January 10, 2008
Sometimes I get lucky….
And a book comes along that makes me grumpy when my train pulls into the station of my destination.
Understand that for it to happen with this particular author is an anomaly. Don’t get me wrong, I like her but I thought E.L. Doctrow was robbed of the Pulitzer for his book, entitled The March, over Geraldine Brooks’ March.
People of the Book is her latest offering and I think the best thing she has done. This is the story of an illuminated Hebrew manuscript and the lives that it has touched through 500 years of war, and anti-Semitism. Hanna Heath an Aussie Book Conservator is called to war torn Sarajevo to inspect the acclaimed Sarajevo Haggadah. Through various clues left in the book itself, such as a wine stain and an insect wing, Brooks weaves a tale of mankind trying to save things of beauty during times of great upheaval.
This has enormous appeal not only for history buff, but book lovers of all walks and stripes. I will be sad not only when the train pulls into the station but when I finish this one and have to say goodbye to these wonderful, richly drawn characters.
Posted by JenniferD at 03:32 PM | Comments (0)
January 04, 2008
It’s that time of year!
And the Desketeers are no exception. We too have our very Top 10 of 2007. This wonderful and eclectic list is all full of items that you can obtain here at The Biblio!
Soul Catcher, Michael C. White (FIC WHITE) - This was Lois’s favorite read of the year. This is the story of Augustus Cain who is hired to track down runaway slave, Rosetta. Lois called this one “haunting”.
God of Animals, Aryn Kyle (FIC KYLE) - A coming of age story that will stick with you for a long time. Twelve year old Alice Winston lives on her father’s Colorado horse ranch. Her mother hasn’t left her bed in years, her sister just ran away with a rodeo cowboy. How will she navigate her adolescence? I loved this one.
Save the Cat! Goes to the Movies, Blake Snyder ( 808.23 SNYDER) – is what Scott is currently perusing. It is full of screen writer inside information.
The Vegetable Dishes I Can’t Live Without, Mollie Katzen (Q641.651 KATZEN) – As much as we hated, loathed and scorned Jessica Seinfeld’s pathetic attempt at cooking, we cheered this one. In fact, we all bought multiple copies to keep and give to family and friends. Erica especially likes the Portobello Mushroom recipe.
Man in the White Sharkskin Suit: My Family’s Exodus from Old Cairo to the New World, Lucette Lagnado (305.8924 MATALON) – With the fall of King Farouk came the fall of Lagnado’s family. Tiny Lynn loved this one! She is all about the exotic locale.
Black Book(DVD BLACK) was Bab’s favorite film of the year. This foreign film tells the story of the Dutch Resistance in World War II. “Even though it was subtitled, it had me glued to the screen!”
My So Called Life (DVD MY) The groundbreaking series that finally showed an accurate portrayal of teen angst. Erica was jazzed to see this coming across the desk. “It reminds me of my childhood!”
Extras The Complete First Season and Extras The Complete Second Season (DVD EXTRAS) – I loved this way more than I should have. With amazing star cameos and hilarious dialogue, this series depicts the life of a struggling actor and his friends.
Entourage The Complete First, Second and Third Season (DVD ENTOURA) Everyone on staff is crazy for this one. The craziness of modern day Hollywood in all of its demented glory is here for the watching.
Paris Je T’Aime (DVD PARIS) – Honorary Desketeer Barbara M. loved this collection of 18 short films all honoring her favorite place on earth. No, not the Children’s Room, but Paris.
Posted by JenniferD at 12:39 PM | Comments (2)
November 07, 2007
“Think your kids won’t touch tofu? When I serve these, my kids think they’re eating chicken or cheese.” Jessica Seinfeld, Deceptively Delicious
Ok, in the minds of the Desketeers there is so much wrong in this statement we have been rendered speechless. This, if you know us, is really saying something. There is a world of difference between eating chicken and eating cheese. And if your kids can’t figure that out from your cooking, we will not be coming over to your house for dinner any time soon.
Yes, we have perused the new cookbook by Jessica Seinfeld entitled Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food and honestly we cannot stop thinking about it. And not in a good way.
Seinfeld’s whole premise is this: take perfectly good vegetables, put them in a blender, puree them into oblivion, and then hide them in your loved ones food. It’s for their own good because no one would really want to eat in a healthful manner unless you deceive them into it. Ok, we have all had our food battles with our children but isn’t this why God made Flintstone’s Chewables?
The introduction for her brownie recipe states: “These brownies fool everyone! You won’t believe how scrumptious they are (or how good for you) until you make them yourself. Just don’t serve them warm – it’s not until they’re completely cool that the spinach flavor totally disappears.” Desketeer Erica is worried for these kids when they go to school and brown bag it. “You know that trades are going to happen and some kid will get this brownie. Jessica better watch her back. There are going to be some angry 8 year olds coming her way.”
We would like you all to take a look and tell us what you think. In the meantime, it’s Wednesday. Go to the Farmer’s Market and buy some lovely organic produce. Prepare it lovingly. Take our word for it, your kids will eventually come around.
Posted by JenniferD at 11:32 AM | Comments (2)
October 25, 2007
Tonight I am getting together with my group of friends
who are known as "The Bad Girls", so named by the mother of one of the original members. This name was bestowed upon them after one of the girls had been thrown out of school for a youthful transgression. The mother yelled at her daughter, "You are a very bad girl!" And then gazed upon her friends who were there with her and pronounced, "In fact, you are all very bad girls!" This group of friends has grown to include me (not really a bad girl, but I am flattered to be considered) and others. We will be celebrating the birthday of Melissa N. (her real name) one of the originals and not really so bad after all. As a matter of fact, she is probably the sweetest one out of all of us.
But still, there is something wonderful about "bad girls". They fascinate in a way that good girls never can.
I have been anxiously awaiting my copy of Alice: Alice Roosevelt Longworth, from White House Princess to Washington Power Broker and I am happy to report that it came in this morning. This has been touted as the definitive biography of one of the most unique women in American history. The author, Stacy Cordery had access to diaries and documents previously unavailable.
The oldest daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, she was a teenager when he became president, and she took Washington by storm. In fact, when asked by a friend if he couldn't control his daughter he famously replied, "I can either run the country or control Alice. Not both." If you have ever lived with a willful teenager you can totally empathize with this comment. Alice decided early on in her life to go her own way and so she did. Her wit was legendary and barbed. Her quest for knowledge unquenchable (she learned Greek at 80!) She was a bad girl of the best order.
So tonight I will be with The Bad Girls, and we may be bad or we may not. But we will be together and God knows a good time will be had by all. Because reallly, who would you rather spend time with? Good girls or bad ones. I know what my answer is!
Posted by JenniferD at 01:03 PM | Comments (1)
September 24, 2007
"It takes two to make an accident." - F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, Ch. 3
In addition to being my friend Mary C.'s birthday (Happy Birthday Mary!) it would have been F. Scott Fitzgerald's 111th birthday today. In the last year, there have been two books that have crossed my path that have borrowed heavily from his master work The Great Gatsby.
The first is Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian. Laurel Estabrook was born and raised in East Egg the same town that Jay Gatsby lived in. Now as an adult, she is living in Vermont and working in a homeless shelter tryiing to recover from a horrific attack. When she comes across a box of professional photgraphs belonging to a deceased resident, she becomes obsessed with the life of the photographer and the not so distance history of the Eggs. This is a very suspenseful look at the Gatsby story.
The second book is Gatsby's Girl by Caroline Preston which is the fictionalized account of Ginevra King who was Fitzgerald's first real love. Was it truly she, and not Zelda who was the inspiration for Daisy Buchanan? Preston delves into that question and also what happened to Ginevra after the twenties stopped roaring.
Gatsby is one of those works that totally warrants a re-examination every few years and wth these two new twists on the story it is fun to take another peak at it.
Posted by JenniferD at 03:02 PM | Comments (0)
July 30, 2007
August Staff Favorites
Too hot to even read? How about a movie?
The dog days of summer occur, for the most part, in August and we all know they mean the hottest, muggiest days of summer. The term comes from something about the Romans thinking the brightest star in the Canus constellation was so close to the sun at that point in the year that it actually augmented the sun’s heat. Whatever it means, sometimes it is even too hot to read in August, so we came up with some favorite movies to watch in a nice, darkened room.
Jaws
--Cool off in the water, if you dare! Sally had the ultimate theater experience of seeing Jaws the day it opened on Cape Cod. Needless to say, it was a little scary to go back in the water that week!!
Out of Africa
--Scott watched Out of Africa right before he went there himself. He actually ended up at the exact tree under which Meryl Streep sat in the movie.
To Kill a Mockingbird
--Priscilla has never forgotten seeing To Kill a Mockingbird when she was nine years old on a family outing to Stamford – what a primo movie.
Grease
--Grease – who doesn’t love Grease? However, how many of us went to see it in the theater SEVEN times, as Vicky did?
Cat Ballou
--Barbara had an unforgettable movie experience of Cat Ballou with her mother. It was doubly memorable to not only have special one-on-one time with her, but her mother’s laughter at Dwayne Hickman’s humor has stayed with Barbara forever.
The Pianist
--The Pianist took on a whole new meaning for Hilary when she was able to place the familiar and well loved music into a visual context – absolutely thrilling.
Posted by SallyT at 02:55 PM | Comments (0)
June 30, 2007
July Staff Favorites
Oh yes, SUMMER is finally here and do we have some great beach reads for you! Lie on the sand, laze on the porch in the shade, curl up in a hammock and lose yourself in a fun book.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
--Asha suggests going back to the beginning and starting over again before the new one (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) comes out on July 20 (make sure your kids come to the midnight release party in the Children's Room at the Library!).
Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer
--Mary says this collaboration between Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer is pure enjoyment. Mayer's dry sense of humor perfectly complements Crusie's brand of sharp wit, and together the two have cooked up a sexy, sassy, and smart combination of romance and suspense that is absolutely irresistible.
In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner
--Kim is definitely a laze on the porch and enjoy the view reader. With that in mind, she offers this tale of two sisters and their step mother who learn that they are stronger than they thought they were, that family ties are worth preserving, and that there are perks to sharing the same shoe size. Weiner, a marvelously natural storyteller, blends humor and heartbreak to create an irresistible novel.
The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella
--Afraid of being fired from her prestigious law firm, hotshot lawyer Samantha, runs away and blindly ends up wandering into a mansion. The owner mistakes her for the maid, which Samantha accepts, and begins an inept career scrubbing toilets. Judy says that if you can swallow the premise, it is a thoroughly charming read.
Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen
--Sue recommends any Carl Hiaasen if you need a good laugh. This is a typical one - Hiaasen fills his Florida based novels with some of the strangest characters in fiction--and somehow makes them work!
Big Love by Sarah Dunn
--E (she refuses to reveal her name) suggests this humdinger -a surprising, touching and hilariously deadpan first novel.
Posted by SallyT at 02:57 PM | Comments (0)
May 31, 2007
June Staff Favorites
As a lead-in to the Adult Summer Reading Program, the staff has come up with their favorite books that take place 'elsewhere.' They were told it could be any country, any time and they came up with some really different choices. One of these should get you in the mood for summer reading!
The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason
--Lynn found this one especially true to life after her visit to Burma. Strange, exotic, and richly detailed.
Into Thin Air by John Krakauer
--Sally wonders why do people do this? Why are they compelled to push temselves to the absolute limit, risking life and limb? This book raises environmental questions as well as responsibility issues, along with revealing a riveting tale. If you ever wanted to know exactly what climbing Mount Everest would be like, then this is the book for you.
The Scarlatti Inheritance by Robert Ludlum
--Kim loves this thriller because it is a plausible conspiracy that takes place in Italy, Germany, and the U.S. It's about World War II, hidden treasure, good and evil - what's not to love?!
The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr
--Priscilla wasfascinated by this non-fiction book that reads like fiction. Detect along with the graduate student who traces the long-lost Caravaggio through the centuries and across Europe.
An Imperfect Lens by Anne Roiphe
--Ruth recommends this compelling story of Alexandria Egypt during the cholera epidemic in the mid 1800's. She says it achieves the difficult marriage of a serious medical/social history with a love story.
A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell
--This historical fiction is based on a little known story of a group of Italian citizens that sheltered more than 40,000 Jews during WWII. Lois found it both heart wrenching and inspirational, with the especially well-developed characters fascinating, complicated and compelling - each with a different story and background.
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
--This gem is set in Paris in the 1920’s. Louise is fascinated by it because you can eat in the same cafes that Hemingway frequented, including Clos de Lilas. The book is a memoir about his time in Paris, while he was writing The Sun Also Rises. Louise read A Moveable Feast, and then The Sun Also Rises over the course of one summer. She says you can first trace Hemingway’s experiences in Paris and then in Spain, all in Papa's deeply evocative prose.
Posted by SallyT at 03:55 PM
May 02, 2007
MAY STAFF FAVORITES
Unexpected Pleasures
One of the many joys of working in a library is seeing the vast diversity of reading material that brings pleasure to everyone. Sometimes it's refreshing to leave your comfort zone and read something you wouldn't normally choose. So, this month, staff members are sharing the titles of books they were forced to read for whatever reason, but unexpectedly enjoyed. Hope there is a gem in here for you!
The Distant Land of My Father by Bo Caldwell
--Priscilla had given up on reading fiction because nothing really grabbed her. This strong story of China, family, and family misperceptions turned her back into a fiction reader.
Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
--This was a book discussion title for Sally, who had thought that it was chicklit for some reason. It turned out to be a complex, yet easy to read, story of several intertwining lives set against the backdrop of one summer in Appalachia. The kind of book in which you smell the flowers, are in the forest, and can see the dilapidated farmhouses. The kind of book that has an entirely satisfying ending, but you really don't want it to end.
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
--Ruth has never liked John Irving, but her mother strongly recommended this particular novel. Ruth ended up profoundly moved by Irving's story of faith, friendship and fate.
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
--Erica had to read this in college, but ended up fascinated by this chronicle of not only the things American soldiers in Viet Nam carried into battle -- M-16s, grenade launchers, candy, Kool-Aid, and cigarettes -- but more importantly, the things they carried inside, and the nightmares they carried home.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
--Emily had to read this one in high school and, surprisingly, became immersed in the rich tale of redemption through suffering.
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
--Pat had no interest in reading a story about a circus, but her daughter said she would love this romantic saga taking place during the Great Depression. Now she recommends it to everyone looking for something a little out of the ordinary.
Posted by SallyT at 02:48 PM
March 29, 2007
April Staff Favorites
With April being National Poetry Month, several staff members have revealed their favorite poets along with their favorite volumes. An eclectic list from an eclectic staff!
The Collected Sonnets of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Edna St. Vincent Millay
--Priscilla re-reads this one often..
Shake Loose My Skin by Sonia Sanchez
-- Without missing a beat, Melissa recommended this poet of the Black Arts Movement when asked her favorite poet..
Mama's Promises by Marilyn Nelson Waniek
--Sally highly recommends hearing Ms. Waniek (aka Marilyn Nelson) read her poetry if the chance ever comes up. She is the current Poet Laureate of Connecticut..
Imagine the Angels of Bread by Martin Espada
--His publisher says Martin Espada "celebrates the bread of the imagination, the bread of the table, and the bread of justice" which is what drew Emily to recommend it..
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
--What poetry list would be complete without The Giving Tree? This beautiful and unforgettable parable is Lois' choice..
The Poetry of Robert Frost by Robert Frost
--Cathy finds Robert Frost very soothing and recommends reading one or two poems a day for maximum enjoyment..
Opened Gound by Seamus Heaney
--The visceral impact of his poetry should be savored slowly, Ruth says of her first choice (she had several!)..
Posted by SallyT at 01:49 AM
March 28, 2007
Odds and Ends
Can't get enough of Staff Favorites? Did you know you can access an archive of lists even older than October 2006? Here's the link for the next time you can't remember the name of the book you just know was on one of those lists: Archived Staff Favorites
We also maintain a display of books in the library that the staff has especially enjoyed. Remember Gone With the Wind? The Agony and the Ecstasy? We do!
If you haven't seen our new display table, come in and take a look - currently we are featuring the earlier work of the hot authors like James Patterson, Tami Hoag, and Christopher Bohjalian. We change the topic every couple of weeks, so we'll keep you posted on what will be there - and we are always open to suggestions!
The new Oprah book for this month is The Road by Cormac McCarthy. This is a beautifully written, very dark, apocalyptic novel that doesn't extend much hope for civilization. If nothing else, it will make you feel lucky to be alive now. However, if you need an Oprah antidote, something that is pure froth, try Helen Fielding's Olivia Joules and the Overactive Imagination .
Posted by SallyT at 02:31 PM
February 01, 2007
February Staff Favorites
In honor of Valentine's Day, the Desketeers recommend these romantic reads. We like them because they're romantic without being cheesy.
Fiction
The Big Love by Sarah Dunn
Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Julie and Romeo by Jeanne Ray
Valentine: A Love Story by Chet Raymo
Nonfiction
The Natural History of Love by Diane Ackerman
Soul Mates by Thomas Moore
About Alice by Calvin Trillin
Posted by EmilyW at 06:27 PM
January 03, 2007
January Staff Favorites
As we celebrate the New Year, the Desketeers take a moment to think about their favorite reads of 2006. Here, in no particular order, are our favorite books that we read last year.
| Lois' Picks | |
|---|---|
 Water for Elephants |
 The Worst Hard Time |
| Ruth's Fave |
|---|
 What is the What |
| Lynn Liked | |
|---|---|
Water for Elephants |
 Blue Shoes and Happiness |
 Team of Rivals |  My Life in France |
| Priscilla's Picks | |
|---|---|
 Miracle in the Andes |
 The Book Thief |
 Queen of the Big Time |
 The Thirteenth Tale |
 Brothers |
| Marianne's Faves | |
|---|---|
 March (by Geraldine Brooks, not E.L. Doctorow) |
 Mountains Beyond Mountains |
| Alison's Choice |
|---|
 The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid |
| Emily Liked | |
|---|---|
 Hope and Other Dangerous Pursuits |
 The Year of Magical Thinking |
| Marcy Recommends | |
|---|---|
 Leonardo's Swans |
 The Sultan's Harem |
 Snow Flower and the Secret Fan |
 For One More Day |
| Sarah Loved |
|---|
 The Kite Runner |
| Sally's Pick |
|---|
The Time Traveler's Wife |
Posted by EmilyW at 11:54 AM
December 01, 2006
December Staff Favorites
We think you would enjoy these festive books for the holiday season. Happy Holidays!
Fiction
Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans
The Christmas Secret by Anne Perry
The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry
Nonfiction
Christmas with Southern Living
Party Nuts!: 50 recipes for spicy, sweet, savory, and simply sensational nuts that will be the hit of any gathering
(we especially like the hot, peppered, candied walnuts)
and to go with the party nuts:
Holiday Cocktails
Click "comment" to tell us about your favorite holiday book!
Posted by EmilyW at 11:05 AM
November 01, 2006
November Staff Favorites
Since Election Day is November 7, the Desketeers would like to recommend some great political books. Stop by the Library to look at our display of other great political titles for both Elephants and Donkeys!
Fiction
The Last Hurrah by Edwin O'Connor
The Prodigal Daughter by Jeffrey Archer
Lost Lake by Phillip Margolin
Nonfiction
Eyewitness to Power by David Gergen
Hidden Power by Kati Marton
Bushworld by Maureen Dowd
Posted by EmilyW at 09:17 AM
October 02, 2006
October Staff Favorites
In honor of Halloween, the Desketeers would like to suggest several titles that are sure to send chills down your spine. Don't forget to check out our scary books display and bookmarks too!
Fiction
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Nonfiction
The Hot Zone by Richard Preston
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larsen
A Death in Belmont by Sebastian Junger
Posted by EmilyW at 02:19 PM