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?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
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!"
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!"
Saturday, March 6, 2010
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!
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!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
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!
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!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)