Mackenzie Allen Phillips was a happily married family man. One weekend, when his wife was booked at a continuing education class in Seattle and his two older boys were back at college, he decided to take the three youngest children on a final camping trip to Wallowa Lake in northeastern Oregon.
They had fun doing all the usual camping activities and made friends with some of the other families staying at the campground. On the final morning of their trip, the two older kids, Josh and Kate, borrowed a canoe and headed out onto the lake. As Mack was keeping an eye on them, he saw the canoe roll over. Kate surfaced but there was no sign of Josh. Mack hit the icy water and dove under, looking for Josh, who he found tangled in the canoe webbing. After several attempts, he was able to free Josh and get him to the surface of the water and back to shore.
After catching his breath, Mack looked for his youngest child, Missy, who had been coloring in her book at the table. She was not there. He, along with other campers, searched everywhere for her. A witness saw a distraught little girl leaving the campground in a green pickup truck driven by a man no one remembered seeing over the weekend. The police and the FBI were notified. A massive search had begun.
August 2009 Archives
In the past, Bob Ketenheim has put forth photo books on Shrewsbury and New Freedom.
Now, it's Glen Rock's turn. For details, click here.
Best-sellers at Borders Books & Music in Springettsbury Township for the week that ended Aug. 23.
1. "The Weight of Silence" by Heather Gudenkauf.
2. "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger.
3. "Dreamfever" by Karen Marie Moning.
4. "Glenn Beck's Common Sense" by Glenn Beck.
5. "South of Broad" by Pat Conroy.
Among the many One Book, One Community programs:
Altered Books, 6 p.m. Sept. 24 at Red Land Community Library, 48 Robin Hood Drive, Etters. Joyce McCormick will teach how to use paints, stamps, decoupage and cutting to turn old books into keepsakes. Register by calling 938-5599 or at the library. For ages 13 to adult.
Pulitzer-Prize winning author Geraldine Brooks, whose novel "People of the Book" is this year's One Book, One Community selection, took a break from her current projects to answer questions for the York Daily Record/Sunday News via e-mail.
YDR: What role, if any, did libraries play in your youth?
Brooks: Libraries were HUGE in my youth. My family didn't have a lot of excess cash when I was growing up, so most of our books came from the library. We'd go as a family, on a Saturday. My parents would haul home an armful each of contemporary fiction and my sister and I were free to graze at will through the riches of the children's section.
By BETH VRABEL
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
Being chosen as the One Book, One Community recipient might pale in comparison to nabbing the Pulitzer Prize. Not so, says Geraldine Brooks, author of "People of the Book," this year's selection.
"It's a tremendous honor to have a book chosen as a community read. What could be better for a writer than to imagine people gathering to discuss her work?" Brooks said in an e-mail. "I love it when people come together around books, whether in a small private book group or a large community effort. It makes me feel optimistic about our future as a species."
I applaud the One Book, One Community selection committee for choosing "People of the Book" for this year's community read.
Geraldine Brook's historical novel tells the 500-year history of a Haggadah, or illustrated Jewish prayer book, and how Jews, Christians and Muslims repeatedly saved it from destruction, often at great personal risk.
Brooks is a masterful writer who won a Pulitzer Prize for "March," a novel about the absent father in "Little Women." Her other book, "Year of Wonders," is about a small English town visited by bubonic plague in the 17th century. I recommend them all.
So be sure to drop by the library or book store soon to pick up your copy. Then go to www.yorklibraries.org for a list of One Book, One Community activities.
By BETH VRABEL
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
Nan Cavanaugh's been waiting a year to tell the world -- or at least seven local county library systems -- about this year's One Book, One Community selection.
This year's choice is "People of the Book," by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks. The novel focuses on the restoration of an ancient Haggadah, an illustrated Hebrew prayer book, and uses back stories to connect the book to times of persecution and bravery spanning 500 years.
Author Dominick Dunne, who told stories of shocking crimes among the rich and famous through his magazine articles and best-selling novels such as "The Two Mrs. Grenvilles," died Wednesday in his home at age 83.
Read more about his life here.
Associated Press Report
From the Associated Press:
NEW YORK -- Sen. Edward Kennedy did not live to see his dream of universal health care passed, but he did complete a cherished and more personal project: his memoir.
"True Compass," the greatly awaited summation of his life and career, comes out Sept. 14 with an announced first printing of 1.5 million copies. Kennedy, diagnosed with a brain tumor in May 2008, just months after his book deal was announced, died Tuesday night at age 77.
Hanover YWCA is accepting used books for its annual used book sale Nov. 6, 7 and 8. Books can be brought to the YW at 23 W. Chestnut St. and placed in the "book box" located in front of the building. Please no encyclopedias, Readers Digest condensed books or magazines. Books should be in good condition and placed in bags or boxes.
Daily Record/Sunday News librarian Joan McInnis reviews "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova:
Alice Howland was at the top of her game. At 50 she had achieved her life's goals -- tenure as a professor of cognitive psychology at Harvard and much sought after as a lecturer. She was married
to a fellow Harvard professor and renowned researcher, and she had managed to
juggle her demanding work schedule with her roles as a loving wife and mother.
Her grown children were pursuing good careers, and her married daughter was hoping to make her a grandmother. Life was good until the day she suddenly experienced
confusion while on her daily run and had difficulty finding her way back home. Other
troubling memory lapses occurred, forcing her to seek a medical explanation. After intensive testing her doctor informed her that she was suffering from early onset Alzheimer's.
Philip K. Eberly's "Susquehanna Radio, The First 50 Years" is not a new book.
But it's a moment to recommend this 1992 publication, considering the recent death of Mr. Eberly, a pioneering regional radio exec.
The learn more about the book, its author and where to get a copy, click here.
Here are two reviews from reader Nancy Duncan:
I just read two books featuring lace, but they aren't how-to books.
The first one is "The Lace Makers of Glenmara" by Heather Barbieri.
After her mother's death and a failed romance, 26-year old Kate Robinson travels to her ancestral homeland of Ireland hoping to reinvent herself. After backpacking through the country she arrives on the west coast, in the seaside town of Glenmara.
I love the way Jhumpa Lahiri writes, and I love that I can get insight into the immigrant experience when I read her wonderful stories.
In "Unaccustomed Earth," she presents eight stories of Indian families, all of them different. But, of course, the people are just like any other people and the families have the same joys and problems.
Last week I persuaded my husband to go with me to see "Julie & Julia." The movie is based on two books -- "Julie & Julia" by Julie Powell and "My Life in France" by Julia Child.
The best book I read all summer was:
"Summer: A Spiritual Biography of the Season," edited by Gary Schmidt and Susan M. Felch Skylight Paths Publishing -- It's a collection of writings, short essays that capture the feel of the season. Some of the contributors include Ray Bradbury, Anne Lamott, Madeleine L'Engle, Carl Sandburg and many others. A good book to find a shady spot with a cool breeze and reflect. (P.S. Autumn, Winter and Spring are out by the same editors, all excellent books). -- Kathy Brunner, York
"Boomsday," by Christopher Buckley -- Free botox if you agree to suicide at 70! Meant to be satirical but have any of us actually read the health care reform bill? -- Sonia Huntzinger, York
What is the best book you've read this summer?
Tell us, and we'll put it on the books page of the York Sunday News and right here on Book Buzz.
Adults and children are welcome. Write the title and author of your favorite book and tell us in 20 words or less why you liked it. Include your name, phone number and the township or town you live in. Send to gfogal@ydr.com or tcook@ydr.com. Deadline is Sept. 7.
I headed to Borders with my stepdaughter, Britni, again. I finished the "Dark Reunion" and was ready to move onto L.J. Smith's "Vampire Diaries: The Return." And Britni wanted to get the next book in the series she was reading, "Maximum Ride."
First of all, I'm a big cheap-o and when I realized that "Return" only came in hardcover and would cost me almost $20, I changed my mind. And Brit didn't get her book either because of the same reason.
I went online to Amazon and found "Return" for around $12. But then I started reading some of the reviews, and a lot of the reviews were bad, really bad.
In the newest story line: Elena has special powers and of course a new evil is again plaguing Fell's Church in the fifth installment to "Vampire Diaries: The Return."
So, I'm still deciding if I want to buy "The Return" or leave things how they ended in "Dark Reunion."
A part of me says buy, and the other (cheap-o side) says this is just a ploy by L.J. Smith. I think she's banking on the whole success of "Twilight" and that's why she released this fifth installment almost a decade later. To add Elena's special powers sounds awfully like another vampy girl named, Bella. Hmm, coincidence? While, I thought originally "Twilight" took some inspiration from the original "Diaries," I'm now wondering if the stake is in the other heart.
Also, don't forget that the CW's series based on Smith's books comes out this fall. Which I'm definitely watching.
PLEASE SOMEONE HELP ME DECIDE!!!! SHOULD I BUY OR NOT?
Just in from Associated Press
Motown founder Berry Gordy will write the introduction to a reissue of Michael Jackson's memoir, "Moonwalk."
Did you know Janet Evanovich wrote a dozen romances? That was under the name Steffie Hall, before the time of Plum, as she puts it.
"Foul Play" is the ninth, a short, cute story about Amy, the young TV character who lost her job to a chicken, and Jake, the handsome veterinarian.
Much description of her slim legs and his hunky bod. A little mystery about how the chicken meets his end livens up the courtship.
If you're an Evanovich fan, you'll see hints of the Stephanie Plum adventures to come.
It took me about two hours to read. Not sure it's worth $7.99, but if you find it at the library like I did, or a used-book sale, pick it up for a little fun.
In a previous post I compared "Twilight" and "Vampire Diaries" to one another and said I preferred "Twilight."
I have changed my mind. See, I read "Diaries" a long time ago and to be honest I don't think I ever truly finished the series. I'm into the third installment of the series and have come to the conclusion that I really like "Diaries" better.
I like the characters in "Diaries" because it's not just about the main ones getting all the attention like in "Twilight." There are really good supporting characters in "Diaries" that you actually feel for and get to know better.
The plot has more depth and mystery with some really good twists. "Twilight" is more romance, while "Diaries" definitely has more of an edge, it's still romantic but in a more compelling sense. The characters in "Diaries" mature in personality and evolve, not so much in "Twilight."
Now, don't misinterpret. I still really enjoyed the "Twilight" series and would still highly recommend it to read, but if you want a story with a little more bite, pick up the "Vampire Diaries" series by L.J. Smith.
On a side note: Anne Rice's Vampire chronicles takes the crown for best vampire series. It's definitely aimed for a mature audience and it sometimes can get too detailed in historical accounts, but it will have you believing that vampires really might be walking amongst us...
From the Associated Press
NEW YORK -- On paper and on screen, "Julia" is stealing the show from "Julie."
Meryl Streep's performance as Julia Child in "Julie & Julia," which opened last weekend, has helped return the late chef's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking," a classic published nearly 50 years ago, to the top of best-seller lists.
On Monday, Aug. 10, a $40 hardcover of "Mastering" topped the charts of Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.com, easily outpacing a $7.99 paperback of the book that gave the film its title, "Julie & Julia" -- Julie Powell's memoir about spending a year preparing all the recipes in Child's book.
Publisher Alfred A. Knopf has ordered an additional 75,000 copies of "Mastering," which on Monday was sold out on Amazon.
Other Child works selling strongly (and currently out of stock on Amazon) are "My Life in France," on which the film is partly based; "Julia's Kitchen Wisdom" and a paperback edition of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking."
The movie is divided between the lives of Child and Powell, but critics have found the "Julia" side far more interesting than the time devoted to "Julie," played by Amy Adams. As of Monday afternoon, Powell's book was No. 16 on Barnes & Noble.com and No. 27 on Amazon.
Best-sellers at Borders Books & Music in Springettsbury Township for the week
that ended Aug. 2.
1. "The Time Traveler's
Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger.
2. "The Weight of Silence" by Heather Gudenkauf.
3. "Julie and Julia" by Julie Powell.
4. "Glenn Beck's Common Sense" by Glenn Beck.
5. "The Defector" by Daniel Silva.
I went to Borders this weekend with my stepdaughter, Britni. I finally bought the first installment to "Vampire Diaries." I read this series back when I was in high school, which was a very long time ago. And I wanted to reread the series for my own enjoyment.
I have read the "Twilight" series and did enjoy it.
Back to "Diaries," I completed Vol. 1: The Awakening, and about halfway through Vol. 2: The Struggle.
On L.J. Smith's Web site there is an updated book listing of more stories to follow in the "Vampire Diaries" series.
To add more fuel to the fire. The CW "Vampire Diaries" series premiere is Thursday, Sept. 10 8/7c.
So, Edward beware: A new vampire is moving into the dark shadows and he doesn't sparkle. Paul Wesley as Stefan in "THE VAMPIRE DIARIES."
Susan Orlean's "The Orchid Thief" is the journalist's tale about a man who was convicted of poaching orchids from state lands in Florida -- and about how certain people are driven by their passions. It was loosely adapted to film in Charlie Kauffman-penned and Spike Jonze-directed "Adaptation."
The main narrative of the story follows John Laroche, the man who, along with two Seminoles, went into the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve to find and remove rare orchids. His plan was to breed them -- make them widely available, "save" them from other people needing to attempt to remove them, and make a lot of money doing it.
Reader Loretta Martin reviews "Jokes My Father Never Taught Me" by Rain Pryor with Cathy Crimmins:
I found this a fascinating read from cover to cover.
Rain was 4 years old when she first met her father, comedian Richard Pryor, in 1973. As a girl who grew up adoring her father even as she feared him, Rain gives an intimate memoir.
It's quite frank and gives insight into the man as she knew him right through his death from MS in 2005.
Karl Larew of New Park has written "Paul, Betty and Pearl." According to Larew, the novel is the first book in a trilogy that traces an Army family's experiences from World War II through the Vietnam War. He says, "It is based on my research as a professional historian inside the Army and outside, and on some of my family's experiences."
Larew is a retired history professor. His book is $14.95 and can be purchased from amazon.com.
Waln K. Brown has co-authored "Growing Up in the Care of Strangers: The Experiences, Insights and Recommendations of Eleven Former Foster Kids." Brown was born in York and graduated from York Suburban Senior High School in 1963. He spent years in the York County Juvenile Court, experiencing multiple placements, including an orphanage and juvenile home. His story is one of the 11 written by college-educated child welfare professionals.
Brown's book sells for $27.95 and can be ordered at www.williamgladdenfoundation.org.
Paula Morton, who lived in York County for more than 20 years, has written "Tabloid Valley: Supermarket News and American Culture." Her book takes a look at how publications such as the National Enquirer and Weekly World News changed American journalism. The book contains dozens of photographs.
"Tabloid Valley" is $16.47 and can be purchased from amazon.com or the University Press of Florida, its publisher, at www.upf.com.
Lonnie Mounts of Red Lion is the author of "Twin Deception." The novel is available for $14.95 from PublishAmerican.com.
Professional organizer Debbie Jordan Kravitz of York Township has written "Everything I Know About Perfectionism I Learned From My Breasts: Secrets and Solutions for Overpowering Perfectionism."
The book is available for $19.95 from Kravitz's publishing company at www.malizapublishing.com.
A review from reader Loretta Martin:
I definitely wanted to know what made Madonna such a phenomenon, and who better to tell me than her brother?
For 47 years Christopher was very close to Madonna, playing an important role in her life as her backup dancer, personal assistant, dresser, decorator, art director and tour director. It was Madonna who made him realize he was gay. And it was Madonna who made it possible for him to travel all over the world with her on her tours and special appearances.
From the Associated Press:
SAN FRANCISCO -- Electronic books are often mentioned in the same breath as Amazon.com Inc.'s Kindle digital reader. Now e-book rival Sony Corp. is determined to recapture consumers' attention with a smaller reader that's also $100 cheaper.
Sony is expected to announce that it will release the Reader Pocket Edition by the end of August. Like the Kindle and Sony's previous Readers, the Pocket Edition will come with an "electronic ink" display, which shows dark gray text on a lighter gray background. As the word "pocket" implies, its five-inch screen will be smaller than that on the Kindle and other Sony models.
"Hooked for Life: Adventures of a Crochet Zealot" by Mary Beth Temple hooked (ha, ha) me right away because I learned to crochet at my mother's knee as soon as I was old enough to hold a hook.
Unlike Temple, I am not a zealot. My recent crocheting (say for the past 35 years) has been restricted to scarves and dishcloths because, well, I'd rather read than crochet.
So this was perfect -- I could read about crocheting.
Author Debbie Macomber has a legion of ardent fans. So I jumped at the chance to read an advance copy of the latest installment in her Cedar Cove series, "92 Pacific Boulevard" due in stores Aug. 25, to see what all the fuss was about.
The novels are set in a small town in Washington state. There are lots of colorful characters, which regular readers must consider family by now. I kept them all straight thanks to a "cast of characters" list in the front of the book.
Reader Loretta Martin reviews "Crazy for the Storm, A Memoir of Survival" by Norman Ollestad:
Ollestad recounts his life as he recalls a plane crash in February 1979 which took the life of the pilot, Ollestad's father and Sandra, his father's girlfriend, leaving the 11-year-old boy to fend for himself as he manages to escape alive.
