December 2016

Christmas Eve (DVD)

Patrick Stewart stars in this thoughtful comedy about a Christmas Eve power outage in New York City. The story follows six different groups of people trapped in elevators, forcing them to keep company with each other (or themselves) until the situation is resolved. Their involuntary confinement leads to unexpected outcomes. I liked how the various personalities interact as the story unfolds.  You don't always know where it's going but it's an enjoyable journey along the way. ~Nancy Arevalo~

Kevin’s Kwanzaa by Lisa Bullard, illustrated by Constanza Basaluzzo

Narrative picture books are a great way to educate children about the world around them. In Kevin’s Kwanzaa, we learn the story of the traditional African American holiday told through Kevin and his family’s festive celebration, including the origins, purpose, and customs of the seven day affair, which begins on December 26. The vibrant illustrations serve as a nice backdrop for the blend of story and history, making it a wonderful teaching tool and an enjoyable holiday read. ~Noah Weckwerth~

Oskar and the Eight Blessings by Richard & Tanya Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel

Lushly illustrated, this picture book takes place on the seventh day of Hanukkah and tells the story of Oskar, a recently arrived refuge from the horrors of Nazi Europe, who finds himself in search of his aunt who lives in New York City. He encounters the sights of the city at holiday time and receives small acts of kindness from its people, each in its way welcoming him to the city and a life in the new world. Hopeful in it message, this would be a wonderful book to share with your little ones. ~Paulette Brooks~

Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris, read by David Sedaris  (Print and Audiobook)

Fans of David Sedaris will not be disappointed - this audio book is "typical" of his work in that it is hysterically funny, sometimes very poignant, and often outrageous.  While not solely a Christmas audio, one rather long essay is about his experiences as a Christmas elf working at a large department store helping out with Santa. Another essay is a spoof on the Christmas letter. But most of the major Holidays are addressed on this audio tape - Halloween, Easter, and Thanksgiving.  Some of his essays are laugh-out-loud funny, others are shocking.  But this is vintage David Sedaris and if you are familiar with his sarcastic tone and dry sense of humor this will entertain. ~Milly Strawn~  

Handknit Holidays: Knitting Year-Round for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter Solstice by Melanie Falick

A treasure trove of knitting patterns for the holiday season, discover something to create for this season or be inspired to start the new year with a new hobby. Sections include: Deck the Halls (decorations), Warming Up (hats & mittens), Dressing Up (sweaters), and Packing Up (gift bags and last minute gifts) with many more creative ideas to add warmth to this festive time of year. ~Paulette Brooks~

White Christmas (DVD)

Christmas would not be Christmas at our house without watching this movie.  Beautiful music and dancing along with great comic actors make this a must-see movie for us every year.  Even though the plot is schmaltzy the talent of the actors and the quality of Irving Berlin’s music make up for any shortfalls.  My personal favorite part is when the song and dance team of Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye do a “reprise” of the song previously done by the sister team of Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen, aptly named Sisters. ~Sharon Passick~

Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ by Timothy Keller

Delving into the four gospels, pastor Timothy Keller takes a closer look at the Christmas story and how it might have meaning beyond the commercial aspects of this holiday time. A thoughtful exploration of the spiritual significance of Christmas. ~Paulette Brooks~

New Christmas Picture Books 2016

Christmas in the Barn by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Anna Dewdney

This nativity story was first published by Brown (Goodnight Moon) in 1952, but here it is newly illustrated by popular illustrator, Dewdney (Llama, Llama series).  

Babushka: A Christmas Tale by Dawn Casey, illustrated by Amanda Hall

In this Russian tale, Babushka is visited by three wise men who are seeking a newborn king. They invite her to travel with them, but she is too busy cooking and cleaning so they leave without her. The next day, Babushka changes her mind and decides to take gifts to the new king, but she doesn’t know where the wise men have gone. She realizes that there are other children who need the gifts she carries so she gives them out and she is still giving out gifts to this day.

Presents through the Window by Taro Gomi

Santa peeks through the windows of various homes to determine an appropriate gift to leave, but what he sees can be misleading with humorous results.

The Christmas Boot by Lisa Wheeler, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

This original story has the feel of an old folk tale as an old woman finds a mysterious boot that can grant wishes. As her wishes grow, she discovers that having more doesn’t make her happier. So when a kind man in a red suit comes to claim the boot, she must decide what she really needs. ~Sue Daniels~

A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg (print book, large print, and audio book)

I’m often asked to recommend a book, and when I do it’s always one by Fannie Flagg. Her uplifting stories of the south are typically entertaining, sweet and surprising.  Flagg’s delightful Christmas tale is the story of a sad Chicagoan who, upon receiving the worst news possible from his doctor, is persuaded to spend his last winter in the warm town of Lost River, Alabama.  Of course there are eccentric characters, gentle humor, and a few happy endings along with the way, but like all of Flagg’s stories there are also a few sly surprises, and a miracle or two and one terrific recipe just to make it interesting. ~Shannon McKeown~

Sampling of new Christmas Music CDs 2016 (something for everyone)

Pentatonix: That’s Christmas to Me

Kenny Rogers:  Once Again it’s Christmas 

Neil Diamond: Acoustic Christmas

Christmas at Downton Abbey

November 2016

The Gratitude Diaries: How a Year Looking on the Bright Side Can Transform your Life by Janice Kaplan

On New Year’s Eve 2015, journalist and former Parade editor in chief Janice Kaplan makes a promise to be grateful and look on the bright side of whatever happens. She realizes that how she feels over the next months will have less to do with the events that occur than her own attitude and perspective. Getting advice at every turn from psychologists, academics, doctors, and philosophers she brings readers on a smart and witty journey to discover the value of appreciating what you have. Thought provoking, this account showed me areas in which I could develop more gratitude in my own life. Highly recommended! ~Paulette Brooks~

Gunslinger: The Remarkable, Improbable, Iconic Life of Brett Favre by Jeff Pearlman
Admittedly, I am not much of a football person, and especially not a Packers fan, but I very much enjoyed Pearlman’s comprehensive treatment of the legendary quarterback. Gunslinger sees Pearlman expounding on many of the interesting stories he shared when he visited the library in early November. It’s all in there: from Favre’s humble beginnings in Mississippi, to the trainwreck in Atlanta, his rise to near deity status in Wisconsin, and the messy aftermath that followed. And then there are the warts, so to say, because of which I will never be able to look at Brett Favre the same way. But I suppose that’s a good thing. ~Noah Weckwerth~        

Six of Crows by Leigh Bargudo  (young adult novel)
Kaz Brekker is a thief, blackmailer, and prominent member of a gang in Ketterdam. He has a good heart and a troubled past, but definitely cannot be described as an upstanding member of society. One day – however – a rich, intelligent, and respected merchant approaches Kaz to see if he can help protect the country in a way that few others can. A scientist has developed a drug that affects the powers of the Grisha, the magicians of the land, in a way that is detrimental to public safety. If the drug hits the market, the Grisha will gain unimaginable power. That is, until addiction to the drug kills them. Kaz is tasked with assembling a crew of thieves, prisoners, victims and other outcasts to break into the world’s most secure prison to prevent the drug from falling into the wrong hands. In Six of Crows, Leigh Bardugo takes the world of her previous Grisha trilogy and tells the story from a different angle by using a protagonist who is not a Grisha. Once you’re done devouring Six of Crows, don’t forget to check out the recently-released sequel Crooked Kingdom. ~Erin Magoon~

Visions of Canada (DVD)

Take a scenic voyage across Canada all while sitting in the comfort of your living room. With the use of stunning aerial photography, you can visit places including the Maritime Provinces, Quebec City, Montreal, Niagara Falls, and Toronto. In the west, marvel over the beauty of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, and Vancouver on the Pacific coast. It might even inspire you to travel to see these magnificent sites in person! ~Paulette Brooks~

Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin
On a stormy trip by steamship from Chicago in 1897, twenty-three year old Anna finds that her emotions match the weather. She is on her way to a lakeside resort near Holland, Michigan, hoping to recover from a broken engagement. At the same time, in the same town, Geesje de Jonge has been asked to record her memories of when she emigrated there from the Netherlands fifty years earlier. This book follows both stories, as if each chapter is a journal entry written by Anna or Geesje. The larger narrative is the tale of how large numbers of Dutch immigrants came to western Michigan in the mid-1800's, overcoming hardships to build settlements in the wilderness. Their impact continues today. I liked the attention to historical details, dates, and locations. Since I have family members living in the area and have been there many times, it was fun for me to picture the early beginnings of the scenic town of Holland, Michigan. ~Nancy Arevalo~                                                                                                

The Midnight Plan of the Repo Man by W. Bruce Cameron (available in print and as an audiobook)
Ruddy McCann, former college football star, finds himself back in the little town of Kalkaska, Michigan working as a repo-man and part-time bouncer at his sister's bar. His best friend is his low-energy Basset hound Jake. Life is simple, that is, until Ruddy starts hearing a voice in his head, declaring that Ruddy needs to help solve the mystery of his death. Further complicating his life is the fact that Ruddy is interested in the dead guy’s daughter. The best part of this book is the humorous way the characters work things out, both in the detective and romance departments. This book is especially fun to listen to with the CD book format.  There is also a sequel, Repo Madness. ~Paulette Brooks~

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
Reminiscent of The Red Tent, this book describes a true historical event from the perspective of women. In the year 70 C.E. the hilltop fortress of Masada was the last stronghold of the Jewish people. Driven from Jerusalem by the Romans, they found shelter and safety on the former palace of King Herod. This book describes the final days of the community at Masada and the lives of 4 women whose paths converged there. Each woman has a story to tell, each tale full of sadness and strength. Yael, Revka, Shirah, and Aziza worked as the keepers of the dove cote, and as the Romans tighten their hold on the hilltop fortress, we see how each woman reacts to the certainty of her impending capture or death. According to ancient historians, the residents of Masada killed themselves rather than live in slavery or die at the hands of the Romans. Two women and five children survived - The Dovekeepers is a historical novel that brings their story to life. ~Milly Strawn~

What to Do with a Box by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Chris Seban
Anyone who has given a gift to a child and only have the present tossed aside because the box is more fun to play with, will be able to relate to this picture book.  Jane Yolen writes so beautifully about children using their imaginations to conjure all the ways that a box can be used as something else – a boat, a library, a palace. All these scenarios are captured so wonderfully in the pastel illustrations of Chris Sheban. Enjoy this story of creativity with your little ones, then go find them a box! ~Paulette Brooks~

October 2016

Brighton by Michael Harvey

Mystery fans should already be familiar with Michael Harvey by way of his Chicago-set Michael Kelly series. Here he turns his pen to his hometown of Boston, and spins a yarn rich in grit and atmosphere. The Boston neighborhood of Brighton frames the story: its reputation bleak, its inhabitants downtrodden. Over a period of 27 years, unsolved murders pile up, with Harvey stacking up suspects along the way and leaving you guessing to the end. But the story is so much deeper than that as well. Brighton is an emblem of the places we come from, the loyalties we forge, and the identities they foster. The past may move from us temporally, but it’s never off our back. This is a great book for fans of mysteries, as well as for readers who love a narrative steeped in authentic setting, language, and culture. ~Noah Weckwerth~                                                                          

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (available in regular, large print, and audiobook formats)
Viann and Isabelle face the horrors of war in France during World War II in much different fashions.  Women and children suffer the many indignities of occupation and have to choose how to survive them. Some like Viann do whatever they have to do to survive after the loss of a husband with a child to also support. Others like her sister Isabelle find a more active way to subvert the invading Germans. Their different approaches to life tear them apart for a long time, but sisterly love brings them together again. A very believable and deeply moving story. ~Sharon Passick~

Penguin Problems written by Jory John and illustrated by Lane Smith (Picture book)
Meet a very discontented penguin who can’t seem to look on the bright side of life. The illustrations can only make you smile as this little guy is gloomy up until he meets a wise old walrus who tells him to stop and look at all that is good around them. Only then does our fuzzy friend notice the beauty of his surroundings and is content for the moment until it starts to snow … Author John says this picture book is about “our daily struggle” while illustrator Lane says, “I think it’s about funny penguins.” I agree with both. A fun book to read to little ones, with lessons for us all. ~Paulette Brooks~

The Ghost in My Brain: How a Concussion Stole My Life and How the New Science of Brain Plasticity Helped Me Get It Back by Clark Elliott
Clark Elliott’s life changed forever in 1999 when his car was rear-ended and he suffered a concussion. Prior to the accident Clark was a professor in the field of artificial intelligence dealing with very complex ideas and issues, and following the accident he struggled to walk across a room and remember the names of his children.  Unbelievably he spent 8 years searching for a doctor who could help him with his traumatic brain injury, but he was essentially told over and over there was nothing that could be done, and that he’d just have to learn to live with his difficulties.  As one last attempt he visited 2 Chicago area clinicians- one an optometrist emphasizing neurodevelopmental techniques, the other a cognitive psychologist, both working on brain plasticity.  Through exercises and progressive changes of glasses, his visual and mental function were restored and amazingly the person he was began to emerge.  This is a great read and resource for anyone interested in living with and recovering from a traumatic brain injury and the perseverance it takes to find the right solution to your unique situation. ~Lori Kuban~

The Messenger (DVD)
For thousands of years, songbirds were regarded by mankind as messengers from the gods. Today, these creatures, woven inextricably into the fabric of our environment, are vanishing at an alarming rate. Under threat from climate change, pesticides and more, populations of hundreds of species have dipped dramatically.

As scientists, activists and bird enthusiasts investigate this phenomenon, amazing secrets of the bird world come to light for the first time. A beautiful and informative documentary! ~Paulette Brooks~ 

Three Sisters, Three Queens by Philippa Gregory

Philippa Gregory continues to entertain with her stories of the Tudors.  In this novel, she focuses on the sisters of King Henry VIII - Margaret and Mary, and Katherine of Aragon, his current wife.  All three are queens; Margaret was married to King James of Scotland, Mary was married to King Louis of France, and Katherine is queen of England.  They call themselves sisters, since all three are related to King Henry VIII.  And all three face the same concerns - forced into marriages they don't necessarily want in order to build relationships with foreign powers for Henry, and having sons to inherit their thrones. Margaret finds herself alone in Scotland after her husband dies, and the novel is primarily about her struggles to maintain the throne for her son. 

Betrayal, espionage, wars, and lost lovers are constant concerns for Margaret, who finds her situation changing depending on the fickleness of her brother in England. Another engaging read by Philippa Gregory, who has a knack for bringing the lives of the Kings and Queens of England to life. ~Milly Strawn~                  

The Man Who Knew Infinity (DVD)

A touching movie starring Dev Patel (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Slumdog Millionaire) recounts the true story of a brilliant mathematician from India and his contributions to the field.  

In 1913, Srinivasa Ramanujan travels to Trinity College, Cambridge, at the invitation of G.H. Hardy (Jeremy Irons), a highly regarded professor. Together they work to publish Ramanujan’s groundbreaking discoveries despite the racism aimed against him. Wonderfully atmospheric! ~Nancy Arevalo~ 

Leave Me by Gayle Forman 

A mother with young children ignores the symptoms of a heart attack as she puts work and family ahead of her own health. Confronting this medical crisis, she makes a decision to take a break from her life. At first I didn't know if I would really like this book, to be honest. However, I really love this author (who normally writes novels in the young adult genre), so I put my trust in the fragility, vulnerability, and messiness of each of her characters and let her lead me to the satisfying conclusion.Readers will shake their heads and maybe even judge the main protagonist, Mary Beth, in this subliminal drama but in the end they will cheer her on as she untangles her emotions in order to discover what is most important to her. It is then that the relevance of the title becomes clear on so many levels. Recommended! ~Paulette Brooks~

September 2016

Elvis & Nixon (DVD)

For a quirky bit of nostalgic fun, you can’t beat Elvis & Nixon, a speculative yarn that details the events leading up to the creation of one of the oddest photographs ever taken of an even odder couple.   In 1970 the “King” offers himself as an “undercover agent at large” in order to infiltrate the growing drug trade as a service to his country.  He shows up unannounced at the White House and requests a meeting with then President Richard Nixon to discuss his concerns and pledge his support. The movie explores the mindset of the aging Elvis, past his prime but still in the game – and the increasingly secluded Nixon (delightfully played by Kevin Spacey), who is finally persuaded to sit down with the rock legend, only to find in him a kindred spirit.  While this is clearly a fictional recounting, the actual meeting did take place and the concluding handshake has made the commemorative photograph the most requested ever from the US Government National Archive. ~Shannon McKeown~

In Our Backyard: Human Trafficking in America and What We Can Do to Stop it by Nita Belles
First time author Nita Belles shines a bright light on an issue that requires urgent and cooperative national attention. Human Trafficking is everywhere, including Waukesha County, and the misconceptions that it’s just sex trafficking are false. It’s modern slavery, and it pervades the labor industry from farm fields to kitchens to private homes. Using a blend of stories and statistics, Belles unravels the reality of human trafficking in sometimes surprising manners. Think about the neighborhoods you live in, the restaurants you visit, and the produce you buy; human trafficking touches everyone, and hurts people that don’t even have a chance. ~Noah Weckwerth~    

Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal: Not Exactly a Memoir by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
The author of this book combines her reflections on life into such categories as you would find in a school textbook (geography, social studies, etc.) but then adds a twist that allows readers to respond and share their reactions via a dedicated texting component. Amy KR is passionate about making connections in creative ways and isn’t afraid to get personal with her readers, something to which this reviewer can attest. One of the most fun and unique books I’ve read. ~Paulette Brooks~

Court of Fives by Kate Elliott
Efea is a well-constructed fantasy world where the conquering people still oppress the indigenous people.  Jessamy is half Patron (the conquerers) and half Efean (indigenous) so she doesn’t belong in either group.  When her Patron father distinguishes himself as a military leader, her family comes to the attention of Lord Gargaron and the trouble begins. Her family is torn apart, her mother and sisters are sent away, and Jes is required to train for the Fives representing the House of Gargaron. The Fives is an athletic competition that Jes is very good at but could not openly train for previously without bringing shame on her father. However, her skill also attracts the attention of Gargaron’s nephew, Prince Kal, who seeks her help in training for the Fives. A relationship between them is considered inappropriate because Kal is a Patron and a Prince, and Jes is of mixed race. However, when they collaborate on a daring rescue, both Kal and Jes learn more about the politics and problems in their society and about a possible uprising that will change everything. This is the first YA novel for World Fantasy Award finalist Kate Elliott and the publisher refers to this title as “Little Women meets Game of Thrones meets The Hunger Games.” ~Sue Daniels~

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth (available in print or CD book format)
In this must-read book for anyone striving to succeed, pioneering psychologist Angela Duckworth shows parents, educators, athletes, students, and business people--both seasoned and new--that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a focused persistence called "grit." Sharing new insights from her landmark research on grit, MacArthur "genius" Angela Duckworth explains why talent is hardly a guarantor of success. Rather, other factors can be even more crucial such as identifying our passions and following through on our commitments. Drawing on her own powerful story as the daughter of a scientist who frequently bemoaned her lack of smarts, Duckworth describes her winding path through teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience, which led to the hypothesis that what really drives success is not "genius" but a special blend of passion and long-term perseverance. Highly recommended! ~Paulette Brooks~

The Wages of Desire: An Inspector Lamb Novel by Stephen Kelly
In the late summer of 1941, in a little village in Hampshire, England, the body of a young woman is found in the church graveyard. Discovering who she is and how she got there is the job of Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Lamb, of the local police. The unearthing of several more bodies in another location complicates his investigation. Are the murders related? Old village secrets come to light as Lamb pursues answers, with his daughter, Vera, serving as his official driver. The ongoing influences of WWII impact the lives of both the villagers and the inspector, with several story lines converging only as the book concludes. I was reminded of the BBC, "Foyle's War" DVD series which is set within the same time frame. Very enjoyable. ~Nancy Arevalo~

The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
This is a book for everyone who reads "for medicinal purposes".  It's the story of a Parisian bookseller who has his store on a floating raft on the Seine.  Mr. Perdu has named his book store The Literary Apothecary, and he specializes in matching the books he sells to the particular malady affecting his clients.  This approach helps his patrons; the only person he hasn't cured yet is himself.  Still suffering from a broken romance, he finally reads the letter his long-lost lover left him over 20 years ago.  Shaken by what he has read in the letter, he pulls anchor and sets sail down the Seine. Along the way he encounters people who help him find peace and his own "end of the story." A delightful story proving that books can and do shape a person's life. ~Milly Strawn~ 

Return by Aaron Becker
A lonely young girl returns to a fantastical world seeking friendship and adventure. This picture book trilogy began with Journey, continued with Quest, and ends with Return. Enjoy the imaginative plots and beautiful illustrations. ~Paulette Brooks~

Summer 2016

Show Me a Hero (DVD)

On the surface, the premise barely sounds interesting. A six-part procedural miniseries about an affordable housing policy crisis in the 1980s. But then look a few of the particulars. The series was created by David Simon, who also created The Wire, widely considered one of the best series in television history. It aired on HBO, a network whose reputation is built around offering programming that routinely wins awards and critical acclaim. It also stars Oscar Isaac, one of the most talented actors working in film today. Add it up, and what Show Me a Hero ends up becoming, is one of the finest pieces of visual storytelling you are likely to see for some time: compulsively watchable, frustratingly head-shaking, and utterly thrilling. It’s a story about civil rights, the machinations of municipal government, and fiercely honest portrayals of hope, ambition, and reality. A highly recommended work of drama. ~Noah Weckwerth~                            

Amy Snow by Tracy Rees
An orphaned young woman inherits a bundle of letters from her dear friend, the wealthy heiress Aurelia Vennaway. The letters contain clues that lead Amy on a treasure hunt around England, with the goal of uncovering Aurelia's secret and securing Amy's future. Set in 18th century England, this charming novel is the author's first but, hopefully, not last. I enjoyed it immensely. ~Nancy Arevalo~

Eddie the Eagle (DVD) with Hugh Jackman and Taron Egerton
With the Olympics just around the corner, this is a fun DVD to watch. Inspired by true events, it is a feel-good story about Michael 'Eddie' Edwards, an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself, even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach, Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans around the world by making an improbable and historic showing at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. ~Paulette Brooks~

Sophie’s Squash Go To School by Pat Zietlow Miller & Anne Wilsdorf.
We first met Sophie in the book Sophie’s Squash when she grew a lovely squash in her garden and turned it into a playmate. After learning a hard lesson about the circle of life for fruits and vegetables, Sophie now has two squash that grew from the seeds of the first and she is taking them to school with her. However, bringing your own playmates to school makes it harder to make new friends, so Sophie has another lesson to learn with the help of her squash.

School’s First day of School by Adam Rex.
A newly built school thinks he is a house for the janitor until he is filled with children, learning and playing. At first he is insulted by comments from students who don’t like school (“maybe it doesn’t like you either,” he thinks to himself) but he grows to appreciate all of the activity and even learns a few things. This story will introduce first-time students to school life and the mixture of emotions that can go with it. ~Sue Daniels~

All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor (Middle Grade readers)
An unusual setting for a touching story of family connections no matter the circumstances.

Eleven-year-old Perry was born and raised by his mom at the Blue River Co-ed Correctional Facility in tiny Surprise, Nebraska. His mom is a resident on Cell Block C, and so far Warden Daugherty has made it possible for them to be together. That is, until a new district attorney discovers the truth--and Perry is removed from the facility and forced into a foster home. When Perry moves to the "outside" world, he feels trapped. Desperate to be reunited with his mom, Perry goes on a quest for answers about her past crime. As he gets closer to the truth, he will discover that love makes people resilient no matter where they come from ... but can he find a way to tell everyone what home truly means? Highly recommended! ~Paulette Brooks ~

The Dragon Behind the Glass: A true story of power, obsession, and the world’s most coveted fish by Emily Voigt
If guppies and goldfish are what come to mind when you think of aquariums, you’ll be shocked by the black market value and dangerous goings-on associated with the “most expensive fish in the world” in The Dragon Behind the Glass: A True Story of Power, Obsession, and the World's Most Coveted Fish.  Author and journalist Emily Voigt brings us the fascinating (and often humorous) account of her search for the Asian Arowana, a rare fresh-water creature that has become endangered because of man’s desire to acquire.    

Part detective story and part natural history review, Voigt encounters the underground exotic animal trade as well as the standard pet industry and delves into the psychological reasons for keeping pets, and the lure of fish keeping.  She leads us from New York to China and the wilds of Borneo and Myanmar in search of the elusive wild Super Red Arowana, the “Dragon Fish” so prized that some have committed murder to possess it.  Along the way one begins to wonder: could the very fact that the Arowana has been declared endangered be the catalyst for its eventual extinction?  

This is a fish-tale of wealth and danger, where science and obsession collide.  Read this one on your vacation; I promise you’ll not look at any fish the same way again. ~Shannon McKeown~ 

Wallander (DVD) starring Kenneth Branagh

This series of videos are from the BBC production of Wallander, the hit drama starring Kenneth Branagh as Swedish detective Kurt Wallander.  The TV series is based on the novels written by Henning Mankell.  Each episode is a unique and complete drama on its own, but they all feature Kurt Wallander as the master sleuth in solving a mystery.  Every story is very captivating as we watch Wallander move closer and closer to finding the culprit.  As he works on solving the crimes, we catch glimpses into his personal life as well, understanding what makes this complex character into the person he is. Set in Sweden, the scenery is as pleasing to the eye as the mysteries are to the intellect. You'll want to watch them all! ~Milly Strawn~

Everyone Brave is Forgiven by Chris Cleave

Heartbreaking in his plotting and startling in his prose, Chris Cleave gives his readers the insight of London inhabitants during the early years of World War II. Mary, from a wealthy family, volunteers to help in the war effort and ends up teaching. Tom is her boss (and maybe more) while his best friend Alistair has signed up for the front. Zachary and his musician father have arrived from the United States and this young man becomes one of the misfit students in Mary's class. All these characters' lives intertwine and define what it means to be brave in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Be prepared for a novel of love and suffering that is well worth the emotional journey. ~Paulette Brooks~

June 2016

The Great Railway Bazaar by Paul Theroux

This classic book of travel literature, written in 1975, is guaranteed to take you away this summer as you sit aboard the Orient Express, the Khyber Pass Local, the Frontier Mail, the Golden Arrow to Kuala Lumpur, the Mandalay Express, and the Trans-Siberian Express. The four month journey takes the author and the reader on a loop eastbound from London's Victoria Station to Tokyo Central, then back from Japan.

Filled with detailed observations and engaging humor, people and places come alive and the Great Railway Bazaar provides an opportunity to glimpse worlds otherwise unavailable to many of us. Interesting to armchair travelers, train buffs, and anyone desiring an adventure without all the hassles of modern day travel. ~Lori Kuban~

Front Lines by Michael Grant (Young Adult)

Historians often discuss American women's involvement in WWII: working in factories, growing victory gardens, and keeping spirits up at home. But Michael Grant's Front Lines re-imagines American women's role in WWII by describing an America in which women can volunteer or be drafted into military service. The novel follows three women soldiers. Rainy is involved in military intelligence, Frangie is a medic, and Rio is a sharpshooter. These women face enemies on both sides; they fight both against the Germans and against the opinion that they cannot accomplish their work because they are female. Often, their superiors are looking for reasons to reject them because they don't accept the presence of women during a war. Even though the female voice has never told a story from this point-of-view, the events and interactions are not feminine. Instead of fainting at the first sight of blood, these heroines persevere from basic training all the way up to active duty in Africa. The voices are honest and sincere, telling the story with so much detail and emotion that it is difficult to imagine that women did not actually fight during the war. This book is gripping and fast-paced, portraying an accurate and very believable alternate-interpretation of World War II. ~Erin Magoon~

The Appalachian Trail: Celebrating America’s Hiking Trail text by Brian B. King 

In the foreword to this lavishly illustrated book celebrating 75 years of America’s hiking trail, Bill Bryson notes that his experience hiking the AT left him with a profound and lasting appreciation for the natural beauty America possesses. And while paging through this book is not exactly the same as traversing the trail, you’ll quickly understand what he means. Containing more than 300 breathtaking images of a footpath that spans nearly 2,200 miles from Georgia to Maine, The Appalachian Trail also fills in with a rich history of the trail’s founding, culture, and continuing effect. The photographs however, are the true star, and they will undoubtedly leave you inspired, itching to strap on some boots and hit the great outdoors. ~Noah Weckwerth~

Many Beautiful Things: The Life and Vision of Lilias Trotter (DVD)

This visually rich documentary tells the story of Lilias Trotter, a promising British artist of the 19th century. Her talent was noticed by John Ruskin, an eminent art critic who credits her with transforming his opinion of female artists and their work. The film traces the rediscovery of Lilias, her artwork and her efforts to improve the lives of women and children, first in London, then in North Africa. I was impressed by the way both her painting and her service were expressions of her deepening faith. The documentary's special features include an interview with Michelle Dockery (who played Lady Mary on the Downton Abbey series) who is the voice of Lilias Trotter in the film. ~Nancy Arevalo~

The Thank You Book by Mo Willems (XE – Early Readers)

Mo Willems has created 25 books in the Elephant and Piggie series and this book is his last. The author/illustrator wanted to express his appreciation to the fans of this series, so he has his character Piggie says “Thank You” to all the characters which were featured over the years. As usual Elephant is anxious that someone will be left out! Enjoy this fond farewell and if you are new to Mo Willems – get started with some fun reading with your kids or grand kids! ~Paulette Brooks~

Jane Got a Gun (DVD)

Jane Got a Gun starring Natalie Portman. Although Jane Hammond has built a life on a lonely homestead, it is clear that she has secrets in her past. When her husband returns to the homestead near death from gunshot wounds, she knows that her past is catching up with her. She sends her young daughter away for safety, secures the homestead and turns to someone else from her past for help. As the pair prepare to face down the Bishop gang, Jane’s story comes out in bits and pieces and we learn that much more is at stake than her homestead: she is fighting for her life and her last chance at happiness. This is a thrilling story in the classic tradition of westerns, but with a softer side to it. (Rated R for violence and some language) ~Sue Daniels~

Sisi by Allison Pataki

This historical novel is a very compelling read. It describes the life of Elizabeth, Empress of Austria-Hungary, who was fondly referred to as Sisi by her subjects. Married to Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria, at the age of 15, she was renown around the world as a great beauty. She very quickly realized that life at court with all its restricting protocols and court intrigues wasn't for her. She much preferred to reside in Hungary, her homeland, where she could partake in her favorite sport of horseback riding and live in relative freedom. Spending long absences away from the Hapsburg Court, she aroused suspicion and gossip among her subjects. Fighting hard to keep her autonomy and independence amid a court that required certain rules and etiquette, she struggles between loyalty to her husband and her desire to be happy. This book reads like a novel, telling a gripping story of an intriguing personality. It describes the events leading up to her tragic end and what would become the end of the Hapsburg Empire. ~Milly Strawn~

Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Ultimate Edition (DVD) 

A treasure for old and new fans of this unforgettable film. The 1977 original, the “Special Edition” from 1980 and the 1998 “Directors Cut” are all included in this package, along with a plethora of bonus items.

Director Steven Spielberg strings us along as he did in the movie JAWS; we know the aliens are coming but we don’t see them until the very end. Small UFOs appear in the evening skies, while a puzzling 5-note musical phrase is transmitted to earth. Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfus), a lineman sent out to investigate a sudden power outage is stopped in his truck by the bright lights of the spaceship hovering above his vehicle. But something has been imprinted upon his brain, and while he and others like him struggle to find the answer, government officials from around the world plan for what can only be a visitation, all culminating in a spectacular finale at Devils Tower, Wyoming.

Decades before CGI, the startling special effects are just as jaw-dropping today. Composer John Williams’ iconic soundtrack culminates in a musical conversation sequence that is at turns bombastic, then playful while the use of Zoltan Kodaly’s musical sign language in the 5-note phrase from earth back to the aliens is gentle and reassuring. After all these years, it’s still awe-inspiring. ~Shannon McKeown~

June is audiobook month – so check out our collection of both fiction and non-fiction books on CD or in the Playaway format. Great for road trips or just while you are out walking or gardening.

I just finished listening to First Impresssions: A Novel of Old Books, Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen by Charlie Lovett. Read by Jayne Entwistle (you may recognize her voice as the narrator of the Flavia de Luce mystery series)

Book lover and Austen enthusiast Sophie Collingwood has recently taken a job at an antiquarian bookshop in London when two different customers request a copy of the same obscure book: the second edition of 'Little Book of Allegories' by Richard Mansfield. Their queries draw Sophie into a mystery that will cast doubt on the true authorship of 'Pride and Prejudice', and ultimately threaten Sophie's life. ~ Paulette Brooks ~

May 2016

Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal

Capturing the essence of the Midwest captured the heart of the nation, as J. Ryan Stadal’s debut novel is one for the books, garnering awards and acclaim across the country. Beautifully infused with food, humor, and love, Kitchens weaves the tale of Eva Thorvald, daughter of a chef and product of the traditions and flavors of her native Minnesota. Eva rises through tragedy and heartbreak to become the mysterious chef behind the most sought-after dinner reservation in the country, in a truly original yarn that is equal parts funny, touching, and appetizing…with recipes to boot. Plus, your chance to meet the author behind this wonderful story is coming to the Elm Grove Library on June 14! Join us in the O’Neill Room beginning at 6:30 p.m. for a one-of-kind event featuring J. Ryan Stradal and Kitchens of the Great Midwest. The evening will feature a discussion and reading from the New York Times best-selling novel, as well as a special event for book clubs and book lovers, where librarians and booksellers will be sharing their favorite recommendations for book clubs, along with tips and strategies for reading and discussing. This event is sponsored by Boswell Books and is free to attend. No registration necessary. ~Noah Weckwerth~  

The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton 

At her peaceful, country-side family home, 16-year-old Laurel witnesses a shocking crime committed by her mother.  In 2011, Laurel's family returns to this childhood home to celebrate the 90th birthday of that mother, whose health is rapidly declining.  During the family reunion, Laurel is determined to solve the mystery of that long-ago crime, hoping to bring closure to this mystery before her mother's death. The novel bounces back and forth between 1941 and 2011, tracing the love story and mysterious past of Dorothy (the mother), her lover Jimmy, and the hauntingly beautiful Vivian.  Clue by clue, Laurel uncovers the crime that has had such an impact on her life, bringing along the reader in a suspense filled novel with twists and turns that will keep you up reading at all hours of the night. A book you won't be able to put down! ~Milly Strawn~  

New Tricks: Season 1 (DVD) 

As punishment for messing up a kidnap rescue and shooting a dog in the process, Detective Superintendent Sandra Pullman is re-assigned to the newly created unsolved murder squad. Due to a manpower shortage her team is made up of veteran detectives brought back onto the police force, bringing a 1970's mentality to modern policing. This detective series is a mix of cold case investigation by quirky but talented detectives and that wonderful brand of British humor. ~Paulette Brooks~  

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell you She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman (print and audiobook)

Seven year-old Elsa has been raised by her rather eccentric grandmother who assigns her an important task at the time of her passing. Elsa needs to deliver mysterious envelopes, each containing a different letter of apology. Elsa's imaginative outlook has been shaped by her grandmother's fairytales, quick wit and colorful life. Her end-of-life assignment becomes the kind of gift that connects Elsa to all the others who grieve with her. Warm, funny, touching. ~Nancy Arevalo~    

Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin  (Young Adult)   

What if the US had chosen not to enter WWII, resulting in the defeat of Britain and the continued domination of Europe by the Third Reich? That is the big question that is dealt with here in this alternate history/ adventure novel set in the 1950s. Seventeen-year-old Yael escaped from the Dachau prison camp as a child and was found by members of the underground resistance who became her new family. An opportunity arises for Yael to help the resistance by racing in the annual transcontinental motorcycle race called the Axis Tour. Due to her unique ability to alter her appearance, Yael will assume the identity of the only girl to ever win the race before, Adele Wolfe. Whoever wins the race, will be able to get close enough to Hitler to kill him and hopefully, spark widespread revolution. Yael is well trained, but the race and other racers are unpredictable, including Adele’s twin brother who unexpectedly joins the race at the last minute. Will Yael win the race … or die trying? Highly recommended for fans of the Hunger Games, although this tale is somewhat less grim. ~Sue Daniels~  

Sleeping Giants by Sylvain Neuvel   

Debut Canadian author, Sylvain Neuvel, spins an intriguing science fiction story that deals less with actual aliens and more with the question of human reaction to the discovery of alien artifacts. Think of the political maneuverings if an advanced weapon was found in parts all over the world. This epistolary novel tells the story of a discovery of those parts that belong to a giant robot through a series of interviews, e-mails, journal entries, and memos.  The inclusion of an unidentified government official who heads up the recovery project just adds mystery to the suspense. Recommended! ~Paulette Brooks~              

Room (DVD) based on the novel Room by Emma Donoghue (print and audiobook)

     The only world young Jack knows is the room in which he was born and where he lives with his Ma (Brie Larson, in an Oscar winning role).  But now that he’s five, Ma tells him the truth he is finally old enough to understand:  there is a world outside of Room, where Ma used to live before she was kidnapped at age 17 by the brutal man who holds them captive; and they can’t live this way any longer.   In an extraordinary and clever act of desperation and faith, Ma comes up with a plan to get Jack out of Room so that he can summon help.  The daring escape and heart-stopping rescue are only part of story, as Ma and Jack discover that adjusting to the larger world has its own dangers.   Based in part upon real-life crimes such as the Jaycee Lee Dugard kidnapping, this film is a quiet and terrible beauty, difficult to watch yet ultimately rewarding; a triumphant story of motherly love and childlike trust that was the true “Best Picture of the Year.” ~Shannon McKeown~  

Container Theme Gardens: 42 combinations each using 5 perfectly matched plants by Nancy J. Ondra   

Just in time for spring! Choose the color scheme, arrangement, and container to fit your style. This book is a wonderful resource if you are looking for a new idea for a container garden. Even if you don’t want to create a garden on your patio or balcony, it’s a fun book to look at the beautiful arrangement of plants in a rainbow of palettes for every season. Part of our great collection of gardening books! ~Paulette Brooks~

April 2016

Red Rising by Pierce Brown

Born into the absolute lowest caste of the Society – the LowReds – Darrow labors day and night to fulfill the needs of rest of the solar system. He knows nothing of those who use the resources that he mines; his only wish is to mine enough to beat out the other mining teams and earn the illustrious Laurel and the food and resources that accompany it. After tragedy strikes, Darrow finds that he is motivated to help those he loves and others who have been exploited by the Society. With the help of like-minded others, his attitude eventually changes from being revenge-driven to desiring justice as he fully discovers the inner-workings of the Society. Filled with fast action, witty comments and an interesting take on an inter-planetary society, Red Rising represents the age-old adventure quest with a futuristic setting. Though sometimes classified as a young adult book, it is in the Adult section at the EGPL and is suitable for both teens and adults. Prepare yourself for a complex plot enhanced by many accurate descriptions of society – both past and current. ~Erin Magoon~

Recent Picture Books worth noting:

Ideas Are All Around by Philip C. Stead
This picture book is a bit of a departure for this author who is known for such stories as the Caldecott winning A Sick Day for Amos McGee. It walks through a day in the life of a picture book author and shows how extraordinary ideas can arise from an ordinary day. It’s not so much a story as a discussion starter and could be used in a classroom or one-on-one with a really interested child. 

Lola and I written and translated by Chiara Valentina Segre. (2015 IBBY Outstanding Book for Young People with Disabilities)
The cover of the book shows a girl with a bright-eyed dog and the narrator describes her friendship with Lola and how they take care of one another. At first, you are led to believe that Lola is the dog, but you gradually realize that Lola is the girl and the narrator is her service dog. It is a dog’s eye view of the unique relationship between a young person and the dog that gives her independence. ~Sue Daniels~

The Big Short (DVD)
Based on the true story of the stock market crash of 2008, this film documents the story of the housing market boom of the early 2000's.   It traces the story of the men who realized that the boom was based on a sham, and how they made it big by "selling short" on the funds that were made up of the housing markets.  It shows how banks, fund managers, hedge fund managers, and individual traders all cashed in by selling short.  This is a very suspenseful movie that will anger and frustrate you when you discover how everyone covered up the facts and made big money at the expense of everyday people buying houses they shouldn't have been allowed to buy. ~Milly Strawn~

Happiness equation: Want nothing + Do Anything = Have Everything by Neil Pasricha (print or audiobook)
This upbeat and enthusiastic author offers practical advice on achieving happiness in your life. He focuses on long held beliefs and offers a different way of looking at such topics as: contentment, retirement, and measurement of success. Readers may not agree with all that is in this book, but there is a lot of food for thought. The CD book version is read by the author. ~Paulette Brooks~

Spotlight and Truth (DVD)
  Released in 1976, All the Presidents Men was a landmark film about journalistic pursuit and the craft of getting the story and getting it right. Forty years later, films about journalism are still produced on a regular basis, to varying degrees of quality. In 2015, two highly anticipated pictures were released at the height of the awards season push to different receptions. Spotlight, which details a Boston Globe reporting team’s efforts to uncover a massive child molestation scandal within the local catholic archdiocese, was the darling of the awards circuit, culminating in an Academy Award for Best Picture. Truth, depicting the production and aftermath of a 2004 CBS News story regarding then President George W. Bush’s time in the Texas Air National Guard in the 1970s, was met with more tepid reviews, quickly overlooked in the midst of other award-quality pictures. At the root of both of these films is the quest for the truth, and the work journalists do to expose it. In an era of instant news and dwindling interest in long form journalism, films such as these remind us of the important work good reporters do, work that is increasingly threatened as the resources allowed to do it continue to diminish. ~Noah Weckwerth~

The Travelers by Chris Pavone  (print and audiobook)
Those readers who have read Pavone’s last two offerings (The Expats and The Accident) will not be disappointed with his latest offering. Meet Will Rhodes: travel writer, recently married, barely solvent, his idealism rapidly giving way to disillusionment and the worry that he’s living the wrong life. Then one night, on assignment for the award-winning Travelers magazine in the wine region of Argentina, a beautiful woman makes him an offer he can’t refuse. Soon Will’s bad choices—and dark secrets—take him across Europe, from a chateau in Bordeaux to a midnight raid on a Paris mansion, from a dive bar in Dublin to a mega-yacht in the Mediterranean and an isolated cabin perched on the rugged cliffs of Iceland. A great read with lots of action – highly recommended! ~Paulette Brooks~

The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson
It's 1914, and Beatrice Nash arrives in a small village in East Sussex with her bicycle, her enthusiasm and her determination to make a new life for herself.  Hired to be the first female Latin teacher of the local school, she soon settles into village life.  The local residents are unavoidably drawn into the drama of WWI and, as it unfolds, lives take unexpected turns. Written by the same author of "Major Pettigrew's Last Stand," readers will enjoy the engaging characters, humor and suspense of this memorable story. ~Nancy Arevalo~

Another Day in the Frontal Lobe: A Brain Surgeon Exposes Life on the Inside by Katrina Firlik
Katrina Firlik was the the first woman admitted to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center's neurosurgery residency program.  She went on to become a female neurosurgeon, one of only two hundred or so women in the field.  As a woman she offers a unique perspective on the field, and of the challenges of being one of the only women in this male dominated world.

Katrina not only shares her perspective as a female, but as a neurosurgeon in this highly complex and intriguing specialty.  She states that, “Many of the brains I encounter have been pushed around by tumors, blood clots, infections, or strokes that have swollen out of control.”  The extremely varied daily work challenges a neurosurgeon faces makes for interesting and informational reading.  Along the way Dr. Firlik mixes together facts regarding advancing technology, patient stories, and personal experiences that keep the reader engrossed from beginning to end. ~ Lori Kuban~

March 2016

Newt’s Emerald by Garth Nix.

This is a refreshingly lighthearted YA title that is part Regency romance, part magic and a whole lot of fun. Lady Truthful “Newt” Newington has only just inherited the Newington emerald for her 18th birthday when it mysteriously disappears and she must hurry to London in search of it. The emerald is known to have some magical powers and it may be capable of causing disaster in the wrong hands. Truthful had planned to spend a season in London with her aunt enjoying herself, but instead finds herself masquerading as a male cousin from France in order to find the emerald without raising suspicion. She is unexpectedly aided in her quest by Major Harnett, a stranger who comes to her rescue and seems to know all the right people and how to conduct an investigation. They get along beautifully at first when she is in disguise, but then mistaken identities and magical interference cause complications. Witty dialog and humorous situations move the plot along to a somewhat predictable but nonetheless satisfying conclusion. ~Sue Daniels~

Brooklyn (DVD)

Brooklyn: a novel by Colm Toibin

  The movie adaptation for Irish writer Colm To´ibi´n’s newest novel “Brooklyn” is wonderful with brilliant acting performances and great scenery (the Irish village used for filming is the author’s hometown) and will be very popular! So put a hold on it and in the meantime, read the book! Plot for the novel is: Eilis Lacey is unable to find a job in Ireland in the years following World War II. An Irish priest from Brooklyn, New York offers to sponsor her to live and work in America, so she decides she must go, leaving her mother and sister behind. Adapting to her life in America, she falls into a romance with a local. When her past catches up with her, however, she must choose between two countries which may entail defining her concept of “home.” Both versions highly recommended. ~Paulette Brooks~

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (CDbook and also available in regular or large print)

This audio book by the author of "Eat, Pray, Love" is an exploration of creativity. All of us have a creative nature, she says, but for one reason or another we mostly don't tap into it. From fear (of failing, ridicule, even success) to laziness, most of us find one excuse or another for refusing to explore our inner creative self. Read by the author, this tape encourages us to face our fears and take the risk of discovering our gifts and talents. By doing so we will live a more fulfilling and exciting life. She debunks some of the myths associated with creative artists, such as loneliness, a tormented soul, alcoholism, and other stereotypes associated with people who pursue a life in the arts. Rather, she asserts, if we tap into our inner artist and connect with the energy of all creation, Big Magic can occur! ~Milly Strawn~

Meet the Patels (DVD)

The entertaining story of Ravi Patel and his quest for a wife. His Indian-born parents have high hopes that their son will choose a girl with similar upbringing and culture. On a family trip to India, voice their opinions and come up with a plan of action which Ravi reluctantly pursues, with hilarious results. His dating odyssey is captured on film by his sister, creating a home-movie style documentary of his experiences. A warm, real-life romantic comedy. ~Nancy Arevalo~

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 

Achingly beautiful memoir by a neurosurgeon who is diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He attempts to answer this question: What makes a life worth living? Paul is just finishing his surgical residency when he gets sick and then all his career plans are put on hold. Going from doctor who has to help some of his patients face death, this young doctor is now the patient facing his own mortality. This book was published posthumously, with an epilogue by his wife. Great follow up to the “Being Mortal” program. ~Paulette Brooks~

8 Keys to Practicing Mindfulness by Manuela Mischke-Reeds 

This book is a clear and comprehensive guide to establishing mindfulness in your everyday life. It includes useful exercises to help one get started and practice foundational techniques. This book also has helpful tips for those who have an established practice, making it valuable for both the novice and experienced. Included among the 8 keys are case studies to allow a glimpse into how this practice comes alive for others, as well as research and practices from many fields including: mindfulness, neuroscience, and psychology. It’s a great read for anyone interested in having more awareness, centeredness and stability in their lives. ~Lori Kuban~

Pygmalion: a romance in five acts (Penguin classics edition) by George Bernard Shaw

My Fair Lady (50th Anniversary Ed. DVD or Blu-ray Ed.)

As referenced in last month’s staff recommends I am trying to complete the items on the library challenge bookmark – so this month I read a play. Actually, I read it alongside of watching in the background "My Fair Lady" movie adaptation. An interesting experience. The content of the play was to show the prejudices of the British class system. This Penguin classics edition of the play included an introduction by Nicholas Grene, a Shaw scholar (who commented on whether Shaw would have approved of the end of the movie) and an epilogue by Shaw, the playwright himself where he answers the question: "Who would Eliza end up marrying?" Reading those two pieces was so illuminating! ~Paulette Brooks~

Outlander: Original Television Soundtrack Vol. 1 (CD) 

Whether you are a confirmed fan, newbie, or patiently waiting on hold for the very hot (I’m told) and romantic time-traveling, sword swinging, bodice rippin’, kilt wearin’, shades O’plaid romance Outlander, you’re bound to love OUTLANDER: ORIGINAL TELEVISION SOUNDTRACK VOL. 1 with music by Bear McCreary. Knowing little (at the time) about this popular series of books or its accompanying television series, I was captivated by the cover photo of a modern woman looking at a man whose hand had just lost his grip on hers while her body faces in the other direction – toward misty, soft green and blue hills, a handsome highlander from the 1700s reaching toward her. Best known for his soundtrack to Battlestar Galactica, McCreary evokes tales of danger and celebration tragedy and love through ancient Celtic instruments and intuitive familiar melodies. In a clever reworking of “The Skye Boat Song” you too will feel yourself transported back into time as you listen to a haunting, lone female voice slowly welcomed by muted drums and uilleann bagpipes in splendid harmony: “…billow and breeze, islands and seas, mountains of rain and sun. All that was good, all that was fair all that was me is gone. Sing me a song of a lass that is gone, say can that lass be I? Merry of soul she sailed on a dais, over the sea to Skye.” You can almost smell the heather! ~Shannon McKeown~

February 2016

The Age of Adaline (DVD) 

Adaline Bowman is 29 years old. She has been 29 years old since 1937, when a freak accident in a snowstorm left her unable to age. In theory this sounds like an enticing situation, however the reality is much more complicated. This is the premise of The Age of Adaline, starring Blake Lively as Adaline, a woman constantly running from her own identity. She must reinvent her life every 10 years, making her unable to foster any true connections in the world, other than with her own elderly daughter, whose creeping mortality begins to cause Adaline even more grief. When the promise of true love once again presents itself, Adaline is forced to revisit the pain of her secret and the uncertainty of her future. This is a fine film that will leave you pondering the joys of aging and the meaning of a life fully lived. ~Noah Weckwerth~

In the surprise hit of presidential nostalgia, Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard take us back to the 80’s for a fresh look at all the shocking details of the assassination attempt that nearly succeeded in Killing Reagan: The Violent Assault That Changed a Presidency. The mental illness of the young man who planned the most public of all crimes to impress a young female movie star, the astrology-believing First Lady who fiercely protected her husband, the conservative ex-movie star with a mission to end communism, the liberal son and daughter who publicly jousted with their father, you only think you know the whole story!

For a fascinating and oddly compelling look at the most human trait of our commanders in chief, you can’t beat Dead Presidents: an American Adventure Into the Strange Deaths and Surprising Afterlives of Our Nation’s Leaders by Brady Carlson. This strangely entertaining travelogue takes us on a road trip of illnesses, assassinations, monuments and animatronic curiosities. From the seemingly superhuman (Teddy Roosevelt, who continued his speech after a would-be assassins bullet was slowed by a book in his vest pocket) to the tragic (Lincoln’s long night into death), to the ridiculous (William Henry Harrison’s death by Inauguration Speech), it’s all here. For the simply stupefying one can’t beat the mind-blowing medical incompetence that was the true cause of James A. Garfield’s death, rather than the assassin’s bullet which precipitated it. Happy President’s Day! ~Shannon McKeown~

The Road to Little Dribbling: Adventures of an American in Britain by Bill Bryson (print & CDbook)

The first time I read a Bill Bryson book (A Walk in the Woods) I found myself laughing out loud at various intervals. His newest travel adventures documents the love of his adopted country of 40 years as well as his abiding sense of wonder and humor when it comes to all things British. You may want to start with his earlier narrative, Notes from A Small Island, and see how things have changed over twenty years. Regardless of where you begin the journey, be prepared to enjoy! ~ Paulette Brooks ~

These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly (YA) 

Set in 1890’s New York City, These Shallow Graves is yet another gem from New York Times-bestselling author Jennifer Donnelly. Josephine Montfort has it all: beauty, brains, pedigree. Though on the cusp of completing her formal education at a prestigious finishing school and poised to marry one of the most eligible bachelors in the city, Jo yearns for more than her cloistered life has to offer. She dreams of becoming a real reporter, tracking down leads and penning stunning social exposes like her hero Nellie Bly. But before Jo has a chance to contemplate any impending future, tragedy strikes. Her father is found dead under most mysterious circumstances. Unable to accept the particulars of the incident, Jo begins digging into her father’s past with the help of a poor, brash, alarmingly handsome reporter, Eddie. As the two continue to dig, dark threats and close calls pile up; yet, Jo is unable to set the pursuit of truth or Eddie aside. With a gripping mystery, captivating characters, and an absorbing romance, These Shallow Graves provides a little something for all types of readers. ~Abby Landers~

The Girl With Seven Names: A North Korean Defector’s Story by Hyeonseo Lee 

The remarkable true story of a 17 year old who defects from North Korea. Living near the border of North Korea and China, she has always wanted to cross the frozen river and see what the outside world might be like. What begins as a "visit" soon becomes more permanent, as returning home would endanger herself and her loved ones. She stays in China secretly, changing her name and avoiding arrest. She learns the language, supports herself, and comes to realize that true safety and freedom could only be found by escaping to South Korea and seeking political asylum. But, getting to freedom was only half the battle. Hyonseo Lee has a special connection with Brookfield, Wisconsin, and told her story to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel this summer. Check out this link to read the article or ask for a copy at the library service desk. ~ Nancy Arevalo ~

Deep Down Dark: The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine, and the Miracle That Set Them Free by Héctor Tobar 

Héctor Tobar’s book tells the amazing story of the 33 Chilean miners trapped for 69 days in 2010, in Chile’s San José mine, a rocky, lifeless mountain situated in the Atacama Desert of Chili. The detailed account is a combination of the drama above and below ground as rescue efforts unfold to save the miners, unknown to be dead or alive. The book contains an excellent chronology of events and detailed portraits of the trapped men, their families and those and attempting rescue. The miners made an agreement to one another to tell their story only as a group and this is the public’s first opportunity to hear their story, a story of human longing for escape, determination to survive, and ultimately, triumph against all odds. ~ Lori Kuban~

Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

The California Gold Rush is the backdrop for this story that takes Leah Westfall completely across the country from her home in Georgia. When her parents are brutally murdered and she must flee for her life, Leah decides to meet up with her friend, Jefferson, on a wagon train headed west. In order to travel alone and avoid pursuit, 15-year-old Leah disguises herself as a boy and finds she likes the freedom it allows. Fortunately, she can hunt and take care of herself well enough that the disguise is believable. However, it is a challenging journey that brings Leah into contact with a variety of personalities - some friendly, some difficult – and to the realization that the old west is an untamed and dangerous place. Leah is a resourceful, determined character who makes the journey a pleasure for the reader. Recommended for grades 7 and up. ~ Sue Daniels ~

January 2016

The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration in the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery (available in print and CD-book format)

As any marine aquarist (such as myself) knows, fish and other sea creatures are fascinating individuals with unique habits and personalities, but even the smallest octopus are not recommended for the home aquarium. Why?  They have the uncanny ability to escape …. and they are smart. This new book takes the reader on a fantastic journey through the diverse behaviors, emotions and pathos of these mysterious mollusks.   The reader will be amazed as the author describes how this clever, shape shifting cephalopod is able to render itself nearly invisible by changing color or texture at will, its eight “arms” seeming to work independently of each other while it’s suckers are able to ensnare and secure objects or prey  many times its own weight.  The ability to problem solve, use tools, and to display intelligence challenge us to consider what we can learn from creatures that appear to be aliens on our own planet. ~Shannon McKeown~

Here are the recently announced American Library Association youth media award winners for 2016 

Caldecott Medal winners for the most distinguished American picture books for children: 

*Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear written by Lindsay Mattick,  illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews, illustrated by Bryan Collier

Waiting written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes
 

Voice of Freedom:  Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement  written by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by Ekua Holmes

 Last Stop on Market Street  written by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson

Newbery Medal winners for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature: 

*Last Stop on Market Street written by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Roller Girl written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson

Echo written by Pam Munoz Ryan

Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults: 

*Bone Gap by Laura Ruby

Out of Darkness  by Ashley Hope Perez

The Ghosts of Heaven by Marcus Sedgwick

*Denotes winner.  Other titles are honor books.                                    

 Sharpie Art Workshop: Techniques and Ideas for Transforming your World  by Timothy Goodman

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to become a better artist, and this book has been a treasure of a resource. When some people think Sharpie, they merely think standard black permanent marker. Actually, there are over 100 different varieties of Sharpie, and they come with an endless supply of ideas. Sharpie Art Workshop details the many different types of the infamous marker, its interesting history, as well as a tutorial on how to use them and creative exercises that can help unlock the artist in you. Personally, Sharpie art has always been fascinating to me, and now that I’m creating it myself, I am a true convert. So check out the book, pick up a pack, and try it for yourself; it’s colorful, fun, and cathartic. Bonus Fun Fact: Sharpies are the writing utensil of choice by astronauts aboard the International Space Station because of their usability in zero-gravity. ~Noah Weckwerth~

Murder Underground  by Mavis Doriel Hay

This 1934 British mystery was written by an author who published during what is known as the Golden Age of Detective Fiction (between the wars.)  Murder Underground is the first of only three books by Mavis Doriel Hay.  In it, the not-well-liked Miss Pongleton is found strangled on the stairs of Belsize Park underground railway station.  She had been on her way to a dentist appointment. The murder is discovered early on in the story, and the remainder of the book is dedicated to discovering the motive and the murderer. There is no shortage of suspects, and Miss Pongleton’s fellow hotel borders join in trying to solve the mystery. Introduced by crime writer Stephen Booth, this is an enjoyable read for fans of Margery Allingham, Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh. ~Sarah Muench~                                            

Come, Let Me Guide You: A Life Shared with a Guide Dog (New Directions in the Human-Animal Bond)  by Susan Krieger

If you have ever wondered what it might be like to have a service dog, or what kind of relationship develops between the dog and it’s human, you will want to read the book, "Come, Let Me Guide You". 

In her book Susan Krieger chronicles her 10-year experience with her guide dog, Teela.  Susan delves into the internal and external challenges of her life as a blind individual, and the way that the intimate human-animal relationship develops as her dog guides her through both. ~Lori Kuban~

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell (available in print or CD-book format)

Simon Snow is the Chosen One. However, he is the worst Chosen One to ever exist. Despite years at the prestigious Watford School of Magicks, Simon cannot control his powers and spends all of his time running from the Insidious Humdrum – a monster that is eating up magic all over England. To make matters worse, Simon’s roommate Baz has not returned after summer vacation. The two boys were enemies, but now Simon can’t manage to drive Baz from his mind. Unlike many other books about “Chosen” characters, Simon has drive but no talent. With so many pressures as he enters into his last years at Watford, he wonders whether he will be able to save his people, as it has been foretold. Simon Snow, who is first mentioned as a character from a ‘book within another book’ in Rainbow Rowell’s Fangirl, now gets his shining moment as the main character of Carry On.

This book is a must for all Rowell fans, especially those who read Fangirl and wished to discover more about Simon. However, both books are outstanding on their own. You needn’t read one to understand the other, but the two of them together are highly recommended. ~Erin Magoon~

The Man from U.N.C.L.E.   (DVD)

Based on the popular TV series from the 1960's, this film opens in East Germany, with a chase scene and dramatic escape over the Berlin Wall. Cold War special agents Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin pack enough action, suspense, romance, and humor into their cases to keep things highly entertaining. ~Nancy Arevalo~