Extraordinary Child to Exceptional Adult

A beautiful, bright young woman doesn't have the childhood one would expect.... born with a congenital defect Emily needed many surgeries. Her smile was ever present, her attitude was upbeat, or was it? The book is absorbing as Emily explains how she struggled and coped with this physical problem medically, mechanically, emotionally, and in many cases humorously. A worthwhile read -- "Poster Child" by Emily Rapp.

A real life time travel book I recently read kept me turning the pages to see how a young couple with a two year old survived their experiement. This family decided to leave successful jobs in Manhattan, search and move onto a farm, living with only the necessities of life that existed prior to 1900. I enjoyed how problems were solved, or lived with, and how neighbors reacted. "See You in a Hundred Years" by Logan Ward.

Bit o' political trivia...

Some city employees and I were pondering the origins of the Democratic donkey and the Republican elephant mascots the other day.... My inner sleuth/reference librarian nature drove me to seek more info:

http://www.c-span.org/questions/week174.htm

Happy primaries!

Film Club discussion of Hitchcock's North by Northwest and next month's flick

Our group discussed various aspects of North by Northwest as well as Hitchcock's many films, including his penchant for blondes, Cary Grant's superb performance melding comedy with suspense, the film's commentary on the Cold War, and the various occurrences of sexual innuendo for which Hitchcock is famous. Final analysis: a great Hitchcock flick!

Next month's film: Little Children, starring Kate Winslet, Patrick Wilson, and Jennifer Connelly; directed by Todd Field; based on Tom Perrotta’s novel. Wednesday, January 16, 7:00pm in the Common Council Chambers -adults only. Check the movie out, watch it on your own at home, and then come discuss with your fellow film buffs! Sweets provided. :-)

Assassin's Gate Book Club Discussion

A small group of dedicated bookclubbers met today to discuss The Assassin's Gate: America in Iraq by George Packer. Overall, we found the book very informative re: the numerous challenges that the US has faced in Iraq, many of which could have been avoided with better foresight, planning, and international collaboration on the US's part, in our group's opinion.

We did, however, feel that the book itself was a bit difficult to read - dense, and sometimes hard to follow. It did receive several "Best Book of 2005" awards by several big-name newspapers; but maybe these awards need to be taken with a grain of salt, since it was written by a journalist.

Final analysis: In conclusion, we did think it brought many insights to light regarding America's precarious role in Iraq and on the international scene in general.

Heads Up: January's book club book is The Abortionist's Daughter, by Elisabeth Hyde. Pick your preferred discussion time: Thursday, January 17 and noon; or Sunday, January 20 and 1:00pm. Copies available at the library - hope to see you there!

children's lit or chicklet

I just read the most amazing children's picture book, The Wizard, by Jack Prelutsky, and illustrated by Brandon Dorman. The story is very basic, but the illustrations are magical. I'm hoping that it gets a Caldecott Book Award nomination.

New Teen Book

If you've ever wondered about the history of the fictional character Sherlock Holmes, I believe you'd enjoy this book. It's a well written mystery, with excellent characterization, set in 1867 London. I found it fast paced and interesting. The title is: Eye of the Crow and it was written by: Shane Peacock.

Upcoming film club discussion!

Okay, so this isn't about books, but, we're flexible, right? :-) Wednesday, December 19, from 7-8pm, we'll discuss Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest, starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, and a young Martin Landau (did you recognize him?).

Check the movie out, watch it on your own at home, and then come discuss with your fellow film buffs! Sweets provided. :-)

NEW in 2008 - Book Club Meetings on 3rd Sundays as well as 3rd Thursdays!

Do you like to read interesting books & meet interesting people? Join our book club on the 3rd Thursday of the month from noon to 1:00 or the 3rd Sunday of the month from 1:00-2:00 in the 1st-floor Council Chambers!

Ask the staff for a brochure with the Book Club 2008 books!

A slight departure from Harry Potter...

Daniel Radcliffe's (best known as the actor portraying Harry Potter) London stage debut in Equus stirred up a bit of controversy. And, Delafield has the original play (call number: 812 SHA)! I'm reading it right now, and it's quite interesting to envision Harry Potter in the role of the troubled teenager Alan Strang. Also of interest: The actor that plays Uncle Dursley in the Harry Potter films is also in the London staging of Equus, as psychiatrist Martin Dysart.

chicklet to chick lit

As a children's librarian, I find myself reading more material within a child's format than material from the adult genres. Lately, I am endeavoring to read all the selections from the Waukesha County Kids' Choice Award reading list. Bookmarks with the list of choices are here at the Delafield Public Library. I think that the children of Waukesha County have once again picked some great books!
My favorites right now are not on that list; I have discovered manga. My top graphic novel picks are: Inu Yasha, Qwan, Rurouni Kenshin, and a series that isn't found on the Waukesha library shelves yet: Saiyuki Reload.
Now my deep dark secret: I am a "chick lit" addict. "Chick Lit" a term used to describe fictional works aimed at young women, especially single, working women in their twenties and thirties. I am not in this demographic range except that I feel young and am a working woman. The latest book that I read was Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer. It is funny, impossible, and a pure "cotton candy" read. Try it, or this team's previous book, Don't Look Down, during this busy season for a light, fun book choice.