Skip the Long Winter's Nap; Read a Good Book!

The story of Rip Van Winkle is a short one, but a classic. As the story goes, Rip Van Winkle decided to take a short nap one day and woke up twenty years later to a whole new world. Imagine how much catching up you'd have to do if you fell asleep twenty years ago and were just waking up now. You'd go to watch TV, see a skinny, flat screen, and wonder where the rest of the TV set went. Conversation would be sort of confusing, too. If someone mentioned the "'Net," "phish," and "spam" all in one sentence, you'd pack a lunch and find the nearest fishing hole. If asked about what Antivirus works for you, or how to Debug your system, your answer would probably be penicillin. You'd wonder, too, how, or even WHY, you'd want to "surf the 'Web," when a web is really just a tangled mess of silk that spiders call their home. Taking a "long winter's nap" right now might sound good to you, but there are so many great, new fiction titles on the shelves of the Jasper County Public Library that you won't want to take the chance of oversleeping and missing these wonderful "texts." Read on!

The "what-ifs" of life sometimes haunt us all, especially when times get really tough. Annabelle and her husband, Grant, have been married for nearly three decades, and in that time, they raised two wonderful children and made many great memories as a family. Grant has stood by Annabelle's side, even in the early, tumultuous years of their marriage when Annabelle stepped out of the boundaries of their marriage, betraying her husband's faith with another man. Now, all these years later, Annabelle finds herself wondering if Grant is really the man for her, or if her true soul mate is the other man in "The Stuff That Never Happened" by Maddie Dawson.

Jill Murray has built a life for herself and her ten year old daughter, and because of past experience, has established a "no boys allowed" rule for herself. Meeting free-spirited, entrepreneur, Billy, Jill's "no boys allowed" rule begins to falter, and to make matters worse, her ex-husband has reentered her life, proving to Jill that he can't even run away reliably in "Seven Year Switch" by Claire Cook.

Faced with a terminal illness, Jenny Lucas journeys back to a place she swore she'd never revisit; her hometown in North Carolina and the family she left behind. Coming face to face with her distant father, her oxygen-toting grandmother, and David, the father of her five year old daughter, is a dose of reality for Jenny, but demonstrates how the power of love and family can heal old hurts, and open new doors in "Crossing Oceans" by Gina Holmes.

Scraping by and living paycheck to paycheck, Tina Finn's life takes a drastic turn when her mother passes away, leaving her a huge, luxury apartment and an inheritance that could solve all of her money troubles. Things are looking up for Tina, that is, until her two half-brothers, who have been left out of the inheritance surface, making Jenny stand up for what is rightfully hers in "Twelve Rooms With a View" by Theresa Rebeck.

When it comes to taking a long winter's nap, you'll want to "Wake up Little Suzy," "Sleep With One Eye Open," and you "Won't Want to Miss a Thing," because with these and other new fiction titles from JCPL, you'll be "Talking in Your Sleep" and singing the "No Sleep Blues!"

Give Yourself the Gift of Reading This Holiday Season!

What's on your gift list this holiday season? I don't have a long list, but I'm wondering if Santa could find it in his heart to drop a new clothes dryer down the chimney for me this year, along with some new socks. Nothing is really wrong with the old dryer, it still dries clothes okay, but it's getting really expensive to use because it only takes socks as payment. I know this, because every time I throw a load of clothes in the dryer, at least one or two socks out of a pair disappear into oblivion, never to be seen or heard from again. I have 3 grandchildren with wish lists too. Because I take my job playing Santa pretty seriously, I have pretty much fulfilled those lists, and just have stocking stuffers left to buy. They love gum, and finding gum in their stockings would be a great treat for them, although I fear they'll use it as adhesive for their hair, in which case, it may be wise to include a jar of peanut butter in each stocking as well, because peanut butter is known to be a great gum-buster for hair that sticks together. How do I know this? Why, because Wikipedia says so, and Wikipedia is only one way to find great tidbits of information. The Jasper County Public Library has LOADS of great, new nonfiction titles to help you find the answers to your everyday dilemmas. Check out these new titles!

If forgetting names and being on the lookout for your missing keys is a daily thing for you, you can put your mind at rest. "The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain" by Barbara Strauch offers reassuring evidence that the middle aged brain is in good shape, indeed. Through high tech brain scans and other psychological testing, Strauch finds that mental faculties such as cognitive expertise, problem solving skills and wisdom are at their peak at middle age. I don't know about you, but I could use this dose of optimism about my middle aged brain!

Take a step back in time before franchise restaurants and chain motels took up space along our country's highways and byways and explore historic Route 66 in all its glory by checking out "Route 66 Backroads: Your Guide to Scenic Side Trips" by Jim Hinckley. This book offers Route 66 lovers the "scenic route" featuring side trips through the 8 states, taking you off the beaten path of the Interstate and into the ultimate, scenic, cross country journey from Chicago to L.A., complete with color photographs that will make you want to jump into the car and take a road trip.

From beginner's techniques to more advanced treatments, "Simply Reflexology" by Sonia Jones explores this ancient practice, guiding the reader through the process of discovering the areas of the feet and hands that correspond to the body's system and tissues, offering detailed, step by step instructions for specialized treatments and additional insight.

Battling subzero temperatures and the threat of avalanches, hundred foot cliffs, and other dangers of the far north, Hugh Rowland delivers adventure supreme in "On Thin Ice: Breakdowns, Whiteouts, and Survival on the World's Deadliest Roads." Based on the hit reality TV series Ice Road Truckers, this inside look at one of the world's most dangerous jobs chronicles the infamous, treacherous journey of Rowland as he battles the odds, year after year.

What's on your Christmas list this year? How about a detour from the hustle and bustle, standing in line, and general brain-numbing shopping trips in your inevitable future? Take a trip, instead to the quiet sanctuary that is JCPL, and give yourself the gift of a relaxing, good book!

Non-Fiction Lovers, Take Heart!

Working out; I never gave the term so much thought as I did the other day when I went to the local health club for some exercise. I decided to keep it moderate; I didn't want to overwork muscles that hadn't seen the light of day for a really long time. Huffing and puffing on one machine after another, I began to look around the gym. School was out that day, and if I ever felt "mature," that clearly was the day that it hit home. "Cardio" takes on a whole new meaning when you're positive that the very thing that's supposed to be so good for you is for sure going to do you in. Is there a doctor in the house? No? Well, then, in that case, let's take a "breather" and read about some real health care issues in "Critical Care: A New Nurse Faces Death, Life and Everything In Between" by Theresa Brown. "At my job, people die," writes Theresa Brown. Brown is a former English professor at Tufts University, and chronicles her first year an an R.N. as she works in the oncology unit, offering day to day accounts of the struggles she faces in tending to her patient's needs, and the constant battle that nurses endure to preserve the dignity of their patients. This new non-fiction title is an informative look at health care from a nurse's point of view. This and other new, non-fiction titles found on the shelves of JCPL may be just the "breather" you need. Read on!

Get an inside glimpse of the political and economic climate during the historical battle of Little Bighorn in "The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of Little Bighorn" by Nathaniel Philbrick. The year was 1876 and General Custer was up against a formidable opponent in his Indian enemies and their fearless leader, Sitting Bull. As events unfolded during that historical battle, Custer's defeat and ultimate demise were totally unexpected. This well researched narrative chronicles, in vivid detail, one of the worst defeats in American history, enhanced with 32 pages of black and white photos, as well as color photos and maps.

Families who enjoy the magical wonder of the holiday season can make more memories with "Family Fun Homemade Holiday: 150 Crafts, Recipes, Gifts, and Parties" by Deanna F. Cook, a book full of fabulous games, crafts, activities, and decorations, as well as party plans that will create a special atmosphere for those upcoming parties.

"The Complete Equine Veterinary Manual" by Tony Pavord offers guidance for all horse and pony owners, written from many years of experience that will unravel the confusion that can result when equine medical problems arise. From preventative treatment to unique cross referencing that will aid in providing the proper care in case of illness or injury, this complete medical guide is a well organized wealth of information that will prove an invaluable resource for all horse and pony owners.

Whether in the car, in the workplace or just out in public, women are, many times, an easy target for would-be assailants. Knowing how to defend yourself in the event of an attack so that you're not the next victim of a violent crime can be found in "Personal Defense for Women: Practical Advice for Self-Protection." Written by Gila Hayes, a 10 year veteran of the Seattle Police Deparment, this common sense guide explores self-defense, avoiding conflict, and safe, responsible use of deterrents, such as pepper spray, Tasers, handguns and other firearms.

Getting in shape is the mature thing to do. But, I ask you, with so many shapes to choose from, which one is the best to be considered "in shape?" After all, round is a shape, isn't it?

Think Twice...Then Check Out a Good Book From JCPL!

Comic strip author, Bill Watterson, is quoted as saying, "Sometimes when I'm talking, my words can't keep up with my thoughts. I wonder why we think faster than we speak. Probably so we can think twice." Thinking twice is a great idea, if you can remember to do it. Listening twice is an even better idea. Shopping with my 4 year old granddaughter the other day, the only thing on her mind was that she didn't want to have to walk through the store; she wanted to ride in style, like her 2 year old sister, in a cart provided by the store. Thinking I was using psychology with her, I asked, "Doesn't it make you feel like a big girl, walking alongside Mommy and me?" Exasperated by my psychobabble, she looked at me and said, "No, and that's why I'm so oppwessed! (translates to depressed in adult language) I just want to wide! (ride.) Being oppwessed is no fun, and reading can take the doldrums out of my day quicker than thinking OR talking. Here are some great, new fiction titles from the Jasper County Public Library; a sure cure for oppwession.

A seaside vacation that was meant to recapture her happy childhood unexpectedly triggers deeply disturbing and haunting memories that were, previous to now a well kept secret in "A Secret Kept" by Tatiana De Rosnay.

Perfect parents and neighbors, Patty and Walter Berglund, appear to do an about face and their lives become a mystery as one change after another in their habits force their friends and neighbors to do a double take in "Freedom," a book that explores the darker side of family life, by Jonathan Franzen.

Karena has always watched out for and taken care of her bipolar twin, Charles. As a teen, Charles began to refuse his medication and Karena found herself following her brother around, just to be sure he was safe. Obsessed with the unpredictability of the weather, Charles' greatest passion was chasing dangerous storms. After a deadly storm chase separated the twins from one another, Karena embarks on a dangerous journey to find him once again before he does damage to himself or someone else in "The Stormchasers" by Jenna Blum.

After forty years, Anne Marie Smeaton has returned to her hometown. A normal life is not easy to come by for Anne, however, as she bears the scars from a memory too awful to forget. At the age of eleven, Anne Marie killed a little boy, and feels the only way to escape the tragedy of that event is to confront it head on by telling her story to journalist, Joe Donovan. As old nightmares surface and Anne suffers from horrifying visions of the past, a teenager in her housing unit is murdered and Anne fears the worst in "Speak No Evil," Book 4 in the Joe Donovan series.

How about that; a cure for depression without side effects. However, if sleeplessness occurs, it'll only be because you can't put the book down once you start reading it, and if trouble concentrating or operating heavy machinery occur, it'll only be because you're so absorbed in your book that you can't think of anything else! Sort of makes you think twice, doesn't it?

Celebrate the end of Summer With Some New Books From JCPL!

September means a lot of things to a lot of people. Labor Day is summer's last hurrah, and most of us celebrate this nationally known holiday by taking the day off and enjoying that last picnic of the year. There are, however, quite a few special remembrances for the month of September, some that I myself have never heard of. How many of us have been acquainted with the name Emma M. Nutt? When I first saw that September 1 was Emma M. Nutt Day, I was sure that maybe M & M's with peanuts were being celebrated, until I discovered that Emma M. Nutt was actually the first female telephone operator, and September 1 marks her anniversary. September is also Great American Low-Cholesterol, Lowfat Pizza Bake Month, and if you know a way to make pizza that is low cholestrol and low-fat and still tastes as yummy as the high cholesterol, high fat version, you'll probably make a million dollars by selling the recipe. Other commemorations for September include International Chocolate Day on the 13th, and the whole month of September is Subliminal Communications Month. I am, right now, subliminally communicating something special to everyone reading this article, but just in case my telepathic communicator is on the fritz, here are some great, new fiction titles just in at the Jasper County Public Library!

When Warren Ziller relocated his family and himself to California, the Geiger counter of happiness began to fall short, and the American dream that he counted on became a nightmare. The 0nce happy family began to separate, and to make matters worse, Warren's real estate investment failed, leaving the family in financial straits. Then, as fate would have it, tragedy strikes, and the Ziller family is forced to relocate once again, this time to a house in an abandoned development in the middle of the desert. Marooned and stuck with one another, this family must face their predicament together in "Model Home" by Eric Puchner.

Shoko is a Japanese woman married to an American GI. Their grown daughter, Sue, finds her American dream shattered when life as an American housewife sadly disappoints. When a trip to Japan planned by Shoko becomes impossible due to illness, Sue takes her place, and her travels reveal family secrets that change their lives in "How to Be An American Housewife" by Margaret Dilloway.

Drawn back to the past by an unexpected event, Lily Davis Woodward journeys back in time to the year 1945 when her new husband is sent to war and all she can think about is his return so that they can begin their new life as husband and wife. When the small town of Toccoa, Georgia celebrates the soldiers' return from war with a homecoming party, Lily meets Jake Russo, and finds herself torn between the one man who may be her soul mate and the true love of her life and the man to whom she has committed her life in "Fireworks Over Toccoa" by Jeffrey Stepakoff.

Hector Brennan, a handsome GI, was stationed in Korea during the Korean War when he met June Han, a girl orphaned by the fighting. Thirty years later, their lives cross paths again, and the unusual mission that they are both on brings them together, forcing the pair of them to come to terms with their wartime experiences and the secret that they both share in "The Surrendered" by Chang-Rai Lee.

During the month of September, you can do a lot of celebrating. You can celebrate the chickens in your life with National Chicken Month, or ahoy there, me hearty, you can "Talk Like a Pirate" on the 19th as you give your wife the royal treatment with bon bons on Wife Appreciation Day, also on the 19th. Whatever you choose to do, take the time to stop in your local branch of JCPL, where, aye! All you landlubbers will find some real treasures on the shelves!

Don't Dump the Dog and Other Great Nonfiction at JCPL

Looking up at me with the most innocent expression ever, the evidence hanging out of his mouth gives him away. Spud the dog may be small, but he is mighty, and the messes he makes are even mightier. Remnants of what may have once been a soccer ball litter the living room floor, because Spud the dog has struck again. The arm cover to my couch is also a casualty of Spud the dog. Putting things up out of his reach can only accomplish so much, because he has discovered that with just a little perseverence, he can finagle his way into toy boxes, jump until he can reach countertops, and generally wreak havoc on anything that fits in his mouth. I must check my watch several times a day, wondering, "Is the pound still open!?"

Randy Grim emphatically believes that dogs are worth their weight in gold, and that any and all behavior problems that come from pooches of all types can be solved. In "Don't Dump the Dog: Outrageous Stories and Simple Solutions to Your Worst Behavior Problems," Grim provides dog owners with everything they need to turn things around with their dogs, offering solutions to even the worst habits that Man's Best Friend may have acquired. This dog friendly guide is full of humor, but is written with the experience of a veteran dog trainer who can help you to connect with the Bowser in your life. Read on for more, great, new nonfiction titles, designed to enrich your brain and make your life easier!

Stick with what you know...that's the advice given to writers; and as a general rule of thumb, it's good advice no matter what you attempt to do, and that includes making a living. Having a passion can be profitable, and "Crush it! Why NOW is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion" by Gary Vaynerchuk offers sound advice on how to convert what you're truly passionate about into cash, with step by step instructions on using Twitter, Facebook, and other online networking systems to become profitable, no matter what line of business you choose to make your living.

In her lifetime, Geneen Roth has gained and lost over a thousand pounds. From being seriously overweight to extremely underweight, Roth has been plagued most of her life with feelings of shame and self-hatred because of her body image and eating habits. Finally, she ended the struggle by trusting her body and realizing that our relationship with food is directly related to our feelings about love, fear and our core beliefs. In "Women, Food and God," Roth leads readers to the doorway to freedom, demystifying the weight loss puzzle by trusting your own belief system, bringing peace and ending the compulsions once and for all.

Investigative reporting at its best, "The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine" by Michael Lewis combines logic with the timely topic of today's financial crisis to give an overview of the head in the sand investment strategies that led the inflated egos running many of today's top financial institutions to make the colossal cash blunderes that required a government bailout. Covering a dizzying cast of characters, Lewis even covers "where are they now," updating readers on the various heroes and villains that were instrumental in some of the worst financial debacles of our time.

"In a Heartbeat: Sharing the Power of Cheerful Giving" by Leigh Anne Touhy is the astonishing tale of Leigh Anne and Sean Touhy, and their mission in life to raise their children to be cheerful givers. With their deep Christian faith and their commitment to make a difference, Leigh Anne invited a homeless young man into their lives, making him a part of their family, transforming his life by opening their hearts, and ultimately, their door, showing that the power of giving can teach unforgettable lessons to us all. This book is the inspiring story of one couple who truly believes that "Everyone has a blind side, but a loving heart always sees a path toward true charity." Based on the movie, "The Blind Side," this incredible, true story will touch your heart.

We've really debated as to what "mixed breed" might be Spud's parentage, and have decided that no matter what breed of dog he may be, Billy Goat must be somewhere in the mix. Anyway, Spud (a.k.a. "Scud," as in missile) the dog gets another chance because "Don't Dump the Dog" says so. He should be breathing a sigh of relief...but he's kind of busy right now, chomping on some unidentified household item.

Dog Days of Summer Call for Good Reading Material!

No matter where you go, chances are you'll have to do some waiting. Waiting to be called for your appointment at the doctor or dentist's office; waiting in line at the grocery, drug, or department store; wait, wait, wait. Standing in line just about anywhere I go, I can almost count on the person ahead of me needing a price check, or having a problem of some sort that's going to require LOTS of time to remedy; but my wait pales in comparison to the headline that reads, "Two sisters reunited after 18 years at checkout counter." And I thought MY wait was long! Another headline states the obvious with, "If strike isn't settled quickly, it may last awhile." Sometimes animals make headlines, and in this case, a cow on a rampage makes news with, "Enraged cow injures farmer with ax;" and while we know that some animals eat their young, humans aren't supposed to (although sometimes we wonder if we should consider it), but the headline, "Kids make nutritious snacks" makes you second guess the choices of some folks. Speaking of choices, check out these new fiction titles, and just WAIT until you read on for some really good entertainment for the "dog days of summer!"

As the country's brightest doctors race to find the cure for infections that kill thousands each year, photojournalist, Claire Shipley, is following the story, dear to her heart, because her young daughter died from a sudden illness that possibly could have been cured by this new drug called penicillin. As doctors close in on their research for the miracle drug that will change history, a researcher at the institute dies suddenly, and Claire finds herself entrenched in a battle to find the killer before it's too late in "A Fierce Radiance" by Lauren Belfer.

When Eric Shaw takes on the job of making a documentary about Alyssa Bradford's 95 year old father in law, Campbell Bradford, he travels to the older man's hometown, where its charming history turns into an eerie mystery in "So Cold the River," an intensely frightening novel by Michael Koryta that centers around an old hotel that has been restored and the dark history and long forgotten evil surrounding it.

The year is 1704, and young Elizabeth is sent to Versailles, Louisiana in search of a husband. When she is paired with the charismatic and ruthlessly ambitious soldier, Jean-Claude, she is surprised to find herself not only attracted to him, but falling in love with him as well. Auguste, as well, must manage to find happiness in a new world when he is abandoned, and then befriended by Elizabeth's husband, Jean-Claude. When both Elizabeth and Auguste are ultimately betrayed by Jean-Claude, they find themselves drawn together in unexpected ways in "Savage Lands" by Claire Clark.

Growing up as the product of professional parents in Glasgow, Scotland, Kit Philipson had every advantage. While his mother lay dying, she confessed to Kit that he is adopted, and soon after, vague memories of Kit's early life begin to plague him, sending him searching through old newspaper files that reveal Kit's true identity and the actual facts of the abduction that led him to become part of the Philipson family in "A Stranger in the Family" by Robert Barnard.

You've probably heard it said that "good things come to those who wait," but Abraham Lincoln summed it up with, "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left behind by those who hustle." There you go; don't let the good titles be left behind; just get in your car and head to your local branch of JCPL, where every new title is an experience worth its WEIGHT in gold!

Let JCPL Be Your Lucky Charm This August!

Reading the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris, I am getting an education, learning the ins and outs of vampire life, werewolf drama and also getting the inside scoop about the lives of shape shifters. One of the most educational parts of reading this series, however, is that Sookie Stackhouse, the main character in the series, has a best friend who supplies her with a Word of the Day calendar each year, and occasionally, one of the words applies to the plot in the story. One morning, while taking breakfast orders from my three grandchildren, my two year old granddaughter requested "Chucky Arms." Hmmm...that wasn't part of the educational Word of the Day, and Sookie doesn't have kids, so the Vampire series would be no help in solving this mystery. Opening up the cabinet, I began to peruse the various foodstuffs that could translate to "Chucky Arms," and after a careful inspection, the light bulb above my head lit up and I asked her, "Do you want Lucky Charms?" BINGO! Mystery solved! And so, the breakfast mystery is solved, and our stomachs are full, so read on for some refreshing food for your mind and check out these new fiction titles from the Jasper County Public Library!

The Darling Dahlias is a Depression era, garden-club group of ladies from Darling, Alabama who welcome members from all walks of life. The ladylike behavior of the Darling Dahlias is challenged, however, when a set of sterling silver is found buried under the town's famous Cucumber Tree, and two members of the group claim ownership. The town and ladies club are further shaken by the discovery of the body of an unidentified young woman outside of town, and the mystery deepens in "The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree" by Susan Albert Wittig.

Seven year old Lavinia was orphaned on her journey to America from Ireland, and arrives on the steps of a tobacco plantation, working in the plantation's kitchen under the tutelage of Belle, the master's illegitimate daughter. As time goes on, Lavinia is accepted into the fold of the family in the Big House, but finds herself straddling two very different worlds in "The Kitchen House" by Kathleen Grissom.

The birth of a new baby daughter should be a happy occasion, but in a remote Indiana village where only sons are favored, the birth of a daughter is a tragedy. In "Secret Daughter" by Shilpi Somaya Gowder, Kavita and her husband struggle with the decision to give their newborn daughter, Asha, away. The decision to give the baby up haunts both parents, even after the birth of their son, but placing her in an orphanage is the only way to save her life. Meanwhile, across the globe, American doctor, Somer, and her husband, Krishnon, desperately want a child, but cannot have one of their own, and when they see a photo of baby Asha, decide to adopt the child. "Secret Daughter" weaves the lives and cultures of two families together, exploring the issues of culture and belonging, dramatically comparing the lives and cultures of two families who have the common goal of wanting only to be happy.

When nine year old Rose Edelstein bites into the lemon-chocolate cake prepared by her mother for her birthday, she discovers a magical gift; she can actually taste the emotions of her mother with every bite she takes. The gift, however, is not welcome when Rose discovers that the mother she has always seen as happy and cheerful is truly unhappy, desperate and full of despair. "The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake" by Aimee Bender brings to light the enormous burden of knowing too much and loving those closest to you anyway.

Sookie's Word of the Day in "Dead to the World," the fourth in the Southern Vampire Series, was "farrago," which the dictionary defines as "a jumble," and Sookie describes as "a confused mess." I'm not sure how I would use it in a sentence, but it could be a good replacement word for what's on the menu at our house for breakfast; Chucky Arms.

You Might Be an Avid Reader if...

"You might be a redneck when you take a trip to the dump and bring back more than you took," is one redneck phrase that made comic, Jeff Foxworthy, famous. If I had to choose a topic to write about, I'd turn "redneck" into "menopause," and the phrases would go something like, "You might be in menopause when you spend more time rearranging the contents of your freezer than eating them, just to get a blast of cold air during a hot flash," or, "You might be in menopause when you discover that the local petting zoo's llama died, and you find yourself choking back tears, even though you didn't even know its name," or, "You might be in menopause when your body gives off enough heat during a hot flash to solve the world energy crisis." You get the picture. Similarly, you know you're at the Jasper County Public Library when you can check out the best new fiction titles around. Here are just a few of our newest to choose from.

It's been two years since Abbie Fox has seen her father, but a family crisis forces her to return to Nantucket, where her sisters, Lily and Emma, are struggling with losses of their own. As the summer wears on, each of the three sisters find themselves in unpredictable situations, undergoing personal transformations that may change their lives in "Beachcombers" by Nancy Thayer.

As a reporter for the Bergen County News, Chris Turley strives to live up to the legendary career of his father, Edward Turley, but never seems to make the grade. Everything changes for Chris, however, when an explosion rocks the building next door and Chris heroically saves five people from the burning building. Instant celebrity that he is, Chris receives an anonymous tip after the incident that leads him into a reporter's dream that quickly turns into a nightmare in "Down to the Wire" by David Rosenfelt.

You can't fool Mother Nature, and when Dr. Claus Rhumkorrf struggles with one experiment after another to replace failing human organs and tissue with that of animals, a process called xenotransplantation, he succeeds, only to regret it when his creation turns on him and society in general in "Ancestor" by Scott Sigler.

The dawn of a new day brings tragedy to the world of the Amish in "Pray for Silence." When the police are summoned to a small, quiet Amish family farm, they discover the horror of an entire family wiped out; brutally tortured and slain. With Kate Burkholder and Agent John Tomasetti investigating the case, one secret after another is revealed in this, the second book in the Kate Burkholder series by Linda Castillo.

Shep Knacker has plans for his nest egg. He thinks of this phase of his life as "The Afterlife," and when he sells his home repair business for a cool million bucks, he is ready to "get out of Dodge" and head for his dream retirement destination. His wife of twenty six years, Glynis, though has just returned from her doctor's appointment, and announces a medical condition that requires enough treatment that Shep's nest egg, as well as his plans for "The Afterlife" are irrevocably changed in "So Much for That" by Lionel Shriver.

If I had to choose one of the titles listed above to describe how I feel about menopause, it would have to be "So Much for That," and if you have to ask me why that is, "you might not be in menopause."

New Books From JCPL to Brighten a Dark and Stormy Night!

It was a dark and stormy night...it really WAS, and the satallite had bitten the dust because of the bad weather, so I went in search of something to read. Scary stories are the best for nights like this one, and I thought the perfect book to raise goosebumps would be "Dead After Dark" by Charlaine Harris. Opening it up, I looked forward to the vampire-biting, bloodcurdling thrill I would get from the story, and as I read on, I found myself amused more than scared, but in a surprisingly good way. Sookie Stackhouse, Harris's main character, is a cocktail waitress surrounded by vampires; some who are good-natured in a vampirish way, and some who live up to their reputation as vicious blood-hounds. This book, the first in the "Southern Vampire" series, has me hooked enough to read the next in the series, and here are some other new fiction titles at the Jasper County Library that can entertain during the next dark and stormy night.

Despite the trials that every marriage faces at one time or another, Tim Farnsworth and his wife Jane still share a strong bond. Farnsworth loves his wife, his daughter, his house, even his kitchen, with the copper pots and pans hanging above the kitchen's island. Why, then, does he decide one day to just walk out, and away from all he holds dear? "The Unnamed" by Joshua Ferris explores the ties of marriage and family and the forces of nature that interfere with the best laid plans of Tim Farnsworth.

Mama threw Daddy out of the house, and after she did, she made her two daughters, Lulu and Merry, promise never to let him back into her home again. When Daddy came calling, ten year old Lulu relented and opened up the door to him, only to have him kill her mother and stab her little five year old sister, Merry. "The Murderer's Daughters" by Randy Susan Meyers is the story of two little girls, orphaned by the death and subsequent imprisonment of their father, who grow into women and continue to carry the scars of their past, carving their lives in the shadow of the tragedy that always hovers in the distance.

United States Senator, Ellen Fisher is a Democrat, now in her second term. Going head to head with the Vice President over national security, Ellen and her staff find themselves under attack, the ensuing barrage of threats endangering not only their careers, but their very lives in "Blind Trust," book number 2 in the Senator Ellen Fisher series by Barbara Boxer.

Jack and Joy Griffin have been married for thirty years, and for the most part, the plan that they made on their Cape Cod honeymoon thirty years before has been fulfilled. Now, Jack returns to the Cape, this time for the wedding of his daughter's best friend, Laura. Carrying his father's ashes around in the trunk of his car, and yet another urn makes its way on this trip. Coupled with the fact that Jack and Joy have brought along new dates to the event, "That Old Cape Magic" by Richard Russo offers a comical and surprising look at life during middle age.

It is, yet again, a dark and stormy night, and the satellite has made a repeat performance of going AWOL, so I think I'll pick up my old friend Sookie Stackhouse and see what's happening in the world of vampires these days.

What is Your Idea of Adventure?

On a recent trip to the vet, a middle aged couple was wrapping up thier visit. With a large, Black Lab in tow on a leash trailing behind them, the husband and wife began to climb into their full size, extended cab pickup truck. Watching them from inside of the office, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me when I saw the front and back doors of the truck swing open with the woman climbing into the back seat, the man into the driver's seat, and the Black Lab into the front passenger seat of the truck. As they pulled out of the parking lot, that Black Lab sat proudly, facing forward, clearly enjoying his adventure. You'll find your own version of adventure by paging through these new fiction titles from the Jasper County Public Library. Check these out!

An act of violence so horrific against 8 year old Michael literally leaves the little boy speechless. As he grows, he comes into his own, discovering that he can open any lock, anywhere, any time. This special talent makes Michael a hot commodity and in high demand. When a simple heist turns into a nightmare, Michael's life falls apart, and he decides to go back home to find the one true love of his life, and face the horrible past that took his voice in "The Lock Artist" by Steve Hamilton.

George Flynn is a seventeen year old, all around decent guy who has just relocated, along with his family, to DesMoines. Befriending the Schell sisters, George has found his niche in his new hometown. Emily is a free spirited, aspiring actress, and Katie is full of humor and wit despite her battle with multiple sclerosis. When tragedy strikes and upsets the delicate balance of their lives, George has to find a way to step up to the plate and help them through in "Weeping Underwater Looks a Lot Like Laughter" by Michael J. White.

Bandy Dorner has just returned home from Vietnam, and discovers that his life is in a shambles. His pregnant wife is leaving him for another man, and within minutes, a cop lies bloodied in the road and Bandy is headed for prison. Eighteen years later when he is released, Bandy returns to the family ranch and meets the teenage son that he never got a chance to know, and following close behind is Bandy's ex-wife, Iona. All three are changed, haunted by their past, but try to put together the pieces of their lives in "Then Came the Evening" by Brian Hart.

The real estate market is tough, but gets tougher for Jackie Swaitkowski when a client of his turns up dead. The mystery surrounding the untimey demise of his client leaves Jackie in search of clues, leading him on a dangerously rocky ride in "Short Squeeze" by Chris Knopf.

This article is dedicated to my Bo, a part Lab pooch with a heart as big as all outdoors who decided after a 12 year reign as captain of my heart that it was time to move on to explore his very own adventures over the rainbow. He would've loved to sit on the front seat of my car on our excursions, but was hard pressed to sit in the passenger seat of my little Toyota. Thanks for the memories, Bo. You were one of a kind.

Get By With a Little Help From Your Friends at JCPL!

My friends and I have been together through thick and thin over a period of MANY years. We've seen just about everything and weathered many storms, as well as sharing just as many joys. Elbert Hubard said it best with, "A friend is someone who knows all about you, but likes you anyway." Something new happens, you call your friend. Something bad happens, you call your friend. Nothing at all happens, you still call your friend, just to touch base and see if anything good, bad, or nothing at all has happened with them. The scoop may be nothing at all, but there's still plenty to talk about. "Friends are the Bacon Bits in the salad bowl of life," are the words shared on a pizza place billboard. I love, Bacon Bits, don't you? If you love Bacon Bits as much as I do, you'll love to share these new fiction titles from JCPL with your friends!

For thirty five years, Frankie, Linda, Kath, Brett, and Ally have made it a habit to meet each Wednesday at a park near all of their homes. These five women come from all walks of life and on the surface, seem to have nothing in common. Brutally blunt Linda, timid Frankie, quiet Ally, Kentucky debutante Kath and ultra-intelligent Brett, however, share a bond that begins with literature and extends into every aspect of their lives in "The Wednesday Sisters" by Meg Waite Clayton.

Miranda thinks she has met the catch of the day when she meets Greg at a cocktail party. Gorgeous and funny, Greg is all Miranda could hope for, or is he? You could say that Greg is a phony, and you'd be right when you discover that he has just left his newly pregnant wife, who hasn't a clue what he's really up to in "Miranda's Big Mistake" by Jill Mansell.

Twelve year old Jillian Maxwell is the model child. With straight A's in school and college in her future, helpful with household chores, and obedient to a fault, Jillian seems perfect. But Jillian harbors a terrible secret; one that she's sure even her mother would blame her for if she were to find out, so she endures, hiding her pain and keeping it a secret. When the horrific details of her life begin to catch up with her, and her grades begin to slip and her personality begins to show signs of distress, fate steps in and her strength brings her to discover a powerful light within herself in "A Deep Dark Secret" by Kimberla Lawson Roby.

Kevin Curran has just about lost all hope that his youngest brother, Danny will shape up. With a life of crime and hard drug addiction ridding his past, Danny suddenly shows up on Kevin's doorstep, clean and sober. Offering Kevin a share in the Bloodroot Children's Hospital project he is working on brings Kevin in touch with an underworld of Mafia hit men and dangerous espionage in "Bloodroot" by Bill Loehfelm.

Without being sappy, I would like to salute my friendships with this Toni Morrison quote, "She is a friend of mind. She gather me, man. The pieces I am, she gather them and give them back to me in all the right order. It's good, you know, when you got a woman who is a friend of your mind." Yes, I love Bacon Bits, don't you?

Get Cookin' at JCPL With These New Nonfiction Titles!

Leisure time is rare at my house. That's why, on a lazy Saturday morning, a big country breakfast with all the greasy trimmings sounded scrumptious; and it was, but the after effects left my kitchen looking like a tornado had just zipped through, leaving nothing but bacon and egg stained pots, pans, and dishes in its wake. There will be plenty of time to clean up later, right? After all, today is all about leisure. Then the phone rang...and the spell was broken, because company was on the way, and SOON. Using an old trick of my grandma's, I piled the dirty dishes up and put them in the oven, zipping through the kitchen like a tornado myself, making it look as though breakfast never took place. Out of sight, out of mind; that phrase fits perfectly into this scenario, because, as you may have guessed, when it came time to cook something for dinner, I decided on something simple. A frozen pizza would be perfect, that is, until I preheated the oven and a funny smell filled the house. Believe me when I tell you, there is nothing like re-visiting the morning's leisurely breakfast by cooking the cookware that cooked the meal. Oh well, it's all history now; and if you like history and learning the intimate details of other people's lives, read on, because you won't want to miss "The Intimate Lives of the Founding Fathers" by Thomas Fleming.

This new nonfiction title at JCPL is a detailed history of our past presidents and other famous men in history, and offers a peek into the personal lives of past politicians and the skeletons that live in their closets. Covering everything from Benjamin Franklin's abandoment of his wife to flirt with Parisian madams to Alexander Hamilton's adulterous affair to the women in their lives, this well researched, engrossing and entertaining look at our forefathers is not only a page-turner, but an eye-opener as well. Read on for more new nonfiction!

Arriving at his military base in Afghanistan, Navy Reservist Mark Feffer finds an unexpected guest. Cinnamon, a mixed breed puppy, has chosen the base as her new home. Deciding to keep her and take her home to America at the end of his tour, Mark finds a dog handler who promises to care for her. When Feffer discovers that Cinnamon was abandoned at the airport, he enlists the help of family and friends in an all out effort to find the missing pooch in "Saving Cinnamon" by Christine Sullivan. This heartwarming story of determination, compassion and hope will prove that love does conquer all, and is, in fact, the most powerful force on the planet.

Hopping in his chariot of choice, a black London cab, Stephen Fry journeys through the land he is the most fascinated with; America. From sea to shining sea, he discovers the huge diversity that makes our country great, zigzagging through each state and taking glimpses along the way of small town life and big city glitz and glamour, loving every second of the magnificent, eccentric, beautiful and strange America in "Stephen Fry in America" by Stephen Fry.

The legacy of Henrietta Lacks lives on through the magic and miracle of medical science. In 1951 at the age of 30, Henrietta was stricken with, and died from, an aggressive form of cancer. Without her knowledge or the consent of Henrietta or her family, a sample of the cancerous tissue was taken from Henrietta and used by science to experiment with the cells, giving scientists a building block for medical breakthroughs, one of which was the cure for polio. In "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," Rebecca Skloot gathers details of Henrietta's life and death, offering the truth to her family members through this haunting and moving story of one woman's contribution to the world of medicine.

A loving husband, two great kids, and a writing career should make for a happy enough life for Gretchen Rubin. She, however, has decided to take on the "happiness project," and by doing this, intends to increase her happiness quotient in every aspect of her life within a year's time. "The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun" by Gretchen Rubin is an inspirational guide full of wise tips and concrete advice for a more fulfulling, balanced life.

Here's what happened: Grandma had the best hiding place in the world for her dirty dishes, but Grandma also had a better memory than me. Just goes to show, when it comes to cooking 101, you can kiss the cook, cook with gas, cook your goose, or as W.C. Fields says, "I cook with wine, and sometimes I even add it to the food." All these are okay, but take my advice: Never, ever cook the cookware that you intend to cook with when you cook another meal. Do something safe instead, like read a good book from JCPL.

There are lots of dangerous jobs out there. Police officers, firefighters, military personnel; all of these folks could be in physical peril on any given day. Protective gear helps; but when your chosen profession is babysitting, there is no protective gear. Your best source of protection is thinking fast on your feet, because, as cute as toddlers and little children are, their bodies are all elbows and knees, and they move at the speed of light, usually in an unexpected burst of energy. Take, for example, zipping up a toddler's coat. You're bent over, concentrating on the task at hand, and in a split second, your tongue is on fire becuase you didn't have protective gear around your open mouth, and, for whatever reason, the child decided to use that moment to test the springs on the bottoms of their feet and take a flying leap straight up into the air. Your tongue just got in the way of "friendly fire." It is an occupational hazard. Next time a coat needs to be zipped, or your mouth is in close proximity to a leaping three year old, your tongue should also be zipped up. At the end of the day, the best way to cure whatever ails you is to pick up a good book, and put your feet up. At the Jasper County Public Library, we have just the prescription you need in these new fiction titles.

In "The Brutal Telling" by Louise Penny, secrets are revealed and chaos reigns supreme in Three Pines when a stranger is found murdered in the village bistro. Could the beloved bistro owner, Olivier, be responsible in some way for the brutal murder? Frantically trying to outrun the clues as the investigation closes in, time is running out for Olivier and the little village of Three Pines must brace itself for the ugly truth, in this the fifth installment of the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series.

In a time when the truth of one financial debacle after another finds its way into the headlines, best selling author, James Grippando has captured the essence of the destruction of financial institutions in his newest novel featuring thirty one year old Michael Cantella. Michael is a rising star at Wall Street's premier investment bank, Saxton Silvers. In an instant, however, his world is turned upside down when the love of his life, Ivy Layton, disappears on their honeymoon in the Bahamas. Four years later, after rebuilding his life, Michael logs onto his computer to check his investments only to find his assets liquidated, along with the message, "Just as planned," xoxo. Could the key to this financial debacle be the missing Ivy? Find out in "Money to Burn" by James Grippando.

As a self made "Master of the Universe," Adam March has it all; high powered job, beautiful wife, and a glamorous circle of friends. When a painful past comes calling, Adam's world begins to crumble, and he loses everything; his job, his wife, and the life he's worked so hard to build. Working in a soup kitchen to complete community service, Adam meets Chance, a pit bull bred to fight. As the lives of man and dog intersect, both discover the amazing power behind the man/dog relationship, saving one another in the most unexpected of ways in "One Good Dog" by Susan Wilson.

Meg Wynne Thompson is a self made beauty, and a most unpopular bride. When she turns up dead on her wedding day, the local manicurist, Penny Brannigan, vows to find the killer, and discovers that several people, some on the bride's guest list, were gunning for Meg. Will the trail go cold, or will Penny catch the killer? Find out in "The Cold Light of Mourning" by Elizabeth J. Duncan.

Physical peril; yes, danger lurks around the bend every day. Zipping up coats, changing diapers, and getting in close enough proximity to that little bundle of joy with an uncontrollable desire to take flight at the most unexpected of moments are all potentials for physical peril; and if you don't believe me, just ask my tongue.

New Nonfiction at JCPL Will Cure Whatever "Bugs" You!

Out of the over 5,000 species of ladybugs in the world, I'm pretty sure that at least half of those are nesting somewhere in my house. They must've patiently and quietly hibernated all winter long, just waiting to make their "great escape," and are now literally crawling out of the woodwork. Seems that the magic number for the awakening of these spotted beetles is 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and with the spring-like temperatures this week, they're out in droves. One little known fact about these helpful garden creatures is that they can actually "play dead," and as I sweep, vacuum and corral them into the trash, I wonder if they'll come back to haunt me after I think I've permanently disposed of them. Their diet consists of other small insects, most of which can be found in the garden, but not in the HOUSE, and therein lies my confusion as to why these little critters have set up housekeeping within my four walls. One of the major problems that I have with these insects is their rancid odor, which is, believe it or not, a product of stress. Yes, ladybugs suffer from stress; another little known fact. But the big question is: Do they marry? If they do, being "ladybugs," they may benefit from reading, "Have a New Husband by Friday: How to Change His Attitude, Behavior, and Communication in 5 Days" by Kevin Leman. In this easy to follow, common sense guide, the author helps wives to interpret the behavior of their husbands, offering much needed advice for the frustrated, encouraging women from all walks of life with feedback on how to deal with the clueless husband who just needs a gentle nudge to become a better partner.

Read on for more informative, up to date, nonfiction titles from JCPL!

Anger can be a productive emotion when approached honestly and realistically. Sometimes the fuel from repressed anger can be counterproductive and unhealthy for us, and women in particular sometimes need a little guidance in dealing with angry feelings. From bad relationships to difficulties with parents, friends and partners, anger can linger, hurting, instead of helping the situation. "Every Woman's Guide to Managing Your Anger" by Gregory Jantz offers a compassionate look at anger control, helping readers to face the issues that burden them, thereby giving them the release they need to move beyond the anger that is controlling them and live the life they were meant to live.

We've all heard of shoplifting, robbery and theft; all of which can become obsessions for those who have the tendency to take something that doesn't belong to them. Fixations over owning the skulls of the highly talented and famous, however, is an obsession that is new to me, and one that only those who feel the need to rob the graves of others can understand. "Cranioklepty: Grave Robbing and the Search for Genius" by Colin Dickey offers a glimpse of grave robbers who target and steal the craniums of the famous individuals of our time; Beethovan, Swedish mystic Emanuel Swedenborg, artist Francisco Goya, and others, specifically to sell, study, or put them on public display. This bizarre tradition was triggered by the "Gall" system, created in the late 18th century by Franz Joseph Gall, whose theory that the bumps and dents of the skull would offer clues as to the genius or intelligence of the owner.

Speaking of intelligence, if ladybugs are intelligent enough to know how to ward off predators by releasing the rancid odor they're known for, then, I ask you, why are they not intelligent enough to know when they have worn out their welcome, as I bid them a not so fond adieu with the hopeful phrase, "Ladybug, ladybug, fly away HOME," adding, for extra emphasis, "to YOUR home, not mine!"

At JCPL, Some Books Are Just too Delicious To Pass Up

How many times have you been offered something to eat and been told, "Oh it's so good! It tastes just like chicken!" How many types of food are there that can taste "just like chicken?" I'm suspicious! According to Dave Barry's "Guide to Guys," food is not the only thing that tastes just like chicken. In this hilarious look at "guy issues," Barry admits that in the mad panic to prepare for Hurricane Andrew, he was so intent on getting the supplies he needed that he could actually taste the plywood, and guess what? It tasted just like chicken! Even Hollywood, in thier quest to entertain, uses this analogy on the big screen. Example: In The Lion King when Timon eats a grub, it's yummy, just like chicken. You get the picture. We always like to use comparisons, whether the subject is food or something else, a visual picture brought on by comparisons to familiar things help our brains and taste buds to "get the picture."

At the Jasper County Public Library, when readers need to be entertained by a new fiction title or a new author, one of the first questions we ask is, "What was the last book that you read that you really enjoyed?" And from there, the search is on for a "readalike." Here is a short list of "readalikes" that may be just what you're looking for!

With her comical characters and the homey setting of urban Trenton, New Jersey as her home base, author, Janet Evanovich has won legions of fans and a following of avid readers over, letting the sassy dialogue in her wacky mystery series lead her to be at the very top of the list in the Humorous Mystery genre. If you enjoy the bantering that goes on between Stephanie Plum and her friends and family, as well as the "almost" romances between she and Joe Morelli and the ultra-suave Ranger, you'll love the Chicago based mysteries of Joe Konrath, each named after a cocktail. With smart, sassy and funny Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels as a Chicago Police Lieutenant leading the way, along with her eccentric partner, Herb Benedict, and a crazy cast of characters playing starring roles in "Bloody Mary," "Dirty Martini," "Fuzzy Navel," and "Cherry Bomb," this "crime stopper duo will be sure to keep you turning pages.

Legal issues and courtroom drama, along with the complex dynamics of family relationships, are the specialty of Jodi Picoult. Sprinkle in a dash of medical mystery, and you have the ingredients for a story that features ordinary people who find themselves facing extraordinary circumstances. With "My Sister's Keeper," "The Pact," and "Plain Truth" to her credit, Jodi Picoult hooks her readers emotionally by challenging them with the controversial issues that delve into the human psyche, unleashing the question, "What would I do if that happened to me?" In "The Rest of Her Life" by Laura Moriarty, you'll meet Kara, a high school senior whose spur of the moment decision changes everything for her, her family, and her community, and the struggles and legal issues that result from her one moment of carelessness. Other authors who are able to capture the essence of the human condition and resemble the writing style of Picoult are Luanne Rice, Sue Miller and Jacquelyn Mitchard.

If you're seeking a warmer climate (and these days, who isn't!), take a trip to sultry Florida, where author, Carl Hiassen, invents quirky characters who will appeal to your sense of humor with their madcap antics and daily foibles. Thrillers like "Basket Case," "Skin Tight," and "Tourist Season" contain serious plotlines, but in an upbeat and laugh out loud style. If you like Carl Hiassen, check out "The Naked Detective" by Laurence Shames. The bumbling gangsters and lyrical style, along with the Florida setting, will appeal to Hiassen fans. "Florida Roadkill" by Tom Dorsey also provides a hysterical ride through the sunshine state, offering an escalated pace of violence and demented humor along the way.

Let's see; how would I describe these books? Delectable, delicious, and nutritious; just like chicken!

Till Spring Has Sprung, Check Out Something To Read!

Punxsutawney Phil has done it again; disappointed all of us who are anxiously waiting for the first signs of spring. How the little groundhog saw his shadow is a mystery to me, since the sun has done a disappearing act for most of the winter and doesn't seem in any hurry to materialize any time soon. Right about now, I'm envious of any animal that gets to hibernate through the winter months. What a wonderful idea; sleeping through till the weather warms up and the sun pokes through. Unfortunately, the human race can't take a cue from the bears or any other animal that curls up and takes a long winter's nap. In fact, according to Paul McKenna, more people are suffering from insomnia now than ever before. After a 20 year study, McKenna has developed a system for everyone who feels sleep deprived with "I Can Make You Sleep," a book and CD that shows how implementing an easy exercise routine and simple changes in thinking and behavior will significantly improve the quality of your sleep. After you reset your body's natural sleep mechanism by following the advice in this book, you'll have more energy to read, read, read, and check out the rest of these new nonfiction titles from the Jasper County Public Library!

In 1954, Clint Eastwood was a 24 year old newlywed, working ina California gas station, when he was "discovered" by director, Arthur Lubin. His big break came in 1959 when he got the part of Rowdy Yates in Rawhide. Thus began the show business career of actor, director, and producer, Clint Eastwood. "American Rebel: The Life of Clint Eastwood" by Marc Eliot probes the actor's personal relationships, financial empire, and professional successes and failures, documenting the drama of Eastwood's life with well researched details.

Depression is an up and coming malady in our country today. Anxiety and negative feelings bring more people to seek medical help today than ever before, with the end result usually being prescription medication used for coping with the uncomfortable symptoms. "Depression is Contagious: How the Most Common Mood Disorder is Spreading Around the World and How to Stop It" by Michael Yapko offers a clear, fresh perspective on the cure for depression, citing depression as an ancient subject that can be approached and healed holistically and creatively through building relationships with family, friends, and communities, using social skills as an antidote for the challenges of everyday life.

Do you own a library card and a comfortable pair of shoes? If you do, you've got the first ingredients to ordinary happiness, something we're all in search of. "Seven Pleasures: Essays on Ordinary Happiness" by Willard Spiegalman is an affectionate essay collection that includes the top seven picks to achieve happiness. Not surprisingly, they are reading, walking, looking, dancing, swimming, and writing, all activities that cost almost nothing, and are accessible to everyone. Chapter for chapter, this book provides a relaxing, leisurely stroll through life's simple pleasures.

A leisurely stroll would be nice right about now, but because the forecast according to Punxsutawney Phil is for 6 more weeks of winter, I suppose it'll have to wait. Wouldn't it have been nicer if that little varmint hadn't seen his shadow? Then, we'd be saying goodbye to winter temps in just a month and a half instead of six weeks!

New Nonfiction at JCPL Will Make for Smooth Sailing!

I am not a big fan of the water, but being newly married, I was a big fan of my new husband, so I let him talk me into a day-long journey in a canoe. "There will be rapids! And it's only a 6 hour long trip. Come on...everyone is going; it'll be fun!" Yes, everyone's going, even us, and that decision was definitely against my better judgment. I've learned that when that little voice gnaws at you, giving you a gut feeling about what your final answer should be that it would be in your best interest to listen. Anyway, off we went. At the very start of the trip, another couple, notorious for their hilarious antics, got into their canoe and tipped it over, right off the bat. Away down the river floated their supplies for the day, lunch and all, and out of the water they trudged, soaked to the skin. Seeing this reinforced my feeling that this trip was not a good idea, but what could we do? We were stuck, the bus that dropped us off for this day-long excursion had left. Our ship had sailed, so to speak.

This just goes to show that my husband and I had a lot in common with "Two Coots in a Canoe" by David Morine, the story of two old friends who set out on a river adventure, discovering through the journey that they each had very different perspectives and expectations about their journey and destination. Two men, one canoe, one river, and two very different outlooks make this book a voyage in discovery, documenting and describing the experience of canoeing down the length of the Connecticut River and the comical adventures that seal their fate.

And if non-fiction books really "float your boat," check out these other new titles from the Jasper County Public Library!

Friends and entrepreneurs, Serena Thompson and Teri Edwards, saw the value in creating simple craft items and began their business by producing a line of products and organizing an annual antiques fair. It is there that their story begins, and "The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen: Live Well, Laugh Often, Cook Much" continues the tale of this dynamic female duo, as they share their recipes, which are also simple and contain everyday ingredients that you don't have to move heaven and earth to find. Their book also includes craft projects that are easy for the average crafter to do. This great guide, written by Serena Thompson and Teri Edwards, will be useful for anyone wishing to try new things, but at the same time, keep it simple.

When you go to school, you must ask for a permission slip to go to the restroom or wander the hallowed halls of your school for any variety of reasons. When you grow up, the only real permission slips that you get are imaginary ones that you write for yourself. Some of us who multi-task and don't know how to say "no" at times, need to write ourselves an imaginary permission slip that says, "I tried, and I can't handle this." "Permission Slips: Every Woman's Guide to Giving Herself a Break" is written by Sherri Shepherd, and in it, this co-host from The View offers a loosely structured self-help/memoir that is funny, shooting straight from the shoulder about her own experiences and how she came to learn that giving herself permission to bow out when things don't work out is the best way to handle sticky situations.

I know about sticky situations. One in particular involved a 6 hour canoe trip that turned into a 12 hour adventure (sort of like Gilligan's 3 hour tour on the SS Minnow) that I could have easily gotten out of had I known about "writing myself a permission slip" to skip it and bow out of the trip "down the lazy river" BEFORE that ship sailed.

JCPL's Story...A New Inventory!

It was the middle of December, and all through the house, every square inch was covered in wrapping paper, probably even the mouse. With scissors a flying and tape on the floor, the presents were scattered across the whole floor. When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a hungry husband who made it abundantly clear, he wanted his lunch; the presents could wait; and the outcome of Christmas would be left up to fate. With his hands in his pockets, he just hung around, certain that soon some food would be found. He cared not a lick if the children were happy, lunch must be served, and it better be snappy; and Santa, bent over the gifts in a flurry, felt overwhelmingly the need to hurry, and not only that, the thought also occurred, how is it that Santa's a MAN, and not really a girl?

My point hopefully made, I will continue this story, offering to every avid reader out there a new inventory. Fiction, that is, to be found on the shelves, at your friendly branch of JCPL. Check out these new titles!

Completing a five year prison sentence, Angelica Barnes has finally been released, and is trying to acclimate herself back into society. As a convicted felon, Angelica finds fitting back into society to be more than a little difficult, and attempts to reinvent herself with a move to New York. A better life eludes her, however, when Angelica must fall back on her past life to make ends meet, while, in the shadows, a secret enemy waits in the wings to have Angelica back in his grasp in "Deja vu" by Suzette Perkins.

Writing about her nightly escapades in a London newspaper, Grace Rutherford is the "it" girl of her era. Her glitzy, glamorous life opens the door to romance for Grace, and she begins a passionate affair with American author, Dexter O'Connell. Also drawn to her charismatic neighbor, John Cramer, Grace finds herself wedged between the two men, who are bitter enemies; enemies whose secrets and lies weave a web of deceit in "The Jewel Box" by Anna Davis.

Stem cell research is at once a blessing and a curse, depending on at which end of the spectrum your loyalties lie. To brothers, Arthur Marshak nad Jessie Marshak, the scientific breakthrough of stem cell research holds different truths. Arthur Marshak believes that his work in stem cell research is a gift to humanity; Jessie Marshak believes it to be a curse. The common ground that must bridge the gap standing between these two brothers is the powerful love they share for the same woman, and the knowledge that they must come to some agreement on the issue that stands between them for the sake of millions in "The Immortality Factor" by Ben Bova.

When Dr. Thomas Parks arrives in Washington, his goal is to practice trauma medicine with a fellow physician who is practiced in his field of medicine. When a tragic accident nearly ends his life, the young doctor Parks spends long hours convalescing, discovering that the distinguished doctor who invited his fellowship is not at all what he seems in "Race for Dying" by Steven F. Havill.

I spoke not a word, fixing lunch on the fly, while the presents just sat there; my supplies all awry. Bending back over to complete my gift-fest, I wondered which Santa suit would fit me best. And then I exclaimed ere I drove out of sight, "Merry Christmas to all Mrs. Santa's tonight!"