PageTurners Read Wonder

Wonder Ratings
The PageTurners book club discussed the children’s fiction book, Wonder by R.J. Palacio last week. The book was unanimously declared “heartwarming” with many of the club sharing that they both laughed and cried. Our group rating was a solid 4 out of 5.

We’re looking forward to discussing The Buddha in the Attic by Julie Otsuka, NW by Zadie Smith, and Arcadia by Lauren Groff over the next few months. New members are always welcome, so please join us the fiorst Thursday of every month at 6 p.m.

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Memorial Day Films 2012

Best Years of Our Lives (1946) Rated NR

Recounts the problems faced by three returning veterans of WWII as they attempt to pick up the threads of their lives. Captain Derry is returning to a loveless marriage, Sergeant Stephenson is a stranger to a family that’s grown up without him, and sailor Parrish is tormented by the loss of his hands.

Saving Private Ryan (1998) Rated R

Captain John Miller must take his men behind enemy lines to find Private Ryan, whose three brothers have been killed in combat. Faced with impossible odds, the men question their orders. Why are eight men risking their lives to save just one? Surrounded by the brutal realities of war, each man searches for his own answer and the strength to triumph over uncertain future with honor, decency and courage.

Platoon (1986) Rated R

Follows young Chris Taylor who arrives in Vietman and quickly discovers that his worst enemies are not just the Viet Cong, but gnawing fear, physical exhaustion, and the anger growing within himself.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) Rated NR

A group of young World War I German recruits pass from idealism to disillusionment with war.

Paths of Glory (1957) Rated NR

The French General Staff, safely behind the lines, sends orders for what amounts to a suicide mission. To cover up their fatal blunder, three soldiers are arrested and made scapegoats. Dax, a lawyer in civilian life, rises to the men’s defense but soon realizes that, unless he can prove that the Generals were to blame, nothing less than a miracle will save his clients from the firing squad.

Where Do You get Your Movies?

What Our Library is About

Twilight- Starring Charlie Sheen and Jon Cryer…

So I’m struggling with this book.  I cannot force myself to read more than two pages before I find an urgent chore (cleaning the bathroom for example) that HAS to be done Now! Every time I digest a line or two I have sudden urges to tidy and clean.  (I should explain that a good book has Always trumped chores in my world.)  Then I discovered BrianFreeman…now that’s an author who makes you turn pages!  It’s hard to put his book down anyway but to put it down to read Twilight seems wrong.   As mentioned in an earlier post I set a goal to read a chapter a day of Twilight (I am not doing so well but I refuse to give up.) Tonight I finished my chores (ironing this time while listening to Keith Richards Life–he’s narrating and I’m thoroughly enjoying this audio book) and am determined to get through a full chapter in one sitting. My son was watching Two and 1/2 men while was trying to read and in my head I was hearing Charlie and Allen’s voice narrating the words I was reading. Okay, now, I am amused! I think I have discovered a way to continue reading this book.   I hear Jon Cryer’s voice as Bella and Charlie Sheen as Edward-most entertaining!

Twilight the first few chapters…

My goal: Read a chapter a day.

My hope:  that it becomes several chapters a day as most everyone I know that read this book did so in one day.

My reality:  after one chapter it is that book you read in high school where you force yourself to read just enough to get through the daily discussions and chapter quiz.  I did make it through two chapters before a migraine interfered with my reading schedule.  

Here’s what I’ve learned so far:

• Bella uses big words and sprinkles synonyms of said words throughout her sentences (yes, I’m jealous–I lack the total recall to insert intelligent words into my conversations
• If Bella did not sacrifice the sun and move to Washington where her Char…I mean her father is–not only would her mom not be able to travel with her husband, the minor league ball player, but her father would starve! (or at least not eat as well…she marinades steaks–Charlie, I mean, her dad, probably just salt and peppered his)
• Bella gets angry when beautiful boys look at her, don’t look at her, talk to her, don’t talk to her (I’m told I’ll understand this later)
• Bella thinks sarcasm is funny and mature (defense mechanism)
• Beautiful boy, aka Edward, has some sort of super power (I know, I know I did see the movie but I’m reading as if I didn’t know…and it’s hard)

Rolled my eyes at this quote on page 1:  “When life offers you a dreams so far beyond any of your expectations, it’s not reasonable to grieve when it comes to an end”

Laughed out loud at this quote on page 30 : “…I made the cowardly lion look like the terminator.”

I’m no writer and obviously Stephenie Meyer wrote well enough to sell millions of copies and have movies made from the series, however,  as a reader I would not have continued past chapter one.

That being said I am on page 63 (work assignments)  and as soon as I finish this cynical sounding summary I will pick it back up and admittedly curious as to what happens with the beautiful boy and sarcastic drama queen.

My daughter assures me it becomes less horrible as you read on.

Will I become a Twihard? Stay tuned.

My apologies to any offended Twilight fans.

Would I recommend this book? Not so far.

Twilight–(I have not read it)

Have you read Twilight  or am I the only one left on the planet who has not?  I’ve tried–and tried, and tried.  I just cannot force myself  past the first chapter.  I mean no disrespect to the Stephenie Meyer –I’m not doubting she’s a great author.  I wonder: is it just bad timing when I start the book? Is it that all the hype has me expecting WOW on page 1? or is just me? Perhaps I don’t appreciate good literature.   I asked  my daughter, who has read the books and listened to the audio versions so many times she recites quotes randomly.  Her answer:   try reading it again and blog about it as I go.   Stay tuned as I keep you posted on my journey!

PageTurners Read “False Mermaid”

False Mermaid
by Erin Hart

In False Mermaid, American pathologist Nora Gavin returns home to Saint Paul, MN, to figure out who murdered her sister, Triona. Once home, her alarm deepens as she discovers that her former brother-in law is about to remarry and leave the country. Although there was never any evidence of his involvement in her sister’s death, Nora has never trusted him. As she begins reinvestigating her sister’s death, missed clues and ever more disturbing details come to light. She must work against the schedule of his upcoming wedding if she is going to save her neice and his fiancé from him.

The PageTurner Book Club met on Thursday, March 3, to discuss this book. Four people attended the discussion. The average rating given to this story was 2.16 out of 5 books; the lowest rating was a 2 and the highest was a 2.5. All attendees agreed that the setting of the story was its strongest strength. However, the coincidences necessary for the mystery to be solved stretched readers’ belief.

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“False Mermaid” by Erin Hart is available at the Rice Lake Public Library. There are over ten copies of this book in the MORE System. It is also available in Large Print. Please visit the card catalog website, http://www.more.lib.wi.us, or call us at 234-4861 to reserve a copy today.

The PageTurners Book Club is sponsored by the Friends of the Rice Lake Public Library. It usually meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6 pm at the Rice Lake Public Library. Discussion lasts an hour; everyone is welcome.

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If you’d like more information on this subject, please contact Tami Richardson, Adult Services Manager at the Rice Lake Public Library, at 234-4861 x15.

Tax Forms 2011

Tax Season is upon us and this tax season started with a printing delay as Congress made late tax changes.What this means for you:

• IRS Forms ordered in August are only now beginning to trickle into the library.
• IRS forms, however, are available to download.
• WI forms are not expected until mid February
• Some WI forms are available to download (check daily for updates)

We at TheRLPL are able to assist you in obtaining the forms you are looking for if you know your form number. As much as we would like to assist you further we are unable as we are not trained in tax matters.

Helpful Links:
• IRS home page
• WI DOR home page
• Online Directory for Tax Preparers in the Rice Lake Area

DE-stress at TheRLPL:
• Go to the movies—for free! Once a month join us for Saturday Cinema. January 15th at 7:00 pm The American with George Clooney is showing. Snacks provided
• Play Games! The last Tuesday of every month join us at 6:15 for Adult Game Night. January 25th.
• Work on a puzzle! January 29th is National Puzzle Day. Patrons of all ages are encouraged to put together puzzles located in both the youth services area and the Friendship Room. That day also kicks off TheRLPL Puzzle Exchange. Swap one of your puzzles for a new to you puzzle. When you have put that together bring it back and exchange for another!
• Read –take a break with a favorite magazine or paper while enjoying a hot cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate.
Beverage—$1.00
Newspaper/Magazine—Free
Peace of Mind—Price less