LPL_LeahN
Library StaffLawrence Public Library
LPL_LeahN's Completed Shelf
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The PublicThe Public, DVD
DVD - 2019 | Widescreen version.
LPL_LeahN's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 06, 2019
LPL_LeahN's rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 02, 2019
The Book of SpeculationThe Book of Speculation, BookA Novel
by Swyler, ErikaBook - 2015 | First edition.
LPL_LeahN's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jul 02, 2019
Comment:
A librarian with a troubled past makes a chance discovery of a one of a kind antique book that holds his family's dark history, and possibly the key to saving his sister's life. This is a really solid speculative read. Beautifully written, sort of spooky, with characters you spend a lot of time trying to figure out. The chapters alternate between present day, following the protagonist, Simon, and the distant past where things all started to go sour for the women in Simon's family tree.A librarian with a troubled past makes a chance discovery of a one of a kind antique book that holds his family's dark history, and possibly the key to saving his sister's life. This is a really solid speculative read. Beautifully written, sort of…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jun 30, 2019
Comment:
As far as sequels go, this has to be one of the best. The characters we loved from Daughter of the Forest are back, but in the background, while a new generation take up their places at Sevenwaters. Liadan is wise like her mother, impetuous like her father, and possesses a courage that is her very own. She meets her match when she is kidnapped by a band of outlaws, who subsequently fill the tale with adventure and romance, all told in Marillier's one of a kind voice.As far as sequels go, this has to be one of the best. The characters we loved from Daughter of the Forest are back, but in the background, while a new generation take up their places at Sevenwaters. Liadan is wise like her mother, impetuous like her…
Garden SpellsGarden Spells, Book
by Allen, Sarah AddisonBook - 2008 | Bantam Discovery trade pbk. edition
Added Jun 18, 2019
LPL_LeahN's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jun 17, 2019
Comment:
This was a scandalous romp through the 1940s New York City theater world, a fascinating time and place that Elizabeth Gilbert captured perfectly. She not only painted a vivid portrait of the era, she also writes characters with such depth and polarity. I fell madly in love with each and every one of them, warts and all.This was a scandalous romp through the 1940s New York City theater world, a fascinating time and place that Elizabeth Gilbert captured perfectly. She not only painted a vivid portrait of the era, she also writes characters with such depth and…
Daughter of the ForestDaughter of the Forest, Book
by Marillier, JulietBook - 2002 | First mass market edition
LPL_LeahN's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jun 11, 2019
Comment:
I'm only 20 years late, but hey, this is my new favorite book and Juliet Marillier is my new favorite author. Daughter of the Forest is told in such a rich, beautiful voice. I was transported immediately to the wild woodlands of Ireland and throughout I saw everything clearly through the eyes of Sorcha, the book's soulful heroine. It's such a perfect blend of fantasy, historical fiction, and romance. I'm so glad there are six more of these for me to read.I'm only 20 years late, but hey, this is my new favorite book and Juliet Marillier is my new favorite author. Daughter of the Forest is told in such a rich, beautiful voice. I was transported immediately to the wild woodlands of Ireland and…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jun 01, 2019
Comment:
Set in the 1960s during the Cuban Revolution, this book is everything I love about historical fiction from this period. Political intrigue, espionage, a super smart heroine and a saucy romance.
LPL_LeahN's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added May 18, 2019
Comment:
Imagine a world where our secrets and memories, good and bad, are taken from us and bound into books. We can choose to be bound and forget. For love, or for money, or just for the sake of forgetting our pain. But there's always a cost.
This book is kind of dark and brooding, but the premise is so compelling. I feel like the author could write an entire series about bookbinders, and I would gobble them up, too. It's very descriptively written and includes a beautiful romance.Imagine a world where our secrets and memories, good and bad, are taken from us and bound into books. We can choose to be bound and forget. For love, or for money, or just for the sake of forgetting our pain. But there's always a cost.
This book…
The Left Hand of DarknessThe Left Hand of Darkness, Book
by Le Guin, Ursula K.Book - 2000 | Ace trade edition
LPL_LeahN's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added May 18, 2019
LPL_LeahN's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added May 11, 2019
Comment:
This high fantasy based on ancient Indian folklore is the next big thing in the genre, mark my words. So elegantly written, rich in plot and characters, compulsively readable. Ashok K. Banker's books have sold over 2 million copies and have been published in 16 languages in 58 countries, but this is first US publication and what a triumph it is!This high fantasy based on ancient Indian folklore is the next big thing in the genre, mark my words. So elegantly written, rich in plot and characters, compulsively readable. Ashok K. Banker's books have sold over 2 million copies and have been…
Added May 11, 2019
Every Note PlayedEvery Note Played, BookA Novel
by Genova, LisaBook - 2018 | First Scout Press hardcover edition.
LPL_LeahN's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Apr 27, 2019
Comment:
A renowned concert pianist is diagnosed with ALS. Aside from his struggles with his diagnosis and rapidly declining condition, he must turn to his estranged ex-wife for help at what they both know is the end of his life. What unfolds is an unforgettable lesson in forgiveness and redemption.
I feel like this book could be a tough sell due to the heavy subject matter. But Lisa Genova has impeccable pacing and a beautiful voice, making this read hard to put down. She is not only a multi time bestselling author, but also the holder of a PhD in neuroscience from Harvard. She writes of ALS with firsthand knowledge and so much compassion for those who suffer with this horrible disease.A renowned concert pianist is diagnosed with ALS. Aside from his struggles with his diagnosis and rapidly declining condition, he must turn to his estranged ex-wife for help at what they both know is the end of his life. What unfolds is an…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Apr 14, 2019
Comment:
An American man is stranded at a Swiss hotel with 20 something strangers when nuclear war breaks out. As they struggle to survive, a body is discovered and the cause of death is clearly murder. Think of Clue, but at the end of the world, with hints of Stephen King level creepiness.
I compulsively read this book for three days. Literally could not put it down. The whole situation and characters felt so real to me. I know this one will be sticking with me for quite a while.An American man is stranded at a Swiss hotel with 20 something strangers when nuclear war breaks out. As they struggle to survive, a body is discovered and the cause of death is clearly murder. Think of Clue, but at the end of the world, with hints…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Apr 13, 2019
Comment:
Maia is the half goblin outcast of his royal family, until a mysterious airship crash kills his father, the king, and three half brothers, leaving him as the sole surviving heir to the throne. When he arrives at court to take over a kingdom, he has no allies, unknown enemies, and a murder mystery to solve.
This is an award winning novel and features one of the most endearing protagonists I've ever read. The court intrigue keeps you turning the page, but it's really Maia who sucks you in. This is a must read for lovers of character driven fantasy.Maia is the half goblin outcast of his royal family, until a mysterious airship crash kills his father, the king, and three half brothers, leaving him as the sole surviving heir to the throne. When he arrives at court to take over a kingdom, he has…
Added Apr 13, 2019
LPL_LeahN's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Mar 24, 2019
The Girl in the TowerThe Girl in the Tower, BookA Novel
by Arden, KatherineBook - 2018 | First edition.
Added Mar 16, 2019
A Serial Killer's DaughterA Serial Killer's Daughter, BookMy Story of Faith, Love, and Overcoming
by Rawson, KerriBook - 2019
LPL_LeahN's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Mar 16, 2019
Comment:
Most Kansans of a certain age are familiar with Dennis Rader, or BTK ,the state's most well-known serial killer. This book, written by his daughter Kerri, is a candid, harrowing look inside their lives as Rader was committing 10 murders in between 1974 and 1991. His arrest in 2005 ended an ongoing nightmare for the families of his many victims, but for his own family the nightmare was just beginning.
As his daughter, his closest living relative, how do you reconcile a perfectly average man, a loving husband, and doting father with a monster who terrorized and tortured men, women, and children? The short answer is that you don't. As well as telling of her upbringing in Wichita, this book also serves to document Kerri's struggles with PTSD in the wake of her father's arrest and conviction, her fight to keep the faith, and her rocky road to forgiveness.Most Kansans of a certain age are familiar with Dennis Rader, or BTK ,the state's most well-known serial killer. This book, written by his daughter Kerri, is a candid, harrowing look inside their lives as Rader was committing 10 murders in between…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Mar 07, 2019
Comment:
Annique Villiers is a formidable French spy in the time of Napoleon. She has spent all of her life outwitting the British but it takes more than her keen intelligence to take on Grey, the equally skilled and dashing British Head of Section, and come out on top.
Well researched historical romance, political intrigue, espionage, and adventure, this book really has it all. Annique has so much charm and wit, it's hard for me to think of a romance heroine I enjoyed more. The romance is developed in a believable way, a perfect blend of sweet and steamy, and the rest of the plot chugs along with plenty of action. This was a most excellent escapist read for me.Annique Villiers is a formidable French spy in the time of Napoleon. She has spent all of her life outwitting the British but it takes more than her keen intelligence to take on Grey, the equally skilled and dashing British Head of Section, and come…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 31, 2019
Comment:
Evie is a defunct princess turned formidable warrior in this classic underdog story. She survives the massacre of her entire family at the palace, thanks to her rare and powerful magic, then goes into hiding with a gladiator troupe. After the tragedy, her new friends test her mettle even further, molding her into a fierce fighter and also chipping away at the armor around her betrayed and broken heart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Evie is likable but not perfect. The plot chugs along nicely with lots of action and some twists and turns. I love the Black Swan gladiator troupe and it reminded me of popular young adult woman warrior sagas like Divergent and The Hunger Games. There's also a romantic subplot that adds just the right amount to the story. My only complaint is that the antagonist (Vasilia) is completely one dimensional. She's pure evil, which to me is unrealistic and uninteresting.
Overall I am very excited for the second book in the Crown of Shards Trilogy coming in summer 2019.Evie is a defunct princess turned formidable warrior in this classic underdog story. She survives the massacre of her entire family at the palace, thanks to her rare and powerful magic, then goes into hiding with a gladiator troupe. After the…
Added Jan 31, 2019
Moulin Rouge!Moulin Rouge!, DVD
DVD - 2001 | Widescreen version.
LPL_LeahN's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 26, 2019
LPL_LeahN's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 19, 2019
Comment:
If you read the blurb of this book and think, "Huh? Not my cup of tea..." like I did, then please just trust me, you are wrong. This book is for everyone.
Yes, it's about programming, and sourdough, and robots, and baking, and microbiomes, and trendy east coast markets. It's about so many things I never expected to see combined into one brilliant and relatively short novel. It's also about the restlessness of the human spirit, adventure, friendship, and not settling for less in your life. I could not love it more.If you read the blurb of this book and think, "Huh? Not my cup of tea..." like I did, then please just trust me, you are wrong. This book is for everyone.
Yes, it's about programming, and sourdough, and robots, and baking, and microbiomes, and…
LPL_LeahN's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 16, 2019
Comment:
In this first book in the All Souls trilogy, a begrudging witch sets potentially catastrophic events into motion throughout the magical world she inhabits (along with vampires and daemons) when she uncovers a long lost and cryptic manuscript that could hold all the secrets of their existence and power. She meets Matthew, a 1500 year old vampire, and together they break all the rules while trying to solve the mystery of Ashmole 782.
I didn't love this book. Hear me out...the witch/vampire love story came off as rather tropey and also a little uncomfortable for me at times. Frankly, it was predictable and distracting. However, Harkness is a student of history and it shows, the book was brilliantly researched. And she also has a way with imagery, painting a beautiful backdrop of Oxford, a sprawling mansion estate in France, and the charming, bewitched home of Diana's childhood. And there was enough going on with the plot to compel me to keep reading, as well as put the second book in the series, A Shadow of Night, on hold.In this first book in the All Souls trilogy, a begrudging witch sets potentially catastrophic events into motion throughout the magical world she inhabits (along with vampires and daemons) when she uncovers a long lost and cryptic manuscript that…
Comment: