Reviews

H.G. Wells is best known for his works of science fiction but he also wrote domestic comic novels, one being The History of Mr. Polly. Like his author, Alfred Polly is born into the suburban lower-middle-class of early 20th century England , a class known for its conservatism, restrictiveness, and respectability. As a boy, Alfred attends a National School where he receives a poor education but at age thirteen, he discovers reading and its joys. Adventure stories and comics are his favorites.

This book takes place in the 1970s in China during Mao’s Cultural Revolution.  The main protagonists are two boys who grew up in an intellectual family background, and for this reason were exiled to a very rural countryside to be “re-educated.” Their re-education equals mainly hard and demeaning labor.

Gary Louris was a founding member of The Jayhawks, but it could be argued that he's been doing his best work since the band went on "indefinite hiatus" in 2005. He has a superb voice, smoky but warm -- yet even he admits he's not the loudest, most arresting guy out there. That doesn't matter on this 2008 album; in fact, Louris' unassuming nature works to the songs' advantage. They're all beautiful tunes, and his delivery of them is refreshing because you can't hear an ounce of ego.

While I am usually an ardent fan of Erik Larson's nonfiction, this book is not my favorite. Not because the subject matter is not compelling, but because you know how the story will end. It's like reading about the Titanic -- fascinating, but ultimately disappointing.

Ann Angel's entirely accessible and compelling biography of Janis Joplin is a marvel of a book and well deserving of the

This non-fiction book surveys four of our Founding Fathers; Adams, Washington, Jefferson and Madison, and highlights their interest in gardening.  At the time they were planting the seeds of liberty, they were also planting and cultivating their own gardens, estates and farms.  This well-researched book illustrates how the past-time hobby of the founding fathers shaped their political ideas and leadership.   

This nifty book has colorful pictures, which are heartwarming and uplifting. The inspirational read is for mothers or anyone to enjoy. A great book to flip through when you are in line waiting or on break.