Eat What You Love!

Most people recently get really upset when they are diagnosed with diabetes.  However, it is not "the end of the world" when it comes to never eating the foods you like again!  While I am not a doctor, treating diabetes  is all about portion control, being aware of what you are eating, and getting enough exercise.  The library has many books on good diets for diabetics and we have recently received another excellent one.  Eat What You Love, Love What You Eat with Diabetes:  A Mindful Eating Program for Thriving with Prediabetes or Diabetes by Dr. Michelle May is a wonderful book that aims to help diabetics feel better and make sensible (but enjoyable) food choices.  Dr. May's dedication page sums up the whole premise of the book, "May these words unlock the prison of restrictive eating and open the door to mindful diabetes care."  Dr. May teaches the reader how to practice "mindful eating," which is, in a nutshell, teaching the diabetic to not follow rigid nutrition rules and strict exercise regimes but rather making them aware of their beliefs, thoughts, and physical states in order to enable long-term lifestyle changes.  This book is great for any person trying to maintain a healthy weight, because it really does teach practical tools that anyone can use.  The biggest plus in this book is that it teaches the reader to be more aware of what, when and how he/she eats so that he/she can increase his/her satisfaction from the whole experience of eating and ultimately eat less and healthier foods.  There are also chapters on strenth training and the types of food diabetics should eat, and a wonderful chapter on stretching and "mindful movement."  This is a very well-rounded book that would be perfect for the newly-diagnosed diabetic or anyone struggling with this disease. 

Third Grave Dead Ahead

How many of you think of something funny when you picture the grim reaper?  Not what you usually do is it?  Now is your chance to practice that smile!  I just finished the third book in Darynda Jones' Charlotte Davidson series' (Charley for short), Third Grave Dead Ahead.  Charley is a private investigator who is also the grim reaper.  Now, that SOUNDS horrible, but that's not really a bad thing!  Charley's job is to help lost souls pass through her and get to the "other side-"  this is helped by the fact that she shines brightly (like a beacon), but only to dead people!  Besides her side job as the grim reaper, Charley also has an investigator office that's located across the street from her apartment and on the top of her dad's bar.  Her dad is a retired police man and her Uncle Bob still works for the force.  The stories are set in Minnesota, so if you are a fan of that region, this is definitely one of the books you want to read!  The funiest part of this book is that Charley does not want to fall asleep because Reyes, the son of Satan, keeps infiltrating her dreams whenever she does. Charley spends most of this book (the action takes place over two weeks) drinking huge amounts of coffee and trying not to fall asleep while driving, solving the mystery of a doctor's missing wife and helping a local biker gang find the person(s) killing their pets.  This is a hilarious ride of a book---if you love Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series then you are sure to fall in love with Charley Davidson.  It helps to read this series in order, so start with the first one in the series, First Grave on the Right. 

The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection

WCVPL Online Catalog

I just finished reading the newest installment of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and it was just as good as the rest of the books in the series!  Alexander McCall Smith's latest, The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection is set in Botswana as is the other books in the series.  The novel showcases the same familiar characters, with the addition of at least one new one!  Besides developments in their personal lives (Mma Makutsi and her new husband Phuti Radiphuti are building their dream house and one of the apprentices at the Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors is in trouble with the law), Mma Ramotswe has been having dreams about a tall stanger who waits for her.  To top it off, Mma Potokwane, defender of Botswana's orphans, has been dismissed from her post as matron of the orphan farm!  Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi have their hands full trying to "make everything right" and deal with a surpise visitor to the detective agency!  I enjoy how McCall Smith brings Botswana to life in this series and I feel as if Mma Ramotswe and the rest of the characters are family members to me.  If you enjoy cozy mysteries, learning about Botswana and its people, you will enjoy reading this series.  I suggest you start with the first book, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency,  as the events in the characters lives build on each other in each successive book.   

With the approach of hot summer days, we need something to do inside and take our minds off the heat.  We have some great new craft books that can be used with children.

Learn to Knook  is by the editors of Leisure Arts.  Knooking is the new knitting.  The exciting new Knook is a specialized crochet hook that creates true knitted fabric, while the attached cord completely prevents dropped stitches.  You’ll enjoy learning the basic technique from our clear instructions, which are written for both right-hand & left-hand stitching.  Photos illustrate each step to make learning a breeze.  Once you’re familiar with the Knook, you can make the three warm projects in this book—a scarf, a pair of cozy mitts, or a child’s colorful hat.  The Knook is great for beginners or anyone who would like to learn to knit the easy way.

Just Duct Tape It! is also by the editors of Leisure Arts.  Here’s a fantastic idea that’s really sticking around—creating with duct tape!  You’ll find it in dozens of colors and prints, but it’s not just another pretty tape.  Duct is still strong enough to hang tough, so why not make it into original handbags and wallets? You can fashion a bouquet of wild flowers or a bright bangle bracelet.  Headed to school?  Make magnetic wallpaper and matching accessories for the best-looking locker, ever.  Your friends will be amazed at your creative ways.

Stitched Whimsy by Heidi Boyd are playful projects in felt and fabric.  Making adorable hand-stitched things using the fabric you love has never been easier.  Renowned crafter Heidi Boyd has 20 adorable sewn, stitched, and felted projects, complete with clear instructions, helpful illustrations, and crisp patterns.  There is something for everyone who likes to create handmade items, whether you’re new to sewing or a long time stitcher:  Loads of projects featuring hot fabrics, tantalizing textures and embellishments that add just the right touch.