2008-2011
December 2007
Living in a Foreign Language: a Memoir of Food, Wine and Love in Italy by Michael Tucker. Michael Tucker and his wife Jill Eikenberry, best known for their roles in the TV series “L.A. Law”, purchased and renovated a 350 year old stone cottage in Italy. The book details their experiences with Italian culture, rural life and, of course, Italian cuisine. An entertaining look at a different way of living. (Susan)
Sweet Land by Will Weaver. The recently released movie, Sweetland, is based on a short story from this collection. Each story is a tribute to the spirit of the American Midwest. (Mary)
Damsels in Distress by Joan Hess. Another hilarious mystery featuring bookseller, Claire Malloy, and her terminally adolescent daughter, Caron. A Renaissance Faire invades their quiet college town with malevolent results. (Mary)
Thursday Next in First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde. The fourth book in the very silly British mystery series featuring literary detective, Thursday Next. Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, ancient Greek myths, etc. have never been this outlandish or fun. (Mary)
Whistling in the Dark by Mequon author Lesley Kagen. This story takes place in Milwaukee during the 1950's and centers around the coming of age of two young girls. The backdrop of the story is a double murder. The two girls take it upon themselves to try and solve the murder....(Amanda)
Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr is a memoir, an ode to the “Eternal City,” and an informal ethnography. The book is a series of observations written in colorful, poetic images. Doerr, a novelist, won a fellowship to work for one year in Italy. He, his wife, and their six-month-old twins move from Boise, Idaho to Rome. They are new parents living in a foreign city. They don’t know the language, don’t know their way around, and don’t get much sleep. Doerr is assigned a studio at the American Academy in Rome, where other artists and scholars also work. He is supposed to be working on a new novel, but has continuous writer’s block. Instead, he writes about the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the death of Pope John Paul II, and the Roman people, all while raising two baby boys. (Sarah)
Cultural Amnesia: necessary memories from history and the arts by Clive James. At first glance this appears to be an abbreviated biographical encyclopedia including just over 100 people from the obscure to the infamous. The overall theme is the struggle of liberal humanism against totalitarianism of the right and the left. Get your pencil and paper at the ready, you cannot read this book without scribbling down the many quotes and listing all the books that James recommends. (Robert)
February 2008
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a haunting WWII tale, set in Germany, about a waif named Leisl who finds her solace in stolen books. Appearing as a character himself, Death narrates the story of this young girl and those she encounters in a memorable small town setting. Scenes of the horror of war are broken up by moments of tenderness and hope. An unforgettable read for teens and adults. (Paulette)
Service Included: Four-Star Secrets of an Eavesdropping Waiter by Phoebe Damrosch is the story of the author’s experiences during her 18 months at Per Se restaurant in New York City. Per Se is the creation of Thomas Keller, the master chef of the French Laundry restaurant in California. The book is a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fine dining. Damrosch warns that it “is not a sepia-toned portrait of my grandmother in the kitchen making meatballs, samosas, congee, or empanadas.” It is a satisfying, detailed memoir, and a guide to proper behavior in formal restaurants. Dining tips include: “There’s no need to say that you are allergic when you don’t like something. Not only are allergies very serious, but you have every right to your personal taste.” However, “Control your limbs,” and “Do not touch your waiter.” (Sarah)
Welcome to the Wisdom of the World and Its Meaning for You by Joan Chittister. The author arranges her book around various life questions, such as Why does my life feel so hectic?, What’s important in life? and What is happiness?. She devotes a chapter to each question and each chapter contains spiritual insights and wisdom from one of five religious traditions. These traditions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This is the kind of book that can be read in small segments, but it is very powerful and thought provoking. If you would like to grow spiritually, it’s a book for you. (Susan)
Night of Flames by Douglas W. Jacobson. As the Germans invade Poland in 1939, a young couple finds themselves swept into the Resistance and fighting to survive. The Elm Grove author of this fascinating novel drew inspiration from his own Belgian relatives and Polish ancestry to weave an exciting and highly informative story. (Nancy)
In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan. “Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.” This may be the take-away quote from Michael Pollan’s latest book, but the book contains much information and many issues to consider. He takes issue with food scientists, marketers, and journalists, all disseminating information on food for their benefit. Food labels are false and misleading. What we are offered on our supermarket shelves is not “real food,” but “food products,” void of nutritional value. Pollan’s suggestions include paying more for high quality food, and buying less of it. He offers that one might consider returning to a more traditional or regional diet of simple, well balanced meals consisting of food that one’s “great-great grandmother would recognize.” A great read. (Lori)
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. “Drawing on cutting-edge neuroscience and psychology, the author shows how the difference between good and bad decision-making has nothing to do with how much information can be processed quickly, but on the few particular details on which people focus.” Gladwell covers a fascinating array of topics including art fakes; office chairs; cola taste tests; predicting divorce; presidents; doctors and patients, and much more. I listened to the book on CD in my car and many times found myself just sitting in my driveway listening because I was so engaged and provoked. (Robert)
May 2008
House Lust by Daniel McGinn is a testament to Americans’ obsession with their homes, their neighbors’ homes, and the real estate market. The house, once a place simply for shelter, is now considered a status symbol, an investment vehicle, and an expression of oneself. New realty television shows based on home purchasing, renovating, and selling captivate millions of viewers as do the more traditional home and garden shows. Even now, as the home market has crashed and foreclosures are at an all time high, the passion is still there as owners continue to add on, move up, or downsize. The reasons for this real estate appetite are discussed in McGinn’s book with humor, fact, and social commentary. (Lori)
Touch and Go: A Memoir by Studs Terkel. Studs Terkel is the bestselling author of 12 books of oral history, including Working and The Good War. Now, at age 95, he has written about his own life, the many interesting people he has known, and his love for his hometown, Chicago. Although his writing style is somewhat rambling, his memory for details is fantastic, and he tells some great stories going back as far as the 1920s. This is a slice of American history told with charm and wit. (Susan).
Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson. If you enjoy the "Anne of Green Gables" books or movies, you'll find this prequel to be a believable beginning to the life of Anne Shirley. The author takes Anne from her birthplace in Nova Scotia, through her early years with foster families, until she departs for her new life on Prince Edward Island. Highly imaginative from the start, young Anne Shirley is delightful. The reader is able to get re-acquainted with this main character, as if meeting an old friend. (Nancy).
Jim the Boy by Tony Earley. A year in the life of ten-year old Jim, who lives in a small town in depression era North Carolina with his widowed mother and his uncles. Folksy, plain language make for a quick read: think Hemingway meets the Waltons. Emotions a-plenty, but no gushing or syrup here. It’s amazing the author can sustain the restraint and grace for the length of a novel albeit a short one. I can’t wait to read the sequel, The Blue Star. (Robert).
The Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions DVD series includes programs on Arthritis, Back Pain, Fibromyalgia, Heart Health, High Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Menopause. The videos are a collaboration between the Mayo Clinic and Gaiam, a Colorado-based company that provides information, products and services related to natural health and ecological lifestyles. Mayo physicians and Gaiam lifestyle experts combine mind, body and spirit techniques to provide an integrative approach to healing. Contributors believe in the human body’s innate capacity to heal itself. Included with each video is a “Stress Solution” booklet to help viewers form their own action plans for healing. (Sarah)
July 2008
The Darjeeling Limited, (DVD) Director Wes Anderson. Three brothers take an off-beat journey through India in an attempt to make peace with themselves and each other after the death of their father. Each of the brothers' conflicts present themselves in subtle and unusual ways. Sometimes funny, other times heartfelt, this is a quirky film that takes you inside the dynamics of this likable band of brothers. This is a movie that stuck with me after I watched it. I really enjoyed it. (Amanda)
Once (DVD) Independent Irish film maker John Carney managed to create a gem of a musical journey set in Dublin, in spite of working with a tight budget. This motion picture production has an intriguing plot about how two people aspire to make music yet end up inspired by each other to not lose sight of what they love the most. If you like a mix of rock and folk music then you will enjoy the all-original songs, written for the movie. The interesting twist is that the two lead characters are played by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, who are musicians, not professional actors. They do a fine job of portraying struggling singer-songwriters, making ends meet with day-time jobs, while creating music (their real passion) whenever they can fit it in. (Paulette)
When the Air Hits Your Brain: Tales from Neurosurgery by Frank Vertosick, Jr., MD. Takes readers on a journey from intern to brain surgeon. Through his transformation we see the challenges and rites of passage of a man in medicine. The progression is sometimes humorous, often extremely demanding and seemingly bent on cruelty. Along with insight into the medical world, we are allowed access to some of the most intimate moments of those suffering from acute injuries and as well as chronic diseases of the brain. We are granted a glimpse of worlds into which many of us will never enter. (Lori)
Peace: the Biography of a Symbol by Ken Kolsbun with Michael S. Sweeney. This unique book traces the creation and development of the peace symbol. Originally designed as an emblem for the British nuclear disarmament movement in 1958, it soon spread to America, where it was used by antiwar activists. Over the years, it has become recognized by people worldwide as a symbol of peace in various circumstances. Many photographs from the 1950s to the present make this an entertaining as well as informative book. The book is published by National Geographic. (Susan)
Blue Latitudes: boldly going where Captain Cook has gone before by Tony Horwitz. Part travelogue, part history lesson, part anthropological essay, Horwitz travels the Pacific in the path of Captain Cook and searches for his legacy and meaning. Interesting and entertaining with parts comedic and tragic this book is guaranteed to enlighten you. (Robert)
August 2008
Joe Robichaux and His New Orleans Rhythm Boys (Music CD) Recorded in 1933, this collection of jazz numbers really swings! Selections include “St. Louis Blues”, “Stormy Weather”, “King Kong Stomp” and many others. There are also two vocal number performed by Christina Gray in 1929. If you’re interested in learning more about Joe Robichaux and New Orleans music at the time, there is a 20 page booklet included with the CD. Check it out if you like jazz. (Susan)
The Ten Year Nap by Meg Wolitzer. When Amy’s son was born, she chose to leave her career to focus on raising him. She had always planned that she would go back to work at some point, but a decade later she is still at home. Amy’s three closest friends have made similar choices, although each has her own reasons, but they marvel at the women they know who seem to be able to do it all. One woman in particular earns Amy’s admiration, but as Amy gets to know her better, she is forced to reexamine her own choices and expectations. A series of crises bring upheaval to the group of friends so that by the end of the story none of them is quite the same. This is an engaging and complex story that would make an interesting book club selection. (Sue)
The Eye of Jade: a novel by Diane Wei Liang. This mystery, set in 1990s Beijing, sheds some light on the inner workings of modern day Chinese society. Mei Wang, is a savvy female detective who must work under the auspicies of an "information gatherer" because of government regulations. While her intellectual parents were persecuted during the time of the Cultural Revolution, Mei's father died in a labor camp. Her mother, however, managed to escape the camp with her two daughters and years later, each family member still appear to have been scarred by this experience. Mei is approached by a family friend to find a valuable antique jade that is rumored to be for sale on the black market. In pursuit of this item, Mei also uncovers more than she imagines about her own family history. (Paulette)
Bound by Sally Gunning is the story of seven-year-old Alice Cole, sold as an indentured servant by her father in colonial Massachusetts. Set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary events, she attempts to find dignity and freedom in spite of her legally binding indenturedness. She finds some help from Lyddie Berry, a widow whose story is told in Sally Gunning's earlier book, "Widow's War." Nancy Surviving the Extremes: A Doctor's Journey to the Limits of Human Endurance, by Kenneth Kamler. Physiological constraints confine our bodies to less than one-fifth of the earth's surface. Beyond that fraction lie the extremes. What happens when we go to them? Dr. Kenneth Kamler explores various outdoor extreme environments, including jungle, open sea, desert, underwater, high altitude, and outer space. The book uses first-hand testimony and documented accounts to illustrate what happens in environments where our survival strategies must take over. (Lori)
I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley. This book is a collection of essays. We join the author on her various adventures as she goes through life. Some of the stories bring back memories of milestones reached in our own lives. Theses stories are told in different ways but always with humor and grit. The humor will make you laugh and the grit will make you think. (Amanda)
October 2008
The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary Pearson. Set in the near-distant future, this YA novel asks the question – what makes us human? Jenna wakes up and discovers that she has been in a coma and is still recovering from a serious car crash. This young woman has many questions but is unable to remember any details of her life. She puzzles over her past as she watches home movies on DVD, reflecting on how much attention had been paid to her by her adoring parents over the years. As memories return, Jenna starts to piece together the mystery of her body, reconstructed after the accident, and the truth is revealed about who she really is. The book raises some fundamental issues about bio-medical ethics and the nature of the soul. Characters are deftly constructed and the well-written plot moves along at a satisfying pace. I highly recommend the book on CD. The narrator, Jenna Lamia, brings Jenna Fox to life, lending a sympathetic voice to the lead character who is embarking upon a journey of discovery. (Paulette)
Time Bandit: Two Brothers, the Bering Sea, and One of the World's Deadliest Jobs by Johnathan and Andy Hillstrand. If you have ever seen and been captivated by the television series, “Deadliest Catch”, or if you love to read about real life adventure, you will want to read this book. Brothers Jonathan and Andy Hillstrand, along with their crew, risk their lives every king crab fishing season on the Bering Sea. In order to bring in their lucrative catch, the men must survive icy water, cold and punishing winds, brutal rogue waves, and the dangers of setting and retrieving 1000 lb steel traps from the swaying and heaving ship deck. Not only does this book describe those on ship exploits, it also delves a bit into their off-season lives, recounting tales of their raucous childhood and current adult adventures and interests. (Lori)
Rediscover an old favorite with The A. B. C. Murders, by Agatha Christie. Originally published in 1936, it is one of several Christie mysteries reissued in hardcover by Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers. This story stars the eccentric, egotistical Belgian detective Hercule Poirot, and his friend Captain Hastings. Poirot must track down a maniacal murderer, who chooses his victims alphabetically, and warns Poirot with a boastful letter before each crime occurs. The first victim is Alice Ascher in Andover. Christie's books are accessible and humorous, but still intelligent and mysterious. She is a great choice for those mystery fans who favor clues over corpses, cross-examination over gore, and intelligent contemplation over violent speech. Other Christie titles recently acquired by the library include: At Bertram's Hotel, The Body in the Library, Murder at the Vicarage, and Murder on the Orient Express. (Sarah)
A Royal Pain (A Royal Spyness Mystery) by Rhys Bowen. This is the second installment in this series set in 1930’s London featuring Lady Georgiana Rannoch. Georgiana enjoys the prestige of being 34th in line for the throne and is called upon by the Queen to take on delicate diplomatic tasks. However, the family fortune was squandered by her father, so Georgiana secretly moonlights cleaning the houses of her peers, which puts her in both enlightening and amusing situations. In this episode, the Queen has burdened her with supervising a young visiting princess who attracts trouble and becomes embroiled in a murder. This book is especially recommended to anyone who likes an old-fashioned mystery with a thoroughly likeable heroine and a bit of humor. (Sue)
Bella (DVD) is a beautiful tale of how family relationships can offer hope and healing. A struggling, young waitress loses her job, triggering a series of events that change her life. Don't miss the DVD's special features which include the filmmaker's story of how he produced the movie and launched its distribution, apart from the Hollywood mainstream. (Nancy)
Lombardi and Me: Players, Coaches, and Colleagues Talk About the Man and the Myth by Paul Hornung with Billy Reed. If you are a fan of the Green Bay Packers, you will enjoy getting to know more about their legendary coach, Vince Lombardi. This book was the idea of Paul Hornung, who had a father-son type relationship with Lombardi. He wanted people to understand more about the man who was such a big influence on his career and life. For this book, he selected men who knew Lombardi well (with the exception of David Maraniss), and he and Billy Reed interviewed them. The result is fascinating memories from Packer greats like Jerry Kramer, Jim Taylor, Willie Davis and many others, as well as some wonderful photographs of Lombardi and the players. (Susan)
December 2008
Izzy and Lenore: Two Dogs, an Unexpected Journey, and Me by Jon Katz. Jon Katz’s follows his last bestseller, Dog Days: Dispatches from Bedlam Farm, with another great work filled with humor and insight into the human condition. In this his latest installment of life on the farm, Jon shares with us Izzy, an abandoned three year old border collie whom he first has to calm, then train. Under Izzy’s amazing amount of energy and nervousness he finds a wonderfully sensitivity dog. This sensitivity and intuition leads to work Katz has always considered but never pursued, the work of hospice volunteer. Lenore, a sleek, beautiful, jet black labrador retriever also joins the farm. This dog exists to love, and in doing so she succeeds in helping Jon heal some old wounds. A wonderful, warm, and hopeful book for anyone interested in the bonds between animals and humans and the power of love. (Lori)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. A treasure set in post-war England of the 1940s, this new novel looks back on events of World War II. The authors have woven a winsome tale of discovery and resilience, tinged with the sorrowful after-effects of the German occupation of the Island of Guernsey. Juliet Ashton, a London writer who is also recovering from the War, learns of the existence of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (formed as a cover for a group of Guernsey residents caught breaking curfew by the Germans) and starts up a correspondence with several of the Society’s members. This historical fiction novel takes the form of letters and telegrams between Juliet, her editor and friends, and some of her new Guernsey friends, as she takes on the task of writing about the Society and its wartime experiences. A rewarding read that would make a great book club selection. Note: The CD-Book version has wonderful narrators who adopt the English and Guernsey accents which add flavor and atmosphere to the story. (Paulette)
The Glass of Time by Michael Cox. A very entertaining Victorian mystery. Esperanza Gorst is sent to the Evenwood Estate disguised as a lady's maid, to gather information about the household and its' family members. She unravels a series of secrets which change her future. I enjoyed the way the story was told from the first person point of view, as if the heroine is writing in her journal. It kept me guessing all the way to the final page. (Nancy)
The Wishing Year: a House, a Man, my Soul: a Memoir of Fulfilled Desire by Noelle Oxenhandler. This memoir is the story of a year in the author’s life, but it is also an exploration of the power of wishing, or as she calls it, “Putting it Out There.” A painful divorce and loss of spiritual community is the stimulus for a mid-life change and a decision to try conscious wishing to get a house of her own, a new man, and heal her soul. Her journey is thoughtful and sometimes humorous, and involves hope and hard work. This book will make you think about what you believe about wishing. (Susan)
Jeeves in the Offing by P. G. Wodehouse, is great fun to read. Wodehouse was known for writing farce and social satire, and published over 90 books during his literary career of seven decades. His Jeeves and Wooster tales are comic send-ups of the idle rich in 20th-century England. This story follows Wodehouse’s usual plot of Bertram Wooster bumbling through a series of escapades, and being rescued by his effortlessly superior valet, Jeeves. While staying at his aunt Dahlia’s home, Brinkley Court, Bertie becomes involved in a mix-up of broken engagements, an angry former headmaster, a suspicious mystery novelist, and some missing silver. Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry did a perfect job of bringing these characters to life for Masterpiece Theatre in the 1990s. (Sarah)
Invincible: My Journey from Fan to NFL Team Captain by Vince Papale. Tired of overpaid athletes and their oversized egos? Fed up watching guys flit from one team to the next in search of a bigger payday? Be refreshed and inspired by this true story of a hometown football fan who became his team’s captain. I listened to this as a book on CD and found it very entertaining: the story moves quickly from Vince’s poor childhood in Philly and follows him through high school, college and local amateur leagues and onto his unlikely entry into the world of the NFL. Forget the movie version of this tale (lots of style but no substance or character): this is the real deal! (Robert)
February 2009
The Man in the Picture by Susan Hill is a contemporary ghost story with the feel of a Victorian or Gothic mystery. The story begins at Cambridge, and centers on an old painting of a Venetian carnival scene, hanging on the wall of a retired professor. An incident in the painting’s provenance has eerie repercussions in the narrator’s life. At 145 pages and a quick pace, the book can be enjoyed in an afternoon. (Sarah)
Dewey: the small-town library cat who touched the world by Vicki Myron. This is a book that will appeal to different readers for different reasons. If you are an animal lover there are plenty of stories about the antics of Dewey, the cat who lived in the Spencer Public Library in northwest Iowa for 19 years, and his relationships with people from all over the world. However, it is also the story of a small farming community that was impacted by the farm crisis of the 1980's, as well as a look at the important role of the library in that community. (Sue)
Only the Ball was White (DVD). This documentary about the Negro Baseball Leagues was originally broadcast on PBS in 1980. It contains interviews with such baseball greats as Roy Campanella, Buck Leonard and Satchel Paige. Historical footage of games from the 1930s and 1940s, as well as the interviews, gives a good impression of what it was like for the players and the fans. The point is well made that many of the players could have succeeded or been stars in the Major Leagues if they had been given the opportunity. This is a good introduction to the Negro Baseball Leagues. (Susan)
An Early American Quilt (Music CD) by Hesperus Early Music Ensemble. Imagine the music of Colonial Williamsburg; folk tunes, marches and country dances are performed on early American instruments such as guitar, hammered dulcimer, fiddle and harpsichord. I enjoyed this lively collection of songs that were popular in British Colonial America, 1607-1776. The musicians of Hesperus Early Music Ensemble have put together another wonderful recording. This CD can be found with our other CD's in the New Age/Folk/Misc. section. (Nancy)
The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness by Elyn Saks. Elyn Saks, an endowed professor at the prestigious University of Southern California Gould School of Law, is a diagnosed schizophrenic. Her memoir takes us on a journey through challenges of childhood, early adulthood, and adulthood, and her gradual transition from a mental patient to a mental health advocate. Elyn’s story, told with precision and passion, breaks apart the stereotypes of schizophrenia and allows us to see the disease as the complex physio-psychological dynamic that it is. (Lori)
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day (DVD) is an entertaining glimpse into English society just before World War II. Frances McDormand (Fargo) plays the lead role of an unemployed governess who stumbles into working for a day and is caught up in the social whirlwind of ambitious American night club singer and actress, Delysia Lafosse, played by Amy Adams (Enchanted). Over the next 24 hours, each woman is transformed and finds her horizon expanded as decisions are made that will allow them to truly live. Veteran British actor, Ciarán Hinds and Lee Pace (Pushing Daises) both do an admirable job as the respective love interests. Beautiful sets, quick paced dialogue, and fine acting make this a delightful movie. As a fun follow-up, check out the unabridged sound recording of the original book written in 1938 by Winifred Watson and narrated by actress Frances McDormand. (Paulette)
Nothing to be Frightened Of by Julian Barnes. A personal and wide ranging discussion of death and our emotional and intellectual responses to it. At times very funny and at others wistful, the author is always clever and informative. Although he is an academic of the highest order, the author is still able to write in straight forward terms about a subject we cannot avoid. Garrison Keillor called it a "deep seismic tremor of a book that keeps rumbling and grumbling in the mind for weeks thereafter.'' (Robert)
April 2009
The Candy Bombers: The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America's Finest Hour by Andrei Cherny. A good narrative invites us to another time and place. In The Candy Bombers, we find ourselves in post-war, occupied Berlin. When Soviet Russia blockades the city in June of 1948, West Berlin is cut off by land and sea. Facing starvation or communist take-over, the situation looks hopeless. The drama unfolds with the launch of an American airlift which delivers food, coal and, yes, even candy to the hungry residents of Berlin. What begins as an unpopular stop-gap relief measure becomes instrumental in the spread of Democracy and goodwill between nations. (Nancy)
The Survivors Club: The Secrets and Science That Could Save Your Life by Ben Sherwood. The author of The Man Who Ate the 747 investigates why some people live, and why some people die. He travels the world to gain insight from people who have survived a variety of near fatal events including a mountain lion attack, Holocaust concentration camp, dropping six miles through the sky without a parachute, and ejecting from a fighter plane at sea level doing Mach 1. Ben interviews an array of experts to understand the psychology, genetics and other incidentals that determine whether we live or die. The second half of the book includes access to an online test to determine the reader's survivor profile and details how to interpret that profile. Enjoy! (Lori)
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Imagine the United States in another time, ruled by an oppressive, totalitarian government. In order to keep the people from revolting, they are required to participate in the Hunger Games each year. Each district must send 2 representatives – a boy and a girl – to compete in the government run games which are broadcast on TV like an adventure-reality show, but the goal is to be the sole survivor. Katniss volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in the games, but it has been a long time since anyone from her district has won. Will she survive, and if she does, will life ever be the same? This story is an edge-of-your seat page turner, recommended for teens and adults. (Sue)
The Definitive Collection/Judy Garland. This CD features a collection of songs recorded by Judy Garland between 1937 and 1945. Most are solo recordings, but a few are duets, including a great one with Gene Kelly of “For Me and My Gal”. Other favorites of mine were “Embraceable You”, “The Trolley Song”, “Blues in the Night”, and, of course, “Over the Rainbow.” There are also some beautiful pictures of Judy and program notes. An album that every Judy Garland fan will enjoy – more than once! (Susan)
The Private Patient by P. D. James is the latest mystery featuring Commander Adam Dalgliesh. Here, investigative journalist Rhoda Gradwyn is a patient at the exclusive (and elusive) Cheverell Manor, a private medical clinic in Dorset. She has come to have a facial scar removed, and refuses to disclose its childhood cause. When she is found dead the morning after her successful surgery, Dalgliesh is called in to sort through numerous suspicious characters, secrets in the past, several red herrings, and a great deal of psychological drama building up to the final scenes. (Sarah)
June 2009
Rumbo a las Grandes Ligas (Road to the Big Leagues) (DVD). What better time to watch this movie than during the baseball season? This award winning documentary focuses on boys and young men trying to break into the Major Leagues from the Dominican Republic, where baseball is king. We meet them, their families and learn about their culture, as well as baseball. This is an inspiring story of young men following their dreams against huge odds. (Susan)
Alex and Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a Hidden World of Animal Intelligence - and Formed a Deep Bond in the Process by Irene Pepperberg. Alex, an African Grey parrot whose brain was the size of a shelled walnut, changed the way the scientific community and the world at large thinks about animal cognition. When his trainer Irene and Alex first met, birds were not believed to possess any potential for language, consciousness, or anything remotely comparable to human intelligence. Yet, over the years, Alex proved many things. He could add, sound out words, and he could understood concepts like bigger, smaller, more, fewer, and none. He was capable of thought and intention, an absolutely stunning discovery. The book chronicles Alex and Irene's 30 year relationship, trials, and triumphs and combines the scientific with the emotions of human and animal. (Lori)
Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. Set in Seattle in the 1980's, Henry Lee is a Chinese-American who is recalling his childhood experiences during the years of World War II. The ethnic tensions of wartime Seattle shaped young Henry's interactions at home and at school, especially with Keiko, a Japanese-American friend. Keiko and her family are eventually sent to an Idaho internment camp. I like how the author presents Henry's past and present as parallel stories, woven together at the end. The book also illustrates effectively a difficult period in American history. (Nancy)
Closing Time by Joe Queenan. If you’re looking for a bright and breezy Summer read, this is not it. This autobiography set in the Philadelphia of the 1950’s and 60’s is stark and grim, and peopled by some real characters: Joe’s alcoholic and violently abusive Irish-American father, his emotionally distant mother (who is also a terrible cook), and the men who take Joe under their wings. The writer is straightforward in his accounting of the facts of his proletariat and Catholic background, but he has a wonderful turn of phrase and even the most dire situations are shown to have their comic side. (Robert)
September 2009
Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Duke Ellington Song Book with Duke Ellington and his Orchestra. This 3-CD collection contains all the material Ella Fitzgerald recorded for her Duke Ellington Song Book project in 1956 and 1957. There is also a wonderful booklet with pictures and background information on Ella and Duke. Some of my favorite songs on the album include “I’m Beginning to See the Light”, “Satin Doll”, “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” and “Love You Madly”. If you are a fan of Ella and Duke, this album is for you. If you aren’t that familiar with their music, give it a try – it’s hard to resist! (Susan)
The Nazi Officer's Wife: How one Jewish woman survived the Holocaust (DVD). In 1938, Edith Hahn wanted to be a lawyer and marry her boyfriend but realized that was not going to happen. Edith saw her life slipping away and something incomprehensible taking its place. I cannot imagine watching what you say each moment for fear that if you slip up someone would betray you to the Gestapo. Her story starts in 1938 and chronicles her choices through the Nazi surrender. It gives a vivid picture of what she had to overcome during those years and how she took back her identity after the war. There are several interviews with her daughter telling her struggle growing up with this legacy. (Laurie)
Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas. Elderly Hennie Comfort befriends a 17 year old newlywed, a recent arrival to the gold mining town of Middle Swan, Colorado. It is 1936, jobs are scarce and hardships are many in the high country. The two women form an unlikely bond over a common love for quilting and Hennie's varied life story comes out. (Nancy)
The Centurion's Wife by T. Davis Bunn and Janette Oke. A romance/mystery set in first century Palestine. A Roman centurion is commissioned to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a dead rabbi's body. The powerful personalities who order this quest also arrange the centurion's marriage for their own purposes. Uncovering the facts will yield results none of them could have predicted. (Nancy)
Touchstone by Laurie R. King. Set in England in the early 1920's, we are introduced to a society on the verge of change. The working class is rebelling against the upper class and the entire country is on the brink of a strike that could paralyze the nation. Into this upheaval comes an American agent who has tracked a suspected bomber across the Atlantic and enlists the help of a British gentleman with special abilities to corner him. This is a suspenseful tale beautifully told, with engaging characters and a surprise ending that will keep you guessing. (Sue)
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Triathlon Training by Colin Barr and Steve Katai. Triathlon, originating in southern California in the mid 1970’s, is one of the fastest growing sports. This book on triathlon (swim, bike, run) and duathlon (run, bike, run) training is a great starting point for those interested in learning more about these multisport events. Written by two experienced triathletes, Colin and Steve explain the differences between different race lengths and types, and offer practical advice on training, nutrition, equipment, race preparation, and the race itself. If you are interested in the sport as a spectator or as a participant, this book will give you the fundamental knowledge you need! (Lori)
October 2009
Hope Endures: Leaving Mother Teresa, losing faith, and searching for meaning by Colette Livermore. Reader beware, this book is deeply troubling. An idealistic young Australian joins Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in an attempt to ease the world’s suffering and find some meaning in her own life. The blind faith and obedience demanded of the nuns creates many logistical problems for the organization as well as fostering much unhappiness for everybody involved, including the poor and sick people the nuns are supposed to be helping. On a much deeper level, the young nun finds that her faith cannot be sustained due to the suffering and misery she is confronted with, and ultimately she leaves the Missionaries to find meaning in other ways. (Robert)
The Extra Mile by Pam Reed. Running has seen a continual upswing in popularity since the 1990s. The interest in the sport has not only been in short distances or even 26.2 mile marathons, but also in ultra running events. Ultrarunning races are those in which competitors run beyond the distance of a marathon, the most common distances being 50 and 100 miles. Pam Reed, author of The Extra Mile, is an accomplished ultrarunner. In her book she shares her own personal history, motivations, successes and failures as related to her sport. Pam also takes the reader through her experience with several races including the Badwater Ultramarathon, a 135 mile race across the floor of Death Valley, various 24 and 48 hour runs, and an 80 hour, 300 mile run. For those with a serious interest in running, or for those who prefer to enjoy running as a spectator from the comfort of the couch, this book offers an interesting glimpse into the world of extreme running. (Lori)
Day after Night by Anita Diamant. It's October, 1945. What happened to the survivors of the Holocaust? Diamant tells the stories of four women from different backgrounds who emigrate to Palestine. They find themselves thrown together at Atlit, an internment camp outside Haifa. Coping with their memories, uncertain of their fate, they stumble into friendships that help them move toward new lives. The book is based on the true story of the dramatic rescue of over two hundred Jewish prisoners. (Nancy)
A Masterpiece of Revenge by J. J. Fiechter is a compact psychological mystery centered on a lost masterpiece by the 17th century French painter Claude Lorrain. This is an enjoyable read for people who are interested in the history, restoration and forgeries of art. As several artists, paintings and symbols are mentioned throughout the story, it can be helpful to refer to an art reference book to enrich the reading experience. (Sarah)
The Very Best of Peter, Paul and Mary (CD). Take a trip down memory lane or become acquainted with these hits from the iconic folk singing group of the 1960s. The CD includes all of their biggest hits including protest songs such as “If I Had a Hammer”, “Blowin’ in the Wind”, and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”. Other songs are just fun, such as “I Dig Rock and Roll Music”, “Weave Me the Sunshine”; and, of course, “Puff, the Magic Dragon”. This is music that has stood the test of time, and the recent death of Mary Travers gives it real poignancy. (Susan)
The Glass Bead Game (CD). Virtuoso 12-string guitarist James Blackshaw’s finest work to date. Segovia meets George Winston meets Steve Reich meets Bach. Is this music hypnotic or endlessly fascinating? Is it something you’ve heard before or entirely new? Is this ambient music or something that demands rapt attention? Try it out and judge for yourself, it’s simply beautiful. (Robert)
November 2009
Open: an autobiography by Andre Agassi. You don’t need to be a tennis fan to love this book. Agassi’s life is as interesting off the court as on, and the story is engagingly co-written by Pulitzer Prize winner J.R. Moehringer. Tennis fans will be fascinated by Agassi’s total recall of his matches (he could predict Boris Becker’s serve by watching which way his tongue pointed!). The honesty with which he tells his story is just riveting. Be prepared to have your notions about Agassi and professional tennis totally blown away. (Robert)
The Vintage Caper by Peter Mayle is the newest novel of French flavor by the author of A Year in Provence. This story about a wine heist takes place in Los Angeles and the south of France. Several hundred bottles of very fine wine, worth over $2 million, are stolen from a wealthy L.A. entertainment lawyer. The insurance investigator assigned to the case brings in a crime expert and ends up in France, trying to track down the wine, the thieves, or both. The book is filled with Mayle’s humor and fondness for wealthy pleasures, in wine cellars and cafe scenes in Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseille. (Sarah)
When Everything Changed: The amazing journey of American women from 1960 to the Present by Gail Collins. I enjoyed reading this book because it filled in the gaps that were left from previous history classes. It starts out by mentioning in 1960 that women were not allowed to wear pants in public. It ended with Hillary Clinton’s run for the presidency in 2008. Expertly researched with oral testimonies it told the lives of American women and the progress made and not made during the past 50 years regarding politics, fashion, family, education and work. (Laurie)
A Season of Gifts by Richard Peck. Newbery award winner Peck brings back the character of Grandma Dowdel for the third time in this story set in Illinois about a half century ago. Told through the eyes of her 12-year-old neighbor, Bob, who finds Grandma to be both an unusual character and a valuable ally, this is a holiday tale about a lady who "didn't wait for Christmas to give out her gifts." This gentle, funny story would make a terrific family read-aloud. (Sue)
The National Parks: America’s Best Idea: an Illustrated History by Dayton Duncan. This stunning book is the companion volume to the twelve hour PBS series by Ken Burns, produced by Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns. The book describes the birth of the national parks idea in the 1800s and traces its development for almost 150 years. There are many beautiful photographs of Yosemite, Sequoia, Yellowstone and Crater Lake National Parks, to name just a few examples. There are also many interesting historical photographs. Each of the six chapters includes an interview with someone whose life has been connected to the national parks. This is a book that can be enjoyed on different levels, but even spending a short amount of time with it is entertaining and educational, as well as inspiring. (Susan)
January 2010
Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom. The best-selling author of Tuesdays with Morrie has written another inspiring non-fiction book. This time, his subjects are the elderly rabbi from his hometown, and a pastor in a decaying Detroit church who used to be a drug dealer and convict. The rabbi asks him to deliver his eulogy when the time comes, so Mitch feels it is important to get to know him better. He meets the pastor though his job and we learn his life story. The men are very different in many ways, but they share a life of faith. The author learns from both of them, and examines his own life and his beliefs as he engages in conversations with these men and learns about their lives. This book is not only a good story, but a dialogue on belief and life’s purpose. (Susan)
Talking About Detective Fiction by P. D. James is an enjoyable history and criticism of the detective and mystery story genre. James uses examples from her favorite authors and her own fiction to illustrate her points. She describes the originators, (Wilkie Collins, Edgar Allan Poe and Arthur Conan Doyle,) analyzes the subgenres of detective fiction, describes the “Golden Age” between the wars, and allocates a chapter to discussing her favorite authors. A bibliography and suggested reading list follow the text. (Sarah)
Life Over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Treatment by Keith Block, MD. Dr. Block, Medical Director of Block Ctr. for Integrative Cancer Treatment in Evanston, IL, lays out his research based comprehensive program for cancer treatment. His plan for enhancing traditional treatment incorporates several basic complementary approaches. Facets include an anti-cancer diet to make one’s biochemical environment hostile to cancer growth, something termed “chronotherapy," timing chemo to a patient’s unique circadian rhythms, supplements to help reduce treatment side effects, recommendations for exercise and stress reduction, and remission maintenance. This book is a must read for anyone interested in enhancing their traditional cancer treatment with successful, risk-free approaches. (Lori)
La's Orchestra Saves the World by Alexander McCall Smith. A warm tale of war-time courage. Lavender, "La" for short, moves from London to a small town in the English countryside just as Britain enters WW II. She begins a new life, finding her own way of assisting in the war effort. This stand-alone novel is written by the same author of the popular, "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Series." (Nancy)
Don’t Bite the Hook: Finding freedom from anger, resentment and other destructive emotions by Pema Chődrőn (CD book). Pema Chődrőn is a Buddhist nun who talks about dealing with anger issues and unhappiness that happen in everyday life. In her talk she gives examples of frustrations and losses that occur every day and how to relate to them on a more positive level. I have listened to this CD many times and come away each time with a different outlook. (Laurie)
March 2010
Requiem in Vienna by J. Sydney Jones. The perfect mystery for classical music fans. Set in turn of the century Vienna, the composer Gustav Mahler is the target of an assassination attempt. Private investigator Karl Werther is hired to uncover the details of the crime and delves into the mysterious deaths of other Viennese musicians, as well. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of Vienna's architecture, society and historical framework. This is the author's second book in his Viennese Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone novel. (Nancy)
Splendor in the Grass, by Pink Martini (CD) This is the fourth album by the group Pink Martini, a 14 piece band formed in Portland, Oregon in 1994. I saw them in concert several years ago, and was intrigued by their unique sound, which doesn’t seem to fit into any one category. An interesting feature of the album is that the songs are sung in Spanish, French and Italian, as well as English by lead singer China Forbes. If you enjoy jazz as well as standards, and an occasional South American rhythm, you may appreciate their music. I especially enjoyed the songs “Ninna Nanna”, and “Ohayoo Ohio”, which reminds me of Herb Alpert. (Susan)
The Girl Next Door by Elizabeth Noble. A fun/vacation read. The only thing the many characters have in common is the Manhattan apartment building they live in. The main characters, Eve and Ed Gallagher are British and moved to NY for Ed’s job. Eve is having a hard time fitting in until she meets a few of the neighbors who have their own problems and issues. It’s a story about friendship and love. Plus I love the British vocabulary – “cheeky sod,” “daft,” and “bugger!” E. Noble is working on a sequel. (Laurie)
Becoming Raw: The Essential Guide to Raw Vegan Diets by Brenda Davis, RD and Vesanto Melinka, MS, RD. People are incorporating more raw foods into their diets, or switching completely to a raw food vegan diet. The reasons are many- research shows that the consumption of more raw foods leads to weight loss, improved health, and in some cases, elimination of health issues. As they did in their previous books, Becoming Vegetarian, and Becoming Vegan, in Becoming Raw the authors present all the necessary information to embrace a new, healthy lifestyle. The history of the raw food movement in the United States is outlined, scientific evidence to support its validity as a viable dietary choice is provided, the value and importance of raw foods is discussed at length, and nutrition guidelines and recipes are provided. This book appeals to both novices interested in finding out more about this nutritional powerhouse diet, and those already familiar with its intrinsic value. All readers will come away with more knowledge and appreciation for raw foods! (Lori)
The Spiritual Teachings of Marcus Aurelius by Mark Forstater. Written by a Roman emperor, these timeless meditations and aphorisms are as wise and pertinent as when they were first written 2,000 years ago. It makes you realize the basic human condition has not changed through the millennia. How to react to injustice, how to behave when you are provoked, how to treat your friends (and enemies), how to control your desires, the full range of self-help issues is concisely presented here. Roman and Stoic ideals such as restraint, order, modesty, courage, duty, and honesty permeate this easy-to-read text. (Robert)
May 2010
War Games by Audrey Couloumbis. Based on the real boyhood experiences of the author’s husband, this is a story about growing up in Greece during the German occupation in the 40’s. At first Petros sees the occupation as an exciting game; trying to see what he can get away with under the soldiers’ noses. However, when a German commander moves into their house, the stakes are raised and Petros must be clever enough to help save the lives of his loved ones. This is the simple story of a family coping with difficult circumstances as told from the perspective of the youngest member, a 12-year-old boy. Recommended for grades 6 and up. (Sue)
Incontinent on the Continent: My Mother, Her Walker and Our Grand Tour of Italy by Jane Christmas. A geriatric coming of age story. The daughter, Jane is determined to take her mother, Valerie to Italy, walker and all. By embarking on this trip Jane hopes to make peace with her mother and resolve a few mother -daughter issues. In Italy, Jane realized that her mother’s health issues were more serious then she led on and that Valerie wasn’t in the great shape she claimed to be. So, it’s interesting to read what Mother and daughter learned while traveling together. (Laurie)
The Mapping of Love and Death by Jacqueline Winspear. This is the seventh novel of the author's Maisie Dobbs mystery series, all of which are set in London in the late 1920's and early 1930's. The roots of each story are in the time of the Great War, 1914 to 1918. This latest book introduces Michael Clifton, a young military cartographer whose remains turn up in a French field in 1932. Michael's parents ask Maisie Dobbs to investigate the circumstances of his death, an inquiry which soon endangers them as well as Maisie herself. I've enjoyed each of Jacqueline Winspear's books because of the endearing characters and the unique, sensitive insights of the young investigator, Miss Maisie Dobbs. (Nancy)
Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder is the inspiring true story of Deo, a young Tutsi man from Burundi, caught up in the civil war between the Hutu and the Tutsi, and the genocide that follows. He manages to flee the country and ends up in New York, where he knows no one. The book describes how he survives, delivering groceries and sleeping in Central Park. Then, he starts meeting the people who will change his life and become his benefactors. Eventually, after many challenges, he graduates from Columbia University and attends medical school. He does return to Burundi, and through a nonprofit group called Partners in Health, is able to build a clinic, which serves many Hutu people. This is a well told, remarkable story of endurance, hope and forgiveness. (Susan)
2000 Miles to Maine: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail (DVD) chronicles several hikers journeying on the Appalachian Trail in the eastern United States. Of all those hiking, only a portion are “thru-hikers” (hiking the entire trail, rather than just a section of it). Most of them make the trip from the south, beginning in Georgia, to the north, ending at Mount Katahdin in Maine. The filmmakers record the struggles, frustrations, and the emotional highs and lows involved in this feat of endurance. (Sarah)
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. The story of a lowly Parisian concierge who is not all that she seems to her apartment building’s posh residents, and a young girl in the same building who is not all that she seems to her family. A difficult book to read at first due to the main characters’ prickly and very French personalities, this story is worth the struggle for some moments of real lyricism, insight, and beauty. (Robert)
Council of Dads: My Daughters, My Illness, and the Men Who Could Be Me by Bruce Feiler. Bestselling author Bruce Feiler was a young father when he was diagnosed with a 7 inch cancerous tumor in his femur. The first thoughts he had after receiving his diagnosis were about his two young daughters and what both he and his daughters might miss if he died an early death. A few days following his diagnosis he came up with an idea of how to act on this very real fear, and that was to create a council for his daughters: A council of dads. Bruce selected 6 men from various stages of his life to be his “voice” should he not survive cancer. These men accepted the responsibility of teaching his girls one important life lesson each. While the council initially was not intended to convene unless it became necessary, the men immediately started playing a role in the lives of Bruce’s girls. The story will speak to anyone touched by cancer, especially those diagnosed as young parents who have children yet to pass through life’s major milestones. Through this book Bruce demonstrates the resiliency of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and how to deepen and value friendships in our lives.
July 2010
Claude & Camille: a Novel of Monet by Stephanie Cowell focuses on Claude Monet’s early life and work during the 1860s and 1870s. The book takes place in Paris and throughout the French countryside. Monet, his wife Camille Doncieux, and his artist friends struggled to make a living long before they became the famous Impressionists. Readers who enjoy this book may also enjoy Light by Eva Figes or Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland. (Sarah)
The Help by Kathryn Stockett (CD Book). The story of this best seller centers around three women living in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962. One woman is young and white and a graduate of Ole Miss – Skeeter. The other two women are African-American and work as maids for white women – Aibileen and Minny. Skeeter, an aspiring writer, decides to collect stories from these women and others about their lives. This is an intellectual decision for her, but a dangerous decision for the women telling the stories. The book is written in their voices, and this is what makes it so perfect for an audio recording. The readers are superb at making the characters come alive, and since there are four different voices, it is easy to distinguish them. The use of dialect is another reason to listen to the story. I thought that the readers were great actors, and, in fact, this recording is an AudioFile Earphones Award winner. (Susan)
Black Wave: A Family's Adventure at Sea and the Disaster That Saved Them by John and Jean Silverwood. John and Jean had a dream of sailing the world with their four children, showing them the beauty of life at sea and the natural world. Two years into the voyage, their 55 foot catamaran hit a coral reef in the South Pacific. The following days of survival and loss change their lives forever and rapidly promote the maturity that was already developing in their children. Their story, along with the story of their sister ship, Julia Ann, who suffered the same fate on that island in 1855, is told with honesty and an open mind and heart. (Lori)
Unfinished Portrait by Anthea Fraser. Biographer Rona Parish is asked to write the life story of the British artist Elspeth Wilding. As she gathers information from family and friends, Rona finds herself investigating the artist's sudden disappearance. Set in modern-day London, this is the seventh Rona Parish mystery written by Anthea Fraser. I enjoyed getting acquainted with the main characters, eventually learning whose portrait remained "unfinished." (Nancy)
Insatiable by Meg Cabot. FUN - SUMMER/BEACH - READ -“Sick of hearing about vampires?" So is Meena Harper, a dialogue writer for the soap opera – Insatiable. Meena finds out that the producers want the show to move in a new direction – All Vampires. Meeting a Romanian prince and falling for him is not helping her situation. By the way Meena has a gift - she can tell when people are going to die. So why don’t her powers work on her new boyfriend? What’s with that? (Laurie)
The Astronomer: a Novel of Suspense by Lawrence Goldstone. Like murder mysteries? Like well-researched historical fiction? This is the book for you! Set in Paris in the late 1500’s, Goldstone intertwines a murder mystery with all the religious and scientific upheaval of that time period. Easy to read but full of realistic settings and intelligent intrigue. (Robert)
September 2010
Best Easy Day Hikes: Milwaukee describes 20 walking trails within an hour’s drive from Milwaukee. The hikes are divided into sections, including trails “near rivers” and “near Lake Michigan”, and those best for children, dogs, great views, nature lovers, and history buffs. Each short chapter includes a description, map, distance, difficulty, and contact information. It conveniently fits in a pocket or a glove compartment, and is fun to use. (Sarah)
Lark Rise to Candleford. The Complete Season One (DVD). This BBC TV series is a delightful introduction to Laura Timmons and the Oxfordshire hamlet she grows up in, called Lark Rise. It is also the story of the nearby, bustling town of Candleford and the contrasts between the two communities. When Laura leaves home to take a job in the Candleford post office, her adventures begin. Every episode contains colorful characters who find themselves in complex situations, yet to be resolved. I watched the DVD series before reading the book, and highly recommend it. (Nancy)
Lark Rise to Candleford: a trilogy by Flora Thompson. Flora Thompson's original story was published in three separate books between the years of 1939 and 1943. Now compiled into one volume, it paints a detailed picture of life during the 1880-1890's in Oxfordshire, England. The author captures a way of life that was fading away, preserving it in print. Her detailed descriptions remind me of the way Laura Ingalls Wilder depicted the lives of American homesteaders of the 1800's. Flora Thompson takes the reader into another time and another place, definitely worth visiting. (Nancy)
Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation by Ellen Fitzpatrick. Within seven weeks of President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy received more than 800,000 condolence letters. Two years later, the volume had exceeded 1.5 million letters. Of the letters that still remain at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, historian Ellen Fitzpatrick has selected approximately 250 for inclusion in this book. The letters give the reader a real sense of the heartfelt feelings of people toward President Kennedy, and a snapshot of the mood of the country. They are from people of all ages, areas of the country, and races. At the end of the book, there are brief biographies of the letter writers. If you remember November 22, 1963, it will take you back in time. If you don’t remember, it will make that day more than something in the history books. (Susan)
Stuff Hipsters Hate: A Field Guide to the Passionate Opinions of the Indifferent by Brenna Ehrlich and Andrea Bartz. Do you know a twenty-something who is over educated and underachieving? Then this is the book for you. Andrea is a graduate of Brookfield Central high school and her insights into the lives of the hipsters are dead on and dead funny. Like the Onion newspaper, her humor is so funny because it is so true. From clothes, to dating, to grooming, to work life, it’s all in here as the authors lay bare the hipster ethos of ironic detachment and countercultural disdain. Complete with photos, charts, graphs, and sketches, this field guide will aid you in identifying and skewering the hipsters all around us. (Robert)
December 2010
In the Company of Others by Jan Karon. Readers who are familiar with Jan Karon's Mitford Years series will enjoy In the Company of Others, the author's second book in the Father Tim series. Tim and his wife vacation in Ireland, staying at an historic inn. An unexpected turn of events allow them to play a more important role there than just tourists. Even though this is the first Jan Karon book I've read, I enjoyed it enough to want to go back and read her other stories. (Nancy)
Antiques Roadshow Behind the Scenes (An insider’s guide to PBS’s #1 Weekly Show) by Marsha Bemko, executive producer of Antiques Roadshow. I loved reading “behind the scenes” of this great show. The show is all about history, antiques, maybe a financial windfall and a great story too. The book includes stories of some of it famous and not so famous items that appeared on the show. The book gives you great ideas of what and what not to have appraised. I loved the section “Missing Masterpieces.” The show teamed up with Art Loss Register to help find lost and stolen artwork. I thought it was well written and easy to read. (Laurie)
The Lost Girls: Three Friends. Four Continents. One Unconventional Detour Around the World by Jennifer Baggett, Holly C. Corbett, and Amanda Pressner. For those who have dreamed of quitting their job, leaving their hectic lives behind, and taking a year to travel around the world, this book is a must read. Three New York City women in their late twenties, Jen, Holly, and Amanda did just that and their book chronicles their journey. The young women backpack their way around the world, staying mostly in hostels and paying for inexpensive tours. They visit Peru, Brazil, Kenya, Asia, India, New Zealand and Australia. As the women leave the United States they are all searching for something- something they hope will make their path in life more clear- something that will speak to them about their work, relationship, and life goals. Traveling from continent to continent they struggle within themselves, sometimes but rarely amongst themselves, and often with the issues they sought to resolve on their year long quest. Chapters in this 530 page book alternate in voice between the three authors who give their take on the experiences giving the book varying points of view and insight. Travel along with these ladies to exotic locations while curled up near the fireplace during the short winter days ahead and you’ll be almost as refreshed as if you had been by their side! (Lori)
Anatomy of Yoga: An Instructor’s Inside Guide to Improving Your Poses by Dr. Abigail Ellsworth. The book has large, clear photographs of each yoga pose opposite a detailed anatomical drawing in color that identifies the strengthening and stretching muscles being used in that pose. This information would be helpful in designing a yoga routine to focus on specific areas. There is also a written description of how to do each pose, as well as listing its benefits and any contraindications and cautions. In addition, there are tips on doing each pose correctly, and things to avoid as you do the pose. As a yoga student, I found the pictures and text very useful in making sure that I am doing each pose properly to get the maximum benefit. There is also a section of yoga sequences that put the poses into a flow. This book would be appreciated by new or continuing yoga enthusiasts. (Susan)
A Matter of Happenstance by Mequon author Catherine Fitzpatrick is the saga of wealthy St. Louis retail merchants. Fitzpatrick explores the twists of fate that weave together four generations of families, beginning in 1870s St. Louis, and involving characters from the Mississippi Delta, New Orleans, and Chicago. (Sarah)
February 2011
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool is the winner of this year's Newbery Medal. It is the story of Abilene Tucker who is sent to Manifest, Kansas in the summer of 1936 to stay with a friend of her dad. Abilene and her dad have always lived on the move, so she knows nothing about Manifest or anyone there. However, during the summer she uncovers some extraordinary events that took place 18 years earlier and begins to understand her dad and his connection to the town. This book reminded me of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and Because of Winn-Dixie with a little bit of Tom Sawyer thrown in. (Sue)
The First Assassin by John J. Miller. Newly elected President Abraham Lincoln is loved by many but hated in 1861 by those who perceived his leadership as a threat to their way of life. The story opens as the new president travels to Washington, D.C. for his inauguration. Exciting from the start, this historical novel is set in D.C. and told from the perspective of the Colonel assigned to arranging the security for the inauguration. I enjoyed the author's attention to historical detail and his ability to bring several story lines together for a satisfying conclusion. (Nancy)
Howards End is on the Landing: a Year of Reading from Home, is an account of Susan Hill’s voyage through her own book collection. The journey begins when she is on the hunt for her copy of E.M. Forster’s Howards End. She doesn’t find it right away, but while searching, she encounters many other books that she purchased but never read, and books that she wants to re-read, either because they’re meaningful to her or just because they’re so much fun. She vows to not make any new book purchases for a full year, but rather enjoy what she already owns. She gives great suggestions for both classics and contemporary writing. This is a thoroughly enjoyable literary journey, recommended for readers who liked Michael Dirda’s Bound to Please or Classics for Pleasure. (Sarah)
The Hill Bachelors by William Trevor. Acclaimed as the “greatest English-speaking short story writer” Anglo-Irish author Trevor justifies that praise. The stories are set in the mid to late twentieth century, and the locales are Ireland and England. Trevor’s greatest gift is the ability to instantly put you in a time and place and the characters he creates are so very real. Sometimes accused of pessimism, he counters that the “coping” and “making do” of his characters is reason for optimism. (Robert)
A Short History of Wisconsin by Erika Janik. This is a very readable, concise history of Wisconsin, covering several centuries of Wisconsin’s past. It is divided into chapters covering subjects such as “Lead and Lumber”, “Becoming America’s Dairyland”, “Progressive Politics” and “Migration and Civil Rights”, to name a few examples. The book does a good job of portraying the people, places, and events that make Wisconsin what it is today. There are a number of black and white illustrations that enhance the text. For those who would like to know more, the author ends the book with an “Essay on Sources and Suggestions for Further Reading.” The book is published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. (Susan)
April 2011
High Crimes: The Fate of Everest in an Age of Greed by Michael Kodos. Michael Kodos was on assignment for the Hartford Courant in 2004, for what should have been one of the most joyous journeys of a lifetime- climbing Mount Everest. He joined a New England expedition team led by a couple who had summited the mountain more than a dozen times between them. Unfortunately what transpired on that mountain was not what constitutes one’s hopes and dreams, but of what one’s worst nightmares are made. Instead of climbing teams working together to attain their goals, what Michael discovered was thievery, threatening behavior, incompetent guides, and more, all taking place on the world’s highest peak. It’s a story that is hard to believe and a book that is hard to put down! (Lori)
Readings: Essays and Literary Entertainments by Michael Dirda is comprised of 46 chapters originally published as individual essays in the Washington Post Book World. Dirda’s writing is intellectual and playful at the same time. He transmits his excitement about books to the reader. Most of these essays average five pages or less, which make for perfect reading in snippets. In fact, Dirda requests in his preface that the reader “dip into the book at random . . . trust the gods of serendipity . . . read at whim!” (Sarah)
Christ Stopped at Eboli (DVD). A political dissident from the North of Mussolini’s Italy is sentenced to internal exile in a remote Southern village. This artist, who is also a doctor, initially is isolated among the poor peasants and their alien culture. Soon he comes to love them, and they him, as he uses his medical skill to partially alleviate their suffering. Forget Tuscany and Provence, there are no sun-drenched terraces here. Instead this movie shows that life was a tough and grimy slog for the down-trodden Southern peasants. (Robert)
A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear. Female investigator Maisie Dobbs is given her first undercover assignment with Scotland Yard, taking her career in a new direction. In 1932, Maisie is hired at a private college in Cambridge, posing as a lecturer while she observes the faculty, watching for signs of activity "against the Crown." This book is the eighth title in the Maisie Dobbs series. It can be read as a stand-alone novel but I think readers would definitely enjoy the books leading up to it. (Nancy)
Downton Abbey (DVD). This is the first season of a new British series that recently aired in the US on PBS. The story begins in 1912 with Lord Grantham receiving the news that the Titanic has sunk, taking with it the heir to his home, Downton Abbey. Since the estate is entailed through the male line and Lord Grantham has only daughters, the overall plot has to do with various family members scheming to keep the family home. However, the story is also told from the servants' perspectives, which is significant because this was a time of social change and the viewer gets to see the effect of those changes on all class levels. Subplots abound in each episode and there are characters who are charming and others who are despicable. If you like historical dramas, you'll want to be up to speed on this fascinating, fictional family by the time Season 2 airs next winter. (Sue)
The Swingin’s Mutual! (CD sound recording) Nancy Wilson and George Shearing. When this album was recorded in 1960 and early 1961, Nancy Wilson was a young, up-and-coming performer and George Shearing was an established veteran with his own group, the George Shearing Quintet. Capitol Records paired them on this album as a way of promoting Miss Wilson’s career, and it was a successful venture artistically and financially. Six of the tracks feature Nancy Wilson’s vocals and the others are by the George Shearing Quintet, including the popular “Lullaby of Birdland.” Miss Wilson’s numbers include “The Nearness of You” and “On Green Dolphin Street.” The CD also includes some previously unreleased selections, recorded at the original album sessions. Jazz lovers will really enjoy this pairing of two great talents. The picture of the album cover on this CD is fun to look at, too – very 1960s. (Susan)