Blog Posts by Pam I am
Pam I Am lives in Arlington Heights with her husband, two children, and golden retriever. On any given day she can be found juggling work, dirty laundry, reading literature, or devouring a People magazine.
05/09/13
If you are looking for an epic novel that spans more than fifty years, then Kate Morton's The Secret Keeper is a must read--it moves between 1941 London during the Blitz, the 1960's, and present day. This book is part historical fiction, part mystery. In present day, Laurel remembers a tragic family event from the 1960's and is driven to solve the meaning of this before her aging mother dies. As she begins to examine her family's past, she uncovers secrets from war-torn London and begins to wonder who her mother really is. Morton keeps your interest on every page with well developed characters and a rapidly moving plot. I liked it so much, that I will definitely read Morton's other books.
Tags: Historical Fiction
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04/01/13
If you have ever doubted the human/animal connection and the healing power of dogs, you must read A Dog Named Boo: How One Dog and One Woman Rescued Each Other – and the Lives They Transformed Along the Way. In this memoir, Edwards recalls how she came across an abandoned litter of puppies on Halloween and reluctantly adopted the runt of the litter and named him Boo. Ironically, Edwards thought she was rescuing this abandoned dog, but he turns out to rescue her from an abusive past and helps her to launch a career in dog training and animal assisted therapy. Together, the twosome bring joy and healing to all those they work with in their therapy work.
Animal Assisted Therapy is a type of therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment. The goal of AAT is to improve a person’s social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. In April, our library is offering Rainbow Time, a program specifically for autistic children to interact with some special therapy dogs.
Tags: memoir; dogs
03/07/13
Lately I have been on a kick of reading Young Adult fiction even though I don't quite fit that demographic.(forty-something?) But, there are so many amazing Teen books that are great for adults too that I can't seem to stop! The YA book Paper Towns by John Green is a great read no matter your age.
Green is know for his well written award-winning young adult novels. In this book, Quentin Jacobsen is a smart, nerdy high school senior who has been in love with his neighbor, Margo Roth Speigelman for years. She is a popular, crazy, spirited rebel who he worships from afar. One night she shows up at his bedroom window dressed as a ninja and they spend the night carrying out her plan for revenge on classmates who have wronged her. Quentin is thrilled to re-kindle his friendship with Margo, but by the next day she goes missing. Quentin goes on a mission to find her and piece together where she might have gone and why. Through his journey he learns things about himself and Margo that he never knew.
This book is filled with humor, heartbreak and insight and will touch you no matter your age.
12/06/12
What a cool young adult novel that is a great read for adults too. I read this after my 15 year old daughter devoured it in one sitting over Thanksgiving break. I figured if it engaged her so much, I wanted to read it too. The premise is two teenagers in 1996 who just got their first computer . . . complete with dial up AOL. But, somehow when they logon they see this new weird thing called FACEBOOK! They are able to see their future Facebook pages--are they happy or unhappy? Married, single, successful, etc. Soon, the two teens figure out that what they do in the present day 1996 affects them in the future. They can see how their actions affect the future postings on Facebook. What a cool premise. This is a fun read and would be great for parents of teens to read and discuss together.
10/18/12
Kim Stagliano is a nationally recognized autism advocate and speaker. She is also the managing editor of Age of Autism, a daily web newspaper dedicated to autism.
But, most importantly, Stagliano is in the unique position of being a mother to three girls that have autism. Obviously, this is not the parenting life that she imagined, but she has embraced this new normal with a fierce sense of purpose. She is sometimes controversial as she rallies against vaccines and mainstream medicine. Her writing is powerful, sometimes funny and filled with a sense of love above all.
09/28/12
I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up Traveling Mercies . . is this a religious book, a serious book, a humorous memoir? If it is possible, I think it is all of the above. I personally found this book to be more of book about spirituality that includes many humorous and touching thoughts on life. Anne Lamott chronicles her own exploration with Faith and God starting with childhood through motherhood. She takes ordinary moments in life and adds insight and wit without being preachy. Anne Lamott is the author of the New York Times bestsellers Grace (Eventually), Plan B, Traveling Mercies, and Operating Instructions, as well as seven novels, including Rosie and Crooked Little Heart.
08/30/12
After hearing all the "buzz" about Gone Girl and waiting for the book, I found myself wondering if this novel was worth the hype. In a word, YES! Wow, this book had me engrossed from the first page to the last. It is a gripping thriller with plot twists you won't believe.
Nick and Amy are a seemingly happily married couple celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary. Amy suddenly goes missing with no trace and Nick becomes the prime suspect. Amy has left a treasure hunt of clues for Nick as an anniversary present and Nick must follow the clues as he tries to solve his wife's disappearance. Alternately, chapters are told through Amy's diary leading up to the day she goes missing. The two different perspectives of narrators give the reader great insight into this damaged marriage.
You will be on the edge of your seat reading this book. Just when you think you have it figured out, the plot takes ingenious twists. I, for one, think this book is worth the hype and the wait.
06/07/12
Critically acclaimed author Ray Bradbury passed away June 5 at the age of 91. He authored more than 27 novels and 600 short stories and brought fantasy and science fiction to the mainstream. Nearly everyone has been touched by his writing in some way because of his influence on the science fiction genre.
To explore material by and about Ray Bradbury you can find books and movies in our catalog. A temporary display of his books and movies can also be found by the checkout line.
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05/08/12
If you like Jodi Picoult books then Defending Jacob is a great choice for you to read! Andy Barber is the assistant district attorney living with his wife and teenage son. A high school student is found murdered in a local park and Andy is part of the investigation. Until, his son turns out to be the prime suspect. Andy is taken off the case and is torn apart fighting for his sons innocence. This book explores a family in crisis and makes you wonder what you would do in that situation.
Tags: legal fiction
03/31/12
I have never read any of the "Prey" series by John Sandford and thought the latest one might be as good a place to start as any. Buried Prey is #21 in the Lucas Davenport series, but it didn't matter that I hadn't read the previous books in the series. In Buried Prey, Lucas Davenport is haunted by an old unsolved case of two missing girls from the mid 1980s. In present day, a house demolition results in the uncovering of the two girls bodies buried in the foundation. This finding launches Lucas into re-opening the case and hunting down suspects and witnesses from long ago. The writing and pacing kept me interested and this was a great introduction into the Lucas Davenport series.
