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Spring reading Library staffers review their favourite spring selections Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Any Chua (Non-fiction) This is not a parenting how-to. It is also not exactly a parenting how-not-to. It can perhaps be considered a cautionary tale about how different parenting philosophies can have such radically different results, triumphs and consequences. Chinese children are renowned for their musical talents and good grades, and behind every prodigy there is a Tiger Mother constantly doing everything she can to ensure her child's success. In this book, one such Tiger Mother tells her story: how she orchestrated the lives of her two daughters, how she battled with her own inner desire to constantly compete (even over the intelligence of the family dogs), how her daughters flourished, and how ultimately they rebelled. I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to The Blind Side and Beyond by Michael Oher with Don Yaeger (Non-fiction) Michael Oher's story, made famous by the awardwinning book and movie, The Blind Side, is now told by the man himself. Michael was taken into the care foster system at an early age because his mother kept locking her 12 children out of the house. This was followed by many years on the run from the system, living with neighbours. It was through one of these neighbors that Michael was given the opportunity to attend the private school where he met the Touhys, the family that ultimately adopted him and helped him to pursue his career in football. While telling his own story, Michael presents a clear picture of the state of foster care in America and offers hope and encouragement to others who face similar situations. It is truly an inspiring read. Reviewed by Clare Hanman The Blessings of the Animals by Katrina Kittle (Fiction) As I love animals, I was drawn to this book by the beautiful title and cover. This is a lovely novel about a veterinarian who discovers that the love she receives from the abused animals she treats can help her make sense of the chaos around her. It is the story of betrayal, surprises, family secrets, teenagedaughter-complications and how it is possible to learn through animals how to forgive, have compassion, and find happiness. I loved this novel and how it relates to the healing touch of love given unconditionally by animals. It made me love and appreciated my own dog even more than I did before. This charming, uncomplicated read is one that I think you will really enjoy. The Countess by Rebecca Johns (Fiction) The Countess is a dark tale, loosely based on the life of a 16th century Hungarian noblewoman, Erzsebet (Elizabeth) Bathory, the "Blood Countess." Erzsebet enters into an arranged marriage and becomes a shrewd businesswoman. Female servants are employed at her castle, but many die when Erzsebet's strict disciplining turns sinister. The village priest refuses to perform the ever-increasing number of funerals for all the girls who have died. The villagers and Erzsebet's political enemies turn against her as rumors spread of bodies being secretly removed from the castle under the cover of darkness. Erzsebet attempts to justify her actions while telling her life story as she wastes away in her castle prison. Dust by Joan Frances Turner (Fiction) Jessica likes to stay up late, run around with her friends, and eat raw flesh. She is a walking corpse who runs with her maggotinfested gang in the woods. In her world, cities and towns are carefully barricaded to prevent humans from running into her kind. In this very original novel, we get a first-hand point of view of the zombie herself. The world through her eyes is a fascinating place of dancing, fighting and eating, until she notices that things are changing. A strange illness is causing zombies to look more alive and it could be connected to the secret of why zombies exist at all. Reviewed by Clare Hanman Reviewed by Eileen Ellis Reviewed by Christine Otto Reviewed by Sherry Farago 33 MOUNTAINVIEW RD. N., GEORGETOWN SPRING · 2011 43 S 905-877-6944 I D E R O A D S O F H A LT O N H I L L S Bratin Auto 82 Main St. N., Georgetown Is your vehicle ready for Spring? SEASONAL MAINTENANCE SPECIAL $ 905-873-6127 Includes oil change, tire rotation, battery test, 30 point inspection Expires June 30th, 2011 39 95