May 2013

Hello and welcome to Sprummer. That’s Spring and Summer in one season, which is how its been feeling. Here’s some suggestions:

Jacob – Circulation

“Clapton: The Autobiography” – by Eric Clapton – Non-Fiction: 781.66 CLA
Eric Clapton chronicles his life in this touching autobiography. Not only does he detail the famous albums and musicians he is associated with, but he also shares his personal struggles and triumphs. It is these personal touches that make the book memorable. You learn what makes this man tick and why he is so successful writing songs and playing guitar. This is a great read.

“Chicago: Then and Now” – by Kathleen Maguire – Non-Fiction: 977.311 MAG
If you like Chicago and historical photographs, then this book is for you. Kathleen Maguire does a great job compiling pictures of old and new Chicago and then giving you the details in print. My favorite pictures are of horse carriages going down Lake Shore Drive in 1905 juxtaposed with the traffic of today’s LSD. This is a must read for any Chicagoan.

Melissa – Reference

“Mortality” - by Christopher Hitchens – Non-Fiction: 921 HITCHENS
This is Hitchens’s final work before he died, and it is as intelligent and well-written as his fans have come to expect. Although it is a small book, it was full of information and though-provoking points. The title makes it clear what this book is about, and Hitchens uses his own state of dying to reflect on life. He points out what a struggle it is for most people to accept their own mortality which leads them to hope for something more after death. The most interesting aspect of this book is the way he uses his own illness to construct arguments for his case, and does not change ideologies as many thought he might. He distances himself from the situation and still composes compelling arguments.

“The Feast of Love: A Novel” - by Charles Baxter – Fiction: BAXTER
The characters in this story are connected through happenstance and love. Each character relates his or her experiences to the reader, who plays the role of a writer recording the tales and forms of love. The characters were complex and well-developed, though at times too self-aware to be realistic.
The story is well-crafted, and the reality of the situations is a strong feature of the book.

Matt – Circulation

“Amok” – Atoms For Peace – Music CD: CD 187.66 ATOMS FOR PEACE

Atoms For Peace is a new band formed by Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Nigel Goodrich (Radiohead’s longtime producer), Flea (The Red Hot Chili Peppers), Joey Waronker (Beck & R.E.M.), and Mauro Refosco, a Brazilian musician. Their music is a mix of musical styles, electronics and dark moods swirling into what could be considered another Thom Yorke solo album but this record stands on its own.

“Mosquito” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Music: CD781.66 YEAH YEAH YEAHS

When this band broke their style of straight, dark minimalistic rock was a breath of fresh air. Then they went on hiatus. Now they’re back and this album delivers some great songs from a very talented trio. There’s even a guest spot by Kool Keith as Dr. Octagon! A solid album.

“Embryonic” – The Flaming Lips – Music: CD 781.66 THE FLAMING LIPS

While this record came out in 2009 it was the last full Flaming Lips album and since our library doesn’t have the new record (yet) I’ll talk about this one. In regards to their other albums its heavier: heavy sounding, full of distortion and sound effects. While this record was panned by many, its a solid album with only a few faltering tracks. It still has all the good things about the Lips: good lyrics, solid compositions and memorable songs.

Check back next week for more recommendations!

April

Spring is on its way. Here’s some things to check out!

Michelle – Administration

Straight A’s – Starring Anna Pacquin, Ryan Phillipe, Luke Wilson – NEW DVD: DVD STRAIGHT A’S

Staring Anna Pacquin, Ryan Phillipe and Luke Wilson, this engaging, character driven family drama has great acting and an unexpected plot twist.

Cry Wolf - By: Patricia Briggs – NEW FICTION: Briggs

A fun romp through the forest with a new werewolf pack. This is an entertaining, light read for those who enjoy the supernatural genre. It is the first book in the series and includes the novella that started everything.

Matt – Circulation

Mastermind: How To Think Like Sherlock Holmes - By: Maria Konnikova – NEW NONFICTION: 153.4 KON

This is a great book for people who want to de-clutter their mind and start thinking more purposefully. In her book Konnikova ( a science and psychology writer) focuses on the techniques used by the greatest fictional detective of all time to help regular people learn to streamline their thinking. A good read for people who like Holmes and those just looking to see the world a different way.

Stranger Than Fiction- Starring: Will Farrell, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, Maggie Gyllenhaal – DVD: STRANGER..

A superbly absurd comedy about a man who finds himself the center of a living novel. Will Farrell plays Harold Crick: an IRS adjuster who lives a very orderly life until he starts to hear narration of his thoughts and actions. It is when Harold learns the author of his book likes to kill her main characters, that Harold decides to live the life he’s always wanted. A funny and touching movie.

In Treatment – Season 1 - Starring: Gabriel Byrne, Dianne Wiest, Michelle Forbes – DVD: IN TREATMENT

In Treatment is about therapist Paul Weston as he tries to help his patients and keep his own life in order. The format follows 4 different patients and Paul’s session with his own therapist giving each session its own 30-minute episode. In this episode format its possible to watch the progression of one patient at a time or watch all the sessions in the same week. It was a very daring and well done series full of questions about the fragility of the human condition and how people cope with difficulties in their lives.

Julia - Circulation

The Heist - By: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – CD 781.649 MACKLEMORE

In Macklemore’s debut, full-length album, The Heist, he showcases songs about his personal struggles with addiction, in “Starting Over,” as well as touches on social and race issues with “Wing$” and “A Wake”. His fifth and most popular radio single from this album, “Thrift Shop”, peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This is a must-listen-to cd, because every song is different from the one before it. If you’ve only heard “Thrift Shop” on the radio, get ready to hear some really amazing, and completely unique indie rap and hip hop.

Check back in next month for more!

March!

Our March began pretty snowy this year. Here’s to hoping Spring will come soon!

Cate – Youth Services

Sleepwalk With Me – Starring: Mike Birbiglia, Lauren Ambrose, and James Rebhorn, Carol Kane NEW DVD: SLEEPWALK WITH ME

An up-and-coming standup comedian begins to experience intense and often hilarious sleepwalking incidents cause by the anxiety of his stalled career, sister’s impending wedding and uncertainty about the future of his current girlfriend. Based on the real-life experiences of Mike Birbiglia (director, star and writer) and his NPR This American Life special by the same name, this movie is as Time Magazine describes as “Woody Allenesque” is both insightful and funny.

Melissa – Reference

Rebecca – By: Daphne du Maurier – FICTION: DU MAURIER

“Rebecca” is a gothic classic that seems to permeate the boundaries of time and diction.  Rebecca is the late wife of Max de Winter, yet remains ever present to his new wife, who is never even given a name.  The struggle to overcome Rebecca’s legacy is a situation any new wife would dread.  But this book opens with an awful situation that morphs into something far more dreadful.

My favorite elements of this book and the writing are the characters and theme of interpretation.  The characters are so well-developed and complex, particularly that of Max de Winter.  What will stay with me from this story is the power of misinterpretation of even that of an uncomfortable silence.

H. P. Lovecraft’s Book of the Supernatural – By Stephen Jones, et. al. – N_AUD: CD LOVECRAFT’S BOOK…

H. P. Lovecraft has compiled some of the most popular works of the horror genre, and has written introductions to each, noting the most powerful elements of the tale as well as the strengths of the author.  It was insightful to hear Lovecraft, notorious for his own horror writing, give his views on other writers.

While I was familiar with many of the stories, some I was not and found a few I truly enjoyed, including “Markheim” by Robert Louis Stevenson and “Who Knows” by Guy de Maupassant.

Matt – Circulation

Getz/Gilberto – By: Stan Getz, João Gilberto, featuring Antonio Carlos Jobim – CD 781.65 Getz

This is one of my favorite jazz albums fusing jazz with samba and bossa nova into a smooth and breezy sound. Stan Getz brings his knack for smooth, memorable phrasing and mastery of the tenor saxophone with the sweet samba of Gilberto’s guitar and vocals with Jobim on piano. Its an excellent record to just put on and listen to with each song complimenting the next and these three masterful musicians making beautiful sounds together to make an excellent blend of styles.

The Columbia Years: ’62-’68 – By: Thelonious Monk – CD 781.65

Thelonious Monk is one of the most important figures in the jazz scene, if not one of the most important musicians of the 20th century. Emerging from the Be Bop movement as an eccentric genius, Monk was someone whose level of talent was so astronomical that his ideas about compositions and style were hard for other musicians and fans to grasp. His genius shines through on original recordings like “Nutty”, “Blue Monk”, “Epistrophy” as well as standards like “April In Paris”, “Honeysuckle Rose”, and “Bright Mississippi”. A great compilation of Monk’s mid-to-late career.

Check back next month for more picks!

February!

February is here and we have some things for you to check out!

Melissa – Reference

 In2ition – By: 2Cellos – New CD’s: CD 787 2Cellos

This record covers a wide variety of music styles and shows just how versatile the cello really is. The two members of the band play their cellos and often have guest vocals, including Elton John. The songs range from “Highway to Hell” by ACDC to “Clocks” by Coldplay. My two favorites on the disc were “We Found Love” and “Benedictus”.

Little Night – By: Luanne Rice – Fiction: Rice

Luanne Rice tells the story of a family who has encountered some of the worst tragedies possible, and only continues to experience death, betrayal, and violence. The daughter is expelled from the family, though it is viewed by some as the escape they can only dream of. As the story progresses, readers learn more about the seemingly awful decisions made, and hope for whatever mending is possible. Although it seems dark, this is a story of courage and resilience, as well as true loyalty. The characters are well developed, and it is clear just how easy it is to fall into a vicious cycle with seemingly now escape.

Jacob – Circulation

Downton Abbey – Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith- DVD: DOWNTON ABBEY

This is a British television series set in the early 1900s. The series portrays the Crawley family and the servants who work for them. The characters are complex and compelling. The scenery is beautiful. If this does not keep you coming back, the plot twists will for sure. Seasons 1 and 2 are on DVD and season 3 is currently running on PBS. Don’t miss out on this great melodrama.

Boomerang: Travels in the New Third World – By: Michael Lewis – New Non-Fiction: 330.9 LEW

Michael Lewis (Moneyball and the Big Short) travels to the countries of Iceland, Ireland, and Greece in an attempt to discover what led to their financial meltdowns. During his journeys he comes across numerous characters that help paint a picture of what happened. This humorous read is light in nature, but gives great insights to the complexities of global finance.

Matt – Circulation

Deadwood – Starring: Ian McShane, Timothy Olyphant, Molly Parker, John Hawkes- DVD: DEADWOOD

The “Wild West” period of American history has, like none other, been subject to over-romanticizing. People know of exploits of big-name heroes and dusty, lawless towns. Well, here’s a Western drama that’s a little more grounded in history than most and isn’t afraid to be the rough, dirty and dangerous place that was the American West. The show begins with former sheriff Seth Bullock and his business partner Saul as they arrive in Deadwood, South Dakota just as Wild Bill Hickock is rolling into town and Deadwood is just being put on the map. This show has masterful performances from Timothy Olyphant and Ian McShane and will have you hooked from the start. The show’s language has its own foul poetry and loves to show, dirt, blood and all, a taste of the real Wild West.

Bored To Death – Starring: Jason Schwartzman, Ted Danson, Zach Galifianakis – DVD: BORED TO DEATH

Bored to Death is the story of Jonathan Ames: a man whose writing career is stalled and has been left by his girlfriend. He decides to put an ad on Craigslist as a private detective and try to live his life like the hard-boiled detectives he reads in old pulp detective books. Accompanied by his suave literary agent and his hapless best friend, Jonathan’s misguided adventures are always hysterical.

 

Come back next month for some more recommendations!

January

Oh the new year. So full of wonderful possibilities and those promises you make to yourself that you probably break by second week. Here are some new things for that (kind of) new you.

Courtney – Reference

“Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” – by: Cheryl Strayed – NEW NON-FICTION: 921 STRAYED, C.

Wild describes the real life journey of one woman on a 1,100 mile solitary hike through California, Oregon, and Washington in the ’90s.  After her mother dies suddenly from cancer, twenty-two year old Cheryl Strayed’s (a name the author fittingly chooses for herself) life falls apart. Her once tight-knit family soon scatters away from her, she continually cheats on her seemingly “perfect” husband time and again, and after her marriage dissolves, she jumps into a toxic relationship that results in a dangerous heroin habit.  Thus, four years later and with nothing left to lose, Strayed decides to hike the massive Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) on her own, despite her utter lack of preparedness (or a proper fitting pair of boots). Strayed weaves her past with her present as she tackles the trail, meets eccentric and amiable characters along the way, and not so amiable characters in rattlesnakes, bears, and other critters.  Strayed tells her story with brutal honesty, never sugarcoating her own shortcomings and mistakes, as well as with a skilled storyteller’s voice.  You will find yourself rooting for Strayed as she hitchhikes to and from the PCT, small towns and remote campsites, constantly struggling to get by on $20 or less at a time.  But most of all, you will root for Strayed to find in the PCT what it is she needs to move on with her life.  Wild is an Oprah Book Club 2.0 selection.

Melissa – Reference

“The Magic of Reality” - by: Richard Dawkins – NON-FICTION: 501 DAW

Dawkins collects information from all the sciences into this book to discuss the nature and workings of our planet and universe.  He also shares the various myths different cultures have used (and still use) to explain these workings.

A truly interesting and educational read, Dawkins not only seeks to enlighten his audience, but also wishes to relay the message that magic exists in finding real answers to mankind’s questions.

“How Do You Kill 11 Million People?” - by: Andy Andrews – NON-FICTION: 320.01 AND

This book is an essay that discusses integrity in politics and the consequences that derive from a lack of it.  Andrews encourages the public to not only heed the promises and intentions of politicians, but make them accountable for each.

The author succeeds in avoiding party politics, and discusses the role of politicians in general.  The most intriguing section of the essay includes his discussion of the role of politicians in the Holocaust.

Matt – Circulation

“Jiro Dreams of Sushi” - Directed by: David Gelb, Starring: Jiro Ono, Yoshikazu Ono, Masuhiro Yamamoto, Daisuke Nakazawa – DVDs: JIRO 641.5092

Much like sushi itself this documentary seems simple: its a story of Jiro Ono a sushi chef who owns a small restaurant. But just like sushi once you bite into it the movie releases a complex and satisfying story about Jiro Ono: 3-star Michelin chef whose small, 10-seat restaurant is so exclusive it is the only 3-star restaurant in Japan and reservations are made far in advance. For anyone who loves food this is an excellent movie as the viewer gets to watch Jiro and his sons at work while learning about Jiro’s life and his philosophies of cooking. I recommend you don’t watch this hungry, or you may find yourself pausing the movie to order take out.

“Breaking Bad” – Starring: Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, RJ Mitte, Aaron Paul, Raymond Cruz, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt – DVDs: BREAKING BAD

This is that show that you’ve probably heard about but were on the fence. I’m here to tell you: watch this show. To say it is addicting would be apropos. The story starts with Walter White a high school chemistry teacher whose life is turned sideways when he learns he has lung cancer. Walter wants to find a way to pay for the outrageous cost of his treatments and leave some money behind to take care of his family. He then runs into a former student Jesse who dropped out of school to deal drugs and Walter finds that his chemistry skills are put to use to cook the best methamphetamine recipe on the black market. Walter finds out that his life gets more complicated the deeper he gets into his second life as he slowly morphs into someone different. This show is dark but very funny and a great sketch of the nuances and tragedies involved with methamphetamines and America’s attitudes about drugs but also an honest look into the healthcare industry and a man battling cancer.

“Community” – Starring: Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alison Brie, Donald Glover, Ken Jeong, Chevy Chase, Jim Rash, John Oliver – DVDs: COMMUNITY

Community is an easy show to describe: its about people at a community college who form a study group and become friends. What isn’t easy to describe is how good this show is. It is not like any other show you have seen. The characters are all starkly different from each other and each episode is funnier than the last. Packed with pop culture references and the best writing on television, its a show with episodes that will have you watching them repeatedly if only to catch the jokes you laughed through the first time. It has a big cult following and is one of the most underrated comedies currently on television.

Come back next month for more recommendations!

December!

The holidays are here and something something something cheer! I don’t know, I’m no Yuletide poet but I am proud to present these gifts of recommendations from the Oak Brook Library staff. Happy Holidays!

Mary – Reference

“Talking to the Dead” – by: Harry Bingham – NEW FICTION: BINGHAM

Detective Constable Fiona Griffiths is strange.  Not in the regular sense, like everyone is a bit odd.  But rather, Fiona finds solace amongst the dead. She does not pick up on social clues.Yet, when it comes to crime, she is intuitive and resourceful, a crack investigator.

This mystery begins with the discovery of two bodies, a mother and her 6-year old child.  D.C. Griffiths believes the young girl is trying to tell her something which leads her on a complex journey to solve her murder.

A good storyline with an intriguing character study makes this mystery work.

Michelle – Administration

“People Like Us” - Starring: Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael D’Addario, Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde – NEW DVDs: PEOPLE LIKE US

This is the story of a man discovering that his recently deceased father had an extended affair that resulted in a daughter. In his quest to learn about his sister, he reevaluates his own life. This movie is a great drama that examines the meaning of family.

“Supernatural: Season 7″ - Starring: Nicholas Knight, Eric Kripke – NEW DVDs: SUPERNATURAL

I am more than a little biased since Supernatural is one of my favorite shows, but I think it is a must-see. The show has everything: action, adventure, laughs, mild-horror and is, at its heart, the story of two brothers trying to survive. Like all previous seasons, this DVD set has outtakes that are hilarious.

Julia – Circulation

“The Fault In Our Stars”-  by John Green – YA: GREEN

Popular YA author, John Green, tells the heart-wrenching, love story of teenagers Hazel and Augustus, who meet for the first time at a cancer support group. Hazel, who is terminally ill, and Augustus, whose cancer is in remission, bond and learn how to live their lives when so much is uncertain.
This book portrays teens with cancer and their families in an honest way — showing their bravery, fear and anger — along with their happier moments.
Although this book is intended for teens, I would also recommend it to adults.

“Red” – by Taylor Swift – AUDIO CD: 781.64 SWIFTIn Taylor Swift’s fourth studio album, Red, she leaves her country roots behind for a more “pop” feel with songs like, “22,” “Holy Ground,” and her first single, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” Swift even experiments with dubstep on the track “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Following the same path as her previous albums, Swift’s songs mirror her personal life, as well as her many public romances.

This is definitely one of Swift’s best albums to date.

Matt – Circulation

“Sacré Bleu: A Comedy d’Arte” – By: Christopher Moore – NEW FICTION: MOORE

For those who have not been introduced to Christopher Moore, his 13th book isn’t a bad place to start. Moore’s style of comedy is raunchy, absurd, cheeky, witty and intelligent all at the same time while pushing compelling plots and fleshing out lovable characters. This book is perfect for any lover of 19th Century art as Moore uses famous artists such as Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Gauguin, Camille Pissaro, Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Georges Seurat, James Whistler, Vincent Van Gogh and other Impressionists hanging around 19th Century France as characters. The story revolves around the mysterious death of Van Gogh and its impact on his friends Lucien Lessard, a baker turned artist and his debaucherous companion Henri Toulouse-Letrec as they try to figure out the reasons behind Van Gogh’s mysterious suicide and why the color sacré bleu seems to turn artists insane. An immensely entertaining read and one that includes color photos of many of the pieces of the mentioned artists.

“The Onion Book of Known Knowledge” – By: The Onion Writing Staff – NEW NONFICTION: 818.607 ONION

This truly is the greatest parody of encyclopedias ever assembled. “The Onion” as a publication has been a staple of Chicago media and a source of solid satire for 24 years. From start to finish this book is incredibly funny provoking all manner of guffaws, giggles, belly laughs, howls, roars, cackling and the occasional snort.

Thanks for reading and come back next month for more picks!

November!

So here were are in crisp November just around the corner to Thanksgiving. Here are some things to make your holiday a little warmer.

Melissa - Reference

“This Is How You Lose Her” – by Junot Diaz – NEW FICTION: DIAZ

 

Diaz has compiled several short stories with a continual protagonist by the name of Yunior.  He has a really unique voice; he is intelligent and educated but still at home on the streets.  Each story is about the universal topic of love and all its forms; from romantic to familial, simple to complex.  However, though each chapter is an exploration of love, they are retrospective, thereby centering on loss. 

            Diaz fluctuates frequently between Spanish and English, and while my Spanish is elementary at best, there were few instances where meaning was lost.  Diaz is truly a gifted writer, and I often found myself repeating his lines to myself. 

 

“Turn of the Screw” – by Henry James – YA: James

 

This book is one my all-time favorites.  A group of friends begin to share ghost stories around the fire, which leads to the telling of an old tale.  A governess is hired to care for two children in a country house, and after some time, she begins to see the figures of a man and woman, whom she later learns are the former governess and former valet. 

            James leads the readers through the psychological thriller, preying of the fear of the unknown.  Unlike many other tales, James does not attempt to explain the phenomena.  Doing so can often cause the tale to lose something, and the focus is on the questions rather than the answers. 

 

Jacob – Circulation

 

“Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture” – by: Ross King – NONFICTION: 726.6 KIN 

Brunelleschi’s Dome tells the story of an unlikely architect who found a solution to finishing the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral in 15^th century Florence, Italy. His clever solution won him many critics, but also fans. One fan in particular was said to be Leonardo Da Vinci. Scholars believe that some of the Da Vinci’s mechanical drawings were inspired by the elaborate cranes Brunelleschi designed to complete the dome. This is a great Renaissance read.

“Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game” – By: Michael Lewis – NONFICTION: 796.357 LEW

This is a great baseball book. It looks closely at the Oakland Athletics and their general manager Billy Beane. Beane realizes that Oakland will never be able to compete with the larger market teams such as New York with their giant payrolls, so he devises a whole new way of fielding a team. He and his staff begin analyzing players using statistics and metrics that no other team is using. Within a couple of years, Oakland is consistently competing for the playoffs, while spending a fraction of what teams like the Yankees are spending. This book turned the baseball world upside down and highlighted the genius of Billy Beane.

Michelle – Administration

“Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story” – By: Arnold Schwarzenegger – NEW NONFICTION: 921 SCHWARTZENEGGER

This is an in-depth look at the very interesting life of a man who has been Mr. Universe, a huge action star, a businessman and the Governator.  Schwarzenegger doesn’t shy away from the unflattering, while making sure you are aware of all he has accomplished.

“Uno!” – By: Green Day – NEW AUDIO: 781.66 GREEN DAY

Green Day return to their simple punk roots, leaving the rock operas behind.  The songs are short and snappy and stick in your mind long after you’ve stopped listening. This is the first album in a three part release over the next couple months.

“Battleship” - Starring: Alexander Skarsgard, Brooklyn Decker, Liam Neeson, Rihanna – NEW DVDs: BATTLESHIP

After the movie was panned by critics, I didn’t have high expectations but Battleship provided entertainment and explosions.  What more can you ask for? If you are looking for pure movie fluff, this is the DVD for you.

Check back next month for more recommendations from the library!

October Picks

Welcome to a seasonably nice Autumn as we start October. Here are some things to check out between carving pumpkins, assembling your costume and consuming a large amount of candy.

Melissa – Reference

“Niceville” – by Carsten Stroud – NEW FICTION: STROUD

Niceville is a quaint, Southern town full of history and old families.  The only thing “nice” about it is the real estate.  Niceville is mostly known for its uncommonly high number of random disappearances.  Everyone knows each other, which makes it all the worse during a disappearance.

After a young boy’s disappearance is caught by a pawn shop security camera, the town rallies to find him and aid his family.  After he is found under very mysterious circumstances and falls into a coma, his mother disappears and his father commits suicide, leaving the boy parentless.  Slowly, the truth emerges about the old Southern town.

 

“The Historian” - by Elizabeth Kostova - AUDIOBOOKS: KOSTOVA

In reading “The Historian” the second time around, I find that I’m enjoying it just as much as the first time.  The book is a beautifully written quest that begins when a young girl finds a mysterious book in her father’s library.  She begins to learn of harrowing events of her father’s past, and thus of her own, and an evil hidden in the depths of history and legend.

Kostova takes readers all over the world with the characters in search of answers that several (and perhaps countless others) have died seeking.  The landscapes are breathtaking and the voices she gives the characters are eloquent and intelligent.  Much of the adventure takes place in libraries of old institutions, so there is nothing I don’t love about this. 

 

 Matt - Circulation 

“American Gods” – By: Neil Gaiman – FICTION: GAIMAN

There’s so much I like about American Gods, its hard not to write an entire paper about it. For those not familiar with the writings of Neil Gaiman I suggest starting here as he is in his element creating compelling characters in a world populated with new twists on old characters. The story begins with Shadow a recently released convict who finds out that his life outside of prison is just as bleak as it was inside. He unwittingly meets Mr. Wednesday who convinces Shadow to work as his companion in an effort to bring together the forgotten Gods of old to take on the new American Gods. 

 

Half of the fun of this book is trying to guess which mythology each character is from and is a very interesting take on the role of mythology in people’s lives and the stories we make real. I loved the characters and the plot had me hooked from the beginning, not to mention parts of the book occur in the “Little Egypt” region of southern Illinois and other roadside destinations in the Midwest. Read this now before the HBO series comes out and everyone has it on hold.

 

“SHERLOCK” – Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman – DVDs: SHERLOCK

I have a big soft spot for British television and an even bigger spot for Sherlock Holmes, undoubtedly my favorite literary character of all time, so I’m a little biased when I say this is the best modern Sherlock Holmes to date. Cumberbatch’s Holmes is modern update using text messages, hacking techniques and, as always, cutting edge Science to solve crimes but still has his trademark incorrigable temperment and dark sense of humor. Dr. Watson is played expertly by Martin Freeman who brings a great deal of humor to Watson’s character and plays nicely off of Cumberbatch. The episodes are cinematic in scope and blend together many of Conan Doyle’s stories. A great series and I can’t wait for season 3.

 

Jacob – Circulation

 

Devil in the White City – By: Erik Larson – 364.152 LAR

Devil in the White City is a book about the Chicago’s World Fair of 1893. The author, Erik Larson, masterfully intertwines the true stories of Daniel Burnham, chief architect, and Dr. H. H. Holmes, serial murder, as they each use the Fair to gain international notoriety. This book is hard to put down and keeps the reader wanting more. A must read for any Chicagoland resident.

 

Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students who took Vegas for Millions – By: Ben Mezrich – 920 MEZ

Bringing Down the House follows a group MIT students who team up to beat the odds in blackjack. This book is for any gambler who has dreamed of finding a competitive edge or those who like an underdog story. This is a quick read that will surely entertain.

 

 

 

Thats all for now. Be sure to check back next month for new recommendations!

Picks for September

Here we are winding down the long summer nights into the (hopefully) cooler Autumn days. So as the leaves begin to change and school starts up, grab a warm glass of cider and curl up with some of the things we enjoy and hope you will too.

Melissa – Reference

 The Sense of an Ending - By: Julian Barnes – Fiction: BARNES

 This novel is both enigmatic and fascinating.  The story follows the experiences of a young man through his formidable years and the experiences that shaped him.  Later in life, he receives a letter that forces him to question what he thought he knew about his friends and himself.

Julian Barnes sets up the novel perfectly.  As soon as I finished, I had questions about what really happened versus what was perceived to have happened, which I think is exactly the message Barnes wanted to deliver. 

 The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town - By: John Grisham – NONFICTION: 345 GRI

 Although Grisham isn’t known for his nonfiction, he certainly is an adept researcher.  “The Innocent Man” relates the tale of two men who were found guilty of the rape and murder of a young woman in a small town.  Although neither man had a spotless record, they did not commit this crime.

Grisham takes readers through the inaccurate police investigation and unlawful trial that led the two men to serve twelve years in prison.  One man received the death penalty and narrowly missed his execution.  I thought this book would be very upsetting to read, but it was in fact quite humbling.

 

Theresa – Youth Services

 Stitches: A Memoir – By: David Small – Non-Fiction: 921 Small.

 Author and illustrator David Small effectively tells a story of his own sickly childhood growing up in Detroit. Using hauntingly beautiful illustrations and  minimal dialogue, this graphic novel captures spellbinding snippets in time. Quickly paced, Small’s grimly dysfunctional family life and lonely existence keep the reader’s morbid curiosity piqued. Although sad and disturbing, this memoir reveals Small’s amazing ability to survive, overcome, and perhaps even forgive family members for their shortcomings.  

Matt – Circulation

 Parks and Recreation - Starring: Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Aziz Ansari, Rashida Jones, Rob Lowe – DVDs: PARKS AND RECREATION

 For people who have not seen this show, you need to see this show. Parks and Recreation is about Leslie Knope: an idealistic government worker who loves her home town of Pawnee, Indiana. You can’t help but root for Leslie as she tries to improve an apathetic town with an excellent cast of characters whose quirks make this show a constant cavalcade of solid satire and a warm show with real heart. Every season this show gets better and is the best comedy currently on television. 

 Foundation – By: Isaac Asimov – Fiction: ASIMOV

 This is the first in one of the most influential Sci-Fi series of all time Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Series. This was the first book written in the series but not the first of the series as Asimov later wrote two prequels. I started with Foundation and was instantly hooked by the premise: the galactic empire is collapsing and PsychoHistorian Hari Seldon has come up with a mathematical formula mixed with psychology and evolutionary theory to predict major events in the collapse of the empire. Seldon decides to make The Foundation on two worlds at opposite ends of the universe to scientifically advance the primitive cultures of the outer worlds while trying to slow the coming collapse from within.

Rife with allusions to the fall of the Roman Empire and the politics of the Cold War, Asimov tells a compelling narrative about leaders who use their wits and cunning in the face of fanaticism and militarization. An interesting read and a classic Sci-Fi series.

 

Check back next month for more suggestions!

August Picks!

Let’s face it: it’s been hot. Standing in a sauna while wearing a parka kind of hot. So grab some shade, a comfy spot and a cold drink to beat the heat. Here are the recommendations for you to keep cool through August!

Chris – Technical Services

 I Like To Keep Myself In Pain - By: Kelly Hogan – New CD’s: 781.63 HOGAN, K.

 This is the first CD for Kelly Hogan, better known as a backup singer for the likes of Neko Case among others.  I would describe her as a cross between country singer, Deanna Carter and Cyndi Lauper.  Her 13 tracks are bluesy, soulful and poetic.

 Living In The Material World – By: George Harrison – Music CD: 781.66 HARRISON

 George’s 2^nd Solo album following the breakup of the Beatles in 1970 follows him on his spiritual path.  George said he was greatly influenced by Bob Dylan’s way of writing, each word chosen, each phrase having meaning.  In my mind another great poet taken from us to soon.

  Memphis Blues – By: Cyndi Lauper – Music CD’s: 781.63 LAUPER, C.

 What can I say, Cyndi at her best, interpreting some great blues songs.

 

 To Sleep With the Angels – By: David Cowan & John Kuenster – Non-Fiction: 372.9 COW

 Of the ½ dozen books I have read on the subject of the Our Lady of the Angels fire of December, 1958 this is the best researched and most complete of this day in Chicago History.

The authors takes you step by step through the day from the vantage point of everyone involved-the fire department, the nuns and teachers in the school, the children who survived, the parish priests, the school boards and the police investigators who pieced this puzzle together and still came up with an “Undetermined Cause”.

 Quiet, The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking – By: Susan Cain – New Non-Fiction: 155.232 CAI

An exploration of the EXTROVERT ideal, how we undervalue the introvert, inspiring stories of successful introverts, and how introverts can change how they see themselves.  I especially enjoyed Chapter 5, The Secret of public speaking for introverts.

Melissa – Reference

 The Secret of Lost Things – By:Sheridan Hay – Fiction: HAY

This novel is about a young girl who travels to America from Australia upon her mother’s death to carve her own path in life.  She finds a job with a New York book dealer, where she meets a true cast of characters and finds herself in the midst of a hunt for a lost manuscript.

What this novel is really about is the plight of human suffering and how that can be used to form relationships that help heal wounds. The characterization is excellent, and while they each vastly differ from each other, Hay presents them in way that allows empathy for each. The surface storyline is captivating, and like many of the classics housed within the book dealer’s store, there is more to the story than it seems.

 At Home: A Short History of Private Life – By: Bill Bryson – Non-Fiction: 643.1 BRY

 Looking around his own home, Bryson wondered about the history of domestic life.  For instance, why of all countless spices available, do salt and pepper both have a permanent place on the table?  Where and how did company sit before the risqué invention of the sofa?  How has the home changed throughout history? 

            Absolutely an interesting read through and through.  Bryson does an excellent job sharing the history of the home by touring from room to room, and giving the surprisingly interesting tales of the items found within each room.

 

Michelle – Administration

 

 Wanderlust – Starring: Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston – New DVDs: WANDERLUST

 

This is a hysterical look at a Manhattan couple who lose everything and moves to a hippie commune.

 

 

 

 Salmon Fishing in the Yemen – Starring: Ewon McGregor, Emily Blunt, Kristin Scott Thomas – New DVDs: SALMON FISHING…

 

This is a charming story of an unlikely group of people working together to bring Salmon to the Yemen. Based on the best-selling novel, the movie has everything; romance, comedy, drama and even a little action.