The Only Street in Paris by Elaine Sciolino

“The Only Street in Paris” is a quaint retelling of author, Elaine Sciolino’s, experiences while living on the Rue des Martyrs.  Amidst an onslaught of modern conveniences and big box stores, the Rue des Martyrs is a charming slice of Paris that still strives to maintain its traditional, and sometimes quirky, French identity.  Throughout the … Continue reading →

Almost French by Sarah Turnbull

“Almost French” is a wonderful travelogue that chronicles the (mis)adventures of author, Sarah Turnbull, as she attempts to adjust to a move from her home in Australia, to a new life abroad in France.  While this book is light and warmhearted, with plenty of laughs and smiles along the way, Turnbull also makes some very … Continue reading →

The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain

The non-fiction book group’s selection this quarter was the classic The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain. There has always been debate in the library world as to whether this book is non-fiction (travelogue) or fiction. It is a true story, but it seems pretty clear Twain embellished quite a bit in his writing. Does anyone … Continue reading →

Carsick by John Waters

Carsick is not a book for the easily offended, and it has enough bizarre material in it to possibly get under the skin of the not-so-easily offended as well. If you are familiar with the movies of John Waters, the book’s author, let’s just say that Carsick is much closer to Waters’ older, weirder movies … Continue reading →

Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris

David Sedaris is the type of essayist that you either hate or love, are offended by or understand, and either make you gasp or squeal in delight. Well, I am the latter. His latest, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, was exactly what I hoped for and expected. Once again, he writes about his everyday life … Continue reading →

What Good Is God? by Philip Yancey

Evangelical writer Yancey explores the topic of the church’s relevance in modern society.  The book is divided into ten parts, each focusing on conditions in a place Yancey visited, followed by the text of a speech he gave.  Whether it’s the compassionate response to the victims of the Virginia Tech shooting, its need to move … Continue reading →