Monday, July 29, 2013

Staff Picks

I just finished reading my first graphic novel and it was nothing like I expected.  Instead of the exploits of super heroes and super villains, in Jerusalem: Chronicles of a Holy City, I found an engaging look at what it’s like to live in the volatile climate of modern Jerusalem. 
I almost feel like I have visited the historic city, thanks to Guy Delise’s simple pencil drawings and the very human characters that live in the pages of this book.  I certainly know a lot more about the city and the clashes that arise between devote and non-practicing members of the three major religions that dominate Jerusalem than I did before reading this book.  

Jerusalem is rich in holy sites, customs and conflicts.  Road blocks, check points and tourists from all over the world complicate daily life.  Despite the heavy military presence, there’s also the very serious threat of terrorism and violence. 

Anyone who wants to learn more about the subject or is considering visiting the area will gain some real insight from this unique book.     

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Staff Picks

Talk about a must-read title! The first chapter of Ron Ronson’s The Psychopath Test reads like the beginning of a science fiction novel-- one that I definitely couldn’t put down!   

When a group of Mensa-level strangers each receives a book of cryptic notes and M.C. Escher drawings from an unknown source they hire journalist Ron Ronson to find out why.  After a bit of detective work he offers the answer but it’s not what the sages were expecting.  

The effect of the hoax on the recipients becomes the starting point for a fascinating look at the definition of madness and the industry of labeling psychopaths.   Ronson even confronts a few individuals who just might qualify for the diagnosis.  It all makes for a very interesting read!

 Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist

Monday, July 22, 2013

Staff Picks

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel Brown is a fascinating read about a rowing team from the University of Washington in the 1930s.  The boys are growing up and maturing into men during the Great Depression.  Their humble beginnings and hopeful dreams of a better life are only part of the story. 

 The author, Daniel James Brown did his research on all aspects related to the people and the times. In doing so, he offers a vivid picture of the socioeconomic landscape of 1930s America (brutal), the relentlessly demanding effort required of an Olympic-level rower, the exquisite brainpower and materials that go into making a first-rate boat, and the wiles of a coach who somehow found a way to, first, beat archrival University of California, then conquer a national field of qualifiers, and finally, defeat the best rowing teams in the world. A book that informs as it inspires." Booklist Reviews (2012)

Joan Dudzinski
Information Specialist

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Forsyth Reads Together 2013

All Over But the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg

Rick Bragg claims that he was born to tell stories, and he delves deeply into his personal history bringing us a humorous, yet poignant one. Chronicling his mother and father’s tumultuous marriage and his childhood in rural northern Alabama and his career through journalism, the story takes you throughout the South, New York City, Miami, Haiti, and beyond. I thoroughly enjoyed Bragg’s Southern witticisms and depictions of Southern life. While he grew up poor and had a troubled relationship with his father, Mr. Bragg does not consider his childhood as unhappy. Instead, he relates many happy memories instead of dwelling too much on the bad ones while bringing his extended family to life.

All Over But the Shoutin' is the 2013 Forsyth Reads Together title. Mr Bragg will be appearing at the Forsyth Conference Center on Tuesday, September 17 to discuss his memoir.

Meredith Bowermeister
Information Services Supervisor

Monday, July 15, 2013

Staff Picks

June has always shared a special relationship with her uncle, Finn. June treasures the time they share together—wandering the Cloisters, their weekly Sunday visits, watching a classic film together, or eating dumplings in Chinatown.

When Finn dies of AIDS, June is devastated. Soon, June begins to uncover secrets about her uncle, and begins an unlikely friendship as she tries to deal with her grief.

Set in 1987, Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt explores the stereotypes and myths about AIDS through a timeless coming-of-age story. Full of relatable characters who struggle with their own prejudices while trying to overcome their hatred and heartache, this adult novel is perfect for fans of young adult fiction like The Fault in Our Stars.

Cleo Slaughter
Youth Services Supervisor

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Staff Picks

Everyone in Owl, South Dakota knows that the football coach keeps getting high school girls pregnant; it's the better-kept secrets that are more intriguing.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Library Resources

Not sure what your kids should be reading this summer? Mystified by the Lexile score on their CRCT results or the school’s letter about AR tests? Library staff are here to help!

Librarians have the tools to match your child with an exciting book that is on their reading level. We can suggest books based on Lexile score, AR level, grade level, reading interests, and more. FCPL librarians love to match readers with the right book, no matter the age! Ask a librarian today to find your next great read, or fill out one of our Personalized Reading Suggestion forms to get book suggestions sent right to your inbox.

If you can’t make it into the library, you can access the NoveList* literary database from home to help match you or your child with the perfect title. With NoveList, you can search for author and title read alikes and narrow results based on whether you want something slow-paced, fast-paced, suspenseful, gentle, funny, creepy, lyrical, and many, many more book descriptors. You can also use the advanced search function in NoveList to search by Lexile levels.
*Disclaimer: NoveList is used by libraries all over the country, so not every book you find will be at FCPL. Just click the handy “Check the Library Catalog” link below a result to see if it’s on our shelves!

Also check out Lexile.com and ARbookfind.com for help with determining the levels of the books your children are reading.

Cleo Slaughter
Youth Services Supervisor