Inheritance

Christopher Paolini's fourth installment in the series that began with Eragon, is another example of wonderful writing.  Inheritance continues the story that evolved through Eldest and Brisingr , and is full of action-packed battles, tense moments and the evolving relationships between Eragon, Arya, Saphira the dragon and Eragon's many family and friends.  The book is a big time investment (it's 850 pages) but it is well worth it for the reader.  The reader learns a few huge secrets that change the action of the story and will definitely surprise any person who is invested in the plot.  The end of the story leaves enough tendrils hanging that there could be a fifth novel written in the series.  Christopher Paolini is a young adult author who has improved his writing as he has written each book.  Paolini draws inspiration for the world of Eragon and Saphira from the natural beauty that surrounds his home in Montana--the tumultuous weather, the Yellowstone River and the great Beartooth Mountains.  You can discover more information about Christopher Paolini and the Inheritance cyle of books at www.Alagaesia.com.  Inheritance is a great fantasy novel that will leave the reader entranced with the world of elves, dwarves, urgals and dragons. 

Attend the WCVPL's African-American Quiz Bowl!

     Bring your friends to the library Saturday for the second annual African American Quiz Bowl! The event begins at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 25 in the library auditorium.  Local high school teams of five members and one alternate will complete against each other in their race to answer correctly as many questions as possible about African American history.  The event organizers have invited high schools in Vicksburg and surrounding counties and parishes to participate in the event.  Teams will compete against each other in heats and the final two teams will compete to be 2012's winner.
     The first quiz bowl was held last year, and was such a success that it has become an annual event at the library.  The inspiration for the first quiz bowl was the Black History Quiz Bowl hosted by the Library of Hattiesburg, Petal and Forrest County that is held every February at the library.  Hattiesburg's Quiz Bowl averages eleven teams per year and the event is held on two consecutive Saturdays.  
     The library's reference staff has been busily creating questions for the teams to answer.  The subjects covered range from contemporary and past African American historical figures, sports heroes, military history, legislation and court cases, historical African Americans from Mississippi and important African Americans from Vicksburg and Warren County.  Staff are hoping some of their questions will "stump" a few team members.
     The best part of the quiz bowl for attendees will be the ability to "see" the questions that are asked to each team member, as they will be flashed on the projection screen during the event.  Audience members will be encouraged to answer a question if both teams answer the same question incorrectly.  The day will be full of fun, so please join us for refreshments and a great time!

An Interesting Way to Lose Weight

Are your skinny jeans starting to feel a little snug? You don’t have the right clothes for the gym. You don’t do protein powders, wonderberries, or green tea. The idea of going without beer makes you weak in the knees. But there’s no denying you are one, fat hipster. Lucky for you, Martin Cizmar has come up with the least awful diet plan of all time, which he details in his book, Chubster: A Hispster's Guide to Losing Weight. His plan revolves around calorie counting (deal with it) and enjoyable undercover exercise (urban hiking). Martin gives you the tools to become a self-sufficient weight-loss machine capable of functioning in any environment. From frozen dinners to drive-through menus, from ethnic eating to microbrews, he’ll point you to the responsible choice, steer you clear of the real diet killers, and dispel some of the myths giving you the tire around your waist. Like, that Stella you’re holding? It has more calories than Guinness.

Get Involved in a Secret Obsession

Kimberla Lawson Roby is the African-Amercan author of many novels involving family drama and strained relationships.  Her latest, Secret Obsession is another example of a family in turmoil.  The story revolves around two sisters, Paige and Camille.  Paige has always lived in the shadow of her sister, Camille--when they were young, it was Camille who had high grades, lots of friends and success and was their parents' favorite child.  Paige was left with her sister's hand-me-downs and no matter how hard she tried, was never able to live up to her sister's high standards, or gain her parents' love..  The story opens with a desciption of the adult lives of Paige and Camille--Camille is married to Pierce, a wealthy, loving man, and has two beautiful and successful children.  Paige owns her own PR firm, but is living beyond her means, and finding it more and more difficult to support her lavish habits.  Fed up, Paige decides to finally "get what she is owed" and embarks upon a plan to shake the foundations of Camille and Pierce's marriage and steal her brother-in-law.  Paige's jealousy pushes their family to the edge even as Camille's faith demonstrates the beauty and power of forgiveness.  This novel is very entertaining and each character has an authentic voice.  If you enjoy family drama and secrets, this book is one you will want to check out.  Roby is the award-winning and New York Times bestselling author of the Reverend Curtis Black series as well as many other novels and novellas.  Please visit Kimberla at her webiste www.kimroby.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kimberlalawsonroby or follower her on Twitter  @KimberlaLRoby