SHARK!!

The summer of 1916 was a scorcher.  To escape the heat of the city, New Yorkers flocked to the thriving seaside playgrounds of Coney Island and the Jersey Shore -- only to be terrorized by (amazingly) a rogue great white shark.  In Close to Shore: A True Story of Terror in an Age of Innocence, Pulitzer Prize nominee Michael Capuzzo delves into the fear and panic of the weeks following the first attack, painting a vivid portrait of the era and the characters who inhabited it.  HM

Spring Thing

“If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” Celebrate Spring in Michigan through photography. Beautiful seasonal views from around the state are found in Pure Michigan: Abundant Natural Beauty, Authentic Destination, Unique Experiences- Spring. The ten contributors were contestants in the Pure Michigan Photography Competition of Spring 2009. Their mission was to capture the essence of Michigan. This picturesque book will help you tour the state without leaving home. DB

It's Phenomenal!

April is Poetry Month! For a quick start, read a tiny book by Maya Angelou entitled Phenomenal Woman. It contains only four poems dedicated to the celebration of Women. Angelou incorporates rhyme and free verse to get her message across. Although Maya Angelou is best-known for her autobiographies, she has published eight volumes of poetry. Regardless of your preference, you’ll agree that this petite book is powerful. DB

A Woman of Many Talents

Mindy Kaling is a staff writer for the television show “The Office” and eventually she became one of the actors on the show. She gives a little bit of ‘Office’ dish in “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns)” but this memoir is more about her life than Hollywood. Her quirky, smart ass attitude and humor will keep you chuckling throughout. My favorite chapters were about her dating years following High School graduation - we've all been there! If you’re in the mood for fun then check this book out. SG

Your Next Great Read is HERE!

Not finding what you want in the Adult Area? Try looking in Teen. Many Teen books these days are crossovers, meaning they will appeal to many generations.

In addition to this blog, Oxford Public Library also has a cool Teen Blog, which reviews books from in and around the Teen Area. So if the mood strikes you, click on over and check it out! You might just find your next great read! --AJL

I Spy

Chris Pavone’s debut spy novel The Expats is fast paced and suspenseful. Kate, who has been working for the CIA for the last 15 years, never told her husband Dexter what her job was. When Dexter lands a lucrative job in Luxembourg Kate jumps at the chance to quit the Agency, leave her double life behind and start anew as a stay-at-home expat mom. But soon Kate suspects all is not as it seems and there is something fishy about their new friends as well, or is it just paranoia? And why did her husband lie to her about one of his trips and why are his shoes muddy? Is he also not who he seems? This book has all the twists and turns of a good spy story without the usual politics, violence or gore. SG

A Delicious Read

Fans of the "cozy" mystery genre will love this book. As you know, cozies are mysteries without horror, gore or fear. Usually featuring a plucky heroine and sometimes knitting,food or other cozy elements. Cooking the Books by Kerry Greenwood is the sixth in a series featuring Corinna Chapman, baker extraordinaire. Corinna a former accountant with a hot boyfriend and a bakery that features bread and muffins. The descriptions of the bread and muffins are mouth watering and her host of eccentric friends interesting. Greenwood is a life long resident of Melbourne Australia where the novel is set and her take on the local color is fascinating. ML