Sunday, June 28, 2009

Happy Birthday Eric Carle!

Near 80 Years and Counting...
This summer you can help Eric Carle celebrate his 80th birthday at the Eric Carle Museum in nearby Amherst, Massachusetts. You can see giant cake cut-outs and meet Eric Carle on August 23, 2009 at the museum. Visit the museum's website for more information.

Also, be sure to prepare for the celebration -- summer reading style -- by reading some of Mr. Carle's great books, such as Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do you See?, The Grouchy Ladybug, Little Cloud, Today is Monday, The Very Quiet Cricket, and many more!

Post by Kathleen Sands

Friday, June 26, 2009

Z is for Zombie

Zombie Jamboree
Zombies, the undead ghouls found in Caribbean folklore and classic horror films are back and this time, they are haunting some very fun popular fiction and humor books.

Max Brooks (son of Mel) offers two excellent additions to the genre: The Zombie Survival Guide : Complete Protection from the Living Dead and World War Z : an Oral History of the Zombie War. Both of these parodies are funny and full of jabs at zombie-like behavior in politics and popular culture.

In Seth Grahame-Smith's Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Jane Austen's Elizabeth Bennet tries to wipe out a zombie menace. Love it or loathe it (Austen fans will probably avoid it), this mashup of Austen's Regency classic has many charms.

Zombies On Film
Try Planet Terror, the zombie film spoof Shaun of the Dead, and of course, there's George Romero's classic horror film trio Night of the Living Dead (1968), Dawn of the Dead (1978), and Day of the Dead (1985). If you have missed Romero's classics, grab your pillows, huddle up and as invitation, watch the trailer for the first film...

Monday, June 22, 2009

Tuesday's Hot Fiction Picks

Ready to Read
Tuesday (this and next) is the release day for these, among other new fiction books by popular authors. Reserve your copy or if you just can't wait for a 14 day copy, try our Speed Read shelf. Speed reads circulate for 7 days; may not be reserved, and are available on a first-come, first served basis.

Finger Lickin' Fifteen
by Janet Evanovich
A Plague of Secrets by John Lescroart
Killer Summer by Ridely Pearson
Swimsuit by James Patterson
The Doomsday Key by James Rollins
Summer House by Nancy Thayer

It's That Time of Year...

Summer Reading Season
If you attend East Hampton, Xavier or Mercy High School, here are a few one-click links to help you choose among summer reading titles listed on each school's summer reading list.

A paper copy of each school's list is also available for browsing at the library's main circulation desk. Each school has different requirements about must-read and elect-to-read titles. The library has multiple copies of EHHS titles and multiple copies of titles required by both Xavier and Mercy.

East Hampton High School
Freshman/Sophomore
Junior/Senior

Xavier High School
Xavier Freshman
Xavier Sophomore
Xavier Junior

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Epidemics

In History, Fiction, Film
Through the ages epidemics have left their devastating mark on countries and cultures. The following volumes illustrate the impact of a few past epidemics:

Dread: How Fear & Fantasy Have Fueled Epidemics From the Black Death to Avian Flu by Philip Alcabes describes how fear of the unknown increases the problems caused by epidemics, rather than germs alone.

The Illustrious Dead: The Terrifying Story of How Typhus Killed Napoleon’s Greatest Army by Stephan Talty attests that not only the Russian winter destroyed the French Grande Armée, but the dreaded epidemic, typhus, was the final blow. 1812 marked the height of Napoleon’s power, yet it was all to be lost. Talty’s book tells how it all happened with vivid detail.

The American Plague: The Untold Story of Yellow Fever The Epidemic that Shaped Our History by Molly Caldwell Crosby describes the 1878 outbreak of this horrific epidemic in Memphis, Tennessee. The book tells how medical practices were changed, as was preparation for future epidemics.

Wendy Orent’s Plague: The Mysterious Past & Terrifying Future of the World’s Most Dangerous Disease combines biology, journalism, and history in its coverage of 1500 years of plagues.

John M. Barry’s The Great Influenza tells of the 1918 tragedy. Alongside World War I, the world suffered this second widespread tragedy.

For Fiction Readers
Plague Ship (Clive Cussler) -- Contagion, Invasion, Outbreak (Robin Cook) -- Bloodstream (Tess Gerritsen) -- Magnolia Creek (Jill Marie Landis) -- Isolation Ward (Joshua Spanogle) -- Judas Strain (James Rollins) -- Physician's Tale (Ann Benson)

On Film
I am Legend (Will Smith) -- Outbreak (Dustin Hoffman) -- Blindness (Danny Glover) -- The Happening (Mark Wahlberg) -- 12 Monkeys (Brad Pitt) -- Painted Veil (Edward Norton)

Post by Bev Simmons

The Sweet Tastes of Summer

Outdoor Delights
Summer cooking means much more than just cooking on the grill. Summer is ideal for picnics, fresh garden fruits and vegetables, and easily-prepared meals. These cookbooks will help with meal planning, while shortening the time you spend in the kitchen -- that is, if it ever stops raining.

The Trailside Cookbook: A Handbook for Hungry Campers & Hikers by Don Philpott

Eating Outdoors: Sensational Recipes for Cookouts, Picnics, & Take-Along Foods by the editors of Country Living

Festive Picnics by Pamela Sheldon Jones & Jennifer Barry

The Farmers’ Market Guide to Fruit: Selecting, Preparing, & Cooking by Jenni Fleetwood

Lobster Rolls & Blueberry Pie: Three Generations of Recipes & Stories from Summers on the Coast of Maine by Rebecca Charles of Pearl Oyster Bar & Deborah DiClementi

For more suggestions, see the recipes offered in a variety of books and popular home and family living magazines available @ your library. Also, don't forget to visit Main Street's Farmers Market, open every weekend throughout the summer! The market is located in the lot next to the 'Old Bank' building, home of Antiques at 70 Main.

Post by Bev Simmons

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Be a Lean, Green, Reading Machine!

Summer Reading Program 2009
Practice your golf swing, chose your must-read books, and get in the green state of mind! Starting this Saturday, June 20, kids ages 3-12 may register to participate in the East Hampton Library's summer reading program, which is a great way to incorporate reading into your summer activities.

This summer's program theme, Be a Lean, Green, Reading Machine encompasses all things green!! Stop by the library to find out what fun games, prizes, and give-aways we have for you this summer.

Also watch for next-week details on summer reading services to area high school students and a "film a summer book review" contest for middle school students.

Post by Kathleen Sands

Books For Dad?

Pick and Choose
Though we're sure you have all finished planning for Sunday's Father's Day celebration, we recommend a few books, older and new, that might be fun to share with the dad, granddad, uncle, husband, or other spectacular male family member in your life.

My Remarkable Journey by Larry King
My Father's Tears by John Updike
The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly
Brimstone by Robert B. Parker
Wisdom of Our Fathers by Tim Russert
The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn & Hal Iggulden
Red and Me by Bill Russell
The Big One by David Kinney
Always by My Side by Jim Nantz
Assisted Loving by Bob Morris
The Physics of NASCAR by Diandra L. Leslie-Pelecky
The Hornet's Sting by Mark Ryan

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Books to Film

Page Turners Now Showing in a Theater Near You
Once again it is time to decide if the book is better than the film or the film better than book. In one case, The Taking of Pelham 123, your decision may be more complicated. Here we have a book, a current film and a 1974 vintage film. No matter what, we hope you enjoy the books-to-film ride...

The Books:

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Ageless Advice...

From the McGraw Franchise
As every age has certain charms, celebrities often weigh in to say how to make the most of growing older. Try Inside My Heart : Choosing to Live With Passion and Purpose or What's Age Got to Do With It? : Living Your Happiest and Healthiest Life by Robin McGraw.

McGraw's discussion on hormone replacement has generated its share of controversy. Recognizing this, McGraw plainly states what has worked for her and encourages all women to work with their doctors, do research, and ask a lot of questions to find what will best work for them.

Further Reading:
The library holds a variety of books about over-55 life; here are but a few that support or challenge conventional and alternative takes on 'ageless advice':

The All-natural Menopause Diet : the Drug-free, Natural Way to Beat Your Symptoms and Lose Weight by Theresa Cheung with Adam Balen

Second Spring : Dr. Mao's Hundreds of Natural Secrets for Women to Revitalize and Regenerate at Any Age by Maoshing Ni

Our Bodies, Ourselves : Menopause from The Boston Women's Health Book Collective ; with a preface by Vivian Pinn

The New Menopause Book : the Experts Help You Make Informed Decisions on: HRT, Natural Hormone Therapy, Herbal Therapies, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and More edited by Mary Tagliaferri, Isaac Cohen, Debu Tripathy ; foreword by Dean Ornish

Post by Bev Simmons

Sunday, June 14, 2009

National Pastime

Baseball Season
If this is your season and you would like to celebrate by reliving some of the sport's greatest games (or seeing it through different eyes), here's a few among many other baseball goodies you can find @ your library:

Bottom of the Ninth : Branch Rickey, Casey Stengel, & the Daring Scheme to Save Baseball from Itself by Michael Shapiro discusses the Yankee and Dodger teams of the 1950s, particularly in the context of the Dodgers’ decision to relocate to California, a controversial business and sports move.

The Best Game Ever : Pirates vs. Yankees, October 16, 1960 by Jim Reisler covers the final game of the 1960 World Series through interviews, radio, and television accounts. In this game, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ victory surprised the Yankees and the larger baseball community.

Bruce Weber’s As They See ’Em: A Fan’s Travels in the Land of Umpires provides a different look at an important facet of the game, the umpire.

Post by Bev Simmons

New and Notable

Week of June 15
This week brings many new books including several by locally favored authors. Here's a few quick fiction picks you might like to consider adding to your reading list:

Knock Out by Catherine Coulter
Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Dune Road by Jane Green
The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner and for young adult readers,
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen

Friday, June 12, 2009

An Indelicate Subject

Toilet Wars
When the same old, same old has not yet worked for your young child... call in the troops! Or at least a kid friendly monster...

If you have read all the usual 'training' books and are looking for something a bit more.....unique, try How to Potty Train Your Monster by Kelly Dipucchio. This new book outlines a ten step process with hiliarious comments for both kids and adults to enjoy. Other resources on this indelicate subject include:

My Big Girl Potty Book by Joanna Cole
My Big Boy Potty Book by Joanna Cole
Elmo's World: Elmo's Potty Time (DVD)
Everything I Know About the Potty by Kathryn Knight
Flush the Potty by Ken Wilson-Max
Uh Oh! Gotta Go by Bob McGrath
Potty Training (kit)
The No-cry Potty Training Solution by Elizabeth Pantley (for adults)

Post by Kathleen Sands

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

The Great Outdoors

Closer Than You Think...
The National Wildlife Federation invites you to participate in The Great American Backyard Campout®, officially set for Saturday, June 27, 2009. If you are interested in learning more, visit the Federation's Backyard Campout website to:

Also find a variety of books about campfire songs, camping tips, crafts & activities, stargazing, and outdoor recipes on display @ your library.

Post by Bev Simmons

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

June : National Safety Month

Sweet Sixteen
Thanks to the CT DMV, we're kept in regular supply of new driver study manuals. The manual outlines rules of the road and shows sample questions your kids may see on the written test they must pass to receive their learning-to-drive permit. We're sure you know the DMV also offers sample tests online.

To supplement your teenager's learning endeavors, we recommend Crash-Proof Your Kids : Make Your Teen a Safer, Smarter Driver by Timothy C. Smith and Rules of the Road, a video that includes tips on basic safety, safe highway driving, and must-know automobile maintenance.

Visit the National Safety Council web site or the NSC's Teen Driver page for more information.

Post by Bev Simmons

Monday, June 08, 2009

Ellis Island...

More than a Place...
To untold millions Ellis Island was mainly, though not always, a symbol of a new start. The walls of Ellis Island speak (if you have ever been there, you'll know what we mean) and the stories they tell are the stories of people from all over the world who sought a better life in America.

Vincent J. Cannato’s new book, American Passage: The History of Ellis Island gives a well documented, well-researched and fascinating account of Ellis Island's history. Carefully chosen photographs add to the prose; documented subjects include the registry room, staff, and immigrant portraits.

To share the story of Ellis Island with the children in your life, we recommend:
Coming to America : the Story of Immigration by Betsy Maestro
Ellis Island by Cynthia Klingel & Robert B. Noyed
Ellis Island by R. Conrad Stein
At Ellis Island: A History of Many Voices by Louise Peacock

For more information about Ellis Island, its timeline through history, or to find genealogically-related information, visit the Ellis Island website.

Post by Bev Simmons

Sunday, June 07, 2009

The Best Among Us

"As we face down the hardships and struggles of our time and arrive at that hour for which we were born, we cannot help but draw strength from those moments in history when the best among us were somehow able to swallow their fears and secure a beachhead on an unforgiving shore."
~ President Obama

Yesterday, June 6, marked the 65th anniversary of D-Day. The largest armed forces in history, 5,300 ships and 11,000 planes, crossed the English Channel and landed on the beaches of Normandy. General Dwight David Eisenhower was in command of the invasion, which was code-named 'Operation Overlord'. D-Day changed the course of 20th century history.

If you missed our book displays, please make time to read about a generation of soldiers who fought for liberty on D-Day. We recommend these, among many other books about D-Day campaigns:

D-Day, June 6, 1944 : The Climactic Battle of WW II by Stephen E. Ambrose
Pegasus Bridge : June 6, 1944 by Stephen E. Ambrose
The Boys of Pointe Du Hoc : Ronald Reagan, D-Day, & the U.S. Army 2nd Ranger Battalion by Douglas Brinkley
Hell is Upon Us : D-Day in the Pacific, June-August 1944 by Victor Brooks
The D-Day Companion : Leading Historians Explore History’s Greatest Amphibious Assault – ed. by Jane Penrose
The Americans at Normandy : The Summer of 1944 : the American War from the Normandy Beaches to Falaise by John C. McManus

From the Library of Congress : Veteran's History Project

Saturday, June 06, 2009

Trials of a Different Century

The Passion of Sacco and Vanzetti , 1967 : Ben Shahn (American, 1898-1969)

Trials have fascinated people for thousands of years. Famous trials, the details of which have been reported and re-reported throughout history, seem to capture lasting interest, whether the verdict is judged right or wrong. If you'd like to blend your Court TV, true crime, and history interests together, we recommend:

Moshik Temkin's The Sacco-Vanzetti Affair relates the controversy and scandal of this famous trial, which occured in Dedham, Massachusetts. Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, both Italian immigrants, were tried, convicted, and ultimately executed in 1927 for armed robbery and murder. Despite public protest and international objections suggesting that the trial was political and the defendants innocent, the executions were carried out.

The Trial : A History from Socarates to O.J. Simpson by Sadakat Kadri shows how justice had been applied throughout history. Well-written and well-researched, the chapters describe various high-profile trials and the meaning of the trial as an institution.

To the young adult audience, we recommend Famous Trials : Cases that Made History by Frank McLynn. The trials of Socrates, Jesus, Thomas More, Danton (French Revolution), Dreyfus, Chinese Gang of Four, Galileo, John Brown, Scopes, and Nelson Mandela are among the cases included. The book is well-illustrated; each trial is covered in four or six pages.
Post by Bev Simmons

Friday, June 05, 2009

Poet of the Month

June's Featured Poet
Dave Smith (1942-) was born in Portsmouth, Virginia and was graduated from the University of Virginia. After four years in the Air Force he settled on an academic career. He established a poetry magazine called Back Door. He has published (as of this writing) seven collections of poetry and a novel. He is regarded as a perceptive observer of human nature in poetry that springs from his homeland in Virginia, penetrates the intersections of personal and public history, and explores stylistic experiments to see what they yield.

Wreck in the Woods

Under that embrace of wild saplings held fast,
surrounded by troops of white mushrooms, by wrens
visiting like news-burdened ministers known
only to some dim life inside, this Model
A Ford like my grandfather’s entered the earth.
What were fenders, hood, doors, no one washed, polished,
grazed with a tip of finger, or boyhood dream.
I stood where silky blue above went wind-rent,
pines, oaks, dogwood ticking, pushing as if grief
called families to see what none understood. What
plot of words, what heart-shudder of men, women
here ended so hard the green world must hide it?
Headlights, large, round. Two pieces of shattered glass.

Further Reading: Little Boats, Unsalvaged : Poems, 1992-2004

July's Featured Poet: Marge Piercy

Content developed by local resident and poet Leland Jamieson

The Lighter Side of Fatherhood

Count Down to Dad's Day
June 21st is Father's Day, the day on which we honor our dads. Here are a few mix-and-match humor books (gentle, tongue in cheek, practical, comforting) for and about fathers.

Tales from the Dad Side: Misadventures in Fatherhood by Steve Doocy

Don’t Make Me Stop This Car! by Al Roker

What the Heck Were You Expecting? : a Complete Guide for the Perplexed Father by Thomas Hill

Keeping the Baby Alive Till Your Wife Gets Home : the Tough New 'How-to' for 21st Century Dads by Walter Roark

Be the Coolest Dad on the Block : All of the Tricks, Games, Puzzles, and Jokes You Need to Impress Your Kids (and Keep Them Entertained for Years to Come!) by Steve Caplin and Simon Rose

Chicken Soup for the Father's Soul : Stories to Open the Hearts and Rekindle the Spirits of Fathers by Jack Canfield

Visit History.com for a contemporary (but not commercial free) history of Father's Day.

Post by Bev Simmons

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Off-List Fiction Picks...

For Your Consideration
If you have exhausted your list of must-read bestsellers and are looking for a fiction book a little bit different from the rest, we recommend these late May/early June releases:

The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
Below Zero by C.J. Box
The Last Child by John Hart
The Winter Vault by Anne Michaels
The Visibles by Sara Shepard

All of these authors have previously delivered stellar titles; expect no less from these. Click on any title to read a plot summary and one or more reviews.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Here Comes the Sun and...

Sun Safety Week
We are in the middle of Sun Safety Week (June 1-7) and as the days get longer and we spend more time outside having fun, remember to take good care of your skin.

To learn more about the upside and downside of sun exposure, start with the Sun Safety Alliance or CDC website. You might also consider protecting your skin in a 'green' way by perusing The Green Beauty Guide by Julie Gabriel or checkout a range of titles about skin care in general. Here are but a few...

Follow up with a visit to ICONN to find articles about sun exposure, over-exposure, the Vitamin D health debate and a wealth of information about other consumer health topics.

Post developed by Kathleen Sands

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Book Club Member?

Pleased to Recommend...
If you are a member of a locally-organized reading group, you might like to know about our BookNews Online Newsletter Service. Using the service, you may elect to email-subscribe to any of 21 online newsletters that help keep you informed about latest recommended books you'll find @ your library.

One of the 21 newsletters showcases books you might consider for group discussion. Click here to read summaries of June's recommended book group titles.

We update all of the 21 newsletters by the 15th day of each month, if not before.