December 2015
Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari & Eric Klinenberg (audio book)
Aziz Ansari, an actor and comedian, delves into the ever-expanding waters of modern dating in this surprisingly astute look at the ways in which technology has altered how we find love. Ansari was intrigued by the extent digital advances—texting, social media, online dating, etc.—shaped both his and his peers quest for connection, even incorporating the topic into his stand-up routine. In order to seriously tackle this emerging fascination, Ansari enlisted the help of Eric Klinenberg, an eminent sociologist, to collect and analyze data, reaching out to users via social media, conducting personal interviews, and running large group sessions with people of all ages. Their results culminate in a book that is not only amusing and lighthearted but also full of relevant insights on the subject. Ansari shines as the narrator conveying his intended tone and injecting additional humor whenever possible. Recommended for readers and listeners interested in learning more about technology’s impact on day to day life, as well as for fans of Ansari’s comedic and acting resume. ~Abby Landers~
The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz (YA selection recommended for teen to adult)
It is 1911 and at the age of 14, Joan is facing a life of hard work as the only girl in a farming family. Her father has forced her to leave school, even though she is very bright, and she spends every day cooking and cleaning. She has no social life and no income which she thinks is especially unfair since it is customary for the woman in the family to be allowed to keep the money from selling the eggs. When Joan brings this up with her father, and tries to force the issue, he retaliates harshly. Joan decides that she can make a better life for herself if she works for a family in the city, so she heads for Baltimore. By chance, she winds up in the household of a devout Jewish family where she is hired as assistant to their elderly housekeeper. Catholic Joan must learn the ways of the Jewish household which leads to many misunderstandings and mistakes, some of which are nearly disastrous. However, Joan’s gratitude to the Rosenbach’s and their kindness to her, provide the foundation for an ongoing relationship that will change all of their lives. ~ Sue Daniels ~
Christmas bells by Jennifer Chiaverini (regular and large print)
An engaging Christmas novel with dual plots involving the historical story behind the poem by William Wadsworth Longfellow, as well as a modern day story of people facing loss and uncertainty during the holidays.
Longfellow wrote the familiar poem that starts with “I heard the bells on Christmas day” as he experienced the loss of his beloved wife and the devastation of the Civil War. In present day Boston, a children’s choir prepares to perform the poem turned Christmas carol as each character reflects on the message of “peace on earth, good-will to men” in spite of their own situations. A well-written and heartwarming holiday read. ~ Paulette Brooks ~
Home Fires (DVD series)
This six part Masterpiece TV series depicts life on the home front in an English village during WWII. It opens in 1939, three weeks after the British have entered the war against Germany. Townspeople are saying good-bye to husbands and sons, and are attempting to find new ways of carrying on. The local Women's Institute becomes a mobilizing force, inspiring and bringing together women from all classes and walks of life. Warm but intensely entertaining. ~ Nancy Arevalo ~
Norske Nook Book of Pies and Other Recipes
We’ve heard about them on Food Network, and no trip from Milwaukee to Eau Claire or Minneapolis is complete without stopping in little Osseo, WI for one of their famous pies…..so how did I miss the Norske Nook Book of Pies and Other Recipes that has been on our new book shelf since April? This glossy little goldmine shockingly lists National Pie Championship blue ribbon winning recipes for all the showstoppers including pecan stout, Snickers caramel, and banana cream. You’ll find all of your favorites here too, with detailed directions and photographs to guide you through the perils of double crusts, mile high meringues, Dutch crumb toppings, cream cheese, whipped cream, cheesecakes and (!) sugar-free fillings. The sections on muffins, tortes, cookies and Scandinavian Specialties are just the icing on this confection – the pies are the star! ~Shannon McKeown~
Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig
In his last novel, author Ivan Doig leaves his readers a wonderful gift - a coming of age story with a remarkable and vivid cast of characters. The year is 1951 and eleven-year-old Donal, separated from his ill grandmother, is sent to spend time with relatives in Wisconsin. Board the bus for the literary ride of the year as this young narrator makes his way there and back to Montana, all the while discovering wisdom beyond his years. Truly charming! ~ Paulette Brooks ~
Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff
Trent is going into sixth grade and he is taking a big chip on his shoulder with him. In a hockey game the previous winter, Jared Richards died when the puck Trent shot hit him in the chest. Nobody knew that Jared had a heart defect or that a blow to the chest could kill him, but it did. And now Trent carries the burden of that guilt every day. Trent’s guilty feelings are manifested in anger issues and surly behavior and he rejects all offers of help. How could anyone like him when he can’t like himself? Surprisingly, Fallon Little extends an irresistible hand of friendship to Trent. Fallon has her own problem in the form of a large, mysterious scar that mars her pretty face and is the source of her own isolation. However, in spite of the questions and teasing she receives, Fallon knows who she is and Trent is drawn to her stability and humor. When Trent’s bad behavior threatens his friendship with Fallon, he knows he has to make some changes if he is going to hang onto what is really important. Juvenile fiction recommended for grades 5-8 although there is some strong language. ~ Sue Daniels ~
Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast
Roz Chast, whose cartoons will appear familiar to readers of the New Yorker, has created a unique memoir. It is hilarious, sad and educational all at the same time. She was the only child of Brooklyn parents who were in their nineties when the memoir begins. This book is the story of their physical and mental decline, and how that affected their lives and their daughter’s, who was forced into a caregiving role. Being an illustrator for a living, Chast tells her story primarily in cartoons, but also adds photos and documents belonging to her parents. The book was named one of the New York Times Book Review’s 10 Best Books of 2014, and I think it was well-deserved. ~ Sarah Muench ~
Letters to Santa Claus compiled by the Elves
Kids ask for the darndest things sometimes. While many children write Santa Claus asking for the hot new toy of the season, or a pet of their very own, others request 20 ton cranes, two million dollars in “cold cash,” or to become an honorary mayor for a day. This wonderful collection contains letters written to the big guy and mailed to Santa Claus, Indiana over the last 80 years. Equally humorous and heartfelt, it represents a window into how times have changed, and yet children remain as thoughtful and considerate as ever. Who else could warn Santa Claus about the effects of global warming on the North Pole? Concern for the health and safety of the reindeer is also a prevailing theme. ~Noah Weckwerth~
November 2015
Thank You and Good Night by Patrick McDonnell (Picture book)
A fitting book for the Thanksgiving holiday that will surely delight both young and old. Patrick McDonnell—best-selling author, artist, and creator of the popular Mutts comic strip—introduces readers to three friends, Clement, Jean, and Alan Alexander, all navigating their first sleepover. Initially, the trio is unsure of what to do on such a significant occasion; however, they quickly fill their evening with creative and joyful activities. Soon enough it’s time for bed, and before drifting off to sleep, each takes a turn reciting all those little somethings for which he is thankful. Though this volume contains McDonnell’s signature, cartoon style, it lacks the muted tones of his comic strips and, instead, is filled with beautifully saturated, watercolor illustrations. A gem to experience this season or anytime. ~ Abby Landers ~
Muscle Shoals (DVD documentary and soundtrack music CD)
In the remote and unlikely town of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, one man established a recording studio that would attract an amazing talent pool, make musical history, and break down racial boundaries. You may not have heard of Rick Hall or his FAME studio but, as this documentary reveals, viewers will be astonished to recognize the signature soulful sound produced by soon-to-be stars and the talented in-house session musicians. Enjoy the musical ride with famous singers such as Aretha Franklin, Keith Richards, the Allman brothers, and more – this DVD must be seen and heard to be believed! Check out the soundtrack music CD as well. ~ John Olsan ~
Come Rain or Come Shine by Jan Karon
Those who have enjoyed visits to Mitford, N.C. while reading Jan Karon's previous novels in the Mitford series, will want to travel there once again to attend the wedding of Dooley Kavanaugh and Lace Harper. Also in attendance are Father Tim, Cynthia, and the host of Mitford characters introduced over the years. The author draws many story threads together into a charming finale, as Dooley and Lace tie the knot. ~ Nancy Arevalo ~
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir by Jenny Lawson
This is one funny book. With a significant amount of language and acerbic humor, it’s not for everyone, but for those who enjoy an R-rated read, the payoff is uproarious, and surprisingly touching. Jenny Lawson is an award-winning blogger with millions of devoted readers. Her blog explores questions like “why wasn’t Jesus classified as a zombie?” In her debut autobiography, Lawson unspools the story of her life thus far, from growing up in west Texas with a taxidermist father, to dealing with a severe anxiety disorder, and her various madcap adventures as a wife, mother, and friend. Lawson has a gift for telling some gut-wrenching stories with a lighthearted flair and an authenticity that makes it hard not to fall in love with her. After you read this book, you’ll feel like you’ve made a new friend, one with some unbelievably entertaining stories to tell. Also available on audio. ~Noah Weckwerth~
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (YA)
The story of a teenage girl who's literally allergic to the outside world. When a new family moves in next door, she begins a complicated romance that challenges everything she's ever known. The narrative unfolds via vignettes, diary entries, texts, charts, lists, illustrations, and more. A wonderful debut novel. ~Paulette Brooks~
A most wanted man (DVD)
A spy thriller - German intelligence agent Gunther Bachmann (Philip Seymour Hoffman, in his final starring role) must race against time to solve a perilous mystery: Is the half-Chechen, half-Russian Muslim who's surfaced in Hamburg a victim seeking refuge, or a terrorist seeking revenge? This movie is based on a John le Carre´ and has a stellar cast, but be prepared to sit on the edge of your seat for the final explosive scene! ~Paulette Brooks~
Stir: My Broken Brain and the Meals That Brought Me Home by Jessica Fechtor
At the age of 28, Jessica Fechtor was well on her way to a life she had carefully planned and anticipated. Newly married, hopeful for a family in the future, and enrolled in graduate school, she had it all. As life sometimes does, however, it intervened in the most inconvenient way forcing her onto a new path and demanding more of her than she thought she could give. A brain aneurysm burst in her brain while she was running one typical afternoon. This was the beginning of a different life for Jessica, one that involved multiple brain surgeries, several complications, and the loss of her sense of smell and the sight in her left eye.
Cooking had always played an important role in Jessica’s life, and now it would serve as a way back to normalcy. It served as an inspiration to meet the new physical challenges she faced, and to nurture herself and her family back to health and a semblance of her previous life. Part memoir, part cookbook, this unique hard-to-put down book is a great read for all who are interested in not only food recipes, but a recipe for living a life of meaning. ~Lori Kuban~
Mr. Holmes (DVD)
Ian McKellan brings a fresh new re-imagining of the famous detective in old age, struggling with memory loss. Now, in his remote seaside farmhouse, Holmes faces the end of his days, with only the company of his housekeeper and her young son, Roger. Grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind, Holmes comes to rely upon the boy as he revisits the circumstances of the unsolved case that forced him into retirement. Highly recommended – amazing acting! ~Paulette Brooks~
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R. King (Mary Russell series)
With so many versions of Sherlock Holmes in the movies, you may want to tap into this excellent and satisfying mystery series! An older and retired Sherlock Holmes reluctantly takes on an apprentice, a talented and driven young woman who wanders on to his property. This novel is the beginning of an excellent series in which the famous detective may have met his match! Sequel is: A monstrous regiment of women (… and the game is afoot with 13 books and counting) ~Paulette Brooks~
October 2015
All Souls Trilogy: A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, and The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
![The book of life : [a novel]](http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?Return=T&Type=M&Value=9780670025596&UserID=WAUK33128&Password=CC60035 "The book of life : [a novel]")
Prior to releasing her New York Times bestselling trilogy, Deborah Harknesss was already a well-respected, published scholar of Elizabethan history. Her extensive familiarity with the sixteenth century, as well as the history of magic and science, inform this wholly original paranormal set. In the first volume, A Discovery of Witches, readers are introduced to Diana Bishop, the last in a line of powerful witches who—following the tragic death of her parents—eschews all magic, blaming it on their untimely demise. Witches, along with daemons and vampires, live undetected, among humans in a century’s old, tentative truce. Determined to both remain on the fringes of the creature world and to excel in her chosen profession—the study and teaching of European history—Diana has steadily ascended the academic ranks without bothering to learn or use her familial craft. Happily researching alchemical texts while on sabbatical in Oxford, Diana unwittingly stumbles upon an enchanted book in the Bodleian Library. Within a matter of days, this find turns her life upside down, drawing the attention of fellow witches, unknown daemons, and powerful vampires. With threats from all sides, she surprisingly aligns herself with Matthew Clairmont, an enigmatic vampire and Oxford scientist, determined to discover the secrets of the magical book. Together the pair will cross continents, oceans, and time periods to unlock Diana’s past, her power, and the origins of all creatures. A smart, fantastical read just in time for Halloween! (In addition to the hardcover set, EGPL also has the trilogy available in large print and audiobook.) ~ Abby Landers ~
Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer (YA)
The Wooden Barn boarding school is for "emotionally fragile, highly intelligent students". Each student has their own "unique challenges", but aside from that it's a pretty typical high school. Jam Gallahue and four other students find themselves pulled, seemingly at random, into the Special Topics in English class. For the entire semester, their assignments are simple. They will read only Sylvia Plath and must write in their journals twice a week. Such an easy sounding class has a profound impact on all five as they discover that their journals are not ordinary. They are doors to the mysterious world of Belzhar, where each student can relive their life before their traumatic incident. However, each visit lasts a finite amount of time and eats up exactly five journal pages. A tight bond is quickly formed as they, and the reader, discover what will happen when they fill up their journals. Will they have to lose their happiness for a second time? This book is a page turner until the very end. ~Erin Magoon~ (Note: Erin is the new Youth Services Page – this is her first review!)
My Year of Running Dangerously: a dad, a daughter, and a ridiculous plan by Tom Foreman
Tom Foreman, an Emmy Award-winning journals and anchor and reporter for CNN has covered a lot of challenging situations in his career. One of his most formidable, however, came from the home-front when his 18- year old daughter asked, "How would you feel about running a marathon with me?" Tom was nearly 51 years old and had not run a marathon in 30 years, and this race was just sixteen weeks away. The answer to his daughter’s question is chronicled in his book, “My Year of Running Dangerously” which follows his journey through four half-marathons, three marathons, and one 55-mile race. His long-distance running passion reignited, his story carries you through training and triumphant moments, defeat and victories, and the bonding he and his daughter experienced. A great read for runners, athletes, and anyone interested in a story of going beyond one’s own limits. ~ Lori Kuban ~
McFarland, USA (DVD) with Kevin Costner
When Coach Jim White takes a high school teaching job in McFarland, California, his own education begins. He discovers in his students the kind of speed and stamina that could make for an outstanding cross-country team. His efforts combined with the dedication of his runners make for an inspirational tale. The film is based on a true story, with clips of the original runners at the end. ~ Nancy Arevalo ~
With autumn in full swing, the falling leaves and harvest remind us of the circle of life. Two books in our library are gentle and straightforward choices for safely introducing children to the concept of death.
The Gift of the Tree by Alvin Tresselt
The Gift of the Tree tells the simple story of the life and death of a forest oak. With evocative language accompanied by detailed, impressionistic paintings by Henri Sorensen, we see the how the natural decline of the oak is part of a cycle that nourishes hidden animals, insects and plants from the beginning of its life until after it has fallen and become part of the ground.
Lifetimes: the Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen
This book explains in clear and forthright sentences how everything that is alive has a beginning and an end, and “there is living in between.” Demonstrating this are softy hued and realistic images of trees, butterflies, fish, animals and finally people teaching that some live for a very short time, others a long time, but that however long they live, “that is the way they live and it is their lifetime.” Both books are extremely respectful of the reader and the subject as they simply explain this universal subject in ways that children and adults will instinctively understand and appreciate. ~ Shannon McKeown ~
A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn (A Veronica Speedwell Mystery)
Veronica has just buried Aunt Nell, the last of two aunts who have been her guardians her whole life. Upon returning to her cottage to collect her things and leave town, she discovers that the cottage has been ransacked and she is nearly abducted by the perpetrator. She is saved by a benevolent older gentleman, a Baron, who knows why she is in danger, but won’t yet tell her. Instead he whisks her off to London and deposits her in the care of his friend, Stoker, who has a rather murky past but can be trusted to protect Veronica. Unfortunately, the Baron is murdered before he can reveal what he knows and Veronica and Stoker must flee for their lives. The plot moves at just the right pace as some answers are revealed and new questions arise. However, it is the character of Veronica Speedwell that brings the most enjoyment to the story. She is an unconventional young woman in Victorian England, with a scientific bent and expertise in collecting butterflies from all over the world. She is somewhat reminiscent of Laurie R. King’s character Mary Russell, knowledgeable and resourceful but a bit more feminine and impulsive than Mary. There are enough questions left unanswered to guarantee a sequel and it will be fun to see what sort of trouble Veronica Speedwell will get into next. ~ Sue Daniels ~
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, illustrations by Jim Kay
A new illustrated edition with gorgeous and whimsical illustrations by the very talented Jim Kay who has worked in the Library & Archives of Tate Britain and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew. This volume includes all the text of the original novel. J.K. Rowling comments “Seeing Jim Kay’s illustrations has moved me profoundly. I love his interpretation of Harry Potter’s world, and I feel honored and grateful that he has lent his talent to it.” ~ Paulette Brooks ~
September 2015
Every Love Story is a Ghost Story: A Life of David Foster Wallace by D.T. Max
David Foster Wallace is for many an enigma commonly known for two events, the 1996 publication of the 1000+ page Infinite Jest, a novel perhaps more popular for the number of people who say they “would like to read it someday” or “have at least started it,” and for Wallace’s 2008 suicide at age 46 by hanging, an event that seems to have canonized him in literary folklore. In the first full scale biography of Wallace, D.T. Max does his best to lift back the veil, providing rich descriptions of Wallace’s childhood in Illinois, his academic career, and the motivations and experiences that shaped his fiction. Wallace was a genius tormented by crippling depression, which affected his life in nearly every capacity and at every turn. While Max is more vague on the events that culminated in Wallace’s death, perhaps that is all for the better; Every Love Story is a Ghost Story is an accessible portrait of a writer whose works continue to be lauded as some of the greatest and most ambitious of the later 20th century. Read this before reading Wallace to gain a better understanding of his works and their meaning. Also be sure check out The End of the Tour, a film currently in theaters depicting journalist David Lipsky’s five days spent with Wallace as he promotes Infinite Jest. ~Noah Weckwerth~
Foreign Correspondent directed by Alfred Hitchcock (DVD)
“In 1940, Alfred Hitchcock made his official transition from the British film industry to Hollywood . . . his first two American movies, Rebecca and Foreign Correspondent, were both nominated for the best picture Oscar . . . Foreign Correspondent is a full-throttle espionage thriller, starring Joel McCrea as a green Yank reporter sent to Europe to get the scoop on the imminent war. [The film includes] wall-to-wall witty repartee, head-spinning plot twists, brilliantly mounted suspense set pieces, and astonishing special effects.” This DVD’s dust jacket says it all. It is an enjoyable black-and-white suspense film. And yes, Hitchcock does make his customary appearance! ~ Sarah Muench ~
Girl in the Dark: A Memoir by Anna Lyndsey
Anna Lyndsey was an ambitious and hard-working young woman; she had just bought an apartment and she was falling in love. Then what started as a mild intolerance to certain kinds of artificial light developed into a severe sensitivity to all light. At the worst possible time in her life, Anna is forced to spend months on end in a blacked-out room, where she loses herself in audiobooks and elaborate word games in an attempt to ward off despair. During periods of relative remission, she can venture out cautiously at dawn and dusk into a new world which she finds is filled beauty. Through the entire ordeal is her love, Pete, without whom her loneliness would have over taken her. One day Anna had an ordinary life, and then the unthinkable happened. She endures and learns to live anew, and finds a love that transcends life’s most difficult circumstances. ~Lori Kuban~
The Princess Knight by Cornelia Funke
Violetta, a little princess, is determined to become as big and strong as her brothers. She secretly teaches herself to become the bravest and cleverest knight in the land until she must face the king's best knights in a jousting tournament. Enjoy the clever twist at the end of this picture book! (My would-be princess granddaughter also recommends this title) ~ Paulette Brooks ~
The Kiss of Deception (Remnant Chronicles, Book 1) and The Heart of Betrayal (Remnant Chronicles, Book 2) by Mary E. Pearson (Young Adult Fiction)
Having fled her home on her wedding day to avoid an arranged marriage to a distant prince, Princess Lia finds herself in a strange village making a fresh start. We believe the only person who knows her identity is her lady-in-waiting, until two mysterious strangers arrive and take an interest her. While Lia remains in the dark, the reader finds out that one stranger is the jilted bridegroom and the other is an assassin sent to make sure Lia never makes it to the wedding. Both of the strangers find that Lia is smart and resourceful, not the spoiled princess they were expecting, and begin to compete for her affections. Meanwhile, there is unrest growing between Lia’s home kingdom and the surrounding lands. Violence has broken out on a large scale with brutal attacks coming from a land that has never been powerful before. The second book develops this side of the plot, slowly unfolding a complex conspiracy that involves all of these characters but is bigger than each one. Lia realizes that she no longer knows who to trust or where to turn for help. However, she also discovers that she may have a unique gift that can help her kingdom and her family, if she can just survive long enough to use it. ~ Sue Daniels ~
The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova. (Audio CD Book)
Andrew Marlow is a therapist who receives a referral from a friend of his to treat a difficult patient. This patient was arrested in the Art Museum for attempting to slash a famous painting that was on display there. The problem is, the patient won't speak. The book is about Marlow's attempt to solve the mystery of this strange case, while takes him back in time to the world of the Impressionistic Art. As Marlow digs deeper into the life of his patient, he also discovers the secrets of the women in the past life of the patient, each one shedding more light on the curious life of Marlow's patient. The story reads like a "painting", using light and color and beautiful visual descriptions. It also brings the reader into the life of France's Impressionist artists, all the while keeping the reader in suspense as Marlow struggles with his patient's mysterious act of sabotage in the Art Museum. ~ Milly Strawn ~
Improbable Libraries: A Visual Journey to the World’s Most Unusual Libraries by Alex Johnson
If you are a fan of libraries, this book is for you with a whimsical celebration of unique libraries from around the world. Some of the features are of an architectural nature, but others are technological such as lending places found in subways, on boats, and at resorts. Of particular interest is the chapter on “Tiny Libraries” with a celebration of the home-grown Wisconsin project known as the Little Free Library, now with cabinets around the world. Find your favorite nontraditional library in this new book. ~Paulette Brooks~
The Good Lie (also available on Blu ray)
The story opens in Sudan, 1983. The civil war leaves thousands orphaned, many of them making the long trek to refugee camps in Kenya. The movie's main characters are finally granted asylum in the U.S., in hopes of a new beginning. They are settled in Kansas City, which, culturally, might as well be another planet. Actress Reese Witherspoon is the awkward job placement agent who helps them navigate their transition to American life, with humorous steps along the way. Based on the true story of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan, this movie is uplifting, powerful and relevant. ~Nancy Arevalo~