Ritter's Readers

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:29:00 +0000

This lovely book explains Taoist principles in an easy to understand, fun way using the familiar characters of A. A. Milne, Pooh bear and others. The book was written around 1983, but its still recommended for anyone who wishes to understand this Chinese school of thought. Its a delightful and quick read and it is highly recommended for everyone.

Novelist

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:12:00 +0000

Looking for something new to read? Try out Novelist Plus, a resource that provides reviews for non-fiction and fiction readers alike. Readers can also get series information by looking up their favorite author or typing in the series name.

To get to Novelist Plus:

Go to http://ritterpubliclibrary.org
Click on 'Databases' on the right side of the screen
Choose 'Novelist Plus' from the dropdown menu in the center of the 'Database' page. The database resources are in alphabetical order.

The Murder of King Tut by James Patterson

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:59:00 +0000

The Murder of King Tut provides insight into what the boy king's life might have been like, while weaving through the mystery of how and why he was murdered.
Patterson's take on the subject grabs a hold of readers from the first few pages and keeps their attention through a fast paced story of murder and intrigue.

Readers of Patterson's other works and new comers to his works will enjoy this one.

The Shadow of Reichenbach Falls by John R. King

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:08:00 +0000

The Shadow of Reichenbach Falls

Sherlock Holmes with amnesia?

The beginning of the story introduces Thomas and Anna. Even though the two had just met, Anna invites Thomas on a picnic to Reichenbach Falls where she claims her father had fallen to his death. As they are picnicking, they observe a scuffle at the top of the falls, which results in a man falling to his death.

Thomas, unable to sit and do nothing, dives in to rescue the man, who revives without any memory of who he is or why he is being hunted. From there the story is delightful, but strays into the supernatural in some places.

Moriarty, of course, plays a large role in the story and we receive insight into the character before he became the evil mastermind. The author doesn’t delve too deeply, but recounts a past that even involves Jack the Ripper.

The story itself takes place in the time between Holmes’ ‘death’ and his reappearance. This title was an excellent read and fans of Doyle’s stories will enjoy it, providing they can handle the literary license that the author takes with the original story and the supernatural components. These elements are not generally found in the canon by Doyle and go against the nature of Holmes’ character, but the author weaves the story well and the supernatural elements are interesting to say the least.

Much of the narration is done by Thomas and Moriarty, although; Holmes does chip in from time to time. Thomas becomes a de facto Watson in this tale, even though Watson himself does appear in the story looking for evidence that his friend had survived.

This title is recommended to anybody, but is not the best book for introducing the character of Sherlock Holmes. It’s best for new readers who are curious to pick up The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and, if these readers are interested in this story, reading the short story, “The Final Problem,” is a must. It is part of the collection: The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes.

As always, feel free to request any of these books from your local library. All Clevnet library members may either contact their library to make a request or email the title you would like along with their library card number and the library at which you would like to pick up your items to: info(at)ritter.lib.oh.us.

Find a Book with NoveList

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:33:00 +0000

NoveList is an excellent tool for helping you locate your perfect book, and it's free to Ohio residents through the Ohio Web Libr ary.

Some tasks you can complete are:

To find NoveList, go to www.ohioweblibrary.org and click on Resources.

Next, scroll down and choose NoveList from the Books, Arts, & Literature category and click on NoveList.

From the main NoveList page, you can type in your search and go. These is also a help link if you need it.

Remember, this serivice is for Ohio residents with a valid Ohio library card number. If you are not an Ohio resident, you should check at your local public library to see what resources are offered.

If you have questions, please e-mail us at info (at) ritter.lib.oh.us

Book Explorations of Ohio Authors

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:39:00 +0000

The Ohio Center for the Book has provided information on authors tied in some way to the State of Ohio.

Examples include:
R.L. Stein
Sue Grafton
Cynthia Rylant

The site includes information on books for all ages, quizzes based on the books, links to reading lists and other book sites and details on new book releases.

For more information, check out the site Ohio Center for the Book. Then click on the DelMio.com Book Explorations link.

Heat by Bill Buford

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:02:00 +0000

(March 2008)

Mr. Buford is a respected journalist for the New Yorker and an amateur chef. On assignment to write a piece about Mario Batali, the owner of Babbo’s restaurant in NYC, Buford asked the renowned chef if he could work in the kitchen and unearth the secrets of a three star restaurant. Buford’s work became an obsession and he spent the next three years learning the trade.

Heat is an account of high-strung chefs who have mastered the art of fine cooking and exact timing to turn out a great meal. The reader is treated to the years of education, both in-school and hands-on, that go into making a gourmet chef. Buford traveled to Italy to tutor under a well-known pasta maker and a Dante quoting butcher.

In a hilarious aside, the reader is treated to an episode where Buford carries home a whole pig and proceeds to butcher it in his New York apartment. After years of slicing his knuckles, burning his fingers, sweating over vats of sauces, and suffering under the whims of testy chefs, Buford reached his goal of becoming an insider.

Ghost at the Table by Suzanne Berne

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:27:00 +0000

Cynthia Fiske lives a comfortable single life in San Francisco writing young-adult historical books. Her older sister, Frances, is an interior designer who lives and works in Concord, Massachusetts. Frances convinces Cynthia to come to Concord to spend the Thanksgiving holiday. Since Cynthia is writing a book about the daughters of Mark Twain and a visit to his home in Hartford would be helpful, she agrees to share her holiday with her sister.

For Frances, this holiday would be their last chance to make amends with their 82-year-old father who recently suffered a stroke. His much younger wife is divorcing him and he is not able to cope on his own. Cynthia has not had any contact with her father for years because she is convinced he is responsible for the poisoning death of their invalid mother decades before. The holiday starts on a sour note and the rest of the festivities go downhill from there. The sisters battle with painful memories, each convinced of the correctness of their recollections.

In an interesting twist, Berne parallels the Fiske sisters with the daughters of Mark Twain. As the story unfolds, the reader is forced to take sides in this tale of a modern dysfunctional family.

**Images on this blog are taken from Amazon.com or Fantasticfiction.co.uk.

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 14:08:00 +0000

Yuki and Shigure Sohma take Tohru Honda, a girl they find camping on their land, into their home. Tohru, whose mother died recently and who has been recently forced to leave the shelter of her grandfather's house, objects based on her fear of becoming a burden to the Sohma family. She finally relents and agrees to stay in return for becoming their cook and house keeper (which they desperately need!).

Tohru discovers that the family is cursed almost right away when a boy named Kyo smashes through the roof of the house.
The curse? When members of the family are embraced by the opposite sex, they turn into animals from the Chinese Zodiac. Eventually, Tohu meets every member of the family that carries the curse.
What follows is a complex story as character pasts are revealed and wounded spirits are healed. Can Tohru manage to break the curse in time for the one who suffers most: the cat, Kyo?

This manga is a work in progress. Volume 19 was just released in March and Volume 20 is not due until early July. The story line of volume 19 seems to indicate that the climax and ending of the story are just above the horizon.
The story itself is great for ages 13 to adult, but does have some particularly cruel characters.

Give it a try! Please email us to request this title. Include your name, library card number and the title. Clevnet requests only please. email to: info@ritter.lib.oh.us

Bleach by Tite Kubo

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 18:35:00 +0000

Tite Kubo's Bleach is an entertaining action manga currently consisting of 22 volumes with more on the way. It may seem like a lot, but the series actually reads quickly and is, at times, very suspenseful.

The main character, Ichigo Kurosaki, appears to be a normal high school boy, but he has the ability to see and talk to spirits. One night, in search of a corrupt soul called a Hollow, Rukia Kuchiki, a shinigami (soul reaper), enters Ichigo's home. Moments later, Ichigo's family is attacked by a Hollow intending to devour Ichigo's soul for its strength. Rukia becomes injured because of Ichigo's refusal to stay out of the fight and is unable to battle. Turning her power as a shinigami over to Ichigo, who slays the Hollow, she starts the series on its way as Ichigo seeks to protect the ones he loves and grows stronger in the process.

This series is definitely one of my favorites. Its fast and fun, with colorful characters and surprising plot twists. If You've read Buso Renkin, you may notice some similar ideas. For example, both Ichigo and Kazuki get their power from a strong female lead and both have similar reasons for wanting to be stronger.

I recommend this series for anyone 13 and up. It might be just a bit too violent for anyone younger, otherwise; I strongly recommend this title for all manga lovers. This is also another great series to try if you have never read manga before.

Please feel free to email us at info@ritter.lib.oh.us with the title and volume number that you would like to order along with your library card number and we will place a hold for you. Remember, we can only place holds for patrons who are members of a Clevnet library. Please also feel free to comment if you have read the series. We would be happy to hear from you.

For more information on this series visit Amazon.com.

Buso Renkin by Nobuhiro Watsuki

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:33:00 +0000

This action manga (japanese comic book) series comes from the author of Ruroni Kenshin, a fantastic series about an ex-samurai warrior. Buso Renkin is rated for teen readers, but adults will certainly enjoy it too. I found this series to be a quick and enjoyable read with only ten volumes to tell the complete story.

Kazuki Muto, high school student, sees a girl in an abandoned factory being attacked by a monster. He pushes her out of the way and is killed in the process. The girl, Tokiko, uses a Kakugane (an alchemic item) to replace Kazuki's heart and restore him to life. Kazuki soon learns that he wants to help the girl in her battles and finds that, with the kakugane, he can summon a lance to fight the monsters, called Homonculi. As Kazuki fights, he gets stronger, impressing Tokiko and her captain. Then one day, his kakugane is shattered during a battle against a foe of unimaginable power giving him only a little time to remain human. Can Kazuki find the cure or will he have to be executed by his comrades before he becomes a threat?

Buso Renkin mixes action, humor, suspense and a little romance. A great series for readers who have not yet experienced manga and also for those who enjoy it already.

If you've already read it and would like to share your thoughts, please feel free to comment.Or, is you'd like to begin reading the series, email info@ritter.lib.oh.us with the title and library card number and I will be happy to place the hold for you. If you've already read some of the series, be sure to let me know what volume you would like to read. We can only place holds for patrons of the Clevnet library system.

For more information and reviews, visit Amazon.com.

Celebrity Detox by Rosie O'Donnell

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 18:30:00 +0000

I found this title to be a quick and interesting read. In it, Rosie discusses her time on 'The View;' why she signed on to do the show and why she ultimately left the show. She bares her thoughts on Barbara Walters, Donald Trump and Barbara Streisand. Her discussion of the feud with Donald Trump was particularly enlightening.

But the book is not simply about the celebs and the controversy that surrounds her. It also discusses her deeper thoughts on money, family and her values. This, I believe, is the best part of the book.

I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in leaning a little about a celebrity's life and thoughts. Rosie O'Donnell fans will enjoy it for sure, but others may find it an enlightening view into her life.

Friends of the Library Annual Chocolate Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 23:03:00 +0000

Chocolate Festival and Romance Novel sale!

Sample delicious chocolate dishes prepared by local cooks, then vote for the Chocolate Champion!
Or pick up an entry form and compete for the title.
Saturday, Feb. 9 from 1 to 3 p.m.

While you're here, browse our used paperback sale for all your favorite authors such as Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts.

T Is for Trespass

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:22:00 +0000

T Is for Trespass by Sue Grafton
P.I. Kinsey Millhone takes the responsibility for investigating the background of a home healthcare worker hired to care for her elderly neighbor, Gus Vronsky. In her initial investigation Kinsey can find no fault with Solana Rojas, the aide hired by Gus’s grand-niece. But the reader gradually learns that Rojas is a cunning sociopath who wants to ingratiate herself into Vronsky’s life so that she can steal his money. Kinsey and Solana go head-to-head in this chilling tale as the reader learns how easily the elderly can be manipulated. For readers’ familiar with the Millhone mysteries, all of our favorite characters from previous novels are in this tale. The only exception to the status quo is that Kinsey has a Mustang instead of her trademark VW bug. I think Grafton chose a sturdier car in this book because of a vicious scene near the end of the novel where she fights off a big, bruising hulk who is Rojas’s son. The Mustang is Kinsey’s defense against his onslaughts. A neatly wrapped conclusion has Solana and Kinsey tangled in a furious, to-the-death fight, but Kinsey wins the day.

For Fans of the Discworld Series

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:57:00 +0000

According to a library news site, Terry Pratchett, author of the Discworld series, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

You can find out more by going to the Discworld News site.

Who Will Complete Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:47:00 +0000

According to Mediabistro.com, fantasy author Brandon Sanderson will possibly be the one to finish Jordan's work. So, fans of the series will get their long awaited ending.
The article says the title of the unfinished book is: A Memory of Light.

You can view the original article by clicking on this link.

Join Now!

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:25:00 +0000

Ritter's Book Clubs!

All kinds of book clubs are available for you at Ritter Public Library. Come in the afternoon, come in the evening, or even participate from home - online.

Shorelines Book Club meets every fourth Thursday at 1 p.m. Classics Plus meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. To find out about online programs, click on Good Reads on the website.

As Always, if you have any requests or questions, feel free to email us at info@ritter.lib.oh.us with your name, library card number and your request.

The library will be closed today at 5:30 p.m. and all day on Thursday, November 22.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

The Lottery by Patricia Wood

noreply@blogger.com (Ruth) — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:43:00 +0000

Lottery by Patricia Wood (October, 2007)
The likeable narrator of this novel is 32-year-old Perry Crandell who has an IQ of 76, but is not retarded, as he would like you to know. Perry lives with his grandmother Gram who helps him cope with life, spouting her gems of folk wisdom. Gram has taught him how to survive, how to write everything down, and how to play the lottery every week. When Gram dies, Perry’s family swoops in and swindles him out of his share of Gram’s inheritance. But when he wins $12 million in the Washington State Lottery, suddenly everyone pays attention to him. Perry holds his own as he continues his job at the marine supply store, falls for the local convenience store clerk, and figures out what is most important in his life. This is an appealing book about love, trust, and living with the cards life has dealt.

Taming the Scotsman by Kinley Macgregor

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:15:00 +0000

This is a fun historical romance set in Scotland. Nora, who is the niece of Eleanor of Aquitane, seeks out Ewan MacAllister for protection from her father and her betrothed and for an escort to her aunt in England. The trouble is that Ewan has already been part of a story like hers before and with tragic consequences. At first, Ewan wants only to get Nora to his brother so she can be returned to her father as soon as possible. When Ewan realizes he loves her, he must decide whether to risk stealing Nora from her betrothed. Is Nora worth a possible feud between two clans?

I'm not a history buff, so I can't say how historically accurate this novel is, but I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the characters.

I checked out the e-book version from the Clevnet Digital Library. If you haven't taken a look at it, I really recommend it. You can download books on your computer to read or listen to in your home. Best of all, there are no late fees. Everything is automatically returned on-time. You can also find the book in our catalog.

To request a copy of this book or any other book on this blog, send an email containing: your name, library card # and the title of the book to info@ritter.lib.oh.us.

*The image was taken from the Clevnet Digital Library page.

Don of the Dead by Casey Daniels

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 20:32:00 +0000

This delightful mystery is set in Cleveland, OH. The main character,Pepper Martin, is a cemetery tour guide. After a fall and a bump on the head, Pepper finds she can see ghosts, and in particular, the ghost of the deceased mafia Don Gus Scarpetti. After some convincing from Gus, Pepper agrees to help him discover the truth about who really had him killed.

If you like mysteries, I recommend you check this one out. The storyline is filled with just enough intrigue to hook you, but not so much that you feel the need for a break from the suspense (I read it in one sitting). I enjoyed the colorful characters and the pace of the story kept me interested.

If you would like to check out a copy of Don of the Dead by Casey Daniels, send an email to info@ritter.lib.oh.us containing your Clevnet library card number, the title of the book you would like to request and the library where you would like to pick up your book.

Erie County Reads!

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:56:00 +0000

"One Book, One Community"

During the month of October, the five public libraries of Erie County, Ritter, Huron, Sandusky, Milan-Berlin, and Bellevue, are joining in this nationwide program by reading Marley & Me by John Grogan. Request a copy of the book and join our book discussion groups, or join us on the first Saturday in October for a dog-gone good time at the movies. Program details are on the online calendar. Grogan appears at the Sandusky State Theater on Thursday, November 1.

To place a hold on Marley and Me, call the library at (440)967-3798 or email your library card number, the title you would like to request and the Clevnet library where you would like to pick up your book.

There will be some copies for checkout on display at the library, so stop in and pick one up!

Author, Robert Jordan Dies

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 17:26:00 +0000

Robert Jordan, author of the "Wheel of Time" series, died Sunday of a rare blood disease.

New Fiction at Ritter

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:36:00 +0000

New books at Ritter Public Library:

1. This Time of Dying by Reina James

This novel is set in England during the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic.Undertaker, Henry Speake, recognizes the signs of a possible epidemic and tries to get the government to initiate quarantine. Unable to find anyone who will listen, Henry allies himself with Allen Thompson, a school teacher. Together, they try to survive an epidemic worse than the Plague.

2. The Scribe by Francine Rivers

This novel, fifth in Rivers'Sons of Encouragement series, tells the story of Silas, scribe to Peter and Paul.

3. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

Sookie Stackhouse is back and this time she's on her way to a vampire summit with the vampire queen of Louisiana. Harris' mysteries are always a delight.

4. Genesis of Shannara: The Elves of Cintra by Terry Brooks

This second installment in the Genesis of Shannara trilogy that began with Armageddon's Children, begins with Logan Tom as he tries to locate and save urchins, Hawk and Tessa from execution. Meanwhile, Angel Perez is searching Los Angeles for an ancient race of Elves.

If you would like to place a hold on any of the titles mentioned in this blog, please send us an email to info@ritter.lib.oh.us, including your name, the book title and your library card number. If you would like to pick up your book at a library other than Ritter, please provide us with the name of your chosen pick-up library. We regret that we can only place holds for Clevnet library patrons.

Newly Named Afternoon Book Club!

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 18:48:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce: Ritter’s afternoon book discussion group has a new name and is looking for new members.

Here are just some of the books we’ve already read: March, In the Time of the Butterflies, Sparrow, and Empire Falls.

This month’s choice: Without Reservations by Alice Steinbach. Request a copy today, then join the conversation – every fourth Thursday at 1:00 pm.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:50:00 +0000

Fear not, this not a review. I'm not going to spoil it for those of you still waiting.
Just know that the seventh and final volume of Harry Potter is superb.

Happy Reading!