The weblog for the Warren Public Library in Warren, Michigan. Here, we provide news about library and city happenings, book reviews and suggestions, and spotlight all of the services the library offers - for free!
"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
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, 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.
"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, 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 WCVSHL 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 WAMMTC 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.
"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
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, 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.
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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?
"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 4th and 6th 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!
"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.
WCVRSV 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.
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, 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, 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, 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 WDBE 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 DVDP 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
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!
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.
"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.
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Mr. Paradise – Elmore Leonard
Famous the world over for gritty noir novels, Elmore Leonard is a New-Orleans-born Michigan native who lives in OaklandCounty.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.
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 17th book in the series.If you want to start at the beginning, try 1980’s Motor City Blue.
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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.
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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.
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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.
"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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx 
