New Cozy Mysteries are Here!

March 7, 2016March 5, 2016 / Linda / Leave a comment

mystery

Every month, we get a batch of new cozy mystery books. Here are some of the latest. Pick your favorite series or start a new one!

On Thin Icing (A Bakeshop Mystery) – Ellie Alexander – While catering a retreat at the nearby Lake of the Woods Resort, Jules finds things going from bad to worse when her estranged husband shows up determined to reconcile and she stumbles upon a dead body while going to pick up extra supplies.

Sweet Pepper Hero (A Sweet Pepper Fire Brigade Mystery) – J.J. Cook – Called in to investigate a local moonshine distillery that was set ablaze, fire chief Stella Griffin, while preparing to judge the annual recipe contest, turns to the town’s elders for answers and discovers a revived whiskey war that could cause her town to go down in flames.

One Foot in the Grove (An Olive Grove Mystery) – Kelly Lane – While licking her wounds on her family’s olive plantation after a personal scandal, Eva Knox is immersed in a murder investigation after a dead body is unearthed on her family’s farm and she becomes the prime suspect in the case.

Copy Cap Murder (A Hat Shop Mystery) – Jenn McKinlay – To promote their hat shop, Scarlett Parker and her cousin, Vivian, wear their most outrageous creations to a swanky soiree hosted by their friend Harrison Wentworth who, after his business rival is murdered during the festivities, needs their help to prove his innocence.

Foreign Eclairs (A White House Chef Mystery) – Julie Hyzy – When she becomes part of a bold strategy to make sure a terrorist gets his just desserts, White House executive chef Ollie Paras must stop a killer from serving up an ice-cold dish of revenge. Includes recipes for a complete presidential menu.

To Helvetica and Back (A Dangerous Type Mystery) – Paige Shelton – When the man who demanded that they give him an antique typewriter winds up dead, Chester Henry and his adult granddaughter, Clare, who repair old typewriters and restore old books, must discover which of the dusty, old typewriter’s secrets are worth killing for.

A Ghoul’s Guide to Love and Murder (A Ghost Hunter Mystery) – Victoria Laurie – When the very dagger that keeps the dangerous ghost Oruc and his pet demon locked down in the lower realms is stolen while they are promoting their new film, M.J., Heath and Gilley must enlist a skeptical Boston detective to help stop the paranormal party guests from crashing Gilley’s wedding.

A Disguise to Die For (A Costume Shop Mystery) – Diane Vallere – When her customer, wealthy nuisance Blitz Manners, is murdered and party planner Ebony Welles is accused of the crime, costume-shop owner Margo Tamblyn must unmask the real killer to save her friend.

For Cheddar or Worse (A Cheese Shop Mystery) – Avery Aames – When pretentious cheese critic Lara Berry is murdered during the annual Cheese Festival in Providence, Ohio, and her best friend stands accused of the crime, cheese-shop owner Charlotte Bessett must slice through the clues to carve out a clever killer to save her friend.

The Grim Steeper (A Teapot Collector Mystery) – Amanda Cooper – During the Fall Fling Townwide Tea Party in the quaint Finger Lakes town of Gracious Grove, Sophie Taylor, along with her Nana and their friends, the Silver Spouts, must clear her boyfriend’s name of murder after the dean who accused him of falsifying grades is found dead.

A Whisker of Trouble (A Second Chance Cat Mystery) – Sofie Ryan – The owner of a second hand shop in North Harbor, Maine, Sarah Grayson and her rescue cat, Elvis, must sniff out a killer when they stumble upon a dead body while searching for fabulous finds on the estate of collector Edison Hall.

A Turn For The Bad (A County Cork Mystery) – Sheila Connolly -When a farmer goes missing and a body washes ashore on the Cork coast, Boston expat Maura Donovan, after listening to the suspicions of her employee, decides to investigate on her own and gets in way over her head.

It’s A Wonderful Knife (A Comfort Food Mystery) – Christine Wenger – With a broken leg and busy diner during the holiday season, Trixie Matkowski also finds herself the prime suspect in the murder of Liz Fellows, the director of the local Christmas pageant who was found with Trixie’s butcher knife in her back.

Town In A Cinnamon Toast (A Candy Holliday Murder Mystery) – B.B. Haywood – To save her friend’s wedding, Maine blueberry farmer and occasional sleuth Candy Holliday must put her maid-of-honor duties to the test when the best man is found dead, which exposes a conspiracy that could change the quiet coastal town of Cape Willington forever.

A Familiar Tail (A Witch’s Cat Mystery) – Delia James – Artist Annabelle Britton, who is unlucky in love, arrives in the quaint seaside town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where she finds herself unexpectedly saddled with a witch’s wand, a furry familiar and a coven of witches who gather together to keep the town safe from evil.

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and Read Across America Day!

March 2, 2016January 28, 2016 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Read Across America Day is held on whichever school day closest to March 2nd each year, because March 2nd is the birthday of Dr. Seuss. This year March 2nd falls on a Wednesday. In 1997 the National Education Association decided to create a holiday to promote reading. The very first Read Across American Day was held in 1998. Schools and libraries across the country use this day to help encourage children to read, and promote the love of reading and books.

Many schools celebrate with Seussian hats, themed parties, and storytimes. I will celebrate with my children by re-reading some of my favorite books and perhaps watching movies based on those books. What actually happens that night will depend on how crazy my elementary school aged children are after the school activities.

I plan on preparing for the day by reading up in Dr. Seuss. There are a number of great biographies and commentaries on his life and works. I have some nonfiction for adults and some for children listed below for those interested in learning more about an author that has delighted, entertained, or inspired so many over the years.

For Adults:
Dr. Seuss & Mr. Geisel by Judith & Neil Morgan

Dr. Seuss Goes to War: the World War II Editorial Cartoons of Theodor Seuss Geisel by Richard H. Linear

The Tough Coughs as he Ploughs the Dough: Early Writings and Cartoons by Dr. Seuss edited and with an introduction by Richard Marschall

For Children:
Who was Dr. Seuss? by Janet Pascal

Oh, the Places he Went: a Story about Dr. Seuss–Theodore Seuss Geisel by Maryann N. Weidt

Dr. Seuss by Cheryl Carlson

The Boy on Fairfield Street: How Ted Geisel Grew up to Become Dr. Seuss by Kathleen Krull

Dr. Seuss by Charlotte Guillain

Theodor Geisel by Tanya Dean

If you would rather celebrate with something that requires a little less attention, you might want to just sit back and watch some movie adaptations of Seuss’s work. If this is more your speed then relax and enjoy; Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!, the cartoon version of Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, or the live action take on Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch stole Christmas, Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham: and Other Favorites, Horton Hears a Who!, or any of our other Dr. Seuss DVD’s.

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in March

February 29, 2016February 24, 2016 / cheshirelib / Leave a comment

Our South Asian Cultural Festival takes center stage in March, with more than a dozen programs this month celebrating the culture of South Asia. That’s in addition to our regular month of programs!

All About the Sari

Saturday Mar 5, 2016, 1:00 PM

Learn the history of the sari and see a demonstration on how to wear one.There will be a chance for audience members to try a sari on. Presented by Cheshire resident Uma Shankar. For female teens and adults. Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

Gandhi and the History of Nonviolent Politics

Monday Mar 7, 2016, 6:30 PM

Gandhi, the founder of the modern state of India, inspired movements for civil rights across the world. Join us for a presentation by Dr. Karuna Mantena of Yale University. Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4. This program is funded by CTHumanties.

Tuesday Movie Matinees

Tuesday Mar 8, 15, and 22, 1:00 PM

Join us for 3 films featuring South Asian themes, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

Mar 8: The Lunchbox

Mar 15: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Mar 22: Slumdog Millionaire

A Brief History of Yoga in the West

Wednesday Mar 9, 2016, 6:30 PM

Danielle Casioppo, a Yale Health Educator, will give a slide talk about the history of yoga in the West followed by a 30 minute class. Please wear comfortable clothing. Most exercises can be done in a chair and yoga mats are optional. Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

Women Writing India: Home and the World

Thursday Mar 10, 2016, 6:30 PM

Dr. Geetanjali Singh Chanda, of Yale University, will lead a discussion of two popular novels, Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake and Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things. Copies the these books are available at the library. Registration for this program is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4. This program is funded by CTHumanities.

Movie: Zokkomon

Wednesday Mar 16, 2016, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Please join us for the first live-action film from Disney Studios India “designed to give Indian kids their first superhero.” Abandoned by his heartless uncle (Anupam Kher) and aided by a street artist (Manjari Fadnis), an orphan (Darsheel Safary) discovers his inner hero. Rated PG. Following the film we’ll have snacks and a lively discussion with Hetal Radia! For grades 1-8, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

India Travelogue: Sharing the Spirit of India

Wednesday Mar 16, 2016, 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Visit with John McClain for an adventure through India. Come experience the sights and sounds of this beautiful and complex country- see India through an authentic and vivid lens, to which no travel book can compare! Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

Stan Scott and the Rangila Ensemble

Saturday Mar 19, 2016, 2:00 – 3:00 PM

This concert will feature a broad range of styles, including the enchanting melodies and rhythms of Indian classical music, folk songs celebrating love, work, social life and worship in Bengal, Bangladesh, Assam and Meghalaya, and devotional songs of the great medieval Hindi poets. The lively rhythms of Indian folk songs provide a complementary contrast to the contemplative mood of Hindustani classical music. This program is funded by CTHumanities, NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

Indian Cooking Demonstration

Wednesday Mar 23, 2016, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

Madhu Gupta will introduce Indian cooking techniques, highlighting the regional differences in regards to spicing, flavors and recipes. Born in India, Madhu’s father’s career allowed the family to visit and experience the unique regions of India. She will introduce Indian cooking techniques to make simple salads, appetizers and a variety of curries and will demonstrate that Indian cooking is not always hot and spicy but that the flavor is determined by balancing the ingredients. Space is limited, and registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245 ext. 4.

A Celebration of Holi & Rangoli Craft

Thursday Mar 24, 2016, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Please join us in celebrating Holi- the spring festival of colors! Staff from Artsplace will show us how to make rangoli, a decorative folk art of colorful patterns. For grades 1-6.
Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245.

Documentary Film: Meet the Patels

Thursday Mar 24, 2016, 6:30 PM

View this comedy documentary about Ravi Patel’s quest to find love, followed by a discussion led by Dr. Indira Karamcheti of Wesleyan University. Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245. This program is funded by CTHumanities.

Kite Making @ Artsplace

Wednesday Mar 30, 2016, 4:00 – 6:00 PM

Kite making, flying, and fighting are long-standing traditions in India, and the International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) held annually in Gujarat celebrates the coming of spring. Start off the new season by crafting your own! For grades 1-8. Registration is required, p lease register online or call the library at 203-272-2245.

NOTE: This event takes place at Artsplace, 1220 Waterbury Road, Cheshire, CT 06410.

Realistic Fiction Offers Young Adults Insight into Tough Situations

February 26, 2016January 28, 2016 / Sharon Tyler / Leave a comment

Watching the news seems to have become more depressing and disheartening than ever. Things are happening that most adults are having trouble fully understanding and coping with on a daily basis. I think our young adults are especially having trouble not only understanding the events we see on the news, but trying to reconcile their still forming personal views with the world around them and the views of those with whom they have the most contact. I think it is important for parents and teachers to stand up for and with the next generation and help them understand and cope with current events and the violence, injustice, and conflicts that seem all too common today.

Here are some novels for young adults that offer multiple points of view and insights into some of the hardest situations our young people are facing in the real world today. Some of the topics handled by these books include school shootings, suicide, drug abuse, racism, and rape. None of these are light, feel-good reads, and not all of them are new. However, one or more of them might help a teen or adult have more understanding of the problems that I wish were completely unthinkable rather than news headlines or tabloid sensations.

Violent Ends: a Novel in Seventeen Points of View
In a one-of-a-kind collaboration, 17 of the most recognized YA writers come together to share the viewpoints of a group of students who are affected by a school shooting.

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds
When sixteen-year-old Rashad is mistakenly accused of stealing, classmate Quinn witnesses his brutal beating at the hands of a police officer who happens to be the older brother of his best friend. Told through Rashad and Quinn’s alternating viewpoints.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Melinda Sordino finds herself an outcast at her high school for calling the cops on an end of summer party, and, although she finds comfort in her art class, she still holds a terrible secret.

Little Peach by Peg Kern
Hospitalized in Brooklyn, New York, fourteen-year-old Michelle recalls being raised in Philadelphia by a loving grandfather and drug-addicted mother before running away and getting lured into prostitution.

Hate List by Jennifer Brown
After her boyfriend goes on a shooting rampage at school, Valerie is implicated because of her involvement in writing the list of names and so now must come to terms with what has happened, her feelings for the boy she once loved, and the part she played that resulted in such tragic events.

The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin
Seventeen-year-old Matthew recounts his attempts, starting at a young age, to free himself and his sisters from the grip of their emotionally and physically abusive mother.

There are many books that do a fantastic job of taking extremely difficult subjects and making the characters dealing with them realistic and relatable for readers. More realistic fiction of these tough topics that I would recommend include; Hold Still by Nina Labour, Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian, My Book of Life by Angel by Martine Levitt, Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, Diamonds in the Shadow by Caroline B. Cooney, Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A. S. King, We Were Here by Matt de la Peña, What Happens Next by Colleen Clayton, Beneath a Meth Moon by Jacqueline Woodson, The Beast or Monster by Walter Dean Myers, By The Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead by Julie Ann Peters, Tricks by Ellen Hopkins, Ana’s Story: a Journey of Hope by Jenna Bush, and Go Ask Alice by Anonymous.

What’s Trending at Cheshire Public Library

February 24, 2016February 15, 2016 / Linda / Leave a comment

what to read

So we’re into the new year. What did you decide to read? The newest best-seller, older fiction? Or maybe you wanted to give the old brain some stimulation by reading some non-fiction. Let’s see how what you choose to read compares to what’s trending lately at CPL.

Top Five New Fiction

The Murder House – James Patterson -Returning to the luxurious Hamptons of her youth to investigate the murders of a Hollywood power broker and his mistress, Detective Jenna Murphy uncovers links between the case and a series of unsolved killings.

Memory Man – David Baldacci – More than a year after the most tragic event in Amos Decker’s life, a man confesses to murdering his family and Amos, called to help with the investigation, struggles with the memories.

X – Sue Grafton – A serial killer who leaves no trace of his crimes challenges Kinsey Milhone’s skills to solve the case before she becomes his next victim.

Saturn Run – John Sanford – When a Caltech intern notices what seems to be a spaceship decelerating towards Saturn, a new space race begins as governments hurry to get their hands on the technology.

A Banquet of Consequences – Elizabeth George – Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his partner Barbara Havers are drawn from Cambridge to London as they investigate any possible connections between the suicide of a young man who leaped to his death from a Dorset cliff and a murder by poisoning in Cambridge.

Rounding out the top ten – Cross Justice–James Patterson; Scandalous Behavior–Stuart Woods; The Theory of Death–Faye Kellerman; Rogue Lawyer–John Grisham; The Melody Lingers– Mary Higgins Clark

Top Five Fiction

The Litigators–John Grisham – Law firm partners Oscar Finley and Wally Figg see a chance for huge financial gain when they learn of a pending class action lawsuit against the makers of Krayoxx, a popular cholesterol-reducing drug suspected of causing heart attacks.

Daddy’s Gone Hunting – Mary Higgins Clark – When her sister is wrongly implicated in an explosion that has destroyed her family’s priceless antiques business and killed an employee, Hannah struggles to find clues in the ashes and discovers a life-threatening secret from the past.

Orphan Train – Christina Kline – Close to aging out of the foster care system, Penobscot Indian Molly Ayer takes a community service position helping an elderly woman named Vivian clean out her home and discovers that they are more alike than different as she helps Vivian solve a mystery from her past.

The Runaway Jury – John Grisham – Goes behind the doors of a jury room to reveal what happens among members of a jury in the middle of deliberations as one powerful leader of the jury works to sway the verdict.

Sing You Home – Jodie Picoult – Ten years of infertility issues culminate in the destruction of music therapist Zoe Baxter’s marriage, after which she falls in love with another woman and wants to start a family, but her ex-husband, Max, stands in the way.

Rounding out the top ten – The Goldfinch–Donna Tartt; Top Secret Twenty-one–Janet Evanovich; Winter Street– Erin Hildebrand; The Escape–David Baldacci; Loves Music, Loves To Dance–Mary Higgins Clark

Top Five New Non-Fiction

Dead Wake: the last crossing of the Lusitania – Erik Larson -A chronicle of the sinking of the Lusitania discusses the factors that led to the tragedy and the contributions of such figures as Woodrow Wilson, bookseller Charles Lauriat, and architect Theodate Pope Riddle.

Down The Rabbit Hole – Holly Madison – A former girlfriend of Hugh Hefner describes how her years inside the Playboy Mansion went from a fairytale of A-list celebrity parties to an oppressive regime of strict rules, scheduled sex, and a total loss of identity, so much so that she even contemplated suicide.

Killing Reagan – Bill O’reilly – Recounts President Reagan’s career, discussing his time in Hollywood, the beginning of his political career, and overcoming the trauma of an assassination attempt.

Spark Joy – Marie Kando – Offers an illustrated guide to organizing closets, folding clothes, and minimizing clutter.

The Egg And I – Betty MacDonald – Relates the experiences of a young couple in their attempts to succeed on a run-down chicken farm.

Rounding out the top ten – The Cheap Bastard’s Guide to New York City–Rob Gardner; Fodor’s New York City 2016; $2 A Day: living on almost nothing–Kathryn Edin; Gluten-Free Girl American Classics Reinvented–Shauna James Ahern; The Mission Chinese Food Cookbook–Danny Bowien

Top Five Non-Fiction

Hip Knit Hats: 40 fabulous designs – Offers forty designs for caps, buckets, berets, tams, and felted hats.

The Necklace – Describes how thirteen women combined forces and funds to jointly purchase a diamond necklace that they would share, revealing how a simple agreement to share a piece of jewelry became a study in friendship, adventure, possibility, and the power of giving back.

Scott 2011 Standard Postage Stamp Catalog

The New Prayer Shawl Companion – This book features 34 prayer shawl patterns that will inspire knitters of all skill levels and features designs for moments of celebration and for times of solace and remembrance.

Autobiographies: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas – A new one-volume edition of an American classic offers the complete memoirs of the eloquent escaped slave, who in the nineteenth century shaped the abolitionist movement and became the most influential African-American of his era.