Charlaine Harris, author of the popular Sookie Stackhouse series AKA True Blood on HBO, will speak at the Michigan Theater on Monday, May 16 at 7:30PM. Ms. Harris will sign copies of her latest Sookie Stackhouse book Dead Reckoning. Tickets can be purchased at TicketWeb.com or by calling (866) 468-3401.

Ms. Harris is brought to you courtesy of Michigan Theater and Nicola's Books.

George R. R. Martin's medieval fantasy series Song of Ice and Fire is being made into an HBO television series. If you are a fan of this popular series, be sure watch the clips of the Making Game of Thrones.

A game of thrones by George R.R. Martin

A clash of kings: book two of A song of ice and fire by George R.R. Martin

A storm of swords by George R.R. Martin

A feast for crows by George R.R. Martin

The perfect book for a book discussion is one that's not too easy, not too hard, which will hold the interest of a diverse group of readers and will also inspire a lively discussion. For additional book club resources try the Canton Public Library's Book Club in a Bag kits.

The girl with the dragon tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The particular sadness of lemon cake: a novel by Aimee Bender

Still Alice: a novel by Lisa Genova

Hotel on the corner of bitter and sweet: a novel by Jamie Ford

One of my esteemed colleagues, whose opinion I value very highly, once gave a presentation illustrating that you can tell a book by its cover. So, when I picked up Plain Kate by Erin Bow to read, I looked at its cover and thought I was in for a fanciful tale about an orphan girl and her cat, probably set in 18th century London; a simple, sweet story about a chimney sweep lass — along the lines of Mary Poppins and Bert. Forget it! Witchcraft, mysteriously sinister magic, gyspies, bigotry, superstition, loss of loved ones, hunger, plagues, death… those are but some of the dark elements behind this light dreamy-looking cover. However, one also encounters friendship, courage, love, forgiveness, development of a gifted, lonely soul, and a human-animal bond that surpasses all evil in the world. In short, Plain Kate is a great read, with twists and turns that you simply never expect. Check it out and let others know what YOU think! (There is a very poignant dedication at end, page 314, that you won't want to miss.)

Parnormalcy stands out from the rest of the paranormal romance books out there in that it's got something of an attitude. Yes, romance junkies, you can be sure there's plenty there to make your heart 'a flutter', but it's the tongue in cheek humor — a la Buffy the Vampire Slayer — and the very likable, kick-butt heroine, with her pink taser and sarcastic commentary, that makes this worth reading. This book isn't afraid to poke fun at itself while at the same time dishing out top notch suspense. Definitely worth checking out.

If you’re a firstcomer to Pratchett, then Wee Free Men is an excellent place to start; if you're an old fan, then rest assured that all of the trademark wit you've come to love is here. I found this book hillarious. I could tell you about a girl trying to become a witch, lost baby brothers, and little blue men, but it's the clever dialogue that sells this book. Oh, and the audio book is excellent too!

Follow Hansel and Gretel on their exciting, but bloody and gruesome, adventures in A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Gidwitz. This book makes no bones about keeping to the original shock and horror of some of the Brothers Grimm's tales. It is not for the faint of heart or those looking for 'nice' endings. It is for readers who like humorous adaptations of old tales. Wit and suspense combine to make this a real page-turner. I can't give the ending away, but you won't be disappointed. If you can't get your hands on this book yet, try the Sisters Grimm series or some of the library's other fairy tale adaptations.

The tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler; illustrated by Sarah Gibb

Hippolyta and the curse of the Amazons by Jane Yolen and Robert J. Harris

Palace of Mirrors by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull; illustrated by Brandon Dorman

The city of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

Into the wild by Erin Hunter

In what order should you read a series? Read everything written by Sue Grafton or Malcolm Gladwell and would like to try a similar author? Books & Authors, available in Canton Public Library's databases, allows you to search by title and/or author, subject, keyword, time period, geographic location, or character. Follow the series links for additional titles, or take advantage of the Expert Picks & Librarian's Favorites for recommendations based on some of your favorite titles or topics.

Some of my favorite teen books from 2010 include fantasy, historical fiction, and a few plain old realistic fiction reads.

Ostrich boys by Keith Gray

Sisters red by Jackson Pearce

Countdown by Deborah Wiles

The cardturner: a novel about a king, a queen, and a joker by Louis Sachar

The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman

After ever after by Jordan Sonnenblick