Mystery author Margaret Truman, R.I.P. 1924-2008

Margaret Truman Daniel, who was the only child of President Truman and his wife, Bess, and who forged successive careers as a concert singer, an actress, a high-profile wife and mother, and a prolific biographer and mystery novelist, died Tuesday, January 29th, 2008. She was 83.

See the full obit and biography in: The L.A. Times, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.

The libraries have Truman's "Capital Crimes" mystery series, from 1980's "Murder in the White House" [1980] to "Murder on K Street" [2007], as well as as 1969 "White House Pets", her 1973 biography of her father, and her 1976 book "Women of Courage."

Staff Recommendation - Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter

Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter

by Michael Reaves

This is a great book by another underrated Star Wars author: Micheal Reaves. To date, Reaves has only written a few titles for the Expanded Universe. But, this book stands as one of the best Star Wars books out there. The biggest reason this book is so awesome is that it gives us some insight into the character of Darth Maul. This book provides some insight into what makes Maul tick as well as giving fans lots of cool fight scenes. The plot is dark, the heroes are ultimately doomed,but the story is very compelling. A great read for both fans of the Expanded Universe and those who have read few, if any, Star Wars novels.

[ official Star Wars Expanded Universe web site ] [ official Michael Reaves web site ]

See more books like this on our Star Wars booklist

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

Staff Recommendation - The Entertainer and the Dybbuk

The Entertainer and the Dybbuk

by Sid Fleischman

This is a different kind of ghost story with a different kind of ghost - a dybbuk, a Jewish spirit. This dybbuk is the ghost of a 12 year old Holocaust victim who takes up residence in the body of Freddie, an unwilling American veteran who is living in post WWII Europe and supporting himself as a ventriloquist. The dybbuk helps Freddie improve his act in return for assistance in hunting down the former SS officer who killed him and his sister. - A chilling yet humorous tale. -- recommended by Mary L. - Walt Branch Library

[ Publisher's page for The Entertainer and the Dybbuk ] [ official Sid Fleischman web site ]

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

Staff Recommendation - No One Noticed the Cat

No One Noticed the Cat
by Anne McCaffrey

A mind-reading cat, a young prince, the neighboring principality that wants to take over, a ring that detects poison, intrigue and romance - what more could you ask for? At only 124 pages this is a make-believe tale of the first degree. -- recommended by Charlotte K. - Bennett Martin Public Library/Reference

[ official No One Noticed the Cat page on the official Anne McCaffrey web site ]

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

Staff Recommendation - On the Wings of Heroes

On the Wings of Heroes

by Richard Peck

Richard Peck's thirtieth young adult novel is a tribute to his real life hero, his dad, who was a World War I veteran. His description of life before the war makes the reader long for that time of family and community, quality and commitment. Peck's main character, Davy Bowman, has a dad and an older brother who are at once heroic and endearing. The dad has a bad shoulder as a result of his military service in WWI and his brother is training as a pilot for the next war. World War II changes everything for Davy. His life is filled with scrap drives, air raid drills, odd neighbors, and growing up early. Peck's usual humor shines through. This would be a great classroom read to help students understand daily life in small town America during World War II. -- recommended by Kay V. - Bennett Martin Public Library/Youth Services

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

New Anderson Branch Books Talk Group!

Looking for opportunities to get together with other readers in Lincoln to discuss some of your favorite books? Well, now you've got another new choice through the Lincoln City Libraries -- Anderson Branch (in the Havelock neighborhood) is launching a new Books Talk group.


Anderson Books Talk will meet the third Thursday of every month at 10:30 a.m. Unlike the Bethany Books Talk and Gere Books Talk groups, which involve a guest presenter giving a themed talk to the group, the Anderson Books Talk group is intended to be a book sharing opportunity. All attendees are encouraged to bring some of their favorite recent reads to talk about with the other readers present.

So...if you've got Thursday mornings free, consider yourself invited to stop by Anderson Branch Library (3635 Touzalin) on the upcoming dates: Feb 21, Mar 20, Apr 17.

And don't forget the Library's other Book Groups --

Bethany Books Talk (1810 N. Cotner) -- every Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. [call 441-8550 for more info or see the schedule on the BookGuide site]

Gere Books Talk (2400 S. 56th) -- every Monday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. [call 441-8560 for more info or see the schedule on the BookGuide site]

Just Desserts Mystery Discussion Group (136 S. 14th) -- the last Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. [call 441-8530 for more info or see the schedule on the BookGuide site]

Staff Recommendation - The Lies of Locke Lamora

The Lies of Locke Lamora
by Scott Lynch

For readers who enjoy a well constructed world fleshed out by eccentric characters who excel in dubious professions, this is the novel for you. Locke Lamora is an orphan sold into slavery to a thieflord. Soon, the thieflord discovers how audacious this little orphan is, and unloads him on a small group of con-men. The story progresses through Locke Lamora's life and culminates in his biggest con ever. Little does he know that someone else is coveting that which he has. Power plays, mummery, twists and turns, and an ending that comes as a complete surprise. The Lies of Locke Lamora has it all, in this author's first novel. Similar titles: If you can imagine a fabulously realized Victorian world like that of David Liss (Conspiracy of Paper) mixed with the Sci-Fi feeling of a city left behind by a past race, you'll enjoy the setting for this book. Fans of Stephen Brust's Vlad Taltos books will like Locke Lamora. -- recommended by Sean S. - Virtual Services Department

[ official Lies of Locke Lamora page on the official Scott Lynch web site ]

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

Eragon 3 now has a title - Brisingr!

Readers of the popular Eragon fantasy series by Christopher Paolini should be pleased to hear that not only does the third volume now have a name...but the release date has been pushed forward (just a smidge!).

Volume 3 now has the title "Brisingr" (BRIS-ing-er), and instead of coming out on September 23rd, 2008 will now be hitting bookstores (and, presumably, libraries) on September 20th, 2008.

More details are available directly on Paolini's official site for the entire series: www.alagaesia.com!

Staff Recommendation - Real Life Entertaining

Real Life Entertaining

by Jennifer Rubell [641.5 Rub]

Real Life Entertaining is an easy to follow cookbook filled with unique recipes that allow you the cook, to be out with your guests instead of isolated in the kitchen. Fix it and forget it seems to be one of the author's secrets for stress free entertaining. Fix it, put it in the oven, and forget about it until it's time to eat. There are many tasty dishes that have beautiful table presentation. Your guests may think you've spent hours in the kitchen cooking a gourmet meal, when in fact most recipes are quick to put together. This is one cookbook that I return to over and over again. -- recommended by Patty L. - Walt Branch Library

[ official website for Jennifer Rubell and this book ]

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

KFOR Book Chat - 1/17/2008 - Titles

The titles discussed by library staff on this morning's "Book Chat" episode of KFOR's Problems & Solutions (9:00 a.m.) are now posted on the library's BookGuide site, with plot blurbs.

Here's the shortlist:

Snow Crystals by W.A. Bentley [551.578 Ben]
Snowflake Man by Duncan C. Blanchard [B B4429b]
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin [jB B444m]
The Daring Book for Girls by Andrea Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz [031.02 Buc]
The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly
A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John LeCarre
Winter: a Spiritual Biography of the Season by Gary D. Schmidt, Susan M. Felch and Barry Moser [810 Sch]
The Cage by Audrey Schulman

New Booktalk Booklist - Books in Pairs

Books in Pairs

In April 2007, booktalker Vicki W. presented a popular booktalk at both Bethany and Gere branches on "paired books". No, not books about au pairs, but rather books that work well when read together -- books that compliment each other or provide two diverse looks at the same topic or event.

You can see Vicki's full Book Talk Booklist at: Books in Pairs, including links into the library catalog to check on the status of each title.

In the meantime, here's a list of her titles, paired up of course!

Books in Pairs

Are You Looking for an Epic?
Independent People by Halldor Laxness (and)
The Greenlanders by Jane Smiley

Life Under the Ayatollah
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi (and)
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
additional suggestion -- the movie Ten, directed by Abbas Kiarostami

Getting Up in Arms About the Environment
Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver (and)
All Over Creation by Ruth Ozeki
additional suggestion -- the movie The Real Dirt on Farmer Brown, directed by Taggart Siegel

What Were They Thinking???
Swimming to Antarctica by Lynne Cox (and)
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer

Tragic Talent
Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy (and)
Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett
additional suggestion -- Savage Beauty: A Biography of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford

How It All Happened
The 9/11 Commission Report by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (and)
The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation by Sis Jacobsen and Ernie Colon

Small Town Special
Population 485 by Michael Perry (and)
The Lobster Chronicles by Linda Greenlaw
and
Stones From the River by Ursula Hegi (and)
Over a Thousand Hills I Walk With You by Hanna Jansen

The Normal, Extraordinary Life
A Girl Named Zippy (and)
She Got Up Off the Couch and Other Heroic Acts From Mooreland, Indiana, both by Haven Kimmel

Surviving Your Childhood
The Liars Club (and)
Cherry both by Mary Karr

Do You Love the #1 Ladies Detective Agency?
Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexanders McCall-Smith (featuring Isabel Dalhousie) (and)
The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs by Alexander McCall-Smith (featuring Professsor VanIgelfeld)

The Mind From the Inside Out
Thinking in Pictures by Temple Grandin (and)
In the Shadow of Memory by Floyd Skloot

Cultural Misunderstanding
Kingsfishers Catch Fire by Rumer Godden (and)
The Romantics by Pankaj Mishra

Staff Recommendations - The Butcher's Theater

The Butcher's Theater

by Jonathan Kellerman

Jonathan Kellerman is rightly reknowned for his Alex Delaware series. The Butcher's Theater is an interesting departure from that series. Chief Inspector Daniel Sharavi, headquartered in Jerusalem, is a Yemenite Jew with a California-born wife and three kids. He has been asked to investigate the mutiliation murder of a young Arab girl who's body is found in the Old City. Sharavi puts together a multi-ethnic team to help while they slowly unravel their killer's peculiar pathology. It's too bad kellerman has not made this into a series, since it showed great promise. -- recommended by Rayma S. - South Branch Library

[ official Butcher's Theater page on the official Jonathan Kellerman web site ]

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

BAM! - Book a Month Challenge

Just came across a fun reader challenge blog -- Put your reading to to the test...read a book on an assigned theme each month at visit the Book a Month Challenge site and leave your comments/review. Or, post your review on your own blog and leave a URL link at the Book a Month site.

This is a monthly challenge, and we're already half-way through January 2008, so it seems only fair to tell you that the January theme was TIME -- TIME travel, books set in other TIME periods, the science of TIME, books with TIMEs in their titles, etc. If you think you can finish a book -- any reading level, any length -- within such broad themes and within the next 16 days, then START NOW!

Otherwise, swing by the Book a Month site and join in the fun for February!

Staff Recommendation - A Long Way Gone

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier

by Ishmael Beah [966.404 Bea]

This is a timely, if harrowing, book that successfully describes the experiences of a young man who is just entering his puberty who also is ripped from his village and family by a paramilitary attack. After wandering for several months with other homeless children, he is eventually inducted into another paramilitary band and lives the next few years as a "boy soldier." He witnesses and participates in many wartime atrocities and narrowly survives after being wounded. This book describes a portion of the world the mainstream media largely ignores. It is recommended for people who like war stories and those who are concerned about the plight of children in strife-torn, developing countries. -- recommended by Jim W. - Gere Branch Library

[ official A Long Way Gone web site (also for the author) ]

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

New Booktalk Booklist - Some of Jim's Touchstone Books

Some of Jim's Touchstone Books

Gere Booktalker Jim W. started off the new 2008 Gere Books Talk series with an eclectic selection of books that hold important meaning to him, for various and sundry reasons. Perhaps some of them might strike a chord with you, too!

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
Ulysses by James Joyce
Absalom, Absalom by William Faulkner
Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
Tropic of Capricorn by Henry Miller
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
The Enormous Room by e.e. cummings
Complete Poems by e.e. cummings
Black Elk Speaks by John Neihardt
Crazy Horse by Mari Sandoz
The Eight by Katherine Neville
The Forgotten Soldier by Guy Sajer

People Magazine's Top 10 Books of 2007

People Magazine, in their issue of January 7, 2008, released a list of what their book critic(s) considered to be the Top 10 Books of 2007. Here they are, hotlinked into the library catalog, so that you can check on their immediate availability:

The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown [B D541b]

On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ismael Beah [966.404 Bea]

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

Schulz and Peanuts: A Biography by David Michaelis [B Sch75m]

A Swift Pure Cry by Siobhan Dowd

Away by Amy Bloom

What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Read...Discuss...Repeat! for January 2008

January 2008

An Hour Before Daylight
Jimmy Carter [2001]

The January 2008 selection for Read...Discuss...Repeat! has been posted to the BookGuide site.You can find some background information, including links to related websites and some "readalikes" for this month's title, by visiting: This month's Read...Discuss...Repeat! page.

You can also find all previous R...D...R! selections listed and/or comment on them, as well, at the main Read...Discuss...Repeat! index page.We then encourage you to leave your thoughts and opinions about this month's selected title either via the comments form on the linked page, or by replying in comments right here in the BookGuide blog!

Staff Recommendation - From the Ashes [DVD]

From the Ashes the Life and Times of Tick Hall

by Scott Morris [DVD 728.37 Mor]

This unique documentary traces the history, devastating fire, and the painstaking rebirth of a house nick named Tick Hall. Native Nebraskan Dick Cavett and his wife Carrie Nye have been the owners of this historic house, built in 1883, for 30 years. When the house burns to the ground, leaving only the chimney standing, Carrie Nye decides that they must rebuild it exactly as it was before. Tick Hall simply must exist. Viewers watch as Dick Cavett and Carrie Nye share their memories of Tick Hall and why they want it back in their lives. The historical architects arrive, and from the sagging porch to the squeaking stairs, they work to accurately build a new 120 year old house. Throughout the documentary viewers learn about the history of the house and the remote area in which it stood. One of the many interesting facts presented in this documentary was that Fredrick Law Olmstead, who created Central Park in New York City, designed the landscaping for the entire subdivision where this house stood. This is an out of the ordinary story that is worth watching. -- recommended by Patty L. -- Walt Branch Library

[ official From the Ashes web site ]

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

Reader Lists gaining traction!

Our newest feature on the BookGuide site appears to be gaining a bit more traction. Reader Lists was introduced at the end of November 2007, and so far has generated six thematic reading (or viewing) lists from visitors to BookGuide.

If you've got a short (15 items or less) list of books, dvds, compact disc, etc., that you've been dying to share with other readers, stop by the BookGuide site and fill out our Reader Lists form!

Staff Recommendation - Nanotech

Nanotech

edited by Jack Dann [813.08 Dan]

Although already a bit past the cusp of "cutting-edge" science fiction, this anthology is a terrific look at one of the hottest SF topics of the 1980s and 1990s -- the field of nanotechnology. With nine stories and one extended poem, this collection gathers together some of the most respected science fiction authors of the past 20 years, and some of the most critically acclaimed stories as well. If you're interested in some truly eye-opening, chilling and exhilirating looks at the potential (both good and bad) for the science of micro-technology, you won't want to miss out on Nanotech. -- recommended by Scott C. -- Bennett Martin Public Library/Reference

[ Wikipedia article on the subject of nanotechnology]

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

Staff Recommendation - River of Doubt

The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey

by Candice Millard [B R67m]

After Theodore Roosevelt failed in his last attempt at the Presidency, he was talked into an expedition on a South American river that many doubted ever existed. Joined by his son Kermit, several naturalists from noted geographic societies, a priest, and a failed Arctic explorer, they set out on an ill planned venture in the unknown rain forest. Plagued by insects, Indians, fever, and shortage of supplies, Roosevelt contracted a serious illness that almost drove him to suicide. After surviving the debacle of the expedition, he returned home only to be ridiculed and doubted about his extraordinary accomplishment. For lovers of historic adventure and suspense. -- recommended by Rayma S. -- South Branch Library

[ Publisher's page for River of Doubt ] [ Reading Group Guide for River of Doubt ]

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

What's Next for Some Popular Fiction Series?

There are some great series that will be getting new installments early in the 2008, and a few that got their newest addition late in 2007. Here are some of our favorites:

“The Winter Rose”, by Jennifer Donnelly: Set in 1900 London, the second volume in Donnelly’s “Tea Rose” trilogy tells the story of India Selwyn-Jones. Though a noblewoman by birth, India has recently graduated from the London Women’s Medical College. Rather than set up her practice in fashionable Harley street, she heads to the dangerous streets of the East End, where she feels she will be truly needed. When one of London’s most notorious gangsters, Sid Malone, comes to her for treatment, India must face her growing feelings for a man who represents everything she detests. (Due out January 8)

“Why Mermaids Sing”, by C. S. Harris: It’s another in the new and very popular Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series, set in Regency England. This time, Sebastian must find a serial killer who is doing in the sons of some of England’s most powerful families. These crimes were mentioned towards the end of Harris’ last St. Cyr novel, and solving them will no doubt prove to be a daunting and dangerous task for the darkly charming young viscount. (Out November, 2007)

“The Queen of Bedlam”, by Robert McCammon: The long-anticipated follow-up to McCammon’s much-loved “Speaks the Nightbird” reunites readers with law clerk Matthew Corbett, now living in New York, and working for a new magistrate. This book promises to be as engrossing a read as “Nightbird”, as Matthew becomes embroiled in the hunt for a serial killer that the press has dubbed, “The Masker”. Only out since October of 2007, it’s already showing up on some “Best of the Year” lists. (Out October, 2007)

“Silent in the Sanctuary”, by Deanna Raybourn: Raybourn made a smashing debut last year with her complex, historically evocative mystery, “Silent in the Grave”. Now, she gives us another tale of Lady Julia Grey and her reluctant partner in crime-solving, Nicholas Brisbane. This one has murder, jewel thieves, and an ever-increasing attraction between the two main characters. It can’t come out soon enough for Raybourn’s many fans. (Due out January 1)

“Fire Study”, by Maria V. Snyder: The next book in the “Study” series finds the magically gifted Yelena trying to stop an overly-ambitious clan from creating a magician who can control fire. Wars threaten, and danger lurks around every corner as Snyder’s smart and stalwart heroine once more tries to save her world. (Due out March 1)

“The Seduction of the Crimson Rose”, by Lauren Willig: Readers who have been avidly following Willig’s time-hopping chick-lit series will rejoice at the release of yet another installment. This time, it’s up to dark-haired socialite Mary Alsworthy and the mysterious Lord Vaughan to save England from the evil plots of the Black Tulip and his spies. Adventure and romance are sure to ensue, both in the nineteenth and the twenty-first century, where literary scholar Eloise Kelly may just finally get a date with hunky Brit Collin Selwick. (Due out January 28.)

Staff Recommendation - Silver Bells

Silver Bells: A Holiday Tale

by Luann Rice

A touching holiday romance with a bit of a paranormal twist. Christopher Byrne, Nova Scotia Christmas tree farmer, deals with the disappearance of his teenaged son, Danny, during their annual selling trip to New York City. Librarian Catherine Tierney mourns the loss of her husband during a previous Christmas season. Together, with the help of their friends and the timely assistance of the holidays, they can help each other come to terms with their losses and concerns to find a hope for the brighter future. This book was adapted into a very nice Hallmark Hall of Fame production for television in 2005, in which quite a bit of the supporting plot was altered, but actually improved on the storyline. Watch for it in case it airs on television again this holiday season! -- recommended by Scott C. -- Bennett Martin Public Library/Reference

[ author Luanne Rice's blog ]

Have you read this one? What did you think?

This review was pulled from the archives of past Staff Recommendations on the BookGuide web site.

Staff Recommendation - Spineless Wonders

Spineless Wonders: Strange Tales From the Invertebrate World

by Richard Conniff [592 Con]

They're weird. They're creepy. They have disturbing personal habits, and they're all around us. They're invertebrates, and we share our world with them, or maybe they just share theirs with us! Conniff takes us up close and personal with such seemingly common critters as the housefly, the leech and the ant. You will never look at a beetle in quite the same way again after reading this, and you may have new respect for the hagfish and the tarantula. No, these beings are not like us, but they have lives that are just as complex and full of drama. This is a fun way to learn more about a seldom-mentioned part of the animal kindgom. -- recommended by Lisa V. -- Bennett Martin Public Library/Reference

[ New York Times review ] [ article by Conniff on the writing of the book ]

Have you read this one? What did you think?

Ten new reviews appear every month on the Staff Recommendations page of the BookGuide web site. You can visit that page to see them all, or watch them appear here in the BookGuide blog over the course of the entire month.

It's a "mystery"...100 of them in fact!

Do you like "Top 100 Lists"?

The members of The Mystery Writers of America have recently assembled a list of what they consider to be the Top 100 Mystery Novels of All Time.

Check out their list and let us know what you think...any essential titles missing, or are there any here you're surprised to see? Any that are now on your "must read" list?

Comment here and share your views!