Outlander – What to Read While You’re Waiting

November 30, 2014November 30, 2014 / Louise / Leave a comment

A new term has entered pop culture lately: Droughtlander. This is the interminable dry spell between installments of the Outlander books by Diana Gabaldon, and the Starz television show adapted from said books. The television fans are upset about having to wait 6 months to get to the second half of Season One, but longtime book fans know this is nothing – it can take 5 years in between installments of the books. Ouch!

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. Try some of these books, they may get you get through the drought, whether you’re waiting for the next episode or novel:

Lord John series by Diana Gabaldon. A subset of the Outlander series, these historical mysteries focus on Lord John Grey, an important secondary character from the main series.

Wilderness series by Sara Donati. This historical series follows Elizabeth Middleton, who travels to a remote area of New York State in 1792, to take up residence there with her father and brother. She soon meets and falls in love with Nathaniel Bonner, a white man who was raised by Native Americans. The novel follows the adventures of Elizabeth and Nathaniel, as they elope, flee together into the Mohawk lands, and raise a family. Adventures ensue.

The Bronze Horseman trilogy by Paullina Simons. The story of Tatiana and Alexander begins in Leningrad just as Russia is about to enter World War II. Tatiana, a factory worker, meets Alexander, an officer in the Red Army. Conflicts ensue! The trilogy follows them as they struggle to survive the war, and then work to build a life after the war.

All Souls trilogy by Deborah Harkness. This trilogy follows the story of Diana Bishop, a Yale historian (and reluctant witch), as she solves the mystery of an ancient and dangerous document. A mysterious Oxford geneticist (oh, and 1500-year-old vampire) named Matthew Clairmont is very interested in this same document. Danger! Mystery! Romance!

Oxford Time Travel books by Connie Willis. These sci-fi/fantasy books are set in the near future, and follow the adventures of Professor James Dunworthy and other Oxford University historians who just happen to be able to travel back through time.

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley. Carrie McClelland journeys to Scotland to write a historical fiction novel concerning the 1708 Jacobite Rebellion. She is mysteriously drawn to Slains Castle, and begins to have vivid dreams reams are filled with characters, scenes, and plot developments that turn out to be historically accurate. Is someone from the past reaching out to her?

The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian, travels involuntarily through time, and meets artist Clare Abshire at several different points in her life. Henry and Clare’s love story endures across time, and captures the two lovers in an impossibly romantic trap.

The Passions of Emma by Penelope Williamson. Emma Tremayne lives a life of privilege, her main life requirement is making a good marriage. Her world is shattered, however, when she discovers the horrifying working conditions in her fiance’s textile mill. And when she encounters Shay McKenna, a brave Irish revolutionary, she learns what it will take to defy society’s conventions.

The Exile : an Outlander Graphic Novel written Diana Gabaldon ; illustrated by Hoang Nguyen. This graphic adaptation offers a retelling of the first Outlander story–this time from Jamie Fraser’s point of view, revealing events never seen in the original story–with a making-of section and author commentary.

If nothing else will do, we suggest rereading the Outlander series on audiobook (read by Davina Porter). The audio versions of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series are exceptional, and are available on CD at Cheshire Library. Try one and you’ll be hooked! (Listen to a sample)

Feel free to share any other suggestions for surviving Droughtlander in the comments!

Historic Women in Math and Science

November 25, 2014November 21, 2014 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Is there a young woman in your life that is excited by science or math, or perhaps obsessed with a particular field? Well my six year old daughter is currently planning on being a scientist that studies and cares for wild animals. Meanwhile my eight year old son is loving a special science class that lets him try a number of science experiments each week. To encourage both in all their interests I offer books, movies, and stories about people in those fields. Like many parents I find it frustrating that I have to search a little harder to find women pursuing the Sciences.

Here are a selection of children’s books about female pioneers and contributors to the fields of math and science. Hopefully they will help keep interested girls and young women interested in the fields, and perhaps get a few new interested parties.

Girls Think of Everything: Stories of Ingenious Inventions by Women by Catherine Thimmesh

A fascinating collection celebrates the clever and creative inventions of women from candles, helmets, and baby carriers to cancer-fighting drugs and details their fierce determination to overcome many hurdles to make their dreams come true.

Women Astronomers: Reaching for the Stars by Mabel Armstrong
Presents information about the achievements of women in the field of astronomy throughout history, from women astronomers in the ancient and medieval world to prominent women in the profession today.

Life in the Ocean: the Story of Oceanographer Sylvia Earle by Claire A. Nivola

A picture book biography tells the story of Sylvia Earle’s growing passion for the wonders of the sea and how her ocean exploration and advocacy have made her known around the world.

Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World by Sy Montgomery

An authorized portrait about Grandin’s life with autism and her groundbreaking work as a scientist and designer of cruelty-free livestock facilities describes how she overcame key disabilities through education and the support of her mother.

Amelia to Zora: Twenty-six Women Who Changed the World by Cynthia Chin-Lee

Profiles the extraordinary lives of twenty-six women who, through their acts and deeds, helped shape and change the world during their lifetime, including pilot Amelia Earhart and anthropologist Zora Neal Hurston.

More great resources about women in math, science, and technology include: Super Women in Science by Kelly Di Domenico, Dian Fossey: Primatologist by Lois P. Nicholson, The Triumph of Discovery: Women Scientists Who Won the Nobel Prize by Joan Dash, Jane Goodall by Lisa Kozleski, Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E. Knight Became an Inventor by Emily Arnold McCully, The Elephant Scientist by Caitlin

O’Connell and Donna M. Jackson, Sally Ride: Life on a Mission by Sue Macy, Mae Jemison: the First African American Woman in Space by Magdalena Alagna, Marie Curie by Kathleen Krull, Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer by Robert Burleigh, Margaret Mead: Coming of Age in America by Joan Mark, Women Mathematicians by Padma Venkatraman, Women in Space: 23 Stories of First Flights, Scientific Missions, and Gravity-breaking Adventures by Karen Bush Gibson, Rachel Carson: Extraordinary Environmentalist by Jill C. Wheeler, and Women and Numbers: Lives of Women Mathematicians Plus Discovery Activities by Teri Perl.

Book Club Picks – Spirituality

November 23, 2014November 6, 2014 / Linda / Leave a comment

This time of year it’s the calm before the storm. Soon, it will be one holiday after another! Have your book club settle in with a little spirituality with the following suggested titles.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – A fable about undauntingly following one’s dreams, listening to one’s heart, and reading life’s omens features dialogue between a boy and an unnamed being.

The Gifts of Imperfection – let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are by Brene Brown – An expert of the psychology of shame presents advice on how to overcome paralyzing fears and self-consciousness, and at the same time increase feelings of self-worth, gratitude, and acceptance.

Night by Elie Wiesel – The narrative of a boy who lived through Auschwitz and Buchenwald provides a short and terrible indictment of modern humanity.

The Power of Habit – why we do what we do in life and business by Charles Duhigg – Identifies the neurological processes behind behaviors, explains how self-control and success are largely driven by habits, and shares scientifically-based guidelines for achieving personal goals and overall well-being by adjusting specific habits.

Heaven is for Real – a little boy’s astounding story of his trip to heaven and back by Todd Burpo – Presents the story of the four-year old son of a Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven.

One Thousand Gifts: a dare to live life fully right where you are by Ann Vos Kamp – The author reflects on moments of grace in her own life as she invites readers to embrace a life of gratitude and realize God’s presence in everyday experiences.

Carry On Warrior: thoughts on life unarmed by Glennon Doyle Melton – A New York Times essayist shares her journey from a self-destructive college student to a devoted family woman and teacher while illuminating the importance of trusting in a higher power and being truthful about life’s challenges.

Proof of Heaven: a neurosurgeon’s journey into the afterlife by Eben Alexander – A Harvard-trained neurosurgeon shares a minute-by-minute account of his religiously transformative near-death experience and revealing week-long coma, describing his scientific study of near-death phenomena while explaining what he learned about the nature of human consciousness.

10% Happier – how I tamed the voice in my head, reduce stress without losing my edge, and found self-help that actually works – a true story by Dan Harris – The Nightline anchor, who had a nationally televised panic attack on Good Morning America, takes readers on a rollicking ride through the outer reaches of neuroscience to the inner sanctum of network news during which he discovered a way to get happier that is truly achievable.

The Untethered Soul: the journey beyond yourself by Michael A. Singer – Who are you? In this remarkable New York Times bestseller, author and spiritual guide Michael Singer explores this fundamental question, seeking the very root of consciousness in order to help readers learn how to dwell in the present moment. Written in an engaging and uncomplicated voice, this book will open readers up to the radical and powerful experience of simply being themselves.

Alphabet Books that Break the Mold

November 20, 2014November 20, 2014 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

When children are small we all want them to learn their letters, and start reading and writing. However, the typical ABC books can get boring quickly, and not just for the adults. Sometimes is is fun to through a special alphabet book that shakes up the monotony that is A is for Apple, b is for ball, and so on. Here are some of the best books that I have found and shared with my own children that make the alphabet more fun for them and us.

B is for Bookworm by Anita C. Prieto, illustrated by Renée Graef

An Edible Alphabet by Carol Watterson, illustrated by Michela Sorrentino

S is for Save the Planet by Brad Herzog and illustrated by Linda Holt Ayriss

When Royals Wore Ruffles: a Funny and Fashionable Alphabet! by Chesley McLaren and Pamela Jaber, illustrated by Chesley McLaren

The Alphabet Theatre Proudly Presents the Z was Zapped: a Play in Twenty-six Acts by Chris Van Allsburg

Q is for Duck by Mary Elting & Michael Folsom; pictures by Jack Kent

The Hidden Alphabet by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Y is for yowl! by Laura Purdie Salas

The Beetle Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, illustrated by David Biedrzycki

A Isn’t for Fox by Wendy K. Ulmer ; illustrated by Laura Knorr

If you are still looking for some unusual letter fun may I also suggest; A Fabulous Fair Alphabet by Debra Frasier, G is for Gold Medal by Brad Herzog, A Gardener’s Alphabet by Mary Azarian, Z is for Zeus: a Greek Mythology Alphabet by Helen L. Wilbur,illustrated by Victor Juhasz, T is for Tutu by Sonia Rodriguez & Kurt Browning, Alphabet Explosion!: Search and Count from Alien to Zebra by John Nickle, The Freshwater Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, Action Alphabet by Shelley Rotner, Tomorrow’s Alphabet by George Shannon, or The Icky Bug Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta.

On Our Shelves: November 2014 Romance Books Are Here!

November 18, 2014November 6, 2014 / Linda / Leave a comment

Have you been waiting for your favorite author to publish a new book? We’ve just received a shipment of the newest Romance paperbacks. Take a look and see if your author has a new book out.