February 2018

All right, ladies and gentlemen, here's some of our staff and customer's favorite books of February 2018!
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White Chrysanthemum by Mary Lynn Bracht

This story details the hardships of the South Korean women during the Japanese Occupation. Older sister, Hana (16), is taken from her family and home to become a "comfort woman" for the Japanese army. What she and the other girls/women must endure is worse than torture. Korean women today are still trying to get the Japanese government to admit and apologize for their war crimes. DISCLAIMER: Some parts are for mature audiences only.

Review by Caryn (Staff)

Capital Gaines- Smart Things I Learned Doing Stupid Stuff by Chip Gaines

Just like their hit TV show, Fixer Upper, the author has a fresh approach to telling his story that is both entertaining and inspiring. He shares his early stumbles in running his own businesses and how his optimism and faith have combined to produce success even after some major failures. 
It is written at a turning point in his life as he and Joanna, his wife, are taping their last year of Fixer Upper on HGTV...at least for now. The show does not make their priority cut today, but one sense that they may return after several years building their current business.
He shares a vision for the future that is far beyond their current business and enlists the reader's support in that vision!

Review by LWR (Customer)

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

In 1974, a POW veteran, Ernt, and his family move to Alaska for a new start. Ernt is unable to escape his trauma from the war. The lack of sunshine and drinking triggers his anger, which leads to an abusive life for his wife, Cora. Thirteen-year-old Leni is left helpless and afraid. They are surrounded by a supportive community, but it seems no one can save them from the demons that haunt Ernt. 
This book highlights how the war changes our loved ones. The families are left to pick up the pieces. As a child of the 70's, I've known lots of family and friends that were affected by the Vietnam War. Unfortunately, PTSD wasn't recognized back then and veterans were not provided with the necessary mental stability to lead productive lives after the war. I'm glad to see somebody writing about the turmoil some families experienced when when the war was over and the lack of assistance available to return back to civilian life. ​

Review by Gina (Staff)

​I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O'Farrell

From one of my favorite novelists come a work of nonfiction- a gripping memoir of seventeen times in which O'Farrell's life brushed up against the chilling experience that almost resulted in her death. O'Farell's unique ability to describe such emotional moments of her life (broken down into chapters labeled by body parts) will transfix you. Maggie O'Farrell's strength of character and her beautiful ability and tenacity instead of despair will astonish you.
I could not put this book down!

Review by Christine (Staff)









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Rise and Kill First by Ronen Bergman

If you appreciate investigative reporting from a person who has been in the business for a lot of years, Bergman might just be the person to be writing this "no sides" piece. When it comes to LIFE or DEATH, what would you do to survive?? This book will make you rethink what you "know" about Israel and the Middle East. Not an easy read but well worth the effort and time

Review by Susan (Staff)

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Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks

This collection of stories by Tom Hanks is wonderful! Full of wit and delight, you'll love Hanks' characters and dialogue. The subjects and time periods are all varied by all contain a typewriter (or at least a photo of one). Hank has talent beyond the big screen! Enjoy!!!

Review by Christine (Staff)

The Midnight Line by Lee Child

Reacher takes a different journey when he decides to find the owner of a 2005 West Point class ring. The search leads him to two sisters: one breathtakingly beautiful and the other hooked on drugs after surviving an IED explosion. Unlike his usual tales, Child teams Reacher with a retired FBI agent to solve this mystery.

​Review by Susan (Staff)