Staff Picks: You're Not Listening by Kate Murphy

You're Not Listening by Kate Murphy

I found this book fascinating. I always considered myself a good listener, but I discovered that I had a lot to learn. I was especially interested in the information about how the brain works when we're engaged in listening and the overall impact on relationships based on our effort or lack of engaging fully as a listener. From individual to societal importance, the benefits of listening by both the speaker and the hearer are enlightening.

This book is also available as an eBook and eAudiobook.

Julie Boyd
Youth Services Supervisor
Cumming Library
#WeKnowBooks

Literary Road Trips – The OZ Museum in Wamego, Kansas

The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas is a fun stop for fans of The Wizard of Oz film and Frank L. Baum’s classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  Because I'm a fan of the film, Gregory Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West novel, as well as the musical Wicked, I was excited to visit the OZ Museum and inspired to read the original book for the first time.   

Written in 1900, Baum's story of Dorothy and Toto being transported to the magical land of Oz by a tornado has some key differences from the film version and offers subtle undertones about the power of illusion, perseverance, and loyalty.  

A visit to the Oz Museum revealed several interesting facts about the film. 

Those iconic ruby red slippers were silver in the novel and changed to ruby slippers to show off the Technicolor on film.

Studio execs wanted to cut  Judy Garland’s opening ballad, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, from the film because they felt it dragged the film down. Fans of the song can thank Oz's musical director who threatened to quit if Somewhere Over the Rainbow wasn't included in the film.   

Judy Garland tried to adopt her co-star Terry, the female terrier who played Toto, but Terry’s owner already had more roles lined up for the adorable scene-stealer. 

If you’re interested in learning more about The Wizard of Oz and aren't planning a trip to Wamego, Kansas, check out 100 Years of Oz by John Frick. Or revisit the story with The Wizard of Oz on DVD or L. Frank Baum's original novel. 

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist
#WeKnowBooks

Staff Picks - The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer (Juvenile Fiction)

The Scout Motto is “Be Prepared.” 

After 15 years of outings, meetings, and service projects as a Scout mom and leader, it has become my personal motto too. 

This applies to more than just camping gear. I didn’t need to check the weather to know I should pack my rain jacket for our troop campout last weekend. But I also wanted to be prepared for the four hour round trip drive transporting five 12-year-old boys to and from our campground in Blairsville, Georgia. 

As you can probably guess, it didn’t take long for my carload of boys to devolve from making frenzied chit-chat to raucously belting the jingle for every chain store we passed. (“Oh-oh-oh-O’Reilly’s! O’Reilly’s Auto Parts. Ow!”) Thirty minutes in they started playing “Who Can Be the Quietest?” but with a special twist: bodily noises allowed. Needless to say, all five of them began outdoing one another with a competition for the loudest, juiciest, most creative flatulence sound they could make using their mouths, hands, and/or armpits. 

(This is a reenactment of my face during the “Who Can Be the Quietest?” game.

No scouts were endangered during this selfie.) 

It was actually pretty funny—for about the first 30 seconds—but that’s when I reached my limit and decided to distract them...

...with an audiobook. 

In keeping with the “Be Prepared” theme, I had borrowed the CD book version of The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer. One of our Youth Services Supervisors recently gushed about this series, saying she was purposely reading it slowly because she didn’t want it to end. Aaaaand straight to the top of my TBR (To Be Read) pile it went.    

Granted, I am a youth librarian with a passion for children’s literature, but I am not exaggerating when I tell you that this carload of boisterous pre-teen boys was immediately captivated by this book. If music soothes the savage beast, a great story totally tames the tooting tween.   

The ethereal intro music instantly grabbed everyone’s attention. Then the author began reading the prologue and we were all completely hooked. The setting: a rat-infested dungeon. The imprisoned villain: Snow White’s wicked stepmother. The protagonist: adult queen Snow White. 

There’s a reason why so many adaptations of classic fairy tales exist: readers immediately connect with characters they already know. Add two quirky 12-year-old fraternal twins, laugh-out-loud humor, and a thrilling quest filled with adventure, intrigue, and magic, and the result is absolutely enthralling across generations and genders.    

Author Chris Colfer gained international recognition for his portrayal of Kurt Hummel on the hit television musical series, Glee. Chris also narrates his audiobook series and his voiceover talents are noteworthy. He has one of those voice ranges that can convincingly sound like a boy, a girl, an evil witch, and a ferocious troll.  

I cannot wait to continue with this series and find out what happens next. Whether you have a carload of kids to captivate, need a can’t-miss bedtime read-aloud, or are looking for a new series for your 4th-8th grader to devour, The Land of Stories will not disappoint. 

Forsyth County Public Library has the entire series in print, eBook, eAudiobook, and CD book formats. Stop by your local branch or log in to your account online to put the first book in this series (The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell) on hold today.   

Leslie
Youth Specialist

Post Road Library
#WeKnowBooks

OverBOOKed to Read: The Dry by Jane Harper

The Dry by Jane Harper

Small towns hold big secrets. Agent Aaron Falk is called back to his drought-stricken Australian hometown to attend the funerals of his childhood best friend, Luke, and Luke's wife and son. Luke's parents have asked him to investigate the deaths, which appear to be murder-suicide. Aaron left town decades ago under a suspicious cloud surrounding another young woman's death. At that time, Luke and Aaron had been each other's alibi, but now it has become apparent that more than one person knows they weren't telling the truth.

Set against the backdrop of the worst drought in a century, The Dry is a suspenseful tale of anger and revenge. This debut thriller from Jane Harper is followed by the second in the Aaron Falk series, Force of Nature.

Join the overBOOKed book club for a discussion of this title on Thursday, September 16 at 10:00 a.m. at the Cumming library. OverBOOKed meets at 10:00 a.m. every third Thursday of the month.

The eBook and eAudiobook versions off The Dry are available through OverDrive. Anyone with a Forsyth County Library card can sign up for a free OverDrive account. Sign up for a free card today to start enjoying FCPL's digital catalog from wherever you are!

Jen
Information Specialist
Cumming Library
#WeKnowBooks

Calling All Aspiring Authors!

At FCPL, we not only strive to foster your love of reading, but also your love for writing. We have two successful writing groups, FCPL Writing Group at Post Road and Sharon Forks Writers' Group. Beginning Thursday, September 16, the Cumming Library will have Up & Cumming Writers to help aspiring writers refine their work for publication. At each meeting, writers have the unique opportunity to receive supportive critiques of their work, while also providing critiques of other writers' works.

Up & Cumming Writers will meet every third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

Sharon Forks Writers' Group meets every first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

FCPL Writing Group meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m.

If you are interested in attending any of these meetings, please register at www.forsythpl.org or call the library for more information.

August 2021 Reading Challenge - Kids' Book Spotlight - Teen Collection

This month we challenge our staff and our patrons to read a book from an FCPL booklist. Our Youth Services staff update our book lists each year with new and exciting titles! There is a theme for everyone! Take a look at our Teen Booklists or try one of the recommendations below.

Teen Middle (Grades 6-8)

Above World

by Jenn Reese

In a future of high technology and genetic modification the Coral Kampii, like legendary mermaids, live isolated from the Above World, but when the devices that allow them to breathe underwater start to fail, thirteen-year-old Aluna and her friend Hoku go to that forbidden place to find help.

This title is from our Dystopian Stories booklist. 

Odds & Ends

by Amy Ignatow

While the Odds crew tries to manage their bizarre superpowers, several of their less-than-gifted classmates have become town celebrities thanks to their suspiciously good exam results, prompting Jay and Nick to investigate.

This title is from our Funny Books booklist. 

Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish

by Pablo Cartaya 

After a fight at school leaves Marcus facing suspension, Marcus's mother takes him and his younger brother, who has Down syndrome, to Puerto Rico to visit relatives they do not remember or have never met, and while there Marcus starts searching for his father, who left their family ten years ago and is somewhere on the island.

This title is from our Realistic Fiction booklist. 

Teen High (Grades 9-12)

The Last Magician

by Lisa Maxwell

In an alternate version of present-day Manhattan, magic is dying, and Esta, a Mageus with a talent for manipulating time, travels back to 1901 to stop the destruction of a book that can possibly restore magic, but in Old New York, Esta must navigate gangs, secret societies, and her feelings for another magician in order to save the future of magic.

This title is from our Alternate Histories booklist. 

Darius the Great is Not Okay

by Adib Khorram

Clinically-depressed Darius Kellner, a high school sophomore, travels to Iran to meet his grandparents, but it is their next-door neighbor, Sohrab, who changes his life.

This title is from our Everyday Diversity booklist. 

The Last 8

by Laura Pohl

Aliens have invaded, and destroyed Earth as Clover Martinez knows it. She's always been a survivor, but when she hears a radio message, she's shocked to learn there are other survivors--and that they're all at the former Area 51. When she arrives, she's greeted by a band of misfits who call themselves The Last Teenagers on Earth. The ragtag group seems more interested in hiding than fighting back, and Clover starts to wonder if she was better off alone. But then she finds a hidden spaceship, and she doesn't know what to believe... or who to trust.

This title is from our Survival Stories booklist. 

If you need help selecting a book for any of our Reading Challenges in 2021, you can Contact a Librarian or visit the Ask Us desk of any Forsyth County Public Library branch.

Stephani Lindsey

Youth Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

#WeKnowBooks

August 2021 Reading Challenge - Kids' Book Spotlight - Juvenile Collection

This month we challenge our staff and our patrons to read a book from an FCPL booklist. Our Youth Services staff update our book lists each year with new and exciting titles! There is a theme for everyone! Take a look at our Kids Booklists or try one of the recommendations below. 

Beginning Chapter Books (Grades 1-3)

Big Bad Detective Agency

by Bruce Hale

The houses of all Three (not-so-) Little Pigs were broken into and ransacked, and the Pigs are squealing for justice. So Prince Tyrone, ruler of Fairylandia, drags in the obvious suspect: Wolfgang. The lone wolf has big teeth, sharp claws, no alibi--and a single day to find the real culprit and clear his big bad name. When Wolf (reluctantly) teams up with the fourth Little Pig to crack the case, the Big Bad Detective Agency--and an adventure way funnier than your average fairy tale--is born!

This title is from the Fairy Tales Retold booklist. 

Lucy Longwhiskers Gets Lost

by Daisy Meadows

On their first visit to Friendship Forest, Lily and Jess must rescue baby bunny Lucy Longwhiskers from the evil witch Grizelda.

This title is from the Fantasy booklist. 

The Kid from Planet Z: Crash!

by Nancy Krulik

Zeke Zander wants everyone to think he is a typical second-grader. He just has to keep his talking cat, antennae, and ability to make himself invisible a secret. That's because Zeke isn't really a normal kid. He's an alien from Planet Z! And he's stuck on Earth until his family can fix their spaceship. But trying to act like an Earth kid feels pretty weird--and home feels like it's light-years away!

This title is from the Science Fiction booklist.

Chapter Books (Grades 3-5)

Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans

by Russell Ginns

Samantha's uncle mysteriously disappears, leaving behind extravagant gifts for her siblings and an old, rusty, red umbrella for Samantha that may contain clues to his whereabouts.

This title is from the Mysteries and Crime Solving booklist.

Show Me a Sign

by Ann Clare LeZotte

It is 1805 and Mary Lambert has always felt safe among the deaf community of Chilmark on Martha's Vineyard where practically everyone communicates in a shared sign language, but recent events have shattered her life; her brother George has died, land disputes between English settlers and the Wampanoag people are becoming increasingly bitter, and a "scientist" determined to discover the origins of the islands' widespread deafness has decided she makes the perfect "live specimen"--and kidnapped her.

                                This title is from the Peculiar Reads for Precocious Kids booklist.

Whatshisface
by Gordon Korman

Twelve-year-old Cooper Vega and his military family have moved so often that he is used to new schoolmates not knowing his name, but at the moment he has a bigger problem--his new phone is haunted by the ghost of Roderick Northrop, a boy from the sixteenth-century, who needs his help to finish a quest, which is somehow tied up in the Stratford Middle School production of Romeo and Juliet.

This title is from the Scary Stories booklist.

If you need help selecting a book for any of our Reading Challenges in 2021, you can Contact a Librarian or visit the Ask Us desk of any Forsyth County Public Library branch.

Stephani Lindsey

Youth Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

#WeKnowBooks

August 2021 Reading Challenge - Kids' Book Spotlight - Easy Collection

This month we challenge our staff and our patrons to read a book from an FCPL booklist. Our Youth Services staff update our book lists each year with new and exciting titles! There is a theme for everyone! Take a look at our Kids Booklists or try one of the recommendations below. 

Picture Books

Lost in the Library

by Josh Funk

Patience, one of the New York Public Library lions, is missing and Fortitude, the other lion, searches the building from top to bottom seeking him.

This title is from the Books About Libraries booklist. 

Pokko and the Drum

by Matthew Forsythe

When Pokko plays her drum in the forest she suddenly finds herself surrounded by an entire band of animal musicians.

This title is from the Great Read-Alouds booklist.

Balletball

by Erin Dionne

Nina loves ballet, not sports, so when her mother signs her up to play baseball she sulks until the coach explains how baseball and ballet can go together--and when a timely plié in the outfield saves the game she realizes that "balletball" is really not so bad after all.

This title is from the Rhythm Books booklist.

Early Readers

Jump

by David McPhail

Two children and a frog, a cow, and other animals jump for joy in this easy-to-read book.

This title is from the Earliest Early Readers booklist. 

The Doghouse

by Jan Thomas

Cow, Pig, Duck, and Mouse are afraid to retrieve their ball when it goes into the dog's house, but when they do go in they are pleasantly surprised.

This title is from the Reading Sight Words booklist.

Digger and Daisy Go to the Zoo

by Judy Young

When Digger the dog and his big sister Daisy visit the zoo, Digger tries to imitate the animals they see and Daisy tells him that although he cannot climb a tree like a monkey, he can swim in a pond like a duck.

This title is from the Reading Sentences booklist.

If you need help selecting a book for any of our Reading Challenges in 2021, you can Contact a Librarian or visit the Ask Us desk of any Forsyth County Public Library branch.

Stephani Lindsey

Youth Specialist

Sharon Forks Library

#WeKnowBooks

Go Outside, For Science

Forsyth County Library patrons joined a global conversation this summer through their participation in the QuestaGame Citizen Science project. The goal of QuestaGame is two-fold. The first is to encourage people all over the world to become more aware of the world around them. The second is to identify as many species of plants and animals around the world as possible. Using a free app that is designed more like a game, participants earn gold (points) for each plant or animal submission. 

Volunteers from around the world (including some of our very own library staff!) identify the submissions. Thirty patrons from our four library branches submitted 235 sightings, earned 143,976 gold (points) and introduced several new species to the QuestaGame platform this summer! Submissions are highlighted on the app and through social media each day, providing opportunities to see what other citizen scientists are finding in their corner of the world.

 It’s not too late to participate! Although FCPL was highlighting QuestaGame as part of our Tails and Tales Summer Reading Fun, we will continue to support our teams and invite new participants to join. To get started, simply download the free app, create an account and join one of the Forsyth County teams (password: summer). QuestaGame is growing and it has captured the attention of many in the scientific community, including Jane Goodall! If you enjoy getting outside and exploring the world around you, join us on QuestaGame!

Alaus oculatus - Eyed Click Beetle

Hampton Park Team

Acanthocephala Laporte

Post Road Team

Ardea Herodias - Great Blue Heron

Cumming Team

Papilio glaucus - Tiger Swallowtail

Sharon Forks Team

Staff Picks You Should Have Left by Daniel Kehlman - Adult Fiction

 

You Should Have Left by Daniel Kehlmann

This slim German novel tells the story of a writer who takes his family to a remote Airbnb in the mountains of Germany with hopes of finding time to work on a screenplay. Tensions arise between the couple about how the family should be spending their time on vacation. 

The spooky tale is told through journal entries that shift between notes on the fictional troubled relationship in the screenplay and the writer's own marriage in real life. Cryptic comments from local residents set the stage for strange happenings to come and before you know it, things take an exponentially creepy turn. You may opt to read this one in broad daylight rather than after dark. 

Alicia Cavitt
#WeKnowBooks

Information Specialist

Collection Highlight: Depression and Mental Illness Resources at FCPL, Part 1

When Meghan Markle shared her struggles with depression during an Oprah interview earlier this year, the world learned about another type of depression, categorized by some experts as “high-functioning” depression. This is when one is able to continue to function at a high level, hiding their suffering behind a careful façade. 

Meghan’s revealing interview struck a chord with me, and I researched what resources FCPL has to help people with depression and other mental illnesses. Our Materials Department has recently ordered several new books on these topics, and patrons have a wide array of books to choose from to learn more about depression and mental illness for themselves or to help a friend or loved one. 

I have shared a few new titles below, and I plan to add more titles in the coming months. 

The Better Brain: Overcome Anxiety, Combat Depression, and Reduce ADHD and Stress with Nutrition by Bonnie J. Kaplan. 2021

A paradigm-shifting approach to treating mental disorders like anxiety, depression, and ADHD with food and nutrients, by two leading scientists who share their original, groundbreaking research with readers everywhere for the first time, explaining why nutrients improve brain health, and how to use them.

Broken (In the Best Possible Way) by Jenny Lawson. 2021

As Jenny Lawson's hundreds of thousands of fans know, she suffers from depression. In Broken (In the Best Possible Way), she explores her experimental treatment of transcranial magnetic stimulation with brutal honesty, but also with brutal humor. A treat for Jenny Lawson's already existing fans, and destined to convert new ones, Broken is a beacon of hope and a wellspring of laughter.

Checking In: How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life - And Can Save Yours by Michelle Williams. 2021.

Acclaimed musical artist Michelle Williams shares the intimate, never-before-told story of how, even in the midst of enormous fame and success, she battled depression, leading her to find her true calling as an advocate for mental health--especially her own.

Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking by Dr. Caroline Leaf. 2021.

Our toxic thoughts, depression, and anxiety are frequently aggravated by our chaotic world, and they are sustained by an inability to manage our thought life. The author provides a 5-step, 63-day plan, the Neurocycle, to find and eliminate the root of anxiety, depression, and intrusive thoughts in your life so you can experience dramatically improved mental and physical health.

Please see library staff if you need help finding more resources about depression and mental health.

Jeanne McMahan
Information Specialist
Sharon Forks Library
#WeKnowBooks

Mandela Effect Scavenger Hunt - A Library Program for All Ages at the Sharon Forks Library

What do you call these bears?  

The popular characters are featured in dozens of children’s books and videos and have been beloved by generations of fans. If you’ve been referring to Papa Bear, Mama Bear, Brother Bear, and Sister Bear as the Berenstein Bears, check again. The loveable characters, named after their creators Stan and Jan Berenstain, have been known as the Berenstain Bears ever since the publication of The Big Honey Hunt in 1962.  

The Berenstain Bears are one example of the Mandela Effect, a term that may best be described as a collective misremembering. Visit the Sharon Forks Library this month to find ten examples of the phenomena scattered around the library in our Mandela Effect Scavenger Hunt.  All ages are welcome to participate and compare memories of iconic characters and events. Take our Mandela Effect Mini Test at home to get a taste.  

What do you think causes the Mandela Effect?  Theories range from parallel worlds to simulated reality scenarios. Could it just be poor memories?  We’re so fascinated by the Mandela Effect we created a parody video to ponder the phenomena. Check out There Is Something Wrong WithThis Timeline on FCPL's YouTube channel. We'd love to hear your thoughts and theories on the Mandela Effect.  

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist 
#WeKnowBooks  

Library Limelight: Barb Negus, Collection Support Aide, Hampton Park Library

Barb Negus

Collection Support Aide
Hampton Park Library

Where is your hometown?

Born in Pittsburg, KS and grew up in Kansas City, MO

How long have you been at FCPL?

Since 2010, actually before the Hampton Park branch opened. I was 1 of 5 volunteers that helped stock the shelves before the library officially opened to the public, then moved from volunteer to my present CSA position in 2012.

What other jobs have you had at FCPL?

Volunteer

Why did you choose to work in a library?

I live 7 houses from this branch. After retiring I checked out volunteering, fell in love with the library and have been here ever since. Ross {Gericke, Hampton Park Branch Manager}was soo persuasive in talking me into becoming a CSA. 

Describe your job in five words or less.

Collect, process, sort and shelve. We have no Automated Materials Handler at Hampton Park--the CSAs are the AMHs…haha.

What is unique about your job?

I feel CSAs are the backbone behind the scene. We keep the books moving at all times.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I have the ability to multitask on a daily basis as there is never a dull or quiet moment.

What’s the most interesting place you’ve lived or traveled?

My husband and I have traveled extensively and the most interesting place I have lived is Washington, D.C. Lived there 11 years and never tired of exploring.

What are your hobbies?

Reading (duh)…gardening and traveling

What are you reading right now?

Lady Cop Makes Trouble by Amy Stewart and All the Devils Are Here by Louise Penny

Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?

Paper all the way

FCPL Reading Challenge: August 2021

 August Reading Challenge

This month we challenge our staff and our patrons to read a book from an FCPL booklist. 

Our booklists are created by staff with recommendations in a variety of themes. You can access the booklists on our website at the following links. You can find additional recommendations for adults on bookmarks available at all of our libraries. 

Kids

Teens

Adults

We'd love to hear about the books you chose! Still catching up on previous challenges? We want to hear about those books too! 

Leave a comment on this blog post, join our conversation on Facebook, or tag us in a photo of what you're reading on Instagram. 

#WeKnowBooks

If you need help selecting a book for any Reading Challenge in 2021, please Email a Librarian, or visit the Ask Us desk of any Forsyth County Public Library branch.

July Reading Recap

We read books by or about someone with a different background from our own. 

• The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
• You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey by Amber Ruffin 
• The Thirty Names of Night by Zeyn Joukhadar

We're so glad to have you reading along with us and crushing your reading goals for 2021. You're doing great!