Tag Archives: Ottawa Hills Branch

On the shelf: ‘Creepers’ by David Morrell

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By Megan Andres, Grand Rapids Public Library, Ottawa Hills Branch

 

Once, a long time ago, the Paragon Hotel was THE place to be seen. Outfitted with all of the new technology of the day and situated in Asbury Park, New Jersey, the Paragon hosted celebrities and common folk alike. Famous chefs would spend hours preparing amazing room service and dining options. Morgan Carlisle, the owner of the Paragon, made sure that his place was the only place to be. And for a small group of Creepers, the abandoned hotel is still very much a site to see.

 

Professor Robert Conklin leads a group of students into the Paragon Hotel to explore its wastes. No one knows what really happened within its dank halls. Morgan Carlisle himself vanished within its walls. The Creepers, as they call themselves, allow one reporter to follow them into the building in an attempt to teach the world about “creeping” and why it shouldn’t be illegal. Being able to investigate abandoned buildings and the people who once lived inside them is not only a thrill but also an educational experience. Frank Balenger insists he will be fair and true in detailing the story. It’s a pity he’s not all he seems.

 

Morrell takes an underworld of adventure and twists it. The Paragon Hotel does not live up to its name at all. And the events that quickly unfold would scare even the staid horror fan. Voices and visions within the hotel’s walls soon entrap his heroes and the life and death struggle of the group soon takes over the educational experience.

 

Creepers is a truly original horror story. It takes a topic that could be something any of us would love to do and reminding us that sometimes staying home might just be the best choice. My copy of Creepers was a gift from my brother, and I loved the story and characters. Morrell even drew up another horror plot for his hero Frank Balenger, Scavengers. If you enjoy a good scare in the comfort of your own home, pick up a copy of Creepers today. Just make sure you read it with the lights on . . .

 

 

On the shelf: ‘The Hot Flash Club’ by Nancy Thayer

Books, Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Reviews, Senior Living, , , , , , , ,

By Laura Nawrot, Grand Rapids Public Library, Ottawa Hills Branch

 

When I picked up this book, I was looking for something light to read that involved characters that I could relate to—and I was not disappointed. In The Hot Flash Club, Nancy Thayer introduces the reader to four very diverse women ranging in age from fifty-two to sixty-two. The only things they have in common are a mutual acquaintance and the process of menopause.

 

I found my self quickly drawn into the world of Faye, Alice, Shirley and Marilyn, characters who give the term “aging gracefully” a whole new meaning.

 

As the four women plunge into an unexpected relationship with each other, they explore many current women’s issues with gentle humor, honesty, and nerve. Rather than viewing menopause as the end of childbearing years, Thayer suggests it is the launching point into late middle-age. Her characters are far too busy living their lives and following their dreams to focus on things that might hold them back, like arthritis, divorce, retirement and widowhood. Those topics are simply a part of their lives, not the main focus, and this positive approach works well within the framework of the story.

 

While the story holds a lighter tone than works by authors such as Elizabeth Berg, it is an entertaining and positive look at women and aging, as well as being a gentle reminder that life is a journey, not a destination, and our perception of the process is vital to how much we enjoy the ride.