Thanks for Participating!
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This wraps up another summer reading program. Together, you read 621 books over the period of the contest. Thanks to those who submitted books reviews and a big thank you to the caring local businesses who donated prizes. It goes without saying that we could not have a summer reading program without the generous support of the Friends of PFPL. Congratulations to all prize winners, although the biggest prize of all is the gift of reading, and we hope we can give you that gift all year long.
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Prize Winners for Week of August 4
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Gene Young - $10 Shoprite Gift Card
Sue Flad - $10 Shoprite Gift Card
Sheila Penrose - $25 Stop & Shop Gift Card
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Floral Prints - Kristie Bath
Kindle Fire - Sue Flad
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There's something about St. Tropez
by Elizabeth Adler
This book wasa good mystery, especially for someone who doesn't like gore or the white knuckle terror of some other mysteries. There were clues to help you figure out who-dunnit and plenty of well developed characters to keep you turning pages. I'm glad this is a series so I can dig into the next one. Submitted by Deb.
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Flight of the sparrow : a novel of early America
by Amy Belding Brown
A historical novel based on the life of Mary Rowlandson. The year is 1676. Mary is the wife of a Puritan minister in the Massachusetts Bay Colony town of Lancaster. While her husband is gone to seek help with protection from the Indians, Lancaster is attacked and burned. The residents who were not killed are taken into captivity. Mary is among the captives. She is eventually redeemed back to the English and reunited with her husband and her two children who were also captured and redeemed in a separate transaction. Flight of the Sparrow is Mary's story-a compelling tale of life in 17th century colonial America and of Mary's time spent among the Nipmuc. Submitted by Eileen.
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Complete Spanish : The Basics
by Ph.D Stein, Irwin
I really love this book! I wish the whole set was available since I know this particular book comes as part of a whole course, complete with workbook and CDs. However, it is invaluable when learning the language. If you know your Spanish alphabet, or even the basics of Spanish grammar, this book will be helpful in grasping the language. Submitted by Brenda.
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The kitchen house
by Kathleen Grissom
An interesting take on yet another plantation slave story pre-Civil War. Told by two narrators, one an orphaned Irish girl who the ship captain brings home to be an indentured servant, the other, the cook in the kitchen house. Submitted by Darla.
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Grace : more than we deserve, greater than we imagine
by Max Lucado
This book was very inspirational. The stories Max Lucado uses are amazing. One story in particular was very touching. Kyle and Heather, father and daughter, both physicians, were in Zimbabwe taking care of AIDS patients. The father was cut while operating on one of them. He started the antiretroviral treatment right away. But became very ill, very fast. With 104.5 fever, nausea, and rash, they were flying home to the states. He became incoherent and his daughter was filled with anxiety. She went to the bathroom where she vomited herself and prayed. When she finally gathered herself together, 4 men were standing outside the door. They asked if she was ok. She explained the whole situation and how she was worried about the 40 hour flight home. The men all smiled and explained that they too were physicians., along with 96 more doctors on the flight, (one being a infectious disease doctor) coming from a convention. Heather was amazed. She was able to rest on the flight while all these doctors helped her take care of her father. What an amazing story of Gods grace in our time of need. This book was a great read! Submitted by Sheila
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House of stone : a memoir of home, family, and a lost Middle East
by Anthony Shadid
Anthony Shadid, one-time reporter for the Washington Post, chronicles the story of his Lebanese family. They once lived in Marjayoun, a town in southeast Lebanon, and they emigrated to Oklahoma. He enlightens the reader to Lebanon's history: wars, peace, trade. The consequences of civil war and reprisals from Israel on his family, town and the people who remain today is movingly portrayed. In 2006 Shadid decided to take a year off from reporting on Middle Eastern War and rebuild his family home in Marjayoun. His tale is very touching as he relates the story his family's journey with the historical backdrop. Submitted by Carol
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The dressmaker : a novel
by Kate Alcott
Basically a romance novel with a serious subject, the sinking of the Titanic, at its center. Told from a maid turned personal assistant to dressmakers P.O.V. Could have had much more substance considering the subject. Used the device of characters' behaviors to explore a subject that needed more in-depth exposure. Submitted by Darla.
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I am Malala : the girl who stood up for education and was shot by the Taliban
by Malala Yousafzai
I am Malala was a book filled with many interesting facts about an area of the world that is a puzzlement to most Americans.It was a very slow paced read and trying to understand the difference between the Suni and Shia sects as well as the mores of this country were sometimes quite a challenge. I found it very difficult to wrap my head around a culture that demeans women as much as they did. I also have to commend Malala's father who was a pioneer for a woman and I realize that the way he ran his home and respected his wife's opinion gave Malala an edge. Malala is truly a profile in courage. I did not care for the idea I felt was presented that America was unfair to Pakistan and an invader. Pakistan receives billions in American dollars to be an ally yet had Osama Bin Laden housed in a compound for years . Also American doctors and nurses were to be commended for their efforts to restore her good health. Other than the political overtones I felt this is a truly remarkable young lady. Submitted by Ann.
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Beautiful on the mountain : an inspiring true story
by Jeannie Light
"How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings..." These words from Isaiah 52:7 can be quoted to describe the inspiring true story of Jeannie Light who in 1977 was asked by her rural neighbors to help open and lead the country church that had been unused for ten years in Graves Mill, a little hamlet in the Blue Ridge mountains. Sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, sometimes heartbreaking, this tale is not just Jeannie's story, but a message of how to live out the good news, proclaim peace and love your neighbor. Submitted by Eileen.
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Elizabeth is missing
by Emma Healey
Elizabeth is Missing was a book recommended in The Book Page magazine and it piqued my interest. It was not an easy read and it was difficult to discern what parts of the book were memories she had from her childhood and which were parts of her early dementia. Having a sister who vanished while Maud was still young and her whereabouts till in question you are not sure whether you are reading facts or fiction. It has a dark side to it and some how you keep turning the pages to become more engrossed in the story.Is her friend Elizabeth really missing,or is she confusing the facts with her sister Sukey's disappearance? Why won't the police or her family believe her suspicions.? The early stages of dementia and its effects on the entire family are explored in depth. Submitted by Ann.
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The grapes of wrath
by John Steinbeck
A timely read! So much of the "Greek Chorus" aspect of Steinbeck's work is applicable to the issues of today regarding the exploitation of works, the influx of migrants, and the rich getting richer on the backs of the hungry for just a basic decent life. Excellent writing - ending could only have been written by a man! Submitted by Darla.
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Intuition : a novel
by Allegra Goodman
It was an interesting look inside the lives and labs of researchers in the cancer field. Hopefully a cure will be found soon. Submitted by Marilyn.
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