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