2010 Book List
Nonfiction
1001 children's books you must read before you grow up
Off the Tourist Track: 1000 unexpected travel adventures
Concord Quartet, Alcott, Emerson, Hawthorn, Thoreau.
Mortimer Adler, Charles Van Doren. How to Read a Book 1940, 1976
Sharon Begley Train Your Mind, Change your Life
Blogging for Dummies / iPhone for Dummies
Bill Bryson Seeing Further: Science, Discovery, and the Genius of the Royal Society, At Home
Nick Bunker Make Haste from Babylon
Caleb Carr The Lessons of Terror
Celtic Wisdom
Bruce Chatwin Far journeys : photographs and notebooks
Nick Collins The End of the Line 2005
Bernard DeVoto Western Paradox
David Hackett Fischer Champlain’s Dream
Atul Gawande. The Checklist Manifesto
David Grann The Devil and Sherlock Holmes
Claire Harman. Jane’s Fame 2009
Charley Hopper (art books/environmental posters)
Bill Holm Poles in Minnesota.
Matthew Mark Jacob What the Great Ate
PD James Talking about Detective Fiction
Henry James: A life in letters Ed Philip Horne,
Sam Kean. The Disappearing Spoon (periodic table)
William Bryan Logan Oak, frame of civilisation 2008
Leonard Maltin 151 Best Movies You’ve Never Seen
John McPhee Giving Good Weight
John Medina Brain Rules: 12 principles for surviving and thriving at work, home, and school
Sy Montgomery Birdology (adventures with a pack of hens, a peck of pigeons, cantankerous crows, fierce falcons, hip hop parrots, baby hummingbirds and one murderously big living dinosaur (emu)
Philip Mould The Art Detective: Fakes, Frauds and Finds and the Search for Lost Treasures
Diana Norman 1970 Tom Corbett’s Stately Ghosts of England.
Stephanie O'Dea Make it fast, cook it slow.
Nancy Pearl Book Lust to Go: recommended reading for travelers, vagabonds, and dreamers
A passion for books (ed Dale Salwak) 1999
A passion for books : a book lover's treasury of stories, essays, humor, lore, and lists on collecting, reading, borrowing, lending, caring for, and appreciating books (1999) Eds Harold Rabinowitz and Rob Kaplan.
Eric Pooley The Climate War
William Powers Hamlet’s Blackberry: life in digital age
Eva Rice The Lost art of Keeping Secrets
Sarah Rose For all the tea in China : how England stole the world's favorite drink and changed history
Amy Stewart Flower confidential. The good, the bad and the beautiful in the business of flowers 2001 Wicked Plants 2009
Tom Slayton The Beauty of Vermont
Mark Strand. Hopper
Suzanne Strempek Shelf Life: Romance, Mystery, Drama: a year in a Bookstore 2004
Robert Sullivan The Thoreau you Don’t Know 2009
J. Maarten Troost Lost on Planet China
Abraham Verghese Cutting for Stone
Donald Worster A Passion for Nature: the life of John Muir 2008
Donald Worster Rivers of Empire: Water, Aridity and the growth of the American West 1985
Zagat Ann Christenson Chicago Restaurants
Poetry/Short Stories
TS Eliot Four quartets
Will Weaver - new book! MN press
James Lenfestey (ed) Low Down and Coming on
Mysteries, Fiction
DM Annechino They Never Die Quietly
M Gannon ed. Blood Bedlam Bullets and Badguys
Emily Arsenault The Broken Teaglass 2009
Stephanie Barron. A Flaw in the Blood, The White Garden, Jane and the Madness of Lord Bryon
Lorna Barrett Bookmarked for Death
Lauren Belfer A Fierce Radiance
Vanora Bennett The Queen’s Lover (Henry VI)
Jane Borodale The Book of Fires
Gyles Brandreth Oscar Wilde and the dead man's smile
James Buchan The Persian Bride
Andrea Camilleri The Shape of Water (novel of food wine and homicide in Sicily, first Insp Montalbano)
Jennifer Lee Carrell Haunt Me Still
Kate Carlisle If Books could kill, Homicide in Hardcover
Sarah Caudwell The Sibyl in her Grave 2000
Barbara Cleverly Strange images of Death, Darker God
John Connolly The Whisperers
Martin Davies The Conjurer's Bird, Mrs. Hudson and the Malabar Rose
Catherine Delors For the King
Mathew Dicks Something Missing
Gerald Elias. Devil's Trill
George Eliott Silas Marner
Carolly Erickson Memoirs Mary Queen of Scots
Charles Finch Stranger in Mayfair
Marina Fiorato Glassblower of Murano, The Botticelli Secret
Dick Felix Francis Crossfire
Ariana Franklin Mistress of the Art of Death, Serpents Tale, Grave Goods, Murderous procession, City of Shadows
Tana French Faithful Place
Juliet Gael Romancing Miss Bronte
Andrew Gross Dark Tide
Elly Griffeths The Crossing Places, Janus Stone
Martha Grimes The Black Cat
CS Harris What Remains of Heaven
Erin Hart Haunted Ground 2003 Lake of Sorrows 2006 False Mermaid
Georgette Heyer Duplicate Death
Homer Hickam The Dinosaur Hunter
Quintin Jardine Fatal Last Words 2009
Kathleen Kent The Wolves of Andover
Kathleen Kent The Heretic's Daughter 2008
Elizabeth Kostova. 2010 The Swan Thieves
Hilary Mantel Wolf Hall 2009, Fludd 2001 The Giant, O'Brien, Beyond Black 2005
Peter May Virtually Dead, Extraordinary People
Archer Mayor Price of Malice, Red Herring
Sharyn McCrumb The Devil amongst the Lawyers
Caroline Miniscule An Unpardonable Crime
Diana Norman Taking Liberty 2003
SJ Parris Heresy
Anne Perry The Sheen of the Silk
Elizabeth Peters Rivers in the Sky 2009
Ian Rankin. Doors Open
CJ Ransom. Dark Fire, Sovereign
Cornelia Read Field of Darkness, Crazy School, Invisible Boy
Kathy Reichs Spider Bones
Peter Robinson The Price of Love, Bad Boy
John Sandford Storm Prey, Bad Boy (Virgil)
Cathleen Schine Three Weissmanns of Westport.
Olen Steinhauer Victory Square 2007 The Tourist 2009, The Nearest Exit
Andrew Taylor Bleeding Heart Square 2009Roth Trilogy, the Lyndmouth Series, Blaines Trilogy and Dougal Series, A Stain in the Silence, The Barred Window, Raven in the Water, The American Boy.
World of Gerard Mercator.
Charles Todd The Red Door, A Lonely Death: An Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery, An Impartial Witness
Biography
Confucius Sayings
Rusty Dewees Scrawlins (Vermont)
William Fiennes The Snow Geese (2002)
Claire Harman. Jane’s Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World 2009
Woody Holton. Abigal Adams 2009
St Clair McKelway Reporting at Wit’s End: Tales from the New Yorker
Alice Munro The View from Castle Rock 2006
Edna O’Brien Byron in Love: a short daring life
Val Ross Robertson Davies Portrait
Andrew Taylor The World of George Mercator
Mark Twain Autobiography
Science Fiction
Dave Duncan Monster War
Richard Morgan The Steel Remains, Altered carbon
Paul Hofman. The Left Hand of God
Terry Pratchett I shall wear Midnight
Kim Stanley Robinson Galileo's dream
Literature/Fiction
Peter Carey Parrot and Olivier
Barbara Cleverly Tug of War 2006
Tracy Cheveliar Remarkable Creatures
Justin Cronin Passages
Catherine Delors For the King
Tatiana De Rosnay Sarah’s Key 2007
Joshua Ferris Then We Came to the End 2007
Adam Gopnik The Lost Estate
Einar Mar Gundmundsson Angels of the Universe 1993 (winner Nordic Council Lit Prize)
Paul Harding Tinkers
Barbara Kingsolver The Lacuna
Sandor Marai Casanova in Bolzano 1940, translated 2004 The Rebels
Kate Morton The Distant Hours
Julie Orringer The Invisible Bridge
Ali Shaw The Girl with Glass Feet 2009
Alexander McCall Smith, Corduroy Mansions
AMS Double Comfort Safari Club
Lost Art of Gratitude, The Charming Quirks of Others
Helen Simonson Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand
Rebecca Stott The Coral Thief 2009
Elizabeth Strout Abide with Me 2006, Olive Kitteridge (2008 Pulitizer)
Romance
Amanda Quick Burning Lamp
Gail Carriger Soulless, Changeless, Blameless
Deanna Raybourn Silent on the Moor 2009
Julia Quinn What happens in London
Emma Wildes My lord Scandal
Joann Sfar and Emmanuel Gulbert The Professor’s Daughter (graphic 1997)
Childrens
GA Aiken What a Dragon Should Know
Kate DiCamillo Louise, the Adventures of A Chicken
Neil Gaiman Wild Hair
Maurice Sendak Where the Wild Things Are
Brandon Mull Fairhaven series
Lemony Snicket Thirteen Words
Lane Smith It’s A Book!
Movies/DVDs
Iron Man
Robin Hood
Climate of Change
Shrek 3D
Nanny McPhee
Secretariat
Fantastic Mr Fox
Blindside
Sherlock Holmes
Crazy Heart
From Paris with Love
Young Victoria
How to Train Your Dragon
Foyle’s War MI-5
King’s Speech
Avatar
Girl who played with Fire/Dragon Tattoo
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Book Group in A BAG
The Library has a great selection of BOOK GROUP in a BAG, with hundreds of titles in Fiction, Non Fiction, Children's and Young Adult. There are also wonderful Reading Group or Book Club Guides (with questions, or if you like this author, read these).
Don't forget that the Rochester Reads book The Worst Hard Time is also available as a BookGroup in a Bag.
So, what is your book group reading next??
We'd like to hear what you are reading throughout the coming year. We would be delighted to open discussion on authors or particular books too. There will be new titles added this year as well. Please let the Library know if you have any titles you can't wait to read.
Don't forget to meet the author too = the Library has a number of author visits scheduled for 2011. Watch this space! There are quite a few regional visits of authors as well. Share if you plan to attend.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Wit Wisdom & Wine fundraiser
Oooh Shiny! This year's 10th Annual Wit Wisdom & Wine raffle on January 15, 2011, features the winner's choice of one of three pieces of jewlery donated by Hight & Randall, Ltd.
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| 18 karat white gold Art Nouveau arrow pin with 25 square cut channel set blue sapphires weighing approximately 0.75ct and 22 single cut bead set melee diamonds weighing approximately 0.25ct, circa 1930. This piece weighs 4.6 grams. |
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| 14 karat yellow gold antique revival style filigree ring containing 37 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.52 ct, H color S12 clarity. |
We are grateful for the generous support of our event co-sponsors:
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Additional Sponsors:
Proceeds are used to support the mission and vision of the Rochester Public Library Foundation.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Peter Robinson Bad Boy
There are several current titles with Bad Boy, but this mystery by Peter Robinson is another fasinating read. This continues the story of Det Chief Insp Alan Banks, with his partner Annie Cabot. England never feels very safe when they are involved in a case. Lately they seem to all have insidious, devious pychopaths, masquerading as smooth individuals, the pillars of the community. This has truly grisly details, not just physical, but the psychological impact; again not just the crimes, but the implications in every day lives of the consequences of our actions, and other deeds. Keep the lights on, expect a fast read, hope your nightmares are less than mine!
I had two comments about small details: they were sipping whiskey as they are wont to do, but if it is spelled with an 'e' it isn't the singlemalts of their northern neighbours. Are they drinking irish whiskey?? Or is this the american typeset??
I love the fact that the main characters like to read, as well as drink wine and listen to music.
The echo of "we're a right pair" closes with a sense of survival, but at a huge cost.
Can't wait for the next installment.
I had two comments about small details: they were sipping whiskey as they are wont to do, but if it is spelled with an 'e' it isn't the singlemalts of their northern neighbours. Are they drinking irish whiskey?? Or is this the american typeset??
I love the fact that the main characters like to read, as well as drink wine and listen to music.
The echo of "we're a right pair" closes with a sense of survival, but at a huge cost.
Can't wait for the next installment.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wit Wisdom & Wine fundraiser
This entertaining and intellectual fundraising event features a variety of speakers. Attendees select two class choices to attend. Wine and Hors d'oeuvres will be served throughout the evening, with special wine tasting and refreshments following the second class.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Library and Bookstore Holiday closings
A reminder that the Friends Bookstore and the Library will be CLOSED tomorrow and Saturday::
Friday, December 24
Saturday, December 25
We will also be CLOSED to observe New Years:
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, January 1, 2011
ANOTHER reminder to ALL VOLUNTEERS
Please put your volunteer hours in the signup sheets/books (both bookstore, sorting, etc) for Nan to log in your annual hours. This is very important, not just to recognize all the work that you do (which the Library and Friends GREATLY appreciate) but also these numbers provide the basis for additional support and community recognition.
THANK YOU AGAIN everyone, for all the hard work that you do. It is a wonderful contribution to our library and to the community (and to the next generations!)
Friday, December 24
Saturday, December 25
We will also be CLOSED to observe New Years:
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, January 1, 2011
ANOTHER reminder to ALL VOLUNTEERS
Please put your volunteer hours in the signup sheets/books (both bookstore, sorting, etc) for Nan to log in your annual hours. This is very important, not just to recognize all the work that you do (which the Library and Friends GREATLY appreciate) but also these numbers provide the basis for additional support and community recognition.
THANK YOU AGAIN everyone, for all the hard work that you do. It is a wonderful contribution to our library and to the community (and to the next generations!)
Donations and Recycling!
REMINDER the Library and Bookstore will be closed on the Christmas and New Year Holidays!
Remember you can recycle your books (new, old, textbooks, foreign language, etc) to our Friends bookstore. The Rochester Public Library will look at them first to see if they want to add them to their collection. Then the books will be sorted for online sales, unusual and special, Book Store or Book Sales.
You can also recycle your magazines! The BookStore sells current magazines for 50cents! I am always amazed at the number of titles we have. Free magazines are located outside the bookstore in the Library foyer. Don't forget the Library also accepts ink cartridges for recycling.
Remember you can recycle your books (new, old, textbooks, foreign language, etc) to our Friends bookstore. The Rochester Public Library will look at them first to see if they want to add them to their collection. Then the books will be sorted for online sales, unusual and special, Book Store or Book Sales.
You can also recycle your magazines! The BookStore sells current magazines for 50cents! I am always amazed at the number of titles we have. Free magazines are located outside the bookstore in the Library foyer. Don't forget the Library also accepts ink cartridges for recycling.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Holidays
When I discovered libraries, it was like having Christmas every day. Jean Fritz
Support your local library this year, give generously.
A donation (remember those taxes!), a donation in someone's name (a great gift!), a ticket to Wit Wisdom and Wine (January 15th), a book purchase in the Friends' Bookstore, a Friends membership purchase (early entry into our book sales, Winterfest is next!), a bottle of wine or the Balvenie Single Malt Whisky (in December at Andy's) are all ways to contribute just a little more to benefit the entire community. You benefit as well!
Support your local library this year, give generously.
A donation (remember those taxes!), a donation in someone's name (a great gift!), a ticket to Wit Wisdom and Wine (January 15th), a book purchase in the Friends' Bookstore, a Friends membership purchase (early entry into our book sales, Winterfest is next!), a bottle of wine or the Balvenie Single Malt Whisky (in December at Andy's) are all ways to contribute just a little more to benefit the entire community. You benefit as well!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Book Groups - Book Clubs
What is your book group reading next??
We'd like to hear what you are reading throughout the coming year. We would be delighted to open discussion on authors or particular books too. The Library has a great selection of BOOK GROUP in a BAG, with hundreds of titles. There are also wonderful Reading Group or Book Club Guides (with questions, or if you like this author, read these).
Don't forget to meet the author too = the Library has a number of author visits scheduled for 2011. Watch this space! There are quite a few regional visits of authors as well. Share if you plan to attend.
A favourite spot to locate new book titles, subject or ideas or award winning authors is htttp://www.vintagebooks.com/read
One of my book groups has a Poetry Pot Luck in December - an annual event now. In January we are reading Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Books discussed or suggested or on want to read lists: (Feel free to recommend or not any on this list!)
Diego and Frida by LeClezio
Half Baked Ponies by Jeanette Walls (memoir)
Googled: The End of the World as We Know It by Ken Aulett (NF)
The Piano Teacher by Janice K. Lee (F)
The House on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford (F)
Sex, Time and Power: How Women's Sexuality Shaped Human Evolution by Leonard Schain, recently recommended
House Keeping by Marilyn Robinson ( a recent Writer's Almanac)
Gilead by Marilyn Robinson
Making Democracy Work: A Judge's View by Stephen Breyer (just out in Sept!)
Provenance: How a Con Man and a Forger Rewrote the History of Modern Man(NF) by Laney Salisbury, Ally Sujo,
When the Crocodile Ate the Sun ()NF) by Peter Godwin,
Five Quarters of the Orange (F) by Joanne Harris
Remembering Smell for Fun (NF) by Bonnie Blodgett
Sea of Poppies (F) by Amitov Ghosh
The Little Stranger (F) by Sarah Waters
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Outcasts United by Warren St. John (NF)
The Book of Night Women by Marlon James (recently featured on MPR)
We'd like to hear what you are reading throughout the coming year. We would be delighted to open discussion on authors or particular books too. The Library has a great selection of BOOK GROUP in a BAG, with hundreds of titles. There are also wonderful Reading Group or Book Club Guides (with questions, or if you like this author, read these).
Don't forget to meet the author too = the Library has a number of author visits scheduled for 2011. Watch this space! There are quite a few regional visits of authors as well. Share if you plan to attend.
A favourite spot to locate new book titles, subject or ideas or award winning authors is htttp://www.vintagebooks.com/read
One of my book groups has a Poetry Pot Luck in December - an annual event now. In January we are reading Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Books discussed or suggested or on want to read lists: (Feel free to recommend or not any on this list!)
Diego and Frida by LeClezio
Half Baked Ponies by Jeanette Walls (memoir)
Googled: The End of the World as We Know It by Ken Aulett (NF)
The Piano Teacher by Janice K. Lee (F)
The House on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford (F)
Sex, Time and Power: How Women's Sexuality Shaped Human Evolution by Leonard Schain, recently recommended
House Keeping by Marilyn Robinson ( a recent Writer's Almanac)
Gilead by Marilyn Robinson
Making Democracy Work: A Judge's View by Stephen Breyer (just out in Sept!)
Provenance: How a Con Man and a Forger Rewrote the History of Modern Man(NF) by Laney Salisbury, Ally Sujo,
When the Crocodile Ate the Sun ()NF) by Peter Godwin,
Five Quarters of the Orange (F) by Joanne Harris
Remembering Smell for Fun (NF) by Bonnie Blodgett
Sea of Poppies (F) by Amitov Ghosh
The Little Stranger (F) by Sarah Waters
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Outcasts United by Warren St. John (NF)
The Book of Night Women by Marlon James (recently featured on MPR)
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Holiday Books
Enjoy a wee nip to keep the cold at bay while perusing the latest Library book, or Friends' Bookstore Find! Remember that Andy's Crossroads and NE Stores have Balvenie Double Wood and 15 yr Single Malt Whiskies for sale during December and that a portion of the proceeds ($5) of each bottle benefits the Rochester Public Library. You still have 11 days left of this month!
Remember that we are making a Library Collection of interesting wines, with wonderful labels for the next few months. The Favourite so far is SSShhhhhh ardonnay, with an outstanding photo of one of our first librarians! I personally like Well Red, on either the Merlot or the Cabernet. Pair it with your favorite book for an outstanding gift.
Wine really does improve with age. The older I get, the more I like it. Urban Graphic
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Holiday Books
LIFE IS SHORT
READ FAST!!
Cheers! It is the season to celebrate with Friends ;-)
Enjoy a wee nip to keep the cold at bay while perusing the latest Library book, or Friends' Bookstore Find! Remember that Andy's Crossroads and NE Stores have Balvenie Double Wood and 15 yr Single Malt Whiskies for sale during the Month of December and that a portion of the proceeds ($5) of each bottle benefits the Rochester Public Library.
AND Remember that we are making a Library Collection of interesting wines, with wonderful labels for the next few months. The Favourite so far is SSShhhhhh ardonnay, with an outstanding photo of one of our first librarians! I personally like Well Red, on either the Merlot or the Cabernet.
We will consider personalised labels for orders of a case or more. A local Book Club decided it was the perfect gift for members and created a label with "reading between the wines".
A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world: Louis Pasteur
READ FAST!!
Cheers! It is the season to celebrate with Friends ;-)
Enjoy a wee nip to keep the cold at bay while perusing the latest Library book, or Friends' Bookstore Find! Remember that Andy's Crossroads and NE Stores have Balvenie Double Wood and 15 yr Single Malt Whiskies for sale during the Month of December and that a portion of the proceeds ($5) of each bottle benefits the Rochester Public Library.
We will consider personalised labels for orders of a case or more. A local Book Club decided it was the perfect gift for members and created a label with "reading between the wines".
A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world: Louis Pasteur
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Second Saturday Sale
Due to the inclement snowy weather last weekend, we closed the bookstore. Do not despair! We moved the Book Sale to THIS next Saturday December 18th so you can still find the perfect book gift!
We have a wonderful selection of Gift Quality Books for our Second Saturday Sale, in the Friends' Bookstore and Library Foyer. Join Paige Turner in selecting a great holiday read! I will soon be posting my annual reading list, with recommendations, so check this space!
We have a wonderful selection of Gift Quality Books for our Second Saturday Sale, in the Friends' Bookstore and Library Foyer. Join Paige Turner in selecting a great holiday read! I will soon be posting my annual reading list, with recommendations, so check this space!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Visiting Author Series
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Holiday Books
Let the Holiday Season Begin! From Sinterklaus through 12th Night*
Books make Great Gifts because they appeal to almost everyone; they're affordable, shippable and wrap-able; and they complement the fine taste of the giver as well as the receiver.
There's something for everyone, including yourself.
VISIT THE FRIENDS' BOOKSTORE SOON for the perfect gift.
* the elves made me do it ;-)
Books make Great Gifts because they appeal to almost everyone; they're affordable, shippable and wrap-able; and they complement the fine taste of the giver as well as the receiver.
VISIT THE FRIENDS' BOOKSTORE SOON for the perfect gift.
* the elves made me do it ;-)
Saturday, December 11, 2010
READ A NEW BOOK MONTH
Remember, December is "Read a New Book Month"!
We know that every month is for our Friends Bookstore Readers, but since it is now official, we may as well CELEBRATE!
Come into the Bookstore for great book suggestions and a great selection of holiday gift ideas. Don't know what to get someone for the Holidays? A BOOKSTORE GIFT CERTIFICATE is a great idea!!
Santa is Busy!!!
Be an ELF** and support the Rochester Public Library!
*An ELF is an Extraordinary Library Friend!
We know that every month is for our Friends Bookstore Readers, but since it is now official, we may as well CELEBRATE!
Come into the Bookstore for great book suggestions and a great selection of holiday gift ideas. Don't know what to get someone for the Holidays? A BOOKSTORE GIFT CERTIFICATE is a great idea!!
Santa is Busy!!!
Be an ELF** and support the Rochester Public Library!
His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph Ellis
His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph Ellis
Review by Matt Ruzek
His Excellency is a look into the character of one of our founding fathers George Washington. Joseph Ellis is also the author of Revolutionary reads such as Founding Brothers and American Sphinx. In my opinion His Excellency is the most captivating of three because George Washington is the central figure. The book takes you from Washington’s youth through to serving in the militia in the French and Indian War, as General during the American Revolution, then presiding over the Continental Congress, and eventually becoming our first recognized President. Along this journey, however, you see the stoic resolve and strong constitution of a man during our most tumultuous time in our country’s history. This is not another biography written in textbook form. This comes from Washington’s personal papers found at Mount Vernon. You see Washington’s struggle with slavery, land exploration, and the lack of a legacy through children. The book is a great study in determination and resolve under the most trying circumstances such as the Valley Forge and the design of a Federal Banking system. For anyone who loves history, character studies, or just a good read I would recommend this book. It reads like a novel and will delightfully occupy a weekend. Enjoy!!!!
Review by Matt Ruzek
His Excellency is a look into the character of one of our founding fathers George Washington. Joseph Ellis is also the author of Revolutionary reads such as Founding Brothers and American Sphinx. In my opinion His Excellency is the most captivating of three because George Washington is the central figure. The book takes you from Washington’s youth through to serving in the militia in the French and Indian War, as General during the American Revolution, then presiding over the Continental Congress, and eventually becoming our first recognized President. Along this journey, however, you see the stoic resolve and strong constitution of a man during our most tumultuous time in our country’s history. This is not another biography written in textbook form. This comes from Washington’s personal papers found at Mount Vernon. You see Washington’s struggle with slavery, land exploration, and the lack of a legacy through children. The book is a great study in determination and resolve under the most trying circumstances such as the Valley Forge and the design of a Federal Banking system. For anyone who loves history, character studies, or just a good read I would recommend this book. It reads like a novel and will delightfully occupy a weekend. Enjoy!!!!
Friday, December 10, 2010
What to read next...
It is a busy holiday season, yet I have STACKS of books to read. Literally. The Stack on the right has to be read soon, as they are library books! There are only 16 to read in the space of 15 days ;-) Unusually for me, I am reading several at a time. That happens with non fiction, but also with Book Lust to Go (Nancy Pearl) you end up reading 2 pages, and getting 6 more books....So do I buy Book Lust to Go in paperback or on Kindle??
The Book Stack on the left has accumulated over the last three months, when travel enlisted virtual reading. Many of these were purchased in the Friends' Bookstore, where you can often find books in mint condition, for a fraction of the price. Winter is the Perfect READING Season, and it is delightful knowing I have the next book all set to go. Of course, I have an enormous wish list too!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Second Saturday Sale
We have a wonderful selection of Gift Quality Books for our Second Saturday Sale, December 11th in the Friends Bookstore and Library Foyer. Join Paige Turner in selecting a great holiday read!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Book Reviews
The Friends have started a books recommended area in our Friends' Bookstore. There are so many wonderful books out there, as well as amazing prices in our store, that it is an ideal pairing. Many of the volunteer staff can also comment of books that you might be interested in buying.
We would like to include more book reviews in this blog. If you are interested in recommending a book, an author, a series, a movie, please send in your review, or idea and we will consider posting it.
If there are books you are looking for, do let us know as well. We have a large selection in our bookstore, but also have online inventory.
We will look forward to hearing from you.
We would like to include more book reviews in this blog. If you are interested in recommending a book, an author, a series, a movie, please send in your review, or idea and we will consider posting it.
If there are books you are looking for, do let us know as well. We have a large selection in our bookstore, but also have online inventory.
We will look forward to hearing from you.
Friday, December 3, 2010
John Sandford, Bad Boy
Has anyone read the new Virgil Flowers book, Bad Boy?
I would like to start a discussion since I have heard so many different comments. And read so many varied reviews.
It was not an easy book, with the subject matter, and I thought I wouldn't want to live in Blue Earth until I talked with another library staff member who said he recognized people! If Garrison Keillor had lived here, Lake Wobegon would have been full of nightmares. I couldn't marry the two Minnesotas together. Still, it was first and foremost a Sandford book: There were some delightful Flowers' comments and the usual storyline.
Another discussion point includes the comments that the subject matter was more Davenport than Flowers. Whereas I felt that this would have been a brilliant Kidde book. I so wish he brought back those characters.
Not a book to enjoy, but a book that is fast paced and packs a punch. I read it in one sitting because I needed to be done with it, didn't sleep well, had to have a discussion to exorcise it, passed my copy on as I will not reread this, but still recommend reading it.
I would like to start a discussion since I have heard so many different comments. And read so many varied reviews.
It was not an easy book, with the subject matter, and I thought I wouldn't want to live in Blue Earth until I talked with another library staff member who said he recognized people! If Garrison Keillor had lived here, Lake Wobegon would have been full of nightmares. I couldn't marry the two Minnesotas together. Still, it was first and foremost a Sandford book: There were some delightful Flowers' comments and the usual storyline.
Another discussion point includes the comments that the subject matter was more Davenport than Flowers. Whereas I felt that this would have been a brilliant Kidde book. I so wish he brought back those characters.
Not a book to enjoy, but a book that is fast paced and packs a punch. I read it in one sitting because I needed to be done with it, didn't sleep well, had to have a discussion to exorcise it, passed my copy on as I will not reread this, but still recommend reading it.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Holiday BOOK AND BAKE SALE
Don't miss our annual holiday book and bake sale!
Sunday afternoon December 5th in the Auditorium of the Rochester Public Library.
There are amazing gift quality books at very reasonable prices, some specifically for the holidays plus other new fiction and nonfiction.
Don't forget, we always have a wide selection of Christmas cookies and baked goods! These are best sellers and disappear fast! Come early for a good assortment! I know some people who come and get their holiday cookies and don't bake for the rest of the month!
Remember, eliminate regifting! Buy and book and then buy a bottle of library wine at Andy's Liquor Crossroads!
Sunday afternoon December 5th in the Auditorium of the Rochester Public Library.
There are amazing gift quality books at very reasonable prices, some specifically for the holidays plus other new fiction and nonfiction.
Remember, eliminate regifting! Buy and book and then buy a bottle of library wine at Andy's Liquor Crossroads!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Perfect Gifts for the Holidays
Just in time for the Holidays, Andy's Liquors has teamed up with the Rochester Public Library to provide a perfect idea for gifts! A great book and a bottle of wine! We have the books in the Bookstore and at the Friends Book and Bake Sale (Sunday December 5th), all you have to do is go to Andy's Crossroads for the wine!
(I can personally vouch for the Shhhhardonay and the Cabernet!)
Another huge Thank You to Ginny for her fabulous artistic talents - the new computer is a total success!
(I can personally vouch for the Shhhhardonay and the Cabernet!)
Another huge Thank You to Ginny for her fabulous artistic talents - the new computer is a total success!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
November display for Unusual and Special books
Just in time for the upcoming magical season, the Unusual & Special Books team has conjured up a wonder-full assortment of classic fairy tales, verses and rhymes, fables, and bedtime stories to share with the children (young and old) in your life. Titles include: The Snow Queen illustrated by Edmund Dulac, First Book of Fairly Tales (a board book), Kipling’s Jungle Books, Uncle Wiggily’s Picture Book, a Beauty and the Beast pop-up book, Fireside Tales (Scottish) of the Traveller Children, the Classic Volland edition of Great Children’s Stories, and many more.
The books, priced from $5 to $25, are displayed in the glass case next to the elevator on the Library’s main floor; the Friend’s bookstore staff can help you purchase your selections.
The books, priced from $5 to $25, are displayed in the glass case next to the elevator on the Library’s main floor; the Friend’s bookstore staff can help you purchase your selections.
Friday, November 19, 2010
A Celtic Evening update - SOLD OUT!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
A Celtic Evening Silent Auction Item
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A Celtic Evening Silent Auction Items
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Shopping at Amazon.com can help support the library!
Republished from the Rochester Public Library's blog.
The holiday season is coming up faster than any of us would like to admit. I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t like the overwhelming crowds when I shop for my family and friends. Online shopping, I found, is a great way to avoid the claustrophobic, I’m-gonna-scream-if-one-more-person-bumps-into-me feeling.
If you’ve ever used Amazon, you know that, just like a library, they offer more than just books. Much more! They have everything from diapers to snow blowers, music, movies, toys, games, electronics, tools, clothes, snacks, pet food, and even flame throwers! I’m serious! They have home decor, musical instruments, lawn mowers, shoes, magazine subscriptions, seat covers for your cars, I could go on and on for a good long time.
The best part of shopping at Amazon is that I help support the library at the same time. The Friends of the Library have a portal to Amazon that you can use to turn your purchase into a donation. How awesome is that? All you have to do is use the portal when you shop and anything you buy, and I mean anything, a percent of the purchase price goes back to the Friends with no extra charge for you!
Happy Holidays and happy shopping
Remember, you can always click onto the library's blog from this site in the right-hand column near the bottom.
The holiday season is coming up faster than any of us would like to admit. I don’t know about anyone else, but I don’t like the overwhelming crowds when I shop for my family and friends. Online shopping, I found, is a great way to avoid the claustrophobic, I’m-gonna-scream-if-one-more-person-bumps-into-me feeling.
If you’ve ever used Amazon, you know that, just like a library, they offer more than just books. Much more! They have everything from diapers to snow blowers, music, movies, toys, games, electronics, tools, clothes, snacks, pet food, and even flame throwers! I’m serious! They have home decor, musical instruments, lawn mowers, shoes, magazine subscriptions, seat covers for your cars, I could go on and on for a good long time.
The best part of shopping at Amazon is that I help support the library at the same time. The Friends of the Library have a portal to Amazon that you can use to turn your purchase into a donation. How awesome is that? All you have to do is use the portal when you shop and anything you buy, and I mean anything, a percent of the purchase price goes back to the Friends with no extra charge for you!
Happy Holidays and happy shopping
Remember, you can always click onto the library's blog from this site in the right-hand column near the bottom.
A Celtic Evening Silent Auction Items
Haste ye here!
Monday, November 15, 2010
A Celtic Evening Bucket Raffle Items
Sunday, November 14, 2010
A Celtic Evening Silent Auction Items
Cead Mile Fealte (A thousand welcomes - in Gaelic)
Saturday, November 13, 2010
RL Stevenson, Celtic Evening Spirit
Robert Louis Stevenson 1850-1894
The best loved literary figure of his time as much for his personality as for his authorship of Treasure Island, Kidnapped and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson was born today in Edinburgh on 13 November 1850. He described his childhood in detail in his autobiographical essays and vividly recalled its emotions and pleasures in A Child's Garden of Verses (1885). Kidnapped was chosen by the Edinburgh City of Literature as their first "One City, One Book" title.
He had an ambition at an early age to become a writer; he compromised to study Law (instead of engineering at University of Edinburgh). He was admitted advocate in 1875 but never practiced. During these years he rebelled against the conventions of respectable Edinburgh society and there were bitter quarrels with his father (a devout Presbyterian) about religion.
In 1873 he met the critic Prof. Sidney Colvin who became his lifelong friend and literary mentor. With Colvin's help he began to achieve a reputation with his essays and short stories (collected in Virginibus Puerisque, 1881 and New Arabian Nights, 1882). Another close friendship was formed with poet and critic WE Henley, writing 4 unsuccessful plays (including Deacon Brodie, 1880).
The closest friend of his youth was his painter cousin RAM (Bob) Stevenson, and he spent much time with him in France. His early travels were undertaken so that he could write books about them. A Wand Voyage (1878) described a canoe journey, Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes (1879), Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes (1878; a classic account of the city whose climate he hated but which always haunted his imagination).
In the art colony of Grez (1876) he fell in love with Fanny Vandegrift Osboume, an American 10 years older than himself who was estranged from her husband. She returned to California in 1878 for divorce. In 1879 Stevenson followed, travelling cheaply by immigrant ship, then by train across America, recording his experiences in Amateur Emigrant (1895) and Across the Plans (1892). The hardships of the journey and the poverty wrecked his health and he suffered the first of the haemorrhages which plagued the rest of his life.
Stevenson and Fanny were married in May 1880, following a telegram from his father assuring them of financial support. They returned to Edinburgh. Stevenson's illness, diagnosed as tuberculosis, meant that he spent much time in bed, his life undoubtedly prolonged by Fanny's nursing. The next 7 years were spent in the vain search for health: two summer in Scotland, 2 winters in Davos, Switzerland, 18 months in the South of France, then Bournemouth for 3 years One rainy summer afternoon, Stevenson painted a map of an imaginary island to entertain his new stepson, and in a single month, he wrote his first great novel, Treasure Island (1883). He wrote it in Braemar (1882), one of the best children's stories. It's been in print for over 125 years.
He's also the author of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1885), about a scientist who invents a chemical that changes his personality from a mild-mannered gentleman to a savage criminal. Wider recognition came with this allegorical thriller on the dual nature of man, and then Kidnapped (1886) a skilful evocation of 18th century Scotland. He then produced The Black Arrow (1888), an historical potboiler for children. Stevenson made no claim to be a major poet, but Underwoods (1897) showed him to be graceful and original in both English and Scots. He developed a warm and lasting friendship with Henry James.
At the death of his father, the family traveled to America, spending the winter 1887/8 at Saranac Lake, Adirondacks. He wrote a series of essays and began his tragic novel The Master of Ballantrae (1889) set in 18P century Scotland and America. In June 1888 they chartered a yacht and sailed from San Francisco to the South Seas, describing the journeys in South Seas (1896), and The Wrecker (1892). The climate suited, he regained some health for outdoor activity so they settled in Samoa in 1890. However, Fanny had mental health issues and he overworked himself to earn money needed to maintain the estate.
Catriona (1894), the sequel to Kidnapped, was followed by work on the unfinished St Ives (1897) both set largely in Edinburgh during the Napoleonic wars. He was working at the height of his mature powers on his unfinished masterpiece Weir of Hermiston (1896), set in early 19th century Edinburgh and the Lammermuirs, its main character based on Robert MacQueen, Lord Braxfield, when he died suddenly and unexpectedly of cerebral haemorrhage on 3 December 1894.
The romantic legend created by sentimental admirers has helped obscure the recognition of Stevenson as a serious writer, and academic critics have largely ignored or patronized him. Those readers exploring beyond the popular works that made him famous will find a wealth of 'good things'.
The Works: Tusitala Edition, 3 5 vols. 1923 –4; Collected Poems, ed JA Smith, 1971.
Life. G Balfour, 1901; Voyage to Windward JC Furnas, 1952; RLS A Life Study, J. Calder, 1980.
Check out BooksfromScotland.com for additional information and titles.
The best loved literary figure of his time as much for his personality as for his authorship of Treasure Island, Kidnapped and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson was born today in Edinburgh on 13 November 1850. He described his childhood in detail in his autobiographical essays and vividly recalled its emotions and pleasures in A Child's Garden of Verses (1885). Kidnapped was chosen by the Edinburgh City of Literature as their first "One City, One Book" title.
He had an ambition at an early age to become a writer; he compromised to study Law (instead of engineering at University of Edinburgh). He was admitted advocate in 1875 but never practiced. During these years he rebelled against the conventions of respectable Edinburgh society and there were bitter quarrels with his father (a devout Presbyterian) about religion.
In 1873 he met the critic Prof. Sidney Colvin who became his lifelong friend and literary mentor. With Colvin's help he began to achieve a reputation with his essays and short stories (collected in Virginibus Puerisque, 1881 and New Arabian Nights, 1882). Another close friendship was formed with poet and critic WE Henley, writing 4 unsuccessful plays (including Deacon Brodie, 1880).
The closest friend of his youth was his painter cousin RAM (Bob) Stevenson, and he spent much time with him in France. His early travels were undertaken so that he could write books about them. A Wand Voyage (1878) described a canoe journey, Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes (1879), Edinburgh: Picturesque Notes (1878; a classic account of the city whose climate he hated but which always haunted his imagination).
In the art colony of Grez (1876) he fell in love with Fanny Vandegrift Osboume, an American 10 years older than himself who was estranged from her husband. She returned to California in 1878 for divorce. In 1879 Stevenson followed, travelling cheaply by immigrant ship, then by train across America, recording his experiences in Amateur Emigrant (1895) and Across the Plans (1892). The hardships of the journey and the poverty wrecked his health and he suffered the first of the haemorrhages which plagued the rest of his life.
Stevenson and Fanny were married in May 1880, following a telegram from his father assuring them of financial support. They returned to Edinburgh. Stevenson's illness, diagnosed as tuberculosis, meant that he spent much time in bed, his life undoubtedly prolonged by Fanny's nursing. The next 7 years were spent in the vain search for health: two summer in Scotland, 2 winters in Davos, Switzerland, 18 months in the South of France, then Bournemouth for 3 years One rainy summer afternoon, Stevenson painted a map of an imaginary island to entertain his new stepson, and in a single month, he wrote his first great novel, Treasure Island (1883). He wrote it in Braemar (1882), one of the best children's stories. It's been in print for over 125 years.
He's also the author of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1885), about a scientist who invents a chemical that changes his personality from a mild-mannered gentleman to a savage criminal. Wider recognition came with this allegorical thriller on the dual nature of man, and then Kidnapped (1886) a skilful evocation of 18th century Scotland. He then produced The Black Arrow (1888), an historical potboiler for children. Stevenson made no claim to be a major poet, but Underwoods (1897) showed him to be graceful and original in both English and Scots. He developed a warm and lasting friendship with Henry James.
At the death of his father, the family traveled to America, spending the winter 1887/8 at Saranac Lake, Adirondacks. He wrote a series of essays and began his tragic novel The Master of Ballantrae (1889) set in 18P century Scotland and America. In June 1888 they chartered a yacht and sailed from San Francisco to the South Seas, describing the journeys in South Seas (1896), and The Wrecker (1892). The climate suited, he regained some health for outdoor activity so they settled in Samoa in 1890. However, Fanny had mental health issues and he overworked himself to earn money needed to maintain the estate.
Catriona (1894), the sequel to Kidnapped, was followed by work on the unfinished St Ives (1897) both set largely in Edinburgh during the Napoleonic wars. He was working at the height of his mature powers on his unfinished masterpiece Weir of Hermiston (1896), set in early 19th century Edinburgh and the Lammermuirs, its main character based on Robert MacQueen, Lord Braxfield, when he died suddenly and unexpectedly of cerebral haemorrhage on 3 December 1894.
The romantic legend created by sentimental admirers has helped obscure the recognition of Stevenson as a serious writer, and academic critics have largely ignored or patronized him. Those readers exploring beyond the popular works that made him famous will find a wealth of 'good things'.
The Works: Tusitala Edition, 3 5 vols. 1923 –4; Collected Poems, ed JA Smith, 1971.
Life. G Balfour, 1901; Voyage to Windward JC Furnas, 1952; RLS A Life Study, J. Calder, 1980.
Check out BooksfromScotland.com for additional information and titles.
Friday, November 12, 2010
In Cod We Trust - Eric Dregni
From the library catalog: Norwegian-Americans, Minnesotans, and other fans will enjoy this wry, and often very funny volume by Dregni (creative writing, College of St. Catherine, St. Paul, Minn.). A Minnesotan of Norwegian extraction, he's written a memoir of the year he and his wife and infant son spent in Trondheim, Norway, where he was on a Fulbright scholarship to learn about his roots and acquaint himself with Norwegian culture. As he writes it, this culture consists in large part of very long dark winters, uniquely Norwegian humor and toughness, ice and cold, skiing, and various kinds of preserved fish washed down, if possible, with aquavit. Includes a list of Norwegian phrases.
A Celtic Evening Silent Auction Items
We will be highlighting new items over the next week!
You still have a week to sign up! No ticket sales at the door but bring your wallet/checkbook for silent auction and/or bucket raffle items! We have a great line-up of gifts. You won't want to miss these deals!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Teen Reads, Kathy Reichs
Mystery writer Kathy Reichs, with her bestselling blend of science and suspense, has created a new series for teens (grades 6-9) called Virals. This is her first venture into young adult literature, and has several elements of her mystery novels, plus additional 'current' paranormal ideas. Not quite vampires thank goodness. The niece of the forensic anthropologist, Temperance Brennan (see Bones), Tory displays similar genetic tendencies: science, sleuthing and loyalty when she and her new friends (Ben, Hi, and Shelton) uncover a secret research lab on a remote barrier island in South Carolina. Exposure to a mutant strain of canine parvovirus causes these teenagers to have heightened senses of smell, sight, hearing, which conveniently flare when they are in danger.
*Refreshing snappy pace with realistic, interesting, modern teenagers in an old-fashioned somewhat formulaic, adventure story.
*Villains are a little too simplistic, rather cold-blooded killers, while being no match for teenagers. aka Harry Potter.
*Contains similar forensic details that Reichs is known for in the Brennan novels, geared towards teens. I am not sure I would want young adults to read the rather gruesome details of the Bones series, as there is enough over exposure these days.
*Look forward to the next installment, summer 2011.
*Refreshing snappy pace with realistic, interesting, modern teenagers in an old-fashioned somewhat formulaic, adventure story.
*Villains are a little too simplistic, rather cold-blooded killers, while being no match for teenagers. aka Harry Potter.
*Contains similar forensic details that Reichs is known for in the Brennan novels, geared towards teens. I am not sure I would want young adults to read the rather gruesome details of the Bones series, as there is enough over exposure these days.
*Look forward to the next installment, summer 2011.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Cetlic Evening Spirit: Irish writer Hugh Leonard
From the Writers' Almanac - verbatim:
November 10 is the birthday of Irish writer Hugh Leonard, (books by this author) born John Joseph Byrne in Dublin (1926). He's the author of dozens of plays and screenplays; two novels, Parnell and the Englishwoman (1992) and The Offshore Island (1993); and two memoirs, Home Before Night (1979) and Out After Dark (1989). For 16 years, he wrote a humor column called "The Curmudgeon," which appeared in Ireland's biggest Sunday newspaper, Sunday Independent.
He grew up in a seaside Irish resort town and got a job as a clerical assistant for the Irish Land Commission. As it happened, this Irish federal government agency had an amateur drama club, so he ended up spending a lot of his time acting and playwriting. He pitched his first play, Italian Road,to the Abbey Theatre under his real name and they rejected it. The play featured a psychopathic character named Hughie Leonard. When he pitched a second play to the Abbey, he gave himself the pen name "Hugh Leonard," kind of as an inside joke. The Abbey accepted that second play and out of superstition he kept the pen name, even though he hated the sound of it. His friends called him Jack.
He wrote for Ireland's first radio soap opera, a show called The Kennedys of Castleross,and he got a job editing scripts for a Manchester television station. At night, he worked on his own projects. He wrote a stage
adaptation of one of James Joyce's books, A Portrait of the Artist, which was called Stephen D. It was a huge hit in England, Ireland, and New York. So he started adapting other big literary works for stage and television, and made plays of books by Dostoyevsky, Brontë, and Flaubert. He made television screenplays out of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations.
But finally he wanted to shake his reputation as an adapter and to write plays based on his own experiences. He wrote an autobiographical play called Da, and it was a smashing success, running to sold-out audiences in the late 1970s in Dublin, Chicago, London, Off-Broadway and on Broadway. Critics compared him Sean O'Casey, and Da wonfour Tony Awards, including for best play. It was made into a movie starring Martin Sheen.
Hugh Leonard never got out of bed before 11:15 a.m., and he wrote four hours every afternoon and another four hours in the early morning. He said, "I live to write and write to live." He died just last year, in 2009, at the age of 82.
And he said, "There is only one immutable law in life - in a gentleman's toilet, incoming traffic has the right of way."
He wrote a lot about Dalkey, the seaside town in Ireland where he grew up. He said: "The conversation in pubs, say the advertisements put out by the Tourist Board, is sparkling with epigrams. This is fiction: What you get is one monologuist waiting for another monologuist to pause for breath."
November 10 is the birthday of Irish writer Hugh Leonard, (books by this author) born John Joseph Byrne in Dublin (1926). He's the author of dozens of plays and screenplays; two novels, Parnell and the Englishwoman (1992) and The Offshore Island (1993); and two memoirs, Home Before Night (1979) and Out After Dark (1989). For 16 years, he wrote a humor column called "The Curmudgeon," which appeared in Ireland's biggest Sunday newspaper, Sunday Independent.
He grew up in a seaside Irish resort town and got a job as a clerical assistant for the Irish Land Commission. As it happened, this Irish federal government agency had an amateur drama club, so he ended up spending a lot of his time acting and playwriting. He pitched his first play, Italian Road,to the Abbey Theatre under his real name and they rejected it. The play featured a psychopathic character named Hughie Leonard. When he pitched a second play to the Abbey, he gave himself the pen name "Hugh Leonard," kind of as an inside joke. The Abbey accepted that second play and out of superstition he kept the pen name, even though he hated the sound of it. His friends called him Jack.
He wrote for Ireland's first radio soap opera, a show called The Kennedys of Castleross,and he got a job editing scripts for a Manchester television station. At night, he worked on his own projects. He wrote a stage
adaptation of one of James Joyce's books, A Portrait of the Artist, which was called Stephen D. It was a huge hit in England, Ireland, and New York. So he started adapting other big literary works for stage and television, and made plays of books by Dostoyevsky, Brontë, and Flaubert. He made television screenplays out of Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations.
But finally he wanted to shake his reputation as an adapter and to write plays based on his own experiences. He wrote an autobiographical play called Da, and it was a smashing success, running to sold-out audiences in the late 1970s in Dublin, Chicago, London, Off-Broadway and on Broadway. Critics compared him Sean O'Casey, and Da wonfour Tony Awards, including for best play. It was made into a movie starring Martin Sheen.
Hugh Leonard never got out of bed before 11:15 a.m., and he wrote four hours every afternoon and another four hours in the early morning. He said, "I live to write and write to live." He died just last year, in 2009, at the age of 82.
And he said, "There is only one immutable law in life - in a gentleman's toilet, incoming traffic has the right of way."
He wrote a lot about Dalkey, the seaside town in Ireland where he grew up. He said: "The conversation in pubs, say the advertisements put out by the Tourist Board, is sparkling with epigrams. This is fiction: What you get is one monologuist waiting for another monologuist to pause for breath."
The Charming Quirks of Others, Alexander McCall Smith
The Charming Quirks of Others. Alexander McCall Smith (2010)Once again, in this seventh Scottish novel by the AMS, we are invited into the small, ordinary, thoughtful lives of Isabel Dalhousie’s circle of family and friends. Her private investigation, however, explores issues that are actually of enormous importance : love, friendship, self awareness, ambition, forgiveness and morality. It is a delightful book that ponders everyday life, with our actions and consequences of our actions, intended or otherwise. The characters take time with their lives, reminding us to do so with ours. Indeed, reading these stories is often a break/holiday from our overextended realities!
All of AMSs books have an expectation and anticipation of well written stories, concerning individuals who matter to us. I always read them for details of life in Edinburgh (one of my home cities), Scotland in general, as well as character development. So many fascinating details of the Edinburgh I know, each book in the Dalhousie series is like going home for a week, right back to my neighbourhood. The books all tend to make me homesick, with the sights, sounds, smells, inquisitiveness of active minds. You call them busybodies, I call them good company. They are a familiar set of friends now. I have booked my plane ticket back already. He so clearly understands the charming quirks of human nature, while writing a satisfying, insightful, intelligent, and fun story.
As always there is no sense of time for me (how much has passed since the last book, where are they in their lives, why aren't they married yet?) Some of it seems a bit farfetched, although I am truly aware that truth is stranger than fiction. So little of the brutal side of Edinburgh life is ever evinced. But then there are readers who only like Quintine Jardine, instead of Ian Rankin. Edinburgh is currently the City of Literature, and has a glorious literary past (and obviously present and future).
Monday, November 8, 2010
A Celtic Evening Silent Auction Items
Silent Auction items arriving!
Generous Scottish donations from Andy's Liquor include Hendricks Gin with Q tonic (only the best) and Balvenie single malt - 12 year old whisky with 2 Riedel whisky glasses (the ideal way to drink any whisky).
You still have a chance to purchase tickets for this event on November 30th! Ticket sales close November 24 and are not available at the door.
Generous Scottish donations from Andy's Liquor include Hendricks Gin with Q tonic (only the best) and Balvenie single malt - 12 year old whisky with 2 Riedel whisky glasses (the ideal way to drink any whisky).
You still have a chance to purchase tickets for this event on November 30th! Ticket sales close November 24 and are not available at the door.
Friends' Bookstore Second Saturday Sale
Don't forget!
Saturday, November 13
Best of the Bookstore! Buy one/Get one Free on coffee table books and your choice of a free Friends' t-shirt or a canvas library bag when you spend $20.00 or more.
10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the library foyer
Saturday, November 13
Best of the Bookstore! Buy one/Get one Free on coffee table books and your choice of a free Friends' t-shirt or a canvas library bag when you spend $20.00 or more.
10:00 am - 1:00 pm in the library foyer
Friday, November 5, 2010
Guy Fawkes
Remember Remember the 5th of November,
Gunpowder plot and treason....
Guy Fawkes(13 April 1570 – 31 January 1606), belonged to a group of Roman Catholic restorationists from England who planned the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Their aim was to displace Protestant rule by blowing up the Houses of Parliament while King James VI and I and the entire Protestant court, and even most of the Catholic aristocracy and nobility were inside. The conspirators saw this as a necessary reaction to the systematic discrimination against English Catholics.
The Gunpowder Plot was led by Robert Catesby, but Fawkes was put in charge of its execution. He was arrested a few hours before the planned explosion, during a search of the cellars underneath Parliament in the early hours of 5 November prompted by the receipt of an anonymous warning letter. This search is still performed over 400 years later before the opening Parliament. The conspirators were executed.
Guy Fawkes Night (or "bonfire night"), held on 5 November in the United Kingdom and some parts of the Commonwealth, is a commemoration of the plot, during which an effigy of Fawkes is burned, often accompanied by a fireworks display. The word "guy", meaning "man" or "person", is derived from his name.
In 18th-century England, it became a tradition for children to display a grotesque effigy of Fawkes, termed a "guy", as part of the Bonfire Night celebration. As part of the tradition, they would often stand on streetcorners begging for "a penny for the guy". The "guy" would be burned on a bonfire at the end of the evening. As a consequence, "guy" came to mean a man of odd appearance. Subsequently, in American English, "guy" lost any pejorative connotation, becoming a simple reference for any man.
Antonia Fraser's 1996 book The Gunpowder Plot is excellent!
There is also some fun/excellent poetry concerning this event, a tradition that continues to today.
Gunpowder plot and treason....
Guy Fawkes(13 April 1570 – 31 January 1606), belonged to a group of Roman Catholic restorationists from England who planned the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Their aim was to displace Protestant rule by blowing up the Houses of Parliament while King James VI and I and the entire Protestant court, and even most of the Catholic aristocracy and nobility were inside. The conspirators saw this as a necessary reaction to the systematic discrimination against English Catholics.
The Gunpowder Plot was led by Robert Catesby, but Fawkes was put in charge of its execution. He was arrested a few hours before the planned explosion, during a search of the cellars underneath Parliament in the early hours of 5 November prompted by the receipt of an anonymous warning letter. This search is still performed over 400 years later before the opening Parliament. The conspirators were executed.
Guy Fawkes Night (or "bonfire night"), held on 5 November in the United Kingdom and some parts of the Commonwealth, is a commemoration of the plot, during which an effigy of Fawkes is burned, often accompanied by a fireworks display. The word "guy", meaning "man" or "person", is derived from his name.
In 18th-century England, it became a tradition for children to display a grotesque effigy of Fawkes, termed a "guy", as part of the Bonfire Night celebration. As part of the tradition, they would often stand on streetcorners begging for "a penny for the guy". The "guy" would be burned on a bonfire at the end of the evening. As a consequence, "guy" came to mean a man of odd appearance. Subsequently, in American English, "guy" lost any pejorative connotation, becoming a simple reference for any man.
Antonia Fraser's 1996 book The Gunpowder Plot is excellent!
There is also some fun/excellent poetry concerning this event, a tradition that continues to today.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
December BOOK SALE
SAVE THE DATE!
One of our best sales is held in December, on Sunday the 5th, in the Rochester Public Library Auditorium. We will have excellent gift books, wonderful baked goods and other items for sale in the tradition of our previous Christmas/Holiday sales. This will be the theme for our Second Saturday Sale that month, on December 11th.
Check this space for additional information as we get closer to the event.
One of our best sales is held in December, on Sunday the 5th, in the Rochester Public Library Auditorium. We will have excellent gift books, wonderful baked goods and other items for sale in the tradition of our previous Christmas/Holiday sales. This will be the theme for our Second Saturday Sale that month, on December 11th.
Check this space for additional information as we get closer to the event.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Scottish Authors
The Scots have an ancient oral tradition of song and story, as well a high literacy and keenness for education. Not surprisingly, Scotland has a large number of world-renowned authors.
Sir Walter Scott is the father of historical fiction, popularizing and romanticizing the Highlanders.
Robert Burns is the National Poet of Scotland. His life is celebrated all around the world every January with the Burn’s Supper. Auld Lang Syne is sung every New Year’s Eve.
Robert Louis Stevenson is the author of Treasure Island, Kidnapped, charming Childhood Versus, and much more.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is one of Edinburgh’s best mystery writers basing the character of Sherlock Holmes on the physician Bell in the School of Medicine.
Sir J. M. Barrie - Author of the immortal Peter Pan.
Kenneth Grahame - Author of classic children’s tale The Wind in the Willows.
George MacDonald - 19th century romance for adults and wonderful fairy tales for children his works greatly influenced C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Muriel Spark - The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie was unforgettably performed by Maggie Smith in the film version.
John Buchan - Writing in the first half of the 20th century, his most famous book is the spy novel The 39 Steps.
James Boswell - Chronicled the life of Samuel Johnson and their unforgettable journey through the Scottish Highlands.
James Herriot - Born in Scotland, his stories of veterinary practice in Northern England delight and enrich.
Additional Scottish Authors
Classics
David Hume
Hugh MacDiarmid
Lewis Grassic Gibbon
Neil Gunn
Sorley MacLeod
George Mackay Brown
Allan Massie
Will Napier
Allan Ramsay
Adam Smith
Tobias George Smollet
Fiction
Iain Banks
James Buchan
Billy Connolly
Douglas Dunn
Craig Fergusson
William Fiennes
Andrew Greig
Alisdair Grey
Cliff Hanley
James Kelman
A.L. Kennedy
Richard K Morgan
Alexander McCall Smith
Ali Smith
Nigel Tranter
Mysteries
Kate Atkinson
MC Beaton
Dorothy Dunnett
Michael Faber
Quintin Jardine
Alistair MacLean
Val McDermid
Stef Penny
Ian Rankin
Iain Crichton Smith
Mary Stewart
Jeff Torrington
Non-Fiction
Bruce A. McAndrew
T. C. Smout
Christopher A. Whatley
Alex Woolf
Poetry
Liz Lockhead
Edwin Morgan (Makar)
Tartan Noir
Iain Banks
Alasdair Grey
Ian Rankin
Jeff Torrington
Irvine Welsh
Sir Walter Scott is the father of historical fiction, popularizing and romanticizing the Highlanders.Robert Burns is the National Poet of Scotland. His life is celebrated all around the world every January with the Burn’s Supper. Auld Lang Syne is sung every New Year’s Eve.
Robert Louis Stevenson is the author of Treasure Island, Kidnapped, charming Childhood Versus, and much more.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is one of Edinburgh’s best mystery writers basing the character of Sherlock Holmes on the physician Bell in the School of Medicine.
Sir J. M. Barrie - Author of the immortal Peter Pan.
Kenneth Grahame - Author of classic children’s tale The Wind in the Willows.
George MacDonald - 19th century romance for adults and wonderful fairy tales for children his works greatly influenced C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
Muriel Spark - The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie was unforgettably performed by Maggie Smith in the film version.
John Buchan - Writing in the first half of the 20th century, his most famous book is the spy novel The 39 Steps.
James Boswell - Chronicled the life of Samuel Johnson and their unforgettable journey through the Scottish Highlands.
James Herriot - Born in Scotland, his stories of veterinary practice in Northern England delight and enrich.
Additional Scottish Authors
Classics
David Hume
Hugh MacDiarmid
Lewis Grassic Gibbon
Neil Gunn
Sorley MacLeod
George Mackay Brown
Allan Massie
Will Napier
Allan Ramsay
Adam Smith
Tobias George Smollet
Fiction
Iain Banks
James Buchan
Billy Connolly
Douglas Dunn
Craig Fergusson
William Fiennes
Andrew Greig
Alisdair Grey
Cliff Hanley
James Kelman
A.L. Kennedy
Richard K Morgan
Alexander McCall Smith
Ali Smith
Nigel Tranter
Mysteries
Kate Atkinson
MC Beaton
Dorothy Dunnett
Michael Faber
Quintin Jardine
Alistair MacLean
Val McDermid
Stef Penny
Ian Rankin
Iain Crichton Smith
Mary Stewart
Jeff Torrington
Non-Fiction
Bruce A. McAndrew
T. C. Smout
Christopher A. Whatley
Alex Woolf
Poetry
Liz Lockhead
Edwin Morgan (Makar)
Tartan Noir
Iain Banks
Alasdair Grey
Ian Rankin
Jeff Torrington
Irvine Welsh
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
A Celtic Evening update
We have been receiving wonderful, generous silent auction items including celtic coffees, numerous books, single malt whiskies, and much more. We have a new display case in the library lobby showcasing some of these items. Over the next couple of weeks we will rotate the donations a) to entice you to buy at ticket and b) to highlight our sponsors. Be sure to sign up as the space is limited, the chef needs to know accurate numbers and we have already 90 people! Hope to see you there!
A great program is planned. Details of the program will be available online next week.
Get into the Celtic spirit by joining us at the Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale on November 6. See their website for details.
A great program is planned. Details of the program will be available online next week.
Get into the Celtic spirit by joining us at the Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale on November 6. See their website for details.
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