Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Normally, I wouldn't even give this book a second look- especially since I usually buy free kindle books or books that are in the series I'm reading. But, this book was one I saw mentioned on Tumblr on Problemsofabookerd page. A follower mentioned it to her, and I was curious. And, I'm glad I was.

Stolen is about a girl, Gemma, who is 'stolen' from the airport by a beautiful man. She is enfatuated with him at the airport which only proves to be her downfall. He steals her into the night and takes her away from her life in London. The think I liked about this book is that it wasn't focused on abuse, rape or any of the other horrific things that may happen when a young girl of 16 is kidnapped. It focuses on how the guy, Ty, just wants her to be with him (as crazy as it seems) and how he tries to get her to the beauty of the desert they are in. The vast Australian desert that is their new 'home'. Gemma tries repeadtly to escape but she's in the middle of nowhere and she soon realizes it's futile. Eventually, she succumbs and tries to get along. You can feel the attraction between the two as you read, even from the very beginning. She fights it. With all her power.
One of the things that is really awesome about this book is the way it is written. The story is told from Gemma's point of view, as a letter she is writing to Ty as he awaits trial. She's writing it because the shrinks around her think she has Stockholm Syndrome- which reading it you get the sense that she might have a touch of it due to her feelings before everything goes wrong.
I will say, that Ty is not bad per say. Obviously, he's a tad crazy and he kidnapped her but you get this feeling there's a genuine love he has for Gemma. He really cares for her and thinks that her being there with him is 'saving' her from her life that she hated. Her parents, from what she writes aren't all that great but once she is returned you get the sense they aren't as bad as they appear- I mean it is a 16 yr old girl talking about her parents.
In the end, Gemma is returned (I won't tell you the reason outright, you need to read this book- Lucy Christopher is a great writer). And Ty turns himself in- to save her.
Please read it- borrow it from your library, buy the Kindle book for $3...whatever you want...just give it a try. Don't let the whole 'a young girl is kidnapped' keep you from enjoying a very well written book.

5 out of 5 stars.
I read this book in about 4.5-5 hours (that was with a toddler interrupting too).

The World's Strongest Librarian: A Memoir of Tourette's, Faith, Strength, and the Power of Family by Josh Hanagarne

So this book was my attempt at reading something new and nonfiction. Something that I don't usually read, to you know, spice my reading list up. Total fail. This book took me over 1 month to read. It was mind bogglingly boring. Now don't get me wrong, Josh's story of overcoming Tourette's and turning his life into something good is wonderful! That part was VERY interesting. I guess I just got lost in the other parts. His life is a great story of becoming yourself despite the hardships. His Mom is a strong and loving woman who he talks about with love and the reader loves her too. His dad, I thought his Dad was funny. His comments about things, gosh, I laughed a lot at the things his Dad said. I was frustrated with this book because I felt like, in some parts, he was jumping around and talking about this then that, and I would forget what the topic was and how we got this far.
His Faith is something that astounds me. I've known people with great faith, even after God knocks them down a peg or two. And you would think, after reading about Josh's trials with Tourette's that his faith would be gone but no. He still believes. I think that keeps him going and keeps his Tourette's under control.
This book would be a great read for a family or person who had Tourette's and has questions. I really believe this book could provide insight for others.
The one thing that really stood out and caught my attention was the way his chapters began. He used the call numbers of different subjects- related to the chapters- to name the chapters. That is just brilliant. I find him being a librarian interesting. You would think that someone who has tics wouldn't be able to hold himself together but in a library, we're all strange and weird and there for the same reason, books. His love of books and reading is apparent all throughout this book and it makes my respect for him all the more. Finding that losing himself in a book helped him, well that just made me root for him all the more. Josh's story is a good one and can benefit if told and read by the right person.
Overall, it's an okay read. But that's just me. I'm not a fan of nonfiction.

For more information about Josh and his books: http://joshhanagarne.com/ or visit his blog at:http://worldsstrongestlibrarian.com/.
I checked his blog out, it's great. Take some time and browse it!

3.5 out of 5 stars!

Interview 4- Bethany

 For my 4th interview I asked Bethany, a youth services coordinator to answer some questions. I met her about 4 years ago when I worked at the local public library where I grew up. She is a great woman, funny, talented and she is AMAZING at what she does. I've seen her perform and interact with children and I follow her Facebook page about her travels on her bike. She's a great person to know and a good friend to have. I hope you enjoy her interview!

 

1. Tell me about yourself.

 I am curious by nature and once I'm interested in a topic I tend to become a bit obsessive while I learn new things.  To date some of this borderline obsessive curiosity has led me into beekeeping and pottery.  I know how to bind books by hand.  You know, sewing them, putting on covers, etc.  I can roller blade like the devil (but no one does that anymore).  I love the outdoors and the sun on my face and I've been known to ride a bike now and then.

   
2. What genre of books do you like best? What draws you to this genre? I read a crazy amount of non-fiction.  In fact most of what I currently have checked out from the library is non-fiction but I do love a nice little teen paranormal novel now and then.  Very occasionally, I enjoy a dip in the adult fiction.  There, I probably enjoy suspense or mystery best.

3. What is your job title? How long have you held this title? Youth Services Coordinator - 4 Years

 

4. What are your hobbies?  For me, hobbies are what keep my mind engaged and active.  Currently, I'm learning pottery.  I truly love it and hope soon to be at a point with it where I am able to sell pottery in addition to the library gig.  I play the ukulele and keep bees.  Also, I maintain a Facebook page for my little vintage bike called Bethany's Bike.  Oh, and I garden.  There may actually be a few other little things but they escape me at the moment.

5. What about your job do you like the most? Least?

 I feel very blessed to have my job.  I believe that it is a gift to be able to go every day to an occupation which you truly enjoy.  I really enjoy seeing the children and interacting with them through storytime or special programs.  The thing I like least is that in my current position, I do not see children on a regular basis.

 

6. For someone thinking about going into Children's Library, what words of wisdom do you have to share?

 The best children's librarians don't take themselves too seriously and are willing to view the world with a childlike perspective.  They know how to be silly.  They also know that these small people are library patrons and deserve the same amount of respect that is given to their adult counterparts.  If they have something to communicate, a good librarian takes the time to listen to them and help them find what they are looking for.

 

7. Who inspires you to do what you do?

 Probably, at the end of the day, my inspiration comes most strongly from our library patrons and my desire for all the children and families at each of our branch libraries to have a positive experience at the public library.

8. Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for asking me participate.  I enjoyed it.  It is a great time to work in public libraries.  The landscape may be changing a bit but libraries are still needed and all the newness adds to the excitement. 

Interview 3- Nonfiction

For my third interview on my blog I wanted to interview someone who read nonfiction. I am currently reading a nonfiction book, The World's Strongest Librarian, and wanted to ask questions to someone who only or mostly read nonfiction for pleasure. I don't usually read nonfiction in any form, biography, historical, autobiography, etc. I just have never really liked it. It's not my taste. BUT, I do know a man who reads nonfiction. Ever since I can remember he's read mostly nonfiction books when I've seen him read. Whether it's something like National Geographic magazine or historical or a biography, I've seen him read it. Who could this be? My Dad, Jimmy Krebs. He's a great man, one of the greatest men I've ever known. He's always been loving, supportive, and caring to my brothers and me. He was a great provider for his family and the best father a girl could ask for.
Here is his interview!

1. Tell me about yourself. I am a retired oil refinery operations' supervisor. I have 3 successful, college educated children. I am also fortunate to have 6 grandchildren. I live in Mississippi, on the Gulf of Mexico. I enjoy hiking/backpacking, camping, kayaking, and participate in triathlons and run races of 5k to marathon distances.

2. Why do you like to read nonfiction books?
I enjoy reading nonfiction books because I consider each work a type of historical recounting of either a historical event or a part of someone's life. The true, actual events happened and are recorded for people to read about and enjoy and possibly learn something.

3. What is one nonfiction book that you recently read? Currently I am reading a collection of short stories written by a friend. At the same time, I am reading a training book about triathlon.

 4. What types of nonfiction books do you like to read most? Historical? Biography? Autobiography? Why? I enjoy historical nonfiction, but inspirational biographies are also an interest.

5. Have you ever read a nonfiction book that inspired you to do something in your life? Explain. I have read a number of historical books that have caused my appreciation for the people that made contributions to our world and country. One book was The Works Of John Muir. It recounted his travels, life in the wilderness, and his passion for preserving our natural resources. I also read Undaunted Courage. This book centers on the events of Merriweather Lewis' life, of Lewis and Clark fame. It included actual journal entries, and other historical accounts of the Corps of Discovery. It has inspired me to visit sites the Corps trekked and appreciate and practice enjoying the outdoor wilderness.

6. How do you find the nonfiction books you read? A book that has a slow start, or drifts from the main story can loose my interest. I know that is why I do not read a large amount of non fiction. I typically look at the new book display at the library and get reading ideas from friends with similar interests.

7. Do you read anything besides nonfiction? Fiction? Magazines? If so, what are your favorite types to read (mystery, fantasy, general, historical) ? I subscribe to several active sport magazines, and I enjoy reading historical articles of a variety of subjects.

8. Anything else you'd like to add?
Two of my children live in regions of the country that currently influence my reading. One child lives near Washington, DC, and another child lives in Oregon. The histories of the regions are of interest to me.

 My Dad rocks! I love him and miss him so much! Hope to see you soon, Daddio :) <3