566892087
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Coffee House Press, 4/2008
Other Editions of this Title
This true story is told by Kao Yang, who was born in a Hmong refugee camp in Thailand in 1980. After her grandmother’s death, she is driven to tell her family story as a tribute to that grandmother whose strong spirit held her family together during difficult times. Yang’s story tells about the journey of the Hmong, from the war-torn jungles of Laos, to the overcrowded refugee camps of Thailand, and onward to America. Yang’s memoir gives an eye-opening account of the struggles her family encountered living and feeling connected in the US. Yang tells her story with grace, beautifully weaving in Hmong folklore and culture. In my opinion, this is a must-read!

A Happy Marriage (Hardcover)

By Rafael Yglesias
$26.00
ISBN-13: 9781439102305
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Scribner, 7/2009
Other Editions of this Title
The title of this book is deceiving! This is a story not of an apparent happy marriage, but rather the stunning realization, at a time of loss, of the underlying components of a happy marriage! The author uses a creative format to tell the story, alternating each chapter between past and present. The “past” chapters tell of Enrique’s and Margaret’s meeting, forming a relationship, getting married, and struggling through some hard times. The “present”chapters tell of Margaret’s struggle with cancer, and how she endures her final days of life. It is in the act of supporting his wife’s acceptance of death, that Enrique comes to a gratifying realization of the wonder of his marriage. This heart-breaking story was a help to me as I support my sister who is dying of cancer. It gives one much to think about! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a closer look at their significant relationships.

South of Broad (Hardcover)

By Pat Conroy
$29.95
ISBN-13: 9780385413053
Availability: Special Order - Subject to Availability
Published: Nan A. Talese, 8/2009
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I have waited 14 years for another novel by Pat Conroy ... but the wait was worth it! This story is told by Leopold Bloom King, who, in the 1960’s forms adolescent friendships that endure throughout his lifetime. The backdrop is Charleston, South Carolina, where Leo is caught between the issues of class division, racism and religious beliefs. This is not only a story about enduring friendships, but also a mystery of sorts. The story twists will lead you to contemplate the next action. How far would YOU go to maintain a friendship? Conroy’s development of a wide variety of colorful characters is a creative work of art. His humor is enjoyable - his story is captivating!

The Translator: A Memoir (Paperback)

By Daoud Hari
$13.00
ISBN-13: 9780812979176
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Random House Trade Paperbacks, 1/2009
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Daoud is a tribesman living in Darfur, who tells his story of escaping an attack by Sudanese militia. After reaching safety in a refuge camp in Chad, he feels a need to inform the world of the genocide that is happening in Sudan. Using his English, Daoud accompanies western journalists into Sudan, acting as their translator, so the story can be told around the world. “If God must break your leg, He will at least teach you to limp.” This is a gripping memoir!

A Golden Age (Paperback)

By Tahmima Anam
$13.99
ISBN-13: 9780061478758
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Harper Perennial, 1/2009
Other Editions of this Title
If you enjoyed Three Cups of Tea, then I recommend this book, to learn more about Pakistan. This story takes place in 1971, during the Civil War in East Pakistan, which eventually becomes Bangladesh. It is the story of Rehanna, whose life drastically changes because of the war. She struggles to keep her family safe amidst the chaos of this era, and must face a heartbreaking dilemma. This is one story that forces you to think about hardships faced when a good, safe life suddenly changes to uncertainty!

Three Cups of Tea: Young Readers Edition: One Man's Journey to Change the World... One Child at a Time (Paperback)

By Greg Mortenson, David Oliver Relin
$8.99
ISBN-13: 9780142414125
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days
Published: Puffin, 2/2009
Other Editions of this Title

This young reader's edition of the world-wide bestseller Three Cups of Tea, has been adapted for young readers, ages 8+. This is the remarkable true story of one man's vision to provide hope for children (especially girls), by building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The book includes updated information and new photos, as well as a special interview with Amira Mortenson (12 year old daughter of the author) Amira, who has traveled with her father to Pakistan, reflects on the differences between children in the US and children in Pakistan. She describes the Pennies for Peace Project, and challenges children to make a difference, by supporting this project.

This is a great book to inspire young citizens to participate in a service that can help others less fortunate.

Still Alice (Paperback)

By Lisa Genova
$15.00
ISBN-13: 9781439102817
Availability: On Our Shelves Now
Published: Gallery Books, 1/2009
Other Editions of this Title

This was a book I could hardly put down ... and when Idid, I couldn’t stop thinking about it!  Written by a neuroscientist from Harvard, who also is an on-line columnist for the National Alzheimer’s Association, Genova tells the story of a Harvard professor, who has early-onset Alzheimers Disease. The story helps one to understand the hardships caused when one’s mind slowly slips away. A must read!

If you enjoyed reading A Beautiful Mind, you will enjoy this book.

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