Theresa also mentioned that interested parties looking for Hoover's book kits should do a Millennium TITLE search for "hoover public library". From the list you may selected "Fiction Book Club Kits" or "Nonfiction Book Club Kits".
We had a small but vocal group with some great suggestions at this morning's meeting!
Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace With Marriage by Elizabeth Gilbert
Jason Baker, Trussville
People seem to have a love/hate relationship with Elizabeth Gilbert after the breakaway success of Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search For Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia. I personally fall into the love category as that book ranks among my favorites. I am super excited about the movie, starring Julia Roberts, coming out in August! Committed is a very specific, focused examination of the research Gilbert did into Western marriage customs and traditions. She says up front that this is not an exhaustive examination of the topic but merely her thoughts and opinions on what she herself studied. I don't have a problem with that, some people do. There is an especially good chapter on being a childless aunt (a trait I share with her) that made me glow with pride for the impact I have on the life of my niece (and honorary nieces) and nephew. If you are already a Gilbert fan, I believe you'll love it! If you've not yet picked up any of her books, it's the perfect time! Her other books include The Last American Man (nonfiction),Pilgrims (short stories), and Stern Men (novel).
Holley Wesley, Emmet O'Neal
Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
Jason Baker, Trussville
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver
Leslie West, Vestavia
The Vestavia Library is going green! Literally, with the new building, and in their summer reading programming. The library's book clubs will be discussing the book at their summer meetings and green and slow food programming will abound! Call Leslie for details, 205.978.3684!
Victor Fleming: An American Movie Master by Michael Sragow
Victor Fleming was the most sought-after director in Hollywood’s golden age, renowned for his ability to make films across an astounding range of genres–westerns, earthy sexual dramas, family entertainment, screwball comedies, buddy pictures, romances, and adventures. Fleming is remembered for the two most iconic movies of the period, Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, but the more than forty films he directed also included classics like Red Dust, Test Pilot, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Captains Courageous. Sragow restores the director to the pantheon of our greatest filmmakers and fills a gaping hole inHollywood history with this vibrant portrait of a man at the center of the most exciting era in American filmmaking. The actors Fleming directed wanted to be him (Fleming created enduring screen personas for Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, and Gary Cooper), and his actresses wanted to be with him (Ingrid Bergman, Clara Bow, and Norma Shearer were among his many lovers).
Holley Wesley, Emmet O'Neal
Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
Jason Baker, Trussville
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver
Leslie West, Vestavia
The Vestavia Library is going green! Literally, with the new building, and in their summer reading programming. The library's book clubs will be discussing the book at their summer meetings and green and slow food programming will abound! Call Leslie for details, 205.978.3684!
Victor Fleming: An American Movie Master by Michael Sragow
Victor Fleming was the most sought-after director in Hollywood’s golden age, renowned for his ability to make films across an astounding range of genres–westerns, earthy sexual dramas, family entertainment, screwball comedies, buddy pictures, romances, and adventures. Fleming is remembered for the two most iconic movies of the period, Gone With the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, but the more than forty films he directed also included classics like Red Dust, Test Pilot, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Captains Courageous. Sragow restores the director to the pantheon of our greatest filmmakers and fills a gaping hole in
Leslie West, Vestavia
Silent Stars by Jeanine BasingerThrough concise biographies, explorations of filmographies, and captivating still shots, Basinger offers remarkable insight into both the on- and offscreen lives of the cinema's first stars. Basinger shows an incredible knack for getting past the average movie fan's barriers to appreciating silent film actors: the larger-than-life acting style, frequently goofy plots, and general difficulty in finding films of all but a few luminaries like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Deft plot synopses, careful explanations of the skills needed for silent acting, and a genuine affection for the movies she's describing allow Basinger to give the reader a real sense of why these early actors were so beloved--and why they are so deserving of tribute. Equally engaging as browsing material or a cover-to-cover read, Silent Stars gives voice to both the sung and unsung pioneers of film.
Leslie West, Vestavia
Mother Night: Myths, Stories, and Teachings for Learning To See In the Dark by Clarissa Pinkola EstesClarissa Pinkola Estés, PhD, is an internationally recognized scholar, award-winning poet, Diplomate senior Jungian psychoanalyst, and cantadora (keeper of the old stories in the
Leslie West, Vestavia
Spirit Whisperer: Chronicles of a Medium by John Holland
In John Holland’s past books, he explained how he came to terms with, and learned to accept and embrace, his spiritual gifts as a psychic medium; and how “readers” could develop their own intuitive psychic abilities. In this book, John picks up the fascinating story of his personal journey of growth and development as one of the most respected practicing mediums today. This work chronicles his career to date and includes some enlightening and heartfelt real-life case studies. He candidly discusses readings with clients, including those who’ve had their own After Death Communications (ADCs)—from the outrageous to the profound. John also explains the signs and symbols that our loved ones continually try to send us. John divulges for the first time some of the extraordinary paranormal occurrences he’s witnessed throughout his career, and provides a rare glimpse behind the scenes of what it’s like to be a “Psychic Time Machine” for several television shows. He also provides guidance for parents who have a psychic child themselves.
Silent Stars by Jeanine Basinger
Through concise biographies, explorations of filmographies, and captivating still shots, Basinger offers remarkable insight into both the on- and offscreen lives of the cinema's first stars. Basinger shows an incredible knack for getting past the average movie fan's barriers to appreciating silent film actors: the larger-than-life acting style, frequently goofy plots, and general difficulty in finding films of all but a few luminaries like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Deft plot synopses, careful explanations of the skills needed for silent acting, and a genuine affection for the movies she's describing allow Basinger to give the reader a real sense of why these early actors were so beloved--and why they are so deserving of tribute. Equally engaging as browsing material or a cover-to-cover read, Silent Stars gives voice to both the sung and unsung pioneers of film.
Leslie West, VestaviaMother Night: Myths, Stories, and Teachings for Learning To See In the Dark by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
Clarissa Pinkola Estés, PhD, is an internationally recognized scholar, award-winning poet, Diplomate senior Jungian psychoanalyst, and cantadora (keeper of the old stories in the Latina
Leslie West, VestaviaSpirit Whisperer: Chronicles of a Medium by John Holland
In John Holland’s past books, he explained how he came to terms with, and learned to accept and embrace, his spiritual gifts as a psychic medium; and how “readers” could develop their own intuitive psychic abilities. In this book, John picks up the fascinating story of his personal journey of growth and development as one of the most respected practicing mediums today. This work chronicles his career to date and includes some enlightening and heartfelt real-life case studies. He candidly discusses readings with clients, including those who’ve had their own After Death Communications (ADCs)—from the outrageous to the profound. John also explains the signs and symbols that our loved ones continually try to send us. John divulges for the first time some of the extraordinary paranormal occurrences he’s witnessed throughout his career, and provides a rare glimpse behind the scenes of what it’s like to be a “Psychic Time Machine” for several television shows. He also provides guidance for parents who have a psychic child themselves.
Leslie West, Vestavia
Chess Doctor: Surefire Cures for What Ails Your Game by Bruce Pandolfini
Want to improve your chess game? Why of course you do. You may want to visit the Chess Doctor. This book is designed for chess players who have weaknesses in their game that they would like to improve. Every aspect of the game is covered in this book. Some of the problems addressed include: blocking your own forces, overusing the queen and attacking prematurely. Each problem is diagnosed and the Chess Doctor prescribes a cure. Filled with detailed diagrams, this book will surely help one to improve on their chess game.
Chess Doctor: Surefire Cures for What Ails Your Game by Bruce Pandolfini
Want to improve your chess game? Why of course you do. You may want to visit the Chess Doctor. This book is designed for chess players who have weaknesses in their game that they would like to improve. Every aspect of the game is covered in this book. Some of the problems addressed include: blocking your own forces, overusing the queen and attacking prematurely. Each problem is diagnosed and the Chess Doctor prescribes a cure. Filled with detailed diagrams, this book will surely help one to improve on their chess game.
Andrei T. Jones, Five Points West
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes From an Accidental Country Girl by Ree Drummond
Any cookbook lover must check this one out! The author is a ex-city gal who falls in love with a country boy, starts a family, and learns how to make Southern food. She is also a photographer so the cookbook is sprinkled with beautiful pictures of her farm, her family and of course, food! One thing that I like best about this book is that the author includes photos every step of the way in making a particular dish. No more guessing if your creation looks like it is supposed to :-)
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes From an Accidental Country Girl by Ree Drummond
Any cookbook lover must check this one out! The author is a ex-city gal who falls in love with a country boy, starts a family, and learns how to make Southern food. She is also a photographer so the cookbook is sprinkled with beautiful pictures of her farm, her family and of course, food! One thing that I like best about this book is that the author includes photos every step of the way in making a particular dish. No more guessing if your creation looks like it is supposed to :-)
April Wallace, Irondale
Claiming Ground: A Memoir by Laura Bell
Laura Bell graduated from college in 1977 and found herself at loose ends, unable to find a passion or direction in life. A fateful summer trip to a Wyoming sheep ranch leads her to spontaneous seek employment there. So she spends the greater part of each year alone on a remote mountaintop with no electricity and the responsibility of tending 1,000 sheep, 2 dogs, and a horse. She goes on to other work over the years but it is the period of time she describes herding sheep that made me fall in love with this book. Here in Alabama, I am acquainted with a million different shades of green but her descriptions of the purples, whites, and ochers she was viewing at the time fired my imagination. I was almost ready to give up my librarian shoes and learn about sheep. This is one of the most beautiful books I've read in quite some time and I was compelled to email the publisher todemand inquire if they'd considered submitting it for a National Book Award. I was delighted to get an email back saying this book is on their shortlist! Everyone should read it!
Holley Wesley, Emmet O'Neal
F5: Devastation, Survival, and the Most Violent Tornado Outbreak of the Twentieth Century by Mark Levine
Katie Moellering, Emmet O'Neal
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
This book is great for someone looking for a self-help book that is too not hokey. The author is someone who isn't unhappy per say, but wants to try appreciating life more. She tackles one subject or area each month of the year. It was an easy read that offered helpful, realistic tips that a person can use in their day-to-day life.
Claiming Ground: A Memoir by Laura Bell
Laura Bell graduated from college in 1977 and found herself at loose ends, unable to find a passion or direction in life. A fateful summer trip to a Wyoming sheep ranch leads her to spontaneous seek employment there. So she spends the greater part of each year alone on a remote mountaintop with no electricity and the responsibility of tending 1,000 sheep, 2 dogs, and a horse. She goes on to other work over the years but it is the period of time she describes herding sheep that made me fall in love with this book. Here in Alabama, I am acquainted with a million different shades of green but her descriptions of the purples, whites, and ochers she was viewing at the time fired my imagination. I was almost ready to give up my librarian shoes and learn about sheep. This is one of the most beautiful books I've read in quite some time and I was compelled to email the publisher to
Holley Wesley, Emmet O'Neal
F5: Devastation, Survival, and the Most Violent Tornado Outbreak of the Twentieth Century by Mark Levine
Katie Moellering, Emmet O'Neal
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
This book is great for someone looking for a self-help book that is too not hokey. The author is someone who isn't unhappy per say, but wants to try appreciating life more. She tackles one subject or area each month of the year. It was an easy read that offered helpful, realistic tips that a person can use in their day-to-day life.
April Wallace, Irondale
April also mentioned some authors that make fabulous summer reads (though be mindful of the content when suggesting them):
Jen Lancaster
Chelsea Handler
Celia Rivenbark
I See Rude People: One Woman's Battle To Beat Some Manners Into Impolite Society by Amy Alkon
Sally Sizemore, Hoover
April also mentioned some authors that make fabulous summer reads (though be mindful of the content when suggesting them):
Jen Lancaster
Chelsea Handler
Celia Rivenbark
I See Rude People: One Woman's Battle To Beat Some Manners Into Impolite Society by Amy Alkon
Sally Sizemore, Hoover
