Title: Amazonia
Classification: Fiction
Author: James Rollins
Publisher: Avon
Copyright: 2002
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: James Rollins' books are excellent action thrillers. Amazonia is one of my favorites!

Title: Ancient Egypt: An Illustrated Reference
Classification: History
Author: Lorna Oakes
Publisher: Barnes & Noble Books
Copyright: September 2003
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This non-fiction illustrated guide to Ancient Egypt is nothing short of fascinating. Even for those who don't like to read every detail, the photographs and illustrations are beautiful.

Title: Angels and Demons
Classification: Fiction
Author: Dan Brown
Publisher: Pocket Books
Copyright: 2000
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Dealing with a secret, ancient brotherhood and a plot to annihilate the Vatican city, this book is absolutely perfect for those of you who love fast-paced, thrilling adventure stories.(Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: The Bhagavad-Gita
Classification: Religion & Philosophy
Author: Translated by R.C. Zaehner
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Copyright: 1965
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The Bhagavad-Gita is one of the most sacred texts of the Hindu religion. As a religious text, the book is not a particularly easy read, but it is fascinating and spiritually satisfying.

Title: Black Boy
Classification: Fiction
Author: Richard Wright
Publisher: Harper Collins
Copyright: 1998
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A fictionalized autobiography about a boy's growing up in the Jim Crow south. The book is very descriptive and not appropriate for anyone under 14.

Title: Digital Fortress
Classification: Fiction
Author: Dan Brown
Publisher: St. Martins Press
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is a fantastic book. Lovers of "Da Vinci Code" and "Angels and Demons" must read "Digital Fortress" - a techno-thriller with non-stop adventure.

Title: East of Eden
Classification: Fiction
Author: James Steinbeck
Publisher: Penguin Group
Copyright: 2002
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A modern retelling of the Book of Genesis that is often brutal.

Title: Egyptology
Classification: Children's
Author: Emily Sands
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Copyright: October 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book is beautifully illustrated with plenty of special features including maps, a hieroglyph booklet, and a scrap of textured "mummy cloth." Great for children as well as anyone who has an interest in Ancient Egypt.

Title: The Fairy Godmother
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Publisher: Luna Books
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A hilarious look at what happens when "fairy tales" don't happen the way they're supposed to. The story follows a young woman who was supposed to be the "Cinderella" of her kingdom.

Title: The Forensic Science of C.S.I.
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Katherine M. Ramsland
Publisher: Penguin Group
Copyright: September 2001
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Lovers of the hit show C.S.I. should definitely read this book. The real crime scene experts explain various techniques used in the field today. Some of the real cases are a bit gruesome, so this book is not for the squeamish.

Title: Freedom Crossing
Classification: Children's
Author: Margaret Goff Clark
Publisher: Scholastic
Copyright: February 1991
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This juvenile historical novel is full of secret passages and hiding places during an escape through the Underground Railroad. Great for children ages 9-12.

Title: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Classification: Children
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Scholastic
Copyright: July 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: As the sixth of the Harry Potter series, this is easily the most suspenseful and exciting thus far. Great for older children and adults, but not as appropriate for younger children.(Click here to check out other reviews for this title)

Title: Hide This French Book
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Berlitz Publishing Staff
Publisher: Berlitz
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Think you learned all your French skills in the classroom? Think again! This book is excellent for language lovers who want to learn French slang. But be warned, it is uncensored!

Title: The Illustrated Book of Signs and Symbols
Classification: Self-help
Author: Miranda Bruce-Mitford
Publisher: Barnes and Noble Books
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A brilliantly descriptive guide to signs and symbols including religious, nature, and people. This book is fascinating!

Title: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
Classification: Fiction
Author: Susanna Clarke
Publisher: Bloomsbury, USA
Copyright: August 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: An epic that follows the endeavors of a magician to prove that magic still exists, the story takes place in early 19th century England. Though sometimes dark, this book is exciting, suspenseful, and witty.

Title: The Mask of Atreus
Classification: Fiction
Author: Hartley
Publisher: Penguin Group
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A good action-adventure thriller. Between stolen antiquities, mythological heroes and murders, this book is fast paced and enjoyable.

Title: Michelangelo's Notebook
Classification: Fiction
Author: Paul Christopher
Publisher: Onyx Books
Copyright: June 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: It seemed a bit too similar in nature to Dan Brown's stories. A startling discovery leads to a desperate race to expose a secret from the final days of WWII.

Title: Mr. Darcy Takes A Wife
Classification: Fiction
Author: Linda Berdoll
Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc.
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Pride and Prejudice continued! Brilliantly written, this book is hilarious take on life with the Darcys. A must read, no doubt!

Title: Rebecca
Classification: Fiction
Author: Daphne Du Maurier
Publisher: Hearst
Copyright: 1994
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Rebecca is a classic suspense novel. Filled with great twists and surprises, I read this book in one night!

Title: Sandstorm
Classification: Fiction
Author: James Rollins
Publisher: Avon
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Another fantastic thriller. Rollins incorporates ancient mysteries into modern times to create his books. He's another great author to read while waiting for Dan Brown's next adventures.

Title: The Secret Supper
Classification: Fiction
Author: Javier Sierra
Publisher: Atria Books
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Dan Brown fans, check this out. Another excellent book on the controversy and mysteries of Da Vinci's artwork. I wasn't able to put it down! Title: Sense and Sensibility
Classification: Fiction
Author: Jane Austen
Publisher: Barnes & Noble Books
Copyright: August 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: If you liked "Pride and Prejudice", you'll probably like this one as well. Includes an introduction, footnotes, and end notes.

Title: The Seventh Scroll
Classification: Fiction
Author: Wilbur Smith
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Copyright: 1995
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Save for a few dry spots, this book is excellent. A fascinating fictional look into the mysteries of ancient Egypt filled with cryptic messages and danger around every corner.

Title: The Sign of the Beaver
Classification: Children's
Author: Elizabeth George Spears
Publisher: Random House Childrens Books
Copyright: July 1984
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This juvenile historical novel about an unlikely friendship between a Native American and white boy is wonderful for children primarily in grades 5-8.

Title: A Spell For Chameleon
Classification: Fantasy
Author: Piers Anthony
Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
Copyright: 1977
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is the first book in Anthony's "Xanth" series. Follow the main character Bink as he sets out on a journey seeking answers about his unidentified magical talent.

Title: World Religions
Classification: Religion & Philosophy
Author: John Bowker
Publisher: DK Publishing Inc.
Copyright: 2003
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A beautifully illustrated guide to the religions and faiths of the world. Each religion is deeply explored and explained.

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Meet Beth

I am a full-time college student, which often makes it difficult for me to read as much as I'd like to. I mostly enjoy non-fiction books, but will usually ready anything. I was lucky enough to work at the bookstore for six months before it closed. My biggest passion is studying Ancient Egypt, and I want very much to become an Egyptologist. I also enjoy science, namely forensics, chemistry, and astronomy. As far as books go, I love the Harry Potter series, works by Jane Austen and Dan Brown, as well as my vast collection of foreign language dictionaries. Speaking of which, I plan to learn as many languages as I can and be fluent in at least five (not including English) by the time I'm 27 (and I'm already on my way). On that note, I adore traveling and have toured parts of Italy, Austria, and Germany with a choir called "Kinderchor". If I could live anywhere in the world, it would probably be someplace in Europe (namely Italy or England), or somewhere near a museum that has lots of antiquities from Egypt. As for random bits of trivia, my favorite color is green; my favorite actor is Shirley Jones; I was a student director for my senior musical in high school; my favorite roller coaster is "Revenge of the Mummy" at Universal Studios, Florida; and I'm a fan of "villains" - my favorites including Professor Snape from Harry Potter and Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. Words to live by: "If you pile up enough tomorrows, you'll find you've collected nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays."

- The Music Man