Blog Post
Help Youngsters Talk About Books
by Eartoground
If you're thinking of launching a book club for kids, take some tips from an Ann Arbor parent who has been there: "It started out being almost 100% parent-driven, but now that the girls are older, they run it a little more. They vote on the books and select something from everyone. It works well because they all have very different tastes. Sometimes the parents select a book, but only if we are not organized enough to have the kids' choices lined up! We are trying to have the kids lead the discussions more, but I'm sure that will be a longer process . . . " For more ideas on book groups for children, check out Reading Raps: A Book Club Guide for Librarians, Kids, and Families by Rita Soltan.
Blog Post
New York Times Bestseller: Elizabeth Edwards
by ajax
Coming in at #7 this week on the New York Times hardcover bestsellers list is Elizabeth Edwards' memoir, Saving Graces. Edwards, the wife of former vice presidential candidate John Edwards, has written a fascinating account of her life in law and politics, and an uplifting account of how she has survived both the tragic loss of her son Wade and her recent fight against breast cancer. You might also want to check out John Edwards' account of his legal career and family life in Four Trials, or take a look on-line at the Wade Edwards Foundation, which provides computer labs and other learning resources for school children.
Blog Post
October New and Noteworthy
by muffy
You don’t need me to harp on about the mega-bestsellers but I would like to bring you each month, some of the easy-to-miss new fiction titles. They might be mainstream or quirky; unusual and trend setting; from a newcomer worth watching or a little-known foreign powerhouse who nevertheless deserves a closer look. Some are personal favorites (you can probably tell) but many are exciting new finds.
One Good Turn* by Kate Atkinson.
The story continues from Case Histories. Crackling one-liners, spot-on set pieces and full-blooded cameos make for another absorbing character study.
Spring and Fall by Nicholas Delbanco.
Sweetly satisfying tale of college lovers reunite after 40 years.
The Uses of Enchantment* by Heidi Julavits
The mystery of what did happened to Mary Veal, a 16 year-old abducted from a New England prep-school. Enthralling, atmospheric tale of "sick twisted love".
American Cookery by Laura Kalpakian
A versatile writer serves up tradition and innovation in a saga based on the joy of cooking, complete with 27 recipes.
The Other Side of the Bridge* by Mary Lawson.
Follow up to her much acclaimed debut novel Crow Lake. Moral quandaries and human drama in the Canadian North.
Bliss by O.Z. Livaneli.
Gripping contemporary story of three travelers who change each other, by an eminent Turkish writer.
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Much awaited sequel to her teen/vampire FFF Twilight* (See blog). Don’t miss this one!
The End of Mr. Y by Scarlett Thomas.
“(F)ast-paced mix of popular culture, love, mystery, and irresistible philosophical adventure” by a genre-blending young British writer and the author of PopCo. Edgy and worth a try.
* = Starred review(s)
Blog Post
Register Now at all Library Locations for the Cover to Cover Discussion of ‘The Memory Keeper’s Daughter’
by iottJen
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Registration begins Monday, October 2 for the discussion of Kim Edwards’ national bestseller. The story spins on a decision Dr. David Henry makes at the birth of his daughter. The lie he lives to keep his decision secret has very different consequences for two families: one is created by it and the other is devastated. The discussion of Edwards’ enthralling book will be held on Thursday, November 16, 7 – 8:30 pm at the downtown Library multi-purpose room and led by AADL staff. The first 15 cardholders to register may check out a new copy of the book.
Blog Post
Birthdays of two literary giants
by Maxine
Today, October 2, is the birthday of both Wallace Stevens, born in Reading, Pa. in 1879 and of Graham Greene, born in Hertfordshire, England in 1904.
Stevens was one of the few writers who kept his job after becoming a successful writer. He woke early every day and composed his poems in his head while walking to and from work at the Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company. Most people he worked with didn't know he was a poet and he preferred his anonymity. His first book, Harmonium, was published when he was 45. It contained some of his most famous poems including "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" whose first stanza contains a striking visual image:
"Among twenty snowy mountains,
The only moving thing
Was the eye of the blackbird."
Greene was a shy child who in his teens attempted suicide several times. At the urging of his therapist, he began to write. He spent much of his life in Vietnam where one of his most famous books, The Quiet American takes place. He published more than thirty books.
Blog Post
GLBA Awards
by muffy
Trying to avoid the football crowd on Oct. 7th?
Head to the 2006 Great Lakes Booksellers Association Trade Show at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn (Directions).
Check out the schedule of events; and author appearances, which include big names such as Chris Bohjalian, Brian Freeman, Kathe Koja, Joyce Maynard, Ridley Pearson, Julia Spencer-Fleming; and many regional/local favorites.
If you happen to be free on Friday, Oct. 6th, it will be worth your while to check in at the luncheon where the 2006 Great Lakes Book Awards will be presented to:
Katrina Kittle, for The Kindness of Strangers, (Fiction)
Paul Clemens, for Made in Detroit, (General Non-Fiction)
Elisha Cooper, for A Good Night Walk, (Children)
Founded in 1995, the awards honor the year’s brightest and most deserving books about America’s heartland; recognize and reward excellence in the writing and publishing of books that capture the spirit and enhance awareness of the Great Lakes region. Past Winners.
Let me tell you a dirty little librarian secret – publishers will be throwing advance readers at you down every isle – you could very well pick up a FREE prepublication Jane Smiley, Jonathan Lethem, Nelson DeMille, Walter Mosley, just to name a few. (There is an admission charge to the Exhibits).
Blog Post
Book Discussion Groups Abound
by Eartoground
A book discussion group called McSweeney’s Book Klatch will meet at 4 p.m. Sunday at Shaman Drum Bookshop, to talk about the book "Icelander," by Dustin Long. This group meets monthly to talk about a new title from McSweeney’s, the publishing house founded by Dave Eggers. Authors of the books being discussed weigh in by phone, and members of the klatch get free pizza and book discounts. Other Ann Arbor bookstores - plus schools, churches, and individual readers – organize and host a huge variety of reading groups around our city. Stay tuned. If you haven't read "Icelander," here's what Publishers Weekly had to say: "Nabokov meets Lemony Snicket in this manic Chinese box version of a mystery."
Blog Post
Amazon.com's Teen Topsellers - Fiction
by jillean
Here is what's up for teens on Amazon.com's Topsellers list. See anything interesting? Maybe they left out your latest favorite. If so, post what you think should be added to the list.
New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2)
Armageddon's Children by Terry Brooks
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Endymion Spring by Matthew Skelton
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Blog Post
Warning! These books are bad for you!
by K.C.
Ever read a banned book? Check out the most challenged books of the 1990s. Are any of these titles favorites of yours?
As part of Banned Books Week September 23-30, the American Library Association would you to vote for your favorite banned book.
Blog Post
2007 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads finalists
by amy
Three finalists for the 2007 Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads have been chosen. Click on the link below for more information about each title.
The Partly Cloudy Patriot, by Sarah Vowell (2002)
Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man who would Cure the World, by Tracy Kidder (2003)
Better Together: Restoring the American Community, by Robert Putnam (2003)
Let us know what you think!