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/

And Jason suggests...

The Last of the Name by Charles McGlinchey: When Charles McGlinchey passed away in 1954, a family name and an important link to the past died with him. Fortunately, a local school master realized the treasure that would be lost if McGlinchey’s memories were not recorded for posterity. Master Kavanagh took it upon himself to interview McGlinchey during his final years and write out by hand whatever McGlinchey was willing to tell about his life and times.

In the mid 1980s, the manuscripts from these conversations between McGlinchey and Kavanagh surfaced. These were organized and edited. This book is the result. Seamus Heaney described this oral history as being “full of emotional truth and the beauty of immediate, trusting speech, overbrimming with folklore of great imaginative richness.” While this is true, hopefully its readers will connect with it on a more personal level for it serves a powerful reminder. At birth we inherit a link to people and places. The depth of our knowledge and appreciation for that link will greatly determine how well we understand ourselves, our family, and the human experience. Don’t squander your inheritance.

Jessica recommends...

Sima's Undergarments for Women by Ilana Stanger-Ross: Set in a close-knit, vibrant Orthodox Jewish community in New Yourk City, Sima, a lingerie salesperson meets and befriends a yong Iraeli woman named Timna. Sima begins to live vicariously through Timna while working through struggles from her own youth. It's not a book I would nbormally have chosen, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging read.

Liz strongly suggests...

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. It's the first title in UW-Madison's new annual campus/community read and it's a great choice. Pollan presents a strong case that American's eat the worst diet in the world--and in large part that's because "big business" encourages our bad habits in order to turn a profit. This is a book that's created some controversy! But there's no question that obesity, diabetes, and heart disease are on the increase in the USA. Pollan really makes you think about your eating & food buying decisions. The library will be offering two book discussions on this title: Thursday, August 13, 10am & Thursday, August 27, 7pm. Join us!