The Bookshelf

If you’re a fan of Alexander McCall Smith’s The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency (and really, who isn’t?), break out the red bush tea and circle March 29 on your calendar. That evening HBO premieres a new television series, filmed entirely on location in Botswana, that’s based on McCall Smith’s beloved novels.

“Traditionally built” R&B singer Jill Scott stars as the redoutable Mma Ramotswe, while Anika Noni Rose of Dreamgirls plays bespectacled secretary Mma Makutsi. The first two episodes of the show were directed by the late Anthony Minghella (The English Patient, Cold Mountain). Here’s a preview:

I recently went on vacation to a sunny beach (I am really not rubbing this in, just saying is all) and brought a few books to read while traveling and relaxing.  I have always enjoyed reading while on vacation, I guess I am interested in new experiences in reality and also in the mind.

I am numbering the books by the order I read them.

1. The Summer Tree (Finovar  book 1) by Guy Gavrial Kay. I actually began this book previous to traveling and did not have great hopes for it.  I decided to keep forging ahead since I have thoroughly enjoyed some other of this authors works.  It ended up paying off.  Much like Fellowship of the Ring it takes about 100 pages for you to truly get immersed in the writing style of Kay and culture of the world he creates.

2. The Wandering Fire (Finovar book 2) by Guy Gavriel Kay.  A great continuation of the series.  The four main characteres are further fleshed out and the plot gets deeper and more magical.  Half-way through this book, the second in the series, I was kicking myself for not bringing the third (limited space).

3. The Assassin by Stephen Coonts.  Terrible. I stopped after 150 pages out of sheer boredom.  One of the characters was actually named Hunter Winchester … I had to point it out to my wife while chortling.  The author for some reason decided to make the same joke 4 times within the first 150 pages I read, something along the lines of “I don’t eat cheap when the tax payers are paying.”

4. Extreme Measures by Vince Flynn.  This is everything The Assassin wanted to be.  The characters were fun and smart.  The bad guys were suitably flawed but intelligent.  A fun read for what it is worth. Flynn is an author I will check out again.

5. The Briar King (The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone book 1) by Greg Keyes. I did not have high hopes for this particular book  because Keyes has writen a few of the generally terrible Star Wars books.  However, this book was an outstanding and a wonderful suprise.  I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.  He, much like George RR Martin,  tells a story from multiple interesting viewpoints in which any main character can die at any moment.

6. Julius Cesaer by Philip Freeman.  A nice biography of the famous Julius Cesaer. Before reading this book I realized that I knew almost nothing about one of the most important men in the history of the Western world.  The biography itself was a little dry, which is understandable when considering that Freeman is working from orginal resources over 2000 years old.  I espeically found myself intrgued by Cato, Cesaer’s implacable enemy.

Recently the Washington Post’s blog, Short Stack asked several writers this question. “If you could spend one unbridled night with any fictional character in the world, who would it be?”

Two wonderful replies:

1. Janet Evanovich: “Uncle Scrooge, from Carl Barks’s Disney comics. He’s always going on adventures, he pushes his money around with a bulldozer, and he wears a top hat but no pants. Does it get any better than that?”

2. Lisa Scottoline: “I would spend the night with the Three Musketeers from Dumas’s classic novel. My motto is ‘One for all, all for me.’” 

I would have to say that for me it would be a hard decision between Stephanie Plum’s two heartthrobs, Joe Morelli or the disturbing Ranger.  Oh what the heck, let’s choose both. 

Now the big question is with whom would you spend this “unbridled night?”

Recently Library staff was asked to list five favorite books that they read during the year 2008. Here is the Annual Picks page. Next there was the challenge to write about what we selected. So here it goes.

I decided to list relatively recent books. There are so many wonderful books that I listened to (or read) during the year, that it is truly difficult to highlight only five. A little bit about my taste – I like & enjoy fluffy, light, fun books. Long gone are my days of reading serious, critically acclaimed fiction or nonfiction for pleasure. It’s a good thing that there are several staff members who listed those types of books. The reputation of the intellectual Skokie Public Library worker and selective reading tendencies stays in tact.

A few honorable mentions and I can’t give good reasons why these did not make my top selections.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn, audiobook

If you like Jane Austen, give this one a try. The romance is sweet and amusing.

Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn, audiobook

This is the sequel and companion to The Lost Duke of Wyndham. It tells another side of the love story, so to speak.

Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva, audiobook

Gabriel Allon is one of my favorite fictional characters. He’s a part-time art restorer and part-time Israeli secret service agent/assassin – how wonderfully complex.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, audiobook

It’s love among the young vampires, werewolves and teenage humans. Twilight started the craze! Check out the entire series (#2 New Moon, #3 Eclipse, #4 Breaking Dawn; New Moon audiobook, Eclipse audiobook, Breaking Dawn audiobook).

Here are the titles that I submitted:

The Eye of Jade by Diane Wei Liang, audiobook

This book was so interesting – the mystery element, the place, the setting, the antique aspect, the contemporary historical background, etc. I was quickly engaged and rooted for the main character throughout the entire book. I hope more books by Liang are translated into English. I am eager to know what else is in store for the intrepid PI, Mei Wang.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer, audiobook

Wow. I really got involved, as I was listening to this over the summer. I wrote on my Facebook/Visual Bookshelf page, “It probably will be in my year end top ten.” Many months later, I still thought that it was a great “read.” I liked the premise, the characters’ dilemmas, the long dialogues, and the ending.

The Laughter of Dead Kings by Elizabeth Peters, audiobook

In a way, this is a comfort book for Elizabeth Peters’ fans. It’s nice to have Vicky Bliss back after such a long absence. Also, the Peabody/Emerson connection to John Tregarth (as suspected) is finally confirmed. And Schmidt … he is an endearing character. He really has his day!

The Chaos King (and the first installment: The Wall and the Wing) by Laura Ruby, eAudiobook

I have very happy memories listening to these books – laughing out loud and thinking that they were so clever. Yeah the books are written for kids, but there are lots of funny pop culture references that hit the mark. I hope the author re-visits this amusing world where strange creatures lurk in the subway and all punk rockers are named either Sid or Nancy.

(BTW, if you want to listen to these on CD, both audiobooks are available via Interlibrary Loan.)

The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig, audiobook

I’m a sucker for a well-written, comedic, historical, suspenseful romance. Plus I’ve been intrigued by the scarlet pimpernel story since I was a little kid. This is a bit of a no-brainer for me in regards to picking it as a favorite; the Pink Carnation series has me hooked.

Perennial best-selling author Nora Roberts has penned more than 170 books. You’d figure this kind of output would keep her busy enough. You’d be wrong.

Next week, Roberts and her husband will open a bed and breakfast called the Inn BoonsBoro in a renovated historic building near their home in small-town Maryland. The history of the hotel is detailed in a recent USA Today article, which includes video tour of the inn. The coolest part? Several of the rooms have decor inspired by famous literary couples: Elizabeth and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice;  Jane and Rochester from Jane Eyre; Marguerite and Percy from The Scarlet Pimpernel; Titania and Oberon from A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Nick and Nora Charles from The Thin Man; and Roberts’ own Eve and Roarke from her J.D. Robb “In Death” series.

Meanwhile, those of us who can’t make it to Boonsboro  can content ourselves with the five new novels Roberts has due out in 2009: the romantic suspense story Black Hills, the contemporary romances Vision in White and Bed of Roses, and the futuristic thrillers Promises in Death and Kindred in Death (which she writes under the Robb pseudonym).

Can you Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella, audiobook

Very cute and amusing. “Thin plot” according to some critics. I say, who cares. It made me laugh.

Kinsella (author of the popular Shopaholic series) knows how to craft an engaging, lighthearted story.

Love @ First Site: A Novel by Jane Moore, audiobook

Not all fluff and fun, as a serious subject is introduced via the main character’s sister. However, the story moves along well and the dating parts/meeting someone through Internet match-up sites are entertaining.

I confess that I checked this out because there was no room for it on the shelf. I thought – I can solve that problem. But I really liked it. How’s that for an informed (audio)book selection?!

Love the One You’re With by Emily Griffin, audiobook

Pretty good book about the ins & outs of relationships. I actually listened to this because there was a lot of buzz about the author. I think that it has a little more depth than other chick-lit stuff. I was and wasn’t entirely certain how things would end up for the main character.

Mile-High Hair Club by Naomi Neale

I checked this out because I thought the title was funny. As it turned out, I enjoyed it quite a bit (always nice to be surprised). I liked the Southern flavor and quirky characters.

One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell, audiobook

From the Sex and the City author, this book is wickedly funny. AND it has more sex in it than the other books mentioned on this post. Go figure.

The Shiksa Syndrome by Laurie Graff, audiobook

Yet another book that I was drawn to because I liked the title. Holy cow. What does that say about readership marketing (or me)?? Nonetheless, it was awfully engaging with some interesting observations about opposites and such. The idea of pretending to be a shiksa to snare Mr. Right … it has a hook.

Summer Blowout by Claire Cook, audiobook

The dog (Precious/Cannoli) is really cute. That’s all I need to recommend this.  Yeah, the book flows nicely towards a happy ending. No worries lurking in the text of this one.

Must Love Dogs by Claire Cook, audiobook

I got into the book, despite having seen the movie first. It has the Internet dating thing going on, but other relationship issues are explored as well. Thumbs up.

For teen readers:

Spells & Sleeping Bags by Sarah Mlynowski, audiobook

This is a nice blend of teen chick-lit and magical girl theme. It is part of a series featuring two young witches, Rachel and her little sister Miri. I recommend the others. I had loads of fun “living” with these charcaters for a few hours.

Deja Demon: The Days and Nights of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, audiobook

It’s like Buffy the Vampire Slayer – but for an older generation. Fun stuff. It takes multitasking to a new level! This is the fourth book in the series. All are light entertainment for those who don’t mind a bit of demonology mixed with suburban slice of life. I think that this series is pretty original.

Victory of Eagles: A Novel of Temeraire by Naomi Novik, audiobook

A very good addition to the series, it will be interesting to see what happens next. This is the fifth installment. It’s a unique blend of history and fantasy. The entire series is highly recommended for those who like dragons, Napoleonic War novels, and perhaps even Jane Austen (i.e. manners).

Written for kids, nonetheless recommended:

Fairest by Gail Carson Levine, digital player

This is a clever fairy tale story for young girls, with a nice message. The book gives a nod to Snow White, adding a musical twist. I listened to this; the audio is a full cast presentation. That worked very well, since there are a lot of songs. Listening might be the way to go, for anyone interested. I think that it would make a good “family” car trip companion. If you liked Ella Enchanted, give this a try.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, audiobook

The 2009 Newbery Award Winner – excellent. But it left me a bit sad, by the end. This is a bittersweet fantasy/horror/mystery. And it references The Jungle Book, BTW. There is a movie version in the works. The author narrates the audio, doing a fine job. If you liked Coraline, definitely add this one your reading list.

Spud in his regalia

Hello, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Spud and I review books here at the Skokie Public Library. Normally, I live on the edge … of the Readers Services Desk and always have a book recommendation nearby for any of you to take home with you.

Finally they are letting me out in the public to share one of my favorite books, The Complete Book of Oscar Fashion : Variety’s 75 Years of Glamour on the Red Carpet. This yummy book chronicles the epitome of Oscar fashion from the very first Academy Awards in 1929 through the millenium. From Norma Shearer’s 1930 floor length gown with mink-trimmed sleeves right up to Queen Latifah’s festooned clutch with $2.9 million in diamonds, any Oscar fan can relive the most glorious moments of each year’s star-studded extravaganza. I myself model my own couture after some of my favorites in the book. As you can see I am wearing a replica of Lily Tomlin’s tiara from the 76 Awards.

Little known secret: In my off time, when the library is closed, I sometimes sneak over to the Movies, Music and More area to watch movies…wish they’d let me have popcorn. Oh, well.

Watch here for more Spud Picks in the future! After all I have my blue Blogging Button and am good to blog.

I am delighted to take this opportunity to share the thinking behind my staff picks. For starters, I offer these two today:

Picture Letters from the Commander-in-Chief is the translated collection of illustrated letters from General Tadamichi Kurabayashi to his wife and young children back in Japan before and during the second world war. This collection of letters inspired Clint Eastwood’s film, Letters from Iwo Jima, the Japanese-perspective counterpart to his other Battle of Iwo Jima film, Flags of Our Fathers. One needn’t be either a war-hawk or a peace-nik to appreciate the sincere humanity expressed in Kurabayashi’s letters to his family, before and during the war. One needs only be human.

For as long as I can remember, I have been suspicious of the multi-syllabic poetry of ingredient lists. What exactly is “modified” about modified food starch? (What, for that matter, is food starch?) Would we feed our dogs something called “partially-defatted beef fatty tissue?” Long before trans fats made headlines, I was wondering what hydrogenation of vegetable oils was meant to achieve, and why some ingredients in my TRESemmé shampoo (e.g., hydrolyzed wheat starch, sodium cocoyl isethionate) were just as chemical-sounding as the ingredients in a can of Healthy Choice soup (modified rice starch, disodium inosinate). Michael Pollan’s concise, constructive and empowering In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto (compared with Pollan’s deconstructive and massive but immensely enlightening Omnivore’s Dilemma) made me appreciate simple things like locally-baked bread with only four ingredients and five total syllables: whole wheat flour, yeast, salt, and water. Less than a year after reading In Defense of Food, I’m eating fresh, local, unprocessed, homegrown, and simple foods whenever possible, and I’ve never felt healthier. Maybe 2009 will be the year to cook my own shampoo. But I’ll need a new recipe, as I have no cocamidopropyl betaine in the pantry. Oh my…

I’m thinking I may have a new favorite author – Richard Price – and wonder if anyone else has read him or seen movies based on his books (Clockers, Freedomland, The Wanderers).  I have listened to Lush Life read by Bobby Cannavale and am almost done listening to Samaritan read by Richard Allen.

A review of Samaritan in Booklist says it better than I could:

Booklist Review: /*Starred Review*/ Price (Freedomland, 1998; Clockers, 1992) wastes no time starting his story: Ray Mitchell, an Emmy-nominated TV writer who returned to teach pro bono at his old high school amid the projects of Dempsy, New Jersey, has had his head bashed in. Nerese Ammons, a cop 10 weeks from retirement, takes the case personally because of a good turn Ray did her when they were children. But Ray, deteriorating in the hospital, doesn’t want to tell her who attacked him. Why not? And why has Ray, a compulsive do-gooder, had such wrong done to him? As Nerese’s investigation moves forward, Price deftly fills in the past so that each new revelation is charged with significance. And because Price is not just a gifted writer but also one who thinks long and hard about human behavior, when we learn the answers, we understand why they are complicated. We know from page one, though, that we’re in good hands, with masterful detail, vivid scene-setting, and acutely observed, naturalistic dialogue. The crime-solving framework pulls us forward but is unencumbered by the pedantic detail of a police procedural, and the depth of the characterizations is magnificent: Ray, Nerese, and the considerable supporting cast are fully imagined beings who surprise us but never test our credulity. Enmeshed in this taut storytelling is a meditation on the complicated nature of giving and a caution that, with ill-considered charity, we can hurt others even when we think we’re doing them a favor. Superb.
(Reviewed November 15, 2002) — Keir Graff

Please – let me know if you have any opinions about Richard Price.  He should at least be considered for a National Book Award!