Online Book Club

Thank You!

2009-12-31T12:32:00.004-05:00

Sadly, the HPL Online Book Club has been discontinued at this time. A special thank you to all of you who have supported and contributed to the book club.

We encourage you to keep reading and please feel free to make comments on this site about any great books you come across. We would be happy to hear from you and any suggestions you have.

Thank you and Have a Wonderful New Year!
Olga

November Book of the Month

2009-11-01T17:33:00.009-05:00

No Such Creature by Giles Blunt

Blunt takes a break from his award-winning John Cardinal crime series with the entertaining tale of Magnus "Max" Maxwell and his great-nephew Owen. The pair spend every summer vacation bonding while traveling the countryside in their oversized Winnebago, affectionately dubbed 'the Rocket'. Max's occupation as a wig salesman provides the perfect cover for the dynamic duo as they rob rich Republicans at house parties. Max charms the victims with his delightful personality, no one gets hurt, and, due to extensive pre-operation planning, everything goes off without a hitch - until now. Max is good but he isn't perfect. He spent time in prison and made valuable contacts, many of whom he uses as accomplices on larger 'shows'. Unfortunately, he also made the acquaintance of some very bad men who want to relieve Max of his valuable gains. One, in particular, will stop at nothing - even murder - to get rich quick.

Witty, faithful, sad and endearing - these two special individuals step boldly off the page. At first glance it seems like we've heard it all before. Not so. Blunt offers us an unpredictable slice of a very unique summer vacation. Highly recommended. Librarian Reviewer: Joanne

Discussion Questions:

1. How did you feel about the banter between Owen and Max? Was the interaction believeable?

2. If you had to choose either Owen or Max to travel with, who would you choose?

3. Do you believe that there is such thing as an ethical thief, as Max believes he is?

4. What did you think about the ending? Some say it feels like paragraphs were removed in the attempt to make the story shorter. Do you agree?

October Book of the Month

2009-09-30T08:36:00.022-05:00

The Murder Stone by Louise Penny

Clementine Dubois, ageless proprietor of the Manoir Bellechasse, welcomes Reine-Marie and Armand Gamache to her inn in rural Quebec. Chief of Homicide for the Sûreté du Québec and his wife have been looking forward to their annual getaway with great anticipation. The promise of lazy days filled with resting, reading and reconnecting is almost tangible. Sharing the inn with the couple are the Finney clan. They are a very strange family who made the effort to attend this reunion and yet do not seem to like one another. In fact, they seem to put extra energy into mocking, criticizing and tearing each other down with well-placed barbs and ripping the scabs off unhealed hurts from the past. The family has united to pay homage to the late family patriarch, a man whose lack of presence in the lives of his grown children has left them all incomplete in one way or another. Gamache keeps his identity hidden until an accident claims the life of one of the guests. Is it an accident or murder? Has someone gone too far? Secrets, insecurities and old hurts begin to emerge under the expert prodding of Gamache and his trusted team, Inspector Jean-Guy Beauvoir and Agent Isabelle Lacoste.

With the fourth novel in this first-class mystery series, Louise Penny has comfortably joined the ranks of Ian Rankin, Peter Robinson and Minette Walters. Intelligent, humane and wise. Highly recommended. Librarian Reviewer: Joanne

Discussion Questions:

1) Why do you think Louise included a history of Quebec? Did it help create the mood of the story?

2) Armand Gamache is a character with many intertwined facets of his personality. What was your first reaction to his character?

3) Did you find it realistic that the chief inspector just happened to be at the same Inn where the murder takes place?

4) Which Finney family member was most significant in this story?

5) Have you visited any Inns this summer that you would like to share with us?

September Book of the Month

2009-09-01T20:05:00.004-05:00

Dewey: the small town cat who changed the world by Vicki Myron

I am head-over-heels in love - with a cat! Dewey Readmore Books to be exact. Dewey was a little 8-week-old alley cat from Spencer, Iowa, who was dropped into a metal-lined library book drop box overnight and found on the bitterly cold Monday morning of January 18, 1988. He was nursed back to health by the staff and became a permanent, endearing fixture in the library. He touched the hearts of thousands of people across America and the world, many of whom never met him in person. This sentimental, sweet tribute of his life is so much more than what I expected. It lays bare the often difficult life of single mom and library director Vicki Myron. She was Dewey's saviour, his owner, his 'mother' and best friend. Myron takes us on a nostalgic historical journey of her northwest corner of Iowa as she paints a beautiful picture of the Great Plains, each carefully measured acre overflowing with stalks of corn reaching for the heavens. A place where everyone knew everyone, everyone helped their neighbours - and no one ventured beyond the borders of their county. She takes great pride in the citizens of Spencer who have survived many disasters over the decades and who made room in their hearts for a sensitive little cat who was an inspiration, a friend, a protector and a confidant.

A heart-warming social history of a town in the middle of the Heartland and Dewey the library cat who changed their lives forever. Highly recommended. (Librarian Reviewer: Joanne)

Discussion Questions:

1) What do you think makes Dewey such a special cat and why do you think he became famous?

2) How does Vicki describe the small town life of Spencer, Iowa?

3) Why do you think the library decided to retire Dewey to Vicki's home?

4) If you have a cat, what is your favorite part of being a cat owner?

5) Do you have a special cat story to share with us?

August Book of the Month

2009-08-10T13:58:00.005-05:00

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Do you find that you buy things that you don't necessarily need? Have you ever found yourself shopping just because there is a sale on? Is your credit card maxed? Well this is the book for you. Finance magazine editor, Rebecca Bloomwood always had a passion for style. So much that her closet pulsates with tons of apparel and her credit is maxed to the limit. Reality strikes when Rebecca becomes overwhelmed by her debt and makes every effort to rid of her dues. Along with her trials and tribulations, Rebecca finds herself falling for a wealthy finance group representative named Luke Brandon. Will Rebecca finally take control of her spending and catch the man of her dreams? (Librarian Reviewer: Olga)

Discussions Questions

1) When do you think Rebecca realized she had a problem with spending?

2) What qualities do you think Luke find attractive about Rebecca?

3) Do you think Rebecca will stray away from saving and start spending again?

4) Did you find it ironic that a severe spender like Rebecca worked for a finance magazine?

5) What role does the scarf play in this story? Is it a symbol for money?

July Book of the Month

2009-07-12T09:48:00.006-05:00

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

Juliet Ashton is a 30 year old single author of war stories who becomes exhausted of writing about the positive side of war and it's consequences. This novel begins in 1946 when Juliet decides to write her publisher to inform them of her feelings about the stories she writes. Meanwhile, in the quaint town of Guernsey farmer Dawsey Adams locates a used book with Juliet's name in it. Dawsey begins to gather stories from neighbors and sends the stories to Juliet. Letter after letter, Juliet regains her passion for writing about war stories and learns about the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society that had formed while the Germans occupied Guernsey. Each story of heroic efforts and the overall setting of the spirit of Guernsey inspires Juliet's life and her next novel. (Librarian Reviewer: Olga)

The was Mary Ann Shaffer's first novel written with her niece Annie Barrows. Mary Ann passed away February 2008 prior to the completion of the novel. She was a well known editor, librarian and booksales representative.

Discussion Questions

1) Why do you think Juliet began to feel tired of her writing war stories?

2) Do you enjoy writing stories? What inspires you to write?

3) What was your favorite Guernsey war story?

4) How did you feel about Dawsey Adams?

June Book of the Month

2009-06-06T12:37:00.015-05:00

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

The first installment of Dan Brown's series introducing the character Robert Langdon, professor of art history and religion at Harvard. Contacted by a stranger for his expertise, Robert embarks on an investigation into the murder of world renowned physicist and Catholic priest Leonardo Vetra. Leonardo with his daughter Vittoria attempted to recreate the Big Bang theory to prove that there is a God creating matter in the universe. When Leonardo is murdered, a canister of antimatter from his research lab is stolen and fears as to what the canister will be used for develop. Vittoria and Robert race to retrieve the canister before it explodes at midnight. In search of the canister, the two rush to Vatican City and Rome where the canister is suspected to be located as seen by a security camera.

Vatican City recently loses its Pope. Robert and Vittoria try to persuade the captain of the Swiss Guard and the chamberlain to the Pope, who heads the church until a new pope is chosen, that there really is an antimatter. Meanwhile, a phone call from a man who claims he is from the Illuminati, threatens to murder four cardinals then set off the bomb in Vatican City. The member of the Illuminati seeks revenge on the Catholic Church for the treatment of the Illuminati and scientists over the years. Searching through archives and clues, Robert and Vittoria risk their lives to save the Vatican and find the murderer. (Librarian Reviewer: Olga)

Discussion Questions

1) At the beginning of Angels & Demons, why did Robert believe the mysterious caller?

2) What did you think about the character Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca?

3) Were you convinced by the Vatican wanting to keep everything a secret at the end?

4) Which novel did you prefer and why, Angels & Demons or The Davinci Code?

5) Have you seen the movie for Angels & Demons? The Davinci Code? How do you think the movie compared to the novel(s)?

May Book of the Month

2009-05-12T06:08:00.004-05:00

A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas was the inspiration for this outstanding novel of suspense. Like Edmund Dantes, the principal character in the classic 1844 novel, Danny Cartwright is on top of the world. His childhood sweetheart Beth Wilson has agreed to marry him. They decide to celebrate with style and meet Beth’s brother Bernie in a tavern on the right side of town. A terrible tragedy occurs on this memorable evening, and Danny is unfairly sentenced to a crime that he did not commit. Also, like Edmund Dantes, Danny escapes from prison and through both meticulous planning and a little luck Danny puts into action a plan to seek revenge and bring down those individuals who ruined his life. Throughout the ordeal Beth never wavers in her support of Danny. Where others have doubt, she knows that he is innocent, and it is her love that keeps focussed on the path to right some terrible wrongs.

A brilliant novel of revenge and redemption. Archer writes prison scenes with great authority. Archer was found guilty of perjury and perverting the course of justice at a 1987 trial and was sentenced to four years in prison. Like Nick Moncrief, a principal character in the novel, Archer also kept a prison diary. The secret world of Swiss banking is also revealed in the novel. Highly recommended. (HPL Librarian Review)

April Book of the Month

2009-04-08T08:00:00.006-05:00

The Outliers: the Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

Men and women who do things that are out of the ordinary are defined as outliers. Gladwell argues that successful and extraordinary individuals did not ‘arrive’ on their own. They are beneficiaries of cultural legacies as well as opportunities and advantages that are not always readily apparent but are, in fact, predictable and powerful. They were born with interests and abilities, like the rest of us, but have had advantages that most of us did not. Gladwell does not downplay the high IQ’s of successful individuals or the hard work and the tremendous amount of hours invested in their undertaking; however, these people had the opportunities which allowed them to focus. He addresses the old adage that practice makes perfect and actually assigns a total number of hours to achieve mastery. Gladwell re-enforces the common knowledge that timing is everything – but so are families, place of birth, month of birth, personality, work ethic and luck! Gladwell provides much food for thought as he explores related issues such as the apparent proficiency at mathematics that Asian students have over their Western counterparts, North American summer vacations versus European and extended school schedules, cultural differences between countries, etc. Finally, Gladwell allows us a glimpse into his own personal history by demonstrating how the outlier principals have affected his family.

An outstanding exploration of the history and concept of success that pulls together a vast amount of data and information but makes it totally accessible for the lay person. Highly recommended (P.S. Plan to have your children the first part of the year as they will have undeniable advantages over the rest of us born toward the end of the year!) (Librarian Reviewer: Joanne)

Discussion Questions

1) What impact has this book had on you? Do you feel that there is any truth?

2) Gladwell investigates natural talent versus practical talent. He believes that through many
hours of practice, an individual develops his / her talent. Do you believe in the 10,000
hour rule?

March Book of the Month

2009-03-10T10:06:00.010-05:00

Still Alice

Still Alice, a touching story about a 50 year old woman's dramatic discovery that she is slowly entering the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Alice is an independent well respected and prominent professor at Harvard. Her family and home on the Cape are the love of her life. Everything seemed perfect. Suddenly, Alice noticed she couldn't remember certain things and the disruptive forgetfulness began taking a toll. At the climax of her career, she was diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease. Embrace the life of Alice and embark on a journey of living in the dark crevices of Alzheimer's, losing independence and altering lifestyles.

Discussion Questions:

1) Why do you think Alice was initially afraid to tell John about her illness?

2) Do you believe that Alice's reputation may have suffered from announcing her illness? Why do you think Alice felt this is how she was perceived?

3) What do you think of John's reaction to the news? Why did he not want to watch Alice take her medication?

4) How do you feel about the reactions from Alice's family? Do agree with Lydia's decision not to go for prescreening?

Welcome Back

2009-03-08T12:36:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the Newly Rennovated HPL Online Book Club!

Beginning this March, the HPL Online Book Club will select a different book each month to review. Similar to the previous online book club, you will have the opportunity to voice your opinion on the book of the month. A variety of genres will be chosen to accommodate many reading preferences. As always, any suggestions from our fellow readers are always welcome.

Best Reads of 2008

2008-12-29T08:50:00.007-05:00

Happy Holidays!!

2008 is coming to a close and before 2009 tiptoes closer, it's time to highlight the best fiction novels of 2008. This year has captured unique dramas, audacious mysteries and bold crime novels.

A riveting family saga, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle explores the deep and ancient alliance between humans and dogs, and the power of fate through one boy’s epic journey into the wild.Born mute, speaking only in sign, Edgar Sawtelle leads an idyllic life with his parents on their farm in remote northern Wisconsin. For generations, the Sawtelles have raised and trained a fictional breed of dog whose thoughtful companionship is epitomized by Almondine, Edgar''s lifelong companion. But with the unexpected return of Claude, Edgar''s uncle, turmoil consumes the Sawtelle''s once-peaceful home. When Edgar''s father dies suddenly, Claude insinuates himself into the life of the farm – and into Edgar''s mother’s affections.Grief-stricken and bewildered, Edgar tries to prove Claude played a role in his father''s death, but his plan backfires, spectacularly. Edgar flees into the vast wilderness lying beyond the farm. He comes of age in the wild, fighting for his survival and that of the three yearling dogs who follow him. But his need to face his father’s murderer, and his devotion to the Sawtelle dogs, turn Edgar ever homeward.Wroblewski is a master storyteller, and his breathtaking scenes – the elemental north woods, the sweep of seasons, an iconic American barn, a ghost made of falling rain – create a family saga that is at once a brilliantly inventive retelling of Hamlet, an exploration of the limits of language, and a compulsively readable modern classic. (Doubleday Canada)

Mackenzie Allen Philips'' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack''s world forever. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant "The Shack" wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You''ll want everyone you know to read this book! (Windblown Media)

Set in Boston at the end of the First World War, New York Times bestselling author Dennis Lehane's long-awaited eighth novel unflinchingly captures the political and social unrest of a nation caught at the crossroads between past and future. Filled with a cast of unforgettable characters more richly drawn than any Lehane has ever created, The Given Day tells the story of two families—one black, one white—swept up in a maelstrom of revolutionaries and anarchists, immigrants and ward bosses, Brahmins and ordinary citizens, all engaged in a battle for survival and power. Beat cop Danny Coughlin, the son of one of the city's most beloved and powerful police captains, joins a burgeoning union movement and the hunt for violent radicals. Luther Laurence, on the run after a deadly confrontation with a crime boss in Tulsa, works for the Coughlin family and tries desperately to find his way home to his pregnant wife. (HarperCollins Publisher)

What other novels have you read in 2008 that you would recommend as a must read?

Fantastic Fall Stories

2008-11-21T13:36:00.001-05:00

Fall is a fantastic time of year when the leaves begin to change with a multitude of brilliant colours and contrasts. What better way to enjoy the cool breezes on your front porch as the colourful leaves fall down with a great book. The fall line up has been filled with some great crime, mysteries, thrillers, drama and humour. There's something for everyone.

The featured book for this Fall is "The Shack" by William P. Young.

Mac is a grief-stricken father in mid-life about to have an extraordinary experience with God. His great sadness began four years ago on a weekend camping trip, when his 6-year-old daughter, Missy, was murdered. What he couldn't know then, but is about to learn, was God's purpose for Missy's death. Roger Mueller's clear, gentle voice characterizes Mac's family with high-spirited joy and laughter. His portrayal of Missy's animated excitement makes her especially believable. His polished performance of grief-stricken Mac brings tears. With empathy and sensitivity, Mueller captures the mysterious voices of those who have invited him to the now abandoned, yet transformed, cabin in the wilderness. This compelling fantasy explores themes of love, loss, and blame.

(Amazon.com Editorial Review - Audiofile 2008)

Check out some of these latest releases!

Coming Soon to a Library near you....

Tell us about the latest book you've read.

2008 Giller Prize Winner

2008-11-20T23:11:00.007-05:00

Canadian author, Joseph Boyden won the 2008 Giller Prize November 11, 2008.

From internationally acclaimed author Joseph Boyden comes an astonishingly powerful novel of contemporary aboriginal life, full of the dangers and harsh beauty of both forest and city. When beautiful Suzanne Bird disappears, her sister Annie, a loner and hunter, is compelled to search for her, leaving behind their uncle Will, a man haunted by loss.While Annie travels from Toronto to New York, from modelling studios to A-list parties,Will encounters dire troubles at home. Both eventually come to painful discoveries about the inescapable ties of family. Through Black Spruce is an utterly unforgettable consideration of how we discover who we really are. (penguin.ca)

Who is your favorite Canadian author?

Sensational Summer Reads

2008-08-08T08:55:00.007-05:00

As the summer fades away and the children are getting ready to go back to school, now is the time to get that last chance to read one of the bestsellers of the season. Whether you are a mystery, romance or thriller fan...there are a ton of great books that you could still read while you're hanging by the pool, beach or backyard.

Mamma Mia - Movie Review

2008-07-30T20:43:00.005-05:00

Aside from bestselling books, blockbuster movies this summer have generated record sales due to the opening of Batman: The Dark Knight. Another top seller at the box office was Mamma Mia. I had the opportunity to see Mamma Mia for the very first time on opening night and to be honest, I was shocked to hear it was sold out. I'm not much of a movie musical fan, but it was fun to see the movie with a group of friends. Although I have not had the opportunity to read or see the play, I have heard that it is better than the actual movie. I felt Meryl Streep was fabulous in this movie...who would have thought she could sing so beautifully.
Reviewed by: Olga

What did you think about the play or movie?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2008-01-02T08:47:00.000-05:00

On behalf of the HPL online book club staff, we'd like to wish you all a Happy New Year!

Throughout 2008, you will see changes happening to the online book club. The online book club site available through the Hamilton Public Library will discontinue until further notice. We are working on developing a new online book club site that is more user friendly. In the meantime, this blog will continue. We will begin 2008 with a discussion of recent novels you have read. Please comment on any interesting or not so interesting stories you have read over the holidays. If you haven't had the opportunity to read over the holidays, are there any titles that you may be interested in reading?

Check out the New York Times Book Review:

100 Notable books of 2007

The 10 best books of 2007

Bestsellers

Indigo / Chapters New titles coming soon:

Coming Soon...

Suspense on the High Seas

2007-12-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

Santa Cruise by Mary Higgins Clark

America's Queen of Suspense -- Mary Higgins Clark -- joins forces with her daughter Carol -- bestselling author of the Regan Reilly mysteries -- in this fast-paced novel set on a special holiday cruise that sets sail from Miami the day after Christmas.

Alvirah Meehan, the lottery winner turned amateur sleuth; her husband, Willy; recently hitched private detective Regan Reilly and her groom, Jack, head of the NYPD Major Case Squad; and Regan's parents, Nora and Luke, are guests on the Royal Mermaid's maiden voyage, the Santa Cruise. The cruise is Commodore Randolph Weed's gift to a select group of people who in the last year "made the world a better place." What he really wants is good publicity that will generate future bookings for his struggling new venture. He also plans to scatter his beloved mother's ashes at sea during this four-day odyssey in the Caribbean. What he doesn't know is that his ne'er-do-well nephew, Eric, has smuggled two escaping criminals on board. Simon & Schuster (simonsays.com)

It's almost winter and that means freezing temperatures warrant the demand for warm destinations / cruises. Where would you like to go on a cruise?

What if?

2007-11-05T00:48:00.000-05:00

Saving the King

Sometimes you come across a great image in a book, one that you know will stay with you. It is 1940 and the Germans have invaded Britain and won. In the back of a captured German staff car, Queen Elizabeth (who we later came to know as the Queen Mother) is firing a revolver back at pursuing Germans. She is resplendent with a pink eye-patch over her right eye, an eye she lost in a raid on Buckingham Palace, a raid in which her husband, the King, died.

Now, if a book can come up with an image like that, don't you want to read it?

The book is somewhat episodic and Oldham jumps from action to action almost as if he wrote a much longer book and has edited out chunks of it to present us with what we have in hand. Thus we start with John Stafford, a 17-year-old Canadian "doing" Europe, getting employed to spy on the Nazis and, in the process, preventing an assassination of the Crown Prince of Romania. He also stops some Italian submarine saboteurs. Later, when war breaks out, he enrols and later becomes a Commando. He rescues the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, about to be crowned King and Queen by the Nazis, from the Tower of London, together with the last Yeoman and 4 Ravens. Amazon.ca

What do you think life would be like today if WWI or WWII had a different outcome?

A Web of Mystery

2007-10-02T07:32:00.000-05:00

Every Wickedness

Watch the ones you know …

From the grisly discovery of the first victim, the city of San Francisco is gripped by terror. Seductive, irresistible and deadly, the Spiderman entices and traps beautiful young women with lethal precision, never failing to leave his mark — an ancient insignia, the Chi Rho, carved into the wrists of his prey. Beth Wells’s roommate was the killer’s fourth victim. Now Beth must deal not only with her mounting suspicions about the Spiderman’s identity but also with fear for her own safety after she receives a series of threatening letters. Lieutenant Jim Kearns heads the investigation into the killings. Increasingly obsessed by the case, Kearns grows more determined to bring down the Spiderman before he strikes again. After all, the Spiderman is just a man. A man who can be caught. A man capable of every wickedness. RandomHouse.ca

While reading the story, who did you think the murderer was and why?

End of Summer Romance

2007-09-04T15:44:00.000-05:00

Deafening

After a summer of slick, steamy thrillers, Canadian writer Frances Itani's first novel is the literary equivalent of a cool autumn breeze. War and peace, language and silence, and separation and attachment are among the themes embraced in this American debut set in early 1900s Canada.
Scarlet fever robbed red-haired Grania O'Neill of her hearing at the tender age of 5. Her mother, Agnes, holds herself responsible for the illness, because she took Grania "the night she was so ill, through the open passageway in winter so that she could keep her close, watch over her, keep her on a cot in the hotel kitchen while she worked."
Grania thrives in school, and after graduation takes a job at the school hospital, where she meets a kind-eyed hearing man named Jim. Through Itani's vivid imagery and lyrical prose, we enter Grania's world as she communicates with her new companion, both by watching his mouth and putting her hands to his lips.
- Allison Block is a writer and editor in La Jolla, California.

What did you think about this story?

Murder Mystery on the Beach

2007-08-01T13:08:00.001-05:00

Beach House

Columbia University law student Jack Mullen is stunned with the drowning death of his younger brother Peter. The police conclude that Peter died when he smoked pot and drowned on the Amagansett estate of the wealthy Neubauer family. However, Jack looks at his sibling's corpse and sees the obvious marks of a beating. He feels someone killed his brother. Jack wants the truth and with the help of some friends begins asking questions. However, as he turns up the heat on the local law enforcement officials and the Neubauer family, thug Rory “Fixer” Hoffman makes life frightening and miserable for Jack and associates. Soon Jack loses his girlfriend (a Neubauer), and his internship at a prestigious law firm as the influence of one of Long Island's most powerful families come to bear on him. Still he presses on because justice will only be served if he takes matters into his own hands including abducting the Neubauer patriarch. (Allreaders.com)

What is your favorite James Patterson book?

Summer of Sorcery

2007-07-03T16:54:00.000-05:00

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Say you've spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand and jellybeans that come in every flavour, including strawberry, curry, grass and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J K Rowling's enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. In the non-magical human world--the world of "Muggles"--Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is renowned as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoilt, pig-like cousin Dudley. (Amazon.co.uk)

Check out the Official Harry Potter Website

**The polls are now closed for your favorite Harry Potter book. The most number of votes goes to the winner "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." Thank you for voting.**

Why did you like the Harry Potter book you voted for?

Magical Journey

2007-06-04T19:23:00.000-05:00

Life of Pi

The precocious son of a zookeeper, 16-year-old Pi Patel is raised in Pondicherry, India, where he tries on various faiths for size, attracting "religions the way a dog attracts fleas." Planning a move to Canada, his father packs up the family and their menagerie and they hitch a ride on an enormous freighter. After a harrowing shipwreck, Pi finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean, trapped on a 26-foot lifeboat with a wounded zebra, a spotted hyena, a seasick orangutan, and a 450-pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker ("His head was the size and color of the lifebuoy, with teeth"). It sounds like a colorful setup, but these wild beasts don't burst into song as if co-starring in an anthropomorphized Disney feature. After much gore and infighting, Pi and Richard Parker remain the boat's sole passengers, drifting for 227 days through shark-infested waters while fighting hunger, the elements, and an overactive imagination. (Amazon.com)

Describe some of your most memorable journey's.

Tackling Poverty Through the Arts One Book, One City

2007-04-30T13:33:00.000-05:00

Looking for X

Smart and independent, 11-year-old Khyber lives with her mom, Tammy, a former stripper, and her autistic twin brothers in a poor Toronto neighborhood. Though she doesn't have a lot in common with her classmates, Khyber does have wonderfully eccentric friends: Valerie, Toronto's meanest waitress, and X, a homeless woman in hiding from the secret police. Despite having to deal with pompous social workers who make her mother cry and ignorant kids who make remarks about her brothers, Khyber manages to enjoy herself, poring over atlases, planning exotic journeys, and taking peanut butter sandwiches to X. But when Tammy decides to move her sons to a group home for proper care, Khyber's world starts to crumble. She fights with her mom and then gets expelled from school. To make matters worse, X suddenly disappears. Khyber sets out to find her in a wild all-night odyssey of self-discovery. (Amazon.com)

Find out how Hamilton is Tackling poverty.

How would you tackle poverty in Hamilton?

Spring Twists

2007-03-30T14:12:00.000-05:00

A Twist of Malice

A Twist of Malice brings together fourteen short stories, told with economy and clarity. Their settings, protagonists and plots cover a wide range; yet the common element of irony unites them. In Jean Rae Baxter’s dark vision, nothing is as it seems or as it should be. Her characters lose their dreams, or they dream too much. Obsession overwhelms a love-struck youth. A university student copes with the aftermath of a rape she cannot remember. Two eleven-year-olds kidnap a cat...

*Many Thanks to our special guest author Jean Rae Baxter for joining us in our April discussion of her book A Twist of Malice*

Family Feuds

2007-03-02T14:18:00.000-05:00

A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian

It has been two years since Ludmilla passed away. Her husband, an 84-year-old engineer and intellectual has fallen in love with a 36-year-old Ukrainian blond bombshell whom he wants to marry! Nikolai tries to sell his daughters Nadia and Vera on the story that he in trying to help Valentina and her son Stanislav escape the horrors of their country of birth and permanently relocate to the UK, the land of freedom and opportunity. It becomes painfully apparent to the middle-aged sisters that Valentina is using Nikolai for his meagre possessions of which there will be little left if she continues to get her way. Nikolai is weak and easily controlled by his Venus. Can his daughters save him before he is broken, literally and figuratively, by this she-devil?

What would you do if you were faced with a similar circumstance? Would you intervene?

Romantic Getaways

2007-02-03T09:45:00.000-05:00

Bachelor Brothers' Bed & Breakfast

The Bachelor Brothers' Bed & Breakfast is a rustic retreat on one of British Columbia's beautiful Gulf Islands. Its owners are the endearingly eccentric Hector and Virgil, twins by birth, though not by nature. Their B&B attracts a particular and sometimes peculiar clientele of slightly confused and gentle bookish people. Bachelor Brothers' Bed & Breakfast relates the stories of Hector and Virgil growing up, their recent misadventures, and excerpts from their visitors' book, in which their guests describe the mysterious paths that led them to this haven of old-world charm that time has thankfully passed by. (From the Publisher)

Please recommend a memorable Bed & Breakfast that you have visited!

New Year Selection

2007-01-02T17:32:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year Fellow Book Lovers!

This month's book, Sugarmilk Falls by Ilona Van Mil, is a riveting mystery set in a tiny northern Ontario town. A stranger appears in Sugarmilk Falls and begins to ask some very disturbing questions. For years the community has tried to forget the devastating events that took place years ago. But now the wound has been reopened.

Please let us know if you have any suggestions for future online book club titles.

Holiday Recipe Exchange

2006-12-02T18:46:00.000-05:00

Just in time for the holidays!

The Online Book Club is reading the thinnest, funniest, and most delicious book this month, Dave Cooks the Turkey by Stuart McLean. Why not join in the fun! We would love to exchange Holiday recipes and the perfect place to do this is on our new Online Book Lover’s Blog.

Welcome Online Book Lovers!

2006-11-21T14:26:00.000-05:00

Greetings fellow book lovers! The Hamilton Public Library Online Book Club was introduced October 26, 2005. There are currently 77 active members in the club. We've discussed a wide range of books including our first selection "Memory Book" by Howard Engel and our latest "Three Day Road" by Joseph Boyden. Two of our most lively and popular discussions were books suggested by members of our club; "Death of a poison pen" by M.C. Beaton and "Undomestic Goddess" by Sophie Kinsella. In September, we hosted author Gillian Chan who facilitated the discussion of her book "A Foreign Field."

We have created this blog to entice club members and future club members to express their views in a less formal structure. So please feel free to make comments or suggestions regarding the current month's discussion, upcoming titles, etc... This will give you another way to chat about books and reading.

For those interested in becoming a member of the HPL online book club, please feel free to view the site at: Hamilton Public Library Online Book Club

We look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you,

Online Book Club Staff