Search results matching tag 'books'

There be dragons at the library!

SuDocQueen@evpl — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 18:39:00 GMT

That would be Temeraire specifically, and he is a very special dragon indeed. He is the wonderful centerpiece of Naomi Novik's sci-fi/alternative history series. It is set in England during the Napoleonic Wars. In the series, Novik introduces you to what might have been if dragons had been a fact of life instead of a fascinating myth. The books reminds me of Anne McCaffrey's Pern series, with the added bonus of a strong grounding in actual history. I know, 'how can it be actual history if dragons are involved'? True, but I think Novik does an excellent job of postulating how the existence and use of dragons would have changed historical events. If that sounds dry and boring to you, don't believe it. I became highly invested in Temeraire's heartwarming character and his relationship with his rider, Captain William Lawrence. That relationship, along with the addition of multiple other riders and dragons, keeps the stories riveting. You can read the books from the library and learn more about Temeraire and his universe on Novik's website.

And, if you become as captivated by Temeraire as me, you can join me in 2013 for a book discussion series on the novels. Titled Temeraire's Exploits, we will discuss the first book at the January meeting and each book after in the following meetings. Hope I'll see you there!

He Says, She Says -- Getting Both Sides of the Story

kiya@evpl — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 14:46:00 GMT

It's intriguing to hear both sides of a story - especially if you aren't personally involved, or stuck in the middle.

I like books which cover the same events from two or more perspectives. There are a lot of books coming out now which show multiple viewpoints, and the ones I've found have been enjoyable:

Notes from the blender / Trish Cook and Brendan Halpin
Will Grayson, Will Grayson / John Green & David Levithan

Girl meets boy : because there are two sides to every story / edited by Kelly Milner Halls

Jenna & Jonah's fauxmance / Emily Franklin & Brendan Halpin

Boy Girl Boy / Ron Koertge

Sometimes the author will use two (or more) books to show the different sides of a story.

James Howe: The Misfits / Totally Joe / Addie on the Inside

Orson Scott Card: Ender's Game / Ender's Shadow

Stephanie Meyer had intended a fifth book in the Twilight series: Midnight Sun, which told the story of the first book again, but from Edward's point of view, rather than Bella's. When someone leaked the first part of the manuscript as she was writing it, Meyer stopped work on the project, and posted the work-in-progress on her website. As far as I know, she has no plans to go back and finish it.

If you have other titles to suggest that show two or more viewpoints, I'd like to hear them. Movies, too - I can only think of one right now.

Finding a Good Book

kiya@evpl — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 20:14:00 GMT

How do you hear about new books to read? Friends' suggestions? YouTube book trailers? Recommendations from Amazon? Best seller lists? Just browsing at the bookstore? Authors' blogs? [Here's a link to one of my favorite author blogs.] Asking your librarian? NoveList Plus from the EVPL databases and catalog?

I found a new place the other day to look for a new book: http://flamingnet.com/index.cfm.

Flamingnet is a website started by a teen reviewing Young Adult books for other teens. It now has thousands of reviews by reviewers across the US. You can browse the latest reviews, or search for specific authors or titles.

Several of my friends use Good Reads as a place to share and discuss books. Similar sites are Library Thing and Shelfari.

One of the blogs I found is Teen Fiction Café, which is written by 12 authors of Teen Fiction, all talking about the books they love to read. Below are some of the books the library has with suggestions for reading.

Let me know what you like to read, and how you find those books, or if you have one to recommend.

Celebrate National Young Readers Week!

Blazer@evpl — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:10:00 GMT

Celebrate National Young Readers Week with EVPL! Visit any of our 8 library locations or the book bus this week to vote for your favorite books. Children ages 2 - 8th grade may select their top 3 choices on a picture ballot. Submit that ballot for a chance to win Prizes! All votes will be tallied and the EVPL top book choices will be announced. Voting takes place Saturday, November 5th through Monday, November 14th.

Book selections were taken from the 2011-2012 Young Hoosier Book Award Nominees. The Nominees are divided into three age categories: ages 2 through 2nd grade, Intermediate and Middle Grades. Please select the appropriate ballot to fill out, and be sure to include your name and information on the back. Only one ballot per child will be accepted.

I've chosen my favorites....have you?

Astronomy Week

SuDocQueen@evpl — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:20:00 GMT

I learned something new today. There are two Astronomy Days a year. One in the spring and one in the fall. This fall the day is October 1st, and the week Astronomy Day falls in is designated Astronomy Week. So September 26th to October 2nd this year is Astronomy week. I thought this rather serendipitous what with the NASA satellite due to fall from the sky today.

The Astronomical League has a good website for those who want to learn more about astronomy. They also have information on Astronomy Day celebrations around the country as well as helpful information for those who would like to host an Astronomy Day celebration.

For information on stargazing closer to home, The Evansville Astronomical Society's website offers useful stargazing links, a nice calendar of local events, and interesting information on the society's history.

If you'd like to learn a little more about astronomy before you consider contacting your local society, the library has plenty of books on astronomy, the stars and planets, and how to be an amateur astronomer. If you visit Central Library this week, stop by the second floor and check-out our book display by the stairs. To celebrate the week, we have some of our astronomy books on display there for easy access.

The Hunger Games Series!

KickinLibrarian@evpl — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:09:00 GMT

Last fall when I was preparing my presentations for Teen Read Week, I came across the book Catching Fire. I did not think much of it as I added it to the list of books to talk about in the schools I was visiting. Then Teen Read Week came and my visits started. In each classroom I showed the Catching Fire book trailer, and I began to notice that the teens sat up a little taller and I had their attention a little bit more. I didn't understand. What was the big deal about this book?

Then I finally started reading The Hunger Games. And I was hooked. For those of you new to the series, The Hunger Games is the first book in the trilogy. Katniss Everdeen lives in the 12th district of the country of Panem, and this district is located in what was once called the Appalachian Mountains. In this new nation of Panem, each district is separated by industry and importance, and the 12th district is the poorest of them all. Every year the districts draw two names- one boy and one girl- to participate in The Hunger Games, a fight to the death in which the victor is the last person standing.

I don't want to give too much away because this series is one that I think everyone should read. Similar to the Harry Potter series, The Hunger Games trilogy will catch the interest of young and old readers. To all those teens out at Thompkins and Plaza that loved this series long before I did: thank you from this librarian.

Stick to the schedule

HipChick@evpl — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 14:12:00 GMT

Mister Bud likes things the way they are...his house, his toys, his schedule. But when a new dog comes to live with him, there's trouble. Zorro is bossy, Mister Bud is grumpy, but something surprising happens. Say Hello to Zorro! is about two complete opposites who find out they could be best friends. Anyone who has ever had a dog will love the charming illustrations in this book. Check it out today!

Chicks with Sticks: Little Women

just_renny@evpl — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:29:00 GMT

The third Tuesday of the month is quickly approaching and it is time for the next meeting of Chicks with Sticks. This month we were to read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. I listened to the audiobook version.

We will be meeting in the 2nd Floor Conference Room on March 15 and starting discussion shortly after 6pm. Feel free to grab a snack or drink from the Cup and Chaucer Cafe on the 1st Floor before you come up!

For the last several weeks, I have been crocheting individual squares for a blanket I am making as a wedding present. I hope I can finish it up by July! Please feel free to bring your craft materials whether it is crochet, knit, embroider, quilting, cross stitch, or a craft of your choosing!

We are planning on meeting the third Tuesday of every month through May. For the rest of the meeting times and the corresponding book, check out this page.

Digital Camera Help for Those 55+

wag.mado@evpl — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:42:00 GMT

Are you a senior who would like to learn more about using your digital camera? If so, the library is offering a free program this Thursday, March 10 at 2:00 PM. The program will be held at Hickory Lake Apartments and is open to the public.

Local author, Mark Soper will offer information, tips, and instruction on making your digital photos turn out great.

Please bring your camera and join us for an informative afternoon.

This program is part of a new series called "Savvy Seniors Series". Please see our website for more programs in the coming months, or stop by the library and pick up a schedule of events. For additional information please call Madonna at 428-8246.

Turtle in Paradise

bookmarkbeck@evpl — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 16:08:00 GMT

The title is misleading. No, this book is not about terrapin, but it is about paradise-the Florida Keys. The main character is a little girl named Turtle. During the Depression jobs are hard to find, but Turtle's mother gets another house cleaning job. This time the lady hates children, so Turtle is sent to live in a place she knows nothing about with people she has never met. To appreciate this book, the reader needs a picture of Hemingway's Key West. By 1934, Key West was bankrupt and declared a welfare state by the governor. Paying jobs were hard to find. Cigar and sponging industries had moved. The Navy and Coast Guard had left. Henry Flagler's railroad was bankrupt and Mallory Steamship lines no longer stopped. Key West, once Florida's most affluent city, was 5 million dollars in debt. The city could not pay police, firemen, garbage collectors. Most residents were on welfare. The streets were littered and filthy. Homes were run down and industry gone.

This is the Key West Turtle comes to. The reader will think they are reading an island version of Huckleberry Finn as they enjoy Turtle's enterprising, free-footing, cousins, neighbors, and colorful characters of Depression era Key West. By the end of the book, Turtle really does find paradise. You'll enjoy this touching, well written read with historical notes at the end. Written by Jennifer Holm.