Warren Public Library

FREE CRAFTS FOR KIDS PROGRAM

2011-12-15T16:11:00.000-05:00

Miller Branch Library, Saturday, December 17, 9 am - 4:30 pm. Children of all ages are welcome to join us in making ornaments. Each child can make 2 ornaments - 1 to take home and 1 to decorate our Christmas tree. Registration is NOT required - all children welcome!

FREE Children's Program at the Miller Branch Library

2011-12-08T19:43:00.000-05:00

Thursday, December 15, 4:30 - 5:30 pm

This winter there will be a Christmas tree in our Children's Area - and we need your help to decorate it! Children in grades 1 - 5 and their families are invited to make several small ornaments - some to decorate the tree and others to take home!

Registration is required and begins on Thursday, December 1. Call 586-751-5377 to register.

FREE Crafts For Kids Program

2011-11-15T19:00:00.001-05:00

Miller Branch Library
Saturday, November 19, 9 am - 4:30 pm
Children of all ages are welcome to join us in making a turkey just in time for Thanksgiving. Registration is NOT required - all children welcome!

Thank You Veterans Card Making Program

2011-11-02T14:40:00.004-04:00

Saturday, November 5, 9 am - 4:30 pm - Please join us in saying "Thank You" to our local veterans. Supplies will be available throughout the day in the Children's Area at Miller Library for anyone who wishes to make a card thanking area veterans for their past and present service to our country. Cards will be sent to the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit. If there are enough, they will also be sent overseas to troops who are currently serving. No registration necessary; everyone welcome. The Miller Branch Library is located at 5460 Arden (in the Warren Community Center). For more information, please call the Miller Library at 586-751-5377.

FREE Crafts For Kids Program

2011-10-13T13:46:00.001-04:00

The Miller Branch Library, located in the Warren Community Center, is hosting a free Crafts For Kids program on Saturday, October 22. All children who come to the Miller Library will have the opportunity to make a Halloween or a Fall necklace. The program will run from 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. in the Children's Area. We hope to see you there!

Teen Scrapbooking this coming Monday at the Busch Branch Library

2011-08-11T16:01:00.003-04:00

Free! Teen Scrapbooking, for beginners to advanced scrappers at the Warren Busch Branch Library, Monday, August 15th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Pictures are all you need to bring, as the library will provide paper, stickers, scissors, adhesives, stamping supplies and a Cricut machine for you to make your own embellishments. Learn basic scrapbooking techniques . Space is limited - registration is required - please call (586) 755-5750.

The Busch Branch is located at 23333 Ryan Road, 2 blocks north of 9 Mile, across from Fitzgerald High School.

Summer Reading Club Reminder

2011-08-02T17:43:00.000-04:00

Reminder! Summer Reading Club ends this Friday, August 5, 2011. If you haven't turned in your reading log, yet, please come to your library to do so.

Free Scrapbooking Program!

2011-07-18T10:50:00.002-04:00

The Miller Branch Library is offering a Free Scrapbooking Program for adults on Monday, July 25, 6:00-8:30 p.m. Registration is required. Call 586-751-5377 to register. Please bring 3-10 pictures and any supplies you'd like. The library will provide scissors, paper, stickers, stamps and inks, adhesives and some die cut embellishments.

Miller Branch Library Re-Opening

2011-07-11T17:15:00.002-04:00

Good News! The new carpet installation at the Miller Branch Library is complete. The library will re-open to the public on Wednesday, July 13 at 12 noon.

Holiday Closing

2011-06-28T08:47:00.002-04:00

All Warren Public Library branches will be closed Saturday, July 2 - Monday, July 4, for the 4th of July holiday.

Miller Branch Library Closed

2011-06-25T10:00:00.001-04:00

The Miller Branch Library is closed for new carpet installation. It is expected to re-open July 14. All other Warren Library branches are open during this time.

Summer Reading

2011-06-23T12:07:00.002-04:00

Summer Reading Club is in full swing at the Warren Public Library. Stop by your local library branch and sign-up today!

All Warren libraries back to normal hours today

2011-02-03T12:00:00.003-05:00

Now that the "Big Snow" has finished (for the time being), all Warren libraries have resumed their normal operating hours. See you at the library!

IMPORTANT - Library closures on Wednesday, February 2, 2011

2011-02-01T13:30:00.003-05:00

Due to the expected snowfall/blizzard, THE ONLY WARREN LIBRARY OPEN on Wednesday, Febrary 2nd will be the CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY, One City Square (ground floor of City Hall, off of Van Dyke, between 12 & 13 Mile). Library hours will be from noon to 8:00 p.m.

We apologize for the inconvenience. For more information, please call (586) 574-4564.

Fire and Ice - Saturday, January 15 at 11 a.m at the Warren Civic Center Library

2011-01-12T14:22:00.002-05:00

Mad Science will present a family program called "Fire and Ice." Get ready for some sizzlin’ excitement! Join us for safe and scientific fun. Learn about the amazing properties of fire and combustion. Then, cool off with spectacular demonstrations involving dry ice. Check out the "Big Burp," the "Screwdriver Sizzle" and the famous "Mad Science Bath," as we explore the science behind this amazing frozen gas. Call (586) 751-0770 to register.

NOTE: All Warren Public Library branches will be closed Monday, January 17th for Martin Luther King Day.

Programs for Children, Teens and Families in December

2010-12-02T13:30:00.003-05:00

Warren Civic Center Library has several programs during the month of December:

Arts and Scraps for children aged 4 to 11 on Saturday, December 4th at 11:00 a.m.

Gifts from the Kitchen for teens 12 to 17 on Monday, December 6th at 6:00 p.m.

Winter Wonderland Sing-Along for all ages on Saturday, December 18th at 11:00 a.m.

Registration is required for each of these programs. For more information and to register, please call (586) 751-0770.

The Warren Miller Library will have Crafts for Kids on Saturday, December 11th, running all day. All kids are welcome - drop in and make two holiday decorations - one to take home and one to decorate the library. No registration required. If you have any questions, please call (586) 751-5377.

Thurday, December 16th at 6:30 p.m., the Warren Burnette Branch will have a Christmas Celebration. Children ages 3-8 are welcome to celebrate the holiday season with us with Letters to Santa, crafts, treats and a Christmas cartoon. Some crafts may require parental assistance. Registration is required; space is limited. Call (586) 758-2115.

Come and celebrate the holiday season at your local Warren library.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T14:33:00.003-05:00

All Warren Public Library branches will be closed Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 25, 26 & 27 for Thanksgiving. Have a wonderful and safe holiday!

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT - Introduction to Genealogy

2010-11-03T19:27:00.003-04:00

Come to a free "Introduction to Genealogy" program on Monday, November 8th at 10:00 a.m. at the Arthur Miller Branch of the Warren Public Library. Learn the basics of searching for your family history, how to use the Heritage Quest database to search U.S. census records in the comfort of your own home, researching vital records, military records and more using free web sites and Ancestry Library Edition, and discover a free genealogy program you can download to your home computer.

Registration is required. To register, and for more information, please call (586) 751-5377.
The Arthur Miller Library is located inside the Warren Community Center at 5460 Arden, west of Mound Road and north of 13 Mile.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT - Adult Scrapbooking Club at the Miller Library

2010-09-22T12:07:00.007-04:00

WHEN : Monday, September 27, 2010 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Miller Library

This free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Warren Public Library, is for the beginning to advanced scrapbooker. Teens 13 and older are welcome when accompanied by an adult.

Please bring pictures and any supplies you'd like. The library will provide scissors, trimmers, paper of various sizes, stickers, rubber stamps and acrylic stamps, inks, several different kinds of adhesives and tools to make die-cut embellishments. Use the Cricut Electronic Die-cut machine, and learn scrapbooking techniques such as heat embossing and stamping.

Registration is required - please call (586) 751-5377 to register.

The Arthur Miller Library is located on 5460 Arden (west of Mound Road, between 13 & 14 Mile) inside the Warren Community Center.

Storytime Registration starts today!

2010-09-08T12:03:00.003-04:00

Fall Storytime registration begins today - the sessions run from the week of September 27 through November 20th. For all storytime slots, Warren residents are accepted first.

Book Tots (Ages 1- 2 1/2 years with parent or caregiver) are held at the Arthur Miller Branch - Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Call the Miller Branch at 586-751-5377 to register.

Toddler Time (Ages 2 & 3 years with parent or caregiver) are held at the Civic Center Library - Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11;00 a.m., plus Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Call 586-751-0770 to register.

Preschool Storyhour (Ages 3 1/2 to 5 years) are held at the Maybelle Burnette Branch on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Call 586-758-2115 to register.

All branches are now open

2010-08-13T14:31:00.003-04:00

All four branches of the Warren Public Library are now open, as of Thursday, August 12th. So drop by your neighborhood library for a book, magazine, music CD, book on disk, movie, etc. We're here to serve you.

Thank you Warren voters and library users

2010-08-04T10:05:00.002-04:00

Thanks to you, the voters, the outlook for the Warren Public Library is looking very bright. The three closed branches will re-open in the near future (we'll post here when we know the specific date). There will be more funds for books, AV material and online databases, as well as the needed building upgrades to the Busch and Burnette branches. Let us know what you'd like to see in your local branch - types of materials, programs, etc. We're here to serve you. Thank you again.

Outside of a Dog, #98

2010-07-27T12:54:00.002-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Insider of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Most everyone loves giving their home a fresh look. Often it’s the expense that holds folks back from undertaking a major or even a minor redecorating project. Often professional decorating books are a bit impractical for the average time stressed home owner. The following books offer a host of inexpensive, imaginative, and doable suggestions to give any room in your house a makeover.

Dime Store Decorating: Using Flea Market Finds with Style by Jill Williams Grover

Lavishly illustrated the author presents new and unusual ideas for decorating with ordinary discounted items from dollar stores, flea markets, and thrift shops. Used as accents and accessories they can add an affordable creative touch to your living space.

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Matt & Shari Read Decorating for Real People by Shari Hiller and Max Fox

The stars of HGTV’s Room by Room Matt and Shari show you how to transform your home into a warm and welcoming environment that reflects your individual personality and fits your lifestyle. The book offers practical tips for saving time and money as well as several easy to understand project instructions.

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$500 Room Makeovers by Lisa Quinn

In more than twenty fabulous room makeovers the author shows how to make the most of any room’s best features. Loaded with ideas for making any home reflect the personal style of its owners this book is sure to offer up some inspiration that’s not terribly expensive.

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Organizing Idea Book by John Loecke

Of course, “getting organized” can mean different things to different people. But chances are no matter what direction or level your quest to organize takes you, it will ultimately make you feel good. It gives you a certain satisfaction that your life and environment are manageable and under control. Divided by areas in the home Loecke gives readers dozens of unique ideas to downsize clutter and control the general messiness of everyday living.

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Reminder - Summer Reading Club ends Saturday

2010-07-27T09:17:00.003-04:00

Don't miss out! Bring in your Summer Reading Club logs by this Saturday to earn prizes and tokens for the big prize drawing being held during the Ending Celebration on July 31st for Summer Reading Club Participants Only.

The Ending Celebration will be held at 2:00 p.m. in the Civic Center Conference Room next door to the library - there will be entertainment, prize drawings and a snack. Drawings will be done from the tokens you receive by completing each Reading Log. You do not need to be present to win.

You don't have to be a child to love this book!

2010-07-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children’s Book: Life Lessons from Notable People from All Walks of Life by Anita Silvey

The Plot: There isn’t any plot. This is a delightful coffee table sort of book that you can open and just begin reading. More than 100 notables from all walks of life including politics, the arts, and business leaders remember a children’s book they loved. They explain why and how the particular title had an enduring and profound impact on their life.
Each essay is accompanied by a short excerpt from the book as well as some delightfully selected illustrations.

Why You’ll Love It: Many readers began their personal love affair with books in their childhood. This book will most likely entertain as well as bring back some fond memories.

Who Should Read It: Anyone who spent their childhood summers engrossed in Treasure Island, Little House on the Prairie, Little Women, or Goodnight Moon will find this book a delight. It will also make a wonderful graduation gift as each of the selections gives readers a wealth of advice and insight.

So Long and Thanks from All the Fish at the Miller Library

2010-06-26T10:11:00.005-04:00

This week, the Arthur Miller Library staff and patrons said "So Long" (temporarily, we hope!) to the fish in the aquarium inside the Miller Library. The fish are "on vacation" until the Library Millage vote on August 3rd.

We'd like to thank the Friends of the Warren Public Library, who donated the aquarium and have provided care for the fish at the Arthur Miller Library for the past 7 years.

How Large is the Library?

2010-06-25T11:45:00.018-04:00

Did you know that the Warren Public Library has 170,296 books? If you read one book every day, it would take you 466 years to read everything we own! Listen to a CD a day? That would be 32 years of your time. Movies? You’re looking at 45 years of hard time! Flipping through one magazine title per day would take you almost 3 years, not including back issues!

When the neighborhood branches – Busch, Burnette, and Miller – close next week, patrons will only have access to the Civic Center collection, which includes 55,672 books, 6,126 DVDs, 3,229 CDs, and 444 magazine titles. While that’s still quite a chunk of time reading and watching one by one – you’d spend 179.4 years doing it all – imagine how much more you’d have to choose from if the libraries reopen in August.

A few more numbers to crunch:

How many books do you borrow in a year? If it’s only one per week, using the library has saved you $1,200 per year.

That’s 184 McDonald’s lunches:

638 gallons of milk:

25 tanks of gas:

39 nights out at the movies (2 tickets, 2 drinks, 1 popcorn.):

or 4 video game systems!

How much is the library worth to you? Do your own calculations by using our Value Calculator!

Take this book home with you!

2010-06-24T13:00:00.002-04:00

Today’s Book: Almost Home, Pam Jenoff

The Plot: American State Department employee, Jordan Weiss, maneuvers a new work assignment to England. In reality she wants to be geographically closer to her friend Sarah who is suffering with ALS. When Jordan arrives she is called upon to investigate the Albanian mob and a money laundering scheme. Complicating her return are unresolved feelings about her college lover Jared who died in an apparent drowning ten years ago.

Why you’ll Love it: Jenoff does a masterful job of blending romance, friendship, loyalty, and political mayhem along with a shady bit of World War II history into a suspenseful and multi-layered novel.

Who Should Read it?: Readers who enjoy suspense stories with a good deal of character development will find much to appreciate here.

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*Look for Jenoff's follow-up to this novel, Hidden Things, coming July 2010!

Outside of a Dog, #97

2010-06-22T12:00:00.000-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

The recent recession, political scandals, decline of Michigan’s automobile industry, unemployment, the massive oil spill, the unstable stock market…..the bad news seems to be every where - unrelenting and endless. Why not lose yourself for an hour or two in a book that might just make you laugh out loud. It won’t solve our global issues but just might offer a short interval of comic relief.

I feel bad about my neck and other thoughts on being a woman – Nora Ephron

You don’t have to be a woman of a “certain age” to appreciate this book. Ephron, who earned her professional reputation writing popular original screenplays such as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail gives readers a series of candid, hilarious, and genuinely rich essays dealing with women. Women who are getting older and dealing with the challenges of maintenance, menopause, empty nests, winding down careers, and life itself.

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Pure drivel – Steve Martin

Here one of the most enduring and famous comic talents translates his physical performance to the printed page with this very funny collection of essays covering everything from aging to friendship to travel, and even comedy.

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Money $ecrets – Dave Barry

Money is one of our most misunderstood, fascinating, and in some ways taboo topics. Noted humorist Dave Barry give us his take on how the U.S. economy really works, a foolproof system for making money in the stock market, why good colleges cost too much, tips for buying and selling real estate, and much much more.

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You can’t drink all day if you don’t start in the morning – Celia Rivenbark

From religion to recipes, from carpools to cats, Ms. Rivenbark offers us her sharp and witty views. Sometimes these written rants are down right mean, sometimes shocking, but always hilarious as she dares to say things we might only think on a wide variety of unique subjects.

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When will Jesus bring the pork chops? – George Carlin

The late author of two previous bestsellers and countless comedy albums Carlin gives us in written form his highly irreverent views on our American way of life. Often silly, sometimes a bit off color, and often times quite poignant, his observations of our culture are truly original as well as thought-provoking.

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Outside of a Dog, #96

2010-06-15T12:00:00.001-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

June means graduation. Graduation speeches. Graduation parties. Graduation ceremonies. The following books offer a wealth of well meaning advice and consult to all those graduates starting life after high school or college.

A Short Guide to a Happy Life – Anna Quindlen

Here best selling novelist and columnist, Anna Quindlen reflects on what it takes to “get a life”. She offers a unique perspective on how to live our lives in genuinely honest and enduring ways. It’s a slim book at only 50 pages but jam packed with valuable advice.

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Showing Up for Life: Thoughts on the Gifts of a Lifetime – William H. Gates, Sr.

The father of computer business giant Bill Gates offers some easily understood but valuable lessons learned from a long life. Chapter headings include “Open-Mindedness”, “Learning how to Lose”, “Getting Along.” These and many others offer down-to-earth, practical wisdom for not only potential graduates but any one of us.

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Just Who Will You Be? – Maria Shriver

This small, candid, and inspirational book’s theme is that what you do in your life isn’t what really matters. It’s who you are that is more important. It’s an important lesson the will appeal to anyone of any age looking to live a life of meaning and value.

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The Art of Friendship: 70 Simple Rules for Making Meaningful Connections – Roger Horchow and Sally Horchow

The frantic pace and casualness of our current lives have made forming real and lasting friendships a bit more of a challenge. Thoughtfully written, this book gives readers ideas, suggestions, and options to help us recognize how valuable friendships truly are in our very busy culture and how vitally important it is to maintain them throughout our life.

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What Should I Do with My Life? The True Story of People Who Answered the Ultimate Question – Po Bronson

It’s a question many of us have asked ourselves at one time or another. A total of 55 individuals answered his question with surprising and fascinating results. With a lot of humor, insight, and empathy, Po Bronson proves the depths of a wide variety of folks who often overcame fear and trepidation to chart a new direction for their lives.

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Author Profile: Cory Doctorow

2010-06-10T15:06:00.004-04:00

(Image credit - Jonathan Worth)

Author Cory Doctorow is a digital-rights activist, blogger, speaker, father, and has written books across several genres, including the nonfiction “Content” and the young adult “Little Brother” – which we reviewed last year. Doctorow is a writer and contributor for boingboing, a blog about “tech, culture, and liberty.” Many of his books are available as free downloads from his website, where you’ll also find information about Creative Commons licenses (as seen above), as well as interesting news from the tech world. While all of Doctorow’s books have a decidedly techie bent, you don’t need to be a techie to enjoy them – just be prepared for an interesting ride that will make you care about the characters, and never want to put the book down (or turn the computer off!).

Little Brother

Taking its title as a check to the "Big Brother" in George Orwell's classic 1984, Little Brother gives the reader an intense and satisfying modern view of a post-9/11 world that is scary in more ways than one. Watch the suspense as teenage hacker Marcus and his friends try to outwit the government's technology and live their lives normally again.

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Makers

Corporate giants and micro-projects are the focus of this novel about a pair of genius geeks who have more ideas than they know what to do with. They find cures for various conditions and diseases, new ways to run theme parks, and cheap 3D printing. Their ideas can cause them trouble, of course, and we see the effects of technology's rapid changes through booms and busts.

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Overclocked: Stories of the Future Present

A treasure trove of scifi stories is presented here, in several novellas featuring takes on gold farmers (which you'll also find in 2010's For the Win), zombies, robots, and system administrators. Doctorow is aces at exploring the possibilities of technology, so if you enjoy speculative fiction, this is the one for you.

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Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom

Doctorow's very first novel shows his love for Disney theme parks. In this Locus-award winner, where the technologically immortal intend to take over the Haunted Mansion and the Hall of Presidents at the theme park. Left to stop them is a century-old named Jules, whose boyhood dream was to take up residence at Disney World. Jules' story is a wild ride (and not just when he's riding the rides) through technology and dreams.

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Outside of a Dog, #95

2010-06-08T12:00:00.001-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

All of us no matter what age or stage in life want to look attractive and even more important stay healthy. The following titles offer some interesting and different approaches to achieving those goals.

Old is the New Young - Mark Erickson, Matt Narrett, Jacquelyn Kung, and Lisa Davila

This book has the mission of empowering senior adults to live healthier, happier, and more active lives. Chapters on physical health, social concerns, and retirement challenges are all thoughtfully written with practical and useful advice offered to readers. Erickson himself is the CEO of a senior housing development that serves approximately 22,000 seniors.

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Grow Younger, Live Longer: 10 Steps to Reverse Aging - Deepak Chopra

Best selling author and spiritual counselor Chopra gives readers a complete manual for renewal and reversing aging. Each of the ten steps discussed translate into three daily activities or assignments. A lot of old fashioned common sense about diets, exercise, and spirituality is offered with a touchy feely new age influence.

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Gary Null’s Power Aging: The Revolutionary Program to Control the Symptoms of Aging Naturally - Gary Null

Another staple of public television, Gary Null has written dozens of books and made multiple program appearances. His wellness program is based on sensible science and a variety of mind-over-body techniques, allowing followers to attempt to reverse, eliminate, and control the signs of aging.

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Ten Years Younger: The Amazing Ten-Week Plan to Look Better, Feel Better, and Turn Back the Clock - Steven Masley

The author feels that Americans on the whole are aging faster than ever, with conditions like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease increasing the aging process earlier and earlier. His advice covers diet, supplements, exercise, and social relationships aimed at helping readers eliminate bad habits and increase life expectancy.

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Author Profile: Chris Bohjalian

2010-06-03T15:51:00.002-04:00

Chris Bohjalian, author of Oprah’s Book Club pick “Midwives,” chosen in 1998, has since been ever more prolific with his touching novels of family life. He lives in Vermont with his wife, a photographer, in a house that inspired his novel “The Hangman.” If you enjoy thought-provoking emotional reads, try one of these favorites:

Secrets of Eden (2010)
A literary thriller involving a murdered woman, her pastor, her family and other families like hers, “Secrets of Eden” explores grief and the things we keep to ourselves and our closest confidantes, no matter what their effect on others may end turn out to be. Bohjalian touches on the meaning of faith, and the controversy of domestic abuse, among other deep topics in this newest novel.
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Before You Know Kindness (2004)
A large family’s years of New England vacations are quite literally shot down, when one of the children accidentally fires a hunting rifle. This event sets in motion a court case and family trauma aplenty. While it looks like a dramatic novel, there are parts here that resonate with satire, especially those that involve PETA-lookalike FERAL.
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Trans-Sister Radio (2000)
Few, if any novels currently out handle the subject of transsexuals as though it is a normal situation. Bohjalian does this adroitly, with this novel of Alison, a pre-operative male-to-female transsexual, and how she falls in love with Dana Stevens, just a few months shy of her surgery. The author takes this highly-charged story and makes it a careful tale of controversy and love.
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The Buffalo Soldier (2002)
From the loss of two daughters to the gain of a foster son, “The Buffalo Soldier” deals with Bohjalian’s usual territory: family trauma, usually that motivated by grief and loss. Here, the story is about the Sheldons, whose loss of two daughters in a flood leads to the fostering of Alfred, a 10-year-old African American boy. Through Alfred’s research into the titular ‘buffalo soldiers’ of the Civil War, and the Sheldons’ infidelities, we learn about the meaning of marriage, the bond between parents and children, and the quiet insights of grief.
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Outside of a Dog, #94

2010-06-01T12:00:00.000-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

One of the most important elements of any successful job search is the interview. If you are lucky enough to find an employment opening that matches your career skills, luckier still to be scheduled for an interview, you’ve accomplished a very crucial first step. Yet, the interview itself is critical for eventual success. There are a lot of books detailing how to put together a good looking resume and cover letter. Here are a few titles that highlight the next step in the process, how to do well on the interview.

Don’t Blow the Interview: How to Prepare, What to Expect, and How to React – Ralph Ferrone

In today’s extremely competitive job market interviewing well is an essential part of any job search strategy. This book offers advice on dressing and etiquette, common interview questions and suggestions for effective answers, as well as what to do or not do after the interview process is completed.

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101 Smart Questions to Ask on Your Interview – Ron Fry

Most people anticipating a job interview focus on what their answers will be to a variety of questions, yet everyone who has experienced interviewing is almost always asked somewhere in the meeting “Do you have any questions for us?” This book attempts to give you the skills and insight to answer that question and present yourself as a confident and poised candidate.

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Sweaty Palms: The Neglected Art of Being Interviewed – Anthony H. Medley

This is a classic title that is revised and reissued almost every other year since its first publication in the early 1990s. It’s detailed, serious in tone, and covers a wide selection of topics such as the different types of interviews you might experience, sample questions and answers, and how to combat the expected nervousness. A must read for anyone undertaking a professional or business interview.

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How to Say It: Job Interviews – Linda Matias

The author gives you the tools aptly named “Your Interview Tool Kit” to succeed in any interview situation. She describes several different types of interviews such as the informational interview, the screening interview, or team interview. She suggests some original answers to typical interview questions and even offers advice on handling what might be an inappropriate or even illegal interview question.

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301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions – Vicky Oliver

Do questions like “Do you consider yourself a leader? Why or why not?” “Are you a better visionary or implementer?” “Are you Jewish?” “What did you dislike most about your past jobs?” give you pause? If so, don’t panic this books offers practical and intelligent answers to those questions and many more. This title gives you the skills and attitude to finesse your way through any question, even the most ridiculous and far fetched including “If you could be any color of crayon in the box what would you be?”

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Read This Book: White Cat, by Holly Black

2010-05-28T09:49:00.004-04:00

Today’s Book: White Cat (The Curse Workers #1) by Holly Black

A Little Background: The setting is something of a parallel universe - our world, but not exactly - in the modern era of computers and the like. Where it differs, of course, is in the inclusion of a section of people who can work curses simply by touching you with their bare hands. In this book, we learn about emotion workers, body workers (who can break bones with a touch), luck workers, memory workers, dream workers, and two rarer groups: death workers and transformation workers. In the United States of this America, Working is a crime, which means that criminals do the Working - the top crime families (like the mob) all have big Worker populations. To protect oneself against "the touch," everyone wears gloves and you can buy amulets against curses along with a pack of smokes at the gas station, though there's no guarantee it'll be as good as one purchased from a psychic's tent at a dirt mall.

The Meat of the Story: Cassel Sharpe, youngest of three brothers in a Worker family, has no power of his own. His eldest brother, Philip, works for the Zacharov family, and bears a necklace of scars to prove it, which is likened to the Yakuza practice of counting prison years (look it up.) Three years ago, Cassel killed his friend Lila Zacharov, and now can only remember standing over her bloody body with a knife and a satisfied smile. Now, he's taking after his mother's con-man (con-woman) roots by running a numbers game out of his room at his private boarding school.
When he gets temporarily kicked out for sleepwalking, and sent home to work with his brothers and his retired death-worker Grandad, things start to spiral out of his control, and he finds that his life isn't what he thought it was.
What you’ll Love About It: It’s interspersed with great asides about what Cassel loves about the con, and enough background on the Workers and their history, so that you feel like even though this isn’t your world, you know enough about it that it makes sense to you. You’ll be drawn in by veteran writer Black, and eagerly await the other books in this series; the next is Red Glove, which is likely due out sometime next year.

Bonus: To advertise the books, the Curse Workers website offers banners like these, that might actually show up on billboards and subway signs in Cassel's world.

YA Fic Black ROG RSV SCS SBL

Outside of a Dog, #93

2010-05-25T12:37:00.004-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

Contrary to popular culture there is and should be much more to our celebration of Memorial Day than a pile of circulars on the kitchen table highlighting local sales events. The following titles offer a wide variety of reading that may inspire, enlighten, or simply entertain you over this holiday weekend.

Operation Homecoming: Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Home Front, in the Words of U.S. Troops and Their Families - Andrew Carroll, Ed.

Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts this volume brings together a wide variety of eye witness accounts, letters, short stories, and other personal writings that form a dramatic narrative, illustrating in a very real sense the human side and cost of modern warfare.

956.7044 O WCV

956.704 O SBL SCS CHE

Forgotten Americans: Footnote Figures Who Changed American History - Willard Sterne Randall & Nancy Nahra

Fifteen fascinating but little known lives are explored and come to life in this well researched but very readable volume. From early colonial settlements to the close of the nineteenth century, the biographical selections presented here give us an engaging look at our nation’s past through the eyes and actions of very ordinary folks.

920.073 R WCV

920 R LEN UPL

Miracles on the Water: The Heroic Survivors of a World War II U-boat Attack - Tom Nagorski

On September 17, 1940 the British liner SS City of Benares was sailing across the North Atlantic with more than four hundred passengers, including ninety children. They were on their way to Canada attempting to escape the German blitz over England. When a German submarine torpedoed and sank the ship their terrifying ordeal was just beginning. This book is a vivid retelling of that fateful journey.

940.54 N WCV

940.5429 N EPL ROG SHL SCS SBL

An Album of Memories: Personal Histories from the Greatest Generation - Tom Brokaw

History comes alive and is faithfully preserved in people’s own words, through oral histories, photographs, reflections, and memorabilia of Word War II. A collection of everyday Americans sharing their wartime experiences with one of our most trusted journalist.

940.5481 B WCV ARM CLL EPL FRA WAM UPL SHL

Herstory: Women Who Changed the World - Ruth Ashby & Deborah Gore Ohrn, Eds.

For years the achievements of many remarkable women have been largely forgotten or ignored by historians. The 120 biographical sketches presented here offer a remarkable look back at some very influential and important women who by their personal decisions, bravery, and actions have helped shape the lives of all women living today.

920 H WCV MTC SCS

Outside of a Dog, #92

2010-05-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Outside of a Dog, #92

In memory of Rosalie Kowalski, January 1943 – May 2010.

Baby, let’s play house: Elvis Presley and the women who loved him – Alanna Nash

Elvis Presley had a magnetic personality, not to mention the draw of celebrity that made him appeal to women everywhere. In this gossipy bio, author Nash talks with the famous and not-so-famous alike to show the rock star’s charms and tell the story of his love life.

Bio Presley WCV

The Elvis encyclopedia – Adam Victor

Comprehensive at the least, and exhaustive at the most, this encyclopedia has everything you’d want to know about the hip-swiveling singer. Devoted fans will love it!

Bio Presley WCV

Elvis, Viva Las Vegas [CD]

Featuring remastered tracks ranging from the title to “See See Rider” and “The Impossible Dream,” this limited-edition CD has the best-sounding audio of the King.

CD Voc Pop WMB

Elvis Presley, with profiles of Muddy Waters and Mick Jagger

A kids’ bio, this book is mostly bout Elvis, but has sidebars and info on the famous bluesman Muddy Waters, and the energetic rocker Mick Jagger, looking into how all three men inspired and encouraged each other.

JBio Presley WCV WMB

Me and a guy named Elvis – Jerry Schilling

Only a boy of 12 when he met Elvis (who was 19), Schilling describes in detail his life growing up with the legend. He later becomes part of the “Memphis Mafia” of friends Presley kept near and dear to him while his fame continued to grow, and talks candidly about the kind of movies and music the singer really wanted to make.

Bio Presley WCV WAM WMB

Elvis, by the Presleys: Intimate Stories – Priscilla Presley

A family memoir more than anything, this book has stories, pictures of reminiscences of Elvis’ wife, his daughter, and other close family members.

Bio Presley WCV WDB WMB

Elvis ’56

1956 was the year Elvis broke out into the world of music and gained recognition for his singing, dancing, and acting. This video of performances taped in between January 1956 and September 1956 has an hour of previously unaired footage, and the accompanying CD has all of the tracks, as well.

CD Voc Pop WMB WAM

DVD Elv WMB

King Creole [VHS]

Elvis’ third and final movie shot only in black-and-white (the first was 1956’s “Love Me Tender”), he plays a rough-and-tumble teenager who has to drop out of school to help out his father. He becomes a singer for the money, and gets caught up in mob ties along the way.

VC King WAM

Outside of a Dog, #91

2010-05-11T13:50:00.003-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

Martha Graham, famed dancer and choreographer, was born today in 1894. If you’ve ever felt like just getting up and dancing, these books are for you!

Blood Memory – Martha Graham

Graham’s own autobiography follows her life from her upbringing in Pennsylvania through her desire to dance and create dances for the Martha Graham Center of Contemporary Dance and the first generation of the Batsheva Dance Company in Israel.

Biog Graham WAM

Frontiers of Dance: The life of Martha Graham - Walter Terry

Part of the juvenile “Women in America” series, this book has lots of information on Time’s “Dancer of the Century.” While Graham preferred not to call what she did “modern” dance, many sources list her additions to the world of dance as exactly that.

JBio Graham WCV

Cal Pozo’s learn to dance in minutes: Swing Medley – Cal Pozo

A former Broadway dancer, Pozo now makes videos of himself teaching dances, as well as produces DVDs of other dancers and fitness gurus, including Denise Austin, Kathy Smith, and Dancing with the Stars. Here, he takes the viewer through the 40s swing style, which made a comeback in the late 90s, and has continued to be popular since the re-emergence of bands like the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.

DVD 793.33 L WCV

The dance encyclopedia – Anatole Chujoy

Featuring a comprehensive look at many styles and cultures of dance from ballet to swing to modern and tap, and many others. If you want to know a little something about a lot of styles, or a lot about one particular style, check out this book!

793.3 C WAM WDB

The nutcracker – Darci Kistler

One of the most famous ballets ever, this Christmas tale about Clara and the prince who was turned into a Nutcracker is a long-lasting fairy tale. The original story, written and scored by Tchaikovsky, was a little longer than the modern version seen now.

VC Kid Vid Nutcracker WCV

VC 792.8 N WDB

VC Bks 792.842 N WMB

We also carry Dance magazine and everybody’s favorite movie about dance: Dirty Dancing.

Outside of a Dog, #90

2010-05-04T14:21:00.003-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Can you really tell the future just by looking at the lines on your palm or the positions of the stars in the sky? For hundreds of years, people have tried to divine what's coming next for them and their friends. If you'd like to give divination a try, here's a bunch of great books to look into!

The Only astrology book you'll ever need - Joanna Martine Woolfolk
Exactly as advertised, Woolfolk's book has been in publication since 1982, teaching people far and wide what their sun and moon signs are all about. She even shows you how to make out a birth chart - and gives examples.
133.5 W WCV WDB

The Astrologer's handbook - Frances Sakoian
If you'd rather just take a quick peek into astrology, this is the book for you!
133.5 S WMB

Titania's book of numerology - Titania Hardie
Numerology is the practice of using numbers (usually the numbers of your birthdate, added together) to see your future and your personality quirks, and Titania Hardie is one of the foremost names in books like these.
133.3 H WCV

Numerology: the power in numbers - Ruth Drayer
Whereas Titania Hardie's book is a bit more modern and fun, this is a very basic primer on how numerology works.
133.335 D WCV

Hot Numbers: use numerology to discover what makes your lover, boss, friends, family, and you really tick! - Jean Simpson
Looking for love in all the wrong places? Jean Simpson will help you divine which numbers are best for you and why the ones that don't work, don't.
133.3354 S WCV
133.3 S WAM

Colorstrology: what your birthday color says about you - Michele Bernhardt
Blending astrology, numerology, and color theory, Michele Bernhardt's book is a whole new look into personality and individuality.
133 B WCV

Complete guide to palmistry - Batia Shorek
Palmistry traces its roots back to India, China, and the Roma people, who looked at the lines and mounds on a person's hands, and were able to divine the length of a life and how lucky in love they'd be.
133.6 S WCV

Using the runes - D. Jason Cooper
Runic divination, used by the Norse for thousands of years, involves carving symbols onto bone, stone, or other weighted items, then throwing them and seeing which come up.
133.33 C WCV WDB

Fortune-telling by tarot cards - Sasha Fenton
Of course, tarot cards are one of the most famous and popular methods of telling futures and fortunes, and this book will show you how.
133.3 F WCV WAM

Outside of a Dog, #89

2010-04-27T12:57:00.003-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

It’s not too early to be thinking about summer vacation, and the library has a large travel section with a wide variety of travel books, pamphlets, and guides. Listed below are titles that are just a little bit out of the ordinary.

Insiders’ Guide: Fun with the Family in Ohio - Zimmeth, Khristi S
Can’t afford a “big” vacation this summer? How about going just a little bit south of the Michigan border? This book gives readers a lot of doable suggestions for kid friendly places, many of which are quite inexpensive or even free.
917.71 Z WCV MTC MPL

50 Best Girlfriends Getaways in North America - Bond, Marybeth
Several information-packed chapters make up this entertaining guide to women’s travel by best-selling travel expert Marybeth Bond. The trip choices are varied and cover everything from a weekend in New York City to an arts festival in Savannah. Although those two suggestions may sound expensive, she also recommends a lot of destinations that are quite affordable.
917.304B WCV SHL SCS EPL SBL

Kids Love Interstate 75: A Family Travel Guide for Exploring the Best Kid-Tested Places Along I-75 from Michigan to Florida - Zavatsky. George and Michele
Travel minutes off the interstate to explore a wide variety of attractions, events, restaurants, parks, museums, and attractions. You can make a vacation out of just driving to your vacation!
917.304 Z WCV

Michigan Family Field Trips: Fun Sites for Kids - Field, Ellyce
Don’t let the title fool you, this book has a lot to offer for anyone at any age. Lots of traditional spots like Mackinac Island, Soo Locks, and Cranbook but also lots of hidden gems such as The Scrap Box, Windmill Island, and The Fridge are highlighted. Another helpful feature is that the author recommends a good place to eat as well as a related but close by “field trips”.
917.74F WCV WAM TPL SHL HPW

Eyewitness Travel: Canada - Bishop, Bruce
Publishing powerhouse DK (Dorling Kindersley) is best known for it's Eyewitness series of illustrated children's books, informing on everything from Knights (Juv 940.1 G) to Astronomy (520 R). Here, the Eyewitness books take a new direction: travel! This book features many gorgeous full-color photos of our neighbor to the North, and lots of details on places to go and things to do.
917.1 C WAM
917.1 E ROG

Outside of a Dog, #88

2010-04-20T12:05:00.003-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read. - Groucho Marx.

Did you know that Tuesday was named after the Norse god of victory Týr? Wednesday is after his slightly-more-famous comrade, Odin (Previously called Wodan, so Wednesday comes from Wodan’s Day), and Friday is Frigg’s Day (or Freyja’s Day). There are lots of other naming stories about the weekdays, in several cultures. This week, why not check out some mythology books and read up on everyday things named after great heroes?

Scandinavian Mythology – Hilda Roderick Ellis Davidson
This edition is older than some, but presents a good look at Vikings and their lore for the common reader, rather than an academic’s eye. Check this out if you want a few good stories and a place to start from regarding Odin, Freyja, and their kin.
293 D WCV WAM

Bulfinch’s Mythology: The Age of Fable, the Age of Chivalry, Legends of Charlemagne – Thomas Bulfinch
The go-to guide for myth is Thomas Bulfinch’s guide, which begins with coverage of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, with a side trip into Germanic tribe stories, then a chapter on King Arthur, and a chapter on the first great French Emperor Charlemagne. There’s so much information here, it can be hard to swallow, but start with the short story Prometheus and Pandora (about the legend of Pandora’s Box), and the stories will move quickly to the end.
291 B WCV WAM
Ref 291 B WDB

The Stories of Life: Six Greek Myths, Retold – Cynthia Rylant
Newbery winner Rylant (she won in 1993 for Missing May and has been writing since 1982) presents the stories of Pandora, Persephone, Orpheus, Pygmalion, Narcissus, and Psyche in this audio, read by repeat audiobook voice Alyssa Bresnahan. While this is intended and suitable for children 6-11, adults can also enjoy these tales.
BKD Jfic Rylant WCV

American Indian Myths and Legends – Richard Erdoes
American Indians have some of the most important and revered myths in the world. This book showcases the "oral history" style – stories told from one person to another, handed down over years. Inside, there’s Trickster tales, creation myths, and tribe-specific stories.
398.2 E WCV

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1) – Rick Riordan
We’ve reviewed the Lightning Thief here before, and it’s become even more popular now that there’s a theatrical release movie about the demigod boy who might just save Olympus. Start here and follow the hero’s journey through five other novels; and, if you enjoy Riordan’s amusing style, look forward to the Kane Chronicles, due out in May, for a twist on Egyptian mythology.
Juv Pbk R WCV
YA Fic Riordan WAM WDB

Odd and the Frost Giants – Neil Gaiman
It’s no surprise that we’re big fans of National Library Week Honorary Chair Neil Gaiman here at the libraries. This short novella, written for the UK’s World Book Day in 2008, was sold for $1 to promote the charity Book Aid International, and released stateside shortly after. Here, young Norse boy Odd (whose name isn’t "strange or unusual...not in that time or place") goes on a journey to save three tricked Norse Gods from the frost giants. While it’s a short story, it showcases the author’s unique myth-telling talent and sense of fun.
Jfic Gaiman WCV
electronic resource (WPL) - Overdrive WMA audiobook
electronic resource (WPL) - Adobe EPUB eBook

The Business of Fancydancing – Sherman Alexie
Sherman Alexie is the first name to come up in many discussions of modern Native American storytellers. Probably most famous for his short story collection The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, and the movie, "Smoke Signals" that followed, the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene author has been writing for a number of years. His classic humor about the Native American lifestyle, both traditional and contemporary, is well worth reading.
811 Alexie WAM
811.54 A WMB

Outside of a Dog, #87

2010-04-13T13:25:00.002-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

Butch Cassidy, known for his membership in both the Wild Bunch and the Hole in the Wall Gang, was born today in 1866. The Warren Public Libraries and the Suburban Library Cooperative have lots of books and movies on the Western way - come on in and see what you'd like to ride away with!

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid - Starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford (1969)
This wild ride of a movie, now more than 40 years old, is a classic Western that has never lost popularity. Newman plays the role of Butch as a visionary, plotting heists and robbing banks for fun and profit, and Redford, as the gun-toting Sundance Kid, evens out the outlaw's crazy plans.
DVD Wes Butch WCV
DVD Butch WAM

The Outlaw Trail: a history of Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch - Charles Kelly
The Outlaw Trail was a string of places throughout the western States that provided cover, shelter and hideout for the Wild Bunch and many other bandits, and author Kelly brings these places to life in this book.
Bio Cassidy WCV WAM

The Authentic Life of Billy, the kid: the noted desperado of the Southwest, whose deeds and daring and blood made his name a terror in New Mexico, Arizona, and northern Mexico - Pat F. Garrett
As if the impressive title weren't enough to convince you, outlaw Billy the Kid was one impressively bad villain. Read here about his many jobs, cons, and shootouts as he escaped the law time after time... until the author of this book, Sheriff and Billy's killer, caught up to him.
Bio Billy WCV WDB

Women of the West - Dorothy Levenson
Butch, Billy, the Sundance Kid and the Tall Texan weren't the only desperadoes who lived for the thrill of the kill and the money that came with it. Here, Levenson talks about these outlaws' female counterparts, including Calamity Jane, Belle Starr, and Laura Bullion.
Juv 923.9 L WCV
Juv 920.72 L WAM

Collected Short Stories of Louis L'Amour - Louis L'Amour
Few authors are as well-known for Westerns as L'Amour, who, at the time, called his work "frontier stories." Throughout his life (and after his death in 1988), L'Amour published more than 100 novels, including nonfiction and short story collections like this one.
Wes SS L'Amour WMB

Best Western Stories of John Jakes - John Jakes
Best known for his long sagas like North and South and the Kent Family Chronicles, Jakes rivals L'Amour for popularity among Western authors, though in a different way. While L'Amour's work tended to be about the outlaws, Jakes preferred to tell about families and the Civil War. Give this a read and see which style of adventure you prefer.
Wes Jakes WCV

Outside of a Dog, #86

2010-04-06T18:03:00.004-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

Income tax forms are due to the government next week, and lots of people are still rushing to figure and fill them out! If you're one of those taxpayers who rushes to the post office to get it mailed by midnight, one of these books may be for you!

J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2009 - J.K. Lasser Institutes
336.24 J 2009 WCV

Home Business Tax Deductions: Keep what you earn - Stephen Fishman
343.73 F WCV

J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2008 - J.K. Lasser Institutes
Ref 336.24 J WMB

Taxe$ for Dummie$ - Eric Tyson
343.7305 T WAM

New Rules for Estate and Tax Planning - J.K. Lasser Institutes
343.73053 L WCV

Complete Idiot's Guide to Tax Deductions - Lisa Collins
336.242 C WDB

Remember, if you need a tax form and just can't find it, a reference librarian can print one out for you.

Outside of a Dog, #85

2010-03-30T12:06:00.004-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

Spring and fall traditionally find a lot of new books hitting the bookstore as well as library shelves. Some pretty big names are offering up a wide variety of titles to entice readers. It may be too early to find these titles in the library database but check back because they are sure to be “on order” very soon. (As soon as a book is cataloged as "on-order," you can place a hold on it.)

Oprah: A Biography by Kitty Kelley
Kitty Kelley has written biographies about Nancy Reagan, the Royal family, Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie O, and the Bushes. Here she turns her attention to one of the most influential media personalities of our time. Coming in at 544 pages it is sure to fascinate Oprah’s many fans.
On order at CHE MTC

This Time Together: Laughter and Reflections by Carol Burnett
One of our most enduring and talented performers gives us a selection of essays and stories about her life, career, and personal philosophy through an entertaining look back.
On order at SCS SHL

Family Ties by Danielle Steel
After dozens upon dozens of fiction best sellers Steel still manages to command a devoted audience. In this story, a young woman unexpectedly becomes a mother to her sister’s three small children. Now all grown up, each child has chosen a different career path but through it all the family ties established years ago have remained in place.
On order at RSV

61 Hours: A Reacher Novel by Lee Child
A bus accident puts Reacher in a South Dakota burg, where a single but reluctant witness is the only hope that the police have in prosecuting a vicious crime ring. One cop decides that Reacher is the only one that can be trusted and together they hatch a plot to bring the criminals to justice.
On order at SHL EPL RSV CHE

Every Last One by Anna Quindlen
This is a novel about a suburban family and the unintended but devastating consequences of what at the moment seemed like small and insignificant events but instead turned out to be profoundly life changing.
On order at SBL RSV CHE

Additional new titles to anticipate include:
The 9th Judgment by James Patterson (Women's Murder Club)
Deliver Us from Evil by David Baldacci
Storm Prey by John Sandford (The Prey Series)
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich (Stephanie Plum)
The Search by Nora Roberts

Outside of a Dog, #84

2010-03-16T12:14:00.004-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

Who doesn’t enjoy a good musical? The popularity of the television series Glee attests to the fact that although the old fashioned musical may have faded in popularity there is definitely still an audience out there that enjoys singing and dancing in almost any context.

The library has a collection of musicals on DVD, all available for a 21 day checkout.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music

This enduring musical recently celebrated its 40^th anniversary. It won five Academy Awards including the coveted Best Picture of the Year. The DVD includes a wide variety of special features and background information that will interest almost any fan of the movie.

DVD 782.81 Sound WCV WAM WMB

South Pacific

Another big hit by Rodgers and Hammerstein, South Pacific has had many successful adaptations from the Pulitzer Prize winning book by James Michener over the years. This DVD features Glenn Close and Harry Connick, Jr. in the starring roles. Enjoy the fun and adventure of this timeless story that has enchanted audiences for many years.

DVD 782.81 South WCV

DVD South WAM

Flashdance

It may not qualify as a traditional or old fashioned musical but Flashdance certainly inspired a generation to dance. Its highly improbable plot is carried along by an electrifying mix of music, drama, and dance that dazzles viewers as well as touches their hearts.

DVD 782.81 Flashdance WCV FRA SCS RSV

Chicago

Another movie that reignited moviegoers’ passion for the musical is this delight from 2002. Starring actors and actresses one doesn’t immediately think of as singers turns this story of 1920s murderesses into a big-budget-multi-award-winning fantasy.

DVD 782.91 Chicago WCV

Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History: The 1950’s The Golden Era of the Musical

DVD 781.82 H WCV

Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History: Musicals that Rocked’n’Rolled

DVD 781.82 WCV

Both these documentary musicals are entertaining as well as educational to watch. The 1950’s includes movies such as An American in Paris, Singin’ In the Rain, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Oklahoma, and Carousel.

Musicals that Rocked ‘n’ Rolled includes Jesus Christ Superstar, Grease, Saturday Night Fever, Blues Brothers, The Rose, Hair, Tommy, and many others concluding with High School Musical.

And if you're enamored with Glee and its fantastic cast, we also have the soundtracks available on CD.

Outside of a Dog, #83

2010-03-09T12:39:00.003-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

On this day (March 9) in 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte, then just a young general, married Josephine de Beauharnais, a wealthy Frenchwoman from a Creole family. She became the Empress-Consort when Napoleon was named Emperor in 1804. In honor of the scandalous military man, we bring you books about France and it's history:

One hundred days: Napoleon's road to Waterloo - Alan Schon
Escaping from his exile on the Italian island of Elba, Napoleon made quick moves and sudden plans to meet the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo. Though history shows he failed here, this book explains the timeline of the exiled Emperor.
Bio Napoleon WAM

Josephine: a life of the Empress - Carolly Erickson
Napoleon married Josephine because of her connections. He had great ambition, and she had a sordid past. He renamed her (her given name was Rose) and wrote her love letters, many of which still exist today. Unfortunately, her past caught up with her, and the Emperor, too.
Bio Josephine WDB

The Passion - Jeanette Winterson
"You play, you win, you play, you lose. You play."
Set during Napoleon's era, The Passion tells the tale of Henri, a young chef who marches with the army and cooks chicken for the emperor-to-be. Henri falls in love with a girl named Villanelle, and in the lyrical style that only an author like Winterson has mastered, learns the meaning of both love and passion.
Fic (Storage) MTC

Chocolat - Joanne Harris
This charming novel set in the French countryside sets up a mother and daughter who travel "when the wind blows" from place to place. Vianne starts a sinful chocolate shop in the middle of a small town that has both problems and prejudices, not to mention a very strong Catholic presence, and learns many things about herself, her life, and her daughter.
You can also check out the sequel to Chocolat, written from three different points of view and set 4 years after, called The Girl With No Shadow.
Fiction Harris HPW EPL

A moveable feast - Ernest Hemingway
In the 1920s, Ernest Hemingway lived in Paris with his first wife, Hadley. Here is his slim biography/novella about living on little money and much fascination. This book was published posthumously in 1964.
BKD 818.52 H WMB

Outside of a Dog, #82

2010-03-02T13:00:00.004-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

Even though the Olympics have concluded you can still enjoy sports via some interesting sports biographies…..here is a sampling of several titles available at our branch as well as other libraries in the library cooperative.

A Champion’s Mind: Lessons from a Life in Tennis by Pete Sampras

Sampras is arguably the greatest tennis player ever, a man whose dedication to the sport made it possible for him to achieve a record-setting fourteen Grand Slam titles. Here he shares his own story of his success and well as a behind the scenes look at the sport of tennis.

Bio Sampras WCV SHL SCS CHE SBL

A Golfer’s Life by Arnold Palmer

The name Arnold Palmer is synonymous with golf. The winner of sixty-one tournaments on the PGA Tour and still active on the Senior PGA tour, Palmer pens a biography with insight, compassion, humor, and candor as he looks back on his highly distinguished career in golf.

Bio Palmer WCV WAM SHL RSV HPW MTC

Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life by Tony Dungy

Named Coach of the Year in 2007, Tony Dungy made history as the first African American coach to win a Super Bowl title. In this entertaining memoir Tony gives football fans a look at the personal as well as professional obstacles he overcame to achieve success in the world of professional football.

Bio Dungy WCV WDB UPL SHL MPL

Bode: Go Fast, Be Good, Have Fun by Bode Miller

Published in 2005 this book gives readers a look back at the life and career of brash American skier Bode Miller. Bode’s approach to life and his skiing career may not be conventional but it is none the less an entertaining and inspiring story for fans of skiing.

Bio Bode WCV MCL SHL

Cinderella Man: James J. Braddock, Max Baer, and the Greatest Upset in Boxing History by Jeremy Schaas

During the Great Depression years, boxer James J. Braddock was a champion many times over form Hell's Kitchen, in New York. In 1929, Braddock fractured his right hand (his dominant fighting hand) and his amazing, winning record fell to pieces. He gave up on boxing briefly to work as a longshoreman, gradually strengthening his left hand in the process. In 1935, Braddock, a 10-to-1 underdog, earned the heavyweight boxing title versus Max Baer, and the more colloquial title "Cinderella Man." This inspirational book (and the movie patterned after it) is a great tale of sports fame.

796.83 S WMB

Bio Braddock WCV

Cinderella Man

Starring: Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko

Starring:

Directed by: Ron Howard

VC Biog Braddock WCV

DVD C77 WAM

Outside of a Dog, #81

2010-02-23T13:41:00.004-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

In 1945, photographer Joe Rosenthal won a Pulitzer Prize for the now-famous photograph entitled "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, (seen here)" the photo that eventually became the USMC War Memorial in Washington, D.C(seen here).

In honor of Rosenthal's photo, today we're featuring books about great photos, art, and photography:

Life sixty years: a 60th anniversary celebration 1936-1996
779.09 L WCV WMB RSV SBL

The complete airbrush and photo-retouching manual - Peter Owen
751.494 O WCV SHL

Black and white photography: a basic manual - Harry Horenstein
770.28 H WCV

The day we walked on the moon: a photo history of space exploration - George Sullivan
Juv 629.45 S WAM

National Geographic photography field guide: secrets to making great pictures - Peter Burian
771 B WDB SCS HPW

Did you know...?

2010-02-11T14:33:00.005-05:00

Senior citizens can receive tax help from AARP twice weekly at the City Hall? Mondays and Wednesdays, from 9 am to noon, you can come to the Conference Room outside of the Civic Center Library for help filing your taxes.

If you just need forms and publications, any librarian can help you, provided you know the number of the form you need. We can print them up for you for 10 cents per page.
If you prefer to have something mailed to your home, the IRS has a page that allows you to order up to 10 different forms and publications to be mailed to your home for free! (These will take 7 to 15 business days to arrive.)
Forms and Publications by U.S. Mail
If you need assistance with this, just ask!

Outside of a Dog, #80

2010-02-09T14:49:00.003-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx

When you look outside and see a blanket of white, what better to do than imagine a vacation in the sunshine? These travel books are interesting and offbeat, and will help take your mind off the bitter cold with great information and photographs.

Mini Mickey: The pocket-sized unofficial guide to Walt Disney World – Bob Sehlinger

We’ve all heard the sound bites from previous Super Bowl winners, and the New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees is no exception: “I’m going to Disney World!” Travel to the House of Mouse with this small guide and learn the ups, downs, and all-arounds of one of the biggest and best vacation spots.

917.59 M SBL

Ohio Curiosities: quirky characters, roadside oddities, and other offbeat stuff – Sandra Gurvis

Thousands of ears of corn, autographed hot dog buns, and… preserved fingers? These and more weird and wacky stops are yours in the destination to the South (and rival!) state of Ohio. Whether you’ve never been, or you’re returning again, author Gurvis introduces readers and travelers alike to comical creations and outrageous oddities.

917.71 G WAM

Chicken soup for the traveler’s soul: stories of adventure, inspiration and insight to celebrate the spirit of travel – Jack Canfield

The Chicken Soup books come in all shapes, sizes and categories now, from dog lovers to dieters and even golfers. This collection of short, true, stories is all about the wanderlust of new places and explorations worldwide.

158.1 C WMB

158.12 C FRA

910 C SCS SHL

Fodor’s green travel: the world’s best eco-lodges and earth-friendly hotels – Beth Hall

If you’re concerned about the carbon footprint you leave when traveling, this book is for you. Fodor’s, one of the leading travel guide publishers, has put together a great, detailed index of the most green places to travel and stay.

910.46 F 2008 WCV

Don’t go there!: The travel detective’s essential guide to the must-miss places of the world – Peter Greenberg

Ever dreamed of going somewhere, only to arrive and find the beach wasn’t what you thought it’d be, and the room service was unfriendly, or even nonexistent? Greenberg, travel editor for NBC’s Today show, discusses places that stick (literally!), cruise ships to avoid, and dismal destinations. It’s an amusing and informative read.

910.4 G WDB RSV SCS

Outside of a Dog, #79

2010-02-02T13:38:00.002-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Last week, the literary world lost a great many prolific writers, maybe most notably J.D. Salinger. Also gone are historian Howard Zinn, mystery author Ralph McInerny, and fantasy writer Kage Baker. Here, we list our favorite books by these gone too soon scribes.

Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
A staple of most high school and Advanced Placement summer reading lists, Salinger's first and most famous book has inspired legions of readers to be true to themselves and not the "phony" superficiality of the world. This coming-of-age novel is still used and criticized today for its literary merit.
Fic Salinger WCV WDB WMB
YA Fic Salinger WAM

Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger
Salinger collected his nine stories that had previously appeared in The New Yorker, Harpers, and The World Review here and titled it as exactly what his readers should expect: nine short stories. This includes the very famous "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" and "Teddy," which is a logical end to Bananafish's beginning.
Fic Salinger WAM
Fic SS Salinger WMB

Mendoza in Hollywood by Kage Baker
One of Baker's "The Company" series, this time travel science fiction novel follows the botanist Mendoza through her present location and her past stories and lovers. These 24th century novels are tightly plotted, taking a new look at old time travel tropes through the eyes of an enduring 'company' of regular narrators.
Sci Pbk KAG WCV

Mother Aegypt and Other Stories by Kage Baker
The title story once again visits with members of "The Company," and the others included here go all over time and the world and other universes with Baker's exquisite prose. Occasionally, the characters are derived or inspired by other classic works of literature, too.
Fic EPL

Her Death of Cold by Ralph McInerny
Author of over 100 books (including the Father Dowling mysteries and some nonfiction), Ralph McInerny was a longstanding staple of many patrons' Must-Read lists. He began with this first Father Dowling mystery in 1977.
M Fic (Storage) MTC M McInerny RSV

Half Past Nun: A Sister Mary Teresa Mystery by Ralph McInerny
Written under the pen name "Monica Quill," after the success of the Father Dowling mysteries, Sister Mary Teresa is a sleuth not unlike her predecessor. Here, she looks back in time to find the connection between several murder victims, all without leaving the convent. Mystery fans of any stripe will love this crafty tale.
Fic Quill ARM CHE
Mys Quill SHL

A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
Long thought to be one of the most enlightening books on American history, Zinn's classic nonfiction offering (first printed in 1980) is still used today. Flipping the history most people learned in school on its ear, A People's History looks at history from the eyes of the working class, everyday people, rather than the educated and elite.
973 Z WDB

Three Strikes: Stories of American Labor by Howard Zinn
A collection of three essays by three historians, Zinn appears here with an extended look at the Colorado Coal Strike of 1913-1914.
331.892 Z WMB

Outside of a Dog, #78

2010-01-26T12:36:00.004-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Insider of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

There is nothing quite like settling down on a cold Saturday afternoon with a good book. The best sellers list is often the first place folks look first to find an interesting read. Unfortunately, many of these titles come with long reserve lists. The following stories are great reads and forgotten gems but you will likely be able to find them on the library shelf today.

The Abortionist’s Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde

A female physician and the director of the Center of Reproductive Choice is found drowned in her swimming pool two weeks before the Christmas holidays. When demise is ruled a murder, the unsolved crime threatens to expose the small Colorado town’s deepest secrets.

Fic Hyde WCV SHL RSV SBL

Skylight Confessions by Alice Hoffman

The tumultuous marriage of John and Arlyn has a profound and lasting impact on their children and grandchildren. In this story, three generations of family cope with a variety of challenges that threaten their stability and happiness.

Fic Hoffman WCV WAM WMB WDB

A Clean Kill by Mike Stewart

Tom McInnes, looking into the mysterious death of a juror, finds himself charged with murder. Confronted with the possibility of disbarment and entangled in a conspiracy that may reach all the way to the top levels of the government, Tom must act quickly to solve the crime and clear his name.

Fic Stewart WAM MTC EPL

Kindness of Strangers by Katrina Kittle

Sarah Laden is recovering from the death of her husband from cancer two years ago. Her two sons, Nate and Danny, are vulnerable and fragile as they too cope with grief. It is Sarah’s next door neighbor and best friend Courtney who helps Sarah during the difficult days after her husband’s death. Courtney’s son Jordan is Danny’s best friend, but after the two boys have an unexplained falling out, Sarah begins to come to the horrifying realization that she doesn’t know Courtney quite as well as she thought. A gripping and very chilling story.

Fic Kittle WDB WMB

The Doctor’s Daughter by Hilma Wolitzer

A middle-aged woman cares for her prominent surgeon father as he begins his descent into Alzheimer’s. During this time she takes a fresh look at her marriage and wonders what direction her life is headed.

Fic Wolitzer WDB SHL SCS

Eat Cake by Jeanne Ray

Be prepared to laugh out loud with this delightful story of a woman whose skills coping with a surly teen-age daughter, a laid-off husband, a live-in mother, and a variety of other equally frustrating folks is truly entertaining. Written in an intelligent and breezy style this book makes it a perfect choice for a fun read.

Fic Ray WCV RSV ROG SHL

Outside of a Dog, #77

2010-01-21T12:29:00.003-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Insider of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Last week, the Warren Public Library was lucky enough to get Michigan-born author Steve Hamilton to come and speak about his new stand alone novel, "The Lock Artist." We asked which authors he liked to read, and put together this list:

Darkness, Take My Hand - Dennis Lehane
In Dorchester, Massachusetts, private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro work to solve crimes and investigate threats to the locals. In this second novel (the first being "A Drink Before the War") the pair is trying to find a murderer who leaves brutally violated corpses as his calling card.
Mys Lehane WMB
There are five other Kenzie-Gennaro novels, and if you enjoy these, try season 3 and 4 of the HBO Drama "The Wire," where Lehane has a few writer credits.
DVD WIR 498 - 501

The Killing Floor - Lee Child
The first Jack Reacher novel by Child finds the former military policeman stopping in a small town called Margrave, Georgia. He thinks it's just by accident, a town his brother mentioned once, but it will turn out to be much more.
Fic Child WAM
BKC Fic Child WMB

Soul Circus - George Pelecanos
The third in the series of Strange and Quinn novels (Pelecanos' second set of protagonists since he began writing in 1992). Here, Derek Strange is working for a mobster, trying to bargain his case from the death penalty to life in prison, and he and his associate Terry Quinn are getting caught up in abductions, murders, and drug deals gone bad.
Fic Pelecanos WCV WAM

The Torment of Others - Val McDermid
Title taken from a T.S. Eliot poem ("The Dry Salvages" from Four Quartets), this fourth novel in the Carol Jordan and Tony Hill series puts the hero and heroine (a profiler and a detective) to work looking for a possible copycat killer. British author McDermid is well-known for her talent at suspense and surprise and is in high form here.
BKD Fic McDermid WDB WMB

In Memory Of Robert B. Parker

2010-01-19T14:09:00.003-05:00

The literary world lost a great grand master of fiction yesterday, when author of the best-selling Spenser and Jesse Stone novels, Robert B. Parker, passed away of natural causes.

In memory of this prolific novelist, we suggest some of his latest and greatest titles.

The Godwulf Manuscript
The very first Spenser novel, this one introduces Spenser as a private detective on the job for a university; hired to find a famous and priceless illuminated manuscript.
Mys Parker WDB
MYS PBK Par WAM

Chasing the Bear: A Young Spenser Novel
Fans of the Spenser series are not privy to many details about the P.I.'s childhood or teen years, so 2009's "Chasing the Bear" begins to let the audience (and Spenser's love interest, Susan) in on the back story.
Fic Parker/ YA Fic Parker WCV

Night Passage
Parker's first Jesse Stone book follows the police chief (of a small town called Paradise, Massachusetts) as he tries to discover the circumstances surrounding the death of his predecessor. In a corrupt town like Paradise, where thugs and mobsters abound, will he get more than he bargained for?
Mys Parker WCV WMB WDB WAM

Night and Day
The most recent Jesse Stone book finds the recovering alcoholic chief Stone trying to get to the bottom of a peeping tom, a mystery involving the middle school principal and her actions towards the 8th grade girls, and the manipulation of his ex-wife.
LT Mys Parker WCV WDB WAM
Mys Parker WCV WDB WAM

Family Honor
The first in a shorter series about Sunny Randall, Parker's first female protagonist. While it's made clear that Sunny is no Spenser, there are several quips and jokes that the Boston PI makes that remind readers of the familiar hero.
Mys Parker WCV WMB WAM

Appaloosa
This is Parker's second Westen novel and the first in a trio about lawman Virgil Cole. Critics suggested that these novels refreshed Parker, and that when he returned to writing the Spenser and Stone books that came after this, they were better than ever!
Wes Pbk Par WMB
Wes Parker WCV WDB WAM

Before his death, Parker had finished a few books which will be releasing soon. Check with your local librarian for "Painted Ladies" and "Split Image."

Outside of a Dog, #76

2010-01-12T17:37:00.003-05:00

Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Many people are aware of the presidential thriller movies about agent Jack Ryan, played in movies such as Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger by Harrison Ford, but did you know those movies began as books? The Jack Ryan series, by author Tom Clancy is a series of some of the most suspenseful works you’ll ever read. If presidential, political and F.B.I.-based adventures are your favorite thing to read, try some of these novels:

Transfer of Power – Vince Flynn

Vince Flynn’s Mitch Rapp novels are very popular, and often on hold as soon as they’re announced. This is the first Rapp novel, where we meet the Navy SEAL while he tries to save the President and a White House full of hostages from terrorists. There are recurring characters from Flynn’s other novels here, too.

WCV Fic Flynn

No Safe Place – Richard North Patterson

Normally a fan of courtroom dramas like John Grisham, in this novel, Richard North Patterson dips into politics, introducing readers to a senator named Kerry. In a series of flashbacks, we see how he got where he is today: waiting to hear the results of a presidential primary.

WCV Fic Patterson

The Next President – Joseph Flynn

Well-developed characters and interesting plot twists abound in this 2001 novel. Perhaps showing a bit of clairvoyance, Flynn tells the tale of an ex-Army-sniper who is given a deadly choice: assassinate the presidential hopeful who might be the first African-American president, or let his son be killed an a centuries-old family feud rekindle.

WAM Fic Flynn

Gideon – Russell Andrews

A complicated tale written by a book editor and a mystery author (“Russell Andrews” is a pen name) delves into politics via publishing. Carl Granville is offered an immense amount of money to change the hand-written diary he’s given into a best-selling novel. He sets about doing the job, but things twist way out of control when his contact is murdered and his apartment ransacked. Whose story is he really writing?

WAM Fic Andrews

By Order of the President – W.E.B. Griffin

Griffin’s “Presidential Agent” series makes the total of six for this veteran author. In this first novel, we meet Army Major Carlos “Charley” Castillo, trusted by the President to delve into Angola to discover the truth behind a plane hijacking. These novels take place post-9/11 and explore counterterrorism measures in Griffin’s trademark style.

WMB Fic Griffin

The President’s Daughter – Jack Higgins

A YA novel by suspense star Higgins, this book is a fast, fun thrill ride with lots of action and surprises on every page. Here, we find a trio of government agents – including the President of the title, who is a war hero – all racing to save the president’s secret daughter and the world. Will they make it in time?

WDB Fic Higgins

Outside of a Dog, #75

2010-01-05T14:07:00.004-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

The New Year is a great time to try new things! Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit? Or maybe you want to fix your own appliances? It doesn’t take a Dummies book to learn how, but sometimes, these easy, fun-to-read collections of everything you need to know to do something can be found in the bright yellow books, and in the other series of easy how-to books, like The Everything Guide, Teach Yourself Visually, and the Complete Idiot’s Guides listed below. If your goal is to expand your horizons, check a few of these out, or ask your reference librarian for more!

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buddhism by Gary Gach

Buddhism, according to various statistical sources, usually ranks between the 4^th and 6^th largest religion in the world, with approximately 400 million followers across the globe. This religion, focusing on rebirth, enlightenment, and the understanding of suffering is a fascinating way to look at the world.

WCV 294.3 G

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Independent Filmmaking by Josef Stieff

As Michigan becomes a more popular place for feature films to be made, lots of folks want to get in on the ground floor of fame. This book will teach you how to film your own movie with your own equipment from start to finish.

WMB 791.43 S

Facebook for Dummies by Leah Pearlman

What is Facebook? What is social networking? Who uses it, what does it do, and why should I care? To answer just a few of these questions, read the opening chapter of this new book. It will help you understand why Facebook is as popular and important as it is, and help you set up an account with the site if you want.

WAM 006.754 P

Genealogy Online for Dummies by Matthew Helm

Ever wanted to trace your roots? Find out who you’re related to, or if your family came in at Ellis Island? This book will teach you how! If you can’t wait to take the Genealogy class at the Arthur Miller Branch, here’s the place to start!

WDB 919.1 H

The Everything American Presidents Book by Martin Kelly

If you missed out on history class, or just need a refresher about the Commander-in-Chief and his duties and deeds over the years, check out this Everything book.

WCV YA 973.09 K

The Everything Start Your Own Business Book by Judith B. Harrington

Is your New Year’s resolution to be successful? Or to take the talent you have and make it work for you? This is the book for you. Detailed here is how to start your own business from scratch, and the legal and financial things you’ll need to know to do it right.

WAM 658.1141 H

Teach Yourself Visually Windows XP by Ruth Maran

While Windows Vista was kind of a mess and is expected to be surpassed by 2009’s Windows 7, Windows XP is still one of the most enduring operating systems out there. All of the library computers still run on XP, and many other business networks do, too. Pick up this colorful, step-by-step guide if you’d like to learn for yourself how computers work.

WDB 005.44 Windows XP

Teach Yourself Visually Guitar by Charles Kim

Do you have music in your blood? Or maybe just want to learn a few chords? Or play your favorite song from the radio? Learning how to play guitar is a great exercise for the brain and for manual dexterity, too. The Teach Yourself Visually books are a fantastic place to start learning anything from guitar to knitting. Try one today!

WMB 787.87 K

Outside of a Dog, #74

2009-12-29T15:19:00.002-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Although our culture seems to bombard us constantly with information about what, how, and why celebrities are doing what they are doing, it still can be a fascinating and enjoyable experience to sit down and read a good old fashioned biography. I find biographies that are about the not so famous even more interesting to read. Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started.

Grieving: A Love Story by Ruth Coughlin

Similar in topic and tone to Joan Didion’s 2007 bestseller “The Year of Magical Thinking,” Coughlin’s book written in 1993 shows us that losing a spouse remains one of the most devastating events that can happen to anyone who has enjoyed a long and happy marriage.

Coughlin addresses her husband’s struggle with terminal cancer and like the Didion title explores what happened to her after his death and how she slowly and eventually built a new life while paying tribute to the memories of a happy marriage.

WCV RSV MTC SHL 155.937 C

Slow Motion by Dani Shapiro

In her early 20’s Dani Shapiro’s life seemed out of control. Involved with an older married man, unsuccessful at her modeling/acting career, the highlight of her day becomes her clandestine meetings with her drug dealer. When both her parents are injured in a devastating automobile accident that will require months of slow rehabilitation, she comes to their aid. In the end their recovery becomes her recovery. Honest and ultimately inspiring, adults as well as young adult readers who enjoy stories of personal redemption should find this book a worthwhile read.

SHL Bio Shapiro

Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott writes fiction but it is her biographical nonfiction titles that have earned her a faithful and devoted following. Her books are a meandering mix of humor, insightful and personal observations about the complexities of life. Readers will find them entertaining as well as thought provoking. Lamott’s most recent book “Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith” was on the New York Times bestseller list for months. Her newest fiction title “Imperfect Birds: A Novel” is scheduled to be published in April 2010.

WAM WCV WMB Bio Lamott

Also available in Large Type

Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood by Koren Zailkas

From her very first illicit sip at age 14, through a harrowing decade of drinking, binge drinking, and getting so ‘smashed’ she couldn’t see straight, 24-year-old Koren Zailkas has an all-too-common story of a young girl’s alcohol abuse. She explains why she began, and how she chose to stop in this memoir.

Bio Zailkas WMB

616.86 Z WAM

Also available in Large Type

Outside of a Dog, #73

2009-12-22T12:07:00.004-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Instead of all those tired and clichéd New Year’s resolutions like lose weight, exercise more, get out of debt…blah blah blah…why not make a resolution to simply read more – whether it’s a diet book, a financial management title, or simply a darn good story, you’ll find an endless supply of appealing suggestions available at the library. Here are some great fiction titles to get you started:

Second Hand by Michael Zadoorian
FIC Zadoorian WCV WAM

Richard runs a second hand thrift store just outside of Detroit (imagine Ferndale or Royal Oak). He is a self-proclaimed connoisseur of junk. He has devoted much of his life to finding, selling, and treasuring the discards of others. When he meets a young woman named Theresa, he discovers that her work at an animal shelter has some poignant and painful similarities to his own passion for saving the discards of others. As their relationship grows, they discover some fundamental truths about each other and the real value of material possessions in life.

The Book of Joe by Joe Tropper
Fic Tropper WCV

A funny and touching story about a man who left home, moved to New York City, and wrote a best selling novel about his old hometown. Now, seventeen years later, with his father gravely ill, he reluctantly returns. Unfortunately, the folks living in Bush Falls, Connecticut were not too happy with his literary portrayal of them and even less pleased with the blockbuster movie based on their town and lives. Can we ever really go home again? Joe begins to find out the answer to that question in often hilarious and touching ways.

We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver
Fic Shriver WAM

Shriver gives a fictional glance to the behind-the-scenes lives of a family torn apart by absolutely unspeakable violence. When her son kills several of his high school classmates in a well organized and painfully thought out plan, his mother is left to agonize and wrestle with the reasons why this tragedy occurred. What could she or anyone have done to prevent it? Shriver’s writing style is pensive and pondering as she shares with readers the painful tale of what happened and its aftermath.

Buffalo Soldier by Chris Bohjalian
Fic Bohjalian WCV

Bohjalian’s novel takes the reader to northern Vermont, where days of rain have caused a river to overflow. The nine-year-old twin daughters of Terry and Laura Sheldon are swept away in the raging current and the girls are tragically drowned. Their deaths have repercussions for the entire community. This is a thoughtful, sorrowful, and quite surprising story dealing with loss, grief, and the emotional bonds between husband and wife, parent and child. A novel that will stay with you long after the last page.

In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner

Fic Weiner WMB

This sweet novel by the author of "Good in Bed" and, most recently, "Best Friends Forever," is all about sisters Maggie and Rose, who seem to share nothing but the same parents and the same taste (and size!) in designer shoes. Maggie is the flighty younger sister, determined to make her fortune and fame by working as little as possible, while Rose is the responsible older sister. Lawyer Rose lets Maggie move in for a few days and finds her life at the law firm and in her own home, turned upside down. Both girls go on journeys to prove to themselves and each other what's really important. We defy you not to make it to the end without sniffling a little!

Outside of a Dog, #72

2009-12-15T12:15:00.004-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

During the week between Christmas and New Year’s, many folks find themselves enjoying vacation or holiday time off from the obligations of work and school. For a lot of families, this is a nice time to settle in for a relaxing evening at home with a holiday movie. Tired of heading to the video store or waiting for your Netflix selection to arrive? Why not check out what your public library has to offer in holiday themed movies...

Instead of listing dozens of choices here…simply click on our automated card catalog. In the search box type in “Christmas films” and select the subject link. You will find 51 films listed alone for the Warren Civic Center branch and 281 films listed if you decide to search all the libraries in the Suburban Library Cooperative at one time. Recent releases as well as classics and children’s films are listed.

The card catalog record will let you know if the DVD is currently checked in and available (remember to click "details" if you want the DVD's call number). Many Macomb libraries will allow you to place a hold or reserve if the item is checked out and will send the material to the library of your choice for pick up.

Outside of a Dog, #71

2009-12-08T14:11:00.003-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Recently released in DVD is the documentary “Food, Inc.” It’s a fascinating and albeit shocking look at how the food we eat every day is produced, manufactured, and ends up on our dining room tables. The film delves into how our meat so attractively displayed at our local supermarket eventually got there. But more than that, it vividly illustrates how our whole food system does tremendous damage to the environment, economy, and our personal health. We may produce the cheapest and most abundant food in the world, but in reality it is tremendously expensive in many ways. Other books dealing with this topic are also suggested.

Food Inc
WCV DVD F7
WAM DVD New F53

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the all-American Meal - Eric Schlosser
WCV 394.1097S
WAM WMB WDB 394.1S

King Corn: You are What You Eat
SHL SCS RSV DVD 633.15 King

In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto - Michael Pollan
WAM WMB WDB 613 P

The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals - Michael Pollan
WCV RSV SCS ROG 394.12P

Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating with more than 75 Recipes - Mark Bittman
WCV SHL SCS HPW 613.2 B

Super Size Me - Morgan Spurlock
MPL DVD 647.95 S
ROG DVD 394.1 S
RSV DVD 616.28 S

Outside of a Dog, #70

2009-11-24T13:05:00.004-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Let's talk turkey! Thanksgiving is this week, and while you're waiting for the bird to fry, roast, or bake, why not sit back and relax with one of these seasonal titles:

Scooby-Doo and the Thanksgiving Terror - Mariah Balaban
Scary, spooky things happen year-round to hungry detective dog Scooby-Doo and his crew! This short story is all about a Thanksgiving parade float that comes to life, and only Scooby can solve the mystery.
WCV E Scoo
WDB E Scoo T

How to cook a turkey: and all the other trimmings - The editors of Fine Cooking magazine
A holiday survival guide for those new to the kitchen or the holiday traditions, How to cook a turkey explains how to cook both a great big bird, and all the other side dishes and desserts you might want on the holiday. There's even a whole chapter on pie, whether you love apple, or live for pumpkin.
WAM 641.66592 H

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Alvin's Thanksgiving celebration [DVD]
In this collection of four episodes from the 1988 cartoon series, Alvin and his brothers Simon and Theodore, learn the meaning of family and fun.
WCV DVD A83

Pieces of April [DVD]
Katie Holmes stars in this offbeat indie film about April, the black sheep of a New York family. She's intent on hosting her entire family for Thanksgiving dinner - until she finds out her oven doesn't work, and her relatives are already on their way! Patricia Clarkson and Oliver Platt also star.
WCV DVD 791.43 PIECES
WDB DVD P 282

Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Romie Minor
One of Arcadia Publishing's fantastic "Images of America" series, this book takes you behind the scenes of the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade, watched every Thanksgiving by hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents. Art Van Elslander and WJR's Paul W. Smith will be co-grand marshals for this year's parade, with the theme of "Together We Shine for 2009."
WCV WDB WAM 977.434 M

Celebrations: The complete book of American holidays - Robert J. Myers
An introduction to all holidays, including their origins, this Hallmark book is a great way to teach not just kids, but the whole family, about Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays.
WMB WAM 394.26 M

Librarians Are Reading!

2009-11-19T12:12:00.003-05:00

If you just can't get enough books to read, and you're looking for something new, why not check out the Suburban Library Cooperative's Library Staff Are Reading page? Every year since 2002, the Cooperative asks library staff for their three favorite books of the year, and posts them online and in a brochure available at the libraries.

The Suburban Library Cooperative has 27 member libraries - imagine how many book recommendations that would give you!

You won't rue reading this book!

2009-11-18T14:00:00.001-05:00

Today’s Book: Rosemary and Rue, Seanan McGuire

The plot: October “Toby” Daye, once both a Knight (who prefers to be called “Sir Daye”) and private detective, finds her life as a changeling infinitely more difficult when she tries to rebuild it fourteen years after being turned into a fish by a rival of her liege lord, Sylvester. Toby’s lost everything – her boyfriend, Cliff, who thought she was human; her daughter, Gillian, who is now 17 and angry, refusing to see her; and her lord, Sylvester, whom she’s been afraid to see since her return. She’s thrown back into the world of rites to royalty and magical mysteries when her “worst friend and best enemy,” Evening Winterrose, is found murdered in her warded home.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s a gripping mystery with a lot of urban fantasy thrown in to the mix, and as Toby delves into the dark side of her past and present (and maybe even future), you’ll learn about the world of the fullblooded fairies and the halfblooded changelings that inhabit the California coast. You’ll cheer for “Sir Daye” as she tries to find the murderer without getting murdered herself.

Who Will/Should Read It: Fans of any urban fantasy will do well here, but maybe the best audience for Toby’s mystery would be readers of Laurell K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry series who find the graphic sex there a little too bawdy. Newcomer McGuire manages to get the point across with innuendo, rather than explicitness. There’s also a lot to like for devotees of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series; if you’re eagerly awaiting April’s “Changes,” pick this noirish novel up.

F MCG LEN

Outside of a Dog, #69

2009-11-17T13:24:00.003-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

It’s getting cold outside in Michigan, even though it’s been Fall since September. While we still have a few days left of sunshine and 50-degree days, check out one of these Michigan-set novels; come back for more before you hide under your blankets for winter!

Please Don’t Come Back from the Moon – Dean Bakopoulos

Written an “an elegy” to the working class men of Detroit (and America) in this quiet, almost heartbreaking novel of growing up without a father. Building a family in Michigan is the theme here, and there’s more than a few biographical touches to this tale, as well as threads of magical realism.

Fic Bakopoulos WCV WDB

Mr. Paradise – Elmore Leonard

Famous the world over for gritty noir novels, Elmore Leonard is a New-Orleans-born Michigan native who lives in Oakland County. This novel of crime gone wrong involves a high-priced call girl, authentic dialogue and places (the very first chapter places the protagonist at the posh Rattlesnake Club restaurant), and a satisfying murder mystery.

Fic Leonard WCV WDB WAM

BKD Fic Leonard WCV

CD Fic Leonard WDB

Poison Blonde (An Amos Walker novel) – Loren Estleman

Classic cars and classic clothes are hallmarks of Amos Walker novels. Written for fans of 40s and 50s noir, this 19-book series by native Estleman hits these private detective stories right on the nose, where classy dames and real gone hipsters abound. Set in Detroit’s backyard of Hamtramck, this is the 17^th book in the series. If you want to start at the beginning, try 1980’s Motor City Blue.

LT Mys Estleman WCV WMB

Fic Estleman WDB

[Motor City Blue – Fic Estleman WMB]

A Stolen Season (An Alex McKnight Mystery) – Steve Hamilton

Winner of both the Edgar and Shamus awards for mystery and private eye novels, respectively, Hamilton is another local talent who turns his eyes to whodunits in Michigan – usually in the cold upper regions of the state. In this Alex McKnight novel (the seventh – and newest - in the series), plot crossovers and double-crosses surround the ex-cop while he deals with Bay Mills Indians and drug dealers.

Fic Hamilton WCV WAM WDB

The Chocolate Cat Caper (A Chocoholic Mystery) – Joanna Carl (a.k.a. Eve Sandstrom)

Michigan seems to be a popular place to set series mysteries – such as these Chocoholic books, featuring Texan Lee McKinney, who moves up to a Michigan resort town on the lake to help her Aunt Nettie’s chocolate business get back up and running. Lee and Nettie end up accidentally solving mysteries in this fictional resort town, and all of the mysteries involve chocolate! These are a good suggestion if you’ve finished the Joanne Fluke novels and are looking for more tasty page-turners.

Mys Carl RAY RSV SCS

Fic Carl MTC ROK

For kids who want some local fun, try the Michigan Chillers series by Jonathan Rand – featuring titles like Dinosaurs Destroy Detroit and Poltergeists of Petoskey.

Juv PBK MC WCV WAM WDB WMB

Outside of a Dog, #68

2009-11-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

A recent post suggested book titles dealing with some of the many aspects of friendship. Interested in watching a movie with a friendship theme? Here are some old and new suggestions. Reminiscent of the so called “buddy” movie, each of these movies views the process of friendship in its own unique and special way.

For Women ("Chick Flicks"):

Beaches CHE HPW
Bonneville MTC ROG RSV
Fried Green Tomatoes ARM ROG ROK SHL WCV RSV SHL UPL
Friends With Money WCV CHE CLL EPL HPW LEN MTC ROG RSV SBL SCS WAM WDB
Jane Austen Book Club WCV ARM CHE CLL FRA LEN MPL MTC ROG RSV UPL WAM
My Best Friend's Wedding CHE CLL MTC ROG
Mystic Pizza WAM RSV MTC ROG
Sex and the City FRA RAY HPW ROG WAM SCS CHE CLL EPL LEN MTC UPL WMB WAM
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants ARM CLL LEN LWM ROG ROK SCS SHL WDB WMB FRA CHE HPW MTC RSV UPL WAM
Steel Magnolias FRA HPW RSV SBL
The Banger Sisters WCV CHE EPL MPL WAM WMB WDB
The Women WCV ARM CHE CLL EPL MTC MPL ROG RSV SCS UPL WDB WMB
Thelma and Louise UPL WAM WMB WDB SBL MTC SHL ROG SBL CHE HPW RSV
Waiting to Exhale LEN SBL
Waitress EPL LEN LWM SCS SHL WAM WDB WMB WCV CHE FRA HPW MPL RSV UPL

For Men (Buddy Movies):

Appaloosa WCV CHE CLL EPL FRA LEN MTC MPL ROG RSV SBL SCS UPL WMB
Breaking Away CHE FRA MTC ROG RSV SBL SHL
Brokeback Mountain MPL SBL SHL WDB WCV CHE CLL FRA MTC ROG ROK RSV SCS SHL UPL
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid WCV ARM MTC ROG UPL CHE CLL FRA LWM ROK RSV SBL SHL
Diner MTC ROG SHL
Good Will Hunting CLL FRA MTC ROG RSV SHL CHE
Grumpy Old Men ARM CHE FRA MTC ROG UPL
Lethal Weapon CLL RSV CHE MTC ROG SBL
Midnight Cowboy ROG SCS WCV CHE CLL HPW MTC ROK RSV SBL SHL
My Dinner With Andre SHL
Mystic River FRA WCV LEN LWM MTC ROG SBL SCS UPL WDB WMB
The Kite Runner UPL WCV WAM WDB WMB ARM CHE CLL RAY EPL HPW LEN LWM MTC MPL SCS SHL
The Odd Couple CHE
The Shawshank Redemption WCV UPL CLL ROG CHE FRA MTC ROK SBL
The Soloist WCV ARM CHE CLL EPL FRA LEN MTC MPL ROG RSV SCS UPL WAM WDB WMB

Outside of a Dog, #67

2009-11-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Several old clichés come to mind when you think about friendship including “make new friends but keep the old”, “no one can have too many friends”, and “with friends like that, who needs enemies”. In the interest of discovering more about the concept or subject of friends we selected the following titles.

The Art of Friendship: 70 Simple Rules for Making Meaningful Connections - Richard Horchow

This book of rules and advice are offered with the goal of making real and lasting friendships. These true friendships can enhance and enrich each of our lives in many ways.

177.62 H WCV WAM

Toxic Friends: The Antidote for Women Stuck in Complicated Friendships - Susan Shapiro Barash

What to do if your friends are not so wonderful but rather hurtful, unkind, nasty, and, yes, even toxic to your mental health and well being.

155.333 Bar MPL MTC

If Teacups Could Talk: Sharing a Cup of Kindness with Treasured Friends - Emilie Barnes

A feel good little book detailing how important it can be to share time and tea with valued friends.

641.5 B WCV

I Know Just What You Mean: The Power of Friendship in Women’s Lives - Patricia O'Brien and Ellen Goodman

After more than 25 years of friendship, Ellen and Patricia share their own stories as well as other stories about the importance of long time friendships.

158.25 G WCV WAM

Read this book on Purpose!

2009-10-28T12:00:00.001-04:00

Today’s Book: American on Purpose: the improbable adventures of an unlikely patriot, by Craig Ferguson

The plot: The subtitle of this witty autobiography is “the improbable adventures of an unlikely patriot,” and that only just begins to describe this hilarious, honest story of Glaswegian Ferguson and his epic trip to becoming an American citizen. Starting as a Glasgow native with a punk-rock soul, the now-famous late-night host waxes poetic on his "ridiculously attractive" parents and tells the hard, forthright truth about being a drunk and a drug addict for chunks of his life, and how he, with the help of friends, managed to rise above it, raise a son, and become the rollicking and uproarious comedian he is today - all while chasing the dream of being an American (on purpose).

Why You’ll Love It: If you're already a fan of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, you don't need any more reason than his nightly shenanigans to pick up this book. If you don't stay up late, or never watched The Drew Carey Show, you'll love this book for the laughter it will inspire in you; it's full of read-aloud quips, like when he speaks of his late-night-show colleagues and predecessor Johnny Carson: "A little bit of cool goes a long way; it lands on you if you are a late-night talk-show host. Consider the other guys: if Dave (Letterman) wasn't the king of late night he'd be just a cranky old man who drives too fast. Jay (Leno) would be a weirdly needy mechanic, and Conan (O'Brien) would have kids following him down the street calling him names. Without his show, Jimmy Fallon is just a thirty-five-year-old giggly adolescent; and Jimmy Kimmel is a good guy, but he'd be the first to admit he's not cool - in another life, he'd be a genial maître d'."

Who Will/Should Read It: Fans of Ferguson's turns on The Drew Carey Show as British boss Nigel Wick, of the host of the Late Late Show, or his favorite movies (written and starring him) - Saving Grace, The Big Tease, and I'll Be There, or anyone who enjoys a good laugh while reading a story of growing up Glaswegian and striving for the states. Also, as Ferguson mentions a few times in the book, those who "choose adventure."

Bio Ferguson WCV WMB

B Ferguson ROG SBL CHE

[Saving Grace is available at Warren Civic Center library on DVD and at Roseville and Shelby Township on VHS. The Big Tease is only available through Melcat requests, and I'll Be There can be ordered from Lenox Township and Roseville.]

Soon to be available as an audiobook read by the author!

Outside of a Dog, #66

2009-10-27T12:00:00.001-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Following up our recent post on suggested website gems, we couldn’t resist offering some book-specific websites that offer a variety of support to avid readers everywhere. Selected are websites that librarians love and we hope you, too, will find very useful.

Readers Read – Devoted more to book and publishing news than title suggestions, it’s a worthwhile spot to "check out" if you’re interested in book trends and insider publishing news. An exhaustive list of book blogging links is offered.

Shelf Awareness – A free e-mail newsletter dedicated to helping the people in bookstores, public libraries and those working on the Internet buy, sell, and lend books most wisely. If you want to know what authors will be on NPR, Oprah, Larry King, and many other media outlets, this site will tell you. Also, a fun part of being on their e-mail list is the contests that publishing companies and authors often run.

Generous Books – A growing community for those who love books and love sharing their thoughts with other readers.

Book Muse – Commentary, author biographies and interviews, and loads of reading suggestions make this a useful site for the more literary minded reader.

Last but not least, don’t forget publishing company websites. They often offer free newsletter links that can keep you up to date on favorite titles and authors. A few of the larger publishers include –

Avon Books (an imprint of Harper Collins, specializing in women's literature and romance)

Simon and Schuster (They currently publish Vince Flynn, Sandra Brown, and more!)

Random House(Publishers of the new Dan Brown book "The Lost Symbol" and a host of entertainment biographies, like Kathy Griffin and Tracy Morgan)

Harper Collins (Publishing the PostSecret books and one of our favorites - Neil Gaiman; they also have e-mail lists for children's books and teens)

Penguin (Home of Patricia Cornwell, Charlaine Harris, and John Sandford; they have podcasts every week about new and exciting book selections)

Kensington Books (A great place to find your favorite mystery series writers, like Joanne Fluke and G.A. McKevett, as well as urban lit up-and-comers Kimberla Lawson Roby and Wahida Clark)

What's the Suburban Library Cooperative?

2009-10-22T14:36:00.003-04:00

Warren Public Library is a member of the Suburban Library Cooperative, an association of Macomb County libraries (which also includes Harper Woods). Since we're members of the SLC, we can request books and movies and many other items from any library in the system - for free! You can also use your Warren Public Library card at any library in the cooperative, too, so if you're ever out in Shelby Township, you can visit their library with your card.

What do all the letters in the Outside of a Dog posts mean?
These are abbreviations of the libraries included in the system. There's is a short list below, but you can view (and print!) the full list, with addresses and phone numbers here.
ARM - Armada
CLL - Centerline
CHE - Chesterfield
EPL - Eastpointe
FRA - Fraser
HPW - Harper Woods
LEN - Lenox Township
LWM - Lois Wagner Memorial (Richmond)
MPL - MacDonald (New Baltimore)
MTC - Mount Clemens
RAY - Ray Township
ROG - Romeo Graubner
ROK - Romeo Kezar
RSV - Roseville
SCS - St. Clair Shores
SBL - Shelby Township
SHL - Sterling Heights
UPL - Utica
WMB - Warren (Maybelle Burnette)
WDB - Warren (Dorothy Busch)
WAM - Warren (Arthur Miller)
WCV - Warren (Civic Center)

Outside of a Dog, #65

2009-10-20T12:10:00.003-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

It’s always a treat to discover a new and useful website. The internet offers so much and so many, it is often easier just to rely on old standbys, but you’d be missing some real gems. Here are a few that you might just want to consider bookmarking the next time you're surfing.

Discover America
As the “official” travel and tourism website of the United States, I honestly can’t think of any place, topic, or travel information it doesn’t offer, including allowing you to search by destination, state, attraction, and find other travel organizations and links. A definite first stop when planning any journey that takes you farther than your own backyard.

Book Club Girl
Not strictly for girls, this is a great site to browse for a variety of reading suggestions, even if you’re not in a book club. Including author information, links to book clubs, book blogs, and author websites, you’ll never again wonder what to read next.

USA.gov
The tag is “government made easy” and it does do a pretty decent job of leading you through whatever government agency, department, or question you might need to research. Everything from financial aid, passport information, addresses of elected officials, currency exchange rates, zip code lookup, and much much more is offered. It also has links to state and local governments.

Ravelry
Ravelry is a knit and crochet community that is rivaled by no other. You do have to register, but don’t worry - it's free! Afterwards you can check out an endless list of free patterns, projects, and needlecraft links. But beware - you might find yourself so addicted to this site that you’ll have less time to actually pick up that crochet hook or knitting needle.

What They Play
If you're a parent of a tech-savvy kid today, you'll notice that video games are one of the biggest "I want that!" items on wish lists. What They Play gives you parent reviews and screenshots (photos of in-game activity) and sometimes videos of the most popular games, so you know what your kids are asking for.

Spread the Sign
The sign language dictionary of the world is live and is it ever a great resource! You can type in any word, number, or even a full sentence, and this search site will help you learn how to sign it - in ASL (American Sign Language), and sign language in Czech, German, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, and Turkish!

Flag Identifier
This is the place to go when you see a flag and you don't know what country it symbolizes. Flag Identifier lets you search by the style of flag, what colors it is, or just what symbols were on it. It includes world flags, state flags, and more.

Outside of a Dog, #64

2009-10-13T13:04:00.004-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

As promised, now that you're bopping to the groove of great jazz music, tune your brain to one of these books to find out more...

Jazz by Walter Dean Myers

A series of love poems to the music, this kids' book is great for adults, too, bringing to mind the swinging Harlem-Renaissance poetry of Langston Hughes.

JUV 781.65 M WAM

Visions of Jazz: The First Century by Gary Giddins

This is a big book, to be sure, but well worth picking up, especially if you're curious as to how Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker got their nicknames. Seventy-nine chapters are in this labor of love by the Village Voice music critic Giddins, and each one takes you in-depth about a famed jazz musician, and includes some insight into pop musicians who sometimes sing jazz, like Rosemary Clooney and Frank Sinatra.

781.65 G WDB

The Billboard illustrated encyclopedia of jazz & blues by Ted Drozdowski

Billboard is one of the best-known music magazines worldwide, making and publishing lists of hot music in almost any genre you can imagine, so it's no wonder that an encyclopedia by them is a fantastic resource for history and photos. This is a reference book only, though, so you'll have to look at it in the library; you can't take it home with you.

REF 781.65 B WCV

John Coltrane: A sound supreme by John W. Selfridge

It's never too early to get your kids listening to great music, and learning about the most famous artists. "A sound supreme" is a short biography for kids of all ages that details the life of saxophonist John Coltrane, now known for the complex harmonies in songs like "Giant Steps."

JBiog Coltrane WMB

Outside of a Dog, #63

2009-10-06T14:49:00.004-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

The classic period for jazz music occurred back in the mid-50's to the mid-60's. some of the musical icons of that era included Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, Art Tatum, Thelonious Monk, Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, Dizzy Gillespie, John Coltrane, and Duke Ellington. Below is a listing of several musical selections available at Macomb County libraries.

The best of Chet Baker Plays - Chet Baker
CD Jazz Baker WAM

Miles Smiles - Miles Davis
CD Jazz Miles SHL

The Drum Battle - Buddy Rich
CD Jazz Drum MTC

Dave Brubeck's Greatest Hits - Dave Brubeck
CD Jazz 1391 WDB

Charlie Parker Plays Standards - Charlie Parker
CD Jazz Parker WCV

The Symphonic Ellington - Duke Ellington
CD Jazz Ellington WCV

The Very Best of John Coltrane - John Coltrane
CD Jazz Coltrane WCV

And if you're interested about life behind the scenes of this famous music scene, next week, we'll feature some books on the jazz life.

Outside of a Dog, #62

2009-09-15T14:24:00.003-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

It’s back to school and that means one thing – Homework. The following books and audio visual material offer a little help and advice in that area, so you won’t have to be caught saying “but the dog ate my homework”.

How to do homework without throwing up by Trevor Romain

Mr. Romain who has a slew of DVD’s and books to his credit gives us a 30 minute DVD that makes homework look pretty darn exciting as 2 students jump off the page into the Amazon jungle to learn some new homework skills. Fun and definitely lighthearted. Also available in book format.

Juv 371.3028R WCV

Homework improvement: Parent resource by Roberta Schneiderman

You’ll learn how to help and support your child with their homework without doing the assignment for them.

649.68S – WCV

Juv 371.3S – WAM

How to remember everything: Memory shortcuts to help you study smarter by Ellen Gibson

Specifically aimed at grades 6^th through 8^ththis book focuses on comprehension in all areas.

Juv 371.3G WCV

How to write book reports by Harry Teitelbaum

Everyone’s had to do this something or other in their school career. Not really as difficult as it sounds when you follow some basic guidelines. Of course, it helps to have read and even enjoyed the book.

808.02T – WCV

Remember: The sooner you come to the library to get the books on your research paper or Accelerated Reader or AP English list, the better! It's much easier to get your books the first week of an assignment, instead of the last; your classmates might have checked them all out already. (Also keep in mind that it takes 3-5 business days to get a book shipped from another library - don't put your homework off til the last minute!)

Outside of a Dog, #61

2009-09-08T14:13:00.003-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Health Care – An issue that has taken the political center stage recently, health coverage of is of vital interest to each of us. The following titles offer a variety of viewpoints and suggestions to discover and learn more about the issue.

Critical Condition: How health care in America became big business and bad medicine by Donald L. Barlett and James B Steele

Time magazine journalists, Barlett and Steele give readers a definitive explanation of our current U.S. health care system as well as including an informative and detailed historical perspective how we got here in the first place.

362.1 B WCV

Critical: What we can do about the health-care crisis by Thomas Daschle

Senator Daschle gives voice to solving the complex medical care issues and economic factors that influence our fast-rising health care costs.

362.1 D WCV

The healing of America: A global quest for a better, cheaper, and fairer health care by T.R. Reid

Health care systems around the world are explored in this comprehensive look at why the United States spends more but still is not able to adequately insure all its citizens.

362 R WCV

Health care on less than you think: The New York Times' guide to getting affordable coverage

by Fred Brock
How to manage your family's health care costs and maximize their care.
362.106 B WAM

The new health insurance solution : how to get cheaper, better coverage without a traditional employer plan by Paul Zane Pilzer
Most Americans receive and lose their health insurance along with their jobs and employers. But what about those who get no insurance through their employers, make too much for Medicaid benefits, or are unemployed? This book can help!
368.382 P WAM

NEW! Career Library Database

2009-09-03T12:18:00.003-04:00

Looking for a career for the first time, or even giving it a second try? Want to research on what you'd be best at, and what colleges and programs would be best for you?

Try the NEW Career Library Database!

It allows you to take assessment tests of your skills and "career clusters," as well as helping you find the programs and colleges that are right for you!

Go to: http://library.coin3.com/

and log in with the information below.

Site ID: trialmi

Leave us a comment and let us know what you think!

Love Your Librarian? Let Them Know!

2009-08-20T12:41:00.003-04:00

Last year, the New York Times, in a partnership with the American Library Association, and the Carnegie Corporation, presented the I Love My Librarian award for the first time. 10 librarians from across the states won the award, and the Times is doing it again! Check out the link below for more details.

Nominate your librarian today for the Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times I Love My Librarian Award!

Outside of a Dog, #60

2009-08-18T15:47:00.003-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Here at the Civic Center Library, we have a few regular patrons who love to read biographies. The most popular and juicy ones, of course, are famous film stars! Here’s a few of our favorite classic film stars’ biographies:

It’s Only a Movie: Alfred Hitchcock, a personal biography – Charlotte Chandler

Most anyone who’s seen the silhouette and heard the creepy tinkling piano music knows who Alfred Hitchcock was, and they know to expect suspense, murder, and mystery along the way. Here, biographer Chandler interviews many colleagues and family members to try to learn what no one seemed to know about the venerable director.

Bio Hitchcock WMB

Psycho [DVD] – Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh

Possibly Hitchcock’s most famously terrifying movie. When it was released in 1960, Hitchcock refused to allow theatergoers late admission!

DVD Fic Bloch WCV

DVD P14 WAM

Audrey Hepburn: an elegant spirit – Sean Ferrer Hepburn

As characters Eliza Doolittle and Holly Golightly, Hepburn made a mark on the world as a gorgeous, classy film star. In this recent biography, her son writes about his remembrance of the actress.

Bio Hepburn WCV

Biog Hepburn WAM

Roman Holiday [DVD] – Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert

Of course you recognize the little black dress of Holly Golightly, and the intricately beaded white gown from My Fair Lady; but do you remember seeing Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann? In her first movie, she plays a princess who sneaks away from her duties for a few days, just to see how the other half lives. Handsome co-star Gregory Peck plays a shrewd gambler working for a news service in Rome; will he keep Ann’s secret?

DVD 791.43 Roman WCV

Marilyn Monroe – Barbara Leaming

In contrast to other biographies of the famous and torrid leading lady, Leaming’s effort paints Monroe as a more sympathetic figure. She includes private love letters from some of Marilyn’s family, husbands, and lovers, as well as interviews the famous and not so famous companions Monroe kept.

Bio Monroe WDB

The Misfits [DVD] – Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Montgomery Clift

One of Monroe’s last films, here she plays a divorcee on a Nevada ranch. She meets up with neighbors who fall in love with her, and things get a little wild.

DVD Misfits WAM

Golden Boy: the untold story of William Holden – Bob Thomas

William Holden acted in a number of famous films like Sunset Boulevard and Stalag 17, even while serving with the Air Force during World War II. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the actor, who eventually died of a fall in his apartment when he was 63.

Bio Holden WCV

Sabrina [DVD] – Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden

While Bogart and Hepburn are the big names here, Holden plays an integral role as playboy David Larrabee, whom the titular Sabrina falls for. (This was remade in 1995 with Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond, and Greg Kinnear.)

DVD 791.43 Sabrina WCV

Outside of a Dog, #59

2009-08-11T18:03:00.003-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Show Your Library Love!

What would you do without your librarian? These books, and many more, feature the fact-finding heroes and heroines as lead characters!

A Bone to Pick – Charlaine Harris

While Harris is now widely known and regarded as one of the best talents in vampire fiction (with the Sookie Stackhouse books giving rise to the explicit HBO show “True Blood”), she once wrote a few other series, too, including these, the Aurora Teagarden mysteries. If you like her writing style, but have gone through the Sookie books (or prefer your mysteries with a little less ‘bite,’ try this on for size.

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The Collectors – David Baldacci

Set among Baldacci’s other Camel Club mystery-thrillers, The Collectors delves into the dangerous world of rare-book collectors. Here, the Library of Congress’ rare books and special collections director drops dead after reading a manuscript, it’s to ex-CIA agent Caleb Shaw to find out why – and who – done it.

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The Camel Bookmobile – Masha Hamilton

Fiona, the novel’s protagonist, wants to do something good and meaningful with her life. She sets off for the bush of northeastern Kenya, intent on getting classic books like Shakespeare and Dr. Seuss into the hands (and minds) of those less fortunate. However, Fi finds herself in the middle of traditionalist ways and modern wants.

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Rex Libris: I, Librarian – James Turner

Librarians in comic books? Bet you’d never guess that hero Rex, black and white all over, solves library conundrums and does interplanetary travel at the behest of his boss, the ancient god Thoth. While Rex totes a gun and combat skills, he also knows where to find the book that tells how to defeat a samurai warlord – as that warlord is threatening to decapitate him! Funny, even for those of us who aren’t in the profession.

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The Ice Queen – Alice Hoffman

Hoffman, author of Practical Magic, The Blue Diary, Incantation, and other works starring smart women, shows us here the life of lonely librarian, struck by lightning and fenced off from the rest of the world. The narrator is never formally named, but her story is complex and twisting, both in words and heart.

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Outside of a Dog, #58

2009-08-04T14:56:00.003-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Since we celebrated sisters last week, this week, we’re looking at brotherly love.

Savvy – Ingrid Law

Mibs Beaumont has two brothers – one can cause hurricanes, and one can spark electricity. Her mother is perfect – literally. When she turns 13, she should be able to figure out what her ‘savvy’ – her special power – is, just like the rest of her family. She wants it to be something amazing, like her brothers, but maybe it will be what her father – in a coma from a car accident – needs.

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Rules – Cynthia Lord

Catherine’s brother, David, is autistic, and sometimes, her parents put her in charge of him, even though she doesn’t want them to. She takes to art for an outlet, and fills sketchbooks with “rules” for her brother on how the world works – just so he knows, if she’s ever not around to take care of him.

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Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie – David Lubar

Scott, a high school freshman, is trying to navigate the world of 9^th grade with too little sleep, less friends than he used to have, and crushes on girls who are now completely unattainable. Of course, now’s the time his mother announces she’s pregnant. He decides that life for his coming little brother will be easier if he has a survival guide – so Scott starts writing one.

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A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius – Dave Eggers

With both of his parents dead from cancer when he’s only 22, Eggers tells here about having to raise his little brother Toph, who is only 8. While you might expect a story like this to be sad-but-true and woe-is-me, Eggers manages to keep the reader interested and not feeling sorry for him throughout.

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The Millionaires – Brad Meltzer

Recently famous for his bestseller “The Book of Lies,” Meltzer here tells the story of two brother working for a high-rollers-only investment firm. Charlie and Oliver Caruso find there’s $3 million just sitting in an unused, untraceable bank account at the firm, and decide they can get away with stealing it. Overnight, it’s grown from 3 million to 300 million, and the Secret Service is after them!

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If you’d like to dig into series books about brothers, try the Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, or the Fullmetal Alchemist manga series.

Outside of a Dog, #57

2009-07-28T12:11:00.004-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

In honor of a family birthday today, we're choosing books about sisters.

Just as Long as We're Together, Judy Blume
Sometimes it's not about the sisters you have, but the ones you make and keep that matter most. Judy Blume is a controversial author with books like "Are You There, God, It's Me, Margaret" and "Wifey," but in this 1987 teen classic, she strikes true with an involving story about old friends, new friends, and the families in between.
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Beezus and Ramona, Beverly Cleary
Of course we couldn't forget one of the most famous pairs of literary sisters! Ramona Quimby and her older sister Beatrice fight and get in trouble in turns, like most sisters do, but they're always there for each other when it counts.
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My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult
It's almost impossible not to have heard of this book (and its new-in-theaters movie adaptation)! A small-town family must deal with a pair of sisters - one with a devastating disease, and the younger sister, born specifically to be a compatible organ donor. When the younger sister sues for the rights to her own body, will the family be torn apart by the verdict? [Be aware, moviegoers, the book's ending is very different from the movie.]
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House of Daughters, Sarah-Kate Lynch
By the author of the witty "Blessed are the Cheesemakers" and "By Bread Alone," comes another tale of the family food business, this time, set in Champagne, France. When vineyard heiress Clementine's father dies, he stipulates in his will that she must share the land with a half-sister she hasn't seen in twenty years. Worse yet, there's a man between the girls. Read this fantastic third novel if you enjoyed the first two, or if you're a fan of Joanne Harris' Chocolat.
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Outside of a Dog, #56

2009-07-21T15:57:00.005-04:00

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

(We apologize for missing our "Outside of a Dog" column from last week.)

The anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing was on Monday, celebrating 40 years of scientific achievement. If you ever wanted to be an astronaut, or see the planets, try one of these books!

First man: the life of Neil A. Armstrong – James Hansen
Neil Armstrong, by his own account, was a man of no special talent or notice, but this biography, chronicling his life before, during, and after the Apollo mission gives a new look at a determined individual who is now a national hero.
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The first moon landing – Steve Kortenkamp
Kids who want to explore the first landing and the science behind it will find a great start in this book from the "First Facts" series.
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A man on the moon: the voyages of the Apollo astronauts – Andrew Chaikin
Based on hundreds of hours of interviews with the 24 men who have been on the moon since 1969, this book is an astonishingly in-depth view of what it means to touch another world.
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Moonshot: the flight of Apollo 11 – Brian Floca
This picture book, intended to help young children learn about the Apollo 11 mission, is full of gorgeous watercolors of the space flight and moon landing. It covers the event in detail that is perfect for your easy reader.
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We interrupt this broadcast: relive the events that stopped our lives—from the Hindenburg to the death of Princess Diana – Joe Garner
Something that has always drawn people of different backgrounds together is the question, "Where were you when...?" This book gathers 38 historical moments - including the moon landing - that people all over the world still talk about, from the point of the newscast onward.
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