BECOMING SOUTHERN

Becoming Southern: The Evolution of a Way of Life, Warren County and Vicksburg, Mississippi, 1770-1860 by: Christopher Morris

This book was recently donated to the library by the Vicksburg Genealogical Society In Memory of Mrs. Hope Shockley.
I’ve enjoyed reading this historical account of how our city was first settled and became a Southern place. The Choctaw tribe of Indians, were in the south and further north were the Chickasaw both of which traded furs with the settling Europeans. The settlers carved out a way of life in the wilderness by planting crops and raising homes. The wealthier ones bought slaves, planted cotton and established plantations. Vicksburg was founded by the Reverend Newit Vick of Virginia. He was married to Elizabeth Clark. They died in 1819 of yellow fever, leaving behind ten children. Mr. Morris’s book gives an interesting account of relations within households consisting of the husband, wife, master and slaves. His research consisted of wills, deeds, court records and manuscripts. For those doing genealogical research this is a great source with Surnames Indexed.

A New Twist on Leftovers

Merry Christmas from the

Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library!

Now that the holiday season is winding down, are you trying to figure out what to do with all of the leftovers crowding your refrigerator? If you are anything like me, you hate to throw any food away that is still good, especially since you spent a huge amount of time making sure it tasted wonderful the first time. However, even the best dish gets tiresome the third time you eat it. Don't panic--I have a solution for you! The Little Book of Leftovers by Kevin Crafts is a humorous and helpful collection of great recipes and tips for food that might otherwise go to waste. Kevin Crafts shows no fear in this cookbook, as he raids the back of the refrigerator, pokes under the aluminum foil, and gives yesterday's first course a second chance. Kevin offers tempting recipes from the four food groups such as turning that half bottle of not-so-bubbly bubbly into Champagne Sauce and leftover pasta into a fantastic frittata. This is a funny and entertaining way to beat those after-Christmas blues and clean out your refrigerator!

Christmas "Stalkings"

It’s a cold winter evening. The Christmas decorations have been hung, the presents are wrapped and you have just slid a pan of cookies into the oven. Now, it’s time to settle down in a comfy chair (by the fireplace if you have one) and open up a great murder mystery! Some of my favorite mysteries are set during the Christmas season and the following is just a few of them:

Aunt Dimity’s Christmas by Nancy Atherton is the story of Lori Shepherd who is anticipating celebrating Christmas with her husband, Bill and twin sons in the beautiful cottage willed to her by Aunt Dimity. Lori makes a disturbing discovery beneath the cottage's snow-covered lilac bushes -- the body of a mysterious stranger, barely alive. Lori must put her plans on hold to team up with the devilishly attractive Roman Catholic priest JuLian Bright and seek out the tramp's identity. Lori unveils the tragic secret that led the stranger to her door, and must confront painful truths about herself and the true meaning of a perfect family Christmas.

Jingle Bell Bark by Laurien Berenson stars dog trainer Melanie Travis, in a cozy canine mystery set during the Christmas holidays. This year, all Melanie wants for Christmas is a dull moment--but she's not going to get it. Between her eight-year-old son, her teaching job, her show dog, and now the mysterious death of her son's bus driver, she's got her hands full.

Iced by Carol Higgins Clark is set in the old silver-mining town-turned-trendy resort of Aspen, Colorado. Many rich and famous folks have arrived in Aspen to celebrate the holidays, as has Regan Reilly who has has arrived with her mystery-writing mom and suave, funeral director father to spend the Christmas holidays on the slopes and visiting friends. Million-dollar paintings start disappearing from elegant condos and chic chalets all over town and suspicion immediately falls on a congenial ex-con caretaker named Eben Bean. Since Regan helped Eben get his caretaking job, she is the only person in town who believes he is innocent, and must prove this to everyone else.

Wreck the Halls by Sarah Graves is one of the “home repair is homicide” murder series. When ex—Wall Streeter Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree buys a charming 1823 fixer-upper in tiny Eastport, Maine, she figures she’s also bought herself a tranquil, stress-free life. When Jake and her best pal, Ellie, arrive at Faye Anne Carmody’s kitchen door, they knock and walk right in. But though Christmas is just two weeks away, what they find is far from festive: a dazed Faye Anne covered with blood, and her no-good husband — the town butcher, Merle — nowhere in sight. Nowhere, that is, until Jake discovers his body — tidily wrapped in his own butcher paper. Jake can’t believe that Faye Anne is a murderer, but can she and Ellie stop the shrewd killer before he chisels another victim’s name onto a tombstone?

Movie, Anyone?

This is a bit of a departure from our usual subjects, but I just watched a really wonderful movie (for the second time) and thought I’d share it with you! It’s become one of my favorite films and it’s a perfect movie to cozy up with your friends, family and/or pets and watch. Produced in 2007, Lars and the Real Girl is a funny, tender, comedy with entertaining moments and intelligent characters. The movie ultimately explores a feeling that all of us can relate to—loneliness--and the healing power of family. Ryan Gosling stars as Lars, a sweet but unusual guy, who thinks he’s found the girl of his dreams in a life-sized doll named Bianca. The most touching part of this film is the way Lars’ family, friends and co-workers treat Bianca as if she is truly a member of their community. The gentleness with which the citizens of this town take care of Lars truly makes you believe in the magic of people. Watching this movie, especially during the holiday season, always makes me appreciate the members of my community just a little bit more. Some of the scenes are hilarious, especially when Lars and Bianca are invited to dinner parties together. This movie is truly a great “gift” to share with others.

Sew a Cute Christmas Gift

I just discovered one of the cutest books on sewing for this holiday season! One of our staff members left the following book, Sew Pretty Christmas Homestyle, published by David & Charles, on my desk with a note stating "Thought you might like to look at this." She was right, I absolutely loved it. The book contains 35 projects, ranging from easy to complicated, that can be used to decorate your home in a sweet Christmas style. The book begins with a section on techniques, and then devides the rest of the projects by the type of room (Entrance Hall, Living Room, Adult Bedroom, Girl's Room, etc.) and even includes a "Chistmas Outdoors" section. I especially enjoyed the projects for the hats (pg. 21) and angels (pg. 32). Most of the projects may be sewed by hand, which is desirable for a person like me who enjoys bringing sewing projects everywhere I visit! Although the book was originally published in England, I think the projects described are ones that have appeal for American citizens too. Do you have any favorite craft books for the holiday season? Share your thoughts with our readers, by commenting on this post.

Have a Spy Over for Christmas!

The library’s Mystery Book Club recently held a “Murder Under the Mistletoe” Meeting, where members read mysteries set during Christmas and other Winter holidays. I really enjoy reading Christmas mysteries that are part of a series, but are a departure (of sorts) from an author’s usual fare. One of the best Christmas mysteries that I have read so far this year, is The Spy Who Came for Christmas by David Morrell. Morrell is a thriller author, and this title stars international spy Paul Kagan who is willing to risk his life to rescue a baby kidnapped by the Russian mob. Plot action takes place on Christmas Eve, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, during the beautiful, internationally known, annual Christmas lights celebration. Undercover agent Paul Kagan is an appealing hero –when the story opens he is wounded and on the run while sheltering a five-week-old infant under his jacket. The baby is the son of Palestinian Ahmed Hassan, who preaches peace in the Middle East, and is the target of the Russian mob because they wish to silence anyone who threatens their ability to make money from violence in the Middle East. This book is very engaging because Morrell has created the story as a contemporary version of the story of Jesus’ birth, and made it into a spy thriller. There is redemption at the end of the book and even Kagan has an epiphany which changes his life. The book is divided into four parts instead of chapters, and is relatively short. The action is intense and it is as much a “feel-good” Christmas story as it is a thriller. If you like this book, also try reading 24 Hours by Greg Iles. The action is this book takes place during a 24 hour time period, with each chapter taking place over one hour. Greg Iles is a native of Mississippi, who currently lives in Natchez. The story’s action begins in Madison, MS and involves the story of a psychopathic kidnapper who has never been caught and whose victims have never talked to the police. Doctor Will Jennings and his wife Karen race against time to rescue their son and bring the kidnapper to justice. Both 24 Hours and The Spy Who Came for Christmas have the same edgy action that compels you to stay up all night to finish the story!

RITA Romance Awards

The RITA awards are given for the best in published romance fiction. They are given out by the Romance Writer’s of America and named after that organization’s first president, Rita Clay Estrada. In 2008 out of the 12 categories, we own books in seven categories.

Best First Book
“Dead Girls are Easy” by Terri Garey
Nicki Styx has a brush with the afterlife and it leaves her with the ability to see dead people. Now her days consist of cleaning up the messes lefty by the dearly departed, leading ghouls into the Light, and trying to keep her boyfriend from finding out her new “talent.”

Historical Romance

“Lessons of Desire” by Madeline Hunter
This is the latest in the Rothwell series. Phaedra Blair sits in prison unjustly arrested. Lord Elliot Rothwell ensures her release but she must promise not to publish a manuscript that could destroy his family name and he’s not above bribery, threats, or bedding her to get his way.

Inspirational Romance

“A Touch of Grace” by Linda Goodnight
Journalist Gretchen Barker grieves for her sister, whose body was found near Ian Carpenter’s New Orleans mission. She mourned her problems and the family trouble that started them, but he minister’s professions of help make her suspicious.

Paranormal Romance

“Lover Revealed” by J.R. Ward
Ex-cop Butch is the only human allowed into the Black Dagger Brotherhood. However, Butch is no mere human, a fact suspected by his vampire colleague and confirmed by the sinister plans of a fringe group. With the help of Marissa, a vampire, Butch’s destiny comes to light.

Regency Historical Romance

“The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever” by Julia Quinn
Miranda Cheever fell in love with the aristocratic Nigel Bevelstoke when she was 10 and he was 19. Now 20, she is still in love with him but her play for him is thwarted by the indiscretions of his late wife. Nigel is unwilling to risk another chance at love, even if it means hurting his close friend Miranda.






Romantic Suspense

“Ice Blue” by Anne Stuart

Museum curator Summer Hawthorne considered the exquisite ice-blue ceramic bowl given to her by her Japanese nanny a treasure of sentimental value—until somebody tried to kill her for it. International operative Takashi O’Brien has received his directive—take the bowl at any costs.

Young Adult Romance
“Wicked Lovely” by Melissa Marr

Set in a small city south of Pittsburg, Aislinn and her grandmother have followed strict rules all their lives to hide their ability to see faeries because faeries don’t like it and they can be very cruel. Only the strongest faeries can withstand iron, so Aislinn prefers the city with its steel girders and bridges. But now Aislin is being stalked by two of the faeries who are able to take on human form and are not deterred by steel. What do they want from her?