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Smiling Shelves

Recent Reads About Bookish Things

7/14/2016

3 Comments

 

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein

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This is the sequel to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library, which is one of my all-time favorite middle grade novels. Kyle Keeley and several of his classmates are locked in the brand-new library for the night, and they have to solve clues to escape. The first one out becomes the new face of the Lemoncello game company. In Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics, other middle school book lovers have demanded a rematch and a chance to participate. There are new characters from across the country, new games and clues to solve, and of course, more utter wackiness from Mr. Lemoncello. It's just as much fun as the first book in the series, as Kyle and his friends race to win the Library Olympics - and to save the library as well.

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

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What if the Great Library of Alexandria never burned down? And what if it now controls the dissemination of information to the entire world? What if real, paper-and-ink books are only found on the black market? Jess' family's business is exactly that - black market trading of books. But his family wants him on the inside, so he is sent to be trained to work for the Library. It turns out working for the Library is a lot more dangerous and full of secrets than you would ever expect. Rachel Caine has created an interesting alternate history, full of mystery and suspense. My only complaint is that it seems too much like a set-up for the rest of the series. It suffers from "second book of a trilogy"-itis, except it's only the first book. Despite this, I was definitely drawn into the world she created, and I'm glad the second book was just published so I can continue to follow Jess' story!

The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch

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Have you ever dreamed of owning a bookstore? I most certainly have! So did Wendy Welch and her husband Jack. When they moved to Big Stone Gap, Virginia, they found a beautiful house that would work perfectly for a bookstore, and they dived in with both feet. They soon discovered they were a little in over their heads, but that didn't stop them from giving everything they had to keep their little bookstore going. This is a delightful book. It is chock-full of funny anecdotes and book love and crazy customers. It also is an ode to the power of both books and community, as Jack and Wendy slowly find their place in a small town. Read this book curled up in a comfy chair, sipping a mug of tea, and prepare to fall in love with the little bookstore of Big Stone Gap.

3 Comments
Kate @ Mom's Radius link
7/14/2016 09:22:06 am

I'm glad you liked The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap. Of course, I have dreamed of owning a bookstore too. The fiction books I've tried on this topic lately haven't worked for me, so maybe I should try this true story. I am adding it to my list!

Reply
Emily link
7/15/2016 08:37:06 am

I've just added Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library to my library list - it sounds like so much fun! The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap also sounds wonderful and cozy, I think I'll be adding that to my list as well!

Reply
Christine @Buckling Bookshelves link
8/8/2016 11:18:18 am

These all sound great! Books about books are some of my favorites :)

Reply



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    My name is Julie, and I own a lot of books. As in, they are stacked on the floor because I've run out of room on the shelves. And those shelves? There are so many books on them that they smile -- not sag; smile. This blog will cover book reviews and all manner of other bookish things.

    You can contact me at julie@smilingshelves.com.

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