Writings of the Loud Librarian....

Bestselling Author Facts

2009-06-27T10:17:00.002-05:00

I thought this was a fun list from mental_floss:

Surprising Facts About 15 Bestselling Authors

Mini Quilting Project

2009-06-21T20:48:00.002-05:00

So, I was rereading The Quilter's Apprentice the other day and it gave me a yen to make something quilty, which I haven't done in quite a while.

(By the way, I enjoyed the book so much more than I did years ago, now that I actually am a quilter, and know what the ladies are talking about through half of it!)

I pulled out my books, and locked onto a quilt made of Dresden Plates, which I've always thought were cool - but looked hard.

Still, I thought...maybe ONE wouldn't be so bad to make (not the 20 or so needed for this massive bed covering)...

So, I dug through my scrap box, dusted off the sewing machine, and voila! Wall hanging to fill in the space left by my new entertainment corner in Sunnymeade (with, yes, a new flat screen tv!).

Whatcha think? I'm quite chuffed, myself!

My Dresden Plate...

Quilting detail...

New wallhanging...

Magnum v. Solo

2009-06-14T18:55:00.001-05:00

Okay, this just made me laugh out loud.

(via Bookshelves of Doom)

Book Review: Unaccustomed Earth

2009-06-13T09:35:00.002-05:00

Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri

I so loved Lahiri's (Pulitzer Prize winning) novel The Namesake that I've been waiting for ages for this title to reappear on the shelf so I could check it out. I began reading yesterday morning, and by last night, had read through all of the short stories included in this title, and all of them are luminous, emotionally moving and impossible to forget.

Again, the focus is on the Bengali experience in America, and so much of the "foreigner" aspect resonated with me and my British roots - the travels back to England to see family, the maintaining of a culture abroad, and the ties of family even over so many miles. The first story, in particular, resonated with me (the loss of a mother, the moving on of life, and those left behind), but they all are beautiful in their own ways - albeit sad too.

This is a lovely collection of stories, and I couldn't put it down all day. A wonderful, wonderful read...

Book Review: Quick Study

2009-06-13T09:30:00.002-05:00

Quick Study by Maggie Barbieri

I just love the "Murder 101" series by Barbieri. It's a great mix of chick lit and mystery, with a totally likable protagonist in Alison Bergeron who sometimes makes me laugh out loud - plus her hunky boyfriend, detective Bobby Crawford.

This time around, Alison finds herself embroiled in a real estate deal gone very wrong when one of her friends' nephew goes missing, then goes missing himself. Murder, mayhem, a few hockey games, a few games of tonsil hockey and a great mystery are all included in this super fast, super funny read.

I totally love Alison - she's the kind of character I would TOTALLY hang out with. I can't recommend this series enough - I'm already ready for the fourth book in the series to appear!

Highly recommended!

Relay for Life 2009

2009-06-12T12:18:00.002-05:00

Relay for Life in TinyTown has come and gone for another year, and was the first one without Mum as our "tentertainment" for the day. It was hard to see her name on the track "in memory of", but I'm once again so proud of the amount of money this little town can raise to fight cancer.

In particular, I'm exceedingly proud of the over $2,000 I raised individually, thanks to so many friends and family. My thanks to ALL of you. :-)

One of the coolest things I got to do this year was be a participant, and a tent volunteer, for our Cancer Prevention Study #3, a study being conducted at only 167 sites around the country. We signed up over 100 participants, and hopefully the data collected will help us eradicate cancer someday...

In fact, my sister and I were the subject of an article in our tri-state's major newspaper about the study (even if they did put an extra "r" in my first name!). You can read it right here:

"Sisters Who Lost Mother Sign Up for Cancer Study"

My other exciting news is that I was announced at Relay as the Co-Chair of the event event for the next two years. I'm excited (and yes, a little nervous!) about this amazing opportunity. I think Mum would be proud. :-)

Survivors take to the track...

Me working as a CPS3 volunteer...

Family portrait...

Miss you, Mummy...

Nine Inch Nails Roadtrip

2009-06-12T10:14:00.002-05:00

So, a couple of weekends ago, my friend Jen and I took a roadtrip to see what is probably the final tour of Nine Inch Nails *sniff*. We went from Bloomington to Chicago for the first show, then back down to Indy for the second show before returning back to Bloomington (and then back to Dad's house to pick up Zoe, before returning to TinyTown).

It was a lot of driving, but man, what spectacular shows!

The Chicago show was right on the lake at the Charter One Pavilion, and though we were in the pit and had drunken frat boys nearby, the set list was fantastic. Even if Trent joked that we needed ski masks because it was so cold on the lake, I didn't feel a thing when the show started...

The real capper, though, was the Indy show - we had AMAZING seats, only yards from the stage. And the band was just ON - you could tell Trent was stoked to be performing. We also got to see Street Sweeper Social Club (fronted by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine fame) and Jane's Addiction.

Never mind the enormous storm that blew through, spawning a tornado a few miles away. ;-)

A great round of shows from our fave band! What a fantastic trip!

Sushi in Chicago...

Followed by a visit to Shedd Aquarium. No, I didn't feel guilty about my dinner the night before. ;-)

Jen and I superstoked about our seats in Indy!

Tom Morello of SSSC...

Trent! In shorts! And the smoke machine is definitely working!

JMJ on bass...

The Finckster scores a touchdown!

Trent pounding the keys...

Perry Farrell and Dave Navarro of Jane's...

Thanks for a great couple of shows, Trent!

Zoe Pictures...

2009-06-12T08:59:00.002-05:00

Dang, I've been gone and/or busy and/or away from the computer for a couple of weeks!

Between work, a roadtrip, Relay for Life and a minor surgery for Zoe (to have her girly parts removed), I've been missing my blog! Time for some updates...

For starters, how about a couple of cute puppy pictures?

The mutual adoration society...

Zoe (and flowers) blowing in the breeze...

Poor puppy! She gets her staples out next week - ouch!

My favorite picture lately...Zoe and her cousin Ziggy...smiling at each other instead of tussling!

Okay, now that we've all had our puppy fix....

Mini Review Time

2009-06-12T08:48:00.003-05:00

Time for another round of "mini" book reviews!

Last Term at Malory Towers by Enid Blyton

I'm so glad I reread this favorite series from my childhood...

The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffmann

I love all of Hoffmann's books - her writing is so luminous - but this was definitely a much darker tale. I found myself depressed and sad through most of it, and kept waiting for a happy ending. Lovely writing, but not my favorite of her stories (The Probable Future still wins that prize).

A Lady of His Own by Stephanie Laurens

The third book in the "Bastion Club" series, which had a lot more mystery and adventure (and Dalziel!) than the previous books. Ready for number four...

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

Popular YA novel, taking place at a prep school where Frankie tries to hang with the boys. A bit of mystery, a bit of romance, and some truly spectacular pranks. This is going to be a popular read, methinks...

Master Your Metabolism by Jillian Michaels

After watching her on Biggest Loser, I wanted to read her book. Much more about hormones and organic foods than I thought...

Book Review: The Pagan Stone

2009-06-01T17:41:00.003-05:00

The Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts

I was finally able to get my hands on the audio edition of this title, the third and final book in the "Sign of Seven" trilogy, which wraps up not only Cybil and Gage's story, but the story as a whole for Hawkins Hollow.

I stupidly enjoyed this trilogy - not only do you get classic Nora Roberts romance, but you have elements of the supernatural as well, all taking place in a perfect "small town". I liked getting to know the characters in more than one book (and liking them!), and of course, I like a happy ending. :-)

This is a great Nora trilogy, and I highly recommend it!

Book Review: Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life

2009-05-26T09:12:00.002-05:00

Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

(Below is the book review I wrote for Crucial Pop this week)

It is pretty rare for me to read a book twice.

I mean, I work in a library. Every day I walk through the stacks, and there are soooo many books to read, so many books already checked out to my account, and sometimes it saddens me to think that I’ll never be able to read everything I want to, even in my lifetime as I walk through aisles and aisles of books.

So, for me to read a book twice is pretty rare.

But, on this holiday long weekend, I made a pledge to unplug from the TV, loaf on the couch with my new puppy, nibble on tasty bits, and read, read, read.

(Y’all can keep your barbecues – especially since it’s raining!)

And to start my weekend of words, I revisited a book I read years ago and loved. It’s short, it only takes a little time to read, but it says so much.

Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life by Amy Krouse Rosenthal is the perfect book for an easy, inspirational read.

Amy, as she says in her own words… "I have not survived against all odds. I have not lived to tell. I have not witnessed the extraordinary. This is my story."

I mean, how can you not want to read that?

I knew I did when I saw it.

This is shelved in the biography section, and is quite literally an encyclopedia-style memoir of Amy – some entries are funny, some are short, some are touching, and some just make you smile, and want to start an encyclopedia of your own – in alphabetical order, of course. Packed with quirky tidbits and well-written entries, you get to know Amy in such a real way. It may not have the revelations of Nietzsche, or the insight and impact of Proust, but is just as real and honest in its own way.

Entries range from everything to anagrams of her name to the effect of leaning in a bowling game to sad stories to tales of her husband, her jobs, and her life. Some may be trivial, but you have to applaud anyone willing to write down not only the extraordinary, but also the mundane and then share it with the world. If only every struggling writer, myself included, had the courage to expose so much of themselves in their words – trivial or no.

There are a few excerpts (and lots more goodies) on Amy’s website for the book, http://www.encyclopediaofanordinarylife.com, and here is but a sample:

Brother

My brother, who grew up with three sisters, was I won’t say how many years old when he finally realized that he did not have to wrap the towel around his chest when he came out of the shower.

Doesn’t that make you want to read more?

This is the perfect book for inspiration, amusement, and easy reading with a puppy snoozing in your lap.

Ordinary life, indeed.

Amy can be found on the web at: http://whoisamy.wordpress.com/

Biggest Loser Challenge

2009-05-25T10:26:00.003-05:00

Today marks the first day of my library staff's internal "Biggest Loser" competition.

I got the idea from a library system out east (I can't find the article right this second, though!), who set up a "Biggest Loser" competition for their patrons, but I tweaked it a bit for our staff use.

I think we're all hyper-aware at the library of staff health and fitness, having had three staff members die within a two year period, (plus, let's face it, we all want to lose a pound or two!) so I created our 15-week challenge, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Every participant will wear a pedometer (we even bought pedometers for staff who didn't already own one) every weekday, tracking their steps. They get one point for the first 3,000 steps, then an additional point for every additional 1,000 steps.

Easy, right?

The kicker is that every participant has to chuck $1 a week, or $15 total, into the kitty. Whoever has the most points after 15 weeks wins the whole pot - which, by my calculations, should be close to $200.

I'm all for that!

I can't wait to see how competitive we all get, pushing each other for more steps, and to see how our health and wellness improves over 15 weeks. Every staff members but three are participating, which I think is FABULOUS! I was afraid people might scoff at my idea, but everyone jumped on board, which was pretty gratifying. :-)

Does anyone else have any workplace wellness programs going? I'd love to hear what other staff challenges people have set up, maybe something we can use in the future.

In any case, stay tuned for a report in September about how we did! :-)

Books-A-Minute

2009-05-24T08:05:00.004-05:00

Books-A-Minute makes me laugh.

"Condensing your childhood favorites and random classics into bite-sized, sure-to-be-a-thesis pieces. "

And funny.

Example:

(This is the Collected Works of Jane Austen):

Female Lead

I secretly love Male Lead. He must never know.

Male Lead

I secretly love Female Lead. She must never know.

(THEY FIND OUT.)

Front Door Surprise

2009-05-23T07:42:00.002-05:00

This morning, Zoe and I were doing a reconnoiter of Sunnymeade's vast estate *snicker* when I discovered something unexpected.

On my front door, I have a wreath that I won at a Relay auction a few months ago. Looks pretty, no?

But I squeaked in surprise when a bird flew out of it and sailed past me. Upon closer inspection, I found a delightful surprise...

Note to self: avoid the front door for the next few weeks.

Cool, huh? :-)

Naughty Puppy!

2009-05-21T08:58:00.002-05:00

So, last time, some time between midnight and about 3am, Zoe (who I have now nicknamed "The Weasel") launched herself out of bed and had herself some fun.

When I discovered this at 3am, I was NOT happy.

She, on the other hand, looked awfully pleased with herself.

As Jen said,"Clearly the tp was a danger to you and the house. Zoe was only protecting you!"

I think not.

I think she's just a weasel. ;-)

Note how pleased she is with herself:

Birthday Girl

2009-05-21T08:53:00.002-05:00

So, it was my birthday on Tuesday. It was a crazybusy day with work, meetings, Relay bank night and a Relay training session, but I managed to have some good times...

Koodie Hoo's lunch (and cake!) with Nat...

I wore my birthday tiara all day - even to my board meeting!

One of my board members even bought me a birthday cake to eat during our board meeting!

White House on Flickr

2009-05-18T08:19:00.002-05:00

Can I just say how cool it is to have the White House on Flickr?

I love getting a peek into the daily happenings, and some great candid shots you won't find in the regular press. Way to go, White House!

(felt weird to add them as a contact, though. Maybe they will add me and have hundreds of Zoe pics in their stream? *snort*)

(By the way, nice D, Mr. President!)

P050909PS-0222, originally uploaded by The Official White House Photostream.

A Look At The Cuteness...

2009-05-17T12:35:00.004-05:00

I think it might be time for a Zoe update, no? She's getting bigger every day - 9 pounds of flying fur and teething. I've been calling her Frankenpuppy as her baby teeth have been falling out one by one...

So here goes!

I'm innocent. Really. I wasn't chewing on the furniture...

I love walks in the woods...the ticks, not so much...

Yaaaaawn during a car ride...

Dirt + water + being unsupervised by Grandpa = BLISS!

She didn't eat her sister during their playdate, despite this photo. Really.

I is exhausted. G'night!

She couldn't be cuter, no?

Book Review: The 19th Wife

2009-05-17T09:24:00.002-05:00

The !9th Wife by David Ebershoff

Here's my column from Crucial Pop this week about The 19th Wife...

**

When choosing a book for a library book discussion, one always has to find a book that will provoke, well, discussion, in addition to raising questions and answers, and springing forth some sort of emotional response from the reader, making for a lively and often heated discussion.

Recently, my library chose The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff, and I think we’re in for one wild ride of a discussion.

This is actually a novel of two parallel stories – the first being the story of Ann Eliza Young, who was the 19th wife of prominent Mormon leader Brigham Young. In reality, Ann Eliza was probably more like the 52nd of 56th wife, though records from that time are sketchy. Ann Eliza created a sensation in 1875 when she left Brigham Young and extricated herself from her marriage, then toured the country talking about polygamy in the wilds of Utah – isolated areas that still harbor polygamist sects today. She even wrote a story of her experiences, entitled Wife No. 19.

Along with that story is the modern-day story of Jordan Scott, who grew up in polygamist society Mesadale, then was forced to leave the sect as a teenager. He returns to his roots to investigate the murder of his father by his 19th wife – who happens to be Jordan’s mother. Jordan’s story is filled with fantastic secondary characters, and he himself is an unlikely narrator for polygamy, a notoriously straight-laced lifestyle.

Ebershoff beautifully weaves these two stories together, told in alternating voices but showing clear parallels between the two women caught in a marriage with not only a husband, but many wives. Not only are they engaging stories in their own right, but Ebershoff sheds so much light on the beginning of the Mormon movement, and shows the struggles that the follows of Joseph Smith endured in following their prophet across the wilds of America in the 1800s. Filled with rich historic detail and engaging and lyrical prose, one can’t help but be pulled back in time to the age of Smith and Young, as well as illuminating the continuing struggles today.

Both stories are so engaging, the reader hates to switch to the “other” story, but then gets pulled back into that one as well, again hating to switch back again – the sign of a great storytelling vibe.

Initially, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy this book, but I ended up devouring it in hours – and then found myself surfing the internet for more information, more background, pictures, anything. Any novel that makes me want to know more is a great one – librarians always thirst to “know more”.

And based on all of that, I think the discussion is going to be a lively one – should polygamy be accepted in our age of religious freedom? What sort of characters are Jordan and Ann Eliza, and how are they similar? Did you have any idea how big Mormonism is in America, both in the 1800s and today? Did you like this novel? Which storyline was your favorite?

I can’t wait to ask these questions, and to see what answers percolate through our discussion. Stay tuned…

If you enjoyed The 19th Wife and want to read more Mormon polygamist memoirs (which have exploded in the publishing world in the last few years), check out Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer, When Men Become Gods by Stephen Singular, Escape by Carolyn Jessop, Stolen Innocence by Elissa Wall or Shattered Dreams by Irene Spencer.

David Ebershoff and more about this novel can be found on his website at: http://www.ebershoff.com/.

Book Blurbing Time Again...

2009-05-17T07:17:00.003-05:00

Time for more "book blurbing" of recent reads I haven't fully reviewed...head's up!

The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman

A memoir set in Poland during World War II about a Warsaw zoo, and the story of the family who lived there, and served as part of the Jewish "underground railroad".

The Girl She Left Behind by Karen Brichoux

Novel of the big city girl who goes home again to Montana. Fast, fast read - unexpected ending, but satisfying after all.

Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz

Second in the YA series "Blue Bloods" about vampires in NYC society. Another good addition to the series - stay tuned!

Dead As a Doornail by Charlaine Harris

Book five in the Sookie Stackhouse "Southern Vampire" series explores a lot more about the werewolf and werepanther part of Sookie's locale.

Definitely Dead by Charlaine Harris

Book six in the same series - and this time, Sookie is dating a weretiger. Hot, huh? :-)

Sex With Kings by Eleanor Herman

A really interesting non-fiction read about mistresses, power, revenge, marriages and more over 500 years of kings in Europe. A companion to Sex With the Queen, another great non-fiction read!

Wild Card by Lora Leigh

*wipes steam from the monitor after reading this erotica-filled adventure novel*

Sucks To Be Me by Kimberly Pauley

Cute YA novel about teens who choose to become vampires - it's in their DNA, after all. Cute premise, cute story.

Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

It has to do with Harry Potter. I had to read it. Cute - but very short.

Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers

Kind of depressing YA novel with an unlikeable heroine - which, I suppose, is the point.

A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb

Interesting twist on the typical ghost love story in this inventive YA novel. Didn't end as I expected, but a nice premise.

Book Review: 3 Willows

2009-05-17T07:13:00.002-05:00

3 Willows (The Sisterhood Grows) by Ann Brashares

This is the latest YA novel from Brashares, author of the wildly popular "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" series (and the movies they spawned). While this novel focuses on three new girls, there are hints of the previous sisterhood, and even a few characters from previous novels.

Jo, Ama, and Polly are going in three very different directions over the summer - one to the family beach house, one to an Outward Bound type of adventure, and one desperately trying to find herself while staying at home. Interestingly, the previous novels showed the strength of the friendships during the adventures, whereas this with title, the girls are almost on the outs - not sure if they even are still friends. Of course, the summer changes everything for all three girls, and strengthens their friendships after all...

This is another pleasant YA read from popular Brashares - recommended!

Book Review: Don't Let It Be True

2009-05-17T07:02:00.002-05:00

Don't Let It Be True by Jo Barrett

Since I enjoyed Barrett's previous novel (This Is How It Happened: Not a Love Story), when I saw this title on the library shelf, I grabbed it and read it in an afternoon.

Kathleen Connor King is the reining queen of Houston society, along with her richy-rich boyfriend Dylan, except for one small problem: they're both broke.

Some matchmaking, an oil discovery, a gala, and a quirky cast of secondary characters help these two right the ship, throw a great party, and find a happy ending for all involved - with a lot of laughs and drama along the way.

This is such a breezy, fun novel - easy to read, fun to follow, but with a great cast of well-developed characters. This is a fun glimpse into high society somewhere other than NYC - I loved it!

Spectacular Photo

2009-05-16T07:38:00.001-05:00

STS-125 Atlantis Solar Transit (200905120002HQ), originally uploaded by nasa hq photo.

This image greeted me on Flickr this morning, and I sat in awe. That really is the space shuttle Atlantis, perfectly captured against solar transit. Wow....

Austen Heroine

2009-05-16T07:31:00.002-05:00

Well, I couldn't pass up taking THIS quiz (thanks, Meg Cabot!)

Take the Quiz here!

You are Elinor Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are practical, circumspect, and discreet. Though you are tremendously sensible and allow your head to rule, you have a deep, emotional side that few people often see.

I always loved the character of Elinor...

First Mother's Day Without Her....

2009-05-10T19:05:00.001-05:00

Miss you, Mummy.