YOU BETTER READ!

She blinded me with science!

2012-01-25T12:53:00.000-08:00

We just received an interesting grouping of science books which will be heading to a shelf near you very soon. If you're a science buff - or just want to dip your toes in the H2O (so to speak) - here are some good choices:

* Alone in the Universe: Why Our Planet is Unique - John R. Gribbin
* The Case of the Poisonous Socks: Tales From Chemistry - Willliam H. Brock
* How to Build a Time Machine: The Real Science of Time Travel - Brian Clegg
* Why Can't Elephants Jump?: And 113 Other Tantalizing Science Questions Answered

Dangerous footwear, time machines, non-jumping elephants - who can pass up such intriguing titles?

It's been a long time

2012-01-04T16:46:00.000-08:00

My apologies for the dry spell with this blog. What with the holidays, moving to a different work location, and dislocating a finger, it's been a wild and woolly ride since November! Must say I'm rather glad to start a new year...

All of the recent change in my life has me thinking that maybe I need a little guidance in how to gracefully accept new experiences that aren't necessarily positive ones (graceful is the operative word here since I ungracefully fell in a parking lot and ended up changing the direction of my finger...). One title that has caught my eye is Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by brothers Chip and Dan Heath. Their words of wisdom can apply to work and personal time, and that's exactly what I need.

I hope that 2012 proves to be a good year for all of us, but if change is getting you down already, give this book a try.

2011-11-18T13:58:00.000-08:00

It may come as a surprise to some that not every motel in the world looks like Motel 6 or Holiday Inn. My childhood was filled with stays at Best Western, Ramada Inn, and similar establishments, and if a place had an indoor pool, that was exotic and special to me. I realize now that I had no idea what "exotic" meant. In Bed in a Tree: And Other Amazing Hotels Around the World I have learned that it is possible to make reservations at an ice hotel, a cave, a prison, an underwater resort, a tree house, and a wine barrel.

Caves and anything under water are definitely out for me (bats and sharks...need I say more?), but spending the night in an airplane, or the world's biggest beagle (located in Idaho, and don't worry - it's not a real beagle) might be interesting options for the Howard Johnson crowd.

Web design - online or on the wall?

2011-10-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted or needed to create a website? If so, here's a reminder that the library has many good books on web development. Here are a couple of recent titles:

* Build Your Own Website the Right Way Using HTML & CSS

* Creating a Website: The Book That Should Have Been in the Box (from the Missing Manual series)

If, instead, you're looking for ways to get rid of webs in your house, a feather duster is a good bet.

Cute alert!!

2011-10-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

Hold onto your skivvies because you're about to be hit by a tidal wave of cuteness! If you haven't heard of Boo and Maru yet, let me introduce you to two of the sweetest and fuzziest Internet sensations around. Boo is a pomeranian who looks just like the softest teddy bear ever, and he has over one million Facebook fans. Why? Because he's the WORLD'S CUTEST DOG! Don't believe me? Check out Boo: The Life of the World's Cutest Dog to find out for yourself. Can something that cute be for real, you wonder? Oh, yes!

Then there's Maru, a tubby Scottish Fold who absolutely adores jumping into boxes, drawers, and pretty much everything else. It doesn't matter if the object is too small - he thinks he can fit! His hilarious videos are everywhere on YouTube, and now there's a book that will make you positively squee with delight: I Am Maru.

Boo and Maru are plum full of cotton candy adorableness!

Short stories and beeswax

2011-09-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

What in the world happened to September?? My last posting was on the last day of August, and now it's the last day of September! Maybe I slipped into a time vortex...

Well, even if I haven't been very good about updating the blog for the past month, I have been reading some great books. I thought I would share two of them with you.

While I love reading novels, it isn't always easy for me to get through one in a timely manner. That's why short stories are so great. I'm making my way through a wonderfully quirky collection of stories entitled Tunneling to the Center of the Earth. The author, Kevin Wilson, offers interesting characters with strange jobs, odd behavior, and peculiar tendencies. Take the woman who works as a fake grandmother for families who no longer have grandparents, or whose grandparents are less than, shall we say, desirable. Or the three college grads who decide to dig a tunnel beneath a town - and end up living in the tunnel for several months. And wait till you meet the guy who works in a Scrabble factory and worries about spontaneous combustion. The stories may be weird and disquieting, but they all contain an element of plausibility.

The other book I've been enjoying this month is Confessions of a Bad Beekeeper: What Not to Do When Keeping Bees (With Apologies to My Own). I'm not a fan of stinging insects, but I am rather fascinated with the whole bee world. Without them, we'd be in a bit of a pollination pickle, and we've all heard the scary news about bee colonies collapsing. But how do bees and beekeepers do what they do? Bill Turnbull, a BBC journalist, decided to find out the answer to this question by joining his apiary brethren in the fine art of beekeeping. He has a very witty way about him, and even when describing serious bee stuff, he manages to make the whole process quite interesting. If you're curious about bee swarms, hive management, or what it's like to put on a beekeeper's outfit and discover a bee inside your veil, give this book a try.

2011-08-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

Last day of August.

Sigh.

I found myself trailing behind several school buses on the way to work this morning, and I couldn't help but feel like fall has unlocked the door and started to set up shop. By the looks of all the pears and apples in my tiny orchard, nature also has it in mind that autumn is around the corner. The question is: what to do with all the fruit? Some deer have been helping themselves (more power to 'em!), but I, too, need to take advantage of the bounty in my yard. Jams, pies, cider - these all sound good.

The Northwest has plenty of edible treats to offer, and a new cookbook offers tasty, tempting recipes for anyone interested in regional cooking. Northwest Essentials: Cooking with Ingredients That Define a Region's Cuisine is now available to check out from the library. From chapter 1 (Apples and Pears!) to chapter 11 (hazelnuts), you'll find delicious options for seafood, herbs, wild mushrooms and more. Bon appetit!

2011-08-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

I hear that we're supposed to reach the 90s tomorrow and Sunday - true summer weather at last! Of course, I'm already anticipating hearing people complain about it being too hot. I say, let's avoid the whole "it's too cold/too rainy/too hot" comments for once, and embrace the great opportunities Mother Nature provides for Northwest readers.

Find a cool place in front of a fan, or under a shade tree, and read some summery novels while enjoying the weekend's warm temperatures. No sweating required :o)

* Blackberry Summer - RaeAnne Thayne
* Firefly Summer - Maeve Binchy
* Honeysuckle Summer - Sherryl Woods
* The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott - Kelly O'Connor McNees
* My Jane Austen Summer: A Season in Mansfield Park - Cindy S. Jones
* Shadows of a Down East Summer: An Antique Print Mystery - Lea Wait
* The Summer of the Bear - Bella Pollen

How about a do-over?

2011-08-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or do others feel like the whole world needs a reboot? I find myself avoiding the news because I really don't want to hear about the latest country collapsing, or another freakish weather event destroying a town. If 2012 is when the plug gets pulled, I'd say recent events are sure starting to back up that theory.

It's undeniable that the world is in need of some major repairs. While there are many capable people out there who can fix some of our problems, I want everyone to be aware of those who can't. A new book, There, I Fixed It: No, You Didn't, created by the folks at the Cheezburger Network, should be required reading for anyone who thinks he's handy but isn't.

The book is filled with real photographs of "repairs," and trust me when I say that these "fixes" will induce guffaws and/or slack-jawed disbelief. You'll discover a wide spectrum of ineptitude in this literary gem, and once you see the creative albeit cockeyed uses of duct tape, glue, paper clips, and beer cans, you'll understand what a "kludge" is.

There's a web site too - www.thereifixedit.com. When I saw a MacGyver'd drinking fountain positioned above a bathroom toilet in an effort to recycle water (Yeah. Ick.), I figured, well, at least this person isn't trying to fix the economy. I hope.

Jules Verne would approve

2011-07-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of steampunk, hold onto your head because I have three - that's right, THREE - new titles with which to amaze you.

#1 - The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature by Jeff VanderMeer
   A veritable lollapalooza of steampunk information, this guide staggers the imagination.

#2 - Steampunk Emporium: Creating Fantastical Jewelry, Devices and Oddments From Assorted Cogs, Gears and Other Curios by Jema Hewitt
     Handmade steampunk trinkets are HOT right now, so check out this book and start being anachronistically creative!

#3 - Steampunk Softies: Scientifically Minded Dolls From a Past That Never Was by Sarah Skeate
     Make a few of these dolls, and I guarantee your friends will talk about you...but in a good way.

(p.s. if you like the image at the top of this posting, be sure to visit The Graphics Fairy)

Jane's at the library

2011-07-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

The new Vancouver Community Library will be having its' grand opening this Sunday. A grand opening ceremony starts at 1p., and the doors will be open to the public around 1:45p. I've been in the building many times during the construction process, and the final product is truly amazing. If you have the opportunity to stop by on Sunday, please do so. This is your library, and we're anxious to share it with you!

Are you a Jane Austen fan? So much has been written about her recently that you might be suffering an Austen burnout. But there's a new book out that offers a little different perspective (and no, I'm not talking about the weird mashup trend started with "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies"). A Jane Austen Education: How Six Novels Taught Me About Love, Friendship, and the Things That Really Matter is written by a Jane Austen scholar who didn't think the Romantic author would ever interest him. But she did - enough to make him write a dissertation about her. His book has received several favorable reviews, and I think I'm going to take some time to read it. Nothing plain Jane about it.

Northwest shines in summer reads

2011-06-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

I came across an article from the Seattle Times that focuses on mysteries and thrillers with a Northwest bent, and I thought I would share it on this blog. Books with a regional setting - especially ours - are perennially popular with library patrons. We own all but one of the titles mentioned in the article, and that one will soon be on order. Here is a link to the Seattle Times piece, and if you're so inclined to try one of the titles, click on it below and place a hold from the convenience of your couch...lawn chair...tub...wherever you may happen to be.

Bodily Harm - Robert Dugoni
Disturbed - Kevin O'Brien (not yet on order, but coming soon!)
House Justice - Mike Lawson
Killing Rocks - D.D. Barant
The King's Mistress - Emma Campion
Sheer Folly - Carola Dunn
Still Missing - Chevy Stevens

One of my favorite authors - Diane Ackerman

2011-06-21T15:22:00.000-07:00

Imagine not being able to ask for something as simple as a glass of water; or knowing that the object you're looking at is a chair, but all you can say is "mem" - "mem, mem, mem" for everything. That's what happened to Paul West, author, language maven, and husband of Diane Ackerman. Diane's husband had been in the hospital fighting a kidney infection ,when in one cruel instant, a massive stroke ripped away all that Paul and Diane cherished as authors and lovers of language. Much like a lightning bolt striking a transformer, the stroke essentially "fried" the wiring in Paul's brain, leaving him physically disabled (right hand partially curled and unresponsive, impaired vision, unsteady gait), but perhaps most frustrating of all, communicatively frozen. I know that reading about a tragic event such as a stroke can be difficult, but trust me when I say that this is one of the most beautifully written biographies I have ever read. You may recognize Diane Ackerman as the celebrated author of such books as The Zookeeper's Wife, An Alchemy of Mind, and A Natural History of the Senses among others. Fans of Ms. Ackerman already know how magically she weaves a story, and she does not disappoint in this latest memoir. Set aside some time to read about how Paul and Diane work together to "rewire" his brain, discovering along the way that there really are One Hundred Names for Love.

Dust off your suitcase

2011-06-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

The term "staycation" has become very popular over the last couple of years. After all, traveling can be expensive, and a downturn in the economy usually means a downturn in extracurricular activities...unless they're cheap. Well, if you've been doing the staycation thing and find that the "hipness" of it is wearing a bit thin, don't despair. National Geographic has just published The 100 Best Affordable Vacations, and it really does offer some unique ideas for budget-minded travelers. Perhaps this is the summer to see how many waterfalls you can visit, or trek on down to Elko, Nevada to listen to cowboys wax poetic at a cowboy poetry festival. A fan of county fairs? Why not jazz up that corn dog craving by attending county fairs in other states! The official start of summer is right around the corner, so don't delay those travel plans. Check out this book, pack your bags, and get ready to start singing "On the road again!"

Grumble, grumble...

2011-05-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to find a happy place with all of this damp, gray weather, but it's hard, people, it's very hard. In fact, it's down right annoying. And that's why I want to highlight Annoying: The Science of What Bugs Us by Joe Palca and Flora Lichtman. I'm not sure if long stretches of sunless days should be called annoying or diabolical, but if you have things that irritate you, this book will explain why they do. Fingernails on the chalkboard? Check. Mosquitos? Check. Wobbly wheels on grocery carts? Double check. I suppose people who get whiny about the weather could be considered annoying, too, so I'll try to be better and appreciate the webs growing between my toes... :o(

In the news...at the library

2011-05-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

The library has many good books about current events, and I want to highlight a few recent arrivals.

The Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate Change: A Complete Visual Guide - if you have an interest in all things weather-related (and boy, the last couple of years have been jam-packed with weather events), this fascinating book has enough to satisfy any climate enthusiast

The Longest War: The Enduring Conflict Between American and al-Qaeda - this book was written before Osama bin Laden's death, but it offers insight and depth into al-Qaeda from the viewpoint of a western journalist. Well-written account of a subject affecting all of us.

Outrageous Fortunes: The Twelve Surprising Trends That Will Reshape the Global Economy - the author, Daniel Altman, is a professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, and he does a bit of prognosticating on future economic factors. We don't yet know if his analysis will be correct, but it might be interesting to come back to his book several years from now and see if he was on target.

Seal Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy Seal Sniper - though much in the news lately, Seal Team Six is pretty mysterious to most Americans. This timely title will definitely reveal more about this military team's counterterrorism and counterinsurgency tasks.

"Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine" Robert C. Gallagher

2011-05-05T16:05:00.000-07:00

If you've been following this blog for very long, you'll notice some big changes. Yes, I changed the template (just a wee bit tired of the yellow and green polka dots), and my blog partner, Captain Criticism, has had to fold up her blogging cape in order to focus on all of the other crazy busy library stuff she does. So, I'm going it alone, dear readers!

Getting used to something new - a new job, a new school, a blog without Captain Criticism - can be pretty daunting. As a way to acknowledge how tough change can be, I'm going to recommend a picture book for anyone feeling a bit adrift. Say Hello to Zorro! by Carter Goodrich shows how hard change is when Bud, a dog with a happy but strict routine, learns that Zorro - a pug with his own routine and attitude - is joining the family. With equally charming illustrations and text, the reader can't help but be tickled at the two canines' dogmatic approach to daily life. Will Bud and Zorro be able to get along? No unhappy endings here, but read the book to find out how these furry fellows work things out.

2011-04-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited to announce that starting this Sunday, May 1, I'll be contributing a weekly book review to The Columbian newspaper. The library has had a presence in the Life section of the Sunday newspaper for some time now, with a small listing of new titles in several categories. This will continue, along with a short book review about a title I find interesting. This is thrilling on several levels because A) the library will continue to have a regular spot in the paper which means great press for FVRL; B) it's an opportunity to expand the blog's audience, and to bring in new readers to the library; and, on a very personal level, C) I love to write, so I get to do even more of what I love! Looking forward to sharing great books with blog and newspaper readers alike!

What do used Band-Aids and clowns have in common?

2011-04-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

I am a crazy, cat lady. Really, I am. But, as crazy as I am about felines, there is a type of cat that actually creeps me out a bit. That would be the hairless variety. I feel bad admitting this because on my personal scale of most adorable animals in the world, cats absolutely blow the competition away. Except for the hairless ones. I bring this up because there's a new book out called Creepiosity: A Hilarious Guide to the Unintentionally Creepy, and there's a big, hairless cat on its cover. Now, I realize that hairless cats might be your cup of tea, but I'll bet you'll find at least one image in this quirky, albeit somewhat disturbing, book that qualifies as down right creepy. How about lifelike baby dolls? Used Band-Aids? Fish with people faces? CLOWNS?? (ok, including clowns is almost a cliche in the arena of creepiness, but they have to be there. Trust me.) The author also has a web site (www.creepiosity.com), so if the book just isn't enough for you, I guarantee that the online version will have you saying "gaah" more than once.

Feeling cooped up?

2011-04-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

You've heard about the "dog days" of summer. Well, I've decided to launch a new term for April: the "chicken days" of spring. Why would I do this? I happen to live next door to some chickens, who are always busy doing chicken stuff, and right now all of the stores are displaying Easter items, which means lots of yellow chicks, so it just seems natural that this time of year be devoted to poultry. And I'll bet you're asking yourself right now, how can I be a part of the "chicken days?" Well, now, it just so happens that the library is a pretty good place to learn about chicks (of the fuzzy, bird variety, that is). We have lots of books about raising chickens, and a new one, entitled Chick Days, sounds perfect for beginners. Get ready to learn how to take care of the feathered ladies by following the adventures of Amelia, Tilda, and Honey, and before you know it, you'll be having a hentastic time raising your own cluckers.

What goes in, must come out

2011-04-06T15:29:00.000-07:00

It's amazing (and disturbing) what gets ingested, either accidentally, or on purpose. Thanks to an early 20th century laryngologist named Dr. Chevalier Jackson, who developed a safe method of removing swallowed objects, and who decided to keep what he removed (yeah, I know), we have an inside view (well, more like an outside one now, right?), of one man's contribution to the medical profession. Swallow: Foreign Bodies, Their Ingestion, Inspiration, and the Curious Doctor Who Extracted Them by Mary Cappello presents the captivating story of how an eccentric medical pioneer saved lives...and safety pins, coins, thumb tacks, miniature opera glasses, and much, much more. And if, after reading the book, you decide you'd like to see Dr. Jackson's objects in person, consider paying a visit to The College of Physicians of Philadelphia's Mutter Museum.

Eeewww...

2011-03-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

I wasn't going to write about this book because it gives me the heebie-jeebies, but the subject matter has been in the news a lot. And if something is in the news, it usually doesn't take long for someone to say, "hey, I should write a book about that!" I just didn't think I'd see a book devoted to......wait for it......bed bugs. Sure, they've been around, well, since forever, and it's unlikely they'll ever make the endangered list, but what's with the big bed bug uprising?? Have they secretly been gathering strength, hiding in microscopic bed bug caves, just waiting for the right moment to completely gross out the human race, in turn causing ordinarily sane travelers to carry sleeping bags and bug spray to hotels? Well, if you want to know more about this very creepy infestation happening right under our, well, our sleeping bodies (eeewww!), read The Bed Bug Book: The Complete Guide to Prevention and Extermination. "Don't let the bed bugs bite" never sounded so ominous...

Something to crow about

2011-03-24T10:18:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Brave New World author, Aldous Huxley, wrote a children's story? I didn't, at least not until a friend, who knows how much I love picture books, pointed it out on a cart of recently arrived titles. It's called The Crows of Pearblossom, and I was completely charmed by it. Warm and fuzzy it is not - a snake keeps eating Mrs. Crow's eggs, and with the help of Wise Old Owl, Mr. Crow brings about the snake's demise in a rather grim fashion - but Huxley's wit shines through, and the illustrations, created by Sophie Blackall, delightfully capture both the witty and edgy tone of this tale.

"To have great poets, there must be great audiences." Walt Whitman

2011-03-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

April is National Poetry Month, and knowing how incredibly popular and important poetry is to all of us (if you're shaking your head right now, please don't shatter my illusions; I may be deluded, but I'm very earnest), I thought I had better get an early start by "waxing poetic" in March. Thinking about what poet and/or poem to read in preparation for April can be a daunting task, so I want to help out by sharing a link from The Guardian. Jay Parini, author, professor, and devotee of all things poetic, lists his choices for the ten best American poems. Now, while there are links to the poems in the Guardian article, I want to remind you, dear reader, that the library has a plethora of poetry books, including one particular volume that contains most of the poems mentioned by Mr. Parini: The Oxford Book of American Poetry. Poems are like potato chips: you can't read just one (or ten, in this case). So, you're better off checking out the Oxford anthology. Actually, poems are better than potato chips. How? No crumbs, just lingering images.

She's odd, he's even

2011-03-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

I think it must be really hard to write a novel. I've never done it, mainly because every time I start something with the assumption that it will turn into a NOVEL, it either dribbles away into short story obscurity, or I go to sleep at night wondering, "you really want to keep this going for another 300 pages?" Imagine then how difficult it would be to write a novel with someone else. Someone who you used to date. An "ex." And, not a close "ex." Well, Lisa Lutz, the author of the very fun and funny Spellman books has collaborated with an ex-boyfriend to produce Heads You Lose. Alternating chapters (look at my blog heading), Lisa Lutz and David Hayward come together to write a mystery centered around Lacey and Paul Hansen, siblings who grow marijuana, find a headless corpse on their property, and disagree about, well, just about everything as they try to solve the crime. The humor you liked so much in the Spellman books is here, too, and in case you're feeling skeptical about the real-life relationship between Lisa and David, check out this funny book trailer.

Fulfilling a dream

2011-03-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

I recently watched a new dvd called They Came to Play, and if you've ever played the piano and wondered what it would be like to participate in the famous Van Cliburn piano competition, you'll appreciate this very entertaining dvd. There's a bit of a twist, though; these are not professional pianists, dedicating every minute of every day to their passion in hopes of becoming the next Arthur Rubinstein or Lang Lang. This dvd focuses on the International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs hosted by the Van Cliburn Foundation, and I guarantee you'll be absolutely wowed by the performances. From a tennis teacher to an ophthalmologist, these "amateurs" follow their dreams of winning a prestigious piano competition. It just might make you want to practice a bit harder.

For all you Wallace & Gromit fans

2011-02-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

If you've never looked at bunnies quite the same way after watching "Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit," you just might enjoy checking out at this new book: Wallace & Gromit: Cracking Contraptions Manual. In the style of a Haynes car manual, you'll find blueprints, cutaway drawings, and notes of some of Wallace's most creative inventions. Remember the bed launcher? Or the porridge cannon? They're all here in cracking good detail.

Getting away from it all ...

2011-02-14T15:34:00.000-08:00

Feeling the need for a break from work/family/life? A new book is out that just might help you escape all of that reality you have to face each and every day.

For your armchair traveling pleasure, I offer The Atlas of Remote Islands: Fifty Islands I Have Never Set Foot On and Never Will by Judith Schalansky. The author, who grew up in East Germany, could not leave the country, so she traveled the world by atlas, and she became fascinated with islands - especially the remote kind. Writing in a type of cartographic poetry, she delights the reader with her prose, as well as her own, beautifully drawn illustrations. If you're unable to visit an island in person, you'll still experience "island time" by ambling through this charming book.

A few titles for your viewing pleasure

2011-01-20T14:24:00.000-08:00

Since it's going to be a while before Spring arrives, and many of us are staying indoors, this is a good time to check out dvds from the library. We have a wide variety of subjects available, from how to install ceramic tile to how to play a ukulele, and many operas, plays and classic books made into films are just waiting to entertain you. New titles come in all the time, and here are a few recent arrivals:

Colossal Squid (squid creep me out, but if you're fascinated by gigantic, tentacled sea creatures, go have fun with this one; personally, I prefer Squiddly Diddly, and if you remember this cartoon character, you definitely weren't born yesterday)

National Geographic's Great Migrations (narrated by Alec Baldwin, this amazing series aired recently on the National Geographic Channel, and when you hear the phrase "eye candy," I'm pretty sure this three volume set qualifies)

President's Photographer: Fifty Years Inside the Oval Office (another National Geographic title, this dvd offers a unique look into the presidency through the lens of Pete Souza, the chief White House photographer for President Obama)

January blahs...

2011-01-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

Let's face it. January can be a long month. Sure, a new year has started, and that's pretty exciting, but once the celebrations have ended, there's a whole lotta January left (31 days for pete's sake!). This kind of situation calls for books that rev up the heart and brain, and I would like to offer two suggestions.

You may not think that subatomic particles are particularly hair-raising, but if you touch a doorknob and get a zap, odds are some hair follicles will wake up. Want to know more about the "ins and outs" of electrical current but don't want a physics degree to understand it? Electricity Experiments You Can Do at Home to the rescue! The beauty of this book is that instead of a dry narrative about electrons, protons, ions, and any other "ons" involved in electrical charges, you'll find a plethora of interesting experiments you can conduct at home ("conduct" - ha!). Fill long, winter days with sparks and volts - brilliant!

Ok, amperes and voltage may not dispel the January blahs for you, but delivering fierce kicks just might. Check out Essential Book of Martial Arts Kicks, and get ready to learn how to devastate attackers with the back ghost lift kick, the rear leg drop roundhouse kick, or the 360 spin crescent kick. And ninja warriors will have nothing on you once you master the hand-on-the-floor side kick. Learn well, grasshopper.

To the moon, Alice!

2010-12-22T21:00:00.000-08:00

Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse from William Castleman on Vimeo.

I didn't get to see the lunar eclipse the other night, and maybe you didn't either. Well, here's a chance to view the event in less than 3 minutes thanks to timelapse video. And in case you want to know more about our lunar pal, we have many interesting books such as Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11. So, watch the video, read a book, and ask yourself, is the moon really made of cheese?

Elizabeth Edwards, 1949-2010

2010-12-08T14:42:00.000-08:00

Sad to hear of Elizabeth Edwards' passing yesterday. If you would like to know more about the estranged wife of former Presidential candidate, John Edwards, the library has two titles written by her: Resilience: Reflections on the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life's Adversities and Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength from Friends and Strangers.

Best Books of the Year

2010-12-03T19:34:00.000-08:00

Last week the New York Times came out with their annual list of 100 notable books of the year. The list includes 50 fiction and 50 nonfiction titles, and the library owns many of them. My "to read" list includes: Four Fish: the future of the last wild food by Paul Greenburg, The Wave: in pursuit of the rogues, freaks, and giants of the ocean by Susan Casey, and How to live safely in a science fictional universe by Charles Yu.

"We never the know the worth of water till the well is dry" - Thomas Fuller, 1654-1734

2010-11-29T13:02:00.000-08:00

Funny what you take for granted. Such as water. For those of us Northwesterners on the west side of the mountains, water is pretty much a constant. There's the rain (of course), lakes, rivers, and creeks abound, and if the Columbia River isn't enough of a reminder that water makes us who we are, just travel a couple of hours to the west, and booyah, there's the good ol' Pacific Ocean. Yet, this weekend I found myself feeling a bit like the mythological figure, Tantalus. Why? The pump on our well decided to quit on Friday (I do give thanks that it waited until the day after Thanksgiving), and suddenly water became the most important thing EVER. It was everywhere but where we needed it the most. No way to fix it until Monday, so "water on the brain" took on a whole new meaning this past weekend. All of this leads me to point out that the library has several books on wells, and yes, septic systems too, and the Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook might come in handy for those of us not on city water. And if you need to be reminded about the woes of Tantalus, consider checking out A Brief Guide to the Greek Myths by Stephen Kershaw. May water and food always be within reach.

Hedy Lamarr

2010-11-15T14:43:00.000-08:00

There are many biographies popping up this season, and, of course, big names are everywhere. If you want to read about a movie star but would like something a bit more, well, meaty, try Beautiful: The Life of Hedy Lamarr by Stephen Shearer. She may not be a household name these days, but her life story is probably one of the most fascinating celebrity reads out there. For instance, how many female movie icons do you know who can also put "inventor" on their resumes? Ms. Lamarr was a key figure in the creation of an early technique for spread spectrum communications. If you're like me, whose first thought was "what??," you'll be amazed to learn that she helped to co-invent technology we use in Wi-Fi and cell phones. And she was a damn good actress, too. Wow!

What's buggin' ya?

2010-11-08T09:39:00.000-08:00

I can tell you what's bugging me - bugs. I don't mind bugs so much when they're outside; after all, that's where they're supposed to be. But when they start coming inside, and somehow seem to think that the inside of my house is where it's at, baby, I become seriously annoyed. Especially spiders...because they're from Planet X. But I'm not talking about spiders this time. This year appears to be the year of the beetle. At least, I think that's what they are. To be sure, though, I need to check out a book on insects, such as Insects of the Pacific Northwest. I don't know if it will tell me why these "beetles" sometimes congregate as trios (as shown in the photo). Perhaps it symbolizes some sort of communication with a great, beetle god? I suppose I'll never know. And last year I had a mini-invasion of ladybugs which, I have to say, was pretty cute. Until I realized I couldn't possibly hand-carry each one back outside, and then, some time later, I had to deal with a lot of ladybug carcasses. I don't need that kind of angst.

Two new cat books - wowee!

2010-10-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

Another cat book, you ask? Yes! And not just one, but TWO cat books! So, for all you dog people out there, please see my blog from Oct.6 (I really do write about other animals...once in a while...)

Most cat people I know wish they could read their feline's mind, or at least be able to translate what "meow, meow" vs. "mowwrrrr" means. This book may not make you the next Dr. Doolittle, but it might help shed some hair, er, light on what your whiskered, four-legged kids are thinking. Take a look at The Secret Life of Your Cat: Unlock the Mysteries of Your Pet's Behaviour by Vicky Halls for insider tips on why Mr.Cuddles attacks your legs as you walk by, or why the neighbor's cat, Brutus, comes through your pet door and terrorizes your boys, Pete and Repeat. You just might learn that cats can be strange creatures, which leads into ----

Cats Are Weird and More Observations by Jeffrey Brown. This is Mr. Brown's second book of cartoons about cats (the library also has Cat Getting Out of a Bag), and it's just as funny as his first book. He manages to capture all the quirky cat things that cats do (sudden spaz attacks, licking odd objects like shoes and plastic bags), and each drawing represents something that every cat-o-phile can relate to. Enjoy!

It's the little things

2010-10-18T13:49:00.000-07:00

If you're the kind of person who likes history with a twist, I have a title that will definitely twist the way you think about certain historical events. Napoleon's Hemorrhoids: And Other Small Events That Changed History offers fascinating food for thought on numerous "what ifs" in, yes, history, but also politics, science, and a whole bunch of other stuff. For instance, did you know a cat was behind Eli Whitney's invention of the cotton gin? No foolin'! Apparently Mr. Whitney observed a cat clawing at a dead chicken and getting only the feathers. The proverbial light bulb went off, and he devised a revolving cylinder with nails that pulled the cotton through little, slotted holes. No wonder cats expect reverence from humans - without them, we might still be wearing grass skirts and coconut shells. And if Napoleon hadn't suffered from raging hemorrhoids, he might have been able to ride his horse and better survey the Battle of Waterloo. Defeated by a sore butt - kind of gives new meaning to "ring of fire"...

Every dog has his day

2010-10-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

If you've followed this blog for very long, you know what a crazy cat lady I am. But I have a soft spot for dogs too, and a new book, A Small Furry Prayer: Dog Rescue and the Meaning of Life, is a must read for any animal lover. It isn't an easy read (as any pet owner knows, the loss of a pet can be devastating), and because it's about rescue dogs, life at the author's sanctuary, Rancho de Chihuahua, isn't all about warm, fuzzy beds and dog treats. Despite the tragedy of some of his dogs' backgrounds, Steven Kotler manages to lift his spirits, and the reader's, with his descriptions of humanitarianism at its very best.

Wild blue yonder

2010-09-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

I just got back from attending the air races in Reno, NV. Each September aviation enthusiasts come from all over the world to watch or participate in the ultimate venue for pure, raw horsepower. Whether you're into World War II warbirds or the latest in military technology, the air races offer something for every airplane nut. Of course, the Northwest has its own share of aviation history. Where would aviation be without Boeing? Check out Boeing Field to find out how Boeing became the giant it is today. And if you can't make it to Reno, don't fret - the library has some dvds that showcase a variety of airplanes. The Aviation Library is a fine place to start, and you won't even have to fight the crowds to get a good seat.

Ready for Football Season

2010-09-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of the NFL, so I was interested to take a look at the new book by Drew Brees, Coming back stronger : unleashing the hidden power of adversity.
The book is the inspirational story of how he came back from a severe shoulder injury to lead the New Orleans Saints to the Super Bowl. A great book for football fans, and those who cheer for the underdogs in life.

The quick, brown fox jumps over...

2010-08-31T14:05:00.000-07:00

It's the last day of August and that can mean only one thing - thirty days has September, April, June and November, all the rest...uh...something, something, thirty-one. As you can see, I can never remember the rest of that catchy memory aid, and I know I'm not the only one. I don't usually suggest kid titles in this blog, but whenever I see the word "September," and I automatically start bopping my head to "thirty days has ...," and then I think "doh! why can't I remember the rest??," I think it's time to offer a very useful title that readers of all ages can appreciate. Appropriately enough, the title is Thirty Days Has September: Cool Ways to Remember Stuff. It's full of helpful tips to remember a cornucopia of basic information: from the above calendar jingle to easy and fun ways to recall your times tables (sound silly? well, what if the electricity went out and the battery in your calculator died, and you needed to figure out pronto what 9 x 12 equals? not so silly now, is it?) So, if you need to impress your niece who's majoring in astronomy, dazzle her by rattling off the correct order of the planets from the sun. How? By remembering "my very excited mother just served us nachos" - hold the guacamole.

Quiz time

2010-08-24T09:29:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of Ray Bradbury, you may already know that he is turning 90 this week. But how well do you know his books? The Guardian newspaper has put together a short quiz about some of his famous works, so here's your chance to rev up some brain cells and test how much you remember about Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles, and others.

Where art thou, Shakespeare?

2010-08-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

For all you language lovers out there, the folks at the Oxford English Dictionary have just announced over 2000 new words to be added to the beloved tome. Some of the new entries? Hold onto your head: vuvuzela, bromance, staycation, buzzkill, cheeseball (not the edible kind), defriend, tweetup, bargainous (you have GOT to be kidding about this one!), overleveraged, quantitative easing (huh??), frenemy, and my personal favorite, chillax. So, if you've just been defriended after becoming overleveraged, arrange a tweetup with someone other than a frenemy or a buzzkill, plan a staycation that doesn't involve any vuvuzelas, and chillax about that bromance your uncle is having - at least he isn't suffering from hikikomori.

Can writing make you rich?

2010-08-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

Forbes has come out with a list of the top ten highest paid authors. No surprises here - just proves that readers love thrillers, romance and vampires. Maybe I should write a book about a vampire lawyer (some would say they already exist) who falls in love with a possessed cat, and together they solve international crimes against the living dead. I could even throw in a wise and bespectacled professor who offers sage advice to the vampire / feline duo as they struggle with their unconventional romance. It could work...

New art books

2010-08-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

Today I was walking by a cart of books in the process of being cataloged, and my eye was caught by two titles: Japanese Woodblock Prints by Andreas Marks and Botany for the Artist by Sarah Simblet. Both are beautiful books, and whether you're an artist or you just like looking at lovely pictures, there is plenty of eye candy to satisfy everyone.

To text or not to text?

2010-08-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have to confess something - I don't understand the obsession with texting. I can chalk it up to my age, but I know plenty of texters who are older than me. I could say I'm not a fan of mobile devices, but my Droid phone is pretty darn cool. Perhaps what really annoys me the most about texting is the deterioration of a basic human function - vocal conversation. I say "vocal" because I know lots of people will argue that texting is conversation. Ok, maybe so. But when I go out to dinner and see a family sitting at a table with mobile devices in hand, and about the only time a word is uttered is when the server stops by, I just feel sad. When a friend told me that she had gone out to eat with family she hadn't seen in a long time, she felt like the kid who sees others passing a note but isn't included. Why? With the exception of one other person at the table, everyone else texted throughout the entire meal. Were they texting business associates, friends, roommates? No, they were texting each other at the table. I wonder, if a device runs out of power during this dinner, will the ability to engage in a face-to-face conversation kick in?

I suppose I shouldn't worry about future generations and how they will communicate with each other. As one author points out, texting is just another step in the evolution of communication. Whether you're into texting or not, check out Txting: the Gr8 Db8 by David Crystal. He feels more positive about the whole text messaging phenomenon than I do, and I find that reassuring...for now.

This Time Together

2010-07-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

Carol Burnett has a new book out called This time together: laughter and reflection. I am listening to the audio version and it is read by the author which adds something special to the experience. She recounts some of her favorite stories from her life and her experiences on television. I laughed out loud several times as I listened to this one during my commute. I really recommend it!

Harvey Pekar

2010-07-13T14:18:00.000-07:00

Harvey Pekar, the author of the classic comic book series and subsequent graphic novels, American Splendor, has passed away. His works are often filled with lonely, depressed characters, somehow managing to just get through life day by day. A film was made of American Splendor, with actor Paul Giamatti expertly portraying Pekar's sad-sack personality. We have several of his titles in the library's collection, including Studs Terkel's Working: A Graphic Adaptation and The Beats: A Graphic History.

Time for poetry

2010-07-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Library of Congress just announced that W.S. Merwin is the 2010-2011 U.S. poet laureate. We have many of his titles in the collection, so this is a good time to peruse the Dewey 800s - they need love too, you know.

Roses are red
Green is a lime
Merwin's much better
Than this silly rhyme

Piece of cake

2010-06-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

I just love the title of Aimee Bender's latest book - The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake. It has been receiving quite a bit of press which has resulted in heavy demand, so if you're on the waiting list for it, you might want to check out Aimee's web site, www.flammableskirt.com. She has done some very creative things on her site, including fun graphics, writing exercises, links to interviews, etc. The library has her previous titles (as of this morning, two titles have holds, but The Secret Society of Demolition Writers and The Girl in the Flammable Skirt had copies available), so you might want to take a dip into one of these titles while waiting for Lemon Cake. Ok, the more I say "lemon cake," the more I'm starting to crave lemon cake. Books that make you want to eat - that could be an interesting list...

Job hunting tools

2010-06-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Having a hard time finding a job in this economy? The library is a great resource for job help, and if you haven't yet taken a look at the "Get Job Help @ Your Library" link on the library's home page, take a moment to click on it, and you'll discover several options to assist you in your job search. In addition, the library has lots of books on this topic, and, in fact, we just received two new job hunting guides that sound especially good.

Get a Great Job When You Don't Have a Job by Marky Stein

101 Best Ways to Land a Job in Troubled Times by Jay A. Block

What thriller authors are saying...

2010-06-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

All Things Considered on NPR is running a new series called "Thrilled to Death," where established thriller authors are coming on the air to talk about books they love. Scott Turow was recently interviewed, and do you know what he chose to talk about? The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene, a book I read a long time ago but often thought I'd like to read again. Another Greene title I'd like to read is The Quiet American. I saw the movie starring Michael Caine - which I enjoyed - but reading the book will be a different experience, I'm sure. The NPR series should be an interesting glimpse into the reading tastes of some of our favorite authors.

New titles!

2010-06-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

Many new titles are working their way through the cataloging department, and here are just a few:

- Roman Blood by Steven Saylor
- The Anniversary Man by Roger Jon Ellory
- Arm Candy by Jill Kargman
- Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson
- Just Let Me Lie Down: Necessary Terms for the Half-Insane Working Mom by Kristin Van Ogtrop
- Murder in the High Himalaya: Loyalty, Tragedy, and Escape from Tibet by Jonathan Green

Seaworthy

2010-06-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

Linda Greenlaw is back with another memoir and she will be speaking at Powell's bookstore tomorrow evening, June 8th, at 7:30pm. This one is called Seaworthy, and it is about her return to being a swordboat captain.

Greenlaw first became well known when she was mentioned in the book The Perfect Storm by Sebastian Junger. She has written several books including, The Hungry Ocea n, and All Fishermen are liars .

Aw, come on!

2010-06-04T16:46:00.000-07:00

I told myself I wouldn't complain about the rain because I know I live in the Northwest, and every person outside of the Northwest says we're all about the rain, and the rain is why it's so beautiful and our surroundings are something to be envied...but...but...biting my rain-soaked tongue...

Ok, every cloud has a...well, another cloud behind it...no, no, no, a silver lining, and the lining in this case happens to be books. Rain doesn't stop us Northwesterners from doing things, but it does provide an excellent opportunity for reading. And there are two books that I think can provide a form of pseudo-sun-therapy. Humor Me: An Anthology of Funny Contemporary Writing (Plus Some Great Old Stuff Too) is edited by Ian Frazier, a writer for The New Yorker, and a very funny guy himself. This collection includes funny stuff from Roy Blount, Jr., David Sedaris, Steve Martin, Calvin Trillin, and more, and if these writers can't induce a few yucks, well, then, mercy me.

The other title, I Know I Am, But What Are You? is by Daily Show correspondent, Samantha Bee (she's dressed like a bee on the cover which seems a little obvious to me, but hey, if my last name was Cat, I'd probably wear whiskers). Her essays can be a little edgy (meaning, if you're expecting clean, Art Linkletter-like humor, don't go here), but she definitely has an interesting take on life.

"They don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us" - Miss Maudie

2010-05-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

This summer will be 50 years since To Kill a Mockingbird was published. A new book, Scout, Atticus, and Boo: A Celebration of Fifty Years of To Kill a Mockingbird, which will be published next month, asks writers and celebrities what influence Harper Lee's "novel of the century" had on their lives. I'm ordering this title soon, and in the meantime, you may want to check out a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird - we have both the book and the oscar-winning movie. Ms. Lee's work is a true rarity, in my opinion - both the novel and the film are masterpieces.

Nice

2010-05-21T16:39:00.000-07:00

If you've searched the library's catalog recently, you may have noticed something new. In addition to seeing where a book is located and whether or not it's available to check out, you can now see "read alikes," and the coolest of all, if a book is part of a series, you'll be able to see the other titles in the series, in the order in which they were written! All of this added information is thanks to an electronic product called Novelist (which the library subscribes to and is accessible from library computers or your home computer). I'm pretty excited about this for two very important reasons: 1) the fabulous series listing I mentioned above, and 2) if a book is checked out, you don't necessarily have to go away empty-handed because the "read alikes" section will suggest similar titles. Reading titles in order, and expanding your reading horizon....priceless.

"Vancouver, Vancouver, this is it!" - vulcanologist David Johnston's last message

2010-05-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

Can it really be 30 years since Mt. St. Helens erupted? I wasn't living in the Northwest at that time, so I don't have a "where were you when it blew" story. But I'll never forget the first time I saw the mountain up close - there's a point on the road where you come around a corner, and all of a sudden it looks like you've landed on another planet. The change really is that drastic, and when you consider the enormity of the devastation, you can't help but be in complete awe of the way Mother Nature is reclaiming the scarred landscape.

We have lots of books about this famous volcano (both pre and post eruption), and if you want to browse the shelves, a good call number to remember is 551.2109 (this isn't the only place where you'll find Mt. St. Helens books, but it's a good place to start). Thanks to Iceland, volcanoes have had a big presence in the news these days - let's just hope that our mountains remain "sleeping" for a long, long time.

Thank you!

2010-05-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long absence from the blog. I have a good excuse, but excuses sound lame, so my sincere apologies, and here we go...

As my dad likes to say, sometimes good, old-fashioned percussive maintenance fixes the problem. True, but the power of a well-written thank you note cannot be overlooked (just go with me here...) I know what you're thinking, you're probably saying to yourself, "yeah, but my thank you notes are boring because I always say the same thing, and clever e-thanks are just a click away, so why bother?" Ok, I'm going to get a little crotchety now - an electronic, canned message with barking bunnies and hopping puppies (well, you know what I mean) can NEVER replace a handwritten note (harrumph, harrumph). If the pressure to dazzle someone with real, live, written words causes a rash, then may I suggest an alternative: make the card yourself, and the brevity of the message won't matter because your thoughtful craftiness will astonish and warm the heart of the recipient. And you know what? There's a perfect book for you: Thank You Notes by Jan Stephenson Kelly. Don't worry - you can thank me later (with a beautiful, handmade note...)

New titles about....what?

2010-04-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

So, I was checking out some of the recent arrivals here in the technical services department, and I came across two titles that made me realize how much I don't know. First title: The Definitive Guide to Plone by Maurizio Delmonte. Now, I'm sure there's a whole gamut of people out there who know exactly what this book is about, but I wasn't one of them. Plone??? Could it be a misspelling? (phone, maybe? But wouldn't it be The Definitive Guide to the Phone instead of ...Guide to Phone? kind of takes on an all-powerful aura without that little article...) And then as if that title wasn't worth a double-take, here comes the second title: The Quick Python Book by Vernon Lee Ceder. Ok, hold on now, is a quick book necessary? I can just imagine the conversation at a book store:
"Sir, may I help you?"
"Yes, I need something quick about a python."
"Oh, well let's rush over to the reptile section."
Customer and employee survey snake books. "See anything that looks good?" winded employee asks.
"Well, these all look pretty long. Isn't there anything shorter?"
"Yes, of course there is...let me just pull out The Quick Python Book!!"

Then I took a closer look at the cover, and instead of a large snake staring back at me, I found a drawing of an oddly dressed woman. Ok, something's amiss, I thought to myself, so I opened it up, along with the mysterious Plone book, and you know what I discovered? The world of computers has so passed me by. Who knew python is a computer programming language, and plone is a type of open source software? Oh, my aching head...(still not sure what an oddly dressed woman has to do with Python, but I'm just not going to worry about that...)

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

I'm home from work, sitting at my computer, and I'm looking out the window at an incredible view... the earth is so awesome. This weekend sounds like it will be good for yard work, and if you're like me, and love to play in the dirt but don't always have the knack for tending Mother Nature's bounty, this book might offer some welcome assistance: How to Cheat at Gardening and Yard Work: Shameless Tricks for Growing Radically Simple Flowers, Veggies, Lawns, Landscaping, and More. Rock on, planet earth!

Philip Gulley

2010-04-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

Philip Gulley has a new book out called, "If the church were Christian: rediscovering the values of Jesus." Gulley is a Quaker minister from small town Indiana very near my own hometown. Our library system owns many of his titles. I'm particularly fond of "Porch Talk: stories of decency, common sense, and other endangered species." We also own six titles in his fictional series about Harmony, Indiana.

Time for a quiz

2010-04-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

The London Book Fair is taking place this week in, well, London, and because of the Icelandic volcanic mayhem, many exhibitors and attendees are stuck at home. Of course, us Northwesterners know a thing or two about volcanoes, and the library has lots of books about Mount St. Helens as well as other famous (and infamous) eruptions. But do you ever wonder why no one highlights works of fiction that feature volcanoes? Ok, probably not, but if your interest is piqued now, test your lava knowledge by taking this quiz created by the UK newspaper, The Guardian.

And for your volcanic reading pleasure:

Pompeii by Robert Harris
The Volcano Lover: A Romance by Susan Sontag

Still Alice

2010-04-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

Still Alice by Lisa Genova is a novel about a college professor who, after experiencing episodes of forgetfulness, goes to a doctor and finds out that she is in the early stages of Alzheimers. What is unique about this story is that it is told from the professor's point of view as she progresses through the various stages of this devastating disease. I always enjoy hearing an author speak about her work, and if you do too, please take a look at this interesting video.

Steampunk

2010-04-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

If you're a fan of steampunk, you might want to check out a couple of fairly new titles added to the library's collection. Soulless by Gail Carriger says right on the front cover "a novel of vampires, werewolves, and parasols," and while it might be a crossover title for fans of paranormal romance or fantasy, I think steampunk fans will find much to like here. The other title, Boneshaker, by Cherie Priest, doesn't contain the usual Victorian era setting, but steam-powered technology makes itself at home in a book that includes mad scientists and zombies, among other oddities. Never heard of steampunk? Take a look at this article from Library Journal and see if it sounds like your cup of tea, served from a Victorian teapot, of course.

April showers bring May flowers...

2010-04-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

April is National Poetry Month, and I'd like to share one of my favorite poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay. If you've never read her poetry, I suggest checking out The Selected Poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay from the library. I find her to be a very accessible poet who transforms pieces of everyday life into beautiful and magical celebrations.

Untitled

Sometimes, oh, often indeed, in the midst of ugly adversity, beautiful
Memories return.
You awake in wonder, you awake at half-past four,
Wondering what wonder is in store.
You reach for your clothes in the dark and pull them on, you
have no time
Even to wash your face, you have to climb Megunticook.

You run through the sleeping town; you do not arouse
Even a dog, you are so young and so light on your feet.
What a way to live, what a way...
No breakfast, not even hungry. An apple, though,
In the pocket.
And the only people you meet are store-windows.

The path up the mountain is stony and in places steep,
And here it is really dark--wonderful, wonderful,
Wonderful--the smell of bark
And rotten leaves and dew! And nobody awake
In all the world but you!--
Who lie on a high cliff until your elbows ache,
To see the sun come up over Penobscot Bay.

Do you sudoku? (and yes, this post has cats in it...again!)

2010-04-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

If you answered yes to the above question, you might be interested to know which author claims that sudoku is her guilty addiction. Click here to find out (and we have lots of her books, so take a peek at our online catalog too).

Another great cat book is about to hit the shelves: Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs. Julie Jackson and Jill Johnson, author and photographer, have managed to make felines look both silly and dignified in this wacky collection of "tressed up" cats. Some critics may say the existence of this book means someone has too much time on his/her hands, but if it makes you laugh, I think it serves a greater purpose - contributing to the health and well-being of humanity ;o)

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

2010-03-31T18:06:00.000-07:00

It seems there is no end to the vampire story - even U.S. presidents find themselves fighting these night creatures. Well, maybe not all presidents, but turns out that Abraham Lincoln did more than write the Gettysburg Address and have to deal with a national civil war - yes, he was plagued with blood suckers...according to author Seth Grahame-Smith. Sure, his work has been called a novel, but who knows for sure??? Check out this book trailer and decide for yourself (warning: it's a bit violent - in other words, don't expect a cozy parlor scene).

Food...or science?

2010-03-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

There are foodies, and there are geeks, but can you be both? Of course! Enter Alton Brown, (who, by the way, I'm not calling a geek, cuz you wanna know geekiness? how about shy, bookish, former band member, now chainsaw-wielding librarian - GEEK!), who somehow manages to make food and science immensely appealing to both culinary and, ahem, thinking (not geeky!) readers. Get your name on the waiting list for Good Eats: The Early Years to prove that cool, suave, debonair library patrons know what's "good" and what's "leftovers" (course, leftovers in the food world, can be pretty darn fine).

Too much stuff

2010-03-16T16:31:00.000-07:00

We have a new book on order called The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard. Ms Leonard is an environmental activist who takes a close look at all of the "stuff" we produce, consume and trash. When I think about what my grandparents got by on, and then I look at what I'm accumulating and discarding, I'm a bit ashamed. Thinking about putting this title on hold...

Hands-on experience

2010-03-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

In my last posting I wrote about book covers. Well, now I'd like to write about a very specific book cover that has become pretty darn famous over the past few years. If you're a "twi-hard" you might already know this, but for the rest of us, this factoid has probably slipped right on past us: the original cover of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight shows two hands cupping an apple, and those hands belong to a part-time model named Kimbra Hickey. And she gets lots of fan attention...just for that cover! I'm somewhat mystified by the whole thing, but it's yet another example of the power of a book cover (so I took a photo of my hand holding a book - watch out, fame, here I come!) If you want to see the face attached to the apple-holding hands, check out this article found on www.thebigmoney.com. You'll also find out about the hand model used for Palmolive's soap label, as well as which celebrity has such ugly thumbs, substitute hands had to be used during a tv commercial. Guess that's a "thumbs down!"

In this case, please judge...

2010-03-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

It's a cliche, but "judging a book by its cover" can be a lot more fun when you actually have covers to judge, say, American vs. British covers. An interesting column from the web site, www.themillions.com, presents U.S. and U.K. covers for 10 different titles, and the writer offers opinions on which version is better. Take a look and judge for yourself...

Oscar time!

2010-03-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

But I'm not referring to the famous golden statue. In this case, Oscar is a cat, and he is a pretty special guy. He lives (and works!) at a nursing and rehabilitation center in Rhode Island, and his "job" is to give comfort to those who are about to pass away. You may say, well, any cat could do that, but Oscar doesn't just provide comfort, he actually senses when a person is about to die, and he stays with that person during the final hours. It's an amazing story about an amazing feline, and it just proves once again that animals often possess uncanny abilities. If you'd like to see some photos and videos of Oscar, visit here, and if you want to read more about him, place a hold on Making Rounds With Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat.

Et tu, Brutus?

2010-02-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

If March makes you think of shamrocks and green beer, you may have forgotten about a very dark day for a certain, famous Roman. The Ides of March ("ides" was the term used for the 15th day of March, May, July and October) is quickly approaching, and if you're curious why March 15th is known for more than just being "two days before St. Patrick's Day," you need to read The Ides: Caesar's Murder and the War for Rome by Stephen Dando-Collins.

Here's a paragraph from the first chapter, describing Caesar's physique seven weeks before his assassination: "Caesar was fifty-four years of age. Tall, well built, with a small chin, sensuous mouth, and large, dark brown eyes, his fair hair now gray, he was a good-looking man, if not handsome. Yet he was vain; because he was balding, "a disfigurement which his enemies harped upon," according to his biographer Suetonius, Caesar brushed his hair forward to cover a large bald spot. To further hide his baldness, on public occasions, he wore the laurel crown to which he was entitled as the winner of a Triumph. According to Suetonius, Caesar's vanity extended to having his body hair removed with tweezers." Too bad Caesar didn't embrace the "bald is beautiful" movement...

Pruning pains

2010-02-22T15:24:00.000-08:00

My back hurts. Reason? My husband and I spent the weekend pruning our fruit trees. All 19 of them. It was a lot of work. But it was also pretty great being outdoors in our "spring" weather (almost hate to say the word for fear that winter is gonna smack me for it...) - and despite sore muscles, aching back, bruises caused by large tree limbs, etc., our first major pruning adventure turned out to be a success. Whether you're facing a large or a small pruning project, here are some books that can trim your apprehensions about gardening.

P.S. - I was not the official chainsaw operator for our project, and no, I wasn't auditioning for "Saw VII." But a chainsaw-carrying librarian might dispel some stereotypes...from Cycle Jan to Chainsaw Jan...hmmm...

* The Illustrated Practical Encyclopedia of Pruning, Training & Topiary
* Pruning Made Easy: A Gardener's Visual Guide to When and How to Prune Everything, from Flowers to Trees
* Encyclopedia of Northwest Native Plants for Gardens and Landscapes

and as a recent buyer of property in the "country," I'm going to put this one on hold for sure:
* Five Acres and Independence (independence? certainly not from pruning!)

Hail to the chief...of books?

2010-02-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

Just came across a list of the best read US presidents. To find out who had a habit of burning holes in his books, or which president took a speed-reading course, or who published an English translation of a 16th century metallurgy text, check out this entry from The Daily Beast. And if reading this list inspires you to read more about a particular president, be sure to check out the biography section of the library.

New fiction

2010-02-16T15:18:00.000-08:00

Do you root for the underdog in a sports game? Do you secretly cheer for the tortoise when he crosses the finish line ahead of the much faster rabbit? Whenever I'm looking at the newest fiction coming into the collection, I admit to having a fondness for lesser-known titles. Don't get me wrong - I'm all for bestsellers, and let's face it, the bestsellers are in high demand. But if you're like me and get a bit weary of hearing the same authors' names again and again, I have a few suggestions to combat bestseller fatigue. These titles have been recently ordered, so you may have to wait a bit for them, but if you put yourself on hold now, you'll probably be at the top of the list - and what's better than that? I'm also providing a couple of keywords for each book as a way to entice readers :0)

Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show - traveling theater, Ireland (this is getting buzz about being a good book club read, so it's popularity may rise)

The Man With Two Arms - baseball, "switch pitcher," obsessive parent

The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson - Dickinson's inner voice, tattooed handyman

The Crimson Rooms - pre-WWI setting, British female lawyer, illegitimate child

Phil Harris

2010-02-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

Phil Harris, the captain of the Cornelia Marie on the tv show "Deadliest Catch," passed away this week. I'm a huge fan of this show and was sorry to hear about his death. We have the first four seasons of Deadliest Catch on dvd, and season five will be arriving in the next couple of months.

Eat your veggies

2010-02-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

I just saw a new Moosewood cookbook come rolling through our technical services department. The Moosewood Collective produces some fabulous vegetarian recipes, and if you're thinking vegetarian is not your thing, I still urge you to consider taking a look at the newest title: Moosewood Restaurant Cooking for Health: More Than 200 New Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Nutrient-Rich Dishes. Some of these enticing recipes just might make you crave a little more veg in your life.

Books go to the movies!

2010-02-03T11:14:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Oscar nominations have been announced, and I am delighted to see that four of the ten best picture nominees are adapted from books (I suppose this would have been more impressive in previous years when the best picture nominations topped out at five...but, oh well).

The four films are: The Blind Side, An Education, Precious, and Up in the Air. We are in the process of ordering copies of "An Education" by Lynn Barber - up until very recently her title was only available in a UK edition, but now a US edition is available from the publisher Atlas Books. If you've seen the movie, but didn't know there was a book, or you want to read the book before going to the theater, check us out!

* The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game
* Push: A Novel (the inspiration for Precious)
* Up in the Air

MILK EGGS VODKA

2010-02-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

Have you ever found someone's old grocery list floating around in the bottom of your shopping cart? Well, there is a whole book of them called Milk Eggs Vodka: grocery lists lost and found. The lists are divided into categories such as Badd Spellrs (ceareal, banans, rost befe), Sad Grocery Lists (prozac, ibuprofen, fibre-all, & sensodyne), and Ye Olde Style (Hominy, P. Towels, eggs, pills). This book will make you laugh as well as properly discard your own lists!

Veracity

2010-01-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

What if you lived in a world where certain words, if spoken, could mean execution? And the list of forbidden words continued to grow and grow as the concept of truth became more and more strangled by the government? The novel Veracity by Laura Bynum explores this issue by describing the bleakness and horror of living in such a dystopian state. I'm only part way into the book, so I'm not sure if there will be any hope at the end for the main characters, but I'm caught up in Ms. Bynum's writing, and I have to keep reading to find out if tragedy or hope will prevail.

Get swept away...

2010-01-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

If you're a fan of Gone With the Wind, you might want to check out Roses by Leila Meacham. This recently published novel is being called "epic" and "sprawling" by reviewers, so now that 2010 is upon us, and that feeling of being a bit stuck in the minutiae of daily life threatens to creep over our lives, it's a good time to turn to a saga or two.

JACK REACHER

2010-01-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

Jack Reacher is the main character in the novels of Lee Child. Reacher is a former military policeman who always seems to be involved in an action-packed situation. I just finished reading One Shot-the story of a sniper shooting of 5 government employees. The police think the case is cut and dried, but Reacher has other ideas. There are fight scenes, shootings, stalkings, and tactical assaults. Readers who enjoy Tom Clancy or Robert Ludlum may enjoy Lee Child novels as well.

The perfect card

2009-12-16T10:30:00.000-08:00

Do you know someone whose birthday falls on December 25th? I do, and I always wondered if that was a good thing (i.e. more presents) or a not so good thing (i.e. no extra presents - they just do double-duty). Well, I just came across that funny video on YouTube. And the great thing about this is that the guy who appears in the video has written a book called House of Cards: Love, Faith, and Other Social Expressions: A Memoir. If you're curious what it's like to create greeting cards for Hallmark, or you're looking for a special card to give to your b-day/X-mas friend, check out the book by David Ellis Dickerson as well as his web site, http://davidellisdickerson.com

A real screamer...

2009-12-14T15:31:00.001-08:00

Ever feel like a zombie during the holiday season? Going through the motions, not getting enough sleep, wrapping, wrapping, wrapping, etc.? Well, take heart that you aren't a real zombie because that would be bad. But apparently real zombies feel the need for some holiday cheer just like everyone else. How do I know this? There's a book that tells me so: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Zombies!: A Book of Zombie Christmas Carols. The walking dead can rejoice in such charmers as "I Saw Mommy Chewing Santa Claus" or "Deck the Halls With Parts of Wally." Happy Holidays!

Looking for a good yarn?

2009-12-07T09:49:00.000-08:00

Whether or not you knit, Noro: The Man Behind the Legendary Yarn is my choice for some of the best "eye candy" around and perfect for the Northwest's typical gray, winter days. For knitters, you're probably already aware of Noro yarn, so you can revel in the stunning color photographs and reach yarn nirvana with 40 different designs to knit. For non-knitters (like me), you may be surprised to discover such intense color combinations from something as simple as yarn. A skein of Noro yarn is a piece of artwork all by itself.

ENSLAVED BY DUCKS

2009-11-30T11:03:00.000-08:00

Enslaved by Ducks caught my eye as I was working in the stacks today. It grabbed my attention because my next door neighbor has a duck that has quite a nice coop, his own pool, and great veterinary care. This book contains humorous stories of a city guy who came to the country and ended up with quite an unusual group of animals to care for, including rabbits, geese, ducks, parrots, and cats. Also by Bob Tarte: Fowl Weather.

What was that book?

2009-11-18T08:31:00.000-08:00

I just learned about a cool web site called Fresh Fiction. If you've ever watched or listened to a program on the tv or radio, and heard about a book you want to read, but then you forget the title or maybe you can't remember which show it was on, this site is the place to go. From a drop down menu, you can choose a program, and then it will show a list of books going back as far as 2005 in some cases. Or, you can search a book or author, and it will show which programs are reviewing it. Nice!

THE BACKYARD HOMESTEAD

2009-11-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

The Backyard Homestead is a new book edited by Carleen Madigan. It describes how to grow "all the food you need on just a quarter acre." A significant number of pages are dedicated to vegetable gardening, but there are also sections on growing your own grains, raising poultry for eggs and meat, and even beekeeping. I've included a photo of my own backyard homestead. I'm growing some fall veggies under cover-beets, kale and spinach. I don't think I'll expand into urban chickens, but if I do there are books for that as well. Try The joy of keeping chickens by Jennifer Megyesi or How to raise chickens: everything you need to know by Christine Heinrichs.

Wretched writing

2009-10-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

The annual Edward Bulwer-Lytton contest has announced its 2009 winners. In case you haven't heard of this award before, Mr. Bulwer-Lytton was a 19th century politician and author, who is probably best known today for writing the now infamous opening sentence to a novel, "it was a dark and stormy night." For the past 26 years the English dept. at San Jose State University has sponsored a contest asking entrants to write the most wretched opening sentence to a novel possible. This year's winner, David McKenzie from Federal Way, WA, wrote the "winning" entry:

"Folks say that if you listen real close at the height of the full moon, when the wind is blowin' off Nantucket Sound from the nor'east and the dogs are howlin' for no earthly reason, you can hear the awful screams of the crew of the 'Ellie May,' a sturdy whaler Captained by John McTavish; for it was on just such a night when the rum was flowin' and, Davey Jones be damned, big John brought his men on deck for the first of several screaming contests."

The library has two books by Mr. Bulwer-Lytton if you're curious about his florid writing. Something I didn't know about him: he is credited with coining some very well known phrases such as "the pen is mightier than the sword," "the great unwashed," and "pursuit of the almighty dollar."

The Coming Race
The Last Days of Pompeii

Piece of cake!

2009-10-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

Recently I was at a party celebrating a friend's anniversary, and the cake, bought from a well-known bakery, had a misspelling on it. I thought it was pretty comical, considering that the word misspelled (instead of "on" the message said "om" - very zen-like) was just about the easiest word to get right. Guess what? Someone else thinks food errors are funny too! Cake Wrecks: When Professional Cakes Go Hilariously Wrong by Jen Yates proves that master pastry chefs make mistakes too, and if you can feel better about that lopsided chocolate cake you made from a box, what's better than that?

Chicken Soup

2009-10-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

A new biography is out called Long Past Stopping: A Memoir. It's by Oran Canfield, the son of Jack Canfield who is well-known for his "Chicken Soup" books. If you're thinking that this book will be similar to the "Chicken Soup" books in tone and message, please turn away, because Oran Canfield has had a strange, addiction-filled life, about as far away from "warm and fuzzy" as a person can get. However, it sounds like a fascinating read, and I hear that Oran is being compared to another memoirist, Augusten Burroughs.

The World According to John Lithgow

2009-09-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard yet, John Lithgow is going to be the featured speaker at this year's Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation's Authors & Illustrators Dinner and Auction - very exciting! The dinner will be held November 17th, 5-9p, at the Vancouver Hilton, and if you haven't attended one of these dinners before, this year would be the perfect time to start. For information about tickets, please call 360-699-8846.

In addition to his stage, film and television career, Mr. Lithgow also writes poetry and stories for children. We have many of his books as well as quite a few videorecordings showcasing his talent as a narrator. One of my favorite books is Micawber by John Lithgow, illustrated by C.F. Payne - it's about an art-loving squirrel, and since we're right in the heart of squirrel country out here in the Northwest, I suggest becoming acquainted with Micawber's amazing artistic abilities. I also love I Got Two Dogs, illustrated by Robert Neubecker. It's a musical tribute to some lovable canines, and as a bonus, a CD is included (yep, you get to hear John Lithgow singing - barktastic!)

So, get a head start on the Lithgow oeuvre by checking out some books and DVDs now, and then when you attend the dinner in November, you can amaze your dinner mates with your John Lithgow literary tidbits!

Check these out:
* Mahalia Mouse Goes to College
* The Poets' Corner: The One-and-Only Poetry Book for the Whole Family
* Carnival of the Animals
* Classical Baby, The Poetry Show: I'm Grown Up Now (dvd)
* Marsupial Sue
* The Remarkable Farkle McBride
* The Amazing Bone - William Steig (cd)

NEW KRAKAUER BOOK

2009-09-21T09:16:00.000-07:00

Jon Krakauer has a new book out titled Where Men Win Glory: the odyssey of Pat Tillman. Tillman was an Army Ranger and former NFL football player who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004 in a friendly fire incident. Krakauer brings his usual excellent writing and extensive research to the table in telling this story.

The library has two other books about Pat Tillman:
Boots on the ground by dusk: my tribute to Pat Tillman by Mary Tillman
Fields of honor: the Pat Tillman story by Jonathan Rand

THE STRAIN

2009-09-14T13:23:00.000-07:00

I just started listening to the audio version of The Strain, a new book by Guillermo del Toro. It is the first of a trilogy about a vampire virus sweeping New York. The author is perhaps best known as a film director (Pan's Labyrinth) and is scheduled to direct the film version of The Hobbit. It is suspenseful, scary, bloody, and very well done.

Back to school...and work

2009-09-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

I found it a little bit hard to get back in the work mode today. Which is pretty lame because I was off for just 3 days...not the whole summer as a significant segment of our population just experienced. Remember the sinking feeling when Sunday evening closed in around you, sending a not so subtle reminder that another school week was just hours away? Ah, the good ol' days...

If you or another adult someone in your household is feeling a bit blue now that September has arrived, boost those spirits by checking out Why is My Mother Getting a Tattoo?: and Other Questions I Wish I Never Had to Ask by Jancee Dunn. Her descriptions of her family and the trials and tribulations of becoming an adult are, as one reviewer put it, a hoot. Anything that is described as a "hoot" is all right in my book...or Jancee Dunn's book in this case.

Did you know...

2009-09-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

that Faye Kellerman has a doctorate in dentistry? And she was involved in oral biology research? I found this interesting fact while searching the Harper Collins web site. Ms. Kellerman's latest is Blindman's Bluff, and yes, it's very popular right now, so while you're waiting for a copy, we do have some of her previous titles available right now, and this would be a perfect time to revisit or discover for the first time Prayers for the Dead, Jupiter's Bones, The Forgotten...

And if you haven't been to the dentist in, (cough, ahem) quite some time, consider taking one of the Decker/Lazarus mysteries with you to your "soon-to-be-made-because-Faye Kellerman-would-want-me-to-do-that" appointment. Or check out Cure Tooth Decay: Heal and Prevent Cavities with Nutrition if you'd rather stall for a little time...

Fiction - the long and short of it

2009-08-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

I've been reading reviews of The Drowned Life by Jeffrey Ford, and I think I'll have to check it out. Short story collections, which this is, don't always fare so well in libraries. I think that's too bad because some of the best writing out there happens in shorter fiction, and unless an author has a name that people recognize, many titles go unnoticed. Now, Jeffrey Ford is not an unknown - he's written several novels including last year's The Shadow Year which received very positive reviews for its intriguing blend of genres. But I hope that readers will give The Drowned Life a try too - it's eclectic enough to entertain just about anyone. In a quick check of the library's catalog, I see that we have two copies, both on the shelf.