I nicknamed this
compilation “Borrowed Edition.” Each book featured here was borrowed from
someone I know (and they’re all family members, it turns out). One of the books
featured comes from a local author. Do you read books from authors local to
your area? If so, please share in the comments.
Granny Pins a Pilferer (July 19, 2016) by Julie Seedorf.
*Borrowed from: my mom*
Where there is
sleuthing to be done in Fuchsia, Minnesota, one can bet that Hermiony Vidalia
Criony Fiddlestadt Crickett will be nearby. When Mavis’ sister is found dead
and other recent deaths at the Next to the Last Resting Place nursing home seem
suspicious, Hermiony takes it upon herself to get to the bottom of the mystery
… by getting herself admitted to the nursing home, of course. Her onset of
memory lapses is oh-so-very sudden, and her supercilious
(her word) new husband and former detective, Silas Crickett, can handle her no
longer! So off to the nursing home she goes. She gets assigned to a table at
mealtimes with a trio of women named Frederica, Hildebrand and Millicent, one
of whom is mute, but only sometimes, and they all are fond of a special Happy
Juice. While Hermiony’s got her hands full with her investigation, Silas is
entangled in his own. He’s trying to discover why his house was blown up when
the culprit had to know he wasn’t even home. Along with their friends and the shysters (their bevy of pets),
Hermiony and Silas will have to solve two mysteries before one – or both – is
sent to a permanent last resting place.
While this fifth story in Seedorf’s Fuchsia, Minnesota Mystery series
doesn’t contain a densely complex plot, it is a fun little romp. Discerning
readers may find Granny’s antics to be noisome and over-the-top, but it isn’t
Granny’s personality to be a no-frills laywoman detective. She’s got sass,
spunk and verve to rival any millennial. Seedorf’s writing of this series is
comedic and light-hearted. Things such as memory loss are very serious matters,
but that doesn’t mean that one has to be only serious about it at all times.
Infusing something with humor can be a coping mechanism to stave away the
overwhelming awfulness of something, to keep the darkness at bay. Geared for
adults (though not only for the already-gray set), this is a casual story for a
relaxing evening or whenever one is looking for light reading.
Livio Ramondelli and Peter Markowski, artists.
*Borrowed from: my brother (though I
discovered the book and bought it)*
Thinking of
planning your next vacation? If you’re leaning toward space travel, consider a
trip to Vulcan, the home planet of Spock, and make this your go-to travel guide
regarding the Federation’s most logical planet. This guide gives readers
insight into the planet’s major regions, listing popular attractions and
nightlife, dining and lodging options. Discover the planet’s busiest population
center of ShiKahr, which is also the capital city, Vulcana Regar, Vulcan’s
largest city and the planet’s metropolitan heart and soul, or the heat of
Vulcan’s Forge (the heat on Vulcan can be “so oppressive that even Vulcans are
known to express discomfort”). There’s history to be learned through the guidebook,
as well as key Vulcan phrases such as, “Nam-tor
puyan-tvi-shal wilat,” which asks, “Where is your restroom?” (a useful
phrase to learn in any language, so long as you also understand the responses)
and a tactful reminder to respect the customs of the Vulcan people (this is
mentioned multiple times throughout the guide). You can even learn what to do
should you find yourself hosting a dying Vulcan’s katra (it involves “a three-day, two-night all expenses paid trip
to Mount Seleya,” where Vulcan High Masters will help you transfer the katra to an Adept or someone else
trained in handling them) or find yourself challenged over a Vulcan marriage
(as an outworlder, it is acceptable for you to decline without fear of
ridicule). And, this is very important, master the traditional salutation of
the Vulcan people. Getting it wrong is simply not logical.
Who knew that a fictional travel
guide could be so entertaining? But this one is. It’s fascinating, dynamic and
fun, and it stays true to the character of the Vulcans while reading as a
real-world travel guide. It features original illustrations. That, blended with
the cultural and geographical highlights of the featured regions, forges a
fantastical guide that’s equal parts knowledgeable and witty. I read this from
the standpoint of someone who’s not a hardcore fan with bulk knowledge of Star Trek, yet I remained intrigued and
regaled throughout.
Two more key points as I close: (1)
If visiting Vulcan, don’t get eaten (that advice is in there, no joke) and (2)
Live long and prosper.
Dan Hanna, illustrator.
*Borrowed from: my nephew (gave this book
to him for Halloween)*
It’s an
under-the-sea Halloween! Join Pout-Pout Fish and swim along with him as he
introduces us to various sea-dwelling friends in their costumes. Who’s a
pirate? Or a goblin? Or an astronaut?
This mini adventure is very simple,
meant to keep the interest of the littlest tykes for a brief moment in time.
While it doesn’t add any thrills, it is a sweet story with bubbly rhymes and
colorful art. It’s tagged for ages 1-3.
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