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.
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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.
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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:
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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:
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.”
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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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