The Winning of Barbara Worth by Harold Bell Wright

The Winning of Barbara Worth by Harold Bell Wright

Posted by Anonymous

Reviewed by: Jim Patrick

What I Read: The Winning of Barbara Worth by Harold Bell Wright

Find It @YCLD: Here!

What It's About: The Winning of Barbara Worth is a bestselling novel from 1911. Author Harold Bell Wright was living in the Imperial Valley when he researched and wrote the novel.  Its subject is the “taming of the West,” and its setting and plot were based on actual contemporary events surrounding the reclamation of the Imperial Valley desert via the damming of the Colorado River.  (Rubio City of Wright’s novel is based on Yuma, Arizona.)  The novel contains a love story in which Barbara Worth will be “won” by either Abe Lee, an uneducated but hard-working Western surveyor, or by Willard Holmes, an educated but soft Eastern engineer.  It also contains a showdown between Jefferson Worth, an honorable Western banker, and James Greenfield, an amoral Eastern speculator.

What I Thought: Wright’s novels were not critically acclaimed when they were released, and they have been largely forgotten today.  They have often been dismissed as being didactic and sentimental.  By containing characters meant to “represent” good and bad aspects of human nature, Wright’s writing is particularly open to complaints about wooden and unrealistic characters.  Wright was a former Disciples of Christ pastor whose vocation shifted from the pulpit to what he called “the ministry of print.”  He unapologetically aimed to provide his readers with moral lessons that upheld traditional (and rural) values in the face of an increasingly urban, modern society.  As America’s most popular writer in the decade between 1910 and 1920, Wright tapped into a widespread longing for the values and ideals espoused in his books.  I enjoyed reading this old fashioned, dated novel, not only because of the Yuma connection, but because the events of the novel unfold in an entertaining, dramatic fashion.  The Winning of Barbara Worth is not a literary classic, but primarily for historical interest, it is well worth reading.

The Winning of Barbara Worth was one of the Yuma Carnegie Library’s most popular titles when the library first opened 95 years ago.  For this reason, the Heritage Library will host a discussion program about the novel and its author on March 31 at 10:30 a.m. Please join us!

Readalikes: The Shepherd of the Hills by Harold Bell Wright; Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey

Or look this book up on NoveList!

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015, Week 5

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015, Week 5

Posted by Anonymous

 
There's only one week left for summer reading! Be sure to turn in your last book reviews by Saturday, July 18th. If you haven't submitted a book review yet, this week's reviews may provide some inspiration: 

Reviewed by: Dusty W.
What I Read: What the Bible Says About the Future by eChristian Guides
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Excellent! Very simple, short, easy to read! I recommend ALL of the world to read; no matter what language spoken, or what faith practiced. Not to exclude readings from the whole Bible; discerning with the True Translation: The 1611 King James Version is always best! ALL must be warned while there's still time!

Reviewed by: Mea F.
What I Read: Women Who Live in Coffee Shops by Stella Pope Duarte
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Stella Pope Duarte is one of my favorite authors. She is a born and raised Phoenician. She began writing after having a dream about her father, who had passed away, and she was encouraged to write from his message. She is very proud of her culture. I have read all of her books. This book in particular was filled with wonderful short stories. The stories, locations noted and points-of-interest were very relative to me, as I too am a local. The book would be enjoyed by readers from anywhere. Each story seems as if it is perhaps a memory from days past. My favorite stories were Homeage, Mismatched Julian and Confession. Confession was great and paralleled my life growing up in church. I enjoyed being able to put the book down but never loosing my place, as each story was independent of the rest of the stories. Stella puts great substance into each story and there will be one which will sing to your heart personally. Please enjoy her other books as well. She is truly and amazing and proud author.

Reviewed by: Pat M.
What I Read: One Mile Under by Andrew Gross
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: I am fond of the author Andrew Gross and his work. This book did not disappoint.
Almost from the first page, the reader is started on a fast paced journey. There is a lot of action with great descriptions of white water rafting - something I had never done - and an extremely unlikely to do -
The story also brought into play fracking and the damage it would do to the environment. It was pertinent to things happening in the U.S.
All in all, a very good book.

Reviewed by: Pat M.
What I Read: Never Die Alone by Lisa Jackson
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This is one of the authors I read and I almost always enjoy her books.
This book had a little convoluted lot but I must say while I usually figure out the end before the end, this one alluded me.
It was quite suspenceful and detailed in its descriptions, especially the torture of the main character.
I would recommend this book to others - great read.

Reviewed by: Patricia M.
What I Read: Season of Fear by Brian Freeman
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This is another I read, but more infrequently than my usual ones. And I normally steer clear of political dramas, with the exception of "House of Cards" and "Scandal" on television.
This book had a good story line but sometimes I found it hard to keep track of the characters.
I just goes to show that the "game of politics" can be dirty and corrupt.

Reviewed by: Maria L.
What I Read: Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Oskar Schindler was responsible for saving the lifes of many Jews, He went broke trying to many Jews. My thought on this story are that Schindler above all had a soft heart and care for people;

Reviewed by: Angela T.
What I Read: The Forgotten Sisters by Shannon Hale
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: A great series, Princess Academy, of which this is the third book. The main character, Miri, is called upon to teach three royal cast-offs living in a swamp how to become princesses, to avoid war. An empowering princess story with strong themes of education, strength, (physical and mental) and friendship.

Reviewed by: Barbara Sapp
What I Read: Tail Gait by Rita Mae Brown
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Rita Mae Brown always writes wonderful stories about the animals. I love the way she has them talking, so we understand them. She thinks up great stories, even to include stuff from history, and ties it in with the present's goings on. I just wish she could write them faster, as I always want to read her books first, even if I have several at a time. I really enjoy how she has her pets as the brains behind the outfit helping to solve the mysteries & helps keep her heroine out of trouble!

Reviewed by: Barbara Sapp
What I Read: Picked to Die by Sheila Connolly
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: I love Sheila's orchard series books. She makes the little town where the heroine lives, so interesting, quaint, and full of history! I love hearing about the varieties of apples & al the things they have to do to get the crop in, She's another author I wish could get out books faster, as I love her easy style, & I like that she grabs my interest immediately, no matter how she starts out her cozies. And her recipes are fun to read, as well. Some I may just try one day!

Reviewed by: Sandra F.
What I Read: Double Down by Fern Michaels
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book is an offshoot of the Sisterhoods' series, which I read and loved every one. In this book it not about the girls but about the boys. All who are either husband or boyfriend of the girls. As with the girls they are keeping everything a secret from them. Thanks to Dennis's money they have a secured & fully functional building as a base of operations. There is love, intrigue, upsets, argument and a lot of brotherhood involved. Very good book, Hope for more.

Reviewed by: Michele J.
What I Read: Wisdom from Women in the Bible by John C. Maxwell
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book is incredible!! I loved it. I feel like I walked along side the author as he experiences what he is writting. I feel like I was there! This book seems to be written just for me. By the Creator Himself! Working through the author. I really feel this is a true experience in the authors life. It happened. Split second time also!!

Thanks to everyone who submitted a review! The last week's worth of patron input will be posted to the blog early next week.

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015 - Week 4, Part 1

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015 - Week 4, Part 1

Posted by Anonymous

 
Summer really has Yuma County fired up for reading! We received so many book reviews this past week that they'll be split into two blog posts, the better to give each a chance to shine. Thanks for your feedback on what you've been reading!

Reviewed by: Angela T.
What I Read: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
Find It at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: A fantastic classic who-done-it mystery. A widow commit's suicide and rumors begin that she killed her husband and was being blackmailed about it. Her new gentleman friend is then murdered in his locked study. There are many suspects and the story is cleverly written so you are strung along and surprised at the end! This is a Hercule Poirot detective novel, whose methods are similar to Sherlock Holmes, where every minor detail is important and everyone has a secret! Highly recommend!

Reviewed by: Dusty W. 
What I Read: A Hummingbird In My House by Arnette Heidcamp
Find It at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought:  The book was very heart-warming. The author's descriptive words allowed the reader to visualize every aspect of her true story she was trying to convey. The photos were beautiful and captured the events she spoke about along the way. I, myself, AM a bird lover; as I too observe the hummingbirds in my yard! I became educated in the types of flowers to grow in one's garden to attract these tiny birds; was also informed of their diet made up of not only sugars from nectar, but protein from insects. As for now, I'll let the hummers "honor me with their presence" in the wild, and enjoy my Zebra Finches indoors!

Reviewed by: Zoraya C.
What I Read: Is it hot in here? Or is it me? by Pat Wingert, et al.
Find It at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This books very interesting for me. I helps all. And I think that is good books for more people that ist in the Menopause.
Fue muy interesante y me ayudo mucho.

Reviewed by: Zoraya C.
What I Read: El pasaje silencioso by Gail Sheehy
Find It at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Muy bueno parami es muy interesande me gusty y me servio mucho.

Reviewed by: Carol P.
What I Read: The Daughter of Zion by Bodie Thoene
Find It at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: It is very well written & characters personalities keep it interesting as does the action & the drama. There are flash backs in the form of Rachel remembering when she & her mother & other Jews were packed in cattle cars who had been promised a cup of water, & when she was separated from her mother. The book, like the rest of the Zion series is fiction based in the time of history after World War II. The history part seems to be acurate and the fictional characters are intriguing & interesting. Is a good read.

Reviewed by: Carol P.
What I Read: The Return to Zion by Bodie Thoene
Find It at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book continues with the lives of the characters of The Daughter of Zion and through their talk & actions shows their love for their fellow-man & country & their desire for the world to recognize that they still struggle after the war has ended as the Arabs try to make the world believe that it is the Jews that continue to fight & bomb. The emotions & personalities of people from both sides & the Brits/English are clearly & interestingly shown as the Jews inside the Old City no longer receive supplies of food; but stubbornly stay any way. Book is very well written.

Reviewed by: Carol P.
What I Read: The New Whole Grains Cookbook by Robin Ashbell
Find It at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Easy to follow recipes. Good explanation as to why whole grains are better for you than refined grains. Has many good recipes for a large variety of various grains; for breads & muffins not requiring yeast & with reduced sugar & what fruits are good substitutes for oil or butter. Has recipes for using whole wheat, bulgur, quinoa, couscous, oats, wild rice, barley, buckwheat, rices, rye; and Job's Tears also known as Chinese barley or hato mugi. Explains different things about the various grains, such as wild rice isn't raely a rice but is an aquatic grass that originated in North American marshes.

Reviewed by: Nancy L.
What I Read: Se una pareja feliz by Barton Goldsmith
Find It at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Este libro trate de como cambiar los habitos negativos por positivos y fortalecerlos, como la gratitud y la honestidad, necesarios para una convivencia sana y amorosa con tu pareja, comprender que simples actos. de bondad y generosidad aumentan la posibilidad de una relacion feliz y Aceptar que la felicidad esta en to bueno actitud y deceo de cambio.

Reviewed by: Nancy L.
What I Read: Tengo 50 ¿y qué? by Giselle Blondet
Find It at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Este libro es un perfecto manual que en cada etapa de tu vida. seas exitosa, te sientas realiecida, bella y disfrutando de ser lo que eres, como lo hace. la conductura de televicion Giselle Blondet, El dia que ella complio los 50 años juro que nunca dina su edad. Y dire qe los 50 años son los nuevos 30.

Reviewed by: Nancy L.
What I Read: Por que los hombres se casan con las cabronas by Sherry Argov
Find It at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Este libro trata de que antes la mujer debia complacer en todo a su pareja, Sherry propone un nuevo modelo de mujer independiente, que se valvera la mas deseable, la que el querra a toda costa conquistar y conservar: Desde las ideas sobre. el compromiso hasta la vida sexual moderna, pasando por las ventajas de la independencia financiera y los secretos. mas obscuros del generao masculino, este libro te da las nerramientas para que el se sienta afortunado de querercasorse contigo.

Reviewed by: Sara Y.
What I Read: El Quijote by Miguel de Cervantes
Find It at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Una divertida historia de un hombre que por leer tantas avanturas de caballeros, pierde la cabeza. Literalmente pierda la cabeza y se autonombra "Caballero Andante". 
Aungue el español castellano en que esta escrito es dificil de entender y se tienen que leer las subnotas, esto no le resta brillantez a las tantas aventuras vividas en una imaginacion brillante de nuestro heroe por defender lo que el considera injusticias (que solo existen en su imaginacion) o que son reales pero que son su intervencion solo se agravan.

Check the Yuma Staff Picks Blog again at the end of the week for more reviews!

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015 - Week 3

Patron Picks! Summer Reading 2015 - Week 3

Posted by Anonymous

The Summer Reading Program is halfway through, but Yuma County's readers are more active than ever! There's still plenty of time to turn in a book review at any Yuma County Library for a chance to win a gift card - and to be featured on this blog!

Reviewed by: Dusty W.
What I Read: Thoughts from Within by Bonnie Moehle
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought:  I thought that this book was a very easy read. Nice little "self-help" book for those looking for a little boost in their lives. I appreciate how the author conveys her ideas for others in order to live stress-free lives without imposing upon their upbringing and moral values and even religious beliefs! I'd recommend this book to anyone especially if they are grounded in their belief/faith; although I do not believe in hypnotherapy, I DO believe we all possess (or have the ability to) the Power of A Higher Being to help us lead peaceful, loving, productive lives!

Reviewed by: Diane N.
What I Read: Moving Target by J.A. Jance
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Another great story from Jance. I love Sister Anselm. I hope she is in many more storyline to come. I love how each story stands alone, yet builds from prior ones. Well done again.

Reviewed by: Diane N.
What I Read: Cold Betrayal by J.A. Jance
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Great Read. I love getting 2 stories in one. What great way to bring Az. to life. I had to break out the Rand McNalley. Well done.

Reviewed by: Martha C.
What I Read: The Missing Piece by Kevin Egan
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: It is about a trial for a collection of silver. When things go wrong at the first trial the characters go on with their lives until the trial is brought back. I thought the book was predictable. There were too many characters involved and I had trouble remembering everyone's rolls. Once the story delved deeper I was more engrosed and I wanted to know who finally got ownership of the silver. It had a happy ending and the bad guys were dealt with. I would not recommend this book.

Reviewed by: Martha C.
What I Read: Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book is about a new bride trying to fit into a much different world than she has ever known. She is the second wife of a wealthy man and soon finds out all is not as it seems. I enjoyed this book! I could not put it down! I was enchanted by the way Mrs. de Winter had to adjust to her new surroundings. When we finally learn about the first wife, it is a sad tale, but has a true love story to overpower it. I don't think I had even heard about this classic before but I'm glad I have finished it.

Reviewed by: Martha C.
What I Read: Innocence by Dean Koontz
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book was really interesting. It was frustrating when things weren't revealed early enough and I felt like some secrets were mentioned but never fully explained. I like that the two main characters were not your average people and were good. I would describe the story as bizzarre. It kept my attention because the secrets always felt just out of my reach. I would recommend this book with a small warning.

Reviewed by: Merrilie J.
What I Read: The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet by Colleen McCullough
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Ms McCullough is one of my favorite authors, and I've always enjoyed reading books about the English upper class in the early 1800's. This book did not disappoint. The premise is the "coming out" of spinsterhood of the 3rd sister in the Bennet family - sisters Elizabeth and Jane married into the Darcy family of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Mary had been tasked with caring for their mother, a tedious old lady. Mary spent her time reading "good" books and newspapers - she became enthused about doing charity work among the poor. When Mom died Mary was 38 and set out to make her Mark on the world.

Reviewed by: Merrilie J.
What I Read: Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This book is what I call the Wonder Bread of reading material - mind fluff - but every so often I enjoy a book of this type. Janet Evanovich is an amusing writer, good for several (many) chuckles. It will be quite some time before I'm ready to read another episode of Stephanie Plum, bounty hunter.

Reviewed by: Merrilie J. 
What I Read: HUGHES by Richard Hack
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This is a biography of Howard Hughes, said to be America's first Billionaire.
What I think: is that for a man whose original wealth stemmed from his father's oil-drilling bit (at the time the U.S. was beginning it's love affair with automobiles) he never really grew up or matured. True, he had an innovative brain which made improvements and innovations in the aircraft industry - but he was also enamored with the movie industry and young, beautiful Starletts. He died a lonely death, in his own filth (but still RICH!

Reviewed by: Joy M.
What I Read: Unintended Consequences by Stuart Woods
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Stone Barrington wakes up in Paris not knowing how he got there. The race is on for my favorite attorney. Stuart Woods uses great dialogue and presents a fast read that you can't put down. His character development is masterful. Each book is like visiting with old friends and catching up. Suggest that anyone new to Woods should start at the early books. You will find good friends, exciting action, not a lot of sex, and stories you can't put down, as stated earlier.

Reviewed by: Michael H.
What I Read: Saxon Series (The Burning Land, Death of Kings, The Pagan Lord) by Bernard Cornwell
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Great series of historical fiction. Tells the story of Uhtred & his friends & family during the times of King Alfred & his family. It is a great series - it has drama, action, intrigue, battles, love stories, family heritage & all done in a time of the forming of England under Alfred the Great & his family.

Reviewed by: Michael H.
What I Read: Inheritance Cycle (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance) by Christopher Paolini
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This is a story of Eragon & how he finds a dragon egg & then how he & the dragon become essential in defeating the Empire The place is Alagaesia. The dragon is a female named Saphira. They encounter the various races of Alagaesia (elves, dwarves, werecats, & others) in a desperate fight with King Galbatorix. This is a coming of age tale & it is an interesting & compelling series.

Reviewed by: Jean W.
What I Read: Hell Gate by Linda Fairstein
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: This is the second book by Linda Fairstein that I have read.
It was really interesting and kept me so interested that I finished it in less than 6 hours (different days) It had a surprise ending that always delights me. Since I am originally from upstate New York, I enjoyed reading & learning about the places mentioned in the Manhattan area. I look forward to reading more books by this author. Hopefully her future books will have some of these characters. I was impressed by the main characters.

Reviewed by: Jimmie D.
What I Read: Several books by Sandra Brown
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Sandra Brown is an amazing authoress. She creates a novel that holds you spellbound throughout the entire issue. What is really awesome about her, she has never told the same plot to any of her novels. It takes extreme concentration and imagination to create so many novels with entirely different ideas about a single topic.

Reviewed by: Patricia F.
What I Read: The Assassin by Clive Cussler
Find it at YCLD: Here!
What I Thought: Interesting story about Standard Oil by a rich man who wanted to own every oil fields in the world and didn't care who stood in his way wanting power & profit to line his pockets.

Have a wonderful holiday, and happy reading!