Reminisce with local author Jack Stephenson
Morningside Murders: More than a Legend (2007)
by Jack Stephenson
Local author Jack Stephenson has created a delightful tale of suspense and nostalgia with his debut novel, Morningside Murders. Harold Jackson, the main character, returns to his childhood hometown to face the consequences of a 50-year-old horrific crime. His investigations take him back to 1950’s Morningside, where he relives not only the mischievous wanderings of himself and his young comrades, but also the horrors of abuse which did not become entirely clear to him until adulthood.
The reader will not only be enthralled with this suspenseful story but will also enjoy the many references to streets, stores, and restaurants that made up mid-twentieth century Muncie.
Author Jack Stephenson kicks off MPL’s fall author series, Sundays with an Author. Don’t miss your chance to meet Stephenson, along with two other notable authors with local roots, this September and October.
How to handle (or not handle) holiday stress…
Skipping Christmas (2001)
by John Grisham
Genre: Fiction
I always look forward to the holiday season, but there is always a wee tiny bit of stress involved. Juggling family get-togethers, shopping lists, money flying out of the wallet… we’ve all been there! So what would happen if we just decided to skip the whole thing: No presents, no decorations, no food, no cards, no spirit?
You all may have seen the movie, “Christmas with the Kranks.” It’s based on John Grisham’s hilarious novel, Skipping Christmas. This book puts a satirical spin on the notion of skipping all the festivities that come with Christmas.
It’s short, so you can read it in a weekend on your couch, while you eat the fruitcake you got in the mail from Aunt Marge in front of your over-priced Christmas tree, by the light of the thousands of Christmas lights you have strung on your house that filter through your window. Enjoy!
Sammy’s Hill (2004)
by Kristin Gore
Genre: Chick Lit
Maybe I’m stereotyping a bit, but I never would have imagined that the daughter of a politician could have me laughing hysterically! Kristin Gore (Al’s daughter) brings Washington to life with her main character, Samantha (Sammy) Joyce. Sammy is a young senatorial aid who is dedicated to bringing better health care to seniors. She’s also a self-deprecating hypochondriac whose love life is a mess and who finds herself constantly in sticky Bridget Jones-esque situations. She insists on having fish as pets, for example, though she can’t keep them alive. She does have the flushing ceremony down pat, complete with the song “Octopus’s Garden” playing in the background as the fish are flushed to their watery graves. Despite her quirks, as you delve into her personal and professional life, you find yourself becoming proud of the girl as she stands up for what’s right… no matter how much trouble it lands her in.
Gore’s debut novel is one of the funniest I’ve read in awhile; and, I’ve just discovered that the sequel, Sammy’s House, was released in July of this year.
If you love comedy and politics, try these out, and let me know what you think.
Now in theaters…
Reservation Road (1998)
by John Burnham Schwartz
Genre: Fiction
We avid readers know that the book is always better than the movie, right? Reservation Road hit the theaters this past weekend and looks like it will be a hit, with big names like Mark Ruffalo, Joaquin Phoenix, Jennifer Connelly, and Elle Fanning (Dakota’s little sis). So, naturally, you will want to read the book before you see the movie.
The story is a definite tear jearker: One devoted father, Ethan Learner, is returning home from a music recital with his family. They make a stop at a gas station on Reservation Road. As they are returning to the car, another car comes out of nowhere; and in a terrible instant, a tragic accident takes the life of Dwight’s son, Lucas.
Another devoted father, Dwight Arno, is returning home from a baseball game with his own son; as they head down Reservation Road, the fateful encounter with the Learner’s happens so quickly that Dwight’s son doesn’t even notice. Dwight, however, can’t believe what’s happened as he speeds away.
As the investigation ensues and deepens, both fathers are haunted and obsessed by the tragedy… and both must make some incredibly tough decisions.
Schwartz’ story is tragic and poignant, and filled with unexpected twists. Reserve your copy today!
MPL Staff Pick
Rain Village (2006)
by Carolyn Turgeon
Genre: Fiction
Review by Shawna Pershing, Youth Services Librarian
This first novel by Carolyn Turgeon chronicles the life of Tessa Riley. Last child born to a poor Kansas farmer, Tessa is no more than four feet tall and unable to help with the heavy manual labor that is a part of farm life. The dullness of their lives is irrevocably changed when Mary Finn breezes into town and opens the library. Suddenly, farmers are reading Shakespeare on their tractors while their wives seek out Mary to have their fortunes told and get advice on their futures, lives and loves.
Tessa’s life is forever changed when she finally meets Mary, learns to read, and eventually, takes a job helping in the library. Mary introduces Tessa to a new world and Tessa learns about the secret life Mary escaped from. A devastating event sets Tessa on a new path and the book chronicles her life and the influence Mary had on it.
Rain Village will take you along Tessa’s journey. Enjoy the ride!
