Spring reading Library staffers review their favourite spring selections Adrian Mole: The Prostrate Years by Sue Townsend (Fiction) It has been almost 30 years since the very first Adrian Mole book was published, but this series certainly never looses its nerdy charm and hilarity. Adrian Mole has a problem once again, and again it has to do with things he'd rather not mention. After months and months of having "difficulties" he finally goes to see a doctor and is quickly diagnosed with a tumor. As treatments proceed, Adrian encounters many of his childhood friends including the gorgeous Pandora, and blind and gay Nigel. The usual family fiascos also ensue: Gracie, Adrian's daughter, battles with her teachers at school; Rosie, his half-sister, continues to question her paternity; Adrian's parents continue their guilt trips and marital woes, including dealing with the death of his father's mistress. Even if you don't remember Adrian when he was 13 3/4, you will not be disappointed by this immensely funny book. Reviewed by Clare Hanman Debt-Free Forever: Take Control of Your Money and Your Life by Gail Vaz-Oxlade (Non-Fiction) Financial goddess Gail VazOxlade has once again written a smart financial book that is easy to read and understand. That doesn't mean that getting rid of your debt will be easy! Like leading a horse to water, Gail provides the information, motivation and goal-setting techniques to lead you to the debt-free pond-- but she can't make you drink! Guiding you through the same no-nonsense approach she takes with couples on the TV show Til Debt Do Us Part, Gail clearly explains the processes that bring the results we see on the show. And, just like on the show, you have to meet all of Gail's challenges to succeed. Are you willing to do ANYTHING Gail tells you to do, to get out of debt? If you want to be debt-free forever, this book can help you...but remember this: Gail only helps those who help themselves! Reviewed by Elizabeth Debowy The Guinea Pig Diaries: My Life as an Experiment by A. J. Jacobs (Non-Fiction) A.J. Jacobs, an editor at Esquire magazine and author of two bestselling books, once again puts himself on the line by offering up his time (and perhaps his wife's sanity) to be a human guinea pig. In this latest account, Jacobs discovers: what it is like to pose naked for a magazine, how much trouble you can get into by only telling the truth, what life is like as an Oscar nominee at the Oscars, how to navigate the treacherous waters of Internet dating as a woman, whether or not it is possible to think of or do only one thing at a time, and how it is indeed possible to outsource every part of one's professional and personal life to India. Always hilarious and often startlingly revealing, this book investigates many hidden lives that we often don't think about. (And you don't need to feel sorry for Jacob's long-suffering wife, in the last chapter he spends a month obeying her every whim!) Reviewed by Clare Hanman Great Soup, Empty Bowls: Recipes from the Empty Bowls Fundraiser edited by Jamie Kennedy (Non-Fiction) When cold weather is upon us, nothing beats the aroma of homemade soup simmering on your stove for instant warmth and comfort. Great Soup Empty Bowls is a collection of recipes from the Empty Bowls Fundraiser which is an event that raises both money and awareness about poverty and hunger in our communities. Toronto's finest chefs have come together in this book to provide you with a variety of soup recipes that are light and healthy or rich and decadent. The collection includes tasty and unique recipes such as cream of lobster, roasted red pepper and Jerusalem artichoke soup. These hearty soups make a great main dish for you and your family and, when entertaining, soup is a perfectly elegant way to start a meal. Great Soup, Empty Bowls provides simple recipes that bring gourmet soups to your table. Enjoy! Reviewed by Maria Trinca Here's the Deal: Don't Touch Me by Howie Mandel with Josh Young (Non-Fiction) Ever wonder why Howie Mandel, host of Deal or No Deal, bumps fists with all his contestants? Whether you know Howie Mandel as a stand-up comedian, a dramatic actor or a game-show host, there is a private side to Howie Mandel that you likely are not aware of. In this his autobiography, Howie shares with his readers his rise to fame, from his humble beginnings in Toronto to his successful career in Los Angeles, all the while hiding his struggle with ADHD/OCD. 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