The Passion of the Hausfrau

The Passion of the Hausfrau by Nicole Chaison
New Book Shelves – Upper Level – 814.6 C

Chaison’s memoir of motherhood hits both the humor and the hurt of motherhood, told in text with comic-style illustrations in the margins. She talks about giving birth – once in a hospital utility closet and once in a feeding trough; about grocery shopping and Halloween costumes with children; about trying to maintain her relationship with her husband. But she also traces her journey to self-actualization, aligning her journey with those of the male and presumably childless heroes in the classics that fill her bookshelves. It’s this angle, I think, that got her a cover blurb from Alison Bechdel, whose Fun Home, while less funny, also journeyed through the classics. Chaison’s version of motherhood requires large amounts of both courage and humor seasoned with profanity; for those of similar bent, this is well worth reading.

Canterwood Crest Series

Take the Reins by Jessica Burkhart
Youth New Book Shelves-Lower Level – JPB BURKHART

Take The Reins is the first in this debut series from a former equestrian turned author. Jessica Burkhart loved to ride horses but was unable to anymore. At a young age she decided to pursue writing and eventually started writing about horses and horseback riding because it was the one thing that she loved and the one thing she missed dearly. Jessica is able to ride horses through Sasha Silver and the other characters in this fun new series.

Sasha Silver is new to Canterwood Crest. On her first day with her horse Charm by her side she knows that she is in trouble. Not all the girls on the Equestrian team are friendly to her and some are downright mean. She finds a friend in her roommate Paige and an ally with Callie another member of the Equestrian team. Sasha is determined to prove that she fits in at Canterwood Crest. She tries her best as she auditions for the Advanced Riding Team in which only a handful of girls make it. Check out Take the Reins to find out if Sasha and Charm make the team! If you enjoy this book check out the others in the series:

Chasing Blue
Youth New Book Shelves-Lower Level – JPB BURKHART

Behind the Bit
Youth New Book Shelves-Lower Level – JPB BURKHART

COMING SOON
Triple Fault August of 2009
Best Enemies October 2009
Little White Lies December 2009
Rival Revenge February 2010
Home Sweet Drama April 2010

The Twisted Window

The Twisted Window by Lois Duncan
Teen Zone Fiction - Main Level - DUNCAN

Adolescent Brad Johnson is very upset because his baby sister, Mindy, has been kidnapped by his estranged ex-stepfather Gavin Brummer. Brad has traced Gavin to Winfield, TX so he decides to travel from New Mexico to find Mindy. Once in Winfield, Brad seeks the help of teenage Tracy Lloyd, a young woman with a sad past. He begs Tracy to help him find his sister. Although Tracy is suspicious of this stranger, she decides to help Brad because of her own shaky relationship with her father. How can Tracy ignore the needs of a helpless little girl when she herself knows what it's like to have an uncaring parent?

Brad and Tracy develop a scheme to get Mindy back. Everything seems to be going according to plan when suddenly Tracy realizes that there is much more to the story than Brad has told her. What will Tracy do now? Can Mindy be found? Is Brad telling the truth? Is Brad crazy? These are just a few of the questions that will arise as this book is read.

The Twisted Window by Lois Duncan is an interesting psychological mystery. It's a short read with many surprising plot turns. If you are looking for something unusual and suspenseful then The Twisted Window is a great choice!