Tag Archives: Sheila H.

Review: Behind Closed Doors

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Behind Closed Doors
by B.A. Paris
4 stars

This debut psychological thriller by B.A Paris was dark and depressing, but the underlying story of the novel which alternates between the past and present is intense. Grace and Jack are the perfect couple. Jack is handsome and is a successful attorney and he loves Grace’s sister, Millie, who has Downs Syndrome. Grace is the perfect homemaker, gardener and together they are charming and witty in their gorgeous home. Grace and Jack are also the guardians of Millie who is going to come live with them when she turns 18. They quickly wed within three months’ time and after their honeymoon they become inseparable. Grace is never without Jack. Some might wonder. Why is she so thin? Why do their windows have high security metal shutters? Paris ensures compulsive page-turning until each character is unveiled, ending in a satisfying reveal. This book stirred some deep emotions in me and long after finishing the book, I found myself wondering how I would handled things if I was in Grace’s shoes.

 

Read-alikes

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

The Expats by Chris Pavone

Defending Jacob by William Landay

A Few New Magazines

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Here at the library, we have a pretty good selection of magazines, but from time to time we like to give that collection a boost. Recently we added six new magazines. One focuses on makerspaces while another is pet related. One is food related, because who can’t have enough new recipes! So stop on by the library to check out these featured new magazines or any other one that catches your fancy. Don’t forget reading magazines counts toward your summer reading goals too!

So what’s new to us this year?

Craft Ideas
Published bi-monthly

Craft Ideas magazine (formerly Craft’ n Things) is your go to guide for all things related to crafting in your free time. With step-by-step instructions for the crafts that have been the most popular in Ideas, this is the keen crafter’s ultimate guide to getting creative. This magazine is jam-packed with interesting articles and helpful resources.

 

Dogster
Published bi-monthly

Dogster magazine (formerly Dog Fancy) is a complete guide to help you better understand, care for and enjoy your dog. Each issue of Dogster magazine features dog healthcare information, breed profiles and product reviews. Dog Fancy magazine is absolutely amazing!

 

Field & Stream
Published monthly

Field and Stream is a magazine that is dedicated to outdoor activities in the United States. The magazines writers’ focus mainly on hunting, fishing, and fitness. Field and Stream is best known for its articles about hunting.

 

 

Food Network Magazine
10 issues per year

Food Network Magazine is packed with star recipes and tips, behind-the-scenes scoops and fun, creative ideas for home cooks. Based off America’s Favorite TV chefs, this magazine reflects the fun, playful food accessible to the public.

 

 

Interweave Knits
Published quarterly

Check out Interweave Knits magazine for everything you need to keep yourself knitting! From eye-catching knitting patterns and designs to the latest in-depth tutorials and trends, it’s easy to see why this is the ultimate resource for the modern knitter.

 

 

Make: Technology On Your Time
Published bi-monthly

Make is an American bi-monthly magazine published by Maker Media which focuses on do it yourself and/or DIWO projects involving computers, electronics, robotics, metalworking, woodworking and other disciplines.

 

Review: A Piece of the World

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A Piece of the World
by Christina Baker Kline
4 stars

Set in a farmhouse in Cushing, Maine during the 1940’s, Kline’s latest novel explores the real life story of Christina Olsen, the real life inspiration for “Christina’s World”, one of Andrew Wyeth’s most famous paintings. Christina Olsen lives her entire life on the farm dealing with a crippling form of polio and while it would seem her world is small, her quiet strength and determination is intertwined with Andrew Wyeth’s artistic talent. Wyeth comes to her farm house for the next 20 years and sees Christina as his source of artistic inspiration. The Orphan Train was one of my favorite books so I was excited to read A Piece of the World when it came out.  I was not disappointed.  I knew of the painting, but never knew the backstory.  I would definitely recommend this book, and I loved the way the author intertwined Andrew and Christina’s fate while closely following both of their stories.

Read-alikes

Lisette’s List by Susan Vreeland

Georgia by Dawn Clifton Tripp

I Always Loved You: a story of Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas  by Robin Oliveira

Review: Before the Fall

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Before the Fall
by Noah Hawley
4 stars

Painter Scott Burroughs barely makes a flight from Martha’s Vineyard bound to New York City on a luxurious private jet with ten other very rich and privileged individuals. He’s not rich and is hopping a free ride back home. Eighteen minutes later, the plane crashes into the water. The only survivors are four-year-old JJ and Scott. Scott courageously swims back to shore saving the life of JJ, who is now a very rich heir. There are lots of questions from the authorities on what caused the crash and Scott is thrust into the limelight by the media. As the backstories of all the people on the flight are told, it becomes evident that many of them had dangerous secrets which point to conspiracy. A vivid and compelling mystery with a great climax that left me shocked on the cause of the crash.

 

Read-alikes

The Murder House by James Patterson

Sex, Lies & Serious Money by Stuart Woods

Find Her by Lisa Gardner