Richard Matheson's I Am Legend

I Am Legend, a short story collection from author Richard Matheson, was originally published in 1954. It has received much attention as of late due to Will Smith staring in a film based upon the tale from which the book gets its title. While the film and original story differ, both are worth taking in should you be a fan of vampires, monsters, and zombies.

Richard Neville, the book's protagonist, has somehow survived a virus that has either killed or caused a vampire mutation to the entire population of the world. It took his family, friends, and neighbors and left him with nothing more than material possessions. Is he the only human left? Is there a way to cure the infected? These things he ponders throughout the story while attempting to evade a vicious pack of the infected that taunt him each night.

The book contains a few other short tales from Matheson; however, I Am Legend is clearly the centerpiece. Its take on the vampire is as fresh and new today as it was in 1953. Pick this one up if you're in the mood for a scare.

- Wesley

Here's another take on the book from Angie.

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson is a wonderful book. I am not going to say much about it because it will ruin the story for someone else. When I first heard of the book, someone told me it was horror. I almost decided not to read the book because of this. I am glad that I decided to give it a try. I did not interpret this as a horror but more as a basic human need and evolution. In the book we see Robert Neville going through major changes trying to deal with the fact that he may be the last human on Earth. I as captivated by the depth of Robert Neville, the many faces of his character, the importance of his need that you felt just by the words written on the pages. The only thing that was lost to me was the appearance of the character. Matheson describes him as a Caucasian male with blue eyes and of German descent. From the movie previews I kept picturing Will Smith, go figure! Either way, the book is a very powerful statement of basic human needs and the fight for survival in a very bleak future. I would definitely recommend this book as it was superbly written, suspenseful, and awe inspiring. Throughout the book I was continually fascinated by Robert Neville and the insurmountable challenges he faces. I cannot wait to see the movie to see how true to character they kept Robert Neville. But, I already know the movie is not going to live up to the book.

A few words about one of my favorite authors

Deborah Smith (not to be confused with author Debra White Smith) is a true “storyteller.” Her novels engage the reader from the first page in her character driven plots usually with a Southern flavor as her native Georgia heritage. Her latest novel A Gentle Rain is set in Florida with some side trips to South America. To quote from her Smith’s website: “A Connecticut heiress. A Florida cowboy. His heart. Her secret. And the very special family she has come home to find.” You can read excerpts on the website. While reading A Gentle Rain, I felt I came to know Karen / Kara, El Diablo / Ben, Lily and Mac, wheelchair bound Joey, Mr. Darcy (a bird), Miriam and her sister (retired mermaids), and others. This wonderful story is told in the alternating voices of Kara and Ben – a style which usually irritates me, but fit this novel perfectly. The first Deborah Smith book I read Stone Flower Garden will no doubt remain my favorite of her writings, but A Gentle Rain is a very close second. Also very enjoyable are A Place to Call Home and Sweet Hush. Charming Grace was a long way from my favorite but I still consider it better than most popular contemporary fiction. - AW

Romance and light reading

Hi folks, sorry I have not kept this page current. I have been busy reading for the teen space and preparing for the October season of Halloween stories.

Picked up a little Harlequin Romance in the larger print version to share with an elderly friend and ended up reading it myself.

The Muhlenberg County Public Libraries provide lots of hardback and paperback titles in larger print and one of the newest is Rancher and Protector by Judy Christenberry. Harlequin Romances can be found in Large Print, regular fiction and on the free trader racks at either location Central City or Harbin Memorial. They are handy for reading in hospitals, waiting rooms, and on the go. Many people think they are "too light" to read but I have found that many cover everyday living issues in real ways that help people empathize with others or help one deal with a difficult situation of their own.

Rancher and Protector is about a young woman whose father died and he did not leave her the ranch, but had been in the process of selling it --because like many men, he did not think his daughter should own a ranch. She of course, to set the stage for the romance, does not want to sell. In comes the handsome single man who had made arrangements with her father to buy it and sparks fly, romance ensues, and there is hope of a happily ever after. More than half way though the book, I am enjoying the romance, the ranch setting and the background characters in this well-written story. I depend on Harlequin to give me a happily ever after so I know what to expect. And I still enjoy the trip! Spending time in doctor's offices and waiting for relatives, I find that reading a guaranteed happy ending is a great stress reliever.

Find a book you enjoy soon and relieve some stress in your life!

Donna~Miss Pockets

It's All About Him!

It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life by Denise Jackson and Ellen Vaughn, released in July 2007 is awesome. The best book I have read this summer and yes I loved Harry Potter but that is fantasy and this is real. Denise tells her story and it is wonderful. You feel like you are sitting in her living room listening to her tell the most romantic story in the world and listening to her Christian witness at the same time. Enough said. I have already bought one for a gift and I have not finished it yet. Check it out, both libraries have a copy, but be prepared to wait because I am sure there is a list!
Donna F. Slaton ~Miss Pockets

Walking on Eggshells for parents of grown children

Hello MCPL readers! I am at that stage in life where my kids are smarter, faster and can do more than me, on any given day. I am a mother with a nest that is not empty but is past me...so when I saw this new book at the library, I had to give it a try. Walking on Eggshells: Navigating the Delicate Relationship Between Adult Children and Parents by Jane Isay.

The advice she gives is give no advice, they don't want it, won't take it and even if you are right later, does not matter if you save them from a fate such as alcohol dependency or a bad relationship, whatever goes wrong after that is your fault. Sad, but I can testify, it is basically true. Reading through helped me understand a little better that our kids just want us to listen when they complain, not help, not fix it, not suggest, just listen. Hard for parents who want to prevent their child - no matter how old from being hurt. But, examples in this book and in my own life right now are clear. Listen more and talk less is the only way to keep them close.
A good read to calm yourself down through family difficulties. Not new info just presented in a good way. dfs

Muhlenberg county patron and former librarian blogs on bookgoddess51

I have been recruiting help to spice up this blog so it is not all the books I read. Help came today, our site will show Patron Links and if you would like to start your own blog, we will feature you here with referrals. To launch your own blog is fairly easy and free, so, if you do a blog yourself, post it here so we can send you help (and maybe coupons or not)

Bookgoddess51 is our own Ann Page, married to Eddie Page who does our outreach delivery person for homebound and has the added duties this year for the care and indexing of the Bryson Studios photo negatives that were donated by Greg Lamb. Ann is a former Central City librarian with avid interest in reading and traveling. Check out her new blog: http://bookgoddess51.blogspot.com/ Suspense anyone?

Read a whole graphic novel! Clubbing

Well, I've finally done it -- read a whole graphic novel. Clubbing, by Andi (a guy) Watson and Josh Howard. I even understood most of it, even though it was "veddy, veddy" British in tone. ...more...
Anniesse

This is the start of our director's review...to see more visit MCPL's other blog http://mcplteenspace.blogspot.com
for this and other reviews of books for teens. We hope that parents and teachers visit both
blogs and share your views on books for and about teens as well as mentioning adult fiction that you know teens may enjoy also. Reading levels are so varied and so are interests, that we find many adults interested in young adult literature - gives them that young feeling again. And, many teens are interested in fantasy, science fiction and even romance that are written for an older audience and yet tell stories that are universal in scope.

The best thing about blogging is sharing the joy of reading.
Donna

The Next Thing on My List

The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski, is a novel about June Parker. June makes the acquaintance of a young girl named Marissa Jones at Weight Watchers and after offering her a ride home, they are involved in an unusual traffic accident and the girl dies. Finding the girl's list, 20 things to do before 25, June decides to accomplish the goals for her to sort of set things right for the girl's untimely death. The tasks range from watching a sunrise to running a 5k to kiss a stranger and on to the more serious one of change someone's life. The list itself is interesting and I really enjoyed June's attitude and her hopes for the mission she has chosen. Ordinary people meeting unusual circumstances have created a gently thought provoking read. What would your list be before 25? before 50? before 75? It is something to think about.
Not exactly chick lit but certainly a woman's story.

Guys only library blog? yes

Fans of libraries - check out this latest take on sharing through blogs - http://pigskull.blogspot.com/ Scott County Public Library's blog Pig Skull Book Club is a book discussion group for fathers and sons. "No sissy stuff" is part of its advertising. Visit and see what you think.
Donna =)
Muhlenberg Co. Public Libraries likes fathers and sons too - that's why we will be at the Kentucky Deer Classic on August 25, 2007 at the Muhlenberg County Ag and Expo Center in Powderly. Lots of fun for the whole family: displays and workshops about hunting and of course, Miss Pockets telling Stories from the Woods.

Good Reads

At the staff meeting Tuesday morning, Director Anniesse Williams introduced us to a new blog and so I had to go - and join the www.goodreads.com website. A place to share reviews with friends, you do not have to have gmail or whatever and you can read about what other people are reading all over. It is neat, but please post here for your Muhlenberg Co. friends, books that you have checked out from the library! Hope to see you both places, donna =)

Back on Blossom Street

Debbie Macomber has once again displayed her gift for telling heartwarming stories of families and friends working through life's ordinary problems. Back on Blossom Street follows The Shop on Blossom Street and A Good Yarn as part of a trilogy. Well, I just picked it up as a new book and I did not jump back and get the other two first, and I still enjoyed it. I do believe this is one set that I would like to have read in order though.
The shop's owner Lydia Hoffman, a youthful cancer survivor, in the first story goes through a lot of changes and forges relationships that would have been better in chronological order. But not one to miss out on the details, I enjoyed three so much I now have checked out the first book and hope to finish it soon and move on to the second one. The story of Lydia, her sister Margaret and the knitting class members, Jacqueline, Carol and Alix provide that feeling of visiting an old neighborhood which I think makes a very comforting read. Compassion, caring, and the little details of life that upset us and bring us joy are truly gifts in the words of a Debbie Macomber novel.

Harry Potter at last

Well, I finished HP 7 Saturday morning about 9:30 am. It was as wonderful as I hoped it would be. Through dangerous obstacles and the final battle with Lord Voldemort's forces of evil, the three friends held that marvelous bond of love that was Harry's gift of life from his mother.

Rowling's overall theme of love, beginning with Harry's mother's love saving his life creates many wonderful ways to use these fascinating and most read books of the last decade and perhaps last century, to encourage values in young people.

For single adults and parents who have the idea that these are magic books for children, I dare you to read one and look again. There is much more than magic at play in the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And much to be learned and shared from the magic of books that have children and adults reading not just articles or brief stories, but huge volumes of continuing stories that are not available on film until years after the book comes out. And while many did wait for the movie, the books continue to be read again and again by new people who discover the "magic" that gives hope in the eternal battles of good and evil.

As Dumbledore told Harry in the first book, "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.". Look to find the wisdom of Dumbledore quoted in years to come as part of everyday life.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Well, I started Back on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber and what I read I truly enjoyed. The friends in the story have real people relationships and there are secrets to be revealed as the plot unfolds. However, Friday night at midnight the last Harry Potter was released and I was at Wal-Mart for my copy. So the rest of the weekend was spent with Harry and crew. I had an out of town meeting and family to tend to so I have not gotten even half way through the 759 pages yet. It is great! It is exciting and I do not want to rush or skim it - it is about the journey with my friends - not about the facts of how it ends. Will write more later...after I have more time to READ.
Donna

Many Choices

The library has so many books to choose from sometimes the choices are overwhelming. I just finished a fun paperback romance and now am looking through what I have out to pick for the weekend. Debbie Macomber's Back on Blossom Street is the third in her Seattle based knitting friends series. I have not read the first two but I have always enjoyed Debbie M, so that is a possibility. Bittersweet is next to my bedside waiting....it is a historical inspirational, one of my favorite genres set in 1860 California and featuring the Pony Express and romance...yes!
And a humorous chic lit title Shoe Addicts Anonymous by Beth Hardison. Oh what to choose?
I will let you know Monday. Hope some of you will soon share your favorite reading too!
donna

Matchmaker is not just romance

One of the older titles I read this spring is really not old, just 2006. Matchmaker by Jamie Denton is a romantic suspense thriller which for fans of J. D. Robb and CSI, has enough serial killer gruesome details and dysfunctional marital relations to fit in with current bestsellers. The mystery is not who the serial killer is since that is revealed early on and his viewpoint is one of those repeatedly presented in this three voice story. Greer and her estranged husband Ashley who are professional FBI trained profilers provide the other two views and the sizzle keeps the reader looking to find out what comes next and if they will resolve their murky relationship. Characters and plot appear current with today's headlines and television topics. Personal note: discussion of vics, UNSUBS and mutilated body parts, along with bad language does not make for pleasant recreational reading in my opinion, but I read one for an example anyway.
Donna

Staff annotations

Summer reading makes for a busy time at the library with Summer Reading Programs four days a week and just a little time to re-group on Friday for the next go-round! Staff members write annotations regularly and I will feature some here that did not make the news articles from the library in the local newspapers. Remember this site is for lots of readers, not just this writer, so come on and share some of your favorite books.

Tina Cobb read a couple of interesting titles this spring. Causing Havoc, by Lori Foster is a romance with an extreme fighter Dean "Havoc" Connor in the lead role. This popular athlete is doing well for himself when he receives a letter from his little sister needing help and returns home to Harmony, Kentucky. He falls for Camille's friend Eve and his life and memories are turned upside down as the family's story is revealed. I like Lori Foster too and she always comes through with hot romance and happy endings. Tina also reported on If Only In My Dreams, by Wendy Markham. Actress Clara McCallen, diagnosed with breast cancer, stays in town to be on location for her next big movie instead of going home for Christmas. Clara's love story movie has her falling for a war hero. Thinking she was dreaming, she steps off the train and comes face to face with the real war hero, sixty years in the past. Tina said it was a real good book.

Debbie DeArmond read Kidnapped this spring. Not the one by Robert Louis Stevenson but a new thriller by Jan Burke. It is an Irene Kelly mystery and Debbie says "if you haven't read any of Burke's novels with Irene Kelly in them, you have really missed out." Cleo Smith is a sociopathic serial killer who kills several people in this novel but no one suspects her. Cleo is always careful to leave no clues, she wipes everything down, changes her clothes after the killing and sometimes it is hard to tell if she is a man or a woman. But one night after her kill she is surprised by the arrival of Irene Kelly; Cleo barely gets away and she doesn't get to clean up the scene. Irene will not be able to rest until she can find out who is doing the murders. It is hard to distinguish the good characters from the evil ones until you are deep in the novel.

Maximum Ride: Saving the World...#3

James Patterson's latest in the Maximum Ride trilogy is a fascinating book. Part of a hot new young adult series and penned by a popular adult author, it should have fans of futuristic fantasy in both age groups. Maximum Ride: Saving the world and other Extreme Sports is about a group of bird kids who are trying to save the world from the Itex Corporation that is set on destroying half the world and creating a master race with "special" skilled individuals. It is truly stated by one Amazon reviewer that several details are missing that would explain some unusual situations and relationships in the plot, however, the focus of the mission and the kids conversation grabs you early on and you root for them to get a happy ending. I like books that have characters I want to root for - hope you do too! Happy Reading....Donna

Challenge and romance

Hi, and Happy 4th of July to you all. This is a special holiday for those of us who live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Share the joys of these special blessings with those you love and some you have not yet met on this Independence Day. It is a blessing to live in this land, and to have so much to read. Having the choice of what you want to read is one of those freedoms that soldiers protect. Thank a soldier.

The Devil Who Tamed Her by Johanna Lindsey is one of those fun choices. And yet there are lessons to be learned there. Regency romances always remind me that in days past, women, even very rich women were bartered by their fathers for titles, land or prestige, into marriages that were often very unacceptable. We have lots of strife and divorce these days that is true, but I imagine that lots of unhappiness existed back then, we just don't have the statistics in the same way to prove it.

Ophelia Reid, whose beauty is sullied by her awful personality, becomes a challenge to Rafe Locke. In the course of trying to change her, the sparks fly and romance ensues. With several unusual plot twists, romance does triumph and it is a delightful passionate romance. However, it is possible to notice relationship advice that just might be helpful to all along the way and that is a bonus for a Regency romance. Enjoy! I did.

Great mystery now on to romance

Finished Crime & Clutter last night. The mystery was from Mary Alice's past and with the help of her friends she follows the clues to finding out about the father she did not really remember since he went away when she was an infant. The clues follow the flower child and protest events of the 60's so for many this would be a trip down memory lane. I graduated high school in the 70's and so this was news when I was old enough to pay attention, but I was not in college when the "movement" was the big thing. Still, the historic references created that feeling of closeness with the people in the story. I have not tried the recipes just yet but I did copy down some and one in particular looks really good "When Life gets Sticky, dip it in Chocolate Cookies."
I will look for Salzman's Dying to Decorate soon, but first I found a new Johanna Lindsey Regency romance - The Devil Who Tamed Her, which sounds like a real good read for the 4th of July weekends - I know it is in the middle this time and the library is only closed on Wednesday - but weekends are for seriously fun reading! Right?
donna =)

Crime & Clutter

Crime & Clutter, well I have the clutter at my house but no crime thank goodness. Crime & Clutter by Cyndy Salzmann is a delightful read. I have just started it and found out about these wonderful friends that belong the to the Friday Afternoon Club referred to in the book as FAC. I will find some more of these books. Friendship, humor and delicious recipes are great plus it looks like there is a mystery to solve, but I get the feeling that the friendships are more important and that is fine by me.
Hope you have a good book for the weekend. In case you don't remember, the libraries are open Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm, so go find a fun read if you have some time to relax.
donna

Summer Reading favorites to share

Central City Library re-opened on June 3, 2007 with a crowd of over 200 on Sunday afternoon. Summer Reading program begins this Wednesday and Thursday in our all new children's programming area. Preparing for Get a Clue programs, I re-read an old friend of mine, Trixie Belden #7 The Mysterious Code. It was originally published in 1961 when I was 8. Yes, I said old friend. I loved that series even better than Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys, although I read many from each of those two series also. Trixie had a club Bob Whites of the Glen, she had two kind parents and three brothers. I liked her family and friends as well as her mysteries. The acrobatic alphabet in the Mysterious Code was a special treat and I did find a friend back then to write notes with. Lots of good memories there.

If you have a favorite book or character from childhood, share it with a child this summer. They need to know what books made memories for you. Pass on your love of reading...share a title or a character today!

ds

Love Inspired: A Soldier's Heart

The library has many books in the Love Inspired series including some in Large Type.
I just finished one of the newest ones, A Soldier's Heart, by Marta Perry. It is seventh in her series, The Flanagans, about an Irish family of firefighters. Straight out of today's headlines, wounded soldier Luke Marino returns to his hometown but refuses physical therapy for his legs injured in combat. Enter high school sweetheart Mary Kate Flanagan, a widow who has a part time job with the therapy company contracted by the Army for Luke's care and you have a very heartwarming story of recovery from both physical and emotional scars.
Mary Kate's husband died just a year earlier from cancer and left her with two small children, Michael and Shawna. The difficulties they face and the prayers and encouragement of family and friends make this a truly inspiring read.

I look forward to checking out some of the others in the series and since I read this first I can say that even though it might have been better to read them in chronological order, this story stands fine on its own. If you love family sagas, check this one out!
Donna

Central City Grand Re-Opening

Wow! Central City Public Library which has been closed since February 3, 2007 for expansion and renovation, re-opened Sunday, June 3, 2007, with a wonderful celebration. The Grand Re-Opening at 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 2:00 p.m., was attended by around 200 people (more details later). Patrons enjoyed the ceremony, refreshments and tours of the newly remodeled facility which included a new children's book area and children's programming area, a new teen space, a new leisure reading area, an archive of historical photo negatives, and a new meeting room which includes the Kentucky Women's Hall of Fame sponsored by the Central City Business and Professional Women's Club.

Lots of new books on the shelf. Reserves are easy to do. Call or email to reserve books from the new books listing on the web or in the library newsletter. And if you stop by the library, check out the new book display for the latest titles. Hope to see you soon at the Central City or Harbin Memorial libraries in Muhlenberg County.

This is the place to share when you discover an exciting new author or book. Let others know about those special reads that you feel are thrilling, exciting, heartwarming, uplifting or just plain fun.
ds

New to blogging

Hi folks,

We are new to blogging and found that a guest post turns up as a draft and then we have to copy and paste to post it.

We hope you will make comments, about the books or just to let us know you are interested in the blog.

If you wish to post a book review, please email us and we can set things up to add you as a blog team author.

We are happy to accept comments from all over, but will limit the authors to library card holders of the Muhlenberg County Public Libraries.

ds

The Heir by John Robertson

Want to be a billionaire. What if you suddenly inherited millions of dollars from your estranged father? This happens to Jason in The Heir, by John Robertson. Jason, his wife and his brother have lived a life of ease on a large monthly allowance from their father, but when dies unexpectedly in an automobile accident, Jason is the heir to the whole kingdom built of politics, intimidation, and corruption. The agreement had always been that the estate would go to his father's charitable foundation. Why did he change his mind? Who is so upset by this that they might want to murder Jason? How does one cope with the public spotlight of being one of the richest men in the country? Can a marriage survive based on money alone? This is an intriguing premise for a novel published by a publisher of Christian fiction, although The Heir vaguely alludes to Christianity by the only Christian character in the entire book near the final denouement.
Labels: Posted by Anniesse

Things I've Said, but Probably Shouldn't Have

Bruce Dern has worked with practically every iconic actor and director in the last fifty years, and he’s not afraid to say what he thinks about all of them. His career has run the gamut from B movies to Z movies to becoming an Oscar nominee, and he’s created some of the most indelible performances in modern cinema. Now, in this uniquely funny memoir, he looks back over his amazing career, telling one memorable story after another and giving key insights into how placing artistic challenge over career development has kept one of Hollywood’s greatest actors from also being one of its most rich and famous. Things I've Said, but Probably Shouldn't Have is a wild ride as compelling as the many roles Bruce Dern has played in his long and adventurous run on stage and on screen.
EP

Tumbling Blocks - it's a mystery summer

Get a clue @your library! our summer reading program is officially underway. Adults are invited to join in this year, so sign up and log your reading for fun and prizes.

If you like the mystery theme, here is a new book to consider.

Tumbling Blocks, a Benni Harper mystery by Earlene Fowler is fresh off the press and adds the element of humor to a mystery about quilts and museums. Wife of a police chief, Benni Harper Oritz, who is a folk art museum curator, deals with mother-in-law stress, the city's upper crust ladies' society and lots of other details while she investigates the death of her friend Pinky. That's all the detail you will get from me - remember as you write reviews not to tell the plot, so many on Amazon forget that readers want to read it for themselves.

Please tell enough to get them interested - not enough to give it away - especially this summer of mysteries. You can also visit the author www.earlenefowler.com if you want to read more.

MCPL Reader's Roost

Hi folks,
This is Muhlenberg County Public Libraries' newest technology attempt to share information with our patrons. We will share information about new books, staff reviews and encourage you to join us in reviewing your favorite titles that others might wish to read or alerting the public when big city or tv advertising has made a book sound much better than it really is.

We ask you as we start this endeavor to help us keep it on a positive note!

Donna and Eddie