Author Archives: Helen Hokanson

About Helen Hokanson

My first library job was at KU's Spahr Engineering Library in about 1992. I transitioned to public libraries in 1998 when I came to Johnson County Library and am thrilled at having found a job where leisure reading is not only acceptable, but encouraged.

Mystery Boot Camp

A mystery is a work of fiction in which readers are asked to help solve a puzzle. An element of crime mixed with an element of detection are the two essential ingredients. A crime is committed, an investigator follows clues, … Continue reading

Posted in Boot Camp | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta

In The Leftovers, Perrotta puts human relationships under a microscope, sometimes to chilling effect.  The town of Mapleton has never stopped reeling after the Sudden Departure, when large numbers of random people simply vanished into thin air. When the smoke … Continue reading

Posted in hokansonh | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Romance Boot Camp

In Book Boot Camp we introducing a new genre each month. During the month of April we’re looking at Romance. Stories of adventure and love existed during the earliest times, and those from the Middle Ages came to be called … Continue reading

Posted in Boot Camp | 3 Comments

Horror Boot Camp

Follow along with us on Facebook this month for an in-depth introduction to the Horror genre. Each month we’re suggesting books, posting quizzes and infographics, and generally stirring up discussion about your favorite genres.  All you need is a Facebook … Continue reading

Posted in Boot Camp | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Silk is for Seduction by Loretta Chase

Not being a regular romance reader, I can’t say how Silk is for Seduction compares to its romance brethren. I will say, while I found the story to be absolutely ridiculous, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Marcelline Noirot, along with her … Continue reading

Posted in hokansonh | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge

I freely admit it—I had to make a second, running start at Dark Harvest. But once I got past the idea that the evil presence holding the entire town captive was a pumpkin-headed boy with a butcher knife, the story … Continue reading

Posted in helenshotpicks | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

I picked up I am Legend when I learned that the Horror Writer’s Association had recently voted it Best Vampire Novel of the Century. First published in 1954, the only thing dated that I noticed was the records the main … Continue reading

Posted in helenshotpicks | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Spirit of the Marathon (DVD)

Spirit of the Marathon follows six runners as they prepare for and compete in the 2005 Chicago Marathon. Some are competitive runners who have placed in previous years, some are Olympic medalists, and some are regular people, just like you … Continue reading

Posted in helenshotpicks | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Hungry for Change (DVD)

Hungry for Change is not a how-to diet film. It’s a documentary melding many of the world’s leading nutritionists’ ideas about ditching the diet and getting healthy from the inside out. Using interviews of cancer survivors, formerly obese people who … Continue reading

Posted in helenshotpicks | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

In The Night Circus Morgenstern has crafted a wondrous tale of dysfunctional families, manipulative caretakers, impossible love, and the many facets of friendships. If, like me, you’ve been reluctant to read The Night Circus for fear it can’t possibly live … Continue reading

Posted in hokansonh | Tagged , , | Leave a comment