Blurbs From the Branch: Shhhh

I like a well-researched book. Books keep my attention when they have  a smooth running narrative and when the reading feels engaging. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain fulfilled these requirements and the author shared many new ideas that changed how I view the people around me. As I rotated between thinking I was an extrovert to thinking I was an introvert, I found that I ultimately resonated with the concept of the Situationist–or idea that suggests people can be a little of both depending on the situation.  I also really enjoyed the chapter about what parents and teachers can do if they are interacting with introverted children and how to help them in the classroom. It was interesting and a unique way of viewing learning.  I also loved that the author, a self-described introvert, put herself through seminars and conferences as a way of testing out the material of current experts on how to be more extroverted. This book is a good read for anyone who wants something to chat about with their friends, spends time with an introvert or wants to read about the always interesting human social culture

Off the Shelf: New Rock Music for 2013

Let’s mentally time travel to the not-so-distant date of April 2, 2013. Are you there? Yeah, it doesn’t seem like it was a special day, does it? In fact I bet I couldn’t pick April 2 out of a line up, if all my recent days were paraded out in front of me. However, three very important things happened that day. Okay, enough suspense. Three of the bands in which I am currently most interested in released new albums on April 2! That’s right Alkaline Trio, Telekinesis, and The Black Angels, all with new albums, all on one day! Now you see why I felt such a build-up was necessary, right? No? Let me elaborate.

Alkaline Trio: My Shame is True

At first listen my reaction was “Meh” and a shrug. I thought, “Yeah, sounds like more Alkaline Trio.” However, more Alkaline Trio is a good thing. So I continued to listen to this new album and I’ve had a hard time stopping. Like all Alkaline Trio the complexity of the music is easily overlooked in the catchy pop punk songs with their totally sing-along-able choruses. (See: “Balanced on a Shelf”) This album is filled with desperate lovesick love songs like all their others. (See: “Until Death Do Us Part”) The album is slick, polished, produced; but one can easily appreciate the efforts to make punk rock sound good, and clean, and forget the rawness of Alkaline Trio that exists only in albums made over a decade ago.

Telekinesis: Dormarion

Telekinesis is one of those groups whose worst effort surpasses the best efforts of most bands. This is a great album, but I admit I didn’t get too excited by any one track. Nothing really jumped out at me. I enjoy the whole album and find it easy to listen to repeatedly, just not on repeat. Telekinesis’ main (or only) problem, in my opinion, is that their second album, 12 Desperate Straight Lines, is near perfection. Every song jumps out at you, hooks you. Every song from that album should be a hit single. So listening to anything else by the group just makes you yearn for 12 Desperate Straight Lines. Resist that urge and listen to this new album. Eventually (I have no doubt) something is really going to resonate. Even if I never get to the point where I’m listening to Dormarion on repeat, I still know I can play it and never be disappointed.

The Black Angels: Indigo Meadows

Of all the greatness that occurred on April 2, this album does the most for me. The Black Angels are one of those bands that make you wonder if you are listening to something made decades ago or something that sounds like it was made decades ago. My favorite thing about Indigo Meadow is that this album sounds like it was made in the 21^st century. Sure they still sound like a psychedelic, ‘60s, rock band, but with this fourth studio album the Angels have really developed their own sound, too. Indigo Meadow is a little more fun, a little more upbeat, a little bit lighter, than the earlier albums. I’m not sure that they were going for a “fun,” “upbeat,” “lighter” album, but if you listen to the record (and their back catalogue) I think you’ll find those terms are relative.

There was also an album titled 10 by a band named The New Kids on the Block released April 2, if that is more your style. However, if you’re looking for something with perhaps a little more substance and plenty more rock, check out one of these other albums that made April 2, 2013 special.

Checking In: Asimov’s Universe, Part II

Some time ago, I wrote about my epic quest to read Isaac Asimov’s most notable works, as well as the first part of what I consider a three part history: the Robot Novels. This week, I would like to move along to the second part of the history, beginning thousands of years after the events of Robots and Empire and continuing for nearly twenty thousand years after that. The conflict between the Spacers and the Earthmen is long over, humanity has spread throughout the stars, and efforts are being made to convert the disorganized smatterings of human civilization into a cohesive Galactic Empire.

As with the Robot Novels, half of the Empire novels are among Asimov’s earliest works, and the other half are among his last. This week, I am writing about the early novels – the next part will feature the newer ones. Although you may, like myself, choose to read these novels in sequence, Asimov was adamant throughout his life that all his novels stand on their own. As I provide my brief summaries of each novel, you may pick and choose from the titles which seem most interesting to you, and the result will still be enjoyable. To understand the grander scheme, though, I encourage you to take the long path.

The earliest book in the chronology, The Stars, Like Dust, takes place in the long period of chaos between the initial settlement of the galaxy and the formation of the Empire. For me, beginning this novel was a bit of a shock – to leave the glittering, high tech settings of the Spacer worlds in the Robot Novels and instead enter a setting full of cattle ranching, agriculture, and feudalism… I’ll be honest, it took me a few pages to readjust myself to the new reality. The central plot of the story, revolving around an exiled nobleman on the run from assassins sent by a rival kingdom, seems inconsequential when compared to the sweeping strokes of his greater novels, and Asimov himself has admitted that he feels this novel to be “his weakest book”. Despite this admission, the plot is engaging enough to carry the reader forward, and it remains the only novel of his which really characterizes and describes the transition period between the time of Earth/Spacers and the time of Galactic Empire. You may groan at the ending (indeed, Asimov groaned at it himself, in later years), but it’s worth the read simply to see the immense transition one society can make, given just a few generations. It makes the significance of Foundation that much greater, when you see what happened in the last Dark Age before that one!

The second novel, called “The Currents of Space”, was my personal favorite of the early Empire Novels. Right from the start, you know that something twisted and conspiratorial has happened, and it’s up to the rest of the book to try and reveal the details. The setting of this novel is a pair of planets – Florina, a beautiful agricultural world which produces “kyrt”, a luxurious fabric which may only be grown on this world, and its tyrannical ruling world, called Sark. On Florina, a man wakes up with no memory of who he is, but gradually gains this feeling of foreboding that something horrible is going to happen… a tragedy only he can prevent, if only he could remember what it was- and who HE is! I loved this one more than the others because, although it is early Asimov, it is one of the earliest of his novels to feature many of the plot elements and tropes I have grown to love in his work. He manages to put mystery, suspense, some serious paranoia, and (my favorite) one of his signature reveal monologues – but not until the very end! It also portrays the Empire right on the cusp of being a true Galactic Empire – it is at a point in history which shows Trantor as a powerful force, but not quite all-powerful, to the extent that a serious crisis could push its entire destiny toward glory or ruin.

Following that, “Pebble in the Sky” (which is actually Asimov’s very first full published novel!) stars Joseph Schwartz, a man shot forward in time due to a laboratory accident, to a dying, radioactive Earth whose people are feeling the generations of neglect tossed upon them by the rest of the Galactic Empire… and perhaps even plotting to lash out in response. Although you can feel the occasional amateur-ness, and it never quite disguises how dated and campy it is, the book is solid, and provides an insight into Asimov’s ability and technique even this early in his career. At this point, Trantor has cemented its control of the galaxy, and Earth has become so inconsequential that almost nobody even remembers (or cares) that it was the original planet of all humanity. Humans started on Earth, but it is Trantor now which is the center of culture and civilization.

If you intend to read the chronology from start to finish, pay attention to these novels! Although Asimov does not return to them in a major way, the Second Foundation Trilogy (there’s another one?! stay tuned, I’ll explain later!) DOES return to it, in delightfully unexpected ways. I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s previews, and I encourage you to come along with me again soon, as I cover the next part of this epic series.

-Eric

Kid’s Corner: Frog and Toad, BFF 4 EVER

Frog always looks on the bright side, Toad … not so much.  But they are the very best of friends.  The Oregon Children’s Theater is presenting “A Year with Frog and Toad,” May 11 through June 2, 2013.   The production is a “vaudeville style variety show starring those famous amphibians as song-and-dance men”.  Arnold Lobel is the creator of the four “Frog and Toad” tales.   These stories have been delighting children of all ages since the 1970s, when they were first published. 

Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
Frog and Toad’s adventures involve thinking of a story, lost buttons and going for a swim.

Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel
Five further adventures of two best friends as they share cookies, plant a garden, and test their bravery.

Frog and Toad All Year by Arnold Lobel
The two friends share experiences in each season of the year.

Days with Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel
Frog and Toad spend their days together, but find sometimes it’s nice to be alone.

Ginny W., Youth Services

Straight Out Of The Box: A Great Year to Garden

The weather has been playing tricks on us lately, big storms and flooding in some parts of US, snow in May in other parts. The sun finally came out in the Northwest and it’s time to have a look at our backyards. Not knowing much about gardening I was happy to see the new book Kitchen gardening for beginners: a simple guide to growing fruit and vegetables, by Simon Akeroyd.  It takes you through all the steps from preparing your plot to enjoying your harvest.

 Touch of a butterfly: wildlife gardening with kids, by April Pulley Sayre is a gardening book about attraction. With your child invite birds, butterflies, toads, and more into your garden.

Have a look at Shamanic gardening : timeless techniques for the modern sustainable garden, by Melinda Joy Miller. This practical guide has information about gardening in ancient cultures and using Feng Shui in your Northwest garden.

If you just want to read about gardens choose James Barilla’s book My backyard jungle and see how he turns his yard  into wildlife habitat.

 Other recent purchases include Western garden book: the 20-minute gardener, a new edition of the classic All new square foot gardening: the revolutionary way to grow more in less space and Garden rescue: first aid for plants and flowers, by Jo Whittingham. — Renata

Blurbs From the Branch: My New Favorite Author

I love discovering new authors, even when it’s someone I’ve known about for years. Charles de Lint has been on my radar for as long as I can remember but I hadn’t read any of his books until recently. I was initially interested in his newest book, The Cats of Tanglewood Forest—a juvenile fiction book that’s rumored to be the first in a new series—because it is a team effort with artist Charles Vess, who I love. (That and I can’t resist a story about magical felines.) I really wasn’t too concerned about the writing. Once I got reading, however, I couldn’t put the book down. Honestly, this is the best book I’ve read in a while. It’s about a girl named Lillian who is turned into a kitten by a group of wild cats who are trying to save her from a deadly snake bite, and everything that happens to her after. Reading this book gave me that same indescribable feeling I used to get as a kid reading one of my favorite stories. Sort of warm and magical, like I’ve been let in on some wonderful secret that no one else in the world knows. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen often anymore now that I’m an adult, and I love it when it does. I wish I could thank de Lint in person for this rare gift he’s given me. I loved this book so much, I went out and bought it. Since then, I have already read two more books by de Lint and I can’t wait to read more!

Books to Film – Spring Edition!

Check out these books that inspired current feature films:

In theaters now:

Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz – A Princeton University admissions officer must come to terms with her past.

The Company You Keep by Neil Gordon - Isabel Montgomery starts to receive emails from her father, a man who had abandoned her in a hotel room ten years ago when his past finally caught up with him. Isabel discovers that her father adopted a false identity in the hope of avoiding murder charges for a robbery gone wrong in 1974. Now, tracked down by a young newspaper reporter in search of a story, he must abandon years of safe underground life in an attempt to exonerate himself.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Jay Gatsby had once loved beautiful, spoiled Daisy Buchanan, then lost her to a rich boy. Now, mysteriously wealthy, he is ready to risk everything to woo her back.

Coming to theaters in June:

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare – Depicts the humorous mishaps which follow when young Claudio is duped into believing his fiancee has been unfaithful.

World War Z: An oral history of the zombie war by Max Brooks – An account of the decade-long conflict between humankind and hordes of the predatory undead is told from the perspective of dozens of survivors who describe in their own words the epic human battle for survival.

Checking In: Celebrity Reads

Yeah yeah, so we may be bookish types through and through, but that doesn’t mean we don’t like a little stardust now and then! Here are some suggestions from the circulation department on great books written by famous folks. Click on the book covers to go straight to our website and place a hold!

    

Journals – Kurt Cobain: Compiled after his death, it is a deep look into one of America’s most iconic tortured rock stars.

I Already Know I Love You – Billy Crystal: A book for the little ones, written by Mr. Saturday Night!

Tony Curtis, the Autobiography – Tony Curtis: Gotta say – the title makes no mystery of who this one’s about.

   

Bossypants – Tina Fey: Although this is, without a doubt, the creepiest book cover I have ever seen, Tina Fey can pull it off AND deliver a killer memoir to boot.

Someday, Someday Maybe – Lauren Graham: Not a biography, but a novel by prolific television actress Lauren Graham based on her experiences as an up-and-coming in New York.

Healthy Living From the Inside Out – Mariel Hemingway: Ms. Hemingway has gone down the opposite road of many film stars, actually being an example of how to be healthy, rather than an example of things to avoid. This book compiles much of her best information into one tidy package.

   

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? – Mindy Kaling: Kelly Kapoor talks about her early life and career. Her dry style, which you should know very well if you’ve watched The Office, is just as memorable here as it was on the show.

Journey of a Thousand Miles – Lang Lang: For the musicians and music lovers out there- one of the most talented and charismatic pianists in the world takes the time to tell his story.

Tiny Beautiful Things - Cheryl Strayed: Cheryl Strayed is a big hit around the library, and this book is no exception, compiling some of the best from her days as the anonymous columnist, “Sugar.”

   

Wild – Cheryl Strayed: Told you we liked Cheryl Strayed! This book, far less anonymous than her work on Dear Sugar, was widely publicized and became a finalist for the Oregon Book Awards. Highly recommended.

If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t) – Betty White: Betty White, in my book, is in the top five funniest people of all time. She started funny, and as she’s grown older, has only used her age to fuller effect, becoming the epitome of the “innocent old lady” who ends up firing off a dirty joke before you realize what’s happened. A whole book written by her is truly a treasure.

Kiss Me Like a Stranger – Gene Wilder: This is my grand finale. Whereas Betty White is in my top ten, Gene Wilder is in my top three- not only on the list of funniest people of all time, but of “most remarkable people of all time”. This book is, to me, nothing less than breathtaking. Straight out of Gene Wilder’s marvelous head, it shows the ways – some of them extremely coincidental, others downright silly – that the man achieved his stature and legacy in cinema. In addition, it has many pages of his thoughts on the creative process, on art in general, and on his marriage to Gilda Radner, all thought-provoking and heartfelt.

Enjoy. See you next week!

-Eric

Kid’s Corner: The Best Day of the Whole Year!

  
 Nope, it’s not Christmas.  Not your birthday.  Not the first day of summer vacation.  It’s May 15th.  The day we celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day.  You can bake them into cookies.  You can sprinkle them on ice cream.  You can melt them and make fudge.  But the best thing to do is eat them – sometimes straight out of the bag.  Second best is to read books with stories about chocolate chips.  Remember, chocolate chips will never let you down. 

Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct by Mo Willems
Edwina is well-known in her neighborhood, she plays with kids, she bakes delicious chocolate chip cookies and helps old ladies cross the street. She is well-loved by everyone except for one person: Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie. He knows for a fact that dinosaurs are extinct and tries to convince everyone that they are. What happens when Edwina finds out?    

The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? by Mo Willems
Pigeon is very angry when the duckling gets a cookie just by asking politely.  

The Cow Loves Cookies by Karma Wilson
While all the other animals on the farm enjoy eating their regular food, the cow chooses to eat the one thing that she loves best.  Can you guess what it is?

Who Ate All the Cookie Dough by Karen Beaumont
Kanga and her friends try to discover who ate all of her cookie dough.   Honest, it wasn’t me!

Mr. Cookie Baker by Monica Wellington
After a day of making and selling cookies, Mr. Baker gets to enjoy one himself. Includes cookie recipe. 

Simply Delicious by Margaret Mahy
A resourceful father engages in all kinds of acrobatic moves to keep an assortment of jungle creatures from getting the double-dip-chocolate-chip-and-cherry ice cream cone he is taking home to his son. 

Little Mouse and the Big Cupcake by Thomas Taylor
A very small mouse finds a very big chocolate chip, raspberry cream cupcake and must ask for help from his animal friends to get it home–all of whom agree in exchange for a little nibble.  

The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins
Chocolate chip cookies get shared with many family and friends.  Will there be enough?  Not to worry – Grandma has it covered.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff 
When you give the mouse that cookie, he’s going to start asking for many more things.

Ginny W., Youth Services

Inside Scoop: A Fort of Nine Towers

Among my close circle of friends, I am known for saying a particular phrase often. You could ask any one of them and they would tell you I say, ”I’m reading the most AMAZING book right now!” all the time. And it’s true.  Cataloging hundreds of titles each week , I take home books that spark my curiosity almost every day. Some I skim for new information – reading the introduction and the conclusion but skipping all the references and arguments in the middle. But then there are books that are so rich in detail, so lush and full of things totally new to me, that I relish reading every word.

I found one of those books this week, and I just have to share it with you. Brand new to our library is A Fort of Nine Towers: an Afghan Family Story, by Qais Akbar Omar. Honestly, Afghanistan has never really been an interest of mine, despite our war there.  I’ve only read one other book about it, Kabul Beauty School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil, by Deborah Rodriguez (also good). But A Fort of Nine Towers has me entranced.

While it is a memoir about one family trying to survive the civil war that errupts after the Russians were driven out, Omar fills it with stories that explain the history of the country, the subcultures of the various ethnic groups, growing up in Kabul before it was destroyed by civil war and more, and the incredibly warm and generous people who helped his family over and over again.

His story, and the things his family endured, is horrifying at times but I am glad he has told it. He puts a human face on a part of the world I’ve only known thru the skewed lens of the nightly news. I am not done with the book so I don’t know what ultimately happens to them, but I am totally attached to them, thinking about them as I do my work, and hoping that in the end they all survive. It is a gift to find a book like this, and so I pass it on to you.  — Erin