Wes' April Staff Pick

Biography: Dalai Lama The Soul of Tibet

DVD BQ 7935 .B777 D35 2005

I very much enjoyed this documentary of HH the 14th Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso. It is not a story of religion, but a story of struggle for a boy who became the Dalai Lama and then was persecuted by China for his beliefs. This documentary spans the Dalai Lama's entire life from struggles to triumphs for his people in Tibet. In 1959 the Dalai Lama fled Tibet in fear of his life. Having yet to return to his homeland, he lives in India and travels the world promoting peace. In 1989 he won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. What a great documentary to see and learn from.

Kelsey's April Staff Pick

The Grapes of Wrath

DVD PN 1995.9 .F4 G6 2004

This is a heartwarming story about a family that must struggle to get from Oklahoma to California in hope to find work. They must maintain strength and courage in order to reach their destination and in order to get through all of the hardships they are forced to face.

Cory's April Staff Pick

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

Written by Sherman Alexie

Audiobook Alexie

Sherman Alexie is a masterful storyteller with an ear for language and acute observational powers. This book won the National Book Award in 2007 and continues to be immensely popular with both teenagers and adults.

Semi-autobiographical, the story is about a boy's struggles on and off the Spokane Indian reservation and is funny and tragic at the same time. I read it in one sitting. A must-read (or listen).

Sam's April Staff Pick

The Art of Cycling: A Guide to Bicycling in 21st Century America

Written by Robert Hurst

GV 1043.7 .H87 2007

The Art of Cycling covers way more than just riding a bike. It also discusses riding in cities, injuries and accidents, flat tires and more. This book is great if you are interested in the history of bicycles, just started riding bikes or if you’ve been riding for years.

Kristy's April Staff Pick

Nearby History: Exploring the Past Around You

Written by David E. Kyvig

E 180.5 .N98 2010

Nearby History shows that any literate person can master historical research techniques. Each chapter describes methods for collecting and using evidence from a person's nearby world--written documents, oral testimony, visual objects, buildings, photographs, and physical landscapes--for historical studies of families, neighborhoods, institutions, and communities as a whole.

Jan's April Staff Pick

Hearts West

Written by Chris Enss

HQ 802 .E575 2005

The original Match.com! This is a group of stories about the mail-order-bride business of the 1800’s – successes and failures. The gold rush in California and the wood industry in Washington and Oregon drew many young men west in search of their fortune. After a few months of hard work, they came to miss the companionship of the fairer sex. That led attentive entrepreneurs to realize there was a need to fill, and there were eastern ladies ready for the adventure. This scenario and others, such as seeking a companion of like religious background to homestead in the west, are explored. The journals and newspapers quoted give us a feel for the era. Not all had happy endings, but all are an insight that some things never change. Enjoy.

Candy's April Staff Pick

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking

Written by Susan Cain

BF 698.35 .I59 C35 2012

Usually when you think of introverts you think of shy, withdrawn, non-talkative people. But, really introverts are more observant, thoughtful, shun ambition, and give more credit to others. This book studies the positive attributes of quiet folks, giving insightful, credible, solid information and data that gives a whole new outlook to being an introvert. You may even find it describes you!