Friday, April 25, 2008

Welcome! New Arrivals for 4/28-5/3

Hello and welcome the first post for the blog of Almont District Library. Our intention with this blog is to provide information to our patrons of Almont about events at our library, expected new releases, and updates on the operations of our library. We hope that you will find this a useful tool to stay informed and you will keep checking back every week for new posts!


New Arrivals for 4/28/08 - 5/3/08
Please check with the library if you are interested in checking out these items. If it is checked out, you can be placed on a waiting list and will be notified when the item comes back!

DVD's



"The Savages"
"27 Dresses"
"Charlie Wilson's War"
"The Golden Compass"


Adult Fiction


"Suddenly" Barbara Delinsky
From Publishers Weekly
When pediatrician Mara O'Neill is found drugged with Valium and dead of carbon monoxide poisoning--an apparent suicide--it sets off crises in the lives of the three pediatricians who were in practice with her in a small Vermont town. For Angie Bigelow, dealing with Mara's death becomes the final straw in the disintegration of her once-well-organized--and ostensibly happy--home and marriage. Peter Grace, whose involvement with Mara was more complex than he admits publicly, must resolve a sense of discontent rooted in his youth. Paige Pfeiffer, who was Mara's friend since college, copes with her deep sense of loss by caring for the infant from India that Mara had arranged to adopt. Paige's life is further complicated by the attentions of Noah Perrine, acting head of the posh but troubled private school where Paige coaches girls' athletics. Delinsky ( More Than Friends ) does her usual good job of creating a dynamic interaction among a varied ensemble of characters, but their lives convey a subtle and complex subtext on parenting--that being a perfect parent is integral to being a perfect person--that may wilt some readers' enjoyment.



"Wit's End" Karen Joy Fowler
From Publishers Weekly
At the start of this quietly funny, slightly mysterious novel of discovering one's roots from bestseller Fowler (The Jane Austen Book Club), 29-year-old Rima Lanisell visits her estranged godmother, Addison Early, in Addison's house by the sea, Wit's End, in storied Santa Cruz, Calif. Addison, the wildly successful but cautiously private author of the Maxwell Lane mysteries, was once the girlfriend of Rima's recently deceased father, Bim, for whom a character in the series is named. For each novel, Addison first constructs a dollhouse diorama that depicts what will be the principal murder scene, but her upcoming novel and its dollhouse are uncharacteristically delayed. By weeding through decades-old correspondence with eccentric fans and the contemporary channels of online forums, Rima slowly discovers the truth behind Addison's novels and that Rima herself is a topic of interest among Maxwell Lane devotees. As Fowler analyzes our modern-day relationship to novels and writers' relationship to their readers, the line between fiction and reality blurs-real people become characters in another's blog as fictional characters become real to the fans that fetishize them.


"Sepulchre" Kate Mosse
From Publishers Weekly
Contrivance, cliché and expository overkill overwhelm bestseller Mosse's tale concerning a rare tarot deck that helps link the lives of two women living eras apart. In 1891, Parisian teenager Léonie Vernier and her brother visit their young aunt at an estate in southern France. After finding a startling account of her late uncle's pursuit of the occult, Léonie scours the property for the tarot cards and Visigoth tomb he describes, unaware that more tangible peril in the form of a murderous stalker is seeking to destroy her loved ones. Present-day biographer Meredith Martin is in France finishing a book and tracing her ancestry when she sees a reproduction of the same tarot, which bears her likeness. She investigates the connection when she, too, arrives at the estate, now a hotel in which a new battle between good and evil rages. Mosse (Labyrinth) conveys so much unnecessary information through so many static scenes of talk, reading and interior monologue that the book's momentum stalls for good soon after its striking opening. Mosse's fans will hope for a return to form next time.



"Searching for Paradise in Parker, PA" Kris Radish
From Publishers Weekly
Radish's latest warm-fuzzy (after The Sunday List of Dreams) tracks the troubled marriage of Lucky and Addy Lipton. Lucky's Kingdom of Krap—the garage littered with dismantled appliances, an old car and every other project Lucky never finished—has brought Addy nearly to the breaking point in her stale marriage, but it's the last straw when their planned trip to Costa Rica (with its possibilities for romantic rejuvenation) doesn't happen. What ensues is a summer of separation, discovering personal desires and strong female friendships (it is, after all, a Radish book). As the summer gives way to fall, Lucky tries to win his wife back, while Addy is torn between living alone or giving the marriage another go. Girl-power readers will get a kick out of the hokey girl get-togethers, and women will surely connect with Radish's empowered femmes.



"The Angel" Carla Neggers
From Publishers Weekly
This fanciful thriller from bestseller Neggers (The Widow) starts slowly, but picks up steam once the action moves to Ireland. When Keira Sullivan, a young Boston illustrator and folklorist, decides to travel to Ireland to research a Celtic legend about three brothers battling for a stone angel, she pays no heed to warnings not to go from eccentric antiques collector Victor Sarakis, even after Victor drowns under suspicious circumstances in the Public Garden pond. At a Beacon Hill benefit, Keira fortuitously meets FBI agent and search-and-rescue expert Simon Cahill, who later volunteers to locate Keira after she goes missing in southwest Ireland. When Simon rescues the trapped Keira from an ancient ruin, the stone angel she claims to have found disappears and mysteriously reappears in the United States. Is it magic or the work of a madman? Either way, fans of romantic suspense will be charmed.




"Twenty Wishes" Debbie Macomber
From Publishers Weekly
Macomber returns to Seattle's fictional Blossom Street of A Good Yarn (and others) for a hopeful tale of four widows who meet at 38-year-old Anne Marie Roche's bookstore. Separated from her husband after he refused to have a baby with her, Anne Marie felt certain they would reconcile until he suddenly died. Lillie Higgins lost her husband in the same plane crash that claimed the husband of their daughter, Barbie Foster. Elise Beaumont entered widowhood after cancer claimed her husband. Together, the four make life-fulfillment wish lists. With Elise's prodding, Anne Marie decides to fulfill one of her wishes do good for someone else and becomes a lunch buddy to an at-risk third grader. Anne Marie, meanwhile, must deal with the reappearance of her adult stepdaughter, Melissa, who always held her in disdain. Elise mainly serves as a catalyst for Anne Marie's journey, but there is plenty of focus on Lillian and Barbie, who find purpose in unexpected and difficult relationships. Though stilted dialogue can pull readers out of the moment, Macomber's assured storytelling and affirming narrative is as welcoming as your favorite easy chair.




Adult Non-Fiction


"Soul of a Horse: Life Lessons from the Herd" Joe Camp
A surprise birthday gift plunged Joe Camp and his wife, Kathleen, into the world of horses as complete neophytes without a clue as to what horses needed or wanted. The Camps went searching for logic and sense in the rule books of traditional horse care and what they found was not what they had expected. Written for everyone who has ever loved a horse or even loved the idea of having a horse in their lives, this memoir leads us on a riveting voyage of discovery as Joe and Kathleen navigate uncharted, often politically incorrect territory on their way to achieving a true relationship with their horses.
As the creator of the beloved Benji series, Joe has spent most of his life luring us into the heart and soul of a famous dog, but now in this engaging, emotional, and often humorous story, he deftly lures us into the heart and soul of a horse. In doing so, he exposes astonishing truths and unlocks the mystery of a majestic creature who has survived on Earth, without assistance, for fifty-five million years. In a single emotionally charged moment, Camp communes with his first horse, Cash, in a way that changes him and his relationship with horses forever. In his own words, as he stood alone with his back to this horse: The collar of my jacket was tickling the hairs on the back of my neck. And my heart was pounding. Then a puff of warm, moist air brushed my ear. My heart skipped a beat. He was really close. Then I felt his nose on my shoulder . . . I couldn’t believe it. Tears came out of nowhere and streamed down my cheeks. I had spoken to him in his own language, and he had listened . . . and he had chosen to be with me. He had said, I trust you.
Ingeniously alternating between the stories of two people thrust into an unfamiliar, enigmatic realm and a fabled herd of wild horses brought to the New World centuries ago, Joe Camp’s valuable and inspiring book teaches us that the lessons he was learning apply not only to his horses but to life and to people as well–to all of us.


"Yum-O: The Family Cookbook" Rachael Ray
No one has helped more families find time to fit home-cooked meals into their daily routines than Rachael Ray. Now with the help of Yum-o!, the organization she founded to help kids and adults develop a healthier relationship to food and cooking, she has put together the ultimate family cookbook, which includes recipes that both kids and their parents will love cooking–and eating–together!
Rachael knows that every family wants to make the best possible food choices–and get the very most out of their food-budget dollars. The recipes here feature more whole grains, use less fat, and make the most of fresh fruits and vegetables so they are as good for you as they are delish, and they’re all quintessential Rachael–fun and creative.
You’ll also find notes on how to get even very young kids involved in the cooking process; great ideas for everything from breakfast to the lunchbox to dinner; wholesome snacks; and loads of new double-duty dinners that let you cook once, then eat twice or more.
With lots of full-color photos and tons of helpful tips for making mealtime the very best part of the day, Yum-o! is a must-have for every busy family.


"Sleep to be Sexy, Smart, and Slim" Ellen Michaud
Suggests tips and strategies to eliminate sleep problems.


"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trees and Shrubs" Joshua Plunkett
This guide provides the home landscaper with all the information necessary to plan, plant, and nurture trees and shrubs. Arborist professional Josh Plunkett provides the kind of practical, hands-on guidance necessary to transform yards into beautiful havens.
• Includes a dynamic, interactive CD-ROM featuring hundreds of full-color photos of trees and shrubs in every season and a checklist of the most important factors necessary in choosing the right tree or shrub
• More than 200 different trees and shrubs featured
• Insider advice on how to select the healthiest plants from local and online nurseries
• Dozens of illustrated, step-by-step instructions for planting, feeding, and pruning

"All Hands Down: The True Story of the Soviet Attack on the USS Scorpion" Kenneth Sewell
From Publishers Weekly
Controversy has steadily shadowed the 1968 sinking of the U.S. nuclear submarine Scorpion. The navy's official version of accidental sinking on a routine mission was challenged by allegations that the Scorpion was in fact torpedoed while shadowing a Soviet task force. Further rumors indict the spy John Walker for providing confidential codes to the Soviets, enabling them to track the submarine. Yet another account purports that the Soviets destroyed the Scorpion in retaliation for the sinking of one of their own subs. The two navies eventually called a truce rather than risk further disrupting relations. Sewell, a submarine veteran, and Preisler, a writer of techno-thrillers, add little new evidence in their version of the story; their new data is unfailingly familiar and they never succeed in making a persuasive case for the conspiracy and cover-up they claim occurred. Instead, Sewell and Preisler devote more time to anecdotes about the Scorpion's crew and their families and little vignettes of the routines on board a nuclear sub. What is undeniably useful is the book's demonstration of the high numbers of accidents between ships and aircrafts that were accepted as routine during much of the Cold War. All Hands Down highlights a truth no less relevant today: international incidents are in good part constructions mutually agreed upon after the event.


"Healthy Child, Healthy World: Creating a Cleaner, Greener, Safer Home" Christopher Gavigan
Nothing makes one more keenly aware of health risks lurking in the everyday world than becoming a parent. Most know the importance of using cabinet locks and child gates, but research is showing many more ways we need to be childproofing our homes. Tens of millions of American children now face chronic diseases and illnesses including cancer, autism, asthma, birth defects, ADD/ADHD, allergies, learning and developmental disabilities, as well as a host of lesser but disruptive ailments. And the growing research points to much of the increases on unseen threats wrought by exposure to chemicals in everyday products like cleaning supplies, beauty care and cosmetics, home furnishings, plastics, some foods and toys as contributing to these ailments. With that in mind, the non-profit organization Healthy Child Healthy World offers parents a definitive guide to creating a healthy, nontoxic, and environmentally sound home.
Filled with easy steps and simple solutions to improve family living without wreaking havoc on schedules or budgets, this book includes inspiring ideas for safe, eco-friendly cleaning methods, choosing healthier food, pet and garden care, nursery and home building materials, plus extensive tips for energy saving and family fun. With contributions from environmental science and public-health experts such as Dr. Phil Landrigan, Dr. Harvey Karp and Dr. Alan Greene, as well as many celebrity supporters (including Gwyneth Paltrow, Brooke Shields, Tobey Maguire, Sheryl Crow, Vanessa Williams, and Tom Hanks), Healthy Child Healthy World is the essential guidebook for parents wanting to go green.


"Redesigning 50: the No Plastic Surgery Guide to 21st-Century Age Defiance" Oz Garcia
When you reach middle age, what does it take to turn back the hands of time and regain the youthful vitality of your younger years? Top nutritionist and health authority Oz Garcia offers definitive guidance in his information-packed Redesigning 50.
You'll discover what Oz calls "the New 50": a fitter, healthier, better-looking middle age than you ever imagined possible. Oz explains how to take advantage of the finest that science and artistry can offer—without going under the knife. Drawing on the foremost expert opinions in health and beauty, Oz offers the latest information about diet and nutrition, exercise, skin and body care, hormones, stress reduction, dental and cosmetic treatments, and the new nutraceuticals—giving readers the tools to look younger and feel better than they have in years.
You'll learn how to implement "the New 50 Fusion Plan," Oz's simple yet powerful fusion of "efficiency foods" with the healthy dietary traditions of Japan and the Mediterranean. You'll learn safe detox plans from experts Adina Niemerow and Roni DeLuz, hair how-to from Joel Warren and Edward Tricomi of Warren-Tricomi and Frédéric Fekkai, culinary insights from renowned chef David Bouley, spa secrets from the Golden Door and others, beauty advice and makeup tips from Bruce Dean, skin-care savvy from Dr. Nicholas Perricone and rejuvenation techniques from Dr. Lisa Zdinak and Dr. Lisa Airan, exercise insights from David Barton of David Barton Gyms, and fitness assessments from Suzanne Meth of Equinox Fitness Clubs, among others. Oz pulls it all together with his decades of experience into an enlightened, effective approach to antiaging.
Hundreds of Oz's clients—women and men from across the country—have found success under his supervision. The powerful results are documented in candid accounts, from the busy company executive to the harried parent. Their antiaging success stories inspire and motivate readers to begin their own journey. The result? Middle age has never looked or felt so good!


"Green, Greener, Greenest: A Pracitcal Guide to Making Eco-Smart Choices a Part of Your Life" Lori Bongiorno
The perfect guide to help readers decide how to best spend their time and money to protect the environment, Green, Greener, Greenest offers flexible tips for everyday living, all categorized as "green," "greener," and "greenest." Cutting through the labeling and the hype, it helps readers choose the advice that fits their schedule, their budget, and their interests, with the understanding that there's never one "right way" to make a difference. This indispensable resource will grow with readers-whether a novice in green living or a veteran environmentalist-as their interests and needs change over time.


Young Adult Fiction


"Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty" Jody Elizabeth Gehrman
Geena can’t wait to spend summer vacation with her two best girls: her friend Amber and her cousin Hero. All three are working at the Triple Shot Betty coffee shop together, but the moment Amber and Hero meet, the claws come out. They hate each other on sight. Geena’s dreams of a girl-bonding summer fl y out the window, and then threaten to disappear completely when a few cute (okay, drop-dead gorgeous) guys come along to woo the Bettys. But all is not what it seems, and in a story of mistaken identities, crazy summer high jinks, and enough romance to make Shakespeare proud, Geena and her friends learn that when Bettys unite, they can take on the most powerful force in their world: a hot guy.


"Footfree and Fancyloose" Kathleen Duey
Best friends Harper Waddle, Sophie Bushell, and Kate Foster committed the ultimate suburban sin: bailing on college to pursue their dreams. Middlebury-bound Becca Winsberg was convinced her friends had gone insane until they reminded her she just might have a dream of her own.
Now the year is half-way through and their dreams seem within reach. Well, almost. Harper has managed to gain the freshman fifteen without ever being a freshman, though locked in her basement bathroom she finds inspiration and finally seems to be writing from the heart. Sophie is forced to leave her cushy Beverly Hills quarters and crashes on Sam's couch while looking for her big Hollywood break. Kate is doing aid work in Ethiopia, where she encounters family ghosts - along with Darby, the handsome but antagonistic Princeton student who thinks she's a dumb blonde who couldn't possibly care about Ethiopia "since there are no celebrities here." And when Becca finally emerges from her lovers' nest, it seems her relationship with Stuart isn't as perfect as she thought.
Even if "the year that changed everything" has sometimes been less than dreamy, these four best friends will always have each other.



Junior Fiction


"Amelia's Itchy-Twitchy, Lovey-Dovey Summer at Camp Mosquito" Marissa Moss
N/A


"A Beginning, A Muddle, and An End: The Right Way to Writing" Avi
Avon the snail and Edward the ant are back for another funny--and philosophical--adventure. This time, Avon has decided he wants to be a writer, only to discover that writing is way more difficult than he ever imagined. He finally gets the word Something written down, but there's a problem: What to write next? Luckily, his friend Edward is there to advise.
Brimming with wit, wisdom, and humor, this warm and winning tale of two friends on a quest will be enjoyed by readers (and writers) of all ages.


"Silence and Lily: 1773" Kathleen Duey
The year is 1773, and in Boston, the tensions between the colonists and the British are heating up. For twelve-year-old Silence, the tensions at home are running high as well. All she wants is a chance to call Lily—a beautiful snow-white mare—her own. But Silence’s mother does not think it fitting for a young girl to spend so much time out riding and being reckless. Then, in the days leading up to the dramatic Boston Tea Party, Silence learns that someone has been taking Lily out under the cover of darkness. When the whole family is threatened by the events, Silence begins to worry that if she doesn’t do something drastic, she may lose Lily forever.


"Margret and Flynn: 1875" Kathleen Duey
Twelve-year-old orphan Margret and her older sister, Libby, are staying with the kind Mrs. Fredriksen in her sod house in Littleton, Colorado. Margret knows that Libby, with her basic distrust of anyone, will have them moving along soon enough, but Margret wants to stay. When a tornado sweeps through, bringing with it an injured horse, Margret lays claim to the animal, naming him Flynn, nursing him back to health, and teaching herself to ride. Now more than ever, Margret yearns for some stability in her life. Somehow she must convince Libby to stay so she can make Flynn hers.



Easy Fiction


"Amelia Bedelia and the Cat" Herman Parish

Leave it to Amelia Bedelia to find a real cat on a day it's "raining cats and dogs." She names him Tiger, and in no time, the two are inseparable and as happy as clams.
But then Tiger gets into trouble. Will Amelia
Bedelia go out on a limb to save him?
The cat's out of the bag—this is an irresistible Amelia Bedelia adventure!


Easy Non-Fiction

"The Wolves are Back" Jean Craighead George
Outstanding historical and present-day photographs of Yellowstone, its inhabitants, and its visitors capture the rugged natural beauty of the park




Almont District Library
213 W. St. Clair, PO Box 517

Almont, MI 48003

ph. 810.798.3100

fax. 810.798.2208

Hours: M-TH 10-8 F 10-5 Sat 10-2

almontdistrictlibrary@adlmi.org

www.adlmi.org