Monday, September 27, 2010
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir
Prolific writer/humorist Bill Bryson treats baby boomers and others to his experiences growing up during the 1950s and 1960s. As the youngest child of journalist parents, Bill grew up in Iowa during simpler times, when the United States was king of the consumer world and the fear of nuclear bomb attack was managed with practice air raid drills. Cigarette smoking, sex, movie theaters, country fairs, and baseball are just some of the topics Bryson examines with humor and a touch of nostalgia.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The Space between Us: A Novel
Written by Thrity N. Umrigar, this is the story of two women in modern day India; Sera, an upper-middle class Parsi housewife and Bhima, her long-time servant. Although they are separated by class and circumstance, the two have both endured hardship and sorrow in their lives. Though Bhima has worked in Sera’s home for many years, and they enjoy a companionship based on Sera’s family and household needs, there still is that division of class that precludes such things as Bhima’s sitting on the furniture and using household dishes and utensils.
Sera is the widow of an abusive man who finds joy in sharing her home with her daughter, her only child and son-in-law who soon are expecting a child. Bhima, whose marriage fell apart after her husband’s work injuries led to a downward spiral to alcoholism, raised her granddaughter Maya after her daughter and son-in-law died of AIDS. She lives one step above poverty but manages to carry on in hopes of seeing her pretty and intelligent granddaughter graduate college (paid for by Sera) and pull herself out of the lower class. Then tragedy strikes with the revelation that Maya is pregnant and refuses to name the father of the child. Sera arranges for an abortion for the reluctant Maya. From there the story unfolds until the unknown father’s identity is revealed.
Sera is the widow of an abusive man who finds joy in sharing her home with her daughter, her only child and son-in-law who soon are expecting a child. Bhima, whose marriage fell apart after her husband’s work injuries led to a downward spiral to alcoholism, raised her granddaughter Maya after her daughter and son-in-law died of AIDS. She lives one step above poverty but manages to carry on in hopes of seeing her pretty and intelligent granddaughter graduate college (paid for by Sera) and pull herself out of the lower class. Then tragedy strikes with the revelation that Maya is pregnant and refuses to name the father of the child. Sera arranges for an abortion for the reluctant Maya. From there the story unfolds until the unknown father’s identity is revealed.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Fashion for Women
With the approach of the fall season, women everywhere plan updates to their fall wardrobes. Here are two books that will help.
What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life: Ageless Secrets of Style, writer Kim Johnson Gross, a former model and the author of the Chic Simple fashion book series, addresses the fashion issues faced by all women as they age. Gross encourages the reader to recognize the different roles she plays in her life, and helps her recognize the styles, fabrics and colors that suit her best, leading to the creation of a “feel good closet”.
How to Never Look Fat Again: over 1,000 Ways to Dress Thinner – without Dieting!, is written by Charla Krupp, a magazine editor and fashion consultant on various national TV shows. In this book, Krupp demonstrates how the right styles, fabrics and colors can help you look thinner and younger. She offers tips on hiding figure problems such as arm flap, muffin top, back fat, Buddha belly, a big booty, and more.
What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life: Ageless Secrets of Style, writer Kim Johnson Gross, a former model and the author of the Chic Simple fashion book series, addresses the fashion issues faced by all women as they age. Gross encourages the reader to recognize the different roles she plays in her life, and helps her recognize the styles, fabrics and colors that suit her best, leading to the creation of a “feel good closet”.
How to Never Look Fat Again: over 1,000 Ways to Dress Thinner – without Dieting!, is written by Charla Krupp, a magazine editor and fashion consultant on various national TV shows. In this book, Krupp demonstrates how the right styles, fabrics and colors can help you look thinner and younger. She offers tips on hiding figure problems such as arm flap, muffin top, back fat, Buddha belly, a big booty, and more.
Monday, August 30, 2010
September is Healthy Aging Month
September is Healthy Aging Month. Here are some books to celebrate.
Living Agelessly: Answers to your Most Common Questions about Aging Gracefully, is written by Linda Altoonian, the author of the “Dear Ageless” column from the AP Wire Service. Intended for the aging and their caregivers, the book focuses on enjoying life by taking care of health, nutrition, physical and mental fitness, and safety issues. Tips also are given on legal, social and spiritual concerns.
Younger (Thinner) You Diet: How Understanding Your Brain Chemistry Can Help You Lose Weight, Reverse Aging, and Fight Disease, written by Eric R. Braverman, M.D. is a guide to changing the brain’s chemistry in order to slow the aging process and lose weight. Dr. Braverman demonstrates how specific foods, nutrients, teas and spices will boost the body’s production of dopamine in order to burn fat, avoid the effects of aging organs and ameliorate certain health conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and more.
The Longevity Prescription: the 8 Proven Keys to a Long, Healthy Life is written by Robert N. Butler, M.D., who founded the first department of geriatric medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital and was the founding director of the National Institute on Aging. Dr. Butler discusses the eight areas in which improvements can lead to a longer and healthier life. They are: nutrition, exercise, sleep, relaxation, medical care, mental vitality, love and intimacy, and community connections. He also advises on how to handle special health challenges such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Your Skin, Younger: New Science Secrets to Naturally Younger Skin is written by Mark G. Rubin and Phillip M. Levy. These two dermatologists present the natural approach to anti-aging the skin by lessening the impact of poor diet/nutrition, stress and intestinal function. The book includes healthy recipes and food preparation methods, relaxation techniques and exercises.
Beyond the Cleavage, written by former movie star Raquel Welch, presents her life story, personal philosophy and health and beauty advice in one package.
Living Agelessly: Answers to your Most Common Questions about Aging Gracefully, is written by Linda Altoonian, the author of the “Dear Ageless” column from the AP Wire Service. Intended for the aging and their caregivers, the book focuses on enjoying life by taking care of health, nutrition, physical and mental fitness, and safety issues. Tips also are given on legal, social and spiritual concerns.
Younger (Thinner) You Diet: How Understanding Your Brain Chemistry Can Help You Lose Weight, Reverse Aging, and Fight Disease, written by Eric R. Braverman, M.D. is a guide to changing the brain’s chemistry in order to slow the aging process and lose weight. Dr. Braverman demonstrates how specific foods, nutrients, teas and spices will boost the body’s production of dopamine in order to burn fat, avoid the effects of aging organs and ameliorate certain health conditions such as heart disease, arthritis and more.
The Longevity Prescription: the 8 Proven Keys to a Long, Healthy Life is written by Robert N. Butler, M.D., who founded the first department of geriatric medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital and was the founding director of the National Institute on Aging. Dr. Butler discusses the eight areas in which improvements can lead to a longer and healthier life. They are: nutrition, exercise, sleep, relaxation, medical care, mental vitality, love and intimacy, and community connections. He also advises on how to handle special health challenges such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Your Skin, Younger: New Science Secrets to Naturally Younger Skin is written by Mark G. Rubin and Phillip M. Levy. These two dermatologists present the natural approach to anti-aging the skin by lessening the impact of poor diet/nutrition, stress and intestinal function. The book includes healthy recipes and food preparation methods, relaxation techniques and exercises.
Beyond the Cleavage, written by former movie star Raquel Welch, presents her life story, personal philosophy and health and beauty advice in one package.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Dog Days
Relax during the dog days of summer by reading one (or all three) of these books about man’s (and woman’s) best friend.
Last Dog on the Hill: the Extraordinary Life of Lou is written by Steve Duno, a pet behaviorist. After Duno rescued a Rottweiler mix feral puppy from a marijuana farm, the dog who he named Lou was trained to be a rehabilitation animal, working with hearing-impaired children, war veterans, gang members, Alzheimer patients, and others. A heartwarming story!
Marcus of Umbria: What an Italian Dog Taught an American Girl about Love is written by Justine van der Leun. This is a combination of love story, both male-female and human-dog, and travel book. An American woman vacations in Umbria, Italy, and falls in love with a native. She lives with him and his family for a year, in the meantime acquiring a mistreated dog as her pet. When the romance sours Justine continues her stay in Umbria with the dog.
One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Afghanistan is written by Pen Farthing. In between frequent fighting against the Taliban in Now Zad, Afghanistan, Sergeant Farthing and his troop of Royal Marines rescue first one and then several stray dogs. They are kept in a makeshift pound on base. Eventually, when Farthing’s military assignment comes to an end, he develops a way to rescue thousands of homeless dogs.
Last Dog on the Hill: the Extraordinary Life of Lou is written by Steve Duno, a pet behaviorist. After Duno rescued a Rottweiler mix feral puppy from a marijuana farm, the dog who he named Lou was trained to be a rehabilitation animal, working with hearing-impaired children, war veterans, gang members, Alzheimer patients, and others. A heartwarming story!
Marcus of Umbria: What an Italian Dog Taught an American Girl about Love is written by Justine van der Leun. This is a combination of love story, both male-female and human-dog, and travel book. An American woman vacations in Umbria, Italy, and falls in love with a native. She lives with him and his family for a year, in the meantime acquiring a mistreated dog as her pet. When the romance sours Justine continues her stay in Umbria with the dog.
One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Afghanistan is written by Pen Farthing. In between frequent fighting against the Taliban in Now Zad, Afghanistan, Sergeant Farthing and his troop of Royal Marines rescue first one and then several stray dogs. They are kept in a makeshift pound on base. Eventually, when Farthing’s military assignment comes to an end, he develops a way to rescue thousands of homeless dogs.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
July Birthdays/Biographies
Tom Cruise – July 3, 1962
Tom Cruise: an Unauthorized Biography, written by Andrew Morton, promises new revelations about the popular actor. The book describes his childhood, his three marriages, and his involvement with the Scientology religion. The reader will enjoy the photographs too.
George Steinbrenner – July 4, 1930
Steinbrenner: the Last Lion of Baseball, written by Bill Madden, was published shortly before the subject’s recent death. It chronicles the early career of Steinbrenner in the family shipping business before his purchase of the Yankees, then focuses on Steinbrenner’s strong control over team activities that led to the Yankees’ seven World Series titles and the hiring and firing of several managers. Author Madden’s thirty years experience as a sportswriter for the New York Daily News serves him well.
Dalai Lama – July 6, 1935
Dalai Lama: Man, Monk, Mystic, written by Mayank Chhaya, presents the biography of the reincarnated 14th Dalai Lama derived from a series of interviews. This political and religious leader of Tibet escaped capture by the Chinese and has been exiled in India since 1959. The author also describes the Buddhist traditions of Tibet along with the history of the Tibet-China conflict.
Alex Rodriguez – July 27, 1975
A-Rod: the Many Lives of Alex Rodriguez, written by Selena Roberts, gives the biographical details and more of this controversial baseball player. The youngest player ever to hit 500 home runs and a star for the Yankees, Alex Rodriguez also has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs.
Tom Cruise: an Unauthorized Biography, written by Andrew Morton, promises new revelations about the popular actor. The book describes his childhood, his three marriages, and his involvement with the Scientology religion. The reader will enjoy the photographs too.
George Steinbrenner – July 4, 1930
Steinbrenner: the Last Lion of Baseball, written by Bill Madden, was published shortly before the subject’s recent death. It chronicles the early career of Steinbrenner in the family shipping business before his purchase of the Yankees, then focuses on Steinbrenner’s strong control over team activities that led to the Yankees’ seven World Series titles and the hiring and firing of several managers. Author Madden’s thirty years experience as a sportswriter for the New York Daily News serves him well.
Dalai Lama – July 6, 1935
Dalai Lama: Man, Monk, Mystic, written by Mayank Chhaya, presents the biography of the reincarnated 14th Dalai Lama derived from a series of interviews. This political and religious leader of Tibet escaped capture by the Chinese and has been exiled in India since 1959. The author also describes the Buddhist traditions of Tibet along with the history of the Tibet-China conflict.
Alex Rodriguez – July 27, 1975
A-Rod: the Many Lives of Alex Rodriguez, written by Selena Roberts, gives the biographical details and more of this controversial baseball player. The youngest player ever to hit 500 home runs and a star for the Yankees, Alex Rodriguez also has been accused of using performance-enhancing drugs.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Afternoon Book Discussions
Join us once a month, on a Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, to discuss a fiction or non-fiction book selection. Coffee, tea and cookies are served. Books are available at the Circulation Desk four weeks before the discussion date. Our schedule is:
July 21st
“The Space Between Us: A Novel” by Thrity N. Umrigar
August 18th
“Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer
September 15th
“The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir” by Bill Bryson
October 20th
“Isaac’s Storm” by Erik Larson
November 17th
“Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy” by Carlos Eire
December 15th
“The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox” by Maggie O’Farrell.
July 21st
“The Space Between Us: A Novel” by Thrity N. Umrigar
August 18th
“Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer
September 15th
“The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir” by Bill Bryson
October 20th
“Isaac’s Storm” by Erik Larson
November 17th
“Waiting for Snow in Havana: Confessions of a Cuban Boy” by Carlos Eire
December 15th
“The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox” by Maggie O’Farrell.
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