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!"