Staff Picks

The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant, 2004.

Turning fifteen in Renaissance Florence, Alexandra Cecchi becomes taken by the works of a mysterious young painter whom her father has brought into the city to decorate the family’s palazzo. Complicating the situation is her arranged marriage to an older man and a battle between the Medici family and the fundamentalist followers of Savanorola. A fascinating and well-written art/historical mystery. -LP

Tishomingo Blues by Elmore Leonard, 2002. (Recorded Books audio on 5 cassettes)

High-dive performer Dennis Lenahan gets mixed up with the wrong people when he inadvertently witnesses a murder from his 80-foot perch. The improbable cast of characters in this hilarious adventure include a slick con-man from Detroit, a crooked sheriff, and a few witless members of the Dixie Mafia, in town for a Civil War reenactment. Read by the incomparable Frank Muller, this one will really make you laugh out loud. Also available on audio cd, regular and large-type. –LP

Uncovered, 2004, c.1984. (DVD. 101 min. In English with optional Spanish subtitles.)

Julia is an art restorer working on a 15th century Flemish painting depicting a chess match. When she uncovers a Latin phrase which translates to “Who killed the knight?”, a whole series of mysterious events, including murder, are set in motion. Based on Arturo Perez-Reverte’s novel The Flanders Panel, this stylish British production was shot amidst Gaudi’s architectural marvels in Barcelona. –LP

Perfectly Legal: the Covert Campaign to Rig Our Tax System to Benefit the Super Rich – and Cheat Everybody Else by David Cay Johnston, 2003.

Read it and get angry. And yes your political party is doing it too, no matter what party you belong to. -TG

The Mold in Dr. Florey’s Coat: the Story of the Penicillin Miracle by Eric Lax, 2004.

On May 27, 1940, 350,000 British and French troops fleeing the German army were rescued at Dunkirk; on that same day four mice at Oxford University lived. In the history of mankind, the mice were more important; they demonstrated that penicillin could be effective against infection. Many of us are alive today because of that discovery. Read the very human story of how that came to be. -TG

Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, From the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001 by Steve Coll, 2004

It must have seemed so obvious: work with the Pakistanis and Saudis to arm militant Islamists to fight the Soviets of Afghanistan. On September 11, 2001, we found out one of the unintended consequences. Coll traces the story of how that came to be.  -TG

Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before by Tony Horwitz, 2002.

Captain James Cook was the last of the great explorers, discovering and charting much of the Pacific. Horwitz goes to many of the places explored by Cook, attempting to explain Cook and what’s gone on since Cook. A humorous and insightful read.  -TG

The Price of Loyalty: George W. Bush, the White House, and the Education of Paul O’Neill by Ron Suskind, 2004.

We expect criticisms from opponents, but it’s rare for politicians to be criticized by those who share their beliefs. O’Neill was Bush’s first Secretary of the Treasury and he doesn’t think much of the way decisions are made in the Bush White House. Also available on CD.  -TG

Bennie Rosato finds that she has more problems than fearing bankruptcy. Even when she gets a promising new client, she finds more obstacles in her path to keeping both her personal life and business afloat. Discovering that her identical twin is in town makes Bennie’s life even more troublesome. This new Rosato & Associates mystery has enough twists and turns to keep readers from putting this title down. Also available in large print, on CD, and on tape. -CMS

Book 1 of Lackey’s new Obsidian fantasy trilogy features Kellen , a teenager, rebelling against all he’s been taught in his training as a mage. Magic is highly regimented and full of memorized formulas. His future as a mage in his City is so predictable and boring, he wants a change. Three books about magic “find” him in a marketplace. He experiments with “wild magic” which is forbidden and is cast out of the City as an outlaw. His new life as a wild mage begins at the same time his High Mage father and his Mage Council prepare to send golems to destroy him. -CMS

When Henry meets Clare he is twenty-eight and she is twenty. He has never met Clare before, but she has known him since she was six years old. Henry is an adventuresome librarian whose experiences put to rest any thoughts that that phrase is an oxymoron. He has a disorder that causes him to time travel involuntarily. Henry will be going about his daily business: washing the dishes; or pulling books from the stacks at the Newberry Library where he works, and suddenly finds himself naked and cold in a field outside Podunk, Wisconsin in 1986. Niffenegger weaves a beautiful and complex love story told from both Clare and Henry’s perspectives. The novel also raises questions about destiny and determinism. Henry often travels to emotionally significant events in his past and future. However, his inability to control his comings and goings or prevent tragedies from re-occurring causes him to question the very nature of man’s agency and to yearn for a normal life. Also available in large print. –AG

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy, it’s good to read the story of those who were there. Ambrose tells their story as well as anyone. His D-Day, June 6,1944: the Climactic Battle of World War II gives the background. Also available in large print, on tape, and on CD. –TG

The underlying theory of this fascinating book is that inequality is the norm in most families, fostered and developed as children grow up. The forces that shape each child are not just his or her natural abilities, but also social elements such as family size, gender expectations, income, education, religious orientation, and even arbitrary factors such as luck and accidents. Numerous case studies illustrate these points. -LP

The King of California: J.G. Boswell and the Making of a Secret American Empire by Mark Arax and Rick Wartzman, 2003.

One reviewer said: “Money. Politics. Hubris. Murder. This story has it all. And the thing of it is, it’s all true.” It’s only the story of California’s (and the nation’s) largest farm, but what a story. Read this and give yourself something to look for when you drive I-5 to L.A. -TG

Rothstein: the Life, Times, and Murder of the Criminal Genius Who Fixed the 1919 World Series by David Pietrusza, 2003.

Rothstein was the model for Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls and in his biography we see New York, and especially Broadway, in the early part of the 20th Century. Damon Runyon famously explored the same time and place in his stories. After reading this, you realize he toned it down to keep it believable. Even the footnotes are fascinating. -TG

The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer, 2004.

In October, 1944, off the Philippines, an American fleet of 4 destroyer escorts, 4 destroyers, and 6 escort carriers faced a Japanese fleet of 4 battleships, 8 cruisers, and 11 destroyers. It should have been a walkover for the Japanese, but instead two hours later, it ended in an American victory. This is a wonderful though bloody and brutal retelling of that most heroic action. Also available in large print. -TG

No Surrender : My Thirty-year War by Hiroo Onoda; translated from the Japanese by Charles S. Terry. 1974.

In the spring of 1974, Intelligence officer Second Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda of the Japanese army made world headlines when he emerged from the Philippine jungle after a thirty-year ordeal. Hunted in turn by American troops, the Philippine police, hostile islanders, and successive Japanese search parties, Onoda had skillfully outmaneuvered all his pursuers, convinced that World War II was still being fought and that one day his fellow soldiers would return victorious. This account of those years is a tale of the will to believe that offers a rare glimpse of one man's unique journey. A hero to his people, Onoda wrote down his experiences soon after his return to civilization. This book was translated into English the following year and has enjoyed an audience ever since. (New to our collection) -KB

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella, 2004.

Engaging story of a young British woman struggling to find her calling in life and wanting to advance in her current job. All seems hopeless until a meeting with a stranger on a plane…. Check out this book for a fast read and a delightful distraction. Also available on CD. -NJ

My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult, 2004.

As told through the eyes of each of the characters in the story, this book sheds many insights on what goes on during an ongoing family crisis. As the reader, I was torn in deciding what the right decision should be in the controversial subject. It is quite an engaging read. Also available on CD -NJ

1906: a Novel by James Dalessandro, 2004.

Published to coincide with the 98th anniversary of the great San Francisco earthquake and fire, this thriller-style account has plucky young reporter and opera critic Annalisa Passarelli investigating a disturbing political cover-up in city government. -LP

The Saltmen of Tibet (DVD. 109 minutes. In Tibetan with optional English subtitles), 1998.

Beautifully filmed in one of the world’s most remote locations, this documents a group of Tibetan nomads as they go about their day-to day activities in the ancient tradition of salt-gathering. -LP

An inspiring collection of 920 traditional Japanese crest designs for artists and crafters. The crests are arranged by subject for easy access; and the accompanying CD-ROM has all of the designs in six different image formats – just pop the CD into your computer and you’ve got a ready-made collection of authentic and delightful copyright-free designs for all sorts of projects. The library has a variety of other clip-art collections available, many with CD-ROMs; try some of the other titles in this series. -CA

The Inspector Lynley Mysteries by Elizabeth George, 2003.

A four DVD set featuring Well-Schooled in Murder, Payment in Blood, For the Sake of Elena, and Missing Joseph. Aristocratic Sir Thomas Lynley and his working-class colleague Barbara Havers investigate murders in a variety of settings—a boarding school for boys, at a manor where a group of actors are rehearsing a play, on the grounds of Cambridge University, and in a village where a popular vicar has been poisoned by hemlock. This is a real feast for fans of Elizabeth George’s acclaimed mystery series-- the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon, along with a warm scone and a nice cup of Earl Grey!     -LP

Animals as Guides for the Soul by Susan Chernak McElroy, 1998.

From the author of the New York Times bestseller Animals as Teachers and Healers, Susan Chernak McElroy looks at the special bonds that we have with the animals that we love and consider part of our families. The pages are filled with heartwarming stories from individuals, chronicling their own interactions with animals. McElroy also discusses the death of a pet, grief and guilt over the loss and how to deal with it.      -DN

The 1911 fire at the Triangle Waist Company was, until September 11, 2001, New York City’s worst workplace disaster. It was a catalyzing event in the country’s move to the left over the next half century. This book tells the riveting story.     -TG

The author was a foreign correspondent based in Zimbabwe during the early stages of the current economic and political breakdown there, a time when Americans and journalists were persona non grata with the Zimbabwean government. He describes his experiences spiraling into his own professional breakdown, emotionally numbed after years of covering the worst horrors that humans can visit on one another, as he and his wife struggle through the soul-sapping Zimbabwean bureaucracy to adopt an abandoned baby girl.     -CA

Want to make your next trip to Rome a lot more interesting? Then check out this handy guide to the Eternal City’s 22 best establishments, where you can pick up a quick espresso or linger over a cappuccino while you watch the passing scene in Rome’s different neighborhoods. In addition to each directory listing is an interview with the proprietors (most are family-run), a history of each building (most of them hundreds of years old), and description of the house’s specialties (perhaps a type of pastry or a pannino). As an extra bonus, and because this is the land of gelato, five of the area’s best gelaterias are thrown in for good measure. Ah, la dolce vita!     -LP

Composition, light, color, line. What’s the difference between a snapshot and a powerful photograph? Full of insights and advice accompanied by striking photographs on each and every page, this book is sure to inspire and instruct any budding photographer.     -CA

What should we do when our chores demand more hours than we have available? This book is a month-by-month guide which helps you to organize your thinking and by breaking things into parts makes things easier. Each month contains a one-step-at-a-time checklist, information on dealing with seasonal issues, organizing tips and a scattering of recipes. In between, “Snippets” enliven the reading with trivia and background information, and “Hidden Gems” give you great pointers. A useful read.     -KB

The Art of Deception by Ridley Pearson, 2002.

The eighth book in a series of thrilling police procedurals featuring Seattle police officers Lou Boldt and Daphne Matthews. As always, well-researched high-tech police detection is featured along with an intricate plot. Most unusual for this genre are the in-depth explorations of Boldt and Matthews. Also available in large print.

The Double-Goal Coach by Jim Thompson, 2003.

The book I wished I’d had when I was coaching. A set of tools that helps teach the young athlete to master the game while building positive character traits.

A Noble Radiance by Donna Leon, 2003.

Another Guido Brunetti murder mystery set in Venice, where the Commissario reopens a kidnapping case of a nobleman’s son that has now become a murder. Fast-paced and well written, the reader will enjoy the twists in the ending. Also available on tape and on CD.

Faces of Hope: Children of a Changing World by Alison Wright, 2003.

A Bedouin boy on his camel, young Tibetan monks with their teacher, a Burmese girl carrying water, Turkish sisters in their school uniforms… engaging color portraits showing the world's children for what they are, an eternal expression of hope.

The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries, 2003.

Originally shown on PBS, and now available on DVD. For those of you who remember Mrs. Peel from the Avengers, Diana Rigg will delight you once again as Mrs. Bradley, a very fashionable divorcee who may not be wearing Manolo Blahniks, but her clothes, hats and accessories are to die for. There's lots of innuendo between Mrs. Bradley and her comely chaeffeur, George. Fun mysteries definitely worth watching with twists and turns and surprise endings.

White Trash Cooking II: Recipes for Gatherin’s by Ernest Mickler, 1996.

Part sociological treatise, part humorous take-off, but the recipes are good according to our team of staff testers. Don’t forget to plan ahead if you want the possum – y’all gotta feed ‘em cornmeal for three weeks to clean ‘em out first.

A authoritative and detailed history of a fascinating game. For those of us who can't make it to Slocum's puzzle museum, this gorgeous book includes some of the most lovely specimens of this ancient Chinese puzzle game. The second half of the book is filled with challenging tangram problems from China, Europe, and the United States (solutions are included at the back).

High Country by Nevada Barr, 2004.

Another installment in the highly-regarded Anna Pidgeon mystery series. Sent by the National Park Service to investigate the mysterious disappearance of four Park employees, Anna masquerades as a seasonal waitress at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite Park. The wintry dark descriptions of the Park combine with strange, sinister events for a chilling effect. Down jacket and snowshoes required! Also available on tape.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, 2003.

A powerful story of two boys growing up during the last days of the Afghan monarchy. One of them immigrates to California with his family but later returns to Afghanistan, now under the Taliban rule, to fulfill a promise. A beautifully written, accomplished first novel.
Available also in large print and audiocassette, read by the author. Also available in large print.

Seduced by the Beauty of the World: Travels in India by Don Bloch, 2003.

The Sanskrit word masti means “a quiet, estatic surrender to the beauty around us, an infatuation with the world.” This oversized volume of sumptuous photographs accomplishes just that, as it takes us on a journey of the Indian countryside.

Golden Slumbers: a Father’s Lullaby by Dave Koz, 2002.

Smooth jazz saxophone artist Dave Koz and friends Peter White, David Benoit, Rick Braun and others, deliver a medley of beautiful, soothing tunes. From the starkly simple Beatles’ tune “Blackbird” to the soaring “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, this is a cd that begs playing over and over again. I bet the babies would love it, too.

Holding Up Half The Sky, Voices of Celtic Women (Music), 1997.
This is one of our new CDs. It was a lovely find; you'd be surprised how many "modern" songs are based on traditional tunes such as The Water is Wide, Michael Row the Boat Ashore, etc. Nice to trace your ethnic musical roots!