The Best of Birmingham Public Library’s Annual Season’s Readings (Recommended Staff Titles)

Mrs. Greenthumbs Plows Ahead: Five Steps to the Drop-Dead Gorgeous Garden of Your Dreams
by Cassandra Danz
Reviewed by Linda Wilson (Adult Nonfiction)

This is a very practical book on landscaping for the average home gardener who has neither time nor money to burn. The author’s excellent advice is combined with an irreverent wit and impertinent remarks. This is NOT Martha Stewart! If you are an experienced gardener, or just wish you knew something about it, or just want an amusing and informative book, this is a must-read.

Heart of Gold
by Sharon Shinn
Reviewed by Maya Jones (Adult Fiction)

In Heart of Gold, Shinn has created a world that is divided by race, class, and gender. A socially conscious science fiction novel reminiscent of The Gate to Women’s Country, Heart of Gold asks the question, “What would you do to prevent genocide?” Romance, suspense and mystery are interwoven in this story and even the last page leaves you asking questions.

24 Hours
by Greg Iles
Reviewed by Richard Manoske (Adult Fiction)

Within a day, a trio of kidnappers carry out the “perfect crime.” The skillfully orchestrated kidnapping for ransom scheme has worked five times. Will the operation succeed one last time before the extortionists retire? The final target is the family of Dr. Will Jennings. While Will travels to a medical conference to introduce a new wonder drug, his daughter is abducted. This kidnapping sets in motion an action-filled 24 hours that will alter the lives of everyone involved.  

Kydd
by Julian Stockwin
Reviewed by Vincent Solfronk (Adult Fiction)

Another boring sea yarn? Not quite. Unlike the Horatio Hornblower books and Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin series, this story’s hero, Thomas Kydd, starts at the bottom of the Royal Navy. Kydd is an apprentice wigmaker impressed (kidnapped) by the Royal Navy to serve on His Majesty’s Ship Duke William in 1793. As a landsman, Kydd has to learn how to survive and work at sea in a totally foreign and hostile environment. Stockwin gives an accurate and interesting portrayal of the less glamorous side of seafaring life in the age of sail while keeping the naval adventure and the story alive.

The Abduction
by James Grippando
Reviewed by Sandra Crawley (Adult Fiction)

What if the presidential election is a choice between a high-level female and a highly visible black male? What if a granddaughter is abducted and each candidate accuses the other of using or even engineering this action for political gain? Such is the premise of this fast-paced thriller. Read and find out if there is a winner.

Snow Crash
by Neal Stephenson
Reviewed by Mary Anne Ellis (Adult Fiction)

Follow the adventures of Hiro Protagonist, warrior prince of the Metaverse, as he strives to halt the spread of Snow Crash, a computer virus that also attacks the language centers of the human brain and leaves the affected person unable to understand any language except the original speech of humanity before God scrambled languages at the Tower of Babel. Science fiction collides with ancient Babylonian folklore and the crash---the Snow Crash---is extremely entertaining.  

Drama Queen
by LaJill Hunt
Reviewed by Yolanda Hardy (Adult Fiction - Alabama Author)

Drama, drama, and more drama is what is portrayed in the life of Kayla. Just when you think you’ve mastered the plot, another dilemma awaits you. This book is filled with infidelity, deceit, broken engagements, and broken hearts — and that’s just the prologue. Drama Queen is a funny, thought-provoking, engaging tale of consequences — a real page turner.  

Molto Agitato: the Mayhem Behind the Music at the Metropolitan Opera
by Johanna Fiedler
Reviewed by Russell Lee (Adult Nonfiction )

This book gives us a wealth of history on the Metropolitan Opera, from the earliest beginnings up until the magnificent rich echelon of style, art, and music that it is today. Also included in this well-written book are stories about the different directors, wealthy benefactors, patrons, and most surprisingly a murder that happened behind the stage amongst the many hidden corridors, curtains, and elevators. Oh! You will have to read about some of the behavior that went on among the stagehands and other crewmembers behind that magnificent curtain!    

Ice Hunt
by James Rollins
Reviewed by Lorraine Walker (Adult Fiction)

I am an action-adventure junkie when it comes to novels; no sappy romances or endless whodunits. If this type of book floats your boat, then James Rollins’ newest title is for you. It is set in the Arctic, with descriptions so precise you will feel frost on your upper lip. The story begins with the discovery of an abandoned research station buried under the Arctic’s ancient ice cap. All goes well until closer inspection reveals movement where there can’t possibly be any. From there on it is a race to see who will capture the secrets held within. The characters are skillfully drawn and the action is non-stop, veering into the improbable. But who cares; you will be in for the ride of your life.  

The Christmas Child : A Story Of Coming Home
by Max Lucado
Reviewed by Virginia Guthrie (Adult Fiction)

A journalist visits Clearwater, Texas at Christmas time for two reasons -- he has no place to be, no family to be with at Christmas, and he has a picture that his father gave him of a church --the Clearwater Lutheran Church --that someone sent to him. To visit the Clearwater Lutheran Church, to see the hand-carved and hand-painted figures of the manger scene, to visit with the townspeople at Christmas . . . please read this book. There is a mystery here that you don’t want to miss.  

Never Hit a Jellyfish with a Spade: How to Survive Life’s Smaller Challenges
by Guy Browning
Reviewed by Kelly Laney (Adult Nonfiction, Audiobook)

If you’re a fan of British humor, this is a sound recording you will enjoy. Guy Browning is a journalist in England who writes commentary articles on modern life. The premise of this nonfiction audio is that there is plenty of advice on how to handle big events, but precious little on the more mundane trivialities of life. Along with the “how to” tips, there are funny observations and side comments (such as that bungee jumping was invented by folks who thought throwing themselves off bridges was “ . . . too much fun to be left to suicides”).  I recommend this book to anyone who feels their world is a little too tightly wound for comfort. The audio version is read by Simon Vance.