813.54 SHI

One of my favourite reads is To Kill A Mockingbird by American writer Harper Lee.  Probably one of the most widely read novels in high school English classes, generations of students have dissected its themes and plot points or watched the Academy Award winning performance of Gregory Peck as Atticus in the iconic movie version.  But wait – there’s so much more to the back story behind this novel and its creation.  This compulsively intriguing biography paints a portrait of Lee’s very private world, uncovers her struggles as a writer, describes the experiences which sparked the development of her novel characters, and showcases her life as an unconventional woman in a time where society dictated one’s future.   The book recaps Lee’s childhood friendship with fellow author Truman Capote, her pivotal role in his bestselling crime thriller In Cold Blood, and offers insights into her reluctance to publish a follow-up novel.   I Am Scout is not to be missed – I found it a very entertaining and satisfying read which only deepened my understanding and appreciation of Lee’s amazing accomplishments.

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GX 364.152 JEN

A riveting thriller about the hunt for the worst serial killer in US history – Seattle’s Green River Killer -responsible for the slaying of more than forty-eight women and girls.  A disturbing account written by the son of the detective who solved the case. An Eisner Award-Winning graphic novel.
An astounding graphic novel – this is not just a riveting, relentless crime story, but a crackling morality tale pitting the dark glamour of evil against the day-to-day hard work demanded in the upkeep of decency.  It’s a chilling, unnerving story, with sharp burst of humor and a strong, true, humane heart.  Absolutely fantastic.  – Gillian Flynn, author of Gone Girl

952.01 TUR

With more beheadings than you can shake a katana at, this account of the life of twelfth-century samurai Minamoto Yoshitsune is pure excitement. While he is known mostly through legends, Turner plumbs the archives to figure out who Yoshitsune—the man who redefined the samurai—really was. Beginning in 1160, her account describes the clan rivalry between the Minamotos and the Taira, particularly Yoshitsune's father's failed power grab, which lost him his head and tipped the scales to favor the Taira. Yoshitsune was sent to a Buddhist monastery, but as a teenager, he snuck away to pursue a warrior's life and seek revenge. Throughout, Turner uses modern language and points of reference to draw meaningful comparisons to historic events. For instance, she likens Yoshitsune's sudden decision to undergo samurai training to that of a "boy who never had played Little League showing up for spring training with the Yankees." In short, fast-moving chapters—each with opening art by the masterful Gareth Hinds—readers witness the rebellious, brave Yoshitsune's formative battles, rise to fame, and eventual fall in 1189, while gaining an understanding of the changing role of samurai in Japanese society. Every bit as exciting as fiction, Yoshitsune's saga is supported with extensive chapter notes, a time line, a character list, and an explanation of how Turner recreated his world. Kids who think history is boring will lose their heads over this one. Booklist

613.69 EME

Written by a retired Navy SEAL this book offers a real-life checklist for surviving in any environment, and learning to defend yourself and others in moments of crisis.  Short descriptions incorporating everyday objects and the use of clear graphic illustrations will help you learn how to:
Outwit a pickpocket
Escape a wild boar attack
Resist an attempted abduction
Survive a major earthquake
Filter water in a swamp
Survive a shark attack