Don't miss our Booklists!

Scroll down on the right hand side of this page and you should see some of the "Booklists" created by the staff and library practicum students at Middleton Public Library (MPL). These unique listings give ideas for good books to read (all owned by MPL) on a variety of topics. Recently added lists are "Book to Movie Mysteries" and "Discover France." Do you have an idea for a list? Is there a topic that really interests you? Would you like to find more books on this topic? Let us know - we are open to suggestions for further book lists! --Jenny

Even bestsellers can be too good not to mention!

Lots of people have discovered this novel about Mississippi in 1963 already, but if you haven't put it on your hold list yet, I encourage you to do so: The Help. Told from the alternating perspectives of a young white woman and two older black housekeepers ("maids"), the historical perspective, the great characterizations, and the "what will happen next?" plot make this an unforgettable read. --Liz

Crime & Mystery at the Library...

Beginning on Wednesday, November 11, at 3:00 pm, the library is starting a new book discussion group for lovers of mystery and crime novels. Our first selection is an early PD James, "An Unsuitable Job for a Woman." Ever wonder how Cordelia Gray got her start in the detective business? This book describes her first case. Like other James' novels, this one has unexpected moments of humor as well as plenty of unsavory characters.

All readers are welcome to attend; for more information call 827-7403 or email: mid@scls.lib.wi.us & here's the link to see other upcoming titles: http://www.midlibrary.org/library/mystery.pdf --Liz

Jenny recommends an oldie but a goodie . . .

"All Over but the Shoutin'" is a 1997 memoir about growing up in Alabama written by New York Times Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Rick Bragg. Sometime, if you are feeling like your life is tough, you should read this book to help put your life into perspective. Bragg's father was an abusive drunkard but, thankfully, absent for much of his childhood, leaving his mother to raise Bragg and his 2 brothers in abject poverty. This book is both an inspirational rags to riches story (well, metaphorically anyway) and a testament to a son's love and appreciation for his mother.

Jenny suggests a good mystery . . .

The Last Dickens by Mathew Pearl

I am not normally a big fan of mysteries, but after reading the review of this new book by Mathew Pearl, I couldn't resist giving it a go. After all, the story revolves around the life, and death, of author Charles Dickens - how irresistible! Set in both 1870's Boston and London, with an occaisionaly bop over to colonial India, the protagonists, a Boston publisher and his lady bookkeeper sidekick, attempt to unravel the mystery behind Dickens' latest book, only half-finished before the authors untimely death. Did Dickens leave any clues as to the ending of the book? Where did Dickens get his inspiration for the story and why were so many shady characters willing to do whatever was necessary (including killing the bookkeeper's brother) in order to stop the story from being published? Like all great mysteries, clues are casually laid down throughout the story in order to be picked up and put together at the end. I listened to this entire book in my car and, now that I am done, am no longer looking forward to my commute to/from work. Luckily, Pearl has written a few other mystery novels set in the same time period: "The Dante Club" and "The Poe Shadow" - I have holds placed on both. :)

Making the Good Life Last

Local author Michael Schuler has written, in my opinion, a very compelling and inspiring book about truly sustainable living. More than simply buying locally and in season (although those are certainly important!), he also delves more deeply into the whole concept of living well & lightly upon the earth. He discusses "sustaining" relationships with romantic partners, family members, friends, and neighbors. He talks about sustaining a sense of community and giving back. Very few books make me pause and think as often as this one did.

I am delighted that Michael is coming to the Middleton Public Library on Tuesday, October 6, to do a reading. If you are interested in attending or have more questions about his presentation email mid@scls.lib.wi.us or call 827-7403. Here is a link to the book in LINKcat: Making the Good Life Last

--Liz

Fall Book Discussions for Adults Kick Off Book

Our book discussion theme this fall is The World Around Us & Beyond Us. We have chosen three books which we hope will give us a sense of other parts of the world and, in the case of our first title, an insight into a part of history we may have forgotten or (in my case!) never really knew. I remember hearing about the horrible starvation in Biafra when I was in middle school, but I never learned why it happened or what the aftermath was. So this gripping novel by Adichie was extremely educational for me. But beyond the historical element of the book, this novel is also a compelling story of family (two sisters who are torn apart by love and history), passion, and selfless kindness. As with so many great novels, Half of a Yellow Sun reminds us that our "families" often extend way beyond the people we're related to.

Please join us on Thursday, September 10, at 10:00 am in the the Kenneth J. Mack Reading Room to share your thoughts on this book with others. For more information call 827-7403 or email mid@scls.lib.wi.us --Liz (check out Adichie's website for more info on the book):

http://www.halfofayellowsun.com/