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May 14th, 2008
04:33 pm - Sunshine State Readers for 08/09 are out
Check out the lists of Sunshine State Readers available from the Library!
Here's the list - click the title and find out if the one you're looking for is available. There's also links to easily printable lists available from the Clearwater Public Library System's Kids' Page!
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February 13th, 2008
03:31 pm - Staff Picks for February
Check out what we're reading, viewing and listening to!
Barbara (Main)
In the spirit of supporting free speech and free choice by reading banned books, I recommend The Golden Compass. It's always interesting to see what causes controversy. And don't assume that you have read the book if you have seen the movie.
Laurie (Main)
Barack Obama - Audacity of Hope
Linda (Beach)
Curiosity Killed the Cat-Sitter by Blaize Clement
Devastated by the sudden, accidental death of her husband and young daughter, Dixie Hemingway gives her job as sheriff's deputy and is "a mess" until she finds some satisfaction in her pet-business - walking dogs, changing litter boxes, and taking care of animals while their owners are vacationing, etc. One such owner is away when Dixie finds a dead body in the kitchen, later a friend badly beaten, and then another dead body! Her sleuthing instincts kick in, especially when an obnoxious local radio personality brings up Dixie's past and implies she is the murderer. With a great setting (Sarasota's Siesta Key), a very real "heroine," a solid plot, light humor throughout, and many vivid personalities - including the pets, this delightful "cozy" is a winner. By the way, the tit;e is not true, because this is the first in a series.
Tracey (Main)
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I'm generally not one to jump on a bandwagon. I don't read something because everyone else is doing it. In fact, I'm probably way more likely to shy away from it if that is the case. So when 8 people told me they instantly thought of me while reading this book and that "Tracey, you HAVE to read this book!" I was skeptical, but figured I'd give it 50 pages. Well, I have to say, the first 50 pages were tough - a lot of this memoir follows the author's quest for personal well-being after her divorce. Having recently gone through that, reading a lot of what she wrote hit home (and made me see why people saw me in this book). It took a lot for me to turn to page 51 and keep going, but I saw the transition in the story happening and as she grows past the sadness and personal devastation, the book becomes more of a travelogue of her journey through Italy, and becomes a description of finding various kinds of peace in India and Indonesia from the perspective of one who, self-admittedly, doesn't travel well but sees it as her life's passion. Georgina (Countryside) The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai (Booker Prize Winner) A marvelous novel in superb imagery, lyrical prose and an interesting thematic undertone of the love-hate relationship between India and England and the reluctant admiration by the colonials of the colonists.
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January 22nd, 2008
12:19 pm - What We're Up To...
Check out some of the stuff that we're reading, watching or listening to...
Linda - Beach The Girl in the Face of the Clock, by Charles Mathes Eight years ago Jane Sailor’s artist father was found unconscious at the bottom of a flight of stars and has been in a coma ever since. Suddenly he begins saying, “ No, Perry, don’t do it. ” Who is Perry, and did he push Sailor? Jane has no idea, but when she finally meets the eccentric, wealthy Perry, she is charmed by him (although she feels he’s not completely honest with her), is surprised he owns a picture painted by her father, and briefly works for him. In the course of this intriguing mystery, Jane makes trips to Seattle & London, tries to track down the woman in Perry’s painting, wonders about the significance of a very ugly clock that’s been in her family for many years and a dragonfly ‘cross’, deals with her father’s totally obnoxious agent, and meets a delightful Englishman. Each of Charles Mathes’ mysteries is a “stand-alone” in which a different female heroine must uncover a dark secret about her past, and each title begins with the words, “The girl.” Baby proof, by Emily Giffin Claudia, a successful career woman, tells Ben she doesn’t want to have children. He readily agrees, but when they are married two years, he changes his mind, and she doesn’t! Since this is a situation that can’t lead to compromise, they quickly divorce. But this is in the first 70 pages! Claudia doesn’t admit it to herself, but she is still very much in love with Ben, so how does she handle being newly single? Will the new man in her life be right for her? To add to everything else, one of her sisters has a husband who’s often unfaithful, another sister wants desperately to have a baby, and her best friend is in a relationship that’s all wrong for her. A very enjoyable novel that will appeal to women of all ages. 12 Again, by Sue Corbett Patrick’s mother, after a very frustrating day, decides to spend the night nearby in the home of her (recently-dead) mother, but she doesn’t returns, and no one knows where she is. Of course, Patrick (age 12), his father and 2 brothers are very worried. Patrick e-mails his mother often, but she never responds. Alternating chapters tell the mother’s story. She has, through some ‘magic,’ accidentally become 12 again and is even in one of Patrick’s classes. Of course, she desperately wants to return to her family and her adult self, but how can she? And why won’t her laptop work? An interesting blend of reality and fantasy that will appeal to upper elementary and middle school students. Jen – East Gluten-Free Girl by Shauna James Ahern Most of my coworkers know I have Celiac Disease and cannot eat gluten, so when they put this book aside for me, I was intrigued. This is a wonderful, wonderful book. It is a Memoir/Cookbook/Ode to food written by Ahern, a true foodie. When Ahern found out she had Celiac Disease, she started to explore the world of food outside of the mass-produced, prepackaged stuff (which is inedible for Celiacs). This book captures her adventurous spirit and is incredibly inspiring for anyone who suffers from the autoimmune disorder known as Celiac. Her experiences were so much like my own, that I had to buy my own copy. The only cure for Celiac Disease is to not eat any food with gluten in it. This is a huge challenge which Ahern ran at with open arms. Read and learn from her experiences about how to avoid getting sick when eating out, cooking for yourself and finding food a friend again, instead of the enemy. I recommend this useful and engaging book to anyone who likes to cook, has friends or family with Celiac Disease, and especially, anyone who suffers from it themselves. She also has her own blog: www.glutenfreegirl.com , which is chocked-full of good advice (and lovely recipes) for anyone living with this challenge. Paula – Main Wow it's been a very busy month for me... I've gone from fiction to non-fiction, music and DVDs. The Collectors by David Baldacci on Playaway. This is book two of the camel club. Although I felt this was slower paced than I would normally like, it still kept my attention. The Collectors is about Annabelle Conroy, a con-artist, seeking revenge on Jerry Bagger, also a con-artist, for killing her mother. She basically robs Jerry blind right from under his nose. As Annabelle's fleeing the country she finds out her ex-husband has been murdered. She assists with the investigation of her ex-husband's death and solves the mystery. In the meantime Jerry Bagger is getting closer to finding Annabelle; however, she doesn't pick up on it, as she's to involved in her ex's murder case. Does he find her and get even...you'll have to find our for yourself! The New Testament on Playaway. I've always wanted to read the New Testament and tried several times, but was not able to read all the way through. So I checked out the New Testament on Playaway and was floored by the dramatization and impressed with the introduction to each book, for it included history. The book of Revelations was to me the most fascinating yet fearful book in the entire bible. If you think Steven King is frightening try Revelations! It'll make the hair on the back of your neck stand, will knock your socks off and it will make you think twice about life. Stitch 'n Bitch by Debbie Stoller. I was in middle school the last time I held knitting needles let alone knit a sweater. My mom still has my sweater (bless her heart). Here I am again in my late thirties trying to remember all the stitches, interpret a pattern, etc. The author has illustrations and easy explanations on how to learn kitting. Some of her comments are a little naught, but funny. According to Debbie Stoller knitting is back in style and people across the nation are knitting together. Thus far I've made 4 scarves and one knitting needle case. Knitting Cafe by Suzan Mischer. Now that I've graduated from scarves I have challenged myself and am knitting a funky, colorful skirt from this book. While figuring out the number of stitches to cast on my needle I ran into a snafu. I racked my brain with the formula provided in the book, but kept coming up with an odd ball number of stitches. So I emailed the author directly and to my gleeful surprise she responded by the end of day and I am now 1/4 of way through my pattern. The author was very friendly over the email as she seems to be is in her book. I really like her patterns and foresee future requests from family and friends. Additionally, there's a really yummy orange muffin recipe in this book - I made it for the husband and kids - they loved it. Country Living: Merry & Bright: 301 festive ideas for celebrating Christmas. With the holiday around the corner I anxiously make my own decorations with the assistance of my children and god-son. This book has plenty of ideas as well as pretty pictures. You're house will glow and feel chic with the newest ideas, cakes cookies, and party favors this holiday season. Gluten-free girl: How I found the foot that loves me back...& how you can too. by Shauna James Ahern This book is about the author's agony and reactions to gluten. She includes plenty of yummy recipes and how to eat gluten free and still enjoy life. The Brazilian bikini body program : 30 days to a sexier body and mind by Joseph, Regina. This book is about eating the Brazilian way. The author uses and encourages the reader to add tropical veggies and fruits to their diet. There are some really yummy recipes, including some very tasty smoothies and an exercise program. I used the book strictly for the recipes; the exercise or diet plan didn't interest me. Enjoy the Ride (CD)by Sugarland. County music CD. A couple good songs - my favorite tune is "Settlin" Feels Like Today (CD) by Rascal Flatts. Country music CD. Some really nice songs - my favorite tune is "Bless the Broken Road". It's so romantic! Complete Clapton (CD) by Eric Clapton. Soft Rock music CD. There are some really great oldies on this CD. I loved all the songs and they brought some great memories of mom dancing around the house. Magic (CD) by Bruce Springsteen. Rock music CD. Absolutely love his raspy voice and the guitar. You'll get the house cleaned in to time! Memory Almost Full (CD) by Paul McCartney. Rock music CD. I'm a McCartney fan and of course a Beatles fan, but was not at all impressed with this CD. Bug (DVD) - It was a little odd, but kept my interest. At the end you'll wonder if they were imagining things or if the government really had something to do with the bugs! Disturbia (DVD) - The beginning of the movie will get you all choked up. As you get into the movie you'll realize what the character is facing and you'll do anything to help him get the bad guy. Lisa – North Greenwood Almost Moon By Alice Seabold Most readers know Alice Seabold from her novel, The Lovely Bones... I was expecting a similar novel, one I couldn't put down. Instead, I found a book that seemed to sit on my nightstand... I finished it, only to see if it would get better and how it would end. It's about a woman, Helen, who kills her elderly mother. The book reveals the next 24 hours after Helen killed her mother. You'll get to know Helen's mother, father, and or course, Helen... It is dark, deep, and reveals the pain of each character. I am not sure I would recommend it, but it is not my least favorite book of 2008. Twilight By Stephenie Meyer This is a young adult book that will appeal to everyone, even if you are not a fan of vampire genre and even if you are not a teen. Bella the new kid in high school, in a new state, meets Edward, who is a vampire. In fact, he is from a family of vampires! Twilight is suspenseful and full of drama. Bella's descriptions of Edward will make any girl want fall in love. The ending is a cliff hanger... Will Bella choose life or death? Luckily there are two more books in this series, so you can figure it doesn't end yet, which is good, because the first book was a good read. Laura – Main Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier. It's in the science fiction paperback collection, but it's a fantasy set in Ireland and England. Celtic and druid themes abound, some terrific old legends will be throughout the trilogy. Action, romance, anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction book should enjoy this one, including teens. The good news is that it's the first of a trilogy, all of which we own (or are processing now!). Tracey – Main Just Listen by Sarah Dessen A fairly typical slice of teenage life novel focusing on Annabel Green as she comes to terms with the ups and downs of life. From the angst of her middle sister's eating disorder, to her mother's depression, her family, while seemingly perfect from the outside (as evidenced by the all-glass front house that allows the outside world to view the facade they put on), is seemingly on the mend. However, Annabel's social life has been destroyed one night over the summer. But when she meets Owen, the mysterious loaner, things begin to turn around. Told in real-time and flashbacks, this novel deals with topics such as managing anger, unwanted sexual advances and just growing up. A bit heavy handed with the imagery and symbolism, but overall worth reading. Why Beautiful People Have More Daughters by Alan S. Miller A good example of what I've come to term "sound bite nonfiction", this book was a quick read with several "hmmmm" moments. The premise of evolutionary psychology - that the evolution of human minds has not kept up with the changes in our environment, and that the unconscious reason for everything we do is based on sex and the desire to reproduce - is discussed in short sections with titles such as "Why do men like blonde bombshells (and why do women want to look like them)?", "Why might handsome men make bad husbands?", "What do Bill Gates and Paul McCartney have in common with criminals?" For the first three-quarters of this book, I had few problems with the author's conclusions, and enough "yeah, that makes sense" moments to keep me interested. However, in the last couple chapters, they stretch the concepts of evolutionary psychology to try to explain suicide bombers, why single women travel more than men, and several other questions that I just don't quite buy. But there's enough in the beginning of the book to make it worth picking up. Because of the Times (CD) by Kings of Leon Great garage rock. Strong guitars, rambling thematic songs. Strong, dark lyrics challenge the listener. B.R.M.C. (CD) by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Apparently, I’m in a garage rock phase. Also strong guitars with serious attitude, this is great party music.
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November 28th, 2007
01:02 pm - Inspiring
I'm sorry it's been so long since a C-Scapes update. Technology foibles have prevented blog updates for several weeks. But, to break the dry spell, I have an inspiring story to share.
“Courage is grace under pressure.” -Ernest Hemingway
This quote appears in a book by Alice Hegan Rice titled, My Pillow Book. It’s a book of inspirational thoughts and quotes published in 1937. What is really inspirational is this book was returned into the book drop at the East Branch. It was due in 1962! So, 45 years later, it is nice to know that an anonymous someone was inspired to return this book to the library, revealing true grace. We thank you...
-t
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August 23rd, 2007
10:56 am - Late Summer Staff Picks
Come check out what we're reading!
Linda -Beach
Match Me if You Can, by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
Despite the popularity of computer dating there still exist people whose (pricey, exclusive) job it is to help someone find the perfect mate. Annabelle Granger has inherited such a business from her grandmother and is determined to prove to her family that this time she will not fail at her job. Her first job is to help Heath Champion, a gorgeous, high-powered sports agent who is very picky in his search for the "perfect wife." It's soon obvious that Annabelle and Heath are meant for each other; the fun is in seeing how they come to that conclusion. To add to the interest, there's a subplot involving Annabelle's fierce business competitor, who has some issues of her own. A light-hearted story by a popular romance writer.
Shadows at the Fair; Shadows on the Coast of Maine; Shadows on the Ivy; Shadows at the Spring Show by Lea Wait. In this charming set of cozies, Maggie Summer is a college professor and a dealer in antique prints. (Her business is called 'Shadows' because the prints were often a source of news and a reflection of life in the 19th century or earlier.) While the widowed Maggie solves the mysteries, her thoughts increasingly turn to the idea of adopting an older child, (possibly because the author herself has 4 adopted daughters). In addition, we learn various antique "trivia": the history of matches, all about Victorian mourning artifacts, early drawings of Santa Claus, biographies of artists, etc.
In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming
It's a bitterly cold December night in a small New York town when a newborn baby is left on the steps of an Episcopal church. Fortunately the priest (Clare Fergusson) finds the baby in time, and she and the police chief (Russ Van Alstyne) join forces to find the baby's mother, and soon, her murderer. And then there's another murder. Clare risks her life several times to help Russ solve the crimes. Despite the fact that he is married, it's obvious that there's a real attraction between these two interesting people. The first of a compelling, beautifully-written, exciting new mystery series.
Paula - Main
What am I not reading? Now that we have "Playaways" AKA Digital Books my life is complete with an array of entertainment. In the last week I've enjoyed listening to three books and am going on my fourth. These compact (fit in your back pocket) type of books are great to tag along on dog walks, the gym, commute to/from work, house projects and chores. It's addicting. I don't have to worry about downloads or my computer crashing. Just add a battery, pump up the volume and off I go!
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
This book is about a young girl raised in South Carolina during the Civil Rights movement. Her mother was killed when she was a little girl and all she has of her mother is a photo and a Black Madonna (from Tiburon, South Carolina). She helps her "surrogate mother" Rosaleen escape from a hospital. Rosaleen had been arrested and beaten by three racist men. They head to Tiburon, South Carolina, and live with three sister beekeepers. Come to find out they knew her mother and they share in her past. This book is sad yet funny and filled with feminine bond and compassion.
The Lovely Bones A Novel by Alice Sebold
This book is about a young girl who is brutally raped and killed by the neighbor. She watches her family, friends, and investigator from heaven. Her parents and investigator have figured out who the rapist and killer is, but it's hard to prove. As she narrates, the reader has a sense of what heaven may be like and makes the reader aware that loved ones return without us knowing. She also experiences intimacy through her best friends flesh.
The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
This book is about a young girls parents struggling through their marriage. She is raped by her ex-boyfriends who is later found dead. Evidence has the young girl connected to the crime scene, but the truth tells us otherwise. The father's past leads the girl to Alaska as she tries to escape the law.
Jen - Main
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
A novel set in modern India about a wealthy woman and her servant who share a strong bond of friendship.
Shannon - Main
The End of the Affair by Graham Greene.
Set against the backdrop of World War II and the Blitz in London, two lovers meet, have an affair, and unexpectedly fall in love. Beyond this standard formula, Greene throws in the question of faith: the very affair causes the woman to claim a previously non-existing faith in God, which ultimately tests the man's own atheism. Sound dry? Not So! Greene injects passion, jealousy and hatred into this unique love story. If you like the book, two movie versions have been made. The 1955 version starred Deborah Kerr, Van Johnson and Peter Cushing. A remake in 1999 starred Julianne Moore, Stephen Rea and Ralph Fiennes.
Kent - Main
Wigfield: the can-do town that just may not by Amy Sedaris, Paul Dinello, and Stephen Colbert
If you like the humor of the TV shows "The Colbert Report" and "Strangers with Candy" you'll like this satirical novel.
Try the digital audio player version (aka Playaway) performed by the authors.
Georgina - Countryside
Peony in Love by Lisa See, has turned me on to Chinese historical fiction. After reading her previous book, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, I couldn't wait to read her next. I was not disappointed. I am reading Peony's last chapter and it is a superb read. A learning experience in Chinese culture as well as a chronicled awakening of feminism in the early women poets of China, See juxtaposes her story against an opera the protagonists watch and it flows seamlessly excelling in imagery and meaningful symbolism.
Tracey - Main
Stumbling On Happiness by Daniel Gilbert
Written in the same light and engaging style as Freakonomics by Steven Levitt and Blink by Malcom Gladwell, Gibert introduces the idea that what we think makes us happy really doesn't. We, as humans, spend a lot of time focusing on and preparing for some moment in the future in which we will be "happy." His thesis, that even though we engage in this activity (consciously and unconsciously), and attempt to control that future, we don't know who we will be or what we will be feeling then, so how can we prepare for and predict what will make us happy then.
An interesting and somewhat thought-provoking read.
Choke by Chuck Palahniuk
Amusing...isn't the right word, but it's the first word that comes to mind. The tale of a sex addict con artist whose daytime job is in a Colonial-period theme park and whose night job is choking in restaurants to pay for his mother's nursing home care. In typical Palahniuk style, it's at turns disturbing, insightful, interesting, funny and off-putting, but always worth reading.
Ann - Main
Our book group just read Light on Snow by Anita Shreve and we enjoyed it. This author generally includes themes of love and loss in her stories. In this she also explores family relationships, the responsibilities we have to one another through thick and thin.
A pre-teen Nicky Dillon and her father are starting a new life in rural New Hampshire following a family tragedy. As they finally settle into familiar routines, an unexpected "find" one snowy day encroaches on the natural order of their lives. When they stumble upon a newborn baby left abandoned in the woods, little do they realize the tempest that is about to follow.
Joanne - East
Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich - silly and light
6th Target by James Patterson - typical Patterson
Chasing the Dime by Michael Connelly - not finished yet
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See - Chinese foot binding, etc. Other than the foot binding, a sweet book.
Bob - Main
The Seven Daughters of Eve by Bryan Sykes also La Storia by Jerre Mangione & Ben Morreale.
Lisa - North Greenwood
The Tender Bar by J.R. Moehringer
Before you say, "Yuk, another memoir about a bunch of barfly alcoholics", read this book. It was one I didn't want to end. This is the story of JR, a boy growing up fatherless in Manhasset, Long Island. He and his mother live with his dysfunctional grandparents with off and on with a house full of cousins and Uncle Charlie, a bartender at the local bar. This book poetically tells the story of JR's life, as a young boy listening to the airwaves searching for his father's voice, a DJ who left him and his mother, how JR grows older, follows his dream of going to Yale, falls in love, works as a copy boy at the New York Times, and of course, spends a lot of time with his "family" of friends at the bar...
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
A cub reporter, Camille, returns to her small Midwest Missouri hometown to cover a murder of a young girl. She stays with her mother, step-sister, and "father", while covering the story. Camille who has a history of self mutilation, faces her past, her unmotherly mother, her alien 13 year-old stepsister, twenty years her junior, who appears to be a girl scout, but is into sex, drugs, and rock and roll. While delving into the lives of her former neighbors and classmates, Camille becomes friends with a detective from outside assigned to the case. She discovers what appears to be the truth about her mother while trying to report on the case, being swept up in the past memories of her hometown and getting to know her sister and herself... A first novel by the author. I am looking forward to her second!
Laura - Main
I was just perusing my Entertainment Weekly's Fall movie preview issue, and they've made No Country For Old Men by Cormac McCarthy into a movie. It was such an interesting book; it's exactly why I read fiction books. It set me down in the middle of this situation, and acquainted me with some terrifically compelling people. By sheer happenstance a man is running for his life from a complete psychopath, with a couple million dollars in a satchel from a drug deal gone bad in the middle of rural Texas. The story follows from the perspective of the killer, the cop trying to solve the many killings, and the guy on the run with the money. It was a fabulous book; it has the makings of a great movie too, in November (Coen brothers!) Seriously violent, but it's writing at it's best.
Nanci - Countryside
For a fun no brainer summer read , I liked Quickie, by James Patterson, it was recommended by a friend, I don't normally read him, but I did enjoy this, as it had lots of twists and turns and I had no idea where it was going. Lots of surprises and had my attention the whole time. TRY it.
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June 22nd, 2007
01:04 pm - more staff picks
On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan On Chesil Beach is a short novel set in 1962 about a newlywed couple, Edward and Florence. On their wedding night, find they can not overcome an obstacle in their relationship and their short marriage is bitterly torn apart… This book is very different from McEwan’s other novels. One of my favorites by McEwan is Atonement. You may want to try read it too. (Lisa, North Greenwood) Anything by Charlotte Douglas is a fun, quick read. She sets her female-cop mysteries in our area, so you'll read about Harbor Oaks, and risking your life driving on US 19. Her protagonist starts as a policeman, in her second book her police department is downsized and she and her boyfriend start a PI firm. Enjoyable stuff, great for a plane trip! Pelican Bay, Holidays are Murder, Spring Break are the titles CPLS has in the series. (Laura, Main) For Golf enthusiasts only A Good Walk Spoiled by John Feinstein is the best book I've ever read on golf. (Laurie, Main) Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations--One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin Spellbinding account of climber Greg Mortenson's difficult and dangerous quest to build schools in the wildest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. This book is beautifully written. It begins with an account of Mortenson descending from a failed attempt to reach the peak of K2. Exhausted and disoriented, he wanders away from his companions into the most desolate area of northern Pakistan. Residents of an impoverished village nurse him back to health. While recovering, he observes children of the village scratching their lessons in the dirt with sticks. And, as they say, the rest is history! This is a perfect book group read. (Ann, Main)
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June 19th, 2007
04:33 pm
Tis that time of year again & here’s our staff picks for summer reading. Enjoy some of these hot reads! Pomegranate Soup - Marsha Mehran.
It's a fictional account of three young Iranian women, having lived during the "troubles" in Iran, they immigrate to a little town in Ireland, and open a restaurant. It's a very interesting slice of life, lots of probably pretty historically accurate events that occurred in modern-day Persia. And it includes recipes (another of those), opening each chapter. A fun read, along the lines of Chocolat. (Laura – Main) Claire Fontaine, crime fighter: a novel of life, death…and shoes - Tracey Enright.
When Claire Fontaine (sexy, single, glamorous and rich) gets a job as assistant to Harry Bennett, a (fat and sloppy) P.I., there are bound to be clashes. The two investigate the murder of a young woman (a probable victim of a serial killer) and visit everything from luxurious homes to the most disreputable of Los Angeles “dives.” While Claire’s questions frequently irritate Harry, she often comes up with good observations and gets more information by bonding with some of the people they question. Much as Claire wants to solve the murder, she also wants to become really involved with her handsome but mysterious neighbor. A stylish, humorous mystery with some dark edges. (Linda – Beach) Stormbreaker – Anthony Horowitz
After his kind & loving but somewhat mysterious uncle/guardian is killed, Alex Ryder, age 14, is recruited to follow in the man’s footsteps - as a spy! His first job is to find out why a wealthy man wants to give a magnificent computer, Stormbreaker, to every secondary school in England, and he risks his life over and over to find out the answer. At one point he thinks, “Whoever these people were, they had tried to run him down, to cut him in half, and to incinerate him. He had to find a way out before things really got serious.” But Alex does have some “high-tech” devices to help him, including zit cream a yo-yo, and a Game Boy that masquerade as something else. An exciting, action-filled, fun book, especially for boys. The first in a series. (Linda – Beach) The god of animals: a novel - Aryn Kyle. I really enjoyed this book. It is about a young girl who is growing up on a horse ranch. The relationships with family and people who pass though her life. (Nanci – Countryside) Riding lessons - by Sara Gruen. Annemarie Zimmer was a champion equestrian and Olympic contender until a tragic accident destroyed both her riding career and her beloved horse, Harry. Twenty years later, after losing her job and facing a divorce, she retreats (with her teenage daughter) to her parents’ horse farm. There she must deal with many issues: her father, dying from ALS; the rebellion of her troubled daughter; the difficulties in running the farm; the discovery (&subsequent obsession) of a horse that looks just like Harry; and the possible rekindling of a long-ago romance. Sequel: Flying changes (Linda – Beach) Neuromancer – William Gibson
One of the first in the cyberpunk genre, and often considered the archetypical cyberpunk work, this new classic follows Case, a drug-addicted, self-destructive, unemployed computer hacker. Having cheated a former employer who retaliated by damaging his nervous system, Case is no unable to use the tools needed to effectively hack – specifically the direct computer/brain interface. Case is “saved” from his destruction by Molly, who forcibly recruits him for an unknown mission, for a basically unknown employer, Armitage. Gripping and interesting, Neuromancer is one book you can’t put down. (Tracey – Main)
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May 2nd, 2007
09:22 am - Interesting Editorial in the Orlando Sentinel today
America's Death March Toward Illiteracy
Snip:
People who read books are different from other people. They're smarter for one thing. They're more sensual for another. They like to hold, touch and smell what they read. They like to carry the words around with them -- tote them on vacation, take them on train rides and then, most heavenly of all, to bed.
They're also a dying breed. And newspapers, apparent signatories to a suicide pact, are playing "Taps."
The news that The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has eliminated its book-editor position -- causing much Sturm und Drang throughout the Southern literary community -- highlights the continuing demotion of books and literature in American culture. While an Internet petition circulates to reinstate Teresa Weaver as book editor, writers are expressing concern that they're losing their best vehicle for recognition.
What do you think? Are readers a dying breed? And if so, what does this mean for libraries, considering most people think of books when they think of us?
Worth reading & thinking about.
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April 7th, 2007
11:15 am - more Staff Picks
If you loved Harry Potter and just can't wait for volume 7 to arrive in July, you might want to fill in the time with some similar reads. I have two series I would like to recommend. The "Bartimaeus Trilogy" by Jonathan Stroud includes The Amulet of Samarkand. The Golem's Eye, and Ptolemy's Gate. With lots of magic and intrigue, not to mention a djinni, it will keep you reading. Christopher Paolini's first two books, Eragon and Eldest, have the lure of dragons. Don't worry that they are classified Youth. The best fantasy usually is. - Barbara P.
I just finished American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang the Printz award winner for this year. What's unusual about it is that it's a graphic novel. I'm too much of an old foof to really enjoy a graphic novel because I enjoy the writer's choice of words, but the story is interesting and has a surprise at the end. It's been told before (the poor Chinese immigrant picked on by the insensitive Americans) and I don't see that the graphic element adds much (I will admit the fart was interestingly handled), but it's a quick read (three lunch breaks) and could open the eyes of some young adult readers. - Larry H.
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April 5th, 2007
06:44 pm - Spring Staff Picks
Check out these great books that CPLS staff are reading!
The book of lost things, by John Connolly
It's a story about a 12 year old kid who's mother has just died. His father remarries, a World War is going on around them (this takes place in the British countryside), and he takes refuge in reading fairytale stories. When the books start whispering to him is when he enters into his very own fairytale, where the stories come to life, and he must deal with real (?) monsters. A great find, from an author whose previous works are mostly thrillers. You'll read this in a couple of nights! - Laura D.
Funny Boy and Swimming in the Monsoon Sea by Shyam Selvadurai
They both recount the lives of a boy coming of age in 1980's Sri Lanka. The boy eventually realizes that he is gay. This self-realization is difficult enough to deal with but life is difficult anyway due to the civil unrest that is taking place in Sri Lanka between the Tamil group and the Sinhala group. Funny Boy, the author's first book, is quite political and is a nice sociological study of Sri Lanka, but there is a romance between the protagonist and a schoolmate. Swimming in the Monsoon Sea, which is billed as a Young Adult novel, is a bit less political, but the threat of riots is always in the background. I enjoyed them both very much. - David L.
Eat, Pray, Love By Elizabeth Gilbert
A thirty something, newly divorced women leaves her job on a 12 month hiatus. First she spends three months in Italy learning the language she has always loved, while eating every kind of Italian delicacy she desires to help heal her heart and soul. She then ventures to India on a spiritual journey, culminating her year in Bali where she falls in love. The book gives unique looks into each country traveled as well as the journey of a woman who learns to finally follow her heart. - Lisa K.
Carpe Demon by Julie Kenner
Kate Connor, a retired demon Hunter, is kept busy with the activities of her teenage daughter, toddler son, and a husband who’s running for political office. Then an old man/demon crashes through her kitchen window, and she’s “back in business.” Between carpooling, hosting play-dates, and quickly arranging dinner parties, she’s trying to find out what the evil Goramesh wants so she can stop him, all the while concealing her activities from her family (who don’t know of her past life). Great fun, with a blend of horror, fantasy, domesticity and humor. - Linda H.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
An entertaining and enlightening look into "the underbelly" of the restaurant industry from an insider with a passion for food and a no nonsense narrative writing style, Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential is a must read if you love food and want to know more about all sides of the culinary world.
Storm Front (Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher
Harry Dresden is a private investigator, police consultant and modern day wizard who helps the "real" world deal with the supernatural world of vampires, werewolves, and ghost, amongst others of the Nevernever. Storm Front, the first book in the Dresden Files series, is a quirky and fun mix of fantasy and detective genres with Harry trying to solve the mysterious murders of a gangster and his mistress, walking a thin line between the police, the criminal underworld, and the supernatural. Just remember, he doesn't do love potions.
Also catch the Dresden Files on the SciFi Channel Sunday nights at 9:00 PM. - Ed T.
Nineteen minutes:a novel by Jodi Picoult
I love this author - another great read. An eye opener about high school today and what our kids live daily. As always with Picoult, a twist you won't believe. - Nanci C.
Anything by Ted Bell, including: Pirate Hawke, Assassin or Nick of Time
Great writer in the way of Clive Cussler and Patterson! - Mike R.
For fans of the historical fiction of England:
I recommend The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory. Her latest is about two of Henry VIII's six wives, Anne of Cleves and Katherine Howard. As usual Gregory excels in making history fun. She so shines at historical character development one almost feels sorry for Lady Rochford, whose sworn testimony sent both her husband and his sister Ann to their death.
And just it just so happens... that Carolly Erickson also just published The Last Wife of Henry VIII, perfect timing for the chronologically inclined aficionado of historical fiction. Her account of the life of Catherine Parr is as enjoyable as it is disturbing. Being a woman in the 1500's was not fun even when one survived the beheader. - Georgina A.
Good Faith by Jane Smiley
Anyone who has worked with a real estate agent will appreciate this story of Joe Stratford, an agent who made his living selling nice houses to nice people. In the early 1980s, he begins, almost against his will, to ride the early wave of the real estate boom, when all the rules changed. He gets caught up in the decadence of the times: land speculation, an affair with his business mentor’s (married) daughter, and all the miscellany that goes with that. Like all of Smiley’s books, the sharp wit and outstanding character development and description will make you feel like you know the characters and are part of the story. - Tracey R.
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January 25th, 2007
02:00 pm
Maybe you haven’t been into one of the CPLS branches in a while. Maybe it’s because you think you know everything we offer...maybe you’re here all the time but only go to your favorite section...maybe you’ve never been here but stumbled upon this blog by accident.
Well, today is your lucky day. If you think the library is just books, well, I’ve got a surprise for you! Here are 8 things that CPLS does that you may not know about. So come check us out.
8) Books!
Well, this is a given. You know we have books. But did you know that we buy many copies of bestsellers that you can place requests to be sent to your closest branch? Plus, we have books in multiple formats such as on CD or Large Print or even e-Books so that just about anyone can get what book they’re looking for. Check out our online catalog and start placing those requests. Also check out our new titles RSS feed to keep up with all the new books! (No sure what an RSS feed is? Check out our explanation here!)
7) Movies!
This might be another given. We’ve had VHS tapes for a long time. But we’re expanding our DVD collection and adding new titles every day, including old and new movies and television shows! Check out our DVD RSS feed to keep up with all the new stuff! We also have a VHS collection of Described Videos for the sight impaired. We also show movies twice a month at our Main Library’s Films on the Bluff series.
6) Magazines & Newspapers!
I know, I know. The last two and this one you already knew about. But did you know that the Main Library is home to the Clearwater Sun Archives? And has current and back issues of magazines such as Archaeology, Martha Stewart Living, Popular Mechanics, and Sesame Street? We also have newspapers on microfilm back to the 1920s and 1930s.
5) Items by mail!
Through the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative, CPLS offers a mail service of any of our circulating items. For more information call 727.441.9958 or email Marilyn Stevenson at mstevenson@pplc.us.
4) Community Space!
4 out of the 5 CPLS branches offer meeting room space of various sizes free for non-profit organizations and community groups. The spaces at the Main Library also have DVD & VHS players, Internet access and laptop hookups as well as LCD projectors available for use. Call Paula Chaplinsky for more information at 562.4970 x5281.
3) Online resources! (that you don’t even need to come to the library for)
Check out our web site for access to information from anywhere. Resources such as World Book Online (always start with an encyclopedia), Biography Resource Center (find out interesting facts about people), the Florida Resource and Opportunity Guide (information about groups and resources in the greater Clearwater area), Kids’ Infobits (a kid-friendly information resource great for homework), and Rosetta Stone (learn a foreign language!)
2) Art and Craft displays!
Everything from oil paintings to weaving displays to toy trucks to cloth dolls – we display it in our libraries.
1) Family time!
In addition to our Family Storytime at Main, we also offer something for every age group, ranging from picture books perfect for reading aloud in our comfy couches in our youth departments, to games of checkers or chess, not to mention old monster movies with trivia games and prizes for all. Check out our events calendar for more all sorts of family friendly programs.
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July 24th, 2006
01:23 pm - Looking for a book?
But can't remember the title? Or the author? No problem. CPLS has launched an Reader's Advisory chat service. You can use AIM, Yahoo Instant Messenger, Gmail Chat, or MSN to ask one of our librarians about great reads!
AIM: CPLSBooks
Yahoo: CPLSBooks
Gmail: CPLSBooks@gmail.com
MSN: CPLSBooks@hotmail.com
Come check us out online!
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July 1st, 2006
01:24 pm - Happy Independence Day
What more fun can you have than sitting back on the beach with a good book?
Beach reading:- Beach Music by Pat Conroy
Jack McCall, living in Rome with his daughter in hopes of finding peace after the suicide of his wife, is surprised by a visit from his sister-in-law. She draws him into a search for the one haunting secret in his family's past that can heal his anguished heart. (from bn.com) - The Beach Club by Elin Hilderbrand
Gorgeous Nantucket is an island where memories are made, friendships begun, passions ignited. Now, during one unforgettable summer, the exclusive Nantucket Beach Club and Hotel will shape the fates of the men and women who walk through its doors. (from bn.com) - Beach House by James Patterson
Jack Mullen has everything going for him one summer, and then his brother is murdered and he has to search for his brother's killer. - Beach Road by James Patterson
Montauk lawyer Tom Dunleavy's client list is woefully small--occasional real estate closings barely keep him in paper clips. When he is hired to defend a local man accused in a triple murder that has the East Hampton world in an uproar, he knows that he has found the case of his lifetime. (from bn.com)
Kick back and read!
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June 11th, 2006
07:49 am - Book Feast!
Well, the summer reading program for youth and teens is in full swing, and you can get required reading lists here for various schools around the county, including the Sunshine State Readers lists.
Since the summer reading program focuses on the ties between books and food, here's an incomplete list of books with food themes:- Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl.
Follow the New York Times Restaurant Critic during her first year in that position. - Like Water For Chocolate</i> by Laura Esquivel
A woman comes of age and falls in love in Mexico and tells her story through the connection with food and the other women in her life. - Dying for Chocolate by Diane Mott Davidson
The first in the Goldy Bear mysteries. Goldy takes control of her life and becomes a live-in cook after leaving her abusive husband and gets embroiled in solving the mystery of her friend Philip's death. - A Meal To Die For by Joseph Gannascoli
Benny Lacoco, gourmet chef with restaurateur ambitions who makes his living as a food fence is asked (ok, required) to prepare a last meal for a "client" who is being sent to jail. - Chocolat, Blackberry Wine, and Five Quarters of the Orange, by Joanne Harris
Considered her food triliogy, these three books explore the themes of life-changing events and the role of family and food in life.
So, check out food fiction and dig into a meaty story.
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April 26th, 2006
06:04 pm - What I'm reading...
I just sent an email to our staff asking what's on their nightstand. I haven't actually answered it myself, but seeing as how I need to do so, I'll put it here first:
The Witching Hour by Anne Rice (this is my "go to" book and lives on my nightstand. If I don't like what I'm reading, I pick this up.
The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl. I'm only 25 pages into it, so I'll reserve judgement for now. I will say that it's a little slow to get started.
So what's on your nightstand????
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