Book Review: Sorta Like a Rock Star by Matthew Quick

Amber Appleton is a hope spreader. She befriends stray dogs, Korean immigrants, nursing home residents, kids with disabilities, and a lonely Vietnam veteran. Amber is bound and determined to make the world a better place.

And Amber is homeless. She sleeps in the back of a school bus that her single mother drives during the day, warmed only by a few blankets and her dog Bobby Big Boy. Amber and her mother have been living this way since Mom's last boyfriend threw them out into the street.

Through determination and faith, Amber has managed to succeed in school and become an advocate for society's misfits.

Until the night her mother goes missing and is eventually found dead.

Even though her friends rally around her, Amber sinks into a depression, stops going to school, and barely leaves her room in her newly adoptive home. Then one day, a crisis occurs that she cannot ignore, and slowly she begins to come back to her radically changed life.

Part Maniac Magee, part It's a Wonderful Life, this book runs the gamut of emotions. You will root for Amber all the way, even in her meanest moods.

-- Kifflie

November 13 is National Gaming Day

On Saturday, November 13, the Menomonee Falls Public Library will observe National Gaming Day. Games for all ages will be available for play in the library.

In the Meeting Room, we will have table games such as Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Uno, and Pictureka set out for play from 9:00 AM to noon.

At noon, our Chess Club instructor, Ben Corcoran, is planning to play several simultaneous chess matches with any opponents willing to take him on. Prizes will be awarded for anyone who can beat Ben or play him to a draw!

Our Nintendo Wii will be set up for gaming in the Youth Program Room from noon until 4:00 PM. Games will include Wii Sports Resort, Mario Kart, Super Smash Brothers, and Super Mario Galaxy.

All are welcome to attend this event and to try out as many games as you like. No registration is required. Call Kifflie at 532-8910 if you have any questions.

Ghosts and Haunted Houses

(Cross-posted from the main library page. If you like learning about haunted places, this program is for you! -- Kifflie)

On Monday, October 25th at 7:00 p.m., haunted house enthusiast Curt Strutz will lead you on a virtual tour of the nation's most haunted locations. Ghost hunters, history buffs and anyone with an appetite for the creepy should not miss this.

Ghosts and Haunted Houses is free of charge and open to the public. Due to the nature of the material, this presentation is intended for teen and adult audiences.

If you have any questions, please contact Karen at 262-532-8912.