Candy's June Staff Pick

The Uncommon Reader

Written by Alan Bennett

Audiobook Bennett

Author Alan Bennett narrates this audiobook story about Queen Elizabeth II who discovers too late in her life that she has an absolute passion for reading. She discovers that it opens her life to other worlds, much to the disgust and chagrin of the Duke, and more to her private secretary, who tries to undermine her increasing efforts at finding and reading just about anything ever written.  Alan Bennett’s narration is good and it is only 2.75 hours long. Enjoy! 

Casey's May Staff Pick

The Blade Itself

Written by Joe Abercrombie

PR 6101 .B49 B57 2007

Abercrombie lays out a very gritty tale of what it means to be human. Follow a handful of key players in a bloody conflict that soon turns villain into hero and before you know it, you’ll be wondering just who the bad guy really is. Abercrombie’s writing style builds a fantasy world of cold hard steel and mysterious magical undertones. Where Abercrombie really shines, though, is in his ability to make us question our own morals and the reality of “right and wrong” as well as “good and evil”. When you finish his book you will have to ask yourself if you’re still able to hold on to your old ideals. Is our humanity only a fair weather friend?

Kelsey's May Staff Pick

The Notebook

Written by Nicholas Sparks

PS 3569 .P363 N68 1996

I believe with love comes faith, and that’s exactly what this story represents. Faith is about believing in something you have no idea how to explain; it’s that feeling of love you get in your heart and you just know. Noah just knew. He believed him and Allie’s love for each other could overcome absolutely anything, even the most difficult of obstacles. This is a love story that will definitely capture your attention... and your heart. 

Cory's May Staff Pick

ARTnews Magazine

Living as we do without fine art museums nearby, I find it feeds my soul to read the variety of art magazines to which the library subscribes.

In addition to ARTnews, we have American Artist, New American Paintings and Art Forum.  I am always inspired by seeing how others view the world and intrigued by the commentary best expressed without words.

Magazines may be checked out for two weeks; back issues are housed upstairs. Save travel money - read about and experience art from your couch!

http://www.darrell-roberts.com/images/cover-10451.jpg

Kristy's May Staff Pick

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Written by Betty Edwards

NC 730 .E34 1979

If you have ever wondered if you could learn how to draw, wonder no more!  “The exercises and instructions in this book have been designed specifically for people who cannot draw at all, who may feel that they have little or no talent for drawing, and who may feel doubtful that they could ever learn to draw- but who think they might like to learn. The approach of this book is different from other drawing instruction books in that the exercises are aimed at opening access to skills you already have but that are simply waiting to be released.” Give it a try- you will be amazed at what you can do if you just learn to look at things a little differently.  Enjoy!!

Candy's May Staff Pick

The Art of SpeedReading People

Written by Paul D. Tieger

BF 637 .C45 T54 1998

The art of Speed reading people: harness the power of personality type and create what you want in business and in life by Paul D. Tieger

This book summarizes and teaches you how to pay attention to clues given off by people’s nonverbal behavior. If you have ever taken the Myers-Briggs personality test, this condenses that information.

Jan's May Staff Pick

How Do You Kill 11 Million People?

By Andy Andrews

JC 423 .A553 2012

You've heard the joke:

"How do you know a politician is lying? His lips are moving."

It's become the accepted situation in American politics. But the consequences of us accepting lies as a normal part of our political process can be devastating.

This is a book EVERYONE should read and keep in the forefront of your thoughts as we go into the election process.  It does not matter if you're a Republican or Democrat, Eastern or Western, man or woman! What matters is that we MUST get back to the true American beliefs and values. If we don't start focusing on the things that really matter in this country, history proves the consequences will be fatal for our republic. You will start paying more attention to the actions around you, and you'll want to share this book with everyone you know. I did!!