An hour in the Library

I went into the Rochester Public Library yesterday to pick up several books (from my online search, after the first few chapters on Kindle), and walked out with an armload. There were  SO many new arrivals, fabulous displays (especially the wall of new additions to the collection, with most of the books facing out), and the carts of books that have just been returned......that I added another 5 books to my arm for checkout. I can only hope the weather keeps me indoors for a couple of days ;-) 4 books in one series, a completely new author (French! historical fiction), a continuation of another series. I don't know which one to read first! You will find the reviews here next week!

Paradise under Glass

Paradise under Glass : an amateur creates a conservatory garden. By Ruth Kassinger 2010. This is a library book donated by Jasper and Cynthia Daube (they are lovely patrons and supporters of the Library). And this is a wonderful book - a good read, interesting, informative and funny. Ruth wandered into the US Botanic Garden conservatory in Washington DC and decided she needed to learn how to garden. Mind you that is a very impressive site/sight. I have been there many times and love it! I understand the wow factor and the desire to go right home and recreate something. But she couldn't even grow house plants! At the same time she needed a passion and a refuge.
Of special interest, it gives an history of greenhouses, orangeries, follies, fernieries, etc. NB this photo is of a flock of sculptured sheep grazing on a NE town meadow.....

Kate Carlisle Beach Reads

Homicide in Hardback by Kate Carlisle
Just finished a library book which was a bibliophile mystery - start of a new series (murder is always a best seller!) Great summer fun read- light easy, description of amazing books (Faust)...and off to the Edinburgh Book Festival in the next one!! I did like the dedication: "Books have the same enemies as people: fire, humidity, animals, weather and their own contents." - Paul Valery.
Brooklyn Wainwright is the main character who lives and breathes book restoration in San Francisco. She has an interesting set of friends to say nothing of the 'far out family', and has a quick wit, convoluted past (three engagements?!) and a new possibility (Derek Stone, british security who drives a bently continental for heaven sakes!) So much is completely far fetched, but you will laugh. Light entertainment with a few heart strings. This was nominated for an RT First Mystery award. The author's blog: katecarlisle.com is also very entertaining, and reveals that alot of what was written, was actually personally lived. Her next book has been published: If Books could kill and she is at work on her third bibliophile mystery.

Friends Bookstore, Library New Arrivals,

We have had some great new and used books donated to the Friends Bookstore! And the new arrivals shelves in the Library are filled with excellent choices as we patiently wait for spring to arrive. I was walking past when I spotted Quentin Jardine's latest Skinner novel, a mystery set in Edinburgh. It was in my hands before I knew it. And then, in the bookstore, I found several absolutely wonderful new-to-me books! Come to the Bookstore often for the best selections! I also know that we have had a large donation of science fiction too (hot off the presses!)