Last night we had a terrific time listening to author Kevin Brockmeier talk about his book The Brief History of the Dead, as well as writing, music, movies, art and much more!
One thing we learned is that Kevin keeps extensive lists of his favorite items and, as requested by the audience, we now have copies of them available. Please stop by the Reader Services Desk or you can view/print below. Thank you to everyone who attended the Our Community Reads author event!
Our Community Reads 2013 has started and everyone is invited to participate! In addition to all the great information about programs, the online book discussion, and the Our Community Reads blog, we have yet another way to explore The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier: a reading map. Created by Laura Foutch (a newly minted librarian and addition to our Library staff) it pulls together books, movies and websites related to The Brief History of the Dead, tracing the themes that make it such a fascinating read. Click below and take your exploration of the book even further!
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Tagged reading map for The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier
With the cold and snow this winter, we watched patrons walk out with armfuls of books! Here are few titles we heard rave reviews about:
First to Kill by Andrew Peterson. Hopefully, just the first in what promises to be an exciting new series featuring a former Marine sniper and covert CIA operative.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Alexander Brown (970.00497 BRO). “Everyone should know more about this part of American history”
The Other Woman by Hank Ryan. A suspenseful mix of 
mystery and political intrigue.
Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero by Chris Matthews (B Kennedy). Although there are many books about Kennedy, this one is particularly insightful and stirring.
Two patrons told me I had to try Charles Finch’s great historical mysteries featuring a “gentleman sleuth” in Victorian England. Be warned, 
however: They both said they “stayed up all night reading.” Start with A Beautiful Blue Death.
The Tiger’s Wife by Téa Obreht. Debut novel with “amazing writing, especially for such a young author.”
One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. “So good I want to check it out a second time to refresh my memory.”
In Malice, Quite Close by Brandi Lynn Ryder. Try 
this if you enjoy literary suspense. “Such wonderful writing; I’m sorry it’s her first book, I want to read more by her.”
Coral Glynn by Peter Cameron. Don’t let either the cover image or the romance genre label determine whether you try this hard-to-describe but very enjoyable book.
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Posted in Suggested Reads
Tagged A Beautiful Blue Death by Charles Finch, Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Alexander Brown, Coral Glynn by Peter Cameron, First to Kill by Andrew Peterson, In Malice Quite Close by Brandi Lynn Ryder, Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero by Chris Matthews, One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjeee Divakaruni, The Other Woman by Hand Ryan, The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht
Does it mean anything that three of the books I’ve enjoyed most in the past year have similar color schemes in their covers? Perhaps there is some strange literary convergence taking place or a new form of subliminal marketing. In any event, I would suggest these to anyone looking for a slightly “different” sort of book.
The Night Circus This is a complicated book to explain but a wonderful experience both in print and audio. Words I’ve used to describe it include “fantastical,” “inventive” and “dream-like.” During the late 1800s/early 1900s two young people, Celia and Marco, become pawns in a rivalry between two ancient magicians. As they explore the limits of their abilities, they also determine to find a different outcome to the competition than the one mapped out for them. While I often felt distanced from the characters (until the appearance of the wonderful Bailey), I was drawn into the magical world of the circus. It is not often that I so strongly wish that an imaginary world could be experienced in person. I’m not surprised that it is being made into a movie as it cries out to be explored in a visual medium–I just hope the film does justice to the book.
The Snow Child
Another story that stretches the limits of the reader’s willingness to suspend disbelief. Based on a Russian fable, the story follows an older couple as they decide to become homesteaders in 1920s Alaska. They had hoped that their grief over being childless would abate as they left their families and the familiar, and certainly they have much to distract them as they learn how to survive the harsh Alaskan wilderness. So is it the result of longing, despair and/or the harsh conditions that they begin to glimpse a young girl who seems to exist on her own in the forest?
City of Thieves is the darkest of these three titles, but it is relieved by an absurd humor. Set during the siege of Leningrad, a starving boy is caught scavenging. To avoid execution, he is given the impossible task of locating a dozen eggs for the wedding cake of a general’s daughter. He is paired off with the jaunty Kolya, a young soldier (who may or may not be a deserter) who is sure they can survive–in style. A thought-provoking story of courage and friendship that will have you alternately wincing and smiling.
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Posted in Book Reviews
Tagged City of Thieves by David Benioff, The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
I love reading (no big surprise there) and I especially enjoy it when a book provides interesting “rabbit trails” to investigate. This month the Second Tuesday evening book group read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. I somehow had it in my mind that I had once read this book, but I quickly realized that in fact I had not. As one of the book club members said, “What a treasure!” Set in the early 1900s, I learned all sorts of things about the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn and the lives of the very poor at that time. However, two items in particular fascinated me… and I thought I’d share them.
First, have you ever wondered what type of tree the title of the book refers to? Many of us were expecting something like a majestic oak or maple. Instead, the “Tree of Heaven” is the Ailanthus altissima or Chinese sumac and it was first introduced to America in 1784. At first prized as an ornamental that grew quickly in urban areas, it is now considered an invasive species in many States.
Another bit of information I just HAD to learn more about while reading the book is from a scene in which Francie and her brother Neeley tell each other what they want for Christmas:
“I’ll tell you what I want and you can buy it for me,” said Neeley.
“All right. What?”
“Spats.”
“Spats?” Francie’s voice scaled up.
“Pearl grey ones,” he said firmly.
I had a vague idea that “spats” had something to do with shoes, and indeed they were originally called “spatterdashes” and were designed to protect shoes and ankles from mud, etc. (although Neeley probably wanted them more to be fashionable and show off his improving economic status).
And in the typical “one thing leads to another” way of searching, I now also know that I’ve seen spats every time I enjoyed a snack featuring a certain cane-wielding, monocle-wearing, top-hatted peanut.
I could go on (author Betty Smith led a fascinating life) but I’ll leave further investigations to those who are interested — or drop by Reader Services any time and discuss reading rabbit trails with us.
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Posted in Fun Authors, Miscellaneous
Tagged A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, Ailanthus altissima or Chinese sumac, spatterdashes
If you’re staying at a hotel over the holidays, check out some books that may improve your stay–or make you want to stay at home!
Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality by Jacob Tomsky (647.94 TOM)
The World’s Greatest Hotels from Travel & Leisure (910.202 WOR)
Concierge Confidential by Michael Fazio (647.94 FAZ)
Recommended Hotels, Inns, Resorts, Spas & Villas. The Americas, Caribbean & Pacific 2013 from Conde Nast (917 REC)
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach (FIC MOGGACH)
A Small Hotel by Robert Olen Butler
Hotel Vendôme by Danielle Steel (FIC STEEL)
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Posted in Miscellaneous
Tagged A Small Hotel by Butler, Concierge Confidential by Fazio, Heads in Beds by Tomsky, Hotel Vendome by Steel, Recommended Hotels Inns Resorts Spas & Villas from Conde Nast, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Moggach, The World's Greatest Hotels from Travel & Leisure
If you noticed the members of Reader Services looking teary yesterday there is a simple explanation: we received news that a patron we had all worked with had passed away. You might assume it was someone who regularly came into the Library and spoke with us at the desk, but in fact none of us ever met her. What we knew was that she was a voracious reader–primarily of cozy mysteries (preferably in long series)–who was always looking for new books. It was her husband, however, whom we met each week–a kindly gentleman who admitted he didn’t know what books to pick out for his wife. He was just the go-between, picking them up and returning books as she sped through them.
We “met” his wife an old-fashioned way: through notes. She would send in handwritten lists of authors and titles she wanted to try. In return, we began to print out lists of books in series so she could check them off as she finished them. Sometimes we’d write notes (“Have you tried this author?” “What do you think of this type of mystery?”) and she’d send back short replies. Through it all her husband would patiently wait for us to pull stacks of books from the shelves and shrug as we’d hand him another list of books we wondered if she might like.
And then we didn’t see him. The husband’s schedule was random so we each figured he had been by during someone else’s shift. That was until yesterday, when he stopped by to gently inform us that his wife had passed away.
Does it seem strange that we would mourn a person we never held a conversation with, never met in person? Perhaps, but she was not only a patron. She was of our tribe, a reader, and we appreciated her nearly insatiable enjoyment for books. It bound us together and the loss of that connection is keenly felt.
Are you a reader? Stop by any time and “talk books” with us at Reader Services. Or, if you’d rather, drop us a note. We’ll reply.
If you had to associate “poetry” with a certain month–what would you choose? I think I’d tend towards one in spring like April (which is, by the way, National Poetry Month) but there have been a surprising number of poetry-related events happening this year during October.
Throughout the month, Poetry magazine, which was founded in Chicago, has been celebrating its 100th anniversary with various events and a special centennial publication. (Some may be familiar with the astonishment–and criticism–that has been expressed over the $200 million donation the magazine received from philanthropist Ruth Lilly). Recognized for publishing many poets and poems before they became well-known, all 100 issues can be browsed on the Poetry Foundation’s website.
Another poetry organization (who knew there were so many?), the Academy of American Poets, announced the winner of the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize during their annual Poets Forum last week. Dubbed, “most outstanding book of poetry published in 2011″ the winner is World Tree by David Wojahn.
Then, just a few days ago, the Library of Congress announced the biennial prize winner of the Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry: Early Collected Poems, 1965-1992 by Gerald Stern. This prestigious prize “recognizes the most distinguished book of poetry written by an American and published during the preceding two years.”
So lovers of verse rejoice and enjoy the autumn offerings of great poetry!
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Posted in Award Winners, Book News
Tagged Academy of American Poets, Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry, Early Collected Poems 1965-1992 by Gerald Stern, Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize, National Poetry Month, philanthropist Ruth Lilly, Poetry Foundation, Poetry Magazine, World Tree by David Wojahn
A few of the historical fiction titles I’ve recently enjoyed and shared with others–each set within the first few decades of the 1900s.
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarity
Many are surprised when wife and mother Cora decides to accompany a neighbor’s spoiled but talented young daughter from quiet Wichita to New York. But Cora has a secret from her past she hopes to lay to rest on the trip — and along the way her life is changed in unexpected ways. Based loosely around the life of silent screen star Louise Brooks, this is a wonderful look at changes in American culture (especially for women) during the 1920s.
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
In 1938, a chance meeting with a handsome banker propels working class Kate into a year of changes and discovery. Filled with descriptive zingers, Rules of Civility vividly captures issues ranging from friendship and social class to the jazz scene of New York City. [P.S. I just read this morning that it will be adapted into a movie.]
Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman
It’s 1918 and a young couple, Tom and Isabel, are on a remote side of Australia where he is the lighthouse keeper. Despite their isolation, they are happy–but as Isabel remains unable to become a mother she coaxes Tom into making a choice that has devastating consequences. A complex, heart-wrenching and thoroughly absorbing read.
Map of Lost Memories by Kim Fay
Booklist gave this a Starred Review, saying, “Fay’s extraordinary first novel has everything great historical-adventure fiction should: a strikingly original setting, exhilarating plot twists, and a near-impossible quest.” I not only enjoyed the glimpses of life in China and Cambodia during the 1920s, but the descriptions of the ancient Khmer culture inspired me to to check out Passage to Angkor by Kenro Izu (778.94 IZU) so I could look at photos of the ruins as I read the story.
The Uninvited Guests by Sadie Jones
With the entire story taking place at an English manor home in 1912, you may start off thinking this is “Downton Abbey” territory, but the quirky characters, dark humor and an otherworldly twist makes this a delightful and original story.
Time for another round of titles that our patrons have enjoyed. Feel free to leave your own suggestions in the comments or stop by the Reader Services Desk and “talk books” with us!
Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch. A fun mix of police procedural and fantasy (wizards, gods and goddesses) that some have called “Harry Potter for grown-ups.”
Durable Goods–The first in the Kate Nash trilogy by Elizabeth Berg. “So sweet and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.”
Several patrons have mentioned the mystery series written by Andrea Camilleri featuring Sicilian detective Inspector Montalbano. The first in the series is The Shape of Water.
Thirteenth Night: A Medieval Mystery by Allen Gordon has an interesting premise: Feste, a minor character in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, is actually a top operative of the Fools’ Guild, an organization of professional jesters who double as secret agents. “Entertaining!”
The Cold Dish by Craig Johnson. An excellent mystery series set in Montana/Wyoming. The new Cable TV series Longmire is based on the novels and also very good, but the books are better!
Capital by John Lanchester. A dramatic look at the lives of people of various classes in contemporary London. “Really good story–I’ve shared it with friends and they’ve liked it, too.”
Anything by Jonathan Tropper–fast and funny (sarcastic) reads–sometimes get a little raunchy and always enjoyable.
Mrs. Kennedy and Me by Clint Hill (973.922 HILL). Written by the Secret Service agent assigned to guard Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. A fascinating look at the Kennedys and those who guarded them.
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Posted in Book Reviews
Tagged "Capital" by John Lanchester, "Durable Goods" by Elizabeth Berg, "Midnight Riot" by Ben Aaronovitch, "Mrs. Kennedy and Me" by Clint Hill, "The Cold Dish" by Craig Johnson, "The Shape of Water", "Thirteenth Night: A Medieval Mystery" by Allen Gordon, Andrea Camilleri, Jonathan Tropper
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