The Lovely Bones

First of all let me say that this book isn't about happy endings. Sadly most stories in life don’t have happy endings and this is what the author, Alice Sebold was trying to tell us. The Lovely Bones is about how the Salmon’s family’s world was turned upside down one winter night when their eldest daughter, Susie, disappears on her way home from school.
With next-to-nothing clues to go on, her father becomes obsessed with the neighbor who he thinks did it. The mother drowns her sorrow into escaping from the family. Lindsey, the sister, has to endure the stigma of being the murdered girl's sister and Buck, the baby, has to endure everyone's loss as well as his. Not only does Susie's death affect her family, it affects two of the people she knew in life, her first love and a friend she barely knew.

Written from Susie's point of view as she observes life on earth from heaven, it is written in a very touching way. This book should have come with a warning on the front cover; "Kleenexes are necessary while reading this book." It is haunting, and the sorrow lingers long after the last page has been turned. This novel is about how people deal with grief and how they move on in spite of the death of a loved one. It is about letting go and remembering. It is about life and death. In spite of its premises, it really isn't a book about revenge. It is about life.

I would definitely recommend you read The Lovely Bones, more so now since the movie based on the novel hits theaters on December 11, 2009.

Searching for Bobby Fischer

Two thumbs up for this movie. Yes, I realize it is an older one. Buy hey, cheese and wine get better with age and this video is no exception.

I had purposely ignored this dvd for years despite others saying it was a good movie. It just seemed like it would be boring. After all, Bobby Fischer? Chess? However, this week was one of those weeks and I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did. Based on a true story, it is an eye opener on the world of chess and a demonstration of true sportsmanship. This is a story about finding one's character and courage in the face of mounting pressure and high expectations. Although Bobby Fischer’s story and name are weaved in and out of the movie, it is about prodigy chess player, Josh Waitzkin, a young man who even now is the highest place chess player under 18 in the country. You get to experience the world of chess behind the scenes and what a world it is.

It has a great cast of actors such as Laurence Fishburn, Joan Allen, Joe Mantegna, Ben Kingsley, David Paymer, and William H. Macy.

Intensely fascinating, thought-provoking, and heartwarming aptly describe this gripping movie. You will be fascinated by the chess world, aghast at the motivations of some, warmed by the ultimate decision of Josh’s parents and thrilled by the end result. You will find yourself rooting and cheering for Josh as the movie progresses.

This is a must see! You won’t be disappointed.



Kathy L. Stutzman
Community Relations Assistant

The Girl With the Crooked Nose

If you like true story murder tales, you will find this book interesting. Written by Ted Botha, this book follows Frank Bender as he goes from being a photographer to creating plaster busts of unidentified murder victims. His uncanny ability to "see" a face through a blank skull, leads to identifications of many missing people, and arrest of the murderers.
This informative book also has photos detailing his procedures and the finished busts with photos of the actual victim. It is uncanny the ability that he has to do this "artwork."
A mix of true murder and creative crime solving, you'll enjoy this book from beginning to end!