thursday november 05
A friend who teaches high school tells me that, in order to inspire her students, she uses quotes from former Notre Dame football coach Lou Holtz. Great coaches, like great teachers, have the ability to change lives for the better. Here are a few inspirational titles from college football coaches:
Jim Tressel: The Winners Manual - For the Game of Life (2008)
Charlie Weis: No Excuses (2006)
Eddie Robinson: Never Before, Never Again (1999)
Lou Holtz: Wins, Losses, and Lessons (2006)
thursday october 29
If you are looking for some ghostly reading for this weekend, check out the Library's impressive collection:
Cincinnati ghosts, haunted Las Vegas,
haunted highways,
haunted battlefields, spirits of Kentucky, phantom kitties, ghost hunters, ghost busters, and even
haunted Christmas tales can all be found lurking amongst the shelves of your favorite library location.
thursday october 22
Having recently become a knitter, I am amazed by the variety of knitting books that are available. One of my favorite examples is a book of ideas for Knitters Who Also Love the Roller Derby - whoever they may be, God bless them for breaking stereotypes left and right.
Continue Reading…
saturday october 03
Kudos to our good friends at the Mercantile Library over on Walnut St. Their recent blog posting points out some very interesting facts regarding the use of libraries in the US, including the claim that "Americans spend more than three times as much on salty snacks as they do on public libraries."
That is what I call food for thought.
monday september 14
From "Eleven Things", a weekly column in the San Francisco Chronicle - writer Louis Peitzman offers his list of Librarians Not to Mess With. Although I know plenty of real librarians who might easily fit into this category (myself included?), Peitzman's list is littered with fictional librarians who may present a calm demeanor until decisive action is called for, and then they are transformed into Those Who Can Take Care of Things When Necessary.
From the list, these "Superheroes of the Stacks" are represented in the Library's collection:
1. The Time Traveler's Wife; a novel by Audrey Niffenegger
2. Tales of the Slayers; a graphic novel based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer
3. The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor; starring Brendan Fraser, on DVD
4. "The Librarian" series starring Noah Wyle on DVD: Quest for the Spear, Return to King Solomon's Mines, and Curse of the Judas Chalice
5. The Marvel Comics Encyclopedia, where you can find Karma the Librarian
6. The Art of Discworld; a companion to the Discworld Series by Terry Pratchett
7. The Music Man on DVD, featuring the oh-so-stereotypical "Marian the Librarian"
8. Black Mask; starring Jet Li, on DVD
9. It; a novel by Stephen King
monday august 31
Celebrate the passing of summer with a Labor Day Weekend cookout. The tomatoes are abundant this year, local corn is ripe and waiting to be doused in butter. Three cookbooks from the Library's collection that will undoubtedly add to the fun:
monday august 10
Italian author Andrea Camilleri, a veteran playwright and screenwriter, did not have a novel published until he was nearly 70 years old. Once he started writing his mysteries set on the island of Sicily in the sunny Mediterranean Sea, his countrymen embraced him, as well as his sleuth - Inspector Salvo Montalbano. One reporter says, what Sherlock Holmes is to England, Inspector Montalbano is to Italy. He is gruff yet sentimental, quietly considering all the facts in the case at hand - and being a true Italian, he enjoys his local cuisine.
The latest entry in the series is titled August Heat - which makes it a great choice for hot summer days. All ten of the mysteries featuring Inspector Salvo Montalbano are available at the Library.
thursday july 30
Good historical fiction serves several functions: it transports you to a different place and time, it expands your knowledge of that place and time, and it (usually) makes you feel grateful to be living in the here and now, by comparison. Sea of Poppies is a splendid historical novel that, in addition, takes the English language and makes it flow like water.
Continue Reading…
thursday july 23
Celebrated southern writer Pat Conroy became a legend with The Prince of Tides in 1986. Since then he has published both fiction and nonficton, but the buzz going on right now involves his latest epic southern family saga. South of Broad will be published in early August, and it promises to be vintage Conroy. With its setting in Charleston, South Carolina - Broad Street being one of its main thoroughfares - the story could be as colorful as the old mansions on Rainbow Row.
Charleston is such a lovely and storied old city, it easily lends itself to fiction. While you're waiting for Conroy's next adventure, take a look at another recent novel set in Charleston: The House on Tradd Street by Karen White (2008) features ghosts, old houses, and romance amidst the charm of the city itself.
saturday july 11
It seems that there are lots of people who (secretly) love to read about disasters. Whether regarding the "natural" variety, or the "man-made" variety, there are some excellent disaster books to be found.
Among the newer titles, Sultana: Surviving the Civil War, prison, and the worst maritime disaster in American history, supplies almost every sort of human trial imaginable. To my mind, this story makes the sinking of the Titanic look like a day at the beach.
Continue Reading…
friday june 26
Imagine that you find yourself in San Francisco with an entire day of freedom. Or Sydney, or Lisbon, or Tokyo. What would be the perfect way to optimize your good fortune? Writers of the Lonely Planet travel guides have put together a small book that describes their ideal plans for a day in 100 cities around the world: it's called The Perfect Day. Frequently starting with a little coffee, a local newspaper, a leisurely stroll, these short vignettes make for delightful reading. Timbuktu is in there too!
What might your 'Perfect Cincinnati Day' consist of? Throw out all of the barriers - you can wish for no traffic on I-75, a grand slam with two out in the bottom of the ninth for a Reds win, or maybe someone invites you and yours to cruise the mighty Ohio River on their yacht on a sunny - but not too hot - summer day. It's fun to think about the possibilities.
My own Perfect Day in Cincinnati would involve pizza, ice cream, and George Clooney - enough said!
tuesday june 16
I have a confession to make: I've never read James Joyce's Ulysses, have not so much as scanned a few pages in order to get through a literature course. And so today, Bloomsday 2009, I shall attempt to rectify this situation.
Upon initial inspection, I can see what all of the fuss is about. Joyce stirred up the literary world with his story of a few people who make their way through a day in Dublin on June 16, 1904. Beyond that, it is obvious that it could take a lifetime to get a grip on this novel, which required a decision from the US District Court in December 1933 to be published legally in the United States.
Continue Reading…
friday june 05
Summer Reading Programs have become a mainstay for public library systems everywhere. Kids love to go to their local library during the summer to check out books and earn prizes for reading.
But why should kids have all the fun? The Library's summer reading program for 2009 includes adults (ages 18 and up), and the entry forms are available online as well as at any branch library. Audio books count too! The program runs from June 1 to July 31.
Our good friends at Joseph Beth Booksellers will be hosting the adult summer reading kickoff party - a "Beach Blanket Book Bash" - on Saturday June 13. To assist in your book selections, we've put together a deliciously diverse list of titles to consider for lazy summer reading. Enjoy!
friday may 29
Sometimes we travel in order to get away from everything. Sometimes we travel in order to re-connect with people or places that have meaning in our lives. Either way, a good trip can be rejuvenating. For anyone who might like to entertain the notion of a literary pilgrimage, this little book is packed with delightful ideas.
Continue Reading…
friday march 27
In March 2008 I posted a blog about the Edgar Awards, named for Edgar Allan Poe and bestowed annually by the Mystery Writers of America. The winner of last year's prize for best mystery novel was Down River by John Hart.
This year's list of finalists has been announced: following are the finalists for 'Best Mystery Novel of 2008', all of which are available at the Library. Mystery buffs may want to read them all and choose their favorite before the awards are handed out on April 30!
Continue Reading…
friday march 13
The history of Ireland is thick with political and religious oppression, magical folklore, and Guinness, of course. Everyone I know who claims an Irish ancestry has a bit of a rebellious streak and they are damned proud of it. What makes them tick? Is it the Guinness, or is it their long and cherished history of fighting for freedom? Probably a little - or maybe a lot - of both.
There are two "big names" in Irish historical fiction: Frank Delaney and Edward Rutherfurd. Each of these authors has written a few big thick tomes weaving fact and folklore into fascinating tales just right for the month of March:
Continue Reading…
sunday march 01
Move it - this is the slogan for National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, March 2 - 8, 2009. People with MS know that they need to keep moving in order to stay at least one step ahead of this disease.
Since 1996, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has been committed to "recognizing self-improvement authors who inspire". This year's award ceremony was held on February 23 in New York City. At that event, the 2008 Books for a Better Life Awards were bestowed upon authors in ten different categories - a great deal of wisdom is contained in those collective pages.
The complete list of finalists is an interesting one - following are the award winners, each of which can be found in the Library's collection.
Continue Reading…
friday february 13
"This is a book of poems that if I knew you better and if you were in a hard passage I might send you one or two of along with a note, the way people used to do, believing in the bracing effect of bold writing.... I hope it does you some good."
So writes Garrison Keillor in his wonderfully rambling introduction to Good Poems for Hard Times. Following his first book of selected poetry - simply titled Good Poems - this collection offers thoughtfulness, courage, and a bit of humor to help navigate the occasionally bumpy roads of life.
Mr. Keillor also advances the therapeutic effect of poetry via The Writer's Almanac, comprised of literary tidbits and a daily poem, to be read online or heard locally on the air Monday through Friday at 9:55 pm on WVXU 91.7 fm.
During challenging times such as these a few artfully arranged words can make all the difference.
friday january 30
Although winter presents plenty of challenges, it brings pleasures as well; a cozy spot by the fireplace and a savory bowl of soup, for instance, if you are lucky enough to have them. To enhance your enjoyment of the season, here is a smattering of titles from The Library's collection that evoke some of the best that winter has to offer.
Where do such creatures as ladybugs and turtles go in winter? Winter World: The Ingenuity of Animal Survival by Bernd Heinrich explains it all.
Winter: A Spiritual Biography of the Season is an anthology of essays and poems dedicated to the harshness and the beauty of the natural world.
Designer Charlotte Moss offers ideas for creating seasonal warmth indoors in her decorating book, Winter House.
Winter House is also the title of a mystery by Carol O'Connell, featuring detective Kathleen Mallory, the wealthy and enigmatic Winter family, and an ice pick.
And finally, for those who would rather stay home and watch other people defy gravity via skis and snowboards there is Warren Miller's Cold Fusion: The Power of Snow on DVD.
friday january 23
Now in her late 20's, Isabel "Izzy" Spellman joined her family's private investigation firm when she was 12 years old. Her tendency toward subterfuge comes to her genetically: Mom and Dad are PI's, Uncle Ray as well, brother David is an annoyingly perfect attorney, and, not to be outdone, little sister Rae started in the family business at the age of six. As a group, they are smart, sneaky, cynical, above the law, and very very funny. Author Lisa Lutz has invented a family that puts the fun back in dysfunctional.
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friday january 09
Take one mildly obsessive food writer who grew up in New Jersey surrounded by sacred mountains of Italian food, especially "the Christmas Ravioli", which requires hours and hours to make by hand. Author Laura Schenone explores her family's past to find the exact recipe, no small feat since certain members of the family have not been on speaking terms with other members of the family for a couple of decades. The desire to connect with her culinary heritage is so strong that Schenone travels to the Italian region of Liguria where her great-grandparents were born so that she might learn how to create that ancestral pasta, eloquently described as 'gossamer' when it hits the palate. The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken: A Search for Food and Family (2008) not only provides a good read, but a heartfelt look at a small coastal section of Italy and those treasured family recipes as well.
In addition to her travels, Ms. Schenone did some intensive research on the authentic cuisine of northern Italy. These related titles, which are included in Schenone's bibliography, are available in the Library's collection:
Continue Reading…
saturday december 27
As we enter the New Year with an uncertain economy, it seems likely that many of us will be scaling back during 2009. It follows, then, that looking for enjoyment in "the simple things" will become more important, and I say that chocolate is one of those simple pleasures that can work wonders. A simple event for friends on a winter evening: a Chocolate Tasting. From a basic bar of chocolate to an elaborate dessert, somehow it seems to make things a little brighter.
The Library's cookbook collection includes these recent books that are all about chocolate:
The Golden Book of Chocolate by Carla Bardi, 2008
Deep, Dark Chocolate: Decadent Recipes for the Serious Chocolate Lover by Sara Perry, 2008
Chocolate Epiphany by Francois Payard, 2008
The Hershey, Pennsylvania Cookbook by Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, 2007
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Cookbook, 2007
The Essence of Chocolate by John Scharffenberger, 2006
Chocolate Therapy: Indulgent Recipes to Lift Your Spirits by Kathy Farrell-Kingsley, 2006
friday december 05
"Psychologist/Investigator" is how she describes herself on her business cards, but the character of Maisie Dobbs is even more complex than that. Starting out as a housemaid at age 13, she came under the tutelage of a master sleuth, worked in the field hospitals of France during World War I, and then completed a college education before launching her own investigation agency in London. In a metaphysical vein, she studied meditation with a yogi and she inherited the gift of second sight from her grandmother. Brains, careful observation, and personal intuition all come into play as she tackles the cases that are brought to her office door.
Author Jacqueline Winspear is a native of England herself, growing up listening to stories of her grandparents' experiences during WWI. She cleverly incorporates threads of those tales into Maisie's life, providing rich details about the long-term effects of the war on those who survived. The fifth book in the Maisie Dobbs series, An Incomplete Revenge, was published in 2008; all of the titles in the series can be found in various formats in The Library's fiction collection.
monday november 17
It seems that every Thanksgiving table is host to two basic types of people: the Traditionalists - who look forward to the same menu year after year; and the Innovators - who want to shake things up and try something different. Hopefully, in the spirit of the day, there is room for everyone at the table. Putting together the big feast can be a daunting idea, but fear not - my advice is to keep it simple. And, have lots of pie.
The Library's collection contains copies of these books that are specifically geared toward Thanksgiving entertaining:
Continue Reading…
tuesday october 28
The second annual Books by the Banks regional book festival will be held this Saturday, November 1 in downtown Cincinnati, and it is an event that is not to be missed. Featuring nearly 100 authors representing books for all ages and interests, it promises to be a day to celebrate writers, readers, and the joy of reading.
Many of the participating authors and illustrators are from the greater Cincinnati area, some are from farther afield, and some are former local residents who are returning to town for the event. For example, Alan Gratz, former Cincinnatian who now lives in the mountains of North Carolina, will be making his return in order to promote his highly-praised series of mysteries for teens. His "Horatio Wilkes Mysteries" first appeared in 2007 with Something Rotten, which has been recently followed by Something Wicked. Each title gives a clue that the stories are influenced by the works of Will Shakespeare.
Featuring authors of fiction, non-fiction, local and military history, cookbooks, and books for children, Books by the Banks also includes 22 different panel discussions and loads of activities for kids. Make your way to the Duke Energy Convention Center at 5th and Elm Streets this Saturday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to meet some authors, buy some books, and to gather with hundreds of people who make reading an important part of their lives.
friday september 26
You may remember the Dayton Peace Accords of 1995, which resulted from high-level meetings in Dayton, Ohio and which led to the end of war in the Balkans? Since that time, the Dayton Peace Prize has been created, and in 2006, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize was inaugurated, "the first and only annual U.S. literary award recognizing the power of the written word to promote peace." Awards are granted for both fiction and non-fiction books that were published in English during the previous year. This year's list of nominated titles includes Robert Olmstead's Coal Black Horse, which was one of the titles for our On The Same Page Cincinnati community reading program during March 2008. The Library holds copies of all of the titles on the list; the honors will be awarded at a banquet in Dayton on September 28.
tuesday september 16
Thanks to a visit from Hurricane Ike, many of us have been doing some serious "damage control" outside in the garden. After the debris is hauled away, you might find that some re-designing and re-planting is in order. The Library's extensive collection of gardening books includes several titles that are specific to autumn gardens. Fallscaping by Nancy Ondra is a beautifully illustrated volume that will inspire any gardener to look beyond the bounty of summer into the subtle textures and colors of the fall.
Other autumn gardening titles that can be found at The Library:
friday august 29
Michigan's Upper Peninsula, aka "the U.P.", is one of those marvelous geographical locations that has an identity all its own. More a part of Wisconsin than Michigan, with a definite Canadian influence, this relatively remote piece of land contains some magnificent natural beauty. It takes extra effort for anyone to get there - by road, bridge, or ferry - which adds to the mystique of the place. Authors Joseph Heywood and Steve Hamilton have found the U.P. to be the perfect setting for mystery stories - with all of the woods and snow and those interminably long dark nights.
Continue Reading…
saturday july 26
You know that little patch of urban blight that you pass by every day? What if you did something subversive there - like scattering some flower seeds under the cover of night? That is the mission of Guerrilla Gardeners - to install just a little beauty in an otherwise unbeautiful spot. A few nocturnal Brits started the idea in London, and now there are 'troops' of planters all over the world. Their dangerous quest: cleaning up public places - without permission. I actually know people who have planted 'weapons of mass beautification' right here in Cincinnati - they shall remain anonymous.
Even if it is just temporary, replacing trash with plant material serves to make neighborhoods safer, healthier, and happier. And subversively or right out in the open, urban gardening is an idea that just makes sense. Cincinnati's Civic Garden Center is a marvelous place for learning more about plants that thrive in the city. Should you want to commit some random acts of gardening, these resources are available at the Library:
Continue Reading…
thursday july 17
What does it take to get into the Tour de France? Blood, sweat, tears, and a ton of determination. Lance Armstrong won an unpredecented seven consecutive events. Johan Bruyneel, a Belgian cyclist and trainer, told Lance in 1998, "if we're going to ride the Tour, we might as well win". Bruyneel's new book, We Might As Well Win: The Road to Success With the Mastermind Behind Eight Tour de France Victories, describes his well-proven training regime.
To understand the level of hysteria that rises throughout France for this event, think March Madness here in the U.S. While the finish line is always on the Champs Elysee in Paris, the route of the course changes every year, causing much competition and speculation amongst people in the Provinces. The Tour's official website is loaded with information and videos providing every detail about the 2,000+ mile race, which was first run in 1903. There are also some very cool ways in which you can watch live coverage: via Google Maps or through the tips on this Silicon Valley site.
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friday june 20
'Homeschooling' takes on a whole new perspective. Canadian novelist and film critic David Gilmour recently published a book about his son's high school years and the creative way in which they dealt with the issues at hand. Gilmour's book, The Film Club, has received a good amount of press, and rightly so. Gilmour's son Jesse hated high school and his grades were heading for an all-time low. After much deliberation he and his father made a deal: Jesse could quit school as long as he agreed to watch three movies a week and discuss them with his Dad. Good idea/bad idea? A courageous idea, without a doubt.
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tuesday may 20
A rock musician who has made his mark in the world of popular culture turns to his more 'academic side' as he completes a doctoral degree in astrophysics. His dissertation focuses on the study of 'interplanetary dust'. Yeah, right, you say. For real, I say. Highly-respected former Queen guitarist Brain May has an amazing life story to go with his new book, Bang! The Complete History of the Universe. Written with fellow scientists Patrick Moore and Chris Lintott, Bang! does indeed provide an enjoyable and accessible look at the 'big bang' - in less than 200 pages. Listen to an interview with Dr. May from npr.org, dated 5.8.08.
Continue Reading…
friday may 02
A young newspaper reporter who lives in New York City is given an old diary that was found in a dumpster. The young reporter is intrigued and tracks down the diarist, who is now in her nineties. Together they embark on a life-changing journey. Sounds like fiction, but it's a true story, as described in this marvelous new book. The Red Leather Diary is a real treasure.
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tuesday april 22
The Earth gave us a little wake-up call a few days ago: an early-morning tremble from an earthquake centered 400 miles away in southern Illinois. Like a cat who brushes by your feet wanting some attention, I like to think that the Earth was doing the same, saying, "I need some attention, too." Just in time for Earth Day.
With the resurging awareness of environmental issues, there are tons of 'green' books that are slated to be published in 2008. Here are a few that are already in the Library's collection:
For adults:
The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time by Elizabeth Rogers
Making Kind Choices: Everyday Ways to Enhance Your Life Through Earth- and Animal- Friendly Living by Ingrid Newkirk
For kids:
You Can Save the Planet: 50 Ways You Can Make A Difference by Jacquie Wines
The Down-to-Earth Guide to Global Warming by Laurie David
And, an old favorite:
A Tree Is Nice by Janice May Udry
Happy Earth Day !
wednesday april 16
Maybe it is those colorful little lines that wind all around, or maybe it is because we don't have a rapid transit system here in Cincinnati. Whatever the reason, I have always been intrigued by maps of subway systems. They look so orderly and functional and efficient, so unlike the reality of transportation above ground.
But, once upon a time, long before I-75 entered our nightmares, a subway system was actually being built in our fair city. Ironically, whenever one travels south on I-75, the remnants of the subway tunnel can easily be seen, below Central Parkway. The work was done during the 1920's, but then the funds ran out, and personal automobiles became more affordable, and America became addicted to oil, and you know the rest. For a history of the project, see The Cincinnati Subway by Allen J. Singer.
For those of us who have traveled on the Metro in Washington DC or the Underground in London, subway systems in other cities hold a certain allure. Other map geeks like myself might want to take a look at Transit Maps of the World by Mark Ovenden, a colorful guide to underground systems from Tokyo to Cairo. For anyone who might be planning a trip, Google Transit is a handy website that offers maps and directions for public transportation throughout the US and abroad.
Continue Reading…
tuesday april 01
Back in medieval times, it was very important to keep the Royalty happy, lest all hell break loose. Therefore the King's fools, or court jesters, were no fools at all, since they played such an integral role in the well-being of the court. Members of the Fool's Guild in the mystery series by Alan Gordon are especially savvy. They use their inside knowledge and the anonymity of their masks to undermine all varieties of political trickery and deceit.
Author Alan Gordon is a marvelously clever writer, who has a 'day job' as a lawyer with the Legal Aid Society in Queens, New York. He has received praise for his series featuring the Fool's Guild, displaying a cunning group of unlikely heroes mixed in with history, suspense, and even a little Shakespeare before his time. All six of Gordon's Medieval Mysteries are available at the Library:
Continue Reading…
tuesday march 11
Move over Emmy, Tony, and Oscar. Make room for the Edgar, the literary award that is given annually by the Mystery Writers of America. Named for Edgar Allan Poe, who managed to be a quite a mystery in his own right, the award honors the best mystery writers of the year in a wide variety of categories: Novel, First Novel, Paperback Original, Critical/Biographical, Fact Crime, Short Story, Young Adult, Juvenile, Play, TV Episode, and Motion Picture, plus five 'special awards'. The Edgar Award Ceremony will be held in New York City on May 1.
This year's finalists were just announced, and for mystery lovers it makes for a fine reading list. The nominees for 'best novel' are all available at the Library:
Continue Reading…
tuesday february 26
As I write this in late February, there are four candidates in the running for the office of President of the United States. By now, we are all way too familiar with the sound bytes and the TV ads. For a look into their heads before they got to this point, check out the memoirs that have been published in recent years by Barack, Hillary, John, and Mike.
Barack Obama - Dreams from My Father, 2nd ed., 2004, and The Audacity of Hope, 2006
Hillary Rodham Clinton - Living History, 2003
John McCain - Faith of My Fathers, 1999, and Worth the Fighting For, 2002
Mike Huckabee - Quit Digging Your Grave With a Knife and Fork, 2005, and From Hope to Higher Ground, 2007
monday february 25
The On The Same Page 2008 title selection for Teens - as chosen by a group of eleven very cool teen readers - is Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes. Named a Coretta Scott King Award Winner in 2003, Ms. Grimes’ novel portrays a high school English class as they discover ways to express themselves through 'Open Mic' poetry. For the next several weeks, branch libraries will hold Open Mic sessions for teens; some will be led by the dynamic performance poet Benjamin Hughes.
Participating in this year's program are classes from Northwest High School, LaSalle, St. Teresa in Covedale, Mt. Notre Dame, Aiken HS, and Ursuline Academy, to name a few. Leading in to National Poetry Month in April, teachers can continue to request book collections for use in their classrooms.
Anyone who has a creative streak would have to admire author Nikki Grimes, as she expresses herself via many art forms: writing, fiber arts, music, and jewelry-making. Fans of all ages can meet her at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in the Rookwood Pavilion on Wednesday March 26 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
wednesday february 20
It has been more than ten years since the first "One Book/One City" community reading program was launched in Seattle. Since then, hundreds of similar events have been staged; some have lasted and some have not. We like to think that our program here in Cincinnati has "legs", i.e., that it is an event that people around town look forward to each year.
We started out in 2002, reading Ernest Gaines' A Lesson Before Dying, in an attempt to address the aftermath of the city's riots of 2001. Over time, the program has become more of a reading event than a city-wide healing event, although the idea of "encouraging community dialogue" continues as a strong undercurrent. For On The Same Page 2008, the challenge for readers is to experience the Civil War through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy from the mountains of Appalachia, in Robert Olmstead's spellbinding novel, Coal Black Horse.
Olmstead will be in town for several programs, begining with a Civil War History Day on Sunday February 24 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the Main Library. Discussion groups and special events will be held during the next six weeks throughout Hamilton County, featuring local Civil War history and concluding with a guided Civil War Tour of Spring Grove Cemetery on April 6.
Each year, there are many ways in which schools, book clubs, and individual readers participate in On The Same Page, making it truly one of the most viable "One Book" programs in the country. Look for upcoming posts about author Robert Olmstead (and about this year's title for teen readers, Bronx Masquerade).
thursday february 14
In an entry dated January 10, I promised to follow up with the final list of award winners in the first annual Essence Magazine Literary Awards. In a glittering ceremony in New York City, the awards were announced on February 8, and the Essence website offers a photo gallery of many of the honorees. Lifetime Achievement Award winner Terry McMillan was looking very stylish as she announced that she is working on a sequel to her big breakout novel from 1992, Waiting to Exhale. Describing the impact of a life immersed in books, McMillan said, “I don’t know where I would be without words and stories.”
Continue Reading…
thursday february 07
Winter can be a very long stretch of time for a baseball fan. Dreams of sunny afternoons at the ball park begin to float around with increasing frequency. There is an art exhibit currently installed in the atrium of the Main Library that serves to make those idealistic images even more alluring. For a generation of fans, Willie Mays is the embodiment of grace in the outfield. In oils, watercolors, collage, and pencil drawings, Mays is represented for his artistry and for his love of the game.
Originally gathered in 2006 in honor of Mays' 75th birthday, the collection was first displayed at the Louisville Slugger Museum. Cincinnati author Mike Shannon, editor of Spitball: The Literary Baseball Magazine and creator of the annual Casey Award, was the curator of this art collection; the Library has it on display through March 20. Mr. Shannon will appear at the Main Library on Saturday, March 1 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm in the Reading Garden to meet the public and to sign books. The accompanying book can be purchased at the Library Friend's Shop, open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
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thursday january 10
Essence Magazine has long been the source of bestseller lists for African-American readers. The winners of the first annual Essence Literary Awards will be announced on February 8, 2008, and the list of nominated titles is impressive. In addition to books in eight categories, there are two special awards: A Lifetime Achievement Award for Terry McMillan, and a Storyteller of the Year Award, which readers can vote on through January 15. Up for the Storyteller Award are Tanarive Due, L.A. Banks, Lori Bryant-Woolridge, Trisha R. Thomas, and the sensational Eric Jerome Dickey.
Here is a sampling of the great books that have been nominated:
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friday december 28
With a great story, big stars, a legendary director, and a very capable screenwriter, Charlie Wilson's War has opened in theaters accompanied by rave reviews and Golden Globe nominations. Containing elements of espionage, wealth, glamour, and political intrigue, this film is based on a true story of the days when Texans took the law into their own hands, not in the 1880's, but actually, the 1980's. Directed by Mike Nichols, Aaron Sorkin (who created NBC's West Wing) adapted the screenplay from a 2003 book by George Crile, a former producer at CBS news who came into notoriety following the Vietnam War when he took on the US Department of Defense in the form of Gen. William Westmoreland.
George Crile died in 2006, but the real Charlie Wilson is still around, residing in Lufkin, Texas, where he is commonly known as "Good Time Charlie". Tom Hanks and his production company, Playtone, have created a film of substance that entertains and provides some backstory to the current issues in the Middle East. The Library offers Crile's book in regular print, large print, and Downloadable Audiobook formats.
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monday december 17
The beauty of light becomes more pronounced when contrasted with darkness. The December 22 Winter Solstice brings the longest night of the year and the perfect opportunity to create light with candles. For a unique solstice experience you might want to "unleash your inner druid" and have a solstice day - without electricity. At sunset, bring out the candlelight. "Candlenight" is a winter solstice celebration that started in Japan in 2003. Books such as Illuminations by Wally Arnold will inspire you to decorate with candlelight, while Light A Candle by Sylvia Browne will inspire some candlelight rituals. Candlegrove and School of the Seasons are among the web sites that are devoted to seasonal celebrations around the world.
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friday december 07
During the holiday season when everything around us screams out, "more, more, more!", it is especially helpful to seek out those still, small voices that say, "simple is best". Yes, those voices do exist, as I was reminded when I heard a favorite tune on WNKU radio today. "Too Much Stuff" by Delbert McClinton can be found on his CD titled One of the Fortunate Few, and if you listen closely you will discover John Prine and Lyle Lovett on backup vocals. Anyway, "Too Much Stuff" sums up my sentiments, exactly.
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friday november 09
It's not really an opera, rather more of an often-told story from a grandmother to her grandchildren. And in the telling of the story, she manages to convey the ethos of cultures from long ago and far away, and to plant in the childrens' minds an unshakeable memory of herself. The Mapmaker's Opera is a charming story that winds from the crocus fields of La Mancha in rural Spain to the streets of Seville, and across the Atlantic to the Yucatan of Mexico. In the tradition of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, where a single glimpse at one's true love can lead to a lifetime of sacrifice and suffering, this novel involves "forbidden love, unbearable grief, one country lost and another one found." Author Bea Gonzalez, a native of Spain who now lives in Toronto, writes with a true appreciation for the beauty, pathos, and subtle humor that can be found in the classic novels of her homeland. This is a delightful gem of a story, highly recommended.
sunday october 28
"So, there's going to be this book festival, with 90 authors and 17 panel discussions, and activites for kids, and books for sale, and it's all free? Really? Where will it be - in Chicago? New York? Maybe Atlanta?" It is for real, and it is happening right here in river city on November 3rd, 2007. There may or may not be a truly viable "Banks Development Project", but the river itself does have banks, hence the name of the festival, Books by the Banks.
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tuesday september 18
Yes, I know, it is on the verge of being overdone, this pirate thing. But, really, people do need to have fun, and dressing up like a Buccaneer or a Scurvy Wench only on Halloween is not enough for some. So, now is the time get ready for Talk Like A Pirate Day on September 19. Hide the treasure chests! Protect the women and children! Annoy your co-workers!
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thursday september 06
Brock Clarke, a Cincinnati writer and all-around good guy, does not promote arson or any other sorts of criminal activity, really. It's just that the hero of his novel inadvertently started a fire at an important historical site, and things quickly went downhill from there. In An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England, Sam Pulsifer is an 'accidental arsonist', a self-professed 'bumbler', and sort of an everyman who seems to be sleepwalking through life. He serves as a lightning rod for the trials and tribulations that commonly befall the modern American male.
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friday august 24
Anyone who sets out to write a mystery has to start with the development of a great sleuth: a character who is clever yet who also has enough human foibles to create a certain charm. Hercule Poirot and Stephanie Plum are fine examples of detectives, professional or amateur, who truly seem to have a life of their own.
Enter Inspector Enrique Alvarez, who first appeared in 1974 and continues to entertain readers in his characteristically continental style.
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saturday august 04
Summer is here in all of its glory, and we must revel in it as much as possible. It is quite simple really: just sit outside and feast your senses on the birdsong and the fireflies. The best recipe for tomatoes: pick one from the vine and eat it, the drippier the better. For those who prefer more detailed instructions, here are a few books that can tell you how to enjoy summer, and even if you already know how, their beautiful illustrations could easily occupy a long afternoon in the shade.
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tuesday june 26
Summer reading naturally conjures up thoughts of ocean breezes and sand-laden books. An ideal summer climate can be found in New England, and if you add the relative freedom of being on an island, what could be better? The island of Martha's Vineyard is a mere 7 miles from the coast of Massachusetts, but that is distance enough to allow for an indigenous culture uniquely its own.
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tuesday june 12
Mystery writer Chris Grabenstein takes his readers to a place that evokes memories of surf, sand, and sunburn. Anyone who has ever been lucky enough to spend a few summer days at the Jersey Shore knows all about the essential components of a seaside resort town: boardwalks, salt water taffy stands, fried clam shacks, family-run motels, souvenir shops, and amusement park rides. In the fictional town of Sea Haven, those old familiar rides and carnival games also serve as the titles for Grabensteins's clever mysteries, as in Tilt-a-Whirl, the first entry in the series.
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wednesday may 23
Are you a cruciverbalist at heart? Do you have a secret ritual regarding the daily crossword puzzles in the newspaper? Myself, I like to fold the paper in a certain way, then do the cryptogram first, the 'basic' crossword, and then the 'advanced' crossword, in that order. And, I use ink - erasers are for the timid. Sudoku? Sorry, I am clueless.
There are of course millions of crossword puzzle junkies in the world at large, and several have been profiled in a surprisingly fascinating documentary, Wordplay, which comes with the tagline, "50 million people do it every week".
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thursday may 10
An update for those of us who were not able to attend: the annual James Beard Foundation Awards Gala was held in New York City this past week. Think, 'Academy Awards for the restaurant industry'. The menu for this event is enough to send any foodophile straight into Nirvana; my favorites being the Peekytoe Crab Cappuccino with Lemon Verbena, followed by a taste of Chocolate Diablo Panna Cotta with Amarena Cherries and Cocoa Nibs. To quote Dave Barry, I am not making this up. My imagination simply cannot stretch that far.
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tuesday may 01
When it comes to concocting mysteries about fast horses and fast tracks, Dick Francis is the undisputed king. Although I can't track down the source, it seems that I recently read something about his unfortunate demise. You can imagine my suprise when, on a beautiful day during Keeneland's spring meet, I saw Mr. Francis himself autographing copies of his most recent book! That was a mystery I just had to solve.
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monday april 23
In a recent post, I wrote about ways in which people can actively partcipate in poetry, reading and reciting with friends and family. Now, take that idea to another level: Chicago, 1987, a place called the Green Mill Tavern. Marc Kelly Smith starts a small revolution which becomes known as the Poetry Slam. It differs from a 'poetry reading' event because it is competitive and the audience plays an active role. Slams are held virtually everywhere, and there is even a national championship that will be held this summer in Austin, Texas.
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tuesday april 17
National Poetry Month is a celebration which has caught on in schools, coffee houses, and public spaces everywhere. The Main Library will be hosting poetry readings featuring local poets each Wednesday night during April at 7:00 p.m.
For many people, poetry may seem to be an introspective and solitary event - it's not necessarily so! You too can host a poetry night with friends and family of all ages. Break out the camcorder and have some fun - here are some sources of inspiration:
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friday april 13
Featuring high-society voyagers, luxury ocean liners, and plenty of time to kill on the high seas, author Conrad Allen has created a recipe for an intriguing series of mystery novels. Beginning in 1999 with Murder on the Lusitania, he introduces detective George Porter Dillman, a passenger on the maiden voyage of the grand new ship on the Cunard Line. Money, jewels, and murder are on the ship's log, as is Miss Genevieve Masefield, a lovely private detective in her own right.
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friday april 06
As a browser of fiction bookshelves, I have often been intrigued by the works of Cormac McCarthy and have felt I really should know more about him. Or her. Who is this author, anyway? As it turns out, he is one of those "I'll let my work speak for me" kinds of authors who actively shuns the spotlight. Until now, anyway. On March 28, Oprah announced the selection of The Road, McCarthy's most recent novel, for her book club. And a brighter spotlight than that would be tough to find.
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