Page Turners

Here is a list of books that have been shared on KMA's Page Turners with the Shenandoah Public Library.

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Western Series -
So, lately I've been reading a lot of Avalon Westerns. They're easy reads, with plenty of action, and very little objectionable content. These books are not for those looking for deep, meaningful, thought-provoking prose. However, for an hour's worth of relaxation, they certainly fit the bill. A few of my favorite series:
The Peacemaker series by Clifford Blair - James Stark, known as "The Peacemaker," hires out his gun to help people in trouble - often those being represented by lady lawyer Prudence McKay.
Hannah and the Horseman series by Johnny Boggs - Petros "Pete" Belissari spent his life roping and breaking wild mustangs, but he's in for the wildest ride of his life after meeting lovely Hannah Scott and her band of orphans.
I.J. Parnham's Fergal O'Brien series - Fergal O'Brien and Randolph McDougal cross the West selling miracle tonic and bumbling from one scheme to the next. Absolutely hilarious!
Lee Martin's Darringer series - Darringer men are great with a gun, but there's always that special woman waiting to rope them in.

Other Western series:
The Tackett Trilogy by Lyn Nofziger - Del Tackett is a wanderer until he meets Esme Rankin. Helping her out of the trouble plaguing her ranch might just keep him put - one way or another.
The Journeys of the Stranger by Al Lacy - This series of Christian Westerns features John Stranger, the mysterious man in black with twin scars on his face, a Colt Peacemaker in his low-slung holster, and a Bible in his saddlebag. He travels across the West helping those in need. The companion series, The Angel of Mercy, chronicles the adventures of his beloved Breanna Baylor, a visiting nurse.
Black Cat by Kentaro Yabuki - This graphic novel series is a combination Western and fantasy. Train Heartnet, an assassin turned bounty hunter, must deal with the ghosts of his past as a former partner is leading a group of bad-guys with extraordinary powers. And this man, known as the "Black Cat" brings bad luck to all bad guys with his engraved six-shooter.

Monday, December 15, 2008

The Family Story of Bonnie and Clyde by Phillip W. Steele with Marie Barrow Scoma - An interesting look at the escapades of Bonnie and Clyde from the viewpoint of Clyde Barrow's youngest sister Marie. This story also uses Clyde's mother's diary as well as interviews to add information. A rather romanticized version of the criminal lives and activities of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Last Dance by John Feinstein - I listened to this book as an abridged audio book. This was a really interesting inside look at the world of college basketball's NCAA tournament especially the final four. I enjoyed learning about the history of the final four as well as all the preparation that leads to March madness. My favorite part was the anecdotal stories about players, coaches and commentators. I learned a lot more than I thought I would and had a good time in the process.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN—David Baldacci—A delightful twist on Christmas stories affirming the basic goodness of humanity while providing a grand variety of stories of old themes. Wonderful characters ride the trains and a trip across the continent at Christmas time allows Baldacci with “wit and wisdom” to explore, surprise and continue surprising the reader. A priest, a film maker and his entourage, our hero a reporter and his former lover, train personnel, a boy's choir and more add to the mysteries and memories of a much different Baldacci.