Celebrate Black History Month!

African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle & Song is by Kevin Young, editor. Across a turbulent history, Black poets created a rich and multifaceted tradition that has been both a reckoning with American realities and an imaginative response to them. One of the great American art forms, African American poetry encompasses many kinds of verse: formal, experimental, vernacular, lyric, and protest. The anthology opens with moving testaments to the power of poetry as a means of self-assertion, as enslaved people voice their passionate resistance to slavery. This volume captures the power and beauty of this diverse tradition and its challenge to American poetry and culture. The volume also features biographies of each poet and notes that illuminate cultural references and allusions to historical events. --(adapted from jacket.)

And Still I Rise: Black America Since MLK is by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and Kevin M. Burke. The companion book to Henry Louis Gates, Jr.'s PBS series, And Still I Rise--a timeline and chronicle of the past fifty years of black history in the U.S. in more than 350 photos" -- "Beginning with the assassination of Malcolm X in February 1965, And Still I Rise: From Black Power to the White House explores the last half-century of the African American experience. More than fifty years after the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the birth of Black Power, the United States has both a Black president and Black CEOs running Fortune 500 companies-- and a large Black underclass beset by persistent poverty, inadequate education, and an epidemic of incarceration. Harvard professor and scholar Henry Louis Gates, Jr. raises disturbing and vital questions about this dichotomy. How did the African American community end up encompassing such profound contradictions? And what will "the Black community" mean tomorrow? Gates takes readers through the major historical events and untold stories of the sixty years that have irrevocably shaped both the African American experience and the nation as a whole, from the explosive social and political changes of the 1960s, into the 1970s and 1980s-- eras characterized by both prosperity and neglect-- through the turn of the century to today, taking measure of such racial flashpoints as the Tawana Brawley case, O.J. Simpson's murder trial, the murders of Amadou Diallo and Trayvon Martin, and debates around the NYPD's "stop and frisk" policies. Even as it surveys the political and social evolution of black America, And Still I Rise is also a celebration of the accomplishments of black artists, musicians, writers, comedians, and thinkers who have helped to define American popular culture and to change our world. 

George Washington Carver: A Life is by Christine Vella. Nearly every American can cite at least one of the accomplishments of George Washington Carver. The many tributes honoring his contributions to scientific advancement and black history include a national monument bearing his name, a U.S.-minted coin featuring his likeness, and induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Born into slavery, Carver earned a master's degree at Iowa State Agricultural College and went on to become that university's first black faculty member. A keen painter who chose agricultural studies over art, he focused the majority of his research on peanuts and sweet potatoes. His scientific breakthroughs with the crops both of which would replenish the cotton-leached soil of the South helped spare multitudes of sharecroppers from poverty. Despite Carver's lifelong difficulties with systemic racial prejudice, when he died in 1943, millions of Americans mourned the passing of one of the nation's most honored and well-known scientists. Scores of children's books celebrate the contributions of this prolific botanist, but no biographer has fully examined both his personal life and career until now. 

The Man Called Brown Condor: the Forgotten History of an African American Fighter Pilot is by Thomas E. Simmons. The forgotten true story of American war hero John Charles Robinson, a.k.a. The Brown Condor of Ethiopia, and the commander of the Imperial Ethiopian Air Corps during the brutal Italo-Ethiopian War of 1935. Simmons brings to life Robinson's success in becoming a pilot, his expertise in building and assembling his own working aircraft, his influence on the establishment of a school of aviation at Tuskegee Institute. More than a biography of a black pilot who became a US hero, this book provides insight on racial conditions in the first half of the twentieth century and illustrates the political intrigue within a League of Nations afraid to face the rise of Fascism. 

Why Not Try Woodworking?

Spruce up your outside spaces with Weekend Woodworking for the Garden by Cindy Burda. "In just a single weekend, you can decorate your garden with a classic bench, bird feeder, planter, lawn furniture and more. No special skills required! From functional gadgets to fabulous furniture, here are 20 great looking projects that even beginners can make in just a day or two. If you can saw a board, hammer a nail, and drive a screw, you can construct a bluebird house, seedling tray, hanging wine chiller, picnic table and bench combination. There's no need for hard to learn procedures, advanced tools, or specialty lumber. With the carefully constructed plans, simple techniques, and inspiring photos of the finished items, your garden will soon be decorated. Don't fill your beautiful "outdoor rooms" with manufactured items when it's quick, easy, and satisfying to do-it-yourself!" (from Amazon.com)

The Well-Decorated Garden: 50 Ornaments & Accents to Make Your Outdoor Room is by Laura Dover Doran. "Decorative touches turn your garden area into an outdoor extension of your home. Fifty-five no-prior-skills-required projects for garden containers, stakes and markers, furnishings, and other features will add comfort, attract wildlife, and literally light up the space. Start small, if you'd like, with adorable planters made from stiffened garden gloves. Bend and twist wire into an ivy topiary frame. Take shelter in a romantic locust-log arbor covered with climbers. Soothe your soul with the sound of running water in a lava rock cascade fountain or with wind chimes. Feathered friends will flock right to the Victorian bird feeder--especially if you set it right in the midst of your most colorful blooms. Many of the materials are recycled, and a variety of crafting techniques will kindle your creativity!" (from Amazon.com)

Measure Twice, Cut Once by Jim Tolpin is the first book a woodworker needs! "Professional woodworker Jim Tolpin offers solid instruction on the principles of measurement and proportion, walking you through every step of the woodworking process. From design and layout to developing a cutting list, his easy-to-follow style introduces a variety of tools (new and old) used to transfer measurements accurately to the wood. You'll learn the best cutting techniques, how to prevent mistakes before they happen, and for those unavoidable mistakes, you'll learn how to fix them so no one will know!" (from Amazon.com)

The Complete Guide to Easy Woodworking Projects is from Black & Decker and the editors of Creative Publishing International. "Provides detailed instructions for fifty simple, attractive woodworking projects, for both inside and outside the home, including outdoor furnishings and accents, furniture projects, children's projects, accessories, and storage projects, all complete with plans, information on materials, and more. Easy woodworking projects. Step by step guide with photos to guide you." (from Amazon.com)

Self-Help Books for Personal Improvement

Meredith Goldstein gives an inside look at what it is to be an advice columnist with her book Can't Help Myself. "A disarmingly honest memoir about giving advice when you're not sure what you're doing yourself, by the woman behind The Boston Globe's Love Letters column. Every day, Boston Globe advice columnist Meredith Goldstein takes on the relationship problems of thousands of dedicated readers. They look to her for wisdom on all matters of the heart- how to cope with dating fatigue and infidelity, work romances, tired marriages, true love, and true loss. In her column, she has it all figured out, but in her real life she is a lot less certain. Whether it's her own reservations about the traditional path of marriage and family, her difficulty finding someone she truly connects with, or the evolution of her friendships as her friends start to have their own families, Meredith finds herself looking for insight, just like her readers. As she searches for responses to their concerns, she's surprised to discover answers to her own. But it's after her mother is diagnosed with cancer that she truly realizes how special her Love Letters community is, how this column has enriched her life as much, if not more than, it has for its readers. Can't Help Myself is the extraordinary (and often hilarious) story of a single woman navigating her mercurial love life, and a moving and poignant portrait of an amazing community of big-hearted, love-seeking allies." (from Amazon.com)

Enough As She Is: How to Help Girls Move Beyond Impossible Standards of Success to Live Healthy, Happy, and Fulfilling Lives by Rachel Simmons is for anyone raising or mentoring young women. "For many girls today, the drive to achieve is fueled by brutal self-criticism and an acute fear of failure. Though young women have never been more "successful"–outpacing boys in GPAs and college enrollment–they have also never struggled more. On the surface, girls may seem exceptional, but in reality, they are anxious and overwhelmed, feeling that, no matter how hard they try, they will never be smart enough, successful enough, pretty enough, thin enough, popular enough, or sexy enough. Rachel Simmons has been researching young women for two decades, and her research plainly shows that girl competence does not equal girl confidence—nor does it equal happiness, resilience, or self-worth. Backed by vivid case studies, Simmons warns that we have raised a generation of young women so focused on achieving that they avoid healthy risks, overthink setbacks, and suffer from imposter syndrome, believing they are frauds. As they spend more time projecting an image of effortless perfection on social media, these girls are prone to withdraw from the essential relationships that offer solace and support and bolster self-esteem. Deeply empathetic and meticulously researched, Enough As She Is offers a clear understanding of this devastating problem and provides practical parenting advice—including teaching girls self-compassion as an alternative to self-criticism, how to manage overthinking, resist the constant urge to compare themselves to peers, take healthy risks, navigate toxic elements of social media, prioritize self-care, and seek support when they need it. Enough As She Is sounds an alarm to parents and educators, arguing that young women can do more than survive adolescence. They can thrive. Enough As She Is shows us how." (from Amazon.com)

"Whether your intuition is naturally accessible or hidden, Intuition for Beginners shows how to enhance your sense of inner knowing to improve your relationships, solve problems, and make important decisions. Explore the different kinds of "sixth sense" with professional intuitive Diane Brandon as she shares how to discover your own intuition and make it stronger. Believe it or not, nearly everyone is intuitive! You can learn to use your intuition as a tool of empowerment at home, at work, or wherever you face uncertainty or challenges. With dozens of exercises, guided meditations, and helpful dos and don'ts, Intuition for Beginners will have you listening to your inner voice in no time." (from Amazon.com)

"The star of BET’s Mind, Body & Soul, and featured guest speaker on Oprah’s Lifeclass, Potter’s House pastor, T.D. Jakes turns his attention to the topic of relationships, guiding you on the right track to making decisions you will benefit from for the rest of your life. In the vein of Joel Osteen’s Become a Better You and Dr. Phil’s Life Strategies, the New York Times bestselling Making Great Decisions gives you the psychological and practical tools you need to reflect, discern, and decide the next step toward strong relationships in your life. “Remember,” writes T.D. Jakes, “your tomorrow is no better than the decisions you make today.” “My promise is that if you read this book, you will be equipped, you will know all you need to know about making foolproof relational decisions,” writes T.D. Jakes. Choosing the right partner, at home or at work, is one of the most consequential decisions we’ll ever make. How can we be sure that we’re choosing wisely? How do we know if we’re doing the right thing when we change careers? By breaking our decisions down into their five crucial components:

• Research: gathering information
• Roadwork: removing obstacles
• Rewards: listing choices and visualizing consequences
• Revelation: narrowing your options and making your selection
• Rearview: looking back and adjusting as necessary to stay on course

Clear-sighted, realistic, and spiritually uplifting, Before You Do: Making Great Decisions is one of those rare books that can change lives." (from Amazon.com)

August is Relationship Awareness Month

 

"A highly illuminating examination of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and its insidiously traumatic impact on family members and partners. Packed with insight, compassion, and practical strategies for recovery, this is a must-read for survivors and clinicians alike. Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) has a profoundly dehumanizing effect on those subject to its distortions, manipulations, and rage. The Narcissist in Your Life by Julie L. Hall illuminates the emotionally annihilating experience of narcissistic abuse in families and relationships, acknowledges the complex emotional and physical trauma that results, and assists survivors with compassionate, practical advice on the path of recovery. Whether you are just learning about NPD, managing a narcissistic parent or other family member, leaving a narcissistic relationship, or struggling with complex PTSD, you will find life-changing answers to these common questions:

• What are the different forms of NPD?
• Is my partner a narcissist?
• Why do I keep attracting narcissistic personalities?
• How can I help my kids?
• What happens in a narcissistic family?
• Why did my other parent go along with the abuse?
• Why am I alienated from my siblings?
• Why is it so hard to believe in myself and my future?
• What is complex PTSD and do I have it?
• What are the health problems associated with narcissistic abuse?

Journalist, survivor, and NPD trauma coach Julie L. Hall provides a comprehensive, up-to-date, affirming, and accessible guide that will not only help you understand narcissistic abuse trauma, but will help you overcome trauma cycles and move forward with healing." (from Amazon.com)

"Do you thrust unsolicited partisan articles upon your spouse? Are you convinced that you can change your coworker’s mind, if you could only argue forcefully enough? Have you gone from befriending to “defriending” the people once closest to you? Don’t give up hope; Dr. Jeanne Safer is here to help. Since the election of Donald J. Trump, political disagreements have been ravaging our personal relationships like never before. This already widespread phenomenon will continue to grow unless we learn to fight it. From friends to relatives to lovers, no relationship is immune to this crisis. I Love You, but I Hate Your Politics draws from interviews with every type of politically mixed couple, as well as Dr. Safer’s own experiences as a die-hard liberal happily married to a stalwart conservative. The result is a practical guide to maintaining respect and intimacy in our increasingly divided world. I Love You, but I Hate Your Politics by Jeanne Safer. is sure to educate and entertain anyone who has felt the strain of ideological differences in their personal life. No matter which side of the fence you're on, Dr. Safer offers frank, practical advice for salvaging and strengthening your bonds with your loved ones. This book is required reading for any politically minded friend, relative, or significant other in the Trump era." (from Amazon.com)

"Are you more distant from your spouse than you’d like to be? Do you or your spouse waste time mindlessly viewing email or surfing the Web? Welcome to the club! Modern marriage is busy, distracted, and overloaded to extremes, with ever-increasing lists of things to do, superficial electronic connections, and interrupted moments. The good news is that there are straightforward and effective ways to restore communication and connection, resurrect happiness and romance, and strengthen—even save—a marriage.  

• Observe the natural sequence of sustaining love: attention, time, connection, and play.
• Develop and nurture empathy—the essential building block to healthy communication.
• Carve out small moments of uninterrupted attention for each other.
• Identify the pressures that our crazybusy lifestyles put on love and marriage, and fight back with tenderness and appreciation.

Complete with scripts, tips, communication techniques, and a detailed 30-day reconnection plan, as well as inspiring real-life stories, Married to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell and Sue Hallowell will set couples on a course of understanding, healing, and love." (from Amazon.com)

"In this New York Times bestseller, Hollywood power couple DeVon Franklin and Meagan Good candidly share their courtship and marriage, and the key to their success—waiting. President/CEO of Franklin Entertainment and former Sony Pictures executive DeVon Franklin and award-winning actress Meagan Good have learned firsthand that some people must wait patiently for “the one” to come into their lives. They spent years crossing paths but it wasn’t until they were thrown together while working on the film Jumping the Broom that their storybook romance began. Faced with starting a new relationship and wanting to avoid potentially devastating pitfalls, DeVon and Meagan chose to do something almost unheard of in today’s society—abstain from sex until they were married. DeVon and Meagan share the life-changing message that waiting—rather than rushing a relationship—can help you find the person you’re meant to be with. The Wait is filled with candid his-and-hers accounts of the most important moments of their relationship and practical advice on how waiting for everything—from dating to sex—can transform relationships, allowing you to find a deep connection based on patience, trust, and faith." (from Amazon.com)

New Adult Non-Fiction

"In a world that’s both more connected and more isolating than ever before, we’re often tempted to do life alone, whether because we’re so busy or because relationships feel risky and hard. But science confirms that consistent, meaningful connection with others has a powerful impact on our well-being. We are meant to live known and loved. But so many are hiding behind emotional walls that we’re experiencing an epidemic of loneliness. In Find Your People, bestselling author Jennie Allen draws on fascinating insights from science and history, timeless biblical truth, and vulnerable stories from her own life to help you:

• overcome the barriers to making new friends and learn to initiate with easy-to-follow steps

• find simple ways to press through awkward to get to authentic in conversations

• understand how conflict can strengthen relationships rather than destroy them

• identify the type of friend you are and the types of friends you need

• learn the five practical ingredients you need to have the type of friends you’ve always longed for 

You were created to play, engage, adventure, and explore—with others. In Find Your People, you’ll discover exactly how to dive into the deep end and experience the full wonder of community. Because while the ache of loneliness is real, it doesn’t have to be your reality." (from Amazon.com)

"A suspense filled tale of murder on the American frontier—shedding new light on a family of serial killers in Kansas, whose horrifying crimes gripped the attention of a nation still reeling from war. In 1873 the people of Labette County, Kansas made a grisly discovery. Buried by a trailside cabin beneath an orchard of young apple trees were the remains of countless bodies. Below the cabin itself was a cellar stained with blood. The Benders, the family of four who once resided on the property were nowhere to be found. The discovery sent the local community and national newspapers into a frenzy that continued for decades, sparking an epic manhunt for the Benders. The idea that a family of seemingly respectable homesteaders—one among the thousands relocating farther west in search of land and opportunity after the Civil War—were capable of operating "a human slaughter pen" appalled and fascinated the nation. But who the Benders really were, why they committed such a vicious killing spree and whether justice ever caught up to them is a mystery that remains unsolved to this day. Set against the backdrop of postbellum America, Hell’s Half-Acre explores the environment capable of allowing such horrors to take place. Drawing on extensive original archival material, Susan Jonusas introduces us to a fascinating cast of characters, many of whom have been previously missing from the story. Among them are the families of the victims, the hapless detectives who lost the trail, and the fugitives that helped the murderers escape. Hell’s Half-Acre is a journey into the turbulent heart of nineteenth century America, a place where modernity stalks across the landscape, violently displacing existing populations and building new ones. It is a world where folklore can quickly become fact and an entire family of criminals can slip through a community’s fingers, only to reappear in the most unexpected of places." (from Amazon.com)

Scoundrel: How a Convicted Murderer Persuaded the Women Who Loved Him, the Conservative Establishment, and the Courts to Set Him Free is by Sarah Weinman. "The astonishing story of a murderer who conned the people around him—including conservative thinker William F. Buckley—into helping set him free. In the 1960s, Edgar Smith, in prison and sentenced to death for the murder of teenager Victoria Zielinski, struck up a correspondence with William F. Buckley, the founder of National Review. Buckley, who refused to believe that a man who supported the neoconservative movement could have committed such a heinous crime, began to advocate not only for Smith’s life to be spared but also for his sentence to be overturned. So begins a bizarre and tragic tale of mid-century America. Sarah Weinman’s Scoundrel leads us through the twists of fate and fortune that brought Smith to freedom, book deals, fame, and eventually to attempting murder again. In Smith, Weinman has uncovered a psychopath who slipped his way into public acclaim and acceptance before crashing down to earth once again. From the people Smith deceived—Buckley, the book editor who published his work, friends from back home, and the women who loved him—to Americans who were willing to buy into his lies, Weinman explores who in our world is accorded innocence, and how the public becomes complicit in the stories we tell one another. Scoundrel shows, with clear eyes and sympathy for all those who entered Smith’s orbit, how and why he was able to manipulate, obfuscate, and make a mockery of both well-meaning people and the American criminal justice system. It tells a forgotten part of American history at the nexus of justice, prison reform, and civil rights, and exposes how one man’s ill-conceived plan to set another man free came at the great expense of Edgar Smith’s victims." (from Amazon.com)

"In Blameforest, Jason Stocks captures the rhythms of a vibrant vernacular that is original and authentic. He builds a distinctive world that often turns violent and lovelorn, his rendering clear-eyed and voiced like a blade -- and does so while displaying the expansive range of a skilled craftsman. Far more than a sequence of individual poems, Blameforest is a layered and nuanced work of innovative literature to be read in one sitting, and then over and over again. Jason Stocks lives and writes in Florida. His work has appeared in New Delta Review, Confrontation, Exterminating Angel Press, and other fine journals. Blameforest is his first full-length poetry collection." (from Amazon.com)

We Remember...

Nearly three thousand people died in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In Lower Manhattan, on a field in Pennsylvania, and along the banks of the Potomoc, the United States suffered the single largest loss of life from an enemy attack on its soil. In November 2002 the United States Congress and President George W. Bush established by law the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, also known as the 9/11 Commission. This independent, bipartisan panel was directed to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the September 11 attacks, identify lessons learned, and provide recommendations to safeguard against future acts of terrorism. This volume is the authorized edition of the Commission's final report.

The tragic events of September 11, 2001, forever altered the American landscape, both figuratively and literally. Immediately after the jets struck the twin towers of the World Trade Center, Dennis Smith, a former firefighter, reported to Manhattan’s Ladder Co. 16 to volunteer in the rescue efforts. In the weeks that followed, Smith was present on the front lines, attending to the wounded, sifting through the wreckage, and mourning with New York’s devastated fire and police departments. This is Smith’s vivid account of the rescue efforts by the fire and police departments and emergency medical teams as they rushed to face a disaster that would claim thousands of lives. Smith takes readers inside the minds and lives of the rescuers at Ground Zero as he shares stories about these heroic individuals and the effect their loss had on their families and their companies. “It is,” says Smith, “the real and living history of the worst day in America since Pearl Harbor.” Written with drama and urgency, Report from Ground Zero honors the men and women who—in America’s darkest hours—redefined our understanding of courage.

20th anniversary edition of a New York Times bestseller with a new foreword from Lisa Beamer. Lisa Beamer was thrust into the national spotlight after her husband, Todd, led a counterattack against terrorists on United Flight 93. He―and all the other passenger heroes―lost their lives in a Pennsylvania field. Todd’s last known words, “Let’s roll!” have become a rallying cry for the entire American nation. Let’s Roll! is a message of character, courage, and undeniable faith in the face of horrifying tragedy, and encourages anyone who reads it to live real life right now . . . and to have confidence and hope for the future.

Leslie Haskin recounts her story of faith in the face of the September 11th attacks in Between Heaven and Ground Zero. A Second Chance at Life On the sunny morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001, terrorists murdered more than twenty-seven hundred people in an attack on New York City. Thousands died when a hijacked Boeing 767 slammed into Tower One of the World Trade Center. It was first blood. For Leslie Haskin, it was a second chance at life. This is the riveting account of Leslie's harrowing escape--down 36 floors in a doomed and dying building and away from a life focused on perks, prestige, and power. The intervening months brought crippling mental and emotional distress, but from the rubble and ashes, the corporate climber rediscovered the faith of her childhood and now embraces a new life of serving others.

The Ground Truth is by John Farmer. From the senior counsel to the 9/11 Commission, a mesmerizing real-time portrayal of that day, why we weren't told the truth, and why our nation is still at risk. As one of the primary authors of the 9/11 Commission Report, John Farmer is proud of his and his colleagues? work. Yet he came away from the experience convinced that there was a further story to be told, one he was uniquely qualified to write. Now that story can be told. Tape recordings, transcripts, and contemporaneous records that had been classified have since been declassified, and the inspector generals investigations of government conduct have been completed. Drawing on his knowledge of those sources, as well as his years as an attorney in public and private practice, Farmer reconstructs the truth of what happened on that fateful day and the disastrous circumstances that allowed it: the institutionalized disconnect between what those on the ground knew and what those in power did. He details terrifying and illuminating the key moments in the years, months, weeks, and days that preceded the attacks, then descends almost in real time through the attacks themselves, portraying them as they have never before been seen. Ultimately, Farmer builds the inescapably convincing case that the official version not only is almost entirely untrue but serves to create a false impression of order and security. The ground truth that Farmer captures suggests a very different scenario; one that is doomed to be repeated unless the systemic failures he reveals are confronted and remedied.

Big Ideas, Simply Explained

An exciting new series from DK Publishing has arrived at the library. We have the following titles in the Big Ideas Simply Explained series. 

"Enter the world of myths and legends with this unforgettable compendium that spans the centuries and crosses the continents to share the greatest stories of all time. Sit back and enjoy more than 80 classic myths retold for the modern reader with engaging text and eye-catching graphics. Part of the Big Ideas series, The Mythology Book introduces the great and the good, from the gods of ancient Greece to the stories of the Cherokee People of North America. Going beyond the ancient worlds, this book brings to life influential tales of Aboriginal Australians and the Aztecs, each packed with compelling characters, plot twists and turns, and incredible insight into human existence. Discover the lessons behind every story and get to the heart of cultures far and wide through the inspiring narratives that capture the way communities work together to make sense of the world around them. This is essential reading for everyone who delights in stories of imagination, action, and adventure, taking new generations back in time to love and learn from the stories of the past." (from Amazon.com)

"This comprehensive, accessible, and authenticated guide to Islam is essential to understanding the world's fastest-growing religion. This essential guide to Islam covers every aspect of the Muslim faith and its history - from the life of the Prophet Muhammad and the teachings of the Koran to Islam in the 21st century. Celebrating the scientific, literary, and artistic achievements of the Islamic Golden Age and the ideas of philosophers and theologians across the centuries, it opens a window on the Islamic world. Clear factual writing offers insight into terms like Sharia law, the Caliphate, and jihad; Sunni and Shia divisions; and Sufi poetry and music. Images of Islamic art, architecture, calligraphy, and historical artifacts illustrate the articles while the Big Ideas' trademark infographics and flowcharts explore and explain the central tenets of Islam, such as prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage. Modern issues such as fundamentalism are discussed in context alongside the work of peaceful traditionalists, modernizers, and women's rights campaigners, among others. Packed with inspiring quotations and bold illustrations, The Islam Book is an invaluable source of information both for members of one of the world's major religions and readers looking for a clear unbiased guide to the meaning of this faith." (from Amazon.com)

"You don’t have to be a scientist to find this beginner’s biology book fascinating! What is life? Why do bees dance? How do animals know their mothers?  Who discovered germs? Discover the living world, how it interacts with the environment, and stand in awe of the most interesting biology facts, theories, and discoveries. The Biology Book is written in simple English making complex biological ideas accessible to everyone! Whether you’re a student or lay-scientist, you’ll find these pages exciting and educational because it: 

   • Combines creative typography, graphics, and accessible text to explore the most famous and important ideas in biology and the people behind them

   • Includes a directory section for easy localization

   • Profiles more than 95 ideas and events key to the development of biology and the life sciences, with thought-provoking graphics throughout that demystify the central concepts behind each idea

   • Features insightful and inspiring quotes from leading biologists and scientists, such as 2020 Nobel Laureates, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna, as well as thinkers in other fields

Learn everything you wanted to know about Biology. Over the last few centuries, humans have been enamored by the world around us. Trace the history of scientific thought and meet the scientists who shaped the natural sciences, such as Carl Linnaeus, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, Charles Darwin, and Gregor Mendel. From the mechanics of plants, animals, and the human body; to DNA and genetic inheritance; and the development of vaccines, explore the crucial discoveries to understand how our world works. The Biology Book uncovers over 95 key ideas in the field of biology. Step by step flowcharts, diagrams, and accessible text will help demystify complex biological processes and help you enhance your understanding. This biology book also discusses current trends such as cloning, neuroscience, human evolution, and gene editing. Whether you’re new to the subject, a budding scientist, or keen to keep up with and understand current ethical and scientific debates, The Biology Book is for you." (from Amazon.com)

"Discover the most important and groundbreaking milestones in the history of medicine, and the people behind them. From ancient herbal remedies to modern drugs, this accessible medical reference book explores the breakthroughs and discoveries that have shaped our modern-day understanding of medicine. Inside the pages of this illustrated medicine history book, you’ll discover:

   • Profiles of more than 90 of the biggest ideas, breakthroughs, and milestones in international medical history

   • Thought-provoking graphics and flow-charts that demystify the central concepts behind each medical idea

   • Insightful and inspiring quotes from famous physicians, scientists, politicians, and academics

Learn about changes in medicine throughout the ages. How are illnesses diagnosed? How do vaccinations work? Why are some pandemics so deadly? This informative book about medicine through time answers big questions like these and many more! Packed with pithy explanations, step-by-step diagrams, and bright illustrations, The Medicine Book cuts through the jargon and offers a clear overview of the greatest medical breakthroughs. Learn about major diseases such as cancer and the global eradication of smallpox. Explore new developments in IVF and gene manipulation, as well as medical science's response to global challenges, such as the COVID-19. It’s perfect for medical professionals, students of medicine, or anyone interested in the fascinating medical history of the world." (from Amazon.com)

"What is Fauvism? Which event inspired Picasso’s Guernica? Who connects Andy Warhol and David Hockney? This comprehensive volume answers all these and more. In a grand timeline of art, it explains how one movement influenced the next, discusses influential painters, sculptors, and artists, and showcases 80 of the world’s greatest artworks. Throughout history, art has taken many forms and offers a kaleidoscopic variety of expression. With The Art Book as your companion, you can browse the world’s most important artworks, from prehistoric Altamira cave paintings to pop art and avant-garde video installations. You can observe artistic inspiration evolving from religious themes in the Middle Ages to abstract shapes and color in the 20th century and understand the ideas that inspired masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Klimt, Matisse, and many more. Annotations draw attention to key details of masterpieces, and diagrams offer succinct explanations of art forms and help you contrast techniques of painters such as Cézanne and van Gogh. With insightful quotations and detailed timelines, The Art Book is a thought-provoking and essential reference for students and art-lovers everywhere." (from Amazon.com)

New Adult Non-Fiction

 

The How Not to Diet Cookbook is by Michael Greger, M.D., FACLM and the recipes come from Robin Robertson. This book features more than one hundred plant-based recipes meant to help with healthy, permanent weight loss. Dr. Greger’s introductory chapter explains what he means by the title and which foods are best for his approach to weight loss and healthy eating. He also includes his “Daily Dozen” list to help you make sure you get the nutrients and exercise necessary for optimum health. Things like beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds, greens, cruciferous veggies, hydration, and exercise comprise most of the list. There is a helpful chart you can photocopy so that you can remember how many servings of each you need per day. There is also a chart of “21Tweaks” that will help you hack your weight loss by reminding you what to do at each meal, every day, and every night. Flipping through the book, I have found that there may be ingredients that would be difficult to find in our area, but there are plenty of simple, delicious-looking recipes to choose from, so you are sure to find something to suit your taste. 

It’s almost the time of year to start that garden and we have the perfect book for you: Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden by Jessica Walliser. Veteran gardeners and scientists know that intentionally growing certain plants together can benefit the whole garden. Jessica Walliser teaches you about the modern understanding of the web of connections happening in your garden and how to use them to create the results you want. These plant partnerships will offer strategies for breaking up heavy soils, combating weeds and disease, keeping pests away, attracting beneficial insects and improving pollination. For instance, did you know that chamomile discourages cabbageworm butterflies from laying their eggs? Or, if your potato patch is overrun with weeds, a cover crop of rapeseed (canola) may help you out? If you are a novice gardener, or if you just want to learn more about plants, then this is a very informative and interesting read. Who knows, you may improve your green thumb. 

The latest cookbook from infamous chef Gordon Ramsay is called Quick and Delicious. There are no difficult recipes or unusual ingredients here. Our favorite foul-mouth chef has gathered together one hundred recipes that can be cooked in thirty minutes or less. Ramsay shares the tips he has learned over the years to cut down on cooking times, but he never skimps on flavor. The introduction gives the home cook advice about faster, better cooking as well as an equipment list and an ingredient list that will help you punch up the flavor. With recipes like Moroccan Chicken and Couscous, Lamb Sirloin Roast with Creamed Cannellini Beans, and Dark Chocolate and Coffee Mousse, you can’t go wrong with giving a few of these a try. 

Author/photographer Brandon Stanton created Humans of New York in 2010. “What began as a photographic census of life in New York City soon evolved into a storytelling phenomenon.” Millions of people all over the world began following HONY on a daily basis. In this book, Humans, Stanton broadens his lens to include people from across the world. He traveled to more than forty countries and conducted interviews across continents, borders, and language barriers. These faces and locations may vary from page to page, but the stories that are told are shared by us all. These shared experiences range from the joyous to the sorrowful, the spectacular to the mundane, but they are all told with a candor and intimacy that makes them universal. 

Celebrated pastry chef Kelly Fields (with Kate Heddings) brings us The Good Book of Southern Baking. The subtitle—A Revival of Biscuits, Cakes, and Cornbread—lets us know right off that we are in for a treat. Fields begins her cookbook with a brief overview of the ingredients, techniques, and equipment that she thinks are most important for successful baking. She also says that, for the most part, you can use whatever suits you, but it is suggested you read the introduction so you can make the best choices for your baked goods. Fields has filled her book with all sorts of goodies: quick breads, muffins, biscuits, puddings, custards, cookies, bars, pies, cakes, and cobblers. This book is certainly chocked full of enough recipes to satisfy any sweet tooth or bread lover. Why not try the Praline Brownies, Bananas Foster Bread Pudding, or the Sweet Potato and Toasted Honey Marshmallow Pie?  

Creepy Nonfiction

 

"Author, investigator, and creature expert Linda S. Godfrey brings fearless reporting to American Monsters: A History of Monster Lore, Legends, and Sightings in America, using historical records, present-day news reports, and eyewitness interviews to examine this hidden menagerie of America's homegrown beasts. Bigfoot, the chupacabra, and thunderbirds aren't just figments of our overactive imaginations - according to thousands of eyewitnesses, they exist, in every corner of the United States. Throughout America's history, shocked onlookers have seen unbelievable creatures of every stripe - from sea serpents to apelike beings, giant bats to monkeymen - in every region." (from Amazon.com)

"In this remarkable true story, the haunting of a Long Island household forces a respected writer and editor to reevaluate the mysteries of life and death as he struggles with the frightening truths of his childhood home and his town's past. Growing up in Rockville Center, Long Island, Gary Jansen never believed in ghosts. His mother-a devoutly Catholic woman with a keen sense for the uncanny-claimed that their family house was haunted. But Jansen never found anything inexplicable in how their doorbell would sometimes ring of its own accord; or in the mysterious sounds of footsteps or breaking glass that occasionally would fill their home; or even in his mother's sometimes unsettlingly accurate visions of future events and tragedies. Though he once experienced a supernatural encounter in a Prague church as a young man, Jansen grew up into a rationalist, as well as a noted writer and editor. Decades later, in 2001, Jansen moved back into the very same house where he had once grown up to raise a family with his wife. This became the first step in uncovering a frightening, full-blown haunting in his home-a phenomenon that lasted an entire year and eventually included unveiling the identities of the spirits who occupied his house; discovering the chilling story of a century-old murder in his hometown; encountering mind-boggling coincidences between local history and events in his own family; and finally engaging in a climactic exorcism with the help of Mary Ann Winkowski, the real-life inspiration for TV's The Ghost Whisperer. The events of that year-in which Jansen's family was terrified of and terrorized by ghosts in their own home-forever changed how he viewed the mysteries of life and death. Holy Ghosts is not only a gripping true-life ghost story but a funny and touching memoir, as well as a meditation on the relationship between religion and the paranormal, which are often considered at odds with each other but which the author shows are intimately linked." (from Amazon.com)

Monster Hunters: On the Trail with Ghost Hunters, Bigfooters, Ufologists, and Other Paranormal Investigators is by Tea Krulos. "Do ghosts exist? What about the Bigfoot, or Skinwalkers? And how will we ever know? Journalist Tea Krulos spent over a year traveling nationwide to meet individuals who have made it their life’s passion to hunt down evidence of entities that they believe exist, but that others might shrug off as nothing more than myths, fairytales, or overactive imaginations. Follow along with Krulos as he joins these believers in the field, exploring haunted houses, trekking through creepy forests, and scanning skies and lakes as they collect data on the unknown—poltergeists, Chupacabras, Skunk Apes (Bigfoot’s stinky cousins), and West Virginia’s Mothman. Along the way, he meets a diverse cast of characters—true believers, skeptics, and hoaxers—from the credible to the quirky. And in the end, Krulos leaves it to the reader to decide: are these people tilting at supernatural windmills, or are they onto something?" (from Amazon.com)

Christopher D. Bader, F. Carson Mencken, and Joseph O. Baker present: Paranormal America: Ghost Encounters, UFO Sightings, Bigfoot Hunts, and Other Curiosities in Religion and Culture. "A significant number of Americans spend their weekends at UFO conventions hearing whispers of government cover-ups, at New Age gatherings learning the keys to enlightenment, or ambling around historical downtowns learning about resident ghosts in tourist-targeted 'ghost walks' They have been fed a steady diet of fictional shows with paranormal themes such as The X-Files, Supernatural, and Medium, shows that may seek to simply entertain, but also serve to disseminate paranormal beliefs. The public hunger for the paranormal seems insatiable. Paranormal America provides the definitive portrait of Americans who believe in or have experienced such phenomena as ghosts, Bigfoot, UFOs, psychic phenomena, astrology, and the power of mediums. However, unlike many books on the paranormal, this volume does not focus on proving or disproving the paranormal, but rather on understanding the people who believe and how those beliefs shape their lives. Drawing on the Baylor Religion Survey a multi-year national random sample of American religious values, practices, and behaviors as well as extensive fieldwork including joining hunts for Bigfoot and spending the night in a haunted house, authors Christopher Bader, F. Carson Mencken, and Joseph Baker shed light on what the various types of paranormal experiences, beliefs, and activities claimed by Americans are; whether holding an unconventional belief, such as believing in Bigfoot, means that one is unconventional in other attitudes and behaviors; who has such experiences and beliefs and how they differ from other Americans; and if we can expect major religions to emerge from the paranormal. Brimming with engaging personal stories and provocative findings, Paranormal America is an entertaining yet authoritative look at a growing segment of American religious culture." (from Amazon.com)

Estate Planning from NOLO

"Your will, made easy:

Write a will that suits your needs with a minimum of fuss. This book provides all the forms and step-by-step instructions you need to create a simple, valid will that protects your family and property after your death.

Make a will that lets you:

• name beneficiaries to inherit your assets
• choose a guardian for young children
• set up trusts for minors, and
• name an executor (and a backup).

Learn how to:

• choose appropriate witnesses
• finalize your will, and
• revoke or change your will if necessary.

This book also explains basic estate planning, including steps you can take to avoid probate court. The updated 9th edition includes the latest changes in federal estate tax law and a new appendix that lists state probate exceptions. With Downloadable Forms: download wills, a beneficiary worksheet, and other forms (details inside)." (from Amazon.com)

"Protect your family with solid estate planning:
Estate planning sounds difficult―but most people just need a few basic documents. Let Plan Your Estate show you how to protect your loved ones from legal hassles and financial uncertainty after your death. Learn about:

• wills and living trusts
• avoiding probate
• bypass (AB) trusts
• naming guardians for children
• leaving property to children
• estate, gift, and inheritance taxes
• strategies for business owners
• leaving property to charity
• health care directives, and
• financial powers of attorney.
  

The 14th edition of Plan Your Estate is completely updated to reflect the latest state and federal laws, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Applies in all U.S. states except Louisiana." (from Amazon.com)

For the Country Music Fans

Authors Dayton Duncan and Ken Burns bring us Country Music: An Illustrated History.

"The rich and colorful story of America's most popular music and the singers and songwriters who captivated, entertained, and consoled listeners throughout the twentieth century--based on the upcoming eight-part film series to air on PBS in September 2019

This gorgeously illustrated and hugely entertaining history begins where country music itself emerged: the American South, where people sang to themselves and to their families at home and in church, and where they danced to fiddle tunes on Saturday nights. With the birth of radio in the 1920s, the songs moved from small towns, mountain hollers, and the wide-open West to become the music of an entire nation--a diverse range of sounds and styles from honky tonk to gospel to bluegrass to rockabilly, leading up through the decades to the music's massive commercial success today.

But above all, Country Music is the story of the musicians. Here is Hank Williams's tragic honky tonk life, Dolly Parton rising to fame from a dirt-poor childhood, and Loretta Lynn turning her experiences into songs that spoke to women everywhere. Here too are interviews with the genre's biggest stars, including the likes of Merle Haggard to Garth Brooks to Rosanne Cash. Rife with rare photographs and endlessly fascinating anecdotes, the stories in this sweeping yet intimate history will captivate longtime country fans and introduce new listeners to an extraordinary body of music that lies at the very center of the American experience." (from Amazon.com)

New Adult Non-Fiction

"Hard-hitting, thought-provoking, and inspiring, Conversations in Black by Ed Gordon offers sage wisdom for navigating race in a radically divisive America and, with help from his mighty team of black intelligentsia, veteran journalist Ed Gordon creates hope and a timeless narrative on what the future of black leadership should look like and how we can get there. In Conversations in Black, Gordon brings together some of the most prominent voices in Black America today, including Stacey Abrams, Harry Belafonte, Charlamagne tha God, Michael Eric Dyson, Alicia Garza, Jemele Hill, Iyanla VanZant, Eric Holder, Killer Mike, Angela Rye, Al Sharpton, T.I., and Maxine Waters, and so many more to answer questions about vital topics affecting our nation today, such as:

•     Will the black vote control the 2020 election?
•     Do black lives really matter?
•     After Obama's presidency, are black people better off?
•     Are stereotypical images of people of color changing in Hollywood?
•     How is "Black Girl Magic" changing the face of black America?

We are bombarded with media, music, and social media messages that enforce stereotypes of people of color. In this groundbreaking book, Gordon sets out to clarify what black power and excellence really look like -- and shows everyone the way forward into a new age of prosperity and pride." (from Amazon.com)

Blood, Sweat, & Tears: Jake Gaither, Floriday A&M, and the History of Black College Football is by Derrick E. White."Black college football began during the nadir of African American life after the Civil War. The first game occurred in 1892, a little less than four years before the Supreme Court ruled segregation legal in Plessy v. Ferguson. In spite of Jim Crow segregation, Black colleges produced some of the best football programs in the country. They mentored young men who became teachers, preachers, lawyers, and doctors--not to mention many other professions--and transformed Black communities. But when higher education was integrated, the programs faced existential challenges as predominately white institutions steadily set about recruiting their student athletes and hiring their coaches. Blood, Sweat, and Tears explores the legacy of Black college football, with Florida A&M's Jake Gaither as its central character, one of the most successful coaches in its history. A paradoxical figure, Gaither led one of the most respected Black college football programs, yet many questioned his loyalties during the height of the civil rights movement. Among the first broad-based histories of Black college athletics, Derrick E. White's sweeping story complicates the heroic narrative of integration and grapples with the complexities and contradictions of one of the most important sources of Black pride in the twentieth century." (from Amazon.com)

Steve Inskeep tells the riveting story of John and Jessie Frémont in Imperfect Union. "John C. Frémont, one of the United States’s leading explorers of the nineteenth century, was relatively unknown in 1842, when he commanded the first of his expeditions to the uncharted West. But in only a few years, he was one of the most acclaimed people of the age – known as a wilderness explorer, bestselling writer, gallant army officer, and latter-day conquistador, who in 1846 began the United States’s takeover of California from Mexico. He was not even 40 years old when Americans began naming mountains and towns after him. He had perfect timing, exploring the West just as it captured the nation’s attention. But the most important factor in his fame may have been the person who made it all possible: his wife, Jessie Benton Frémont.  Jessie, the daughter of a United States senator who was deeply involved in the West, provided her husband with entrée to the highest levels of government and media, and his career reached new heights only a few months after their elopement. During a time when women were allowed to make few choices for themselves, Jessie – who herself aspired to roles in exploration and politics – threw her skill and passion into promoting her husband. She worked to carefully edit and publicize his accounts of his travels, attracted talented young men to his circle, and lashed out at his enemies. She became her husband’s political adviser, as well as a power player in her own right. In 1856, the famous couple strategized as John became the first-ever presidential nominee of the newly established Republican Party. With rare detail and in consummate style, Steve Inskeep tells the story of a couple whose joint ambitions and talents intertwined with those of the nascent United States itself. Taking advantage of expanding news media, aided by an increasingly literate public, the two linked their names to the three great national movements of the time—westward settlement, women’s rights, and opposition to slavery. Together, John and Jessie Frémont took parts in events that defined the country and gave rise to a new, more global America. Theirs is a surprisingly modern tale of ambition and fame; they lived in a time of social and technological disruption and divisive politics that foreshadowed our own. In Imperfect Union, as Inskeep navigates these deeply transformative years through Jessie and John’s own union, he reveals how the Frémonts’ adventures amount to nothing less than a tour of the early American soul." (from Amazon.com)

Digital Resources. No Library Card Required!

Because we are closed to the public through May 18th, this week’s blog features the digital resources available to our patrons and to the general public who may not have a library card. The only thing necessary to access these resources is an internet connection and a computer, tablet, or smartphone. We are proud to be able to offer these services especially in times like these. 

First, I would like to cover those resources that do not require a login and can, therefore, be accessed directly from our catalog page: https://wcvpl.biblionix.com. As you scroll down, on the left side of the page, you will find a list of resources available. The following items on that list do not require a library card to use: AudioBookCloud, RomanceBookCloud, TeenBookCloud, TumbleBooks, and TumbleMath. (These resources will not require a login through August 31st since the parent company has decided it would be a good idea to make them open to everyone during the COVID-19 crisis.)  

AudioBookCloud is on online collection of audio books available for libraries and schools to have access to classic literature, nonfiction, young adult, new titles, and Spanish language audio books. You can search for your favorite author or title as well as browse through the various genres. There is no software to download, because you stream directly from the website. The downside is that you cannot listen while offline. 

Both RomanceBookCloud and TeenBookCloud are like the AudioBookCloud in that there are multiple genres to choose from and they must be read online. RomanceBookCloud has a core collection of more than 1700 eBook titles from the various romance sub-genres—Contemporary, Inspirational, Historical, Regency, Paranormal, and Sci-fi. TeenBookCloud is a collection of eBooks for grades 7-12. The selection includes graphic novels, enhanced novels, classic literature, National Geographic videos, and audiobooks. It also includes a Common Core portal for grade level reading. 

TumbleBooks is an online collection of animated, talking picture books which help to teach young children the joys of reading. Some of the titles even have a read-along function that allows your child to follow along as the story is read to them. TumbleBooks also has a variety of Story books, read-alongs, eBooks, graphic novels, nonfiction, videos as well as some puzzles and games to keep children engaged. There is also Accelerated Reader information so that your child can keep up with their AR reading. 

Finally, we have TumbleMath which offers math picture books, lesson plans, and quizzes in everything from counting, addition, and subtraction to graphing, probability, and finance. The picture books have subtle animation and narration to help your child learn to love math. The quiz section has quizzes just for TumbleMath, but also a selection of Common Core based quizzes. 

One last thing, we would like our patrons to remember that we will not attach any fines to the materials you have checked out for as long as we remain closed. Please remember that audio CDs, DVDs, Playaways, Playaway Views, and any learning games and toys checked out from downstairs cannot be put in the book drop. Hang on to those and we will be happy to take those once we re-open.