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The Memory of Running
Recommended by: Sheila U Smithy Ide is an overweight, friendless, chain-smoking, forty-three-year-old drunk, and when his parents die in a tragic accident, Smithy’s life becomes completely unhinged. He decides to escape his grief on his bicycle and embarks on a ride across America, from Rhode Island to California. |
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The Next Always
Recommended by: Sheila U The Next Always begins a new trilogy, and will feel very familiar to Roberts' fans. All the usual elements are there: three close female friends; three brothers; the couples pair off, one per book; an absorbing story and good characters; add a supernatural element; and you have her recipe for success. In this one, the supernatural is more in the background than some of her trilogies (for example her "Sign of Seven" or "Circle" trilogies), but it does play a key role in the climactic ending. |
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Hunger Games
Recommended by: Sheila U In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into a Capitol and 12 districts. A 13th District once existed; but was obliterated by the Capitol in order to subdue the citizens of the other Districts. Each year, two children from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to fight to the death, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for the Games their whole lives. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like 'Survivor' and 'American Gladiator.' The first in a trilogy; a movie adaptation is scheduled for release March 23, 2012. Read the book before you see the movie! |
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Walk Away the Pounds
Recommended by: Sheila U When my doctor said I needed to start walking 3 miles a day, I wondered how in the world I would be able to do it, without buying a gym membership! Indiana weather is not always conducive to walking long distances, and we don't have a large mall readily available (although the Knox Mall does have a nice sheltered space) . Then a friend recommended Leslie Sansone, creator of the "Walk at Home" series of books and videos. I checked out this book and a couple of her videos, and was hooked. Her motto is "you can't do it wrong," and it takes all the stress and pressure out of working out. Her style is so motivating and encouraging, and she suggests introducing the walking, diet, and water a little bit at a time. Making small changes, gradually is very effective, and her advice is easy to understand and wonderful for beginners. |
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Bossypants
Recommended by: Sheila U Tina Fey is easily one of the funniest women in television, and is well-known for her work on "Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock." In this book, she recounts stories of growing up in Philadelphia, her beginnings in comedy as an improv player in Chicago, and her work on Saturday Night Live. The stories are witty, self-effacing, profane, and laugh-out-loud funny; and Fey's reading on this audiobook is wonderful. Her comic timing serves the stories well. |