Mid-Continent Public Library discussion

We're half way through 2014! What's on your reading list for this month?

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson. What is normal people became Epics and what is an Epic? Someone who now has super hero type powers and don't think very kindly to normal human beings anymore. First book in a series and I'm ready for the next title which is not due until fall 2014, Firefight.

Leading the Starbucks Way: 5 Principles for Connecting with Your Customers, Your Products and Your People by Joseph A. Michelli. This book provides good insight to the business culture at Starbucks. How the company attempts and with good measure to impact the neighborhood and lives of its customers every day, one cup at a time. Each employee is empowered and trained to make a difference in the lives of its customers with a personal touch. I found several principles I'm going to try to adopt for my employees this year.

I'm kind of on a WW1 binge and I just finished a book that I think I will ponder on for many weeks into the future. The Meaning of Names by Karen Gettert Schoemaker is on my All Time Top 10 list of books. The book is based on the experiences of the authors family.

Set in rural Nebraska in 1918 it explores themes of the immigrant experience, a community during war, ethnic discrimination and identity, family relationships, the role of the Catholic church, ethnic violence and farm life. The book focuses on Gerda and Fritz Vogel and Dr. Ed Gannoway. Gerda and Fritz married against the wishes of her family and she has essentially gone "into exile", having lost contact with her family because her father shuns her and her husband. There's emotional damage to Gerda from the death in childbirth of her older sister that Gerda accidentally witnesses as a child of 5. Gerda, Fritz and her stubborn father are German-American at the time in the U.S. when having a German last name or speaking with a German accent made others in the community question your loyalty to the U.S and your "American-ness", regardless of your citizenship status. At the same time family and community loyalties are examined, father-daughter, mother-daughter, husband-wife, parents-children, priest-congregation, neighbor-neighbor and doctor-patient relationships are explored.

This book sheds light on an aspect of World War 1 and the impact on German-American and rural communities that often gets overlooked when compared to the carnage taking place in Europe and the Middle East. The 1918 influenza pandemic is also an important element in the story, illustrating how a different and equally significant battle for life was going on well away from the front, but with equally devastating consequences.

I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading about history, family relationships and powerful storytelling.

Thank you for the recommendation. The book sounds very good and I look forward to reading it.

This book sounds like something I would find interesting. I put it on my to read list. Thanks.

The Dark Monk by Oliver Potzsch is a really good book about 1660 Bavaria. With interesting and varied characters, an intriguing mystery and search for a Templar treasure, and unique settings, I'm really enjoying this book. I haven't read the first book from this Hangman's Daughter series, but it's not necessary for understanding and enjoyment of this book.

Kevin wrote: "Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson. What is normal people became Epics and what is an Epic? Someone who now has super hero type powers and don't think very kindly to ..."

I read Steelheart recently! I really liked it! I read it as an eBook through OverDrive. I can't wait to read the next one either, and there's a short novella that you can read to help the wait. Mitosis

I'm on a Renaissance kick right now. I'm reading Name of the Rose and Malice of Fortune.

I have been reading paranormal cozy mysteries. The first one I came across is Truly, Madly by Heather Webber. Very light, fluffy read with romance thrown in.

Next came Secondhand Spirits by Juliet Blackwell. This one is set in San Fransisco. Lily, who is a witch, owns a vintage clothing store but also solves crimes.