It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publication Date: 1997
Review: I thought that Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was a very good book and that it took you to a world where there are more than humans: there are wizards. It has a feel of discovery when you learn more about Harry’s background. I liked it.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Reviewer: Michael A.
Yesterday our Wednesday Afternoon Book Club read The Hunger Games, the first book in a trilogy by Suzanne Collins. In the book, Katniss Everdeen must overcome an unjust system to win a televised fight to the death with 23 other teens. Things become even more complicated as she finds that she has feelings for one of her opponents, someone she must kill in order to survive.
This book is a YA book, but had plenty for the adults to talk about as well. The book resonates with themes of identity, the importance of partnership, and unjust oppression. The book club as discussed violence in teen and youth books as well as the casting for the upcoming movie.
Even though not everyone in our Wednesday Afternoon adult book group liked the book, our teens have loved it. Included here is a video that they made when they read The Hunger Games in our Pizza and Pages book club. For more information about our adult book clubs, click here.
Everyone’s Reading 2011, a set on Flickr.
Check out the pictures of this year’s Everyone’s Reading with Michael Connelly. All pictures are courtesy of Carol DeWeese.
The Cover of "Jessica's guide to dating on the dark side"
Title: Jessica’s guide to dating on the dark side
Author: Beth Fantaskey
Publication Date: 2010
Review: In this novel, Jessica just wants to finish up her senior year. Things are going perfectly normal until a new “exchange” student comes knocking at her door, and Jessica is suddenly thrown into the world of vampires. She also discovers the fact that she, apparently, has to marry one- which does not go over well. In this twisted love story, Jessica has to find if she wants to stay and live her old life, or take a chance by diving head first into a fairytale. I recommend this book. At times it is a little confusing, but eventually, you learn to understand it.
Reviewer: Rachel S.
The Cover of "Snow Treasure"
Title: Snow Treasure
Author: Marie McSwigan
Publication Date: 1942
Review: Snow treasure is a book that I had to read for the summer.It is about a boy named Peter, and with his brave friends, he has to save all of Norway’s gold from the Nazis, by sledding to the location of Peter’s uncle’s boat. One day, while they were following instructions by digging it up, a Nazi discovers the gold. He claims that he is not really a Nazi, (he isn’t) and peter, the so-called Nazi, and Peter’s uncle go to America to live happily ever after.
And I DID spoil the ending because this book has WAY TOO MUCH dialogue and I felt sick to my stomach while I was reading it, and I never have, while I was reading a book, (besides the time i had the flu…). I do not suggest this book to anyone, but people who laugh at ones that others don’t appreciate.
Reviewer: Ana H.
The Cover of "The Truth Teller's Tale"
Title: The Truth-Teller’s Tale
Author: Sharon Shinn
Publication Date: 2007
Review: The Truth Teller’s Tale was a book that started well but then truly blossomed. I found the premise of a Truth Teller and Secret Keeper intriguing, and it was certainly enough to keep me interested. However, In addition to premise, the Author describes really well in an admirable style that tarries on no subject too long but is used only to enhance the story. Furthermore, the author was able to turn what I thought was a short story premise into a good book that kept me surprised, despite my false suspicions that the story would end predictably. The story reminded me of what is good, despite trudging on a hard subject near the middle that I thought would change the tone of the book for the much worse. As the story Proceeded I realized that the story wasn’t just clever, but masterful, weaving together the plot in a steady, interesting way that just forces a reader to speculate on what comes next and how. I am adding this book to my top 10.
Reviewer: Brevon D.
To celebrate Flag Day at Baldwin, we invited a few of our local and national elected officials to participate in a patriotic story time and to help dedicate our brand new flag pole.
Check out some photos of the event here:
Photos from Flag Day at Baldwin
Thank you to the elected officials who participated:
Ann Conigliaro, Library Board President
David Leckie, Bingham Farms Village President
Gary Peters, US Congressman from the Michigan 9th District
David Potts, Oakland County Commissioner
Rackeline Hoff, Mayor of the City of Birmingham
Chuck Moss, State Representative from the Michigan 40th District
We would also like to thank Mark Rooney, our trumpeter who played “Ode to Joy” and our local veterans for helping to make this ceremony special.
The Cover of "The Last Song"
Title: The Last Song
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Publication Date: 2009
Review: Sun, sunscreen, and a great Nicholas Sparks book makes every summer complete. In his latest novel, young pianist Ronnie goes to live with her dad for the summer, after her mom forcing her. She is unwilling at first, refusing to speak with her dad, and only hanging out with a guy she met on the beach. Ronnie and Will begin a summer full of hopes, dreams, secrets, and lies, in this twisting novel. Lives are on the edge in the deadly game of fire, and hearts are made to be broken and crushed, in “The Last Song”. At the very end, a twist of events occurs and you expect something will happen. The end left me crying, wondering, smiling, and crushed-all the feelings a great book will leave you with. Although it can be a little slow and confusing at points, this is a powerful novel that opens the readers eyes to the joys and pains in life. And by the way, the book is way better than the movie!
Reviewer: Rachel S.
Programs at Baldwin
Books at Baldwin 