July Update

A few new books from the best seller lists are on order for the library and may already be in..........give Julie a call to check on their availability. The fiction titles are Against All Enemies by Tom Clancy and Summer Rental by Mary Kay Andrews. Summer Rental is the story of three friends in their mid-30s who spend a month on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The nonfiction books are In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson and Demonic, the new Ann Coulter book in which Ms. Coulter compares the Democratic Party to the mob.

I am about to begin Caleb's Crossing, Geraldine Brooks' new novel. I read whatever she writes, but my favorite remains her first book, The Year of Wonders. Set in the Middle Ages during the plague, it examines how people are changed by catastrophe. My reading was sidetracked by another Jo Nesbo book, Nemesis, the discovery of another Swedish mystery writer, Lars Kepler, who wrote The Hypnotist, and a mystery thriller by Taylor Stevens entitled The Informationist. They were all suspenseful, innovative and absorbing. However, it is time to move on to other genres, and Caleb's Crossing will be next.

What are you reading this summer? Post a comment and let others know what you like and what you don't like.

June update

Here are some new suggestions for summer reading.............

The Snowman, by Jo Nesbo. If you liked The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, you will like this book. It is set in Oslo, Norway and the mystery will keep you guessing about "whodunit" right until the end. Very suspenseful.

The Warmth of Other Suns is an excellent nonfiction choice for the summer. It details the cultural revolution in our country brought about by the migration of African-Americans from the south to the north from 1915-1970. It follows three people, who moved to Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York- their reasons for leaving the south and the challenges they faced in the north. A fascinating, if at times, tragic story.

Two new nonfiction books which have people talking are 1861: The Civil War Awakening by Adam Goodheart and In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. One details the events happening in our country the year before the civil war broke out, and the other is a tale of an American family in Hitler's Berlin during World War II. They are both on my reading list for the summer.

Another fiction title, which reads at times like nonfiction, is The Good Son by Michael Gruber. It is a story of a Pakistani woman who returns to her country from the U.S. only to be kidnapped by terrorists. Her son, who is a member of the special forces in the United States, attempts to rescue her. Very interesting insights into Muslim traditions and the politics of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

On an entirely different note.............If you have never read the Maisie Dobbs series of detective stories by Jacqueline Winspear, try them. She has a new one out this summer entitled, A Lesson in Secrets, but try to read the first one entitled, Maisie Dobbs, before reading others. They are fun mysteries set in England after World War I. Think Cherry Ames or Nancy Drew for adults.

New Acquisitions

If you are looking for some of the newest fiction and nonfiction to hit the best seller lists, the library has some good ones for you. Recently acquired titles include the thrillers The Sixth Man by David Baldacci, The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly, I'll Walk Alone by Mary Higgins Clark, Save Me by Lisa Scottoline, and Toys by James Patterson. Also, we have the much-awaited sequel to the Jean Auel series that began with The Clan of the Cave Bear, the The Land of the Painted Cave. If you are a fan of Jodi Picoult and read everything she writes, check out her latest, Sing You Home.

Our nonfiction selections include Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (which we also have on CD) and All That Is Bitter and Sweet, a memoir by Ashley Judd. A title mentioned in a previous blog entry, The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson is also now available.

Check them out and post a review. We would love to hear from you.

Elaine

Good Reads..........

What are you reading now? Can you recommend it on the "Bakerville Reads" blog?

I am reading Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver for the second time in order to prepare for the May 12th morning book group, and I am remembering why I liked it so much the first time.

I also just finished Elizabeth STreet by Laurie Fabiano. It is a novel about Italian immigrants in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. It is based on the true stories told by the author's family and is rich in detail about the plight of the people left behind in Italy and the difficulties faced by the new immigrants in New York.

Tell us what you are enjoying now. Summer is coming and people will want to stock up on good vacation materials.

My next book is going to be The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of American's Great Migration by Isabel Wilkerson. It is a nonfiction book which documents the migration of African Americans from the South to the North from 1915-1970. I will post my impressions when I am done.

Blog Update

Good Morning..... Our Bakerville Library blog has not been updated in some time. We hope to change all of that, and keep you current on new programs, new books, and new opportunities to volunteer in the "Best Little Library" in Connecticut.

Our programming committee has been hard at work this year, sponsoring a Pumpkin Painting event, a historic walk through Bakerville, a Winter Reading Program, a new morning book group, a gardening presentation and supplying our library with College Courses on CD. Ideas for next year are currently being discussed, and the committee would welcome your suggestions. What would you like to see at the library? Family nights? More story times? Lectures? Workshops? Please let us hear from you.

In the meantime, the next Morning Book Group will meet in the library on Thursday, May 12th to discuss Barbara Kingsolver's Animal Dreams. Please join us; the group is open to all. Also, we will soon begin gathering books for our annual used book sale and Marketplace - always a fun day.

Good things are happening at The Bakerville Library..........be a part of them.

Thanks!

We raised $2900 to help support the Bakerville Library.

Bakerville Holiday Festival

Last I looked, we have about 85 auction items. Thank you to everyone who has donated, both the reliable givers whose donations we can look forward to every year, and donors who are just joining us for the first time. We all appreciate everyone who participates!

It’s coming up tonight, December 4th. Since there’s hardly any time (okay, no time) left, I’ll cut to the chase and give you the auction preview.

Late-breaking news: we have some last-minute donations, some repeats from last year—a load of crap (a pickup truck load of horse manure for your garden); a wine and cheese boat tour of West Hill Pond; ski passes to Otis Ridge; and two buckets of fresh-cut holly—and a basket of Dunkin’ Donuts goodies.

We have many bottles of wine. Let me just make that clear right now. They all look delicious. These alone are worth coming in for.

Then there are the things to do: tickets to the Warner Theatre, lift tickets to Ski Sundown and to Mohawk Mountain, passes to three different museums, passes to the steam train and boat ride in Essex, tickets to Better Connecticut with Scott Haney, Sunday night supper with the Auclairs, a half day of fishing on the Farmington with Farmington River Outfitters...

And gift baskets? We have pretty much whatever you could want, including movie nights, homework, dog toys and treats, homemade stationery, coffee with mugs and a French press, more wine with gift cards for books and coffee, lottery tickets, a scrapbook kit.

Speaking of gifts, we have a handmade bag, a world-famous ukulele made right here in New Hartford (we’ll show you how to play it, if you’d like), a therapeutic pillow, lots of cool Christmas decorations, a little something for horse lovers, a handmade Christmas pillowcase (with French seams--check them out), a homemade Queen of Sheba cake, a Santa tea tray, an angel candle holder, wreaths, small Christmas trees, dishes. I can’t even remember the rest.

People have been bidding all week. You can also bid any time today (Friday) during library hours (2–6 pm). Your last chance is this evening (Friday) from 7–9 pm.

We are also holding a drawing for a Nintendo DS Lite, with Super Mario Brothers. Tickets are $5 each, and the drawing will be held at 8:45 pm. All proceeds from the drawing and the auction benefit the Bakerville Library.

The Friends of the Bakerville Library have set up an innovative nook for Mrs. Claus at the firehouse next door, so kids can visit with her and give her letters for Santa. Remember to put a name and return address on your letters, so they can be answered. Anne Demichiel will be singing with kids, and crafts, cookies, and cider will be available.

We’ve heard that the library board is busy planning the tree lighting, bonfire, carol sing, and refreshments across the street from the library, also starting at 7 pm.

We’re all looking forward to having you join us!

You Thought I Was Going to Talk About the Murder Mystery, Didn’t You?

Well, no.

I recently listened to the Arkangel Romeo & Juliet performance on CD, from the Bakerville Library, without high hopes. I can happily say that I recommend it. If you’re reading it for school, or read it a long time ago in school, and want a refresher (that is, if you’re basically familiar with the plot), this is just the ticket.

The acting is quite good (Joseph Fiennes is Romeo), and the cast brings the story alive.

Acts of Faith

The third of Julia’s book reviews.

Acts of Faith by Philip Caputo

Caputo’s novel delves into the soul of Africa as his characters seek to know their inner selves and find their way in the turmoil of Sudan and the upheaval of civil war.

Ethics, faith, friendship, and humanity are tested time and time again as Caputo’s fast-paced novel traverses the continent and characters seek means to sustain themselves and create meaning in a world gone terribly awry.

The title Acts of Faith alludes to the unseen forces that compel characters to act; interestingly enough, some act in their own best interests while others are faithfully serving their God/Allah and acting altruistically.

The poverty, unsafe living conditions, the roles of missionaries, UN aidworkers, religious conflicts, slavery, civil war, racism, and other issues are clearly presented and stay with the reader long after s/he has finished. Descriptions of the land and the people, along with a rich cultural consciousness, make this novel particularly intriguing.

This book could be used for a variety of discussions addressing the conflicts in Africa and the impact of the wars on citizens of Sudan or Uganda. Again, the violence, deaths, and sexuality warrant a mature audience. For those interested in Africa, missionary work, the problems of war and human corruption, relationships, and love, this text has much to offer; it takes a commitment to see it through—but the conclusion is well worth the effort!

Book Club Update

The Book Club’s holiday party will be a brunch this year, coming up this Sunday (Dec. 14th) at noon. Call the library, 482-8806, for more information.

The next book, which we will discuss sometime in January, is Old School by Tobias Wolff. Copies are in at the library. I am listening to it now, and can recommend it.

From One Fundraiser to the Next

Photos from the 2008 Bakerville Holiday Festival are up at the library’s website. If you were able to attend, thank you! If you were not able to, we missed you, but don’t worry—we still had a good time. And we raised almost $2900 for the library.

Easy Way Out

Since I have not gathered all the Marketplace photos yet, I’m taking the lazy woman’s route and posting the second of Julia’s book reviews (see the first review in the post below). Thanks, Julia!

Same Kind of Different as Me

The amazing true story Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore tells of their unusual friendship as a result of Deborah Hall’s grace and vision. This memoir is told alternately from Ron’s perspective and from Denver’s vantage point.

Ron, a wealthy international art dealer, first meets Denver while serving dinner to the homeless. Encouraged by his wife Deborah, Ron makes a concerted outreach to connect and forge a relationship with the standoffish recluse. This nonfiction account of both men’s lives and how they become irrevocably intertwined delves into the harsh realities of twentieth century slavery or indentured work of the Louisiana sharecropping system, the injustices of prejudiced Southern legal practices, the pain of cancer and terminal illness, the misery of poverty, the power of faith, and the grace within each individual.

Faith motivates the Halls to act, and the divine visions Denver experiences are a significant part of the memoir as well. The clear promotion of born again religion might turn less zealous readers off (or, conversely, it could inspire them). Central topics such as homelessness, poverty, servitude, injustice, etc. make this a significant read in terms of human and twentieth century issues.

Basking in Book Reviews

While I go through more photos of the Bakerville Marketplace and Used Book Sale, and collect lists of people to thank, let’s enjoy the first of many book reviews sent in by book club member Julia Cowans-Wilhelm. She has graciously shared her thoughts on, count ’em, seven of her recent reads. Good job, Julia! (Both the reading and the writing.) I’ve chosen the following to begin with because we just discussed it at the last book club meeting. You may remember the discussion, or you may remember swimming in the pool beforehand, or sampling Torch Lighters, or watching the muted Olympic opening ceremony in the background.

[And a pause to plug the next book club meeting: We’ll be discussing Alice in Wonderland on Friday, September 19th.]


The Memory of Running

John McLarty’s novel is a particularly disturbing exploration of mental illness and the misfortune that befalls his benevolent, but overwhelmed, protagonist Smithy Ide. While the plot focuses on the loss of his parents and the transcontinental bike trek he undertakes, the book seems to be more an unraveling of the twisted family history—especially the mental illness of his beautiful exhibitionist sister Bethany Ide.

McLarty evokes the reader’s pity for the now overweight brother Smithson who has spent much of his life in the shadows of his needy, but beloved sister. To me, the series of problems he fails to confront are problematic; I question what his actual emotional and intellectual intelligence/ability is and whether the entire family had needs that went unrecognized or diagnosed, causing them all to be somewhat debilitated or limited. Smithy’s “love” for his childhood friend, who is handicapped and lives “independently” with her parents next door, seems more of a crutch than a real bond. Having been raised in a relatively normal (if such a thing really exists) family, this story seemed both improbable and unconvincing to me.

The symbolic quest/trek Smithy takes to retrieve Bethany and put to rest the pain she has caused him enables him to better see her for who she is, but most importantly, it allows him to begin to find himself after the recent death of his parents. Smithy in his “simple” way sees the good in humanity and exposes the prejudice, the violence, and the inhumanity of the species as well.

Key topics for discussion relating to mental illness are death and depression, multiple personalities and exhibitionism, suicide, alcoholism, obesity, or familial effects/roles when mental illness exists.

We’ve Dried Off

Thanks to everyone who participated, the Bakerville Marketplace and Used Book Sale raised upwards of $3500.

Here are some preliminary pictures (more to come, as well as a long list of people we are thankful to have on our side).

On Friday evening, we put up the auction tent (thanks to the Grange for lending it out to us again). While the guys worked,


the girls plotted.













Jumping ahead to the Marketplace itself, some trends in facepainting:



































And the kids had fun outside at the used book sale (grown-ups stayed cool and dry inside):

Bakerville Marketplace and Used Book Sale—This Saturday

Bring your used books to the Bakerville Library this week!

Bring your auction donations this week!

Bring your baked goods this Friday or very early Saturday!

Bring yourself to the library at 8:30 am this Saturday for the early bird opening of the Used Book Sale ($7).

Or wait until 9:00 for everything else—Used Book Sale (free admission), Teacup Auction, Bake Sale (all those benefit the library), and booth after booth of crafts, food, flowers, plants, and facepainting.

Click here for more information.