Library Notes
October 15, 2010
Dara L. Cain

Spook-tacular Halloween Books for Children

October 31st is just around the corner! Here are some entertaining Halloween books that are certain to get your children eager for a fun day of jack-o-lanterns, trick-or-treating, and handfuls of holiday candy.
Pumpkin Eye by Denise Fleming: The simple rhyming text accompanied by eye-catching illustrations makes this a fun read a loud story time book for preschoolers. The simple couplets of "Trick or treat, pounding feet, jack-o'-lanterns line the street" set the mood while bright orange pumpkins, trick-or-treaters, tattered witches, and a full harvest moon sets the eerie atmosphere. The effective use of descriptive sound words will get your children excited for Halloween from the “hissing cats/swooping bats” to “clacking bones/muffled moans” without being too scary.

It’s Pumpkin Time! by author Zoe Hall: A brother and sister eagerly get ready for Halloween by planting their very own pumpkin patch. Watch as they plant the seeds, water, weed, and observe as the flowers bloom into bright orange pumpkins. This book gives not only a basic gardening lesson but provides Halloween entertainment as the children are finally able to carve their pumpkins and get ready for some nighttime trick-or-treating.

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda Williams: During a walk through the woods to collect herbs, spices, nuts, and seeds, a little old lady encounters spooky objects that begin to follow her. When she makes it back safely into her home she hears a KNOCK KNOCK at the door and the shoes, pants, gloves, hat, and pumpkin head try to scare her one last time. The little old lady is determined not to be afraid and comes up with a clever solution that is sure to have young readers laughing. This story is perfect to read for Halloween or during any other time of the year.

Froggy’s Halloween by Jonathan London: Froggy is so thrilled that Halloween is almost here but he is having a difficult time selecting a costume. First he imagines himself as Super Frog flying high, then Ghost Frog scaring everyone, and finally the very frightful Vampire Frog. After much thought Froggy finally decides to dress up as Frog Prince for an action packed night of trick-or-treating. Froggy is in for a Halloween surprise when Frogilina finds him irresistible in his dashing costume and tries giving him the biggest scare of the night.

Mercy Watson Princess in Disguise by Kate DiCamillo: Mrs. Watson wants to dress up her adorable pig Mercy for Halloween but what pig wants to wear a costume. Mr. and Mrs. Watson bribe Mercy into wearing a tiara and princess dress by informing her that the neighbors will give her treats. In this hilarious Halloween escapade Mercy’s search for her favorite treat, hot buttered toast lead her and the neighbors on a Halloween “parade” and a rescue mission to save General Washington, the neighbor’s cat.

Scared Silly (Bunnicula and Friends Series) by James Howe: Four friends, Harold the dog, Chester the cat, Howie the dachshund puppy and Bunnicular the vampire rabbit are left alone in the house on Halloween night. The animals experience the unexpected, beginning with a storm brewing outside and goblins wandering the street, to a witch boiling up a pot of trouble in their kitchen. Who is this unexpected visitor and why does she take Bunnicula? The animals are determined to rescue Bunnicular for fear he may be a main ingredient and try making an escape until they come face-to-face with aliens. Can the night get any stranger?

Library Notes
Erika Kosin

Fact Filled books that will enthrall children but make their parents cringe

When children are looking for fun books to read, it has been found that some children, especially boys, prefer books with real facts and the more obscure and gross the information the better. So what type of books can you find that give interesting facts and also explore everything gross? Any book that involves bodily functions such as spit and poop, the inner workings of garbage, or even about underwear may fit the bill. Luckily, the Rowan Public Library has a few books like this in their children’s room, but don’t be fooled, children will also learn a few things while reading about what makes most of us squirm and cringe.

Fact filled books that will peak a child’s interest:
Getting to Know Your Toilet: The Disgusting Story Behind Your Home’s Strangest Feature by Connie Colwell Miller and Sewers and the Rats that Love Them: The Disgusting Story Behind Where it All Goes by Kelly Barnhill. - What did people use before the invention of toilet paper? Where did people go to the bathroom before the toilet bowl? Where does all of the waste go? Are there really Alligators living in the New York City Sewers? How do Sewers work and if they smell so bad, why do we have them? While answering these questions, children will also learn how a toilet works, the history of how the toilet became a fixture in most households, why proper waste disposal is important, and why washing their hands after using the toilet will help stop the spread of germs.

Do You Know Where Your Water has Been?: The Disgusting Story Behind What You’re Drinking by Kelly Barnhill - Children discover the reason why treating drinking water is important and how it is unsafe to drink from a lake or other water source.

Garbage, Waste, Dumps and You: The Disgusting Story Behind What We Leave Behind by Connie Colwell Miller - Learn the history of Garbage collection and what happens to the garbage after it leaves your house.

Underwear: What We Wear Under There by Ruth Freeman Swain - From the loincloth to pantaloons and long johns, children can now learn what people wore under their clothing years ago.

It’s Spit-acular!: The Secrets of Saliva by Melissa Stewart - Ever wonder why you salivate when you smell food? Did you know that humans create enough saliva to fill 1-2 two liter bottles every day? This book explores the different uses of saliva, establishing how it is important to humans and other animals.

Library Notes
Lynn Denison
September 16, 2010

At Rowan Public Library many of our fiction books are labeled by genre in order to assist our patrons in their search for a certain type of book. For example, we have western, romance, thriller, fantasy, horror, mystery, and religious fiction labels. My tendency for the last several years has been to choose books in the thriller genre. A question I have often had is what classifies one book a thriller and another a mystery? In an online article on MysteryNet.com, Janet A. Smith writes, “The suspense thriller has been loosely defined as a story in which the audience is waiting for something significant to happen. The reader experiences a vicarious thrill by identifying with the hero and the danger he faces, becoming a participant in the chase. A mystery, on the other hand, is a novel of revelation, with action more mental than physical. A significant event, usually a murder, has just occurred, and the protagonist’s job is to discover who committed the crime, and why.” In a recent Newsweek article titled “Mysteries, Thriller, and the Verities of the Heart,” Jon Meacham states, “Mysteries and thrillers are not the same things, though they are literary siblings. Roughly put, I would say the distinction is that mysteries emphasize motive and psychology whereas thrillers rely more heavily on action and plot. Some mysteries are thrillers and some thrillers are mysteries, but not all mysteries are thrillers, nor are all thrillers mysteries.” Now that we are clear on that. . . .
Of course, in the thriller genre there are many popular categories. Some of the most well known, which are available at the library, are listed below.

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carre’ is the quintessential espionage thriller. Whiteout by Ken Follett is the classic thriller and tells the chilling story of what happens when biological weapons fall into the wrong hands. A top pick for a psychological suspense thriller is Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane, which will not only scare you silly but will fool you as well. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turrow with its fascinating plot and legal insight remains at the top of the definitive legal thriller. For contemporary military thrillers it would be difficult to beat the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. You may want to begin with the first Reacher novel, The Killing Floor.

Thrillers have long been one of the most popular reading genres with dozens of them dominating the best seller lists each year. Why not choose one or two at the library and see if you, too, don’t find your heart racing and your imagination running overtime as you turn page after page?

LIBRARY NOTES: THE LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION
PAUL BIRKHEAD – SEPTEMBER 5, 2010

I have always been fascinated by stories of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Perhaps it’s because I was born within walking distance of where their journey began in St. Charles, Missouri. A recent trip back to Missouri for me included a visit to nearby Hartford, Illinois where a monument to Lewis and Clark had just been dedicated. The Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower celebrates not only the two captains but also a view of the area where the Mississippi and Missouri rivers meet. When I returned to North Carolina, I still had Lewis and Clark on my mind, so I decided to see what information Rowan Public Library had on the expedition.

Undaunted Courage, a New York Times bestseller, is an excellent biography of Meriwether Lewis and a good introduction to the expedition that sought to map out the territory acquired by the U.S. in the Louisiana Purchase. The late historian, Stephen Ambrose, combined extensive research and his talent for writing to create a work that is very informative and so utterly fascinating that it’s hard to put down.

Rowan Public Library also has on DVD, the PBS series Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery. The documentary, directed and produced by Ken Burns, originally aired in 1997 and is considered by many to be some of Burns’ best work. While not as lengthy as a typical Burns’ production (it clocks in at only four hours), it is full of fascinating facts, period illustrations, stunning video footage, and moving narratives read by a host of celebrities. The library has in its collection the book companion to the series which is also available for check-out.

Sacagawea of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, written by Ella Clark and Margot Edmonds, is a biography of the Shoshone Indian woman who accompanied Lewis and Clark out west. Most historians agree that the expedition might have been a complete failure were it not for the help of Sacagawea, the wife of a French trapper who was hired on as a guide. Sacagawea graciously served as an interpreter on several occasions, and she also proved invaluable in procuring horses and supplies from a tribe the group stumbled upon that just happened to include some of her own blood relatives.

On a lighter note, Westward Whoa: In the Wake of Lewis and Clark, is a story of two friends who head west in an inflatable raft and attempt to follow the same course as Lewis and Clark. Their tale of childish antics and misadventures will keep you laughing as you turn the pages, and you won’t believe what happens to them at the end of their quest.

Whether American history sparks your interest or you just like a good old-fashioned adventure story, anything having to do with the Lewis and Clark expedition will be sure to please. Stop by the Rowan Public Library and learn more about the journey that fostered the expansion of the American West.

Gretchen Beilfuss Witt

Mystery readers everywhere are drawn to the quintessential writer of the crime puzzle, Dame Agatha Christie. With two of the most beloved sleuths and a number of other characters, Christie examines the working of the human psyche in a manner that continues to enthrall readers. Beginning in 1920 and continuing nearly till her death in 1976, Christie regaled her fans not only with full length mystery novels but with romances, short stories and plays as well. In the thoroughly delightful book, “The Bedside, Bathside, & Armchair Companion to Agatha Christie”, admirers of her work have provided a smorgasbord of commentary to enlighten and entertain.

The book introduces Christie’s first great detective who appears in more than half of her murder mysteries. Accepting a dare from her older sister Madge, Agatha wrote her first novel in 1915 although it was not published until 1920. Although devoted to Sherlock Holmes, she felt that she must create a new kind of detective. She often drew from her own experiences and this was no exception. Agatha knew of an enclave of Belgian refugees near her home in Devon. Christie imagined a retired Belgian policeman, neat and tidy, but a small man with a “flavor of absurdity.” Such a small man deserved a big name, perhaps the hero Hercules modified to flow with the surname, Hercule Poirot entered the literary lexicon.

Interspersed between summaries of her marvelous tales are amusing bits with titles like “A Nice Cuppa” explaining the origin of the English tea ritual and how it appears in various narratives. It gives details about how tea became a fashionable ladies beverage as early as 1662 in London with Twinning’s Tea house first making an appearance in London in 1717. Taking tea with a variety of hostesses to win confidences or acquire needed information became a fixture in both Poirot novels and those of Miss Marple. Charming vignettes like “I wouldn’t go in there if I were you/Rooms to avoid in an English County House” or “How to Trace your family mystery – if you dare” share space with essays discussing weapons like the pearl handled 22 or the oft found trophy from the war, the Mauser. Other articles discuss the presence of class distinctions and dress codes and the influence they had in Christie’s crime stories.

Adding recipes for the condemned, crosswords, word searches and acrostics make this a wonderful book with which to take a break of a few minutes or curl up with for hours. Enjoy immersing yourself in Agatha’s criminal world with “The Bedside, Bathtub and Armchair Companion” and continue your reading pleasure by checking out her splendid books as well as the wonderful films adaptations and television series. Cozy up with the Queen of the Murder Mystery.

Library Notes
August 9, 2010 Betty Moore
“To Kill a Mockingbird”

How long has it been since you read “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee? Or perhaps you saw the movie but never read the book. Maybe you think of the book as something only for students to read. However, the book is definitely one that deserves to be read and reread and now is a good time for that.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the publication of Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which has sold more than 30 million copies and made a lasting impact on readers and writers. Many libraries, book groups, and individuals are taking part in a celebration of the book.

For my own personal celebration, I have just finished listening to the book on CD, wonderfully read by Sissy Spacek. I heard my favorite quotations, including, “Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat up people's gardens, don't nest in corncribs, they don't do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

As a student, a high school teacher, and a mom, I’ve read the book at least five times. Each time I read it I discover new things, as I am different places in my life. Returning now to the book makes me reflect on what has changed since that time and what has not.

The novel looks at events in a small Alabama town in the mid-1930s through the eyes of Scout, a young white girl. Her father, Atticus, is a lawyer defending an innocent black man accused of rape. Through the perspective of this precocious young girl, who doesn’t always understand what is said or happening around her, the book explores layers of innocence and guilt, justice and injustice, society’s rigid codes, race relations, class, poverty, and compassion.

While the book concerns very serious themes, it also contains a lot of humor. Scout relates many humorous stories about her family and neighbors – made even funnier, or more ironic – by young Scout’s immaturity and innocence of adult matters. Sometimes Scout’s clear youthful perspective sees right through the pretensions and hypocrisy of the adults around her, as when the church mission society ladies discuss their help for natives in Africa but don’t see how their own neighbors of a different race or class need their help too.

This well-loved book is available at the library in many formats. The film is also available. Plan to revisit them soon and join with others to celebrate “Mockingbird” three Tuesdays in November. As you read, or reread, consider who is your favorite character. What lines stick in your memory? Has reading the book made a lasting impression on you or made a difference in your life?

On November 2, there will be a book discussion at RPL Headquarters for people who want to read or reread and discuss the book, as well as people who are curious but have never read it. On November 16 we’ll show the 1962 Oscar-winning film based on Lee’s book. Book Bites Book Club will discuss the book at their November 30 meeting at RPL’s South Branch in China Grove. More details about times and places will be available closer to those dates.

Library Notes
Rebecca Hyde – July 30, 2010


Geologists study features ranging from microscopic crystals to satellite views, from glimpses of Earth’s origins to present Earth-building events. How can these different perspectives of time and scale be combined and viewed in a larger context? Take to the air. As author Michael Collier writes in “Over the Mountains”: “On the ground, like mites on an elephant, you don’t know if you’re sitting on the elephant’s tooth or its toenail. But a view from the sky adds another dimension. Rise above and you can see the earth from trunk to tail.”

Information and entertainment, extraordinary images with text that instructs the “unschooled” --- Michael Collier’s “aerial views of geology” are picture books for adults. For people curious about geological processes (mountain-building, erosive rivers), or people who like to travel, these photographs offer access to areas accessible only to birds and pilots.

Collier is a geologist, science writer, photographer, and pilot. And using his Cessna 180 “like a tripod,” he brings into focus and records geologic features that illuminate the theories by which scientists understand our earth. He also wants to impart “a sense of wonder, a tangible sense of the earth that springs from an intimate knowledge of the land.”

In “Over the Mountains,” the map of the United States is overlaid with boundaries marking geologic “provinces,” each having its own particular geologic history. A photograph of the North Cascades (Columbia Plateau Province) shows a remarkably jumbled range of mountains. These mountains are still being created by the spreading ocean floor meeting the edge of the continent, with accumulations of silt and sand being scraped off like “peanut butter smeared from a knife onto a piece of bread.”

Again, In “Over the Rivers,” a map helps us re-imagine the landscape. State lines are overlaid by rivers, their basins, and divides, which draw the line between water flowing toward one or another river (the great Continental Divide, for example). A river’s “job description” calls for moving water and sediment from the mountains to the sea. And that means maintaining a “fastidious equilibrium” between water and sediment.

A spectacular alluvial fan is pictured within Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park, where coarse sand and gravel is dumped when the stream runs high and hard. In contrast, as the gradient flattens, a river meanders, like a “string of wobbly railroad cars rolling down an uneven track.” Its current bears against one bank and deflects against the other, creating bends, all the way to the sea. The Green River is a “writhing snake” as it moves toward Bronx, Wyoming, leaving bright sand on the inside of bends and erosion on the outside.

Collier’s books offer us a view of a dynamic earth, a work in progress.

Rediscover Folktales and Fairy Tales

by Erika Kosin

Most children will tell you that fairy tales begin with “Once Upon a Time” and always have a happy ending. What they don’t know is that fairy tales and folk tales are stories that were passed down by word of mouth for generations throughout different cultures until they were collected and written down. In their original form, these tales were moral and cautionary tales meant to frighten and teach small children how to behave. Some, especially folktales and tall tales were told as a way to explain natural phenomena such as mountain ranges, lakes, or the characteristics of some animals.
Many folk tales and fairy tales have been modified and changed into many different versions. Some have added new characters or changed the cultural setting of the story. In recent years, many of these modified tales have deleted the morbid life stories found in the originals. The early versions of the Brothers Grimm tales may have happy endings, but they contain some gruesome and harsh realities along the way. While originally found in a Nursery Tale book, the original story of the Three Little Pigs has the wolf eating the first two pigs, portraying the wolf’s natural instinct as a predator. While the third pig triumphs, he is aware of the true nature of the wolf in the story and finds a way to protect himself from the predator.
Next time you are at the library, why not rediscover the many different folktales and fairy tales that are held in the children’s collection. From the likes of Hans Christian Anderson and Aesop’s Fables to classic stories like the three Billy Goats Gruff and Snow White, there are numerous retellings of these tales along with the originals found in the 398.2 section of the library.
Cendrillon: A Caribbean Cinderella by Robert D. San Souci – This version of Cinderella is retold with Caribbean flair through the eyes of the Godmother who is not a fairy but a poor washer woman who happens to have a magic wand. The colorful illustrations by Brian Pikney portray the vibrant colors found in the Caribbean. This book won the 2000 North Carolina Children’s book Award.
Anansi and the Magic Stick by Eric A. Kimmel – Losely based on the Liberian tale of the Magic Hoe, this story finds Anansi the spider being very lazy and not wanting to do his chores. When he finds the Hyena’s magic stick, he uses it to do his chores so he can relax. Only when he falls asleep and forgets the magic words chaos ensues. This book won the 2004 North Carolina Children’s book Award.
Rumplestiltskin by Paul O. Zelinsky – From an earlier version of the Grimms Tale, a fair maiden is locked in a room to spin straw into gold and a little man helps her but in return wants her first born child unless she can guess his name. This illustrated version of the classic tale is done in vivid medieval style oil paintings and a was Caldecott Honor book.
The Bremen Town Musicians and Other Animal Tales From Grimm. Retold by Doris Orgel. – This collection of animal tales are close to their original Grimm form. With an introduction by the author and illustrator and a brief description of the Brothers Grimm, this collection of tales illustrates the use of stories as cautionary tales.

Dive into a Great Summer Reading Book

by Dara L. Cain

Children have a lot of free time during the summer. One of the best ways to keep them engaged is to find them a book that they will enjoy reading. Here are some fun and adventurous water themed titles that can be found at Rowan Public Library that are perfect for summer time reading.
An energetic fish named Tiddler travels away from his home to go exploring in the big blue sea in the silly story Fidgety Fish by Ruth Galloway. Tiddler’s mother is hoping that he will return much calmer than when he left. On his many adventures in the sea Tiddler encounters many friendly sea creatures until he finds himself inside the mouth of a dark cave. To his surprise it is not a cave he is in but the mouth of a very BIG fish. Will Tiddler’s wiggly and fidgety self be enough to help him escape?
Another fun book is Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck. Join a young sea diver as he sets out to find hidden treasure in the depths of the deep blue sea. While on his quest your child will encounter different aquatic animals as the boy hitches a ride with a dolphin, plays peek-a-boo with a sea turtle, and fences a swordfish among many other water activities. Will the boy be able to rescue the pirate treasure to bring home to his mama or is it too protectively guarded? You must read the story to find out.
Froggy Learns to Swim is a silly book about a frog who is reluctant to swim. What draws the reader in are the descriptive sound words like “zook! zik!” and “flop flop…splash” that will have your kids laughing out loud. With a little help from his swimming attire including flippers, a mask, a snorkel, and of course his encouraging mother Froggy becomes an avid swimmer. So much so that he doesn’t want to get out of the pond past nightfall. This book is not only appropriate for reluctant swimmers but for any child encountering a fear that may need a little encouragement. After reading this book your child will want to read the other titles in the series by Jonathan London.
If your child enjoys a good mystery a must read is Nate the Great and the Boring Beach Bag by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat. Nate is a young boy detective who solves mysteries with the help of his dog Sludge. In this adventure Olivia’s boring blue beach bag turns up missing at the beach. To find out what happened to it follow the series of clues and help Nate, Sludge, and Olivia find her bag. The fun doesn’t stop there. You can read the other Nate the Great detective books and help solve more mysteries.
Emily has grown up on a houseboat with her mother and has never been allowed in the water until now. In the book The Tail of Emily Windsnap by Liz Kessler Emily takes swimming lessons at school and makes the startling discovery that she is a mermaid. How long will she be able to keep her secret? Swim along with Emily as she meets other mermaids and discovers a whole new world open up to her below the ocean. If you would like to share more sea adventures with Emily check out the subsequent titles in the series.
Author Gordon Korman’s first book in the exciting Dive trilogy is The Discovery. Four kids on a marine expedition during the summer explore an underwater habitat and unexpectedly discover gold. The suspense and tension builds up as Dante, Adriana, Kaz, and Star fight to retrieve the sunken treasure. Will they be able to work together or will the possibility of wealth divide them? And what about the sharks and the treasure hunters who are after the treasure? Read the story to find out what becomes of the gold.

by Lynn Denison

Have you had the pleasure of meeting Miss Julia Springer of Abbotsford, North Carolina? If not, you are in for a special treat. These summer days would be a great time to make her acquaintance. She is the protagonist in a series written by the well-known author, Ann B. Ross. Ms. Ross has written eleven books about Miss Julia, each one more delightful and enjoyable than the one preceding it. In the initial book, Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind, published in 1999, septuagenarian Julia Springer is a proper Southern lady whose banker husband dies suddenly, leaving her more money than she knew he possessed. He’s left another big surprise—a mistress and an illegitimate son, “Little Lloyd.” Miss Julia learns to love “Little Lloyd” and his mother, Hazel Marie Puckett, and thus she acquires the family she’s never had. She valiantly faces small town prejudices, gossip and hypocrisy and comes out on top in every situation.
Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind and the other ten books in the series are all available at Rowan Public Library. Many are available on CD and in large print format. The eleventh and newest book in the series is Miss Julia Renews Her Vows.
Author Ann B. Ross decided to complete her college education after her three children left home for college. She completed her Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees and then taught Literature and the Humanities at UNC in Asheville before beginning to write. Her first Miss Julia book was an immediate success and set her on a full-time writing career. Ms. Ross was once asked by an interviewer how she knew when something she’d written was good. She replied, “I know it’s good when I fall off my chair laughing.” That response indicates that she enjoys writing about her characters as much as her fans enjoy reading about them.
As a writer, Ms. Ross does not work with an outline or a detailed plan before starting a story. She usually has a general plot in mind that contains mainly the conflict and resolution with a few ideas of how they will be worked out. She relies on inspiration for Miss Julia’s escapades from many different sources, for example, chance remarks from friends or family, an incident she happens to see, a dream, or past experiences.
When approached by aspiring writers Ms. Ross says, “You must write! Thinking about it, researching it, talking and dreaming about it will never get it done. You must put words on paper, one after the other, even though doing that is lonely, unglamorous and sometimes pure drudgery. But to be a writer, you must write.”
Although each book in the Miss Julia series can stand alone, it would be helpful to start at the beginning and work through the series in order to truly appreciate it. Why not stop by any of Rowan Public Library’s locations today and begin a fast-paced, hilarious and thoroughly fun summer reading experience with Miss Julia and her friends?

LIBRARY NOTES: BROWSING THE SHELVES AT RPL
PAUL BIRKHEAD – MAY 30, 2010

For a book lover like me, there’s nothing quite like browsing the stacks at Rowan Public Library. I get the same feeling at bookstores, but it’s usually accompanied by feelings of guilt for spending an inordinate amount of time sampling and not buying. The library is tough to beat because borrowing books on a wide variety of subjects doesn’t cost me a penny. Just the other day, I found myself exploring the new non-fiction shelves at the library, and here are some books I just had to take home with me.

The Letter and the Scroll: What Archaeology Tells Us about the Bible is a fascinating book published by the National Geographic Society. The book is divided into chapters which cover major eras in biblical history. While the book’s authors are careful to state that their purpose is neither to prove nor disprove the Bible, anyone interested in the Bible or ancient times is sure to be impressed by the content. As is typical in National Geographic publications, the book is filled with a generous number of beautiful maps and illustrations as well as stunning photographs of priceless artifacts and archaeological finds.

In Sweet Carolina: Favorite Desserts and Candies from the Old North State, author Foy Allen Edelman presents a collection of recipes she compiled from the kitchens of North Carolinians. Over the course of several years, Edelman traveled across her home state interviewing cooks from dozens of communities. Often, she was able to procure the recipe for their signature dessert. The result is a mouthwatering collection of recipes for pies, cakes, cookies, cobblers, and even a sonker or two.

If you decide to leave the confines of North Carolina and head, with kids in tow, to Washington, D.C., you might find this book interesting. The newest edition of Washington, D.C. with Kids, published by Fodor’s, is a comprehensive tour guide. This book does a good job of guiding visitors to must-see exhibits, monuments, and historic sites. Symbols in the book designate specific things to note, such as Helpful Hints, Smart Stuff, as well as Money-Saving and Time-Saving Tips. Items of interest to ‘Tweens and Teens’ and even those of ‘All Ages’ are also found for most attractions.

The final book that caught my attention was Letters to Jackie: Condolences from a Grieving Nation. The cover of the book is graced by the smiling faces of John and Jackie Kennedy taken from a photograph made shortly after their arrival in Texas. Little did anyone know what horrors lay ahead for them and the Nation. The assassination of President Kennedy in Dallas unleashed a whirlwind of sympathy for his widow. In the course of seven weeks, Mrs. Kennedy received nearly a million condolence letters. A large collection of these letters was kept and has been stored for years, largely unexamined, in the archives of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. In Letters to Jackie, historian Ellen Fitzpatrick selected 250 letters she felt compelling. In these, ordinary Americans sought to relay their sympathies to the late President’s wife and perhaps come to grips with their own grief.

No matter what subjects might interest you, come to the Rowan Public Library, and I’m sure you’ll find many books that will catch your eye. Be forewarned, though, simply browsing the shelves of our newest acquisitions can result in walking out the door with a whole armload.

Library Notes—May 3, 2010—Betty Moore

Geography of Bliss


Just as some happiness experts say we find moments of happiness on our way to something else, I discovered Eric Weiner’s CD book about happiness, “The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World” on my way to something else. Having heard some of the radio reports by this foreign correspondent, and learning that he read his own book for the CD, I picked it up at the library to listen to in the car. RPL also has the print book.

In his work Weiner has traveled to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Indonesia, which many people would consider unhappy places. “What if,” Weiner wondered, “I spent a year traveling the globe, seeking out not the world’s well-trodden trouble spots but, rather, its unheralded happy places? Places that possess, in spades, one or more of the ingredients that we consider essential to the hearty stew of happiness: money, pleasure, spirituality, family, and chocolate, among others.”

Weiner first travels to the Netherlands, especially to meet with Dutch professor Ruut Veenhoven, “the godfather of happiness research,” who oversees the “World Database of Happiness.”

He also spends time in Switzerland, Qatar, Iceland, Britain, Moldova, Thailand, and several other countries to see if its inhabitants actually fit the stereotypes of happiness (or in the case of Moldova, unhappiness), that others would expect of them.

Curious about Bhutan’s policy of Gross National Happiness, he learns that the Bhutanese regard “happiness” as something very different from the smiley-face version often seen in the US. For them it is a collective endeavor. He is told, “We don’t believe in this Robinson Crusoe happiness. All happiness is relational.”

Weiner’s book is not so much a book about “how to be happy” as it is one that explores what happiness means in a number of cultures, how it connects to history, wealth, religion, geography and other cultural aspects.

At the end of the book he says that after all his world travels, he now happily divides his time between his living room and his kitchen. I enjoyed the book’s mixture of history, research, culture, memoir, and travelogue, as well as the wry humor of his presentation.

Rather than travel to see where in the world happy people live, Gretchen Rubin looks at home for ways to increase her own happiness. In her book “The Happiness Project: Or, Why I spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun,” she chronicles her year-long project to look at “the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier.” A review in “Publishers Weekly” says Rubin balances “the personal and the universal with a light touch.”

Library Notes
Rebecca Hyde - April 26, 2010


Sonia Dourlot (“Insect Museum”) provides an engaging introduction to the study of insects. The “little beasts” share our daily routines. They are plentiful and widespread. Our ignorance is at the core of our fears surrounding them. And we should become familiar with their behavior because they play a very important ecological role. The following books offer understanding and appreciation of insects that you may see in your garden or in someone else’s. May you then step lightly and spend more time close to the ground.

With descriptions of 114 species of insects and other arthropods and full-page color images, Dourlot’s “Insect Museum” demonstrates the beauty and complexity of that world. Encounter close up the lovely damselfly and the social southern brown wood ant.

For a grand overview of the insect world, see Stephen A Marshall’s “Insects: Their Natural History and Diversity.” The book is based on material collected for a third-year entomology course. It covers all the major insect families but focuses on the common ones of eastern North America. With this book, you can be a student of insects of the world, or leaf through the illustrated picture keys to identify a backyard discovery. Read the author’s preface (“An Overview of Six-legged Life”) and the Introduction (What is an insect?”). You’ll understand why “if insects are worth getting to know as an enemy of humankind, they are even more worthy of attention as our benefactors.”

For an “entomophile” view of the insect world, there are the autobiographies of Thomas Eisner and E. O. Wilson. Eisner’s “For Love of Insects” is both a memoir of a life in the field and an appreciation of the insect world. Eisner knew he was passionately interested in insects and genuinely interested in chemistry. His encounter with the bombardier beetle was his lucky break. He “struck gold,” for the beetle is a champion chemist. That discovery led to a career focusing on chemical communication in insects and other arthropods. Edward O. Wilson has collaborated with Eisner through the years and calls his friend a world-class biologist and an exceptional naturalist. He’s also an exceptional photographer. Eisner is a professor of chemical ecology at Cornell.

E. O Wilson (“Naturalist”) never grew out of his bug period as a child. And two early events, the spine of a pinfish and hearing loss in the upper registers, made him an entomologist, with his surviving eye turned to the ground, committed to celebrating the little things of the world. How is a naturalist created? A child comes to the edge of deep water with a mind prepared to wonder. Hands-on experience, not systematic knowledge, is what counts. As he grows older, complicated details and context from his culture are added, but the core image stays intact.

Wilson views himself as the “nominal founder” of sociobiology, and in his later years, “a civilized hunter,” in the field, studying the ants of the West Indies, island by island. He feels the same emotions he had as a teenage student, when his ambition was to be this kind of scientist.

It is curious that in the “Naturalist,” Wilson writes “one does not need to make ants protagonists of a novel to bring them deserved attention.” His novel, “Anthill,” was published in April.

Sara Grajek
Rowan Public Library – Library Notes
April 20, 2010

I noticed just the other day that the number one book on Amazon’s top 100 list for Teens was Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This made me stop and think for a moment about whether teens were reading this for fun, or for homework. I quickly decided that as long as books were being read, it didn’t really matter and moved on to thinking about some of the great spin-offs that have come from Miss Austen’s classic novel as well as many of the other types of retellings. Granted, some kids will need little convincing to read the original versions of the classics, but for others, these titles may be the stepping stone to get them there.
Shannon Hale is a popular young author of young adult books with many fairy tale retellings to her name. She has now crossed over to write an adult Jane Austen retelling, Austenland. Although generally categorized as chick-lit, this novel has definite cross-over appeal to older teen readers who are interested in all things Austen. The main character, Jane, inherits a trip to a resort in Pembrook Park (located in Kent, England) where all visitors dress, and act and eat as if they were in Jane Austen’s England. Although she is determined to put her Austen obsession behind her after this vacation, Jane finds herself in the middle of a romance suitable for one of Austen’s novels.
Even movies have been caught up in Jane Austen’s world and Lost in Austen is one example of this. Amanda Price longs for the romance of Jane Austen’s world and is tired of her modern life. One day, she discovers a secret passageway in her bathroom that leads directly to the Bennett’s home, and Amanda and Elizabeth Bennett accidentally trade worlds. Amanda disrupts the plot of Pride and Prejudice by creating new marriages and Mr. Darcy even falls in love with her. Meanwhile, in present day, Elizabeth gets a job and discovers the internet. Will Elizabeth ever find her way back to Mr. Darcy and all will be right in the world of Austen? You’ll have stop by the library and get the movie to find out.
In Saving Juliet by Suzanne Selfors, Mimi Wallingford has the starring role in her family’s production of Romeo and Juliet on Broadway. There’s only one problem. She would do just about anything to get away from her family and their acting company. In a parallel universe, in Shakespeare’s time, Juliet Verona is being forced into a marriage with someone she doesn’t love, and would do almost anything to avoid her betrothed. When Mimi gets her wish to escape and is transported back in time with her hunky co-star Tony, she meets the real Juliet and starts to believe Shakespeare’s original ending may not be the best for everyone involved.
Some authors are well-known for their work with retellings and simply have too many titles to list. Donna Jo Napoli has close to ten titles that center around fairy tales. Featuring stories such as Beauty and the Beast, The Pied Piper of Hamlin, and Rumpelstiltskin, Napoli’s writings weave stories from points of view and settings far removed from the originals. Robin McKinley has also written several retellings, favoring the Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty tales. With the current popularity of retellings, chances are one of your favorite authors may have written one. Check for one at Rowan Public Library today!

Library Notes/April 15, 2010
Dara L. Cain

Stomp into a First-Rate Children’s Book

Boys and girls alike are fascinated with dinosaurs. There is just something intriguing about the prehistoric animals that roamed the earth millions of years ago. Mentioned below are some notable dinosaur books that are sure to captivate any child’s attention and are available at the Rowan Public Library.

Ten Terrible Dinosaurs by Paul Stickland is a fun and educational dinosaur counting book for young children. Count back from ten to one as the silly dinosaurs in the story stomp, play, swing, and dance until at long last only one slumberous dinosaur remains. Children will be so taken with the colorful dinosaurs and their mischievous ways that they may not even realize they are learning subtraction.

While purchasing donuts at the store a young boy’s dreams come true when he learns that today only every store is giving away a real dinosaur with each purchase. Things couldn’t be more perfect until the young boy realizes that he must come up with an innovative way to convince his mother to let him keep his new dinosaur friends in the picture book When Dinosaurs Came with Everything by Elise Broach.

Jamie and his friend Tom discover a cave that transports them into a prehistoric world filled with dinosaurs in the book Attack of the Tyrannosaurus. Join them in this action pact story and they encounter a friendly wannanosaurus to the frightful Tyrannosaurus Rex who can’t wait to devour the two young boys. To learn of their daring escape and to experience more adventures with Jamie and Tom be sure to read the chapter books in the Dinosaur Cove series by Rex Stone.

If your child loves getting their hands on factual information about dinosaurs here are some great titles that won’t disappoint. Dinosaur Days is an easy reader book by Joyce Milton. This book provides a simple introduction to specific dinosaurs including the popular Ankylosaurus, Brontosaurus, and Stegosaurus. What makes this book accessible to children is the large type font, the phonetic pronunciation of the dinosaurs, and the large illustrations that accompany the text.
After reading Dinosaurs! by Gail Gibbons children will be familiar with the amazing theories surrounding dinosaur extinction, their unique characteristics, and their diverse habitats. They will also learn about the helpful clues that dinosaur fossils have provided to paleontologists about dinosaur eggs, nests, their babies, what they ate and much more.
Sure to be an eye catcher is the book Extreme Dinosaurs written by Robert Mash with the yellow glass dinosaur eye embedded in its cover. This appealing book doesn’t stop there as children will be immersed in this colorful and interactive book with its pull-tabs, flaps, and foldouts full of detailed information. A dinosaur quiz is also provided towards the end of the book to test your knowledge.

Library Notes

Erika Kosin


Poetry can be entertaining and educational for children
April has been hailed as National Poetry month since 1996 and as many celebrate poetry’s place in literature lets take a look at the types of poetry that are meant for children. Children are exposed to the rhythms and rhymes of the English Language early on in the form of Nursery Rhymes. Children are drawn to the beat and the silliness these rhymes have to offer and the lyrical nature of these rhymes help them develop the language skills necessary to succeed in school. From the silly and nonsensical stylings of Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends and Falling Up to the introduction of Shakespeare and the rhythms of his prose, poetry offers the opportunity for children of all ages to increase their vocabulary through words not regularly heard by the child being used to make a rhyme. While many poems may be above the child’s comprehension level, reading poems with them may help develop language skills through the rhythm of the words and there are poetry books available for every age, level and taste. Here are some poetry books that may speak to children and their parents.
Runny Babbit by Shel Silverstein – while most adults may be aware of other poetry books by this author, many may not know of this little gem. This book is a collection of poems that moves consonants around under the pretence that animals use language differently then humans. Not only are the poems amusing but children may like the challenge of figuring out how the words have been changed.
Awful Ogre’s Awful Day by Jack Prelutsky – A series of poems that make up a day in the life of the awful Ogre, each describing a different aspect of his day. Since some of the entries are on the gross and silly side, this collection of poems has great boy appeal. It also contains humorous illustrations by Paul O. Zelinsky.
Poetry for Young People: Maya Angelou edited by Edwin Graves Wilson, PH.D – This collection of Maya Angelou’s famous poems, serves as a rewarding introduction to the more serious side of poetry. It contains a brief biography of the poet’s life, a brief explanation of each poem, and definitions of the words used that may be unfamiliar to children. A great way to introduce children to poetry of a more serious nature.
Poetry Speaks to Children edited by Elise Paschen – This collection of poems with child appeal includes poems from famous poets such as Emily Dickinson, William Shakespeare, Robert Frost, and Langston Hughes as well as a poetic excerpt from the book The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien. The poems in this collection range from serious to silly making this book a great introduction to many great poets. As an added bonus this book includes an accompanying CD containing tracks of some of the poems with quite a few being read by the poet themselves.

Planning a wedding for less
Rowan Public Library
by Lynn A. Denison

With the average cost for a wedding in the United States today ranging from $21,000 to $28,000.00, it is not surprising that many couples are looking for ways to cut expenses. At Rowan Public Library, we have several new books that may be helpful to the prospective bride and groom as well as to their parents. Stylish Weddings for Less: How to Plan Your Dream Wedding on a Budget by Catherine Sabino helps couples find ways to have that fabulous, always-dreamed-of wedding without ending up with a mountain of debt. This book is in an easy-to-reference format and covers everything from finding bargains on rings, gowns, and wedding cakes to locating incredible reception sites at affordable prices and getting the best deals on photography and honeymoon travel. This book is sure to be an indispensable resource for cost conscious young couples.
Another new title is Do It For Less Weddings: How to Create Your Dream Wedding Without Breaking the Bank. Author Denise Vivaldo has planned and catered more than 10,000 parties and offers her considerable expertise to help couples with menus, recipes, thematic decorating plans, charts and checklists. She includes more than 500 cost saving tips, ideas and professional advice on all aspects of a wedding. Step by step the author encourages couples to think outside the box, use resourcefulness and careful planning, and make every dollar count toward the perfect wedding.
A quote from Oprah, “If you’re getting married you need this book!”, refers to Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget by Denise and Alan Fields. The Fields give a money back guarantee with their book, stating that if their tips don’t save the engaged couple at least $500 on their wedding, they can receive a complete refund of the purchase price. Not surprisingly, Bridal Bargains is America’s top best-selling wedding book.
A companion to Bridal Bargains is the Bridal Bargains Wedding Planner by the Fields. This book complements Bridal Bargains and is packed with invaluable worksheets, budgets, and to-do lists in a handy, spiral-bound format.
In addition to the books mentioned above, the library has a large selection of wedding related books. If there is a wedding in your future, be sure to put a visit to Rowan Public Library at the top of your “to do” list!

Study renewable energy sources at library

By Edward A. Hirst

Rowan Public Library

With the high energy costs associated with our past winter, it seems like a good time to investigate renewable energy sources. I found the following books available at Rowan Public Library.

"Wind Energy Basics: A Guide to Home and Community Scale Wind Energy Systems," by Paul Gipe, offers a how-to for home-based wind applications, with advice on which wind turbines to choose and which to avoid.

He guides wind-energy installers through considerations such as renewable investment strategies and gives cautionary tales of wind applications gone wrong.

"The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling," written by Daniel D. Chiras, is a well thought-out guide for embracing an eco-friendly home. "The Solar House" is recommended as a do-it-yourself home reference for the general reader with an interest in making their home as comfortable and environmentally friendly as possible.

"Got Sun? Go Solar: Harness Nature's Free Energy to Heat and Power Your Grid-Tied Home," by Rex A. Ewing and Doug Pratt, is a well-written book that cuts through the hype and explains how grid-connected homeowners can think their energy future.

Solar and wind-generated electricity, solar water heating, passive solar techniques and geothermal heating/cooling will allow homeowners to save money and protect themselves from rising utility rates.

"Solar Power Your Home for Dummies" provides the homeowner a good introduction to how solar energy can be put to practical, everyday use. This is a great book for someone who doesn't like to read a lot of technical jargon. The book has a list of references for more information as well as practical projects for the person with experience in the solar energy field.

"The Passive Solar House Book: Using Solar Design to Heat and Cool Your Home," by James Kachadorian, is an excellent resource for anybody planning to build a solar house in the future.

Provided examples walk the homeowner through all the necessary calculations which are necessary for effective solar structures. Many different types of backup heating systems are discussed, including how they work together with the solar heating system. This book focuses on a single "solar slab" design concept and only mentions other designs in passing.

"The Renewable Energy Handbook: Updated Comprehensive Guide to Renewable Energy and Independent Living," by William H. Kemp, explains everything you've ever wanted to know about creating your own energy. You will find information on solar, wind, hydro, bio-fuels and practical applications for each. There are also real-life examples from people who are living every day through renewable energy. They share their stories and what has and has not worked for them.

Save some of your own green by checking out these books and see what else the Rowan Public Library has to offer.

MYSTERIES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
PAUL BIRKHEAD

There’s nothing quite like the great outdoors to clear the mind and refresh the spirit. That is unless the great outdoors just happens to be the setting for a gruesome murder or two. Some of the best novels I’ve read lately have featured the rough territory of the western United States as their backdrop. Maybe it’s the majestic mountain scenery or the tough personalities that one tends to find out west, but stories that take place in those types of locations just seem to draw me in.

C. J. Box is a writer based out of Wyoming who has written a series of mysteries with a game warden as his protagonist. Joe Pickett, game warden of Twelve Sleep County, Wyoming, is a hero in the classic vein. He has his faults, but for the most part he’s a stand-up guy just trying to do the best job he can on the public payroll. In the first few pages of the Pickett novels, Joe always seems to find himself smack dab in the middle of a murder mystery. Though he’s been told countless times to back down or not ruffle any feathers, somehow Joe can never help himself as he follows lead after lead and we love him for it. Environmental terrorists and corrupt bureaucrats alike should be wary when Joe Pickett gets it in his head to see something through.

Nevada Barr is another author who has written mysteries that take place largely outdoors. Taking inspiration from her employment as a National Park Service ranger in several parks, Nevada Barr created her much beloved character Anna Pigeon. Anna is a park service ranger who gets reassigned frequently and finds mystery wherever she goes. Her adventures have taken place in several parks, including Yosemite, Carlsbad Caverns, Cumberland Island National Seashore, and the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Another series that takes place, not in a park setting, but in the wild backcountry of Alaska, are the Jessie Arnold mystery books. These books are written by Sue Henry, an award-winning author, who makes her home in Alaska. The heroine that Sue Henry created, Jessie Arnold, is a champion dogsled racer. In the series, Jessie Arnold continually gets tangled up in murder mysteries and uses her amateur detective skills to their fullest when solving them.

If you like murder mysteries or stories that take place in the wilderness or in the majesty of our national parks, you’re sure to enjoy each of these series. Come by Rowan Public Library and get hooked on books with adventures in them as wild as the great outdoors.

Gretchen Beilfuss Witt

Immortal words

With the movie adaptation of “The Lightning Thief “ just out in theatres to be closely followed by a remake of “Clash of the Titans”, the moviegoer is well advised to brush off that old mythology book and catch up on Who’s Who in the Greco-Roman world. Mythologies of the world have moved artists of all types of media to recreate the stories of yore. Morford and Lenardon’s “Classical Mythology” relates these timeless stories as they are traditionally remembered. The twelve Olympians and their escapades, the demigods and the great sagas of Perseus, Hercules and Odysseus are recounted. A ‘music and film’ section near the end of the book shares how these marvelous tales have inspired other works. Great composers including Scarlatti, Beethoven and Stravinsky have crafted brilliant works from Greek sagas. From operas to Cole Porter’s musical “Out of This World”, these stories have entertained for centuries and continue to encourage creative musings.
Patrice Kindl’s “Lost in the Labyrinth” is a marvelous account of the family of the ‘minotaur’ of Crete. Told from the perspective of the younger sister of Ariadne, Xenodice explains about her half-brother Asterius, the Minotaur, her love for Icarus, the inventor’s son, and the spitefulness of her sister Ariadne. Unlike the patriarchal centered Greek culture, Xenodice relates that her island kingdom is ruled by her mother, Queen Pasiphae. The story begins just before Theseus’ arrival on the island of Crete or Knossos as part of the Athenian tribute. Her life is turned upside down by the love affair of Theseus and Ariadne and the consequences precipitated by the choices of each character.
Piers Anthony’s series on the Incarnations of Immortality” takes a darkly humorous look at a strange world parallel to our own. In the battle between God and Satan, others have taken important roles; Fate, in reality three women who inhabit one body changing as needed, spin, measure and cut the thread of life, Mars the god of war supervises the wars of the world, and Chronos, who moves backwards through time all influence the mortals around them . “On A Pale Horse”, begins the series describing how Zane, a mortal about to commit suicide instead shoots Death and assumes the role of Thanatos, collector of souls. As the other Incarnations help him adapt to his new role, Zane’s love for a young woman, Luna pits him in a battle with Satan himself. With Luna’s life at stake, Zane must best the Prince of Lies, who tries to cheat his way to victory.
With a futuristic twist, Dan Simmons, adapts the story of the Olympiads and Iliad. Set on Mars in the fortieth century, “Ilium” is narrated by a resurrected twenty-first century Ancient Greek Scholar, who now serves the Muse in a landscape burgeoning with technological marvels. Adele Geras has followed up her account of Troy with “Ithaka” told by Klymene, childhood friend of Telemachus, Odysseus’ son. She recounts Penelope’s long wait, her own love of Telemachus and the betrayals and loyalties that restore the King to his throne.
Journeys, magical talismans, monsters and mythical beasts of Greek origin fascinate and continue to capture our attention. Pick up a book and immerse yourself in a different world.

Library Notes
Betty Moore
Mysteries set in Africa

Combine your love of intriguing mysteries with a chance to explore locations in Africa you may never get a chance to visit in person. Rowan Public Library has several new mysteries that give readers a taste of less familiar locales while delving into some of each region’s social and cultural issues. The books have a lot of variety - from gentle humor to gritty realism, from life in modern cities to traditional villages to nomad camps.
Many mystery readers have already discovered Alexander McCall Smith’s gentle stories about Mma Ramotswe’s Number One Ladies Detective Agency in Botswana. The author’s love of that country and its people shines through his series.
That is also true of a new series by Michael Stanley set in Botswana that features police detective David Bengu. In the series debut, “Carrion Death,” he investigates the case of a body found in a remote game preserve and keeps finding links to the country’s largest company – Botswana Cattle and Mining. This forensic thriller contains well-developed characters and grisly realism in its intricate plot. It also looks at issues such as poaching, diamond smuggling, and the status of the Kalahari Bushmen. The second in the series is “The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu.”
Charlotte author Tamar Myers steps outside the box of her two long-time mystery series (Den of Antiquity and Pennsylvania Dutch) to pen “The Witch Doctor’s Wife,” a stand-alone mystery set in the Congo in the 1950’s. Amanda, a 23-year-old native of South Carolina, has come to the Congo to run a missionary guesthouse. As she struggles with culture shock, she becomes involved in the lives of local villagers. After Amanda hires the wife of a local witch doctor, the discovery of a large uncut diamond leads to that woman being charged with murder.
The novel is based on many of Myers’ own experiences growing up there as the daughter of white missionaries. She also weaves in African folktales and local customs. In a starred review, Publisher’s Weekly says, “This marks a major breakthrough for Myers.”
“Wife of the Gods,” Kwei Quartey’s debut, brings Ghana to life. It is the story of Detective Inspector Darko Dawson, who goes to the village of Ketanu to solve the murder of a young AIDS worker. He learns about Trokosi, a system where young teenage girls are sent to live with fetish priests to bring good fortune to their families. As he solves a recent murder, Darko discovers the shocking truth about his own mother's disappearance.
A physician who grew up in Ghana, author Quartey compares western medicine to traditional medicine and supernatural beliefs. He also looks at contrasts within Ghana between wealth and poverty, education and illiteracy, and more.
Three recent mysteries set in South Africa have all received starred reviews. “A Beautiful Place to Die” by film maker Malla Nunn explores the country’s divided society of the 1950s. “Cape Greed” by Sam Cole “combines the street smarts of Elmore Leonard with Deon Meyer’s gritty depictions of South Africa,” according to Library Journal. Deon Meyer’s own latest thriller, “Blood Safari,” is set mainly in the country’s game preserves.

Library Notes
Rebecca Hyde – January 26, 2010

Some people may look at a picture and call it a masterpiece; others will not call it art. There is a great deal of science underlying art. The following books bridge the gap between the two.

James Elkins was a painter and is now an art historian. In “What Painting Is,” he examines the act of painting (specifically oil painting), rather than the history of the art. In other words, what is thinking in painting as opposed to thinking about painting? The thoughts of the artist are embedded in the paint, “liquid thought.” And the process of turning the thickness of paint into a picture is like the efforts of alchemists, trying to mix and mingle ingredients to produce a purified, rare substance. Elkins examines the term “hypostasis,” the feeling that something as dead as paint might also be deeply alive and full of thought. A painted window and be brilliant with light (Matisse’s open windows), but it is also a heavy mineral deposit and absolutely opaque. Or look at the brushstrokes that remain fixed in a painting for all to see: material memories of the artist at work.

Phillip Ball in “Bright Earth: Art and the Invention of Color,” understands painterly color as a language, a language of images that takes “a short cut to our senses and our emotions.” The great debate on color covers its historical traditions, psychology, prejudices, religiosity, and mysticism. Ball enters the debate through the substance of color. He has been trained as a chemist, so paint and pigments are for him materials with appearances, smells, and textures: “Vermilion conjures up the sulfur and mercury of the alchemists.” His book is a history interweaving chemical technology and the use of color in art. The demand for color spawned the modern chemical industry: “Many of the world’s major chemical companies - BASF, Bayer, Hoechst, Ciba-Geigy – began as manufacturers of synthetic dyes.” And as in the far past, painters consorted with alchemists to procure colors. Chapters range from “Secret Recipes” and the “Old Gold” of the masters’ restricted palettes to the “Reign of Light” of Impressionism and “Capturing Color” in reproduction.

Margaret Livingstone is a neurobiologist. In her book, “Vision and Art: the Biology of Seeing,” she explores the physics of light and how that visual information is processed in the brain. She is particularly interested in how our visual systems process color and luminance (or lightness) in order for us to see illusions in art. Moving from the physics of light and the structures of the eye and brain, Livingstone then explores how the techniques of great painters and, more recently, computer technology exploit the human visual system. She makes the point that art ultimately depends on the brain. If we understand that connection then we can deepen our appreciation of both the art and the science of what we see.

Library Notes/January 15, 2010
Dara L. Cain

“I Love You” Books for Children

There is not better way to show your children that you love them then by spending quality time with them. With Valentine’s Day approaching one way to that is to read with them some children’s books that remind them of how very special they are. Here are some heartfelt titles that are available at the Rowan Public Library.
In this lovely picture book, Counting Kisses by Karen Katz discover how many kisses it takes to say goodnight to the charming baby before she finally falls asleep. Count down from ten to one as each parent, grandparent, sibling, and pet lulls baby to sleep with kisses on every sweet part of her body from “ten little kisses on teeny tiny toes” to a final kiss on a “sleep, dreamy head.” This memorable counting book portrays the love a family feels for their newborn child and is perfect for reading on Valentine’s Day or any other day of the year.
Even though Little Roo, a young kangaroo is having a bad day he still knows that his mother loves him unconditionally in the picture book I Love It When You Smile by Sam McBratney. In this heart warming story Little Roo wakes up grumpy and his mother tries everything from tickling him to flipping him up head over heals into the air to try and get him to smile. A surprise ending leaves Little Roo and his mother in a “muddy-at-the-bottom hole” and that’s when “Little Roo couldn’t do anything else. He just had to…smile!”
The holiday book titled It’s Valentine’s Day by Jack Prelutsky is sure to have your children laughing. The fourteen poems included in this book are great for beginner readers who will surely be entertained. A couple of the silly poems include “Mother’s Chocolate Valentine” which is about a child who buys a box of chocolate hearts for his mother and gives her only the box because he ends up eating all the chocolate and, “My Father’s Valentine” which is about a boy who gives his father a valentine heart no bigger than the size of a bean because he kept trying to cut out a perfect heart.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo is a beautiful story about Edward Tulane, and arrogant an selfish china rabbit who goes on a journey of self discovery. Edward who was once dearly loved and taken care of by a girl named Abilene and who he never appreciated in return is lost overboard during a sea voyage. Heartbroken and alone Edward is rescued and discovers the true meaning of love as he finds himself living with different families including a hobo and a sickly child. His journey teaches him the meaning of love and how to open your heart again after a loss.
If you want a simple introduction that explains the history and customs of Valentine’s Day to share with your child read the book Valentine’s Day Is… written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons. Gibbons starts off discussing the holiday with the ancient Romans who “celebrated the beginning of spring with a festival” and goes on to talk about Saint Valentine, the Duke of Orleans who was “the first person to make valentines,” Cupid, and the symbols and customs of the holiday. A homemade craft with instructions can also be found at the back of the book.

Erika Kosin
Library Notes
January 8th, 2010
Children’s books with Adult Appeal

Whether a picture book, fiction or non-fiction, thousands of children’s books are published each year. With many types of books geared towards different age groups available it is sometimes difficult to pinpoint which titles are meant for which age. Then there are those books that, even though they are meant for children, talk more to the parents, teachers, and librarians who would purchase them. These books usually contain well thought out stories that speak to adults on a different level than kids who may read them. Some of these stories may be found in a Children’s Chapter book, while others are full of illustrations and are marketed as picture books. Take the picture book Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury about a mother not wanting her child to grow up and move away. This book is geared toward the parent more than the child and children may not understand the sentimentality of the book. It deals with the emotions that parents feel as they watch their child grow up and become more independent. Here are a few examples of books written for children that appeal to adults on a variety of levels that can be found at the Rowan Public Library.

Pete & Pickles by Berkeley Breathed – ages 9 +. This picture book for older readers follows Pete, a perfectly predictable pig who lives an uncomplicated life, until one stormy night when he finds an elephant hiding in his bedroom. From then on, Pete and Pickles have many ridiculous adventures together that include swan diving off of Niagara Falls and sledding down the Matterhorn in Switzerland. This is a story of friendship that incorporates a gamut of emotions including fear, sadness, anger, and love. The beautiful illustrations enhance the story while taking inspiration from many famous works of art.

The Magician’s Elephant by Kate Dicamillo – ages 9+. Another great book from the author who brought us The Tale of Desperaux and Because of Winn Dixie, The Magician’s Elephant follows orphan Peter Augustus Duchene as he searches for an elephant after a fortune teller in the market square informs him that his sister is indeed alive and that to find her he must follow the elephant. As he tries to decipher the cryptic message about an elephant that should not exist, he struggles with the ideas of truth, faith, and the willingness to believe in the impossible. A richly layered novel, The Magicians Elephant gives readers the power of learning to believe.

Crow Call by Lois Lowry – ages 9+. A young girl named Liz goes hunting for crows with her father who also happens to be a stranger. He was off fighting in a war for many years so Liz does not know him very well but she is happy to be spending the day with him, even if it is to hunt crows. Based on real events from the authors life, this is a powerful story of longing and love between a father and a daughter separated by circumstance that adults separated from their children may be able to identify with.

Library Notes
Lynn Denison
December 14, 2009

One of the most enjoyable and memorable times of the winter season is when families put aside daily routines and enjoy spending special time together. Why not add a little pizzazz to your family gatherings this year by planning to play several games—both traditional ones and new ones for young and old alike?

While browsing the area of new books at Rowan Public Library today I found several books that would make adding games to your social activities an easy task.

Mary Hohenstein has compiled a book titled Games that is brimming with great ideas for everyone’s taste, for every situation, and for every age. A glance at the table of contents shows such old time favorites as Drop the Handkerchief, Charades, I Spy, Name that Tune, and I Doubt It. There are over 200 separate games described in the book. The purposes and benefits derived from playing are listed after each game. A few of the many benefits named are building relationships, encouraging and edifying each other, and improving self esteem. Those are outstanding benefits from something as simple as playing a game with your family or friends.

Best New Games, written by Dale LeFevre, includes 77 games and 7 trust activities for all ages and abilities. The games are labeled cooperative games, are for the fit as well as the infirm, and are targeted to unite any group of people through play—perfect for a gathering of family and friends. A particularly useful aspect of the book is found in the “Game Finder”. This lists each game in chart form and basically advises what new games to use in any given situation. It gives an overview that categorizes the games according to activity level, timing, number of people needed, cognitive attributes, physical demands as well as other important elements.

A book that I especially like is one that focuses on the joy of playing together rather than the outcome. This book is titled Cooperative Games and Sports: Joyful Activities for Everyone by Terry Orlick. If you’re not a big fan of competitive games or games of elimination, this may be the book for which you are looking. The games involve figuring things out and having to communicate your ideas in order to make the games work. This is an easy to use book with ideas about what age would respond best and how to make the games more challenging as they are mastered by the players.

The Great Big Book of Children’s Games written by Debra Wise is full of fun games of all sorts: ball games, water games, chase games, card games and fun versions of games like “Shut the Box” and “Beetle” that can be made at home.

With such creative books as these readily available at your public library, no one needs to be bored during family get-togethers, snow days, or any type of party. Why not stop by Rowan Public Library today and look for books to widen your horizons, expand your knowledge, or create an escape into another world for a time. Our staff will look forward to seeing you soon.

LIBRARY NOTES: STARTING YOUR OWN SMALL BUSINESS
PAUL BIRKHEAD – DECEMBER 6, 2009

Many people share the same desire to start their own small business. Unfortunately, it is all too common for them to also share similar frustration when seeking out information on how to get started. There are many types of resources competing for the attention of those seeking help in starting a small business. The reference librarians at Rowan Public Library are always happy to assist you in finding credible information that meets your needs.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the government agency in charge of aiding, counseling, and protecting the interests of small business in America. The SBA has some wonderful information on its website (www.sba.gov) that was designed to educate citizens who want to start their own business. One nice feature on the website is a self-evaluation tool that can help you decide if creating your own business is right for you. There is also a glossary of terms on the website that can familiarize you with business lingo. Of course, there is no charge to use any of these features because it comes from the U. S. government.

So You Want to Start a Business? by Edward D. Hess and Charles F. Goetz, is a book you can find at Rowan Public Library that discusses eight steps to take before making the leap into small business. The combined experience of the authors creating and operating small businesses gives them particular insight into what mistakes most people make when going into business for themselves and how to avoid repeating them. One of the first chapters in the book explains how to evaluate potential net profit margins from whatever product or service you wish to sell. If it’s clear you can’t make money selling a product, you can save yourself a lot of trouble by investigating something else.

The Legal Guide for Starting & Running a Small Business is a book written by a practicing attorney, Fred S. Steingold. Business owners are frequently confronted with legal questions, but definitely the most often when their venture is getting started. This resource gives advice on many legal issues, including forming a corporation, choosing the right type of insurance, and even negotiating a favorable lease.

The North Carolina Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) is a state government agency that was established in 1984 with a mission to help North Carolina’s emerging entrepreneurs by providing free counseling and information. The agency’s website (www.sbtdc.org) has extensive resources, including a 40-page Business Start-up and Resource Guide. Another enlightening document is the SBTDC Annual Report, which always features several success stories from SBTDC clients.

If you’re dreaming of starting a small business here in North Carolina, you’ll be in good company. Many of your neighbors have already started businesses of their own. Some who started their own business did so in hopes of getting rich, while some simply yearned to be their own boss. Still others sought the security of not being laid off without notice again. Whatever the reasons for starting a new business, the key to success is in careful research and planning. Come into Rowan Public library and let us help get you started.

Library Notes
Betty Moore
Brush up on the basics

Many adults in Rowan County are currently training for new careers or preparing to attend community college for the first time (or the first time in a long time). Rowan Public Library has many resources to help these adults brush up on their basic math, reading, writing, and study skills.

For many adults, math is the area where they feel the greatest need for review before taking a college placement test. “Number Power Review” covers math topics from whole numbers and fractions through algebra and geometry. Other books in this series from Contemporary focus specifically on each area. “Arithmetic The Easy Way” is part of another series that also includes business math, algebra and geometry. These and many other math titles offer practice tests, exercises, and answers so that adults can practice and study on their own.

“Reading Smart: Advanced Techniques for Improved Reading” is an easy-to-use guide to help readers improve speed and comprehension. “Practical English Handbook” is a detailed overview of grammar, usage and punctuation. “Student Writing Handbook” prepares students to write essays, term papers, and reports, on any school subject.

In addition to these books, RPL has DVDs that help prepare adults for placement tests and returning to the classroom, such as “Taking Math Tests,” “Taking Reading Comprehension Tests,” and “Taking Essay Tests.” “Five Steps to Study Skills Success” includes help on strategies for reading improvement, concentrating while reading, and good note-taking.

The library also has print study guides for a number of tests, such as the GED, GRE, police officer, and postal exams.

Through RPL and NCLive, library users have free online access to “Learning Express,” which has an even larger variety of practice tests and tutorials. Its Learning Centers, such as “College Preparation,” “Job Search & Workplace Skills,” or “Jobs & Careers” offer many online interactive practice tests and tutorials. Examples of tests are college skills assessment tests in math and reading comprehension plus review for licensing exams in firefighting, nursing, plumbing, and real estate.

To access Learning Express from an RPL computer lab, click on “Visit Rowan Public Library.” In the “Related Links” column, click on “Online Tools.” Next, under NCLive, click on “Career and Test Preparation,” then on “Learning Express Library” on the following page. Register for a free account.

Learning Express is also available from home through the Remote Resources Login on RPL’s home page. To learn about remote access or for more information, ask at your local branch or call 704-216-8243.

For adults thinking of heading back to school or already taking courses, RPL offers great resources for achieving their goals.

Library Notes
Rebecca Hyde – November 1, 2009


How do you perceive time? Most of us feel we have too little time to accomplish everything we want to do. On the other hand, we live longer and have access to high-speed technology. What is the problem?

Bodil Jonsson, a Swedish physicist, has examined for years our problem with time and offers in the little book “Unwinding the Clock” her thoughts on time management. Most important is the understanding of our relationship to time, and Jonsson offers ten thoughts on the subject in ten short chapters. She opens with the commonly held attitudes of “we don’t have enough time” and “time is money.” Jonsson argues that time is the only thing you really have, and that it is capital easily transformed into interactions with other people, with your surroundings, or into the development of thoughts and feelings. We think we can “buy” time with one gadget after another. But Jonsson asks: So what are you going to do with that time? And you can’t keep buying time, since the pace is faster and faster.

Time management for Jonsson is essentially taking “time out” to become conscious of our relationship to time and then setting different priorities. It is a personal matter “impossible to take in unless you work through it deep inside yourself, at your very core,” and then return to it throughout your life. Other provocative chapters include “Clock Time and Experienced Time, “Divided and Undivided Time,” “Rhythm and Nonrhythm.” That last chapter may help explain our frustrations traffic rhythms, the nonrhythms of meetings, and with people whose conversational and thought rhythms do not agree with ours.

Psychologists Zimbardo and Boyd offer their perspective on our “most irreplaceable resource” in “The Time Paradox: The New Psychology of Time That Will Change Your Life.” Our attitudes toward time have a profound impact on our lives and our world, and yet we seldom recognize this. For example, an individual’s relationship to time can influence important behaviors such as helping a stranger in distress. Future-oriented people are most likely to be successful and the least likely to help others in need. Present-oriented people tend to be willing to help others but appear less willing or able to help themselves. Those people whose perspective is the past make decisions bound by positive and negatives memories. Ideally, you want to develop a balanced time perspective in place of a narrowly focused single time zone. Optimal decisions are made when you can flexibly shift from past to present to future in response to the demands of the situation. So spend your time wisely and enjoy it well.

Library Notes/October 23, 2009
Dara L. Cain

Children’s Books that are Delectable

With the holidays approaching I don’t know about you but I can’t seem to stop thinking about delicious home cooked meals. Here are some tasty children’s books that feature food in their stories. There is just something about reading an appetizing book that will make you and your young ones feel all warm and cozy inside, especially with the cold winter weather right around the corner.

A must read is Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett. In this story a young boy named Matti opens up to a recipe in a cookbook and begins measuring and mixing out the ingredients with his mother to make a gingerbread boy. To Matti’s dismay when he opens the oven door to take a quick peak, a Gingerbread Baby jumps out of the oven instead of a boy. The Gingerbread Baby begins the game of “catch me if you can” as he runs out the front door and is chased by pursuers. You must read the story to find out if the Gingerbread Baby escapes his fate. This is a familiar tale with a surprise ending.

Mercy Watson to the Rescue is the first book in the Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo. The main character, the loveable “porcine wonder” Mercy Watson enjoys the perks of being apart of the Watson family. During the day he eats his favorite food, hot buttered toast prepared by Mrs. Watson and, at night he sleeps in a nice warm bed. One evening there is a loud “boom” and then a “crack” as Mr. and Mrs. Watson’s bed begins to slowly fall through the floor. Will Mercy be able to rescue Mr. and Mrs. Watson or will his dreamlike craving for hot buttered toast distract him from the problem at hand.

Can too much of a good thing be too good to be true. In The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling, John Midas loves to eat chocolate more than anything else. When he finds an odd looking coin he decides to spend it to buy a box of chocolate at a unique store. After eating the chocolate he discovers that everything his lips touch turns to edible chocolate from the bacon and egg that he eats for breakfast to the musical instrument he plays at school. John’s life starts to become overwhelmingly filled with chocolate and when he gives his mother a kiss and turns her into a chocolate statue he realizes that getting what you wish may not always be the best thing for you.

The key ingredients that make up this delightful story are friendship, family, and scrumptious family recipes. In Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech best friends since birth Rosie and her next door neighbor Bailey experience some difficult adolescent emotions that affect their friendship. Leave it to Rosie’s grandmother, Granny Torrelli to make things better. She gets Rosie and Bailey in the kitchen preparing home cooked meals together and sharing family stories about forgiveness. Before you know it Rosie and Bailey are reminded how special they are to one another.

Visit the Rowan Public Library to check out these scrumptious books that children are sure to enjoy.

Erika Kosin
Library Notes
October 16th, 2009
Books for Boys

Most parents will tell you that it is an ongoing struggle to get their boys to read and even those who like reading generally lose interest around age nine. They begin to move towards activities that keep them active or are more visually stimulating and view reading as something that they have to do for school. As boys stop reading they begin to fall farther behind in other areas since reading is a fundamental part of all school subjects. So why do boys stop reading? It has been determined that some of the issues are biological, but also sociological in that boys do not view reading as a masculine activity.

In order to keep boys reading we have to find books that talk to their interests. A boy who claims he hates to read may one day sit down with a large book and vigorously read it. This usually happens when boys find fantasy based fiction with anthropomorphic characters. They also like books that contain scary and gross tales such as Goosebumps or non-fiction titles that contain interesting facts. Here are a few titles that might peak a boys interest that can be found at the Rowan Public Library:

39 Clues: Maze of Bones – ages 9 +. This is the first book in a mystery, adventure series written by a collection of popular children’s authors. When Grace Cahill’s Last Will and Testament leaves her family a choice between taking home a million dollars each or the chance to uncover the greatest family secret, Amy and her younger brother Dan decide to take the challenge and start out on a world wide hunt for the 39 clues where knowledge of history and ingenuity help them stay in the game. Fans of mysteries and movies like National Treasure would like this series.
The Golly-Whopper Games by Jody Feldman – ages 9+. Don’t let the colors on the cover of this book fool you; this is a book that boys will love, especially if they like word games and puzzles. Gil Goodson wants his family to move out of Orchard Heights because life hasn’t been so good since the “incident”. He finds the perfect opportunity to win enough money for the family to move, all he has to do is win the Golly Toy & Game Company’s ultimate competition, the Golly-Whopper Games. He studies for almost a year and knows everything there is to know about the company, but does he know enough to be able to solve all of the puzzles and complete all of the challenges to win?

One President was Born on Independence Day and Other Freaky Facts About the 26th Through 43rd President – Do you know which president was the first to have a mustache, or which president walked a raccoon on a leash? Who served Jellybeans at every cabinet meeting? Which president had one leg 1 inch shorter than the other? Find out these facts and more in this fun book that looks at the facts that most people wouldn’t know about past presidents.

For more book titles that might appeal to, visit;
http://www.guysread.com
http://www.kidsreads.com/features/great-books-boys.asp

LIBRARY NOTES
Dr. Betty Middleton
October 2, 2009


Get ready! Halloween is near and the children will be getting excited about what

costume they will wear.

Rowan Public Library has over one hundred titles devoted to costumes. These

include books on Historical Costumes, Party Costumes, Stage Costumes, Biblical

Costumes, Folk Costumes, Costumes of World Cultures, just to begin.

However, if you are thinking quick and easy, several titles stand out. For example,

Glue & Go Costumes for Kids by Holly Cleeland includes fun costumes that can be made

from items found around the house or easily obtainable. With each costume the author

includes a list of materials needed, a pattern and detailed directions.

Another favorite is the book by Angela Wilkes and Jane Bull. They have

collected more than fifty projects in their book Dazzling Disguises and Clever Costumes.

Their costumes can be constructed from everyday materials using old clothes, scarves,

paper and glue.

Mary Wallace’s book I Can Make Costumes has costumes easy enough that the

children can make them with little or no help. Materials needed included simple things

like safety pins, aluminum foil, paper bags, cardboard boxes, crayons, and tempera paint.

Super Masks & Fun Face Painting by Teddy Cameron Long is a good choice for

parents who would like to add an additional touch or eliminate the bulkiness of the full

body costume for smaller children. The mask designs begin with either a simple paper

mache or paper plate mask. Patterns are included for various designs which can be either

full face or just eye covers. The face painting section shows step-by-step details to obtain

the desired effect.

Two Internet sites to explore for easy costumes are the website from Parents

Magazine www.parents.com and the website from Disney www.FamilyFun.go.com.

Involve your children in the selection and making of the costume and enjoy the fun of

the creativity.

Library Notes
September 26, 2009
Lynn A. Denison

Can you guess what these three topics have in common: chess, bridal showers, golf, and basketball coaching? These are all the subjects of new additions to our collection at Rowan Public Library in what I would call the “how to” genre.

My favorite, which I can’t wait to try out on my son-in-law, is titled Win at Checkers written by Millard Hopper, the “World’s Unrestricted Checker Champion.” This title is touted as “one of if not the best” books available for players who want to improve their techniques. Reviewers claim that after reading the book and practicing a little, one can become a much better player and have a good understanding of the game. It sounds like a recipe for family fun, as checkers, unlike chess, is relatively simple and can be learned at an early age. Why not give this book some study, impress your family members with your expertise, and then share the book with them?

Another book that is full of fresh ideas is The Ultimate Bridal Shower Idea Book by Sharon Naylor. The book received five stars (the best) in eleven reviews. Even if you’ve never held a shower before, this book will give you more than enough helpful hints and ideas to hostess a shower that will be remembered for years to come. In it are ideas for women-only showers as well as co-ed showers, themes, menus, decoration ideas, invitations, entertainment, games and so much more. If you’re planning a bridal shower in the future, you can relax and enjoy it with the help of this highly recommended book.

For the golfers in the family The Illustrated Golf Rules Dictionary is the perfect “how to” book. It is a revised and updated edition that explains the complex rules of golf in an easy to follow, practical, and interesting way. This book is for anyone who ever wondered “what do I do in this situation?”--in other words, anyone who has ever played the game. This compact guide is not only perfect for beginners as well as experienced players, but it is consulted by TV commentators, tournament committees, professional golfers, and many golf schools. It appears to be a book that golfers may want to hint for as a Christmas gift, but in the meantime come check out its usefulness at the library.

If you are already a basketball coach or are giving consideration to becoming one this year, consider reading Coaching Youth Basketball: A Guide for Coaches, Parents, and Athletes by John P. McCarthy, Jr. This book covers all of basketball’s fundamentals and gives coaching tips for every aspect of the game. Why not visit us soon at any of our branches of Rowan Public Library to check out these and more of our outstanding offerings.

COOKING UNDER PRESSURE
SEPTEMBER 13, 2009

There’s a box out in my garage that’s been collecting dust for months. Inside that box is a brand new pressure cooker I ordered off the Internet. With cooler weather approaching, craving comfort food has once again become commonplace. Looking back, my mother’s pressure cooker was the source of much of the comfort food I associate with my youth. Lately, I was thinking that if I found some new recipes it might actually inspire me to use my pressure cooker. So I turned to the library for help because I figured they’d have at least a book or two on pressure cooking from which to choose from. Well, was I wrong! I came home with at least a half dozen books. These three turned out to be my favorites.

I found Miss Vickie’s Big Book of Pressure Cooker Recipes to be very informative. No surprise there, I guess, as the author, Vickie Smith, is the creator of the leading pressure cooker website, www.MissVickie.com. Her book not only contains hundreds of recipes, but loads of other information as well. I was particularly fascinated by the chapter which touched on the history of steam cooking. I had no idea that the first version of the pressure cooker was created way back in 1680 or that Napoleon played a role in its further development. Other sections of the Smith’s book include instructions on the proper use of pressure cookers, important safety information, and even a buyer’s guide for modern equipment.

Another book I liked was Pressure Cooking for Everyone by Rick Rodgers and Arlene Ward. Both Rodgers and Ward teach cooking classes and their laid-back style is apparent in this volume. They do a particularly good job explaining the benefits of steam cooking. Not only does food cook faster but vegetables prepared in a pressure cooker lose fewer vitamins and minerals, retain their color, and generally taste better. Cooking meats this way is a healthier alternative to other methods, as it eliminates most of the fat by draining it away quickly and yet the superheated steam keeps the meat moist and juicy.

Express Cooking, written by Barry Bluestein and Kevin Morrissey, is chock-full of recipes for today’s modern-day pressure cookers. Every conceivable category; from soups and stocks, to meats, vegetables, grains and beans, has several delicious recipes to try. There’s even a section on desserts. While finding a recipe for cooking apples in a pressure cooker made sense, the one for strawberry cheesecake took me by surprise. That one I may have to try.

As you can probably tell, I’ve found the inspiration I needed to break in my new pressure cooker. I’m excited by the fact that my food will not only be healthier but will taste better and take less time to prepare. These are the very reasons why earlier generations insisted on using pressure cookers despite the all-to-common “dinner on the ceiling” disaster stories that got passed around. Thankfully, modern-day pressure cookers like mine have a safer, almost fool-proof design to them.

Visit any of the branches of Rowan Public Library to browse through their collection of books on cookery. You might even come away inspired.