Volume 16

Happy New Year!  I have decided to dedicate this issue of Dog Eared to all things new!  Whether it is a new service or a new collection, we are kicking off the new year with a lot of great ideas to better serve you, our members.  To begin with, I have been exploring a new way of classifying books that cross over genres.  This method, called genre blending, is where genres come to mix and mingle. Perhaps you read historical fiction but also gravitate towards romance.  There are plenty of titles out there to satisfy both those requirements!  Or maybe you enjoy a good spy thriller that also has a science fiction flair to it.  Plenty of those as well!  Sound interesting?  Take a look below for some titles that blend historical fiction with other great genres. Enjoy this edition of Dog Eared which connects you – our readers – to the books you love.  I have many other tools to find your next great read so please stop by, email or phone me to learn more.  As you browse the Library, be sure to check out my “As Seen in Dog Eared” display on the Main Level. If you missed any of the previous volumes, they can all be found here. Laurie Iffland Resident Reader Advisor

Pre-Publication Alerts Take a look at these coming attractions and click to place your reserve today! February 2, 2016 January 12, 2016 February 2, 2016 January 19, 2016 February 9, 2016 January 12, 2016 January 26, 2016 February 9, 2016 February 2, 2016 January 19, 2016 January 26, 2016 February 2, 2016 February 2, 2016 January 19, 2016 February 2, 2016 February 16, 2016 February 9, 2016 February 23, 2016 February 9, 2016 February 9, 2016

Answer 6 short questions and I’ll send you a list of 6 great titles!

Book of the Month Boys in the Trees  by Carly Simon Published November 24, 2015

I’m not a memoir reader by habit.  But when one comes along as entertaining at this, I can’t pass it up.  Carly Simon details her exceptional childhood (her father is the Simon in Simon & Schuster!), as well as her wild affairs in the music industry.  Secrets are revealed and her life is laid bare in this wonderful expose of the famous singer. If you have a title you think deserves the spotlight, let me know!

One to Watch The Precious One  by Marisa de los Santos Published December 1, 2015 “In all her life, Eustacia “Taisy” Cleary has given her heart to only three men: her first love, Ben Ransom; her twin brother, Marcus; and Wilson Cleary – professor, inventor, philanderer, self-made millionaire, brilliant man, breathtaking jerk: her father.  Told in alternating voices – Taisy’s strong, unsparing observations and her half-sister Willow’s naive, heartbreakingly earnest yearnings – The Precious One is an unforgettable novel of family secrets, lost love, and dangerous obsession, a captivating tale with the deep characterization, piercing emotional resonance, and heartfelt insight that are the hallmarks of Marisa de los Santos’s beloved works.” From the Editor

You might also like…

Wild Card Thing Explainer  by Randall Munroe Published November 24, 2015 I know, I know!  I picked a Wild Card from Randall Munore last month.  I just couldn’t pass this one up.  This book is for anyone who has ever wondered how complicated things work.  Stuff like tectonic plates (the big flat rocks we live on) or the periodic table (the pieces everything is made of). It is at times hilarious and always coherent as it strives to answer these questions and so much more. Reserve your copy of Thing Explainer today!

Historical Fiction and…..

Historical Fiction & Adrenaline Great historical novels set during exciting eras. Historical Fiction & Mystery Engaging mysteries that take place in historical settings. Historical Fiction & Romance Historical novels that have a compelling and satisfying love story. Historical Fiction & Science Fiction Where the “what was” and the “what if” meet in an intriguing manner.

There’s a great new collection in the Library!  “Second Look” books are hot off the New Fiction and New Nonfiction shelves.  They may be a few months old but they are usually on best seller lists, being talked about at cocktail parties or just plain worthy of a “Second Look”.  Please come in and check out this great new selection of books or click here to see a complete list.

The BIG screen experience is here! There’s a new way of enjoying hoopla in your home. Chromecast lets you watch videos from hoopla on your TV. Just plug the Chromecast device into the TV and cast borrowed video titles directly from the hoopla iOS or Android app on your phone or tablet. Click here to start!

Are you looking for something great to put on your device? Take a look at some of my suggestions below. Award Winning e-AudioBooks Entertaining e-Books Favorite Family Films Magazines to Mull Over

One From My Personal (To Be Read) List My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante Why? One Just who is this Elena Ferrante?  Rumors abound as to the true identity of this author.  With the wild success of this series, why doesn’t the author claim responsibility? Two Like the characters, I also have a best friend who has been my rock since childhood (hi Jennifer!). Three I love all things Italian.

Try a new genre this year and give romance a chance!  We’ve created a brand new display up on the mezzanine and carefully selected the books that we know you’re going to love.  And it’s not all bodices and ballgowns — you’ll have a broad array of subgenres to choose from, including suspense, paranormal, westerns, and more, so new readers and long-time fans alike will find something for every taste!

We have also created a display just for mystery lovers!  We have thoughtfully chosen a wide variety, from cozy to hard boiled, to satisfy most every mystery fan.  Take a look below for a sampling of the books we have selected.

I love talking books with all of you.  An impromptu conversation can lead to some great suggestions!  I wish I could spend all day just talking books but, alas, I do have some other things I must do.  So I thought I would give you all a chance to let me know what you are reading or watching that is really great.  I have placed an “Awesome Box” on the circulation desk for you to return any of your “awesome” items.  I’ve already begun to collect these suggestions and placed them on a  site here.  I hope you enjoy looking through them as much as I have!

Would you like to discuss what you are reading? Join us at The Open Book on Wednesday, January 27 at 2 pm as we all discuss the books that we are enjoying.

BBC TELEVISION SERIES BBC is quickly becoming the standard for quality television.  Who hasn’t binged on a season or two of Sherlock or laughed their way through ‘Allo, ‘Allo?  Take a look at a few you may have missed.

I have received tremendous interest in my “6 for 6” book recommendation service.  Now you can have that same personal attention with your next great read for your book group.  Answer a few questions and I’ll be happy to suggest a few titles.   We have an incredible Book Group Collection of multiple copies to choose from.   If any of my choices sound good for your group, I can put together a book group packet with discussion questions, author information and  more.  Sound like a good idea?

Great digital content for your mobile devices. Check out just some of the digital content available for free through the Library.  Stop in or call if you need assistance, we’re always happy to help!

Literary Magazines Check out our wide selection of magazines dedicated to short stories, poetry and essays along with literary criticism, book reviews, biographical profiles of authors, interviews and letters. Columbia Journalism Review Encourages excellence in journalism in the service of a free society. Available online. ForeWord A trade review journal to cover the rapidly growing independent, alternative, university, and self publishing industries. Available online. Granta From Nobel laureates to debut novelists, international translations to investigative journalism, Granta publishes the best new literary writing and art. New York Review of Books Bi-monthly journal of essays and reviews of books and the arts, including music, theater, dance, and film. New Yorker  A magazine of reportage, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, satire, cartoons, and poetry. Available online. Publishers Weekly Offers feature articles and news on all aspects of the book business, bestsellers lists in a number of categories, and industry statistics, but its best known service is pre-publication book reviews. Available online. The Writer The nation’s oldest magazines about the craft of writing.

Young Critics Blog  Click below for Reader Advisory for the next generation!  Ages 8 -12.

Volume 15

Enjoy this edition of Dog Eared which connects you – our readers – to the books you love.  I have many other tools to find your next great read so please stop by, email or phone me to learn more.  As you browse the Library, be sure to check out my “As Seen in Dog Eared” display on the Main Level. If you missed any of the previous volumes, they can all be found here. Laurie Iffland Resident Reader Advisor

Pre-Publication Alerts Take a look at these coming attractions and click to place your reserve today! January 12, 2016 January 12, 2016 January 5, 2016 January 5, 2016 January 12, 2016 December 15, 2015 January 12, 2016 January 5, 2016 January 5, 2016 January 5, 2016 January 5, 2016 December 29, 2015 January 5, 2016 December 8, 2015 January 16, 2016 January 19, 2016 January 25, 2016 January 12, 2016 January 19, 2016 January 26_ 2016

Click below and answer 6 short questions and I’ll suggest a list of 6 great titles!

Book of the Month 100 Days of Happiness by Fausto Brizzi Published August 11, 2015

100 days.  Just 100 days more.  What would you do with the rest of your life if you knew you only had 100 days left?  You may cry  while reading this book, but surprisingly, they will be tears of laughter.  It celebrates life’s little moments as well as the people who make our lives worth living.  So, grab a hot doughnut and a cappuccino, this book is worth settling in for. If you have a title you think deserves the spotlight, let me know! Runner Ups…..

One   to Watch   The Muralist  by B.A. Shapiro Published November 3, 2015 By the author of the bestselling novel The Art Forger comes another mysterious and intriguing tale straight from the art world.  Torn from modern day headlines of asylum seekers flooding into Europe, this World War II tale follows European refugees as they flee fascism.  What begins with the disappearance of a young artist finishes as her great niece discovers the truth of the loss and the myriad of details surrounding the event.

What If? : Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions by Randall Munroe Published September 2, 2014 I have been a follower of xkcd.com and more specifically the “what if” column for a while now.  Readers pose very random questions, most verging on the absurd, and serious, scientifically backed answers are developed. Take:  “What if there was a lake on the Moon? What would it be like to swim in it? Presuming that it is sheltered in a regular atmosphere, in some giant dome or something.”  Want to know the answer?  Check out:  What If? : Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions Reserve your copy of the book, What If! today!

I love talking books with all of you.  An impromptu conversation can lead to some great suggestions!  I wish I could spend all day just talking books but, alas, I do have some other things I must do.  So I thought I would give you all a chance to let me know what you are reading or watching that is really great.  I have placed an “Awesome Box” on the circulation desk for you to return any of your “awesome” items.  I’ve already begun to collect these suggestions and placed them on a  site here.  I hope you enjoy looking through them as much as I have!

Would you like to discuss what you are reading? Join us at The Open Book on Wednesday, December 16 at 2 pm as we all discuss the books that we are enjoying.

Some of My Favorites of the Year!

Literature & Fiction     Mystery & Thrillers Science Fiction & Fantasy     Non-Fiction  History  Light-Hearted

INSPIRATION AND ASPIRATIONS

Is getting in shape one of your New Year’s resolutions?

Try a heartwarming tale to lift your spirits.

Learn something new in the New Year.

Spruce up your home.

Aspire to greatness!

I have received tremendous interest in my “6 for 6” book recommendation service.  Now you can have that same personal attention with your next great read for your book group.  Answer a few questions and I’ll be happy to suggest a few titles.   We have an incredible Book Group Collection of multiple copies to choose from.   If any of my choices sound good for your group, I can put together a book group packet with discussion questions, author information and  more.  Sound like a good idea?

Great digital content for your mobile devices. Check out just some of the digital content available for free through your Library.  Stop in or call if you need assistance, we’re always happy to help! E-Books NYT Best Sellers FAQs & How-To’s   Music 2016 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominees  FAQs & How-To’s Magazines  Popular Genres FAQs & How-To’s Movies/TV Series & Feature Films FAQs & How-To’s E-Audiobooks  Best Sellers FAQs & How-To’s

What’s New in Digital Downloads

Click on the link to stay up-to-date with new digital content, including the audiobook version of this year’s Booker Prize Winner A Brief History of Seven Killings on Hoopla. New York Times Best Sellers Newly Added e-Audiobooks Downloadable magazines Most Popular Movies

Literary Magazines Check out our wide selection of magazines dedicated to short stories, poetry and essays along with literary criticism, book reviews, biographical profiles of authors, interviews and letters. Columbia Journalism Review Encourages excellence in journalism in the service of a free society. Available online. ForeWord A trade review journal to cover the rapidly growing independent, alternative, university, and self publishing industries. Available online. Granta From Nobel laureates to debut novelists, international translations to investigative journalism, Granta publishes the best new literary writing and art. New York Review of Books Bi-monthly journal of essays and reviews of books and the arts, including music, theater, dance, and film. New Yorker  A magazine of reportage, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, satire, cartoons, and poetry. Available online. Publishers Weekly Offers feature articles and news on all aspects of the book business, bestsellers lists in a number of categories, and industry statistics, but its best known service is pre-publication book reviews. Available online. The Writer The nation’s oldest magazines about the craft of writing.

Young Critics Blog  Click below for Reader Advisory for the next generation!  Ages 8 -12.

Volume 14

The publishing world is bursting at the seams with great new reads.  There’s Paula McLain’s Circling the Sun and Jojo Moyes’ After You as well as Adriana Trigiani’s All the Stars in the Heavens to name a few.  But the title I am most looking forward to is The Heart Goes Last by Margaret Atwood.  Atwood has always been a champion for libraries and lately has focused her energies on what the future holds for libraries.  Her “Dear 2114 Future Library” writing contest sparked numerous discussions about what we could expect.  She has won over 90 literary awards for her novels, poetry, nonfiction and even children’s books.  Many years ago, when I first picked up The Handmaid’s Tale, I became forever hooked on the dystopian novel.  I have continued to read all of her novels and, although each one is different from the next, they have all kept me invested in their characters throughout their telling. The Heart Goes Last promises to continue this trend.  It is the story of the not so distant future and a not so unbelievable track for the human race. Enjoy this edition of Dog Eared which connects you – our readers – to the books you love.  I have developed many other tools to find your next great.  Please stop by, email or phone me to learn more.  If you missed any of the previous volumes, they can all be found here. Laurie Iffland Resident Reader Advisor

Pre-Publication Alerts Take a look at these coming attractions and click to place your reserve today! November 17, 2015 November 23, 2015 December 8, 2015 December 1, 2015 November 17, 2015 December 8, 2015 December 15, 2015 November 17, 2015 December 1, 2015 December 1, 2015 December 29, 2015 December 29, 2015 November 10, 2015 December 8, 2015 November 24, 2015

Click below and answer 6 short questions and I’ll suggest a list of 6 great titles!

Book of the Month Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg Published September 1, 2015

Life is so short.  We’ve all said it.  We have all been faced with tragedies that have forced us to take stock of our life and those with whom we share it. Clegg’s first novel features June who is brutally confronted with a loss so unbearable, her only choice is to leave.  “She will go”, starts the second chapter.  We travel with her across the country from Connecticut to Washington as she flees monstrous loss and eventually finds solace and support among new surroundings.  By the time we learn what happened on that fateful night, we truly understand that to June, having a family is both precious and tragic. If you have a title you think deserves the spotlight, let me know! Need something a bit lighter? Try these entertaining reads about families.

One   to Watch   City on Fire by Garth Risk Hallberg Published October 13, 2015 Brace yourself, it’s long.  Really long.  Over 900 pages long.  You may have to pause your life for a bit as well.  If you do, you will be rewarded.  Hallberg recreates the entire landscape of New York City from the end of 1976 to the blackout of ’77 spiraling out from a violent crime in Central Park.  The characters weave their way in and out of each other’s lives creating a cohesive look at the city, neighborhood by neighborhood.

Black Mass: The Irish Mob, the FBI and a Devil’s Deal  by Dick Lehr & Gerard O’Neill Release date September 18, 2015 I am Malala, Brooklyn, Room, The Martian, Me Before You.  Of all the books turning up in the movie theaters recently, the one I can’t wait to see is Black Mass.   I am a huge fan of true crime, conspiracy theories and corruption tales and this book has it all.  Gangster Whitey Bulger aided the FBI in ridding Boston of the Mafia only to become the most ruthless drug kingpins himself, forcing the agents to protect him as he became one of the city’s most brutal murderers. Reserve your copy of the book, Black Mass, today!

I love talking books with all of you.  An impromptu conversation can lead to some great suggestions!  I wish I could spend all day just talking books but, alas, I do have some other things I must do.  So I thought I would give you all a chance to let me know what you are reading or watching that is really great.  I have placed an “Awesome Box” on the circulation desk for you to return any of your “awesome” items.  I’ve already begun to collect these suggestions and placed them on a  site here.  I hope you enjoy looking through them as much as I have!

Would you like to discuss what you are reading? Join us at The Open Book on Wednesday, November 18 at 2 pm as we all discuss the books that we are enjoying.

Waiting your turn for these best sellers?  These titles are similar enough to make the wait just a little more bearable.

ON MYSTERIES

Love a good culinary crime caper?

How about a cozy mystery?

Or maybe a little espionage?

Or even a great twist at the end?

And finally, perhaps a little humor.

I have received tremendous interest in my “6 for 6” book recommendation service.  Now you can have that same personal attention with your next great read for your book group.  Answer a few questions and I’ll be happy to suggest a few titles.   We have an incredible Book Group Collection of multiple copies to choose from.   If any of my choices sound good for your group, I can put together a book group packet with discussion questions, author information and  more.  Sound like a good idea?

Looking for a new a Thanksgiving recipe or an old favorite?  Check out these titles for great ideas to help plan your holiday. Bon Appetit is available online! Cook’s Illustrated is available online! Vegetarian Times is available online! Food Network Magazine is available online! 641.568 S 641.568 D 641.5 D  642.4 B 641.57 W 642.4 G 641.874 N 641.568 R

What’s New in Digital Downloads

Click on the link to stay up-to-date with new digital content, including the audiobook version of this year’s Booker Prize Winner A Brief History of Seven Killings on Hoopla. New York Times Best Sellers Newly Added e-Audiobooks Downloadable magazines Most Popular Movies

Literary Magazines Check out our wide selection of magazines dedicated to short stories, poetry and essays along with literary criticism, book reviews, biographical profiles of authors, interviews and letters. Columbia Journalism Review Encourages excellence in journalism in the service of a free society. Available online. ForeWord A trade review journal to cover the rapidly growing independent, alternative, university, and self publishing industries. Available online. Granta From Nobel laureates to debut novelists, international translations to investigative journalism, Granta publishes the best new literary writing and art. New York Review of Books Bi-monthly journal of essays and reviews of books and the arts, including music, theater, dance, and film. New Yorker  A magazine of reportage, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, satire, cartoons, and poetry. Available online. Publishers Weekly Offers feature articles and news on all aspects of the book business, bestsellers lists in a number of categories, and industry statistics, but its best known service is pre-publication book reviews. Available online. The Writer The nation’s oldest magazines about the craft of writing.

Young Critics Blog  Click below for Reader Advisory for the next generation!  Ages 8 -12.

Volume 12

Purity, by Jonathan Franzen, is now 2 books ago and I’m still wrestling with how I feel about the players.  On one hand, Pip stole my heart.  I found myself sympathizing with her struggle with her distorted self image and her relationship with her crazy mother.  I even empathized with her endeavor to find herself.  Andreas, on the other hand, made me nauseous.  His every action demonstrated his incredible ego and self-gratifying motivations.  His egotism could only be matched by the equally self-absorbed Anabel. At some points, I felt Franzen hated her as much as I did!  I did find myself rooting for Tom to find his happiness.  I wanted him to start standing up for himself and find his self worth.  There are other important inhabitants of this novel but I found them flat and one dimensional.  I do believe Franzen wanted me to get to know all of his characters; but not to like them, rather to feel contempt for them.  While I feel this is rarely the goal of an author, I found myself looking beyond Franzen’s efforts and finding compassion for these few characters. Anywho, onward to our next focus….Geraldine Brooks is coming out with a new book!  Since her Year of Wonders is always on my “tops” list, I can’t wait to get my hands on The Secret Chord.  This novel focuses on King David, an important figure to members of many faiths and star of the Goliath tale.  In this version of his story, Brooks “traces the arc of his journey from obscurity to fame, from shepherd to soldier, from hero to traitor, from beloved king to murderous despot and into his remorseful and diminished dotage.” (Editor)  I only hope it meets my high expectations! Please enjoy this edition which connects you – our readers – to the books you love.  I have developed many other tools to find the next great read for our members, so please stop by, email or phone me to learn more.  If you missed any of the previous volumes, they can all be found here. Laurie Iffland Resident Reader Advisor

Pre-Publication Alerts Take a look at these coming attractions and click to place your reserve today! November 17, 2015 October 20, 2015 October 6, 2015 November 17, 2015 November 3, 2015 November 3, 2015 November 3, 2015 October 27, 2015 October 27, 2015 October 6, 2015 October 27, 2015 November 10, 2015 October 6, 2015 October 13, 2015 November 3, 2015 October 27, 2015 October 27, 2015 October 6, 2015 October 20, 2015 October 20, 2015 October 13, 2015 November 3, 2015 October 20, 2015 October 27, 2015 October 27, 2015 October 13, 2015 November 3, 2015 October 13, 2015 November 10, 2015 October 27, 2015

Click below and answer 6 short questions and I’ll suggest a list of 6 great titles!

Book of the Week A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson

Choosing Bill Bryson’s One Summer: America, 1927 for our One Book read in March of 2014 shows just how far ahead of the curve we are!  This summer’s blockbuster film hit, A Walk in the Woods (e-Book), has reignited interest in all of Bill Bryson’s work.  This hilarious tale of the author and an old college friend’s journey on the Appalachian Trail not only entertains the reader with their misadventures but educates us with an amusing narration of the trail, the people who created it, and the places it passes through. If you have a title you think deserves the spotlight, let me know! Check out some of Bill Bryson’s other uproarious books:

One   to Watch     Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff Walk a mile in my shoes.  You never know what’s going on behind closed doors.  Don’t judge people, you never know what kind of battle they’re fighting.  Every story has two sides and two perspectives and Lauren Groff’s Fates and Furies examines this fact using a seemingly perfect marriage that in reality is fractured at its core. Lotto and Mathilde are the ostensibly happy couple, supposedly living the ideal their friends want to emulate.  After 10 years of marriage, secrets are revealed that show the truth of their relationship.  We see how their “perfect” marriage may really be made up of protective lies to each other and to themselves.

The Bazaar of Bad Dreams : Stories by Stephen King With Halloween right around the corner, I thought I’d dip into my bag of tricks and bring out a little horror.  Stephen King has won 27 writing awards, some more than 20 times, including the O. Henry, Quill and National Endowment for the Arts Award.  He has written over 60 books, both fiction and nonfiction, and he happens to be one of my favorites!  His newest is a collection of short stories (remember Green Mile started as short stories), some of them published here for the first time.  So, what’s new, you ask?  This time, King has prefaced each story with his motivations for writing it.  I can’t wait to climb inside the mind of one of the most prolific writers of our time! Reserve your copy of The Bazaar of Bad Dreams today!

Just For Book Groups I have received tremendous interest in my “6 for 6” book recommendation service.  Now you can have that same personal attention with your next great read for your book group.  Answer a few questions and I’ll be happy to suggest a few titles.   We have an incredible Book Group Collection of multiple copies to choose from.   If any of my choices sound good for your group, I can put together a book group packet with discussion questions, author information and  more.  Sound like a good idea?

What are you reading? Tell us at our monthly meet-up on Wednesday, October 28 at 2 pm as we all discuss the books that we are enjoying.

Looking for a good read?

Check out my suggested reading lists, all available for your reading pleasure! Unveil trickery, treason and treachery.  Fiction with supernatural, fantastical, or futuristic elements. Brief works of literature, usually written in narrative prose. Focusing on espionage  and the activities of spies. Tales featuring a cat, dog or other animal as the principle investigator.     Fictionalization crimes, their detection, criminals, and their motives. Mysteries with a dash of humor; some are hilarious! These novels are characterized by a cataclysmic decline in society.

A is for Arsenic : The Poisons of Agatha Christie.  (615.9 H) Agatha Christie’s exacting plots are what make her books so compelling. She used poison to kill her characters more often than any other murder method.  A is for Arsenic celebrates the science behind Christie’s work. The Poisoner’s Handbook.  (DVD / 614.1 P) (Streaming) In the early 20th century, the medicine cabinet was a poisoner’s treasure chest. The scientific knowledge to detect and prevent these crimes lagged behind. All this changed in 1918 when New York City hired its first scientifically trained medical examiner, Charles Norris.

Enjoy these stories that will give you chills and thrills! . .

What’s New in Digital Downloads

Click on the link to stay up-to-date with new digital content. New York Times Best Sellers Newly Added e-Audiobooks Downloadable magazines Most Popular Movies

Literary Magazines Check out our wide selection of magazines dedicated to short stories, poetry and essays along with literary criticism, book reviews, biographical profiles of authors, interviews and letters. Columbia Journalism Review Encourages excellence in journalism in the service of a free society.  Available online. ForeWord A trade review journal to cover the rapidly growing independent, alternative, university, and self publishing industries.  Available online. Granta From Nobel laureates to debut novelists, international translations to investigative journalism, Granta publishes the best new literary writing and art. Kirkus Book reviews and recommendations from the most trusted voice in book discovery. New York Review of Books Bi-monthly journal of essays and reviews of books and the arts, including music, theater, dance, and film. New Yorker  A magazine of reportage, commentary, criticism, essays, fiction, satire, cartoons, and poetry.  Available online. Publishers Weekly Offers feature articles and news on all aspects of the book business, bestsellers lists in a number of categories, and industry statistics, but its best known service is pre-publication book reviews.  Available online. The Writer The nation’s oldest magazines about the craft of writing.

Young Critics Blog  Click below for Reader Advisory for the next generation!  Ages 8 -12.

Volume 11

Pre-Publication Alerts | 6 for 6 Book of the Week | One to Watch | Wild Card   Just for Book Groups | What We’re Reading Top 10 Lists |  Read a Banned Book  What’s New in Digital Downloads | Young Critics Blog Back Issues

Last month’s focus on Go Set a Watchman created incredible response from you and I loved receiving all of your comments.  One respondent said, “I cannot recommend a book with the backward “values” that allow ridiculously derogatory racist remarks and physical abuse of women. I don’t believe Ms. Lee or her sister meant for this book to be published.”  Another thought, “It should be a must read for its historical value of author Harper Lee, but if you want to read it as a follow-up to To Kill a Mockingbird or as an early draft version as it is claimed to be, Go Set A Watchman is neither.”  It’s great to know that a book can still create such strong reactions from its readers!  It will be interesting to see if Watchman can stand up to time as Mockingbird does. Now, shall we talk about Jonathan Franzen’s new book, Purity?  He has been called glib, an intellectual show-off, constantly insufferable and an elitist. Others believe his novels are so good his detractors are just jealous. He does create characters that we love almost as much as real people. Although the title of this book would seem to indicate it is about one main character, Mr. Franzen has said in interviews it is really about four people and the worlds they populate.  I can’t wait to see if all of his attackers are on target or just expressing sour grapes! Please enjoy this edition which connects you – our readers – to the books you love.  I have developed many other tools to find the next great read for our members, so please stop by, email or phone me to learn more.  If you missed any of the previous volumes, they can all be found here. Laurie Iffland Resident Reader Advisor

Pre-Publication Alerts Take a look at these coming attractions and click to place your reserve today! September 8, 2015 September 15, 2015 September 1, 2015 September 28, 2015 September 1, 2015 September 29, 2015 September 1, 2015 September 15, 2015 September 29, 2015 September 1, 2015 September 22, 2015 September 15, 2015 September 15, 2015 September 22, 2015 September 15, 2015 September 15, 2015 September 1, 2015 September 15, 2015 September 15, 2015 September 8, 2015

Click below and answer 6 short questions and I’ll suggest a list of 6 great titles!

Book of the Week The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

I have always been a huge fan of Simon Winchester.  His books have brought history alive for me.  Krakatoa led me from the legendary eruption to the ensuing tsunami right up the political repercussions. The Men Who United the States follows the incredible visionaries who unified what we now call the United States.  I even witnessed the daring first navigation of the Atlantic Ocean in Atlantic.  The Professor and the Madman follows this stream of exacting attention to detail as it chronicles the compilation of the Oxford English Dictionary.  It is the extraordinary tale of a Professor tasked with overseeing the publication and one Dr. Monir, the largest contributor to the publication, who also happened to be a resident of an asylum for the criminally insane. If you have a title you think deserves the spotlight, let me know! Check out some of Simon Winchester’s other great books:

One to Watch   The Race for Paris by Meg Waite Clayton Interest in WWII fiction has exploded in the last 10 years.  Every book display, reading list and bookmark I create on the genre produces immediate buzz. It may seem this genre is a little saturated, but this new title caught my eye.  This story features two incredibly strong females, Jane Tyler and Liv Harper, a journalist and a photographer by trade, who race to Paris to witness and document the city’s liberation from the Nazis. During this pivotal point in history, when women were not respected enough or even recognized by the military to allow access to stories, Jane and Liv must forge a bond that will help them thrive in the war-torn country.  Of course, there is Fletcher, the man who will “stir the pot” for these brave women as they stare down dangers on their quest to reach Paris in time.

The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison Ever since the publication of Gone Girl, I have been inundated with questions about other titles that have a twisted ending:  something that tricks the reader into believing one thing only to be totally shocked by the true nature of the characters. Defending Jacob, The Girl on the Train, The Dinner, Disclaimer,  even We Need to Talk about Kevin have us shaking our heads at the end saying “Really?!?  Really?!?”  This might be my favorite type of book!  The Silent Wife has been the sleeper of the bunch, but don’t let that deter you.  Do not confuse this with The Good Wife.  This book will keep you on edge, tricking you into thinking you know what will happen next only to switch voices and land in a totally unexpected place.  This one is so good, you’ll want to stay up all night to find out who the victim really is.  Reserve your copy of The Silent Wife today!

Just For Book Groups I have received tremendous interest in my “6 for 6” book recommendation service.  Now you can have that same attention to detail with your next great read for your book group.  Answer a few questions and I’ll be happy to suggest a few titles.   We have an incredible Book Group Collection of multiple copies to choose from.   If any of my choices sound good for your group, I can put together a book group packet with discussion questions, author information and  more.  Sound like a good idea?

What are you reading? Tell us at our monthly meet-up on Wednesday, September 23 at 2 pm as we discuss the books that we are enjoying.

What We’re Reading

Click a photo see our entire reading list. Cheryl My reading tastes are pretty broad, but I tend to enjoy my books a little bit offbeat and quirky, and brimming with character.  I like to be surprised.  I love a good apocalypse, but I appreciate a quiet, literary story too — it often depends on my mood.  I cannot put down a good book — I will read through the night to finish it, so it’s got to be worth it! Cathy Whether it is adult or middle grade fiction, my favorite books are historical and realistic fiction with strong characters. World War II is a favorite time period, as I try to imagine what I would have done.    I try to read as many new middle grade fiction books as I can to keep up with my voracious readers of Young Critic and Pizza & Pages!    Laurie I’ve always got a few books going, usually a mystery or popular fiction.  Novels with a twist ending tend to be my favorite.  I also love to read modern literary fiction. I’m willing to read most anything and rarely say no to anything!   Lisa I guess the term for most of what I read would be Literary Fiction.  I’m also a big fan of clever and well written mysteries.  PD James was a fave. Currently I’m enjoying  the Vish Puri novels of Tarquin Hall.  Imagine a mustachioed Indian Hercule Poirot!!! Alexa Do you like audiobooks?! Nothing keeps me company on my car rides to Rhode Island like a good audiobook, some of my favorites have been Gone Girl, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Defending Jacob.  Max I primarily read fantasy and science fiction books both adult and young adult with a healthy dose of graphic novels on the side. Kathy I almost exclusively read literary fiction; it can be deep or humorous or slightly quirky, but I love books that delve deeply into relationships and human interaction. Laura I like to read literary fiction with a touch of the fantastical or surreal, British Modernism & the ‘Lost Generation’.  Some of my all-time favorite books include Mrs. Dalloway, Death on the Installment Plan, We Have Always Lived in the Castle & Wide Sargasso Sea.  Cloud Atlas, The Cipher & Little, Big are my highlights of books I’ve recently read.

Take a peek at some of our most checked out titles!

BOOKS – FICTION

BOOKS – SUSPENSE

BOOKS – HISTORICAL FICTION

Celebrate Banned Books Week September 27−October 3, 2015 Reason: Sexually explicit, unsuited for age group, contains controversial issues. Reason: Offensive language, unsuited to age group, violence. Reason: Sexually explicit and offensive to Christians. Reason: Too many obscenities and descriptions of sexual acts for the ordinary student. Reason: Explicit sexual scenes, violence, and obscene language. Reason: Occasional sex, violence and unacceptable language. Reason: Its support of the idea of evolution and for the sex/rape scene that occurs. Reason: Rough language and explicit sex scenes, portrayal of a negative image of black men. Reason: Depictions of child prostitution are inappropriate. Reason: Glorifies criminal activity, has a tendency to corrupt juveniles. Reason: Blunt debauchery. Reason: Sex, violence, and profanity.

What’s New in Digital Downloads

Click on the link to stay up-to-date with new digital content. New York Times Best Sellers Newly Added e-Audiobooks Downloadable magazines Most Popular Movies

Young Critics Blog  Click below for Reader Advisory for the next generation!  Ages 8 -12.

Volume 10

Volume 10 Pre-Publication Alerts | 6 for 6 Book of the Week | One to Watch | Wild Card  What We’re Reading this Summer | Top 10 List | Read-a-Likes  What’s New in Digital Downloads | Young Critics Blog Back Issues

So….have you read it yet?  I waited for months and put my name on the hold list as soon as I could!  This was the summer of Harper Lee. And yes, I’m talking about Go Set a Watchman!  When I finally got it in my hands and saw the length,  I savored it as much as I could, trying not to rush.  It all came flooding back to me. My favorite literary character of all time, Scout, was back!  NPR, The New York Times, even BBC have all put in their 2 cents.  If I may suggest, read it before you delve into all the hype. There is so much more to the story than Atticus’ principles.  Then, tell me what you think. Please enjoy this edition which connects you – our readers – to the books you love.  I have developed many other tools to find the next great read for our members, so please stop by, email or phone me to learn more.  If you missed any of the previous volumes, they can all be found here. Laurie Iffland Resident Reader Advisor

Pre-Publication Alerts Take a look at these coming attractions and click to place your reserve today! August 4, 2015 August 18, 2015 August 25, 2015 August 11, 2015 August 25, 2015 August 25, 2015 August 25, 2015 August 25, 2015 August 11, 2015 August 25, 2015 August 18, 2015 August 11, 2015 August 25, 2015 August 4, 2015 August 11, 2015 August 25, 2015 August 18, 2015 August 3, 2015 August 11, 2015 August 4, 2015

Click below and answer 6 short questions and we’ll suggest a list of 6 great titles!

Book of the Week The Visitors by Sally Beauman

Topping my “bucket list” is a voyage up the Nile to visit the structures of Ancient Egypt still standing today.  I still remember visiting The Met to see The Treasures of  Tutankhamun tour when I was 8 years old.  I was enthralled by all the gleaming treasures! The Visitors is based on a true story of discovery and the hunt for Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings.  It is a blend of both fact and fiction, retelling the story of Carter and Carnarvon’s hunt and their historical discovery.  It brings to life a lost world of exploration and adventure and the dauntless men willing to sacrifice everything to find a lost treasure. Do you have a title you think deserves the spotlight, let me know! Read it?  Liked it?  Why not try these!

One to Watch   Green on Blue By Elliot Ackerman In the past dozen or so years there has been a barrage of books written about the wars in the Middle East.  Many of them have been written by returning veterans.  This story of revenge and honor is written from a different perspective: that of an Afghani youth. Michiko Kakutani of The New York Times says, “This novel as a whole attests to Mr. Ackerman’s breadth of understanding – an understanding not just of the seasonal rhythms of war in Afghanistan and the harsh, unforgiving beauty of that land, not just of the hardships of being a soldier there, but a bone-deep understanding of the toll that a seemingly endless war has taken on ordinary Afghans who have known no other reality for decades.”

“On his 100th birthday, an explosives expert with a fondness for vodka, climbs out the window in his slippers and embarks on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey, involving, among other surprises, a suitcase stuffed with cash, some unpleasant criminals, a friendly hot-dog stand operator, and an elephant (not to mention a death by elephant).”-The Publisher  Reserve your copy today!

Click above to see a complete list. Click on the cover to reserve a copy for yourself. Cheryl Laurie Alexa   Kathy

BOOKS ON CD Circulated in July 2015   Click on the cover to reserve a copy for yourself.

#1 #2 Also available in downloadable #3 #4 Also available in downloadable #5 #6 Also available in downloadable #7 #8   #9 #10

Liked this?                   Try these!

What’s New in Digital Downloads

Click on the link to stay up-to-date with new digital content. New York Times Best Sellers Newly Added e-Audiobooks Downloadable magazines Most Popular Movies

Young Critics Blog  Click below for Reader Advisory for the next generation!  Ages 8 -12.

Volume 9

Ah, the lazy days of summer.  Ummm, not in my world!  Summer is when I get out and play, especially after a winter like we have had.  Sailing, hiking, GeoCaching (ask me about!), kayaking….you name it!  Every time I pack for an adventure, I throw a book in my bag.  Although I tend to read lighter novels in the summer, I’m still always reading!  I just finished Disclaimer by Renee Knight (pretty good twist ending), I’m on the waiting list for Luckiest Girl Alive (don’t tell me the twist!!) and I am reading The Bees by Laline Paull. Email me, I’d love to hear what you are reading! Please enjoy this edition which connects you – our readers – to the books you love.  I have developed many other tools to find the next great read for our members, so please stop by, email or phone me to learn more.  If you missed any of the previous volumes, they can all be found here. Laurie Iffland Resident Reader Advisor

Pre-Publication Alerts Take a look at these coming attractions and click to place your reserve today! July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 7, 2015 July 14, 2015

If you like knowing what’s coming out next week, come on in to the library! We have an updated digital display with the week’s new releases near the information desk.

Book of the Week All Over but the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg

This memoir is one of the most honest portrayals of growing up dirt poor in southern Alabama, and how it changes the course of an entire family.  Rick Bragg, the author, won a Pulitzer Prize for his writing in The New York Times.  This is not about that accomplishment.  This is the story of all the things that happened to Bragg along the way. Do you have a title you think deserves the spotlight, let me know! Author facebook Page Book Summary & Reading Guide Book Group Guide Find in the Catalog and Reserve Your Copy Review – NYT Review – Publishers Weekly Read it?  Liked it?  Why not try these!

One to Watch Stalin’s Daughter by Rosemary Sullivan New York Times calls it “…riveting throughout.”  Followed by, “The historical context of Alliluyeva’s unsettled life, the immense monstrosity of Stalin forever looming behind her, makes her story impossibly haunting and equally impossible to put down.”

2014 Breakout Novel of the Year! “Not every gift is a blessing…. “Melanie is a very special girl. Dr Caldwell calls her “our little genius.” Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to  be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don’t like her.  She jokes that she won’t bite, but they don’t laugh. The Girl With All the Gifts is a groundbreaking thriller, emotionally charged and gripping from beginning to end.” -From the Publisher “This is a zombie book for people that would never even consider picking up a zombie book.” -A. Kerr “The Girl With All The Gifts is a chance to watch a master storyteller at work – but it’s also a great book for all those of us who grew up clinging to our outlandish mythologies and lonely idolatries. It’s a brilliant work of science fiction, but even people who never read science fiction should absolutely read this one.” –C. J. Anders (i09) Reserve your copy today! The reviews are in! The Slate NPR Kirkus

Read Them Before You See Them! 7 books made into movies this year. The Martian.  Weir, Andy.  Science Fiction. During a manned mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is presumed dead after a fierce storm and is left behind by his crew. But Watney has survived and finds himself stranded and alone on the hostile planet. With only meager supplies, he must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. In the Heart of the Sea.  Philbrick, Nathaniel. 910.9164 P Based on the 1820 event, a whaling ship iattacked upon by a sperm whale, stranding its crew at sea for 90 days, thousands of miles from home. Far from the Madding Crowd.  Hardy, Thomas.    BKG Collection. In a remote corner of early Victorian England, where traditional practices remain untouched by time, Bathsheba Everdene stands out as a beacon of feminine independence and self-reliance. However, when confronted with three suitors, among them the dashing Captain Troy, she shows a reckless capriciousness which threatens the stability of the whole community. Dark Places.  Flynn, Gillian.  Fiction. A woman who survived the brutal killing of her family as a child is forced to confront the events of that day by a secret society obsessed with solving notorious crimes. Black Mass.  Lehr, Dick.  364.106 L. The true story of Whitey Bulger, the brother of a state senator and the most infamous violent criminal in the history of South Boston, who became an FBI informant to take down a Mafia family invading his turf. The Danish Girl.  Ebershoff, David.  Fiction. Inspired by the true story of Danish artists Lili Elbe and her wife Gerda, this tender portrait of a marriage asks: What do you do when someone you love wants to change? Brooklyn.  Toibin, Colm.  Fiction. In Ireland in the early 1950s, Eilis Lacey is one of many who cannot find work at home. Thus when a job is offered in America, it is clear to everyone that she must go. Leaving behind her family and country, Eilis heads for unfamiliar Brooklyn, and to a crowded boarding house where the landlady’s intense scrutiny and the small jealousies of her fellow residents only deepen her isolation.

Read-a-Likes for some of our most popular titles. Like this?            Try these!

Top 10 Magazine Titles Circulated in May 2015   Check out our huge selection of magazines to borrow!

#1 #2 Also available through Zinio #3 #4 #5 Also available through Zinio #6 #7 #8   #9 #10

Books in a Series  Do you love to read in a series?  Here are some terrific fiction titles that are so addictive, you’ll never want them to end! Outlander Jack Reacher Clifton Chronicles John Corey Odd Thomas Century Trilogy Dave Robicheaux Guido Brunetti Agent Pendergast Paul Madriani Dismas Hardy Penn Cage

What’s New in Digital Downloads

Click on the link to stay up-to-date with new digital content. New York Times Best Sellers Newly Added e-Audiobooks Downloadable magazines Most Popular Movies

Young Critics Blog  Reader Advisory for the next generation!  Ages 8 -12.   Answer 6 short questions and we’ll suggest a list of 6 great titles!

What We’re Reading   Click below to see a complete list of titles some of your librarians are reading and watching.  Everything from best selling fiction to cookbooks to the latest TV series, take a look at our reading histories! Alexa Kathy Laurie Max Sylvia

Calling All book Group Leaders! Are you interested in… *    Checking out your books on your tablet, Nook       or Kindle? *    Ordering multiple copies of your book through      the library? *    An advance preview of authors so that you may      as a group “Meet the Author!” ? *    Programs of interest? *    New services for book groups? *    Book suggestions? *    Having a voice in our service planning? If any of the above have sparked your interest please contact Reference Librarian, Alexa Roy at aroy@newcanaanlibrary.org and she will gladly attend your next book group for a quick chat. Thank you for being such active members of the library community.

Volume 8

Volume 8 Pre-Publication Alerts | Book of the Week | One to Watch Have You Read… | Top 10 AudioBooks Locked Room Mysteries | What’s New in Digital Downloads Young Critics Blog | 6 for 6 |  What We’re Reading Especially for BookGroups Back Issues

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, my favorite part of my job is talking books to all of our library members!  Sometimes it’s about a best seller, but more often than not, it’s about an old favorite that is never forgotten. I keep a notebook, yes pencil and paper, near me at all times so I can jot down the titles of books we talk about.  What I’d like now is to hear from the rest of you.  What are you reading?  What book can’t you get out of your mind.  Please email me the titles so I can share them with everyone and let’s see what we come up with.  I can’t wait to hear from you! Please enjoy this edition which connects you – our readers – to the books you love.  I have developed many other tools to find the next great read for our members, so please stop by, email or phone me to learn more.  If you missed any of the previous volumes, they can all be found here. Laurie Iffland Resident Reader Advisor

Pre-Publication Alerts Take a look at these coming attractions and click to place your reserve today! June 30, 2015 June 30, 2015 June 23, 2015 June 22, 2015 June 23, 2015 June 23, 2015 June 23, 2015 June 30, 2015 June 30, 2015 June 23, 2015 June 23, 2015 June 23, 2015 June 23, 2015 June 23, 2015 June 30, 2015

If you like knowing what’s coming out next week, come on in to the library! We have an updated digital display with the week’s new releases near the information desk.

Book of the Week Paris Trout by Pete Dexter

Reading Paris Trout is like running through a forest at midnight:  you can’t see where you are going, but you can certainly imagine the monsters that are hiding behind every tree. Pete Dexter definitely foreshadows the events to come, but we still can’t see them coming, or maybe we just don’t want to.  His characters have an incredible capacity for good, and unfortunately, for evil as well.  Read it slowly, you won’t want to miss a single heart wrenching moment. Do you have a title you think deserves the spotlight, let me know! Author Information Movie Based on the Book Find in the Catalog and Reserve Your Copy Read it?  Liked it?  Why not try these!

One to Watch Meursault Investigation  by Kamel Daoud In The Stranger, Albert Camus’ antihero Meursault famously killed a nameless Arab; Algerian writer Kamel Daoud’s new novel reworks Camus from the point of view of the murdered man’s brother. “A tour-de-force reimagining of Camus’s The Stranger, from the point of view of the mute Arab victims.” -The New Yorker “[A] blazing, brilliantly conceived debut novel…An eye-opening, humbling read, splendid whether or not you know and love the original.” -Library Journal “Provocative…What begins as a reproach to The Stranger for marginalizing ‘the second most important character in the book’ becomes a lament for Algeria’s long battle for independence, first from French colonists and subsequently from authoritarian Islamism.” -NPR

Have you read…? Here are some great titles that everybody’s talking about!

Nonfiction   500M “For anyone who loves to ponder the hypothetical.” Downloadable OverDrive “A riveting suspense in which a media star must battle a malevolent enemy.”   True Crime 362.88 K “The searing experiences of several women in Missoula.” Under the Radar New FICTION Scherm, Rebecca “An intricately plotted and psychologically nuanced heist novel.” Award Winning Fiction FICTION King, Lily “Three young, gifted anthropologists of the ’30’s caught in a passionate love triangle” New Nonfiction New NonFiction 364.163 J “The incredible story of a master swindler who seduced a city and captivated the nation” Science Fiction New SCIENCE FICTION Stephenson, Neal “A combination of science, philosophy, technology, psychology, and literature in a magnificent work of speculative fiction.” New Thriller New FICTION Knoll, Jessica “Her perfect life is a perfect lie.” Biographies & Memoirs New NonFiction B MARTIN “The author compares the behavior of the wealthy mothers of the Upper East Side in New York City that she lived among to primate social behavior.”

Top 10 AudioBooks Circulated in May 2015 Check them out for your next road trip!

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8   #9 #10

Locked Room Mysteries  Who’s up for the challenge of these wily whodunits!

What’s New in Digital Downloads

Click on the link to stay up-to-date with new digital content. New York Times Best Sellers Newly Added e-Audiobooks Downloadable magazines Most Popular Movies

Young Critics Blog  Reader Advisory for the next generation!  Ages 8 -12.   Answer 6 short questions and we’ll suggest a list of 6 great titles!

What We’re Reading   Click below to see a complete list of titles some of your librarians are reading and watching.  Everything from best selling fiction to cookbooks to the latest TV series, take a look at our reading histories! Alexa Kathy Laurie Max Sylvia

Calling All book Group Leaders! Are you interested in… *    Checking out your books on your tablet, Nook       or Kindle? *    Ordering multiple copies of your book through      the library? *    An advance preview of authors so that you may      as a group “Meet the Author!” ? *    Programs of interest? *    New services for book groups? *    Book suggestions? *    Having a voice in our service planning? If any of the above have sparked your interest please contact Reference Librarian, Alexa Roy at aroy@newcanaanlibrary.org and she will gladly attend your next book group for a quick chat. Thank you for being such active members of the library community.

Volume 7

I’ve decided to let you, my loyal readers, in on a few of my Reader Advisory secrets.  Believe it or not, I do not have a crystal ball to come up with suggestions. Along with a specialized degree and years as a professional librarian, I have some incredible tools that allow me research both new releases and our “back stock”, an older and wonderful collection.  Two tools I love to use are NoveList and BookBrowse.  Happily, both are available to you as well.  NoveList has everything from title and author read alikes to book discussion guides and so much more. Take a look and find your own next great read!  BookBrowse has lists of upcoming releases, featured titles and a “Surprise Me” feature to suggest some great books.  The majority of their listings include author information and discussion questions as well as reviews.  So, it’s not a secret anymore, I have lots of great ways to keep abreast of what’s new and fantastic. Now you, dear reader, know two of my favorites. Please enjoy this edition which connects you – our readers – to the books you love.  I have developed many other tools to find the next great read for our members, so please stop by, email or phone me to learn more.  If you missed any of the previous volumes, they can all be found here. Laurie Iffland Resident Reader Advisor

Pre-Publication Alerts Take a look at these coming attractions and click to place your reserve today!

If you like knowing what’s coming out next week, come on in to the library! We have an updated digital display with the week’s new releases near the information desk.

Book of the Week The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander

1918 Ekaterinburg (Yekaterinburg).  This tiny hamlet in the Ural Mountains is where Czar Nicholas Alexander, his family and staff were brutally and unceremoniously executed.  Details of what happened that fateful night have taken decades to emerge.  In 1991, an excavation was completed of a mass grave believed to be the one in which some of the members of the Romanov family were buried.  What if there was a body missing?  What if there was a survivor, a young boy, who bore witness to that horrible night? The story of their last days, their possible escape and the final resting place of the $500 million in jewels hidden in their clothing fill this novel with intrigue, sorrow and redemption. Do you have a title you think deserves the spotlight, let me know! Author Information Interactive Book Description Summary & Discussion Guide Reviews Find in the Catalog and Reserve Your Copy Did you already read The Kitchen Boy and enjoy it?  Why not try these!

One to Watch Disclaimer  by Renee Knight New York Times claims it is “the Gone Girl of this season!” A deeply unsettling psychological thriller about a woman haunted by secrets, the consuming desire for revenge, and the terrible price we pay when we try to hide the truth.

Great Books To Kick Off Your Summer Reading

Fiction “A luminous story of the trouble with hanging on too long, and the magic that happens when you finally let go.” Literary Fiction “Lynch illuminates what it means to live through crisis, and puts to the test our deepest certainties about humankind.” Suspense “A gripping novel of culture clash and murder, Orient marks the emergence of a novelist of enormous talent.” Beach Read “An outrageously stylish, wickedly funny novel of fashion in the digital age.” Science Fiction “Space pirates & computer hackers. James L. Cambias’s Corsair is a thrilling near-future adventure!” Fantasy “A wonderfully imaginative grown-up fantasy with all the magic of Harry Potter and Twilight.” History “The men who shaped the contours of American history by diagnosing the systemic dysfunctions created by the Articles of Confederation.” Thriller “A deep-cover CIA agent races across  Europe to save the daughter he never knew  in this electrifying  debut thriller.” NonFiction “The dramatic rise of Bitcoin and the fascinating personalities who are striving to create a new global money for the Internet age.”

Top 10 Titles Circulated in May 2015 “Domestic Fiction” Fictional works that focus on home and family life.

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10

The following authors have all hit the best seller lists.  If you enjoyed reading these authors, why not try something similar? Click on their pictures to find and reserve their books. If you Liked…     Try These! David Baldacci Stephen Cannell Ian Caldwell Stephen Frey William Bernhardt JoJo Moyes Marcia Willett Joanna Trollope Elizabeth Berg Susanna Kearsley John Sandford James Lee Burke John Dunning John Katzenbach Ridley Pearson Jodi Picoult Luanne Rice Ann Hood Billie Letts Jacquelyn Mitchard Ken Follett Jeff Shaara Conn Iggulden Robert Harris Olen Steinhauer

What’s New in Digital Downloads

Click on the link to stay up-to-date with new digital content. New York Times Best Sellers Newly Added e-Audiobooks Downloadable magazines Most Popular Movies

Young Critics Blog  Reader Advisory for the next generation!  Ages 8 -12.   Answer 6 short questions and we’ll suggest a list of 6 great titles!

What We’re Reading   Click below to see a complete list of titles some of your librarians are reading and watching.  Everything from best selling fiction to cookbooks to the latest TV series, take a look at our reading histories! Alexa Kathy Laurie Max Sylvia

Calling All book Group Leaders! Are you interested in… *    Checking out your books on your tablet, Nook       or Kindle? *    Ordering multiple copies of your book through      the library? *    An advance preview of authors so that you may      as a group “Meet the Author!” ? *    Programs of interest? *    New services for book groups? *    Book suggestions? *    Having a voice in our service planning? If any of the above have sparked your interest please contact Reference Librarian, Alexa Roy at aroy@newcanaanlibrary.org and she will gladly attend your next book group for a quick chat. Thank you for being such active members of the library community.

Volume 6

Pre-Publication Alerts | Book of the Week | 10 Books You Really Should Have Read In College | 2014 Award Winners | Popular Read-a-Likes What’s New in Digital Downloads | What’s on Display Young Critics Blog & 5 for 5 | Featured Reading Lists Especially for Book Groups

I will keep this short and sweet as I plan for an exciting summer of reading and programs here at the Library.  Please enjoy this edition which connects you – our readers – to the books you love.  I have developed many other tools to find the next great read for our members, so please stop by, email or phone me to learn more.  If you missed any of the previous volumes, they can all be found here. Laurie Iffland Resident Reader Advisor

Pre-Publication Alerts Take a look at these coming attractions and click to place your reserve today!

If you like knowing what’s coming out next week, come on in to the library! We have an updated, digital display with the week’s releases just by the staircase.

Book of the Week A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

The World According to Garp?  Cider House Rules?  Hotel New Hampshire?  I read them all, struggling with Garp as he tried to reinvent himself, had my heart broken with Homer and cried when Sorrow passed away.  But John Irving’s most memorable tale is that of the tiny Own Meany and how he never fought his fate. Do you have a title you think deserves the spotlight, let me know! Author Information Summary & Discussion Guide Reviews Find in the Catalog and Reserve Your Copy Did you already read A Prayer for Owen Meany and enjoy it?  Why not try these!

10 Books You Really Should Have Read in College! There’s a reason your English Professor asked you to read these books, how many have you read?

One Hundred Years of Solitude Gabriel Garcia Marquez Why read it? Filled with truth, compassionate prose and magical realism that strikes the soul.  Follow the fate of the Beundia family over generation. The Stranger Albert Camus Why read it? An important existentialist work with  clear-sighted earnestness, illuminates the problems of the human conscience in any time. Beloved Toni Morrison  Why read it? A classic American novel of the 20th century that shows how racism inflicts pain and destruction on the  most vulnerable in society. Brief History in Time Stephen Hawking Why read it?  The reward of understanding the universe may be a glimpse of “the mind of God.” Silent Spring Rachel Carson Why read it? A passionate concern for the future that was instrumental in launching the environmental movement. In Cold Blood Truman Capote Why read it? A work that eclipses its instant in time, uncovering disturbing insights into the nature of American violence. On the RoadJack Kerouac Why read it? Inspired countless young Americans to take an alternative road to maturity. The Handmaid’s Tale  Margaret Atwood Why Read it? Because it was written in 1985 and we are still dealing with the same political and feminist issues that inspired Atwood to write the book! Flowers for Algernon Daniel Keyes Why read it? Speaks to the right of each individual to be valued and respected for the person he or she is rather than for expectations of what that person could become. The Sun Also Rises  Ernest Hemingway Why read it? The quintessential novel of the Lost Generation and poignant look at the disillusionment and angst of the post-World War I generation written in a spare but powerful writing style.

2014 Award Winners

National Book Award Man Booker Pulitzer Nonfiction PEN Literary Nobel Literature Readers Favorite Western New England Society Book Awards The Los Angeles Times Southern Indie Booksellers – Fiction Edgar – Best First Novel Edgar Best Novel BAILEYS Women’s Prize Folio Prize Wellcome Book Prize National Book Critics Circle Award Fiction Discover Award

These titles are flying off the shelves this month!  If you enjoyed them, why not try these? If you Liked…     Try These!

What’s New in Digital Downloads

Click on the link to stay up-to-date with new digital content. New York Times Best Sellers Newly Added e-Audiobooks Downloadable magazines Most Popular Movies

What’s on Display. Top 10 We have tallied the numbers and the results are in!  Check out the top 10 circulating authors of last month. Road Trip Are you and your family heading out on a road trip?  Well, pack your bags, fill the tank and check out these great books on CD for the whole family! CT Museums and Trails Connecticut has incredible museums and state parks and your library has an excellent collection of passes for you to check them all out!  We have also displayed some great trail books that cover the entire state. So, take a hike or visit a museum, it’s on us! Beach Reads With warmer weather just around the corner, I have selected some of my favorite light reads to take to the beach.  Take a look for them in the spinning display on the main level. Books for Dummies Ready to learn something new this Spring?  Take a look at our wide selection of Book for Dummies, everything from updating your computer to growing roses. Elements of Fiction I’ve gathered books in 10 popular fiction genres and displayed some of my favorites in each group.

Young Critics Blog  Reader Advisory for the next generation!  Ages 8 -12.   Answer five short questions and we’ll suggest a list of 5 great titles!

Featured Reading Lists.   Click below to see a complete list of suggested titles. All lists are developed by the staff of New Canaan Library and are part of our collection. What We’re Reading Underrated but Wonderful Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Strong Female Leads

Calling All book Group Leaders! Are you interested in… *    Checking out your books on your tablet, Nook       or Kindle? *    Ordering multiple copies of your book through      the library? *    An advance preview of authors so that you may      as a group “Meet the Author!” ? *    Programs of interest? *    New services for book groups? *    Book suggestions? *    Having a voice in our service planning? If any of the above have sparked your interest please contact Reference Librarian, Alexa Roy at aroy@newcanaanlibrary.org and she will gladly attend your next book group for a quick chat. Thank you for being such active members of the library community.