Check out these book reviews from Deena. Deena was a member of the Library’s Patron Service Team who recently retired. She has generously continued to share book reviews with us. Thank you, Deena!
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This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger DB96864
It is 1932, and three boys leave Lincoln Indian School in Minnesota when circumstances become unbearable. Before leaving the area, they rescue their friend, Emmy, who was recently orphaned from the evil heads of the school, the Brickmans. The foursome head down the river in a canoe. Each boy is searching for something. Albert, the oldest is ever the protector, trying to keep everyone safe and together. Mose, who cannot speak and is the only Native American of the bunch, is searching for who he is and where he came from. Odie who is almost 13, is looking for a home. As they journey down the river they face danger, as they are pursued by the Brickmans. They meet a cast of unique characters some helpful and some not so helpful. Follow their adventures as they move towards the Mississippi River and finally find what they are looking for.
Five Days at Memorial: life and death in a storm-ravaged hospital by Sheri Fink DB77656
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, Louisiana. Memorial Hospital prepared for the worst, but the area remained dry until water from other flooded areas was released. As the water rose, systems failed and generators lost power. Memorial was left in the dark, and the building became unbearably hot. The staff worked tirelessly to keep critically ill patients cool and comfortable. As days passed, conditions worsened. The staff was able to evacuate many patients. Despite calls to the hospital owners, the national guard and the coast guard, patients remained waiting evacuation and several who were evacuated were left on a corner or just off the interstate with no food, water and no way of getting anywhere. The elevators in the building were not working and patients needed to be carried to a spot to be flown out. After Katrina, an investigation was started and a doctor and two nurses were accused of giving a number of patient’s fatal doses of medication. This chronicles all that took place after the storm and the ensuing charges against the three women. Many are to blame for this disaster, the city of New Orleans, the owners of the hospital and the CEO’s of the hospital. The lack of disaster preparedness is appalling.
I am the Central Park Jogger: a story of hope and possibility by Trisha Meili DB56125 , LT6959
In 1989, Trisha Meili went for a run in Central Park at night. She was assaulted and beaten. She was in a coma for nearly two weeks. Trisha explains due to a traumatic brain injury she had to relearn everything. Through therapy she had to relearn to walk, to do simple math, and other things, so she could return to her job as an investment banker. She kept her identity a secret for 14 years, because of extensive publicity and she was reluctant to tell anyone she was the Central Park jogger. She came to believe in spiritual healing and how prayer can make a difference in the recovery process. If you like survival stories this book is for you.