Spring Thing

“If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” Celebrate Spring in Michigan through photography. Beautiful seasonal views from around the state are found in Pure Michigan: Abundant Natural Beauty, Authentic Destination, Unique Experiences- Spring. The ten contributors were contestants in the Pure Michigan Photography Competition of Spring 2009. Their mission was to capture the essence of Michigan. This picturesque book will help you tour the state without leaving home. DB

It's Phenomenal!

April is Poetry Month! For a quick start, read a tiny book by Maya Angelou entitled Phenomenal Woman. It contains only four poems dedicated to the celebration of Women. Angelou incorporates rhyme and free verse to get her message across. Although Maya Angelou is best-known for her autobiographies, she has published eight volumes of poetry. Regardless of your preference, you’ll agree that this petite book is powerful. DB

A Woman of Many Talents

Mindy Kaling is a staff writer for the television show “The Office” and eventually she became one of the actors on the show. She gives a little bit of ‘Office’ dish in “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and Other Concerns)” but this memoir is more about her life than Hollywood. Her quirky, smart ass attitude and humor will keep you chuckling throughout. My favorite chapters were about her dating years following High School graduation - we've all been there! If you’re in the mood for fun then check this book out. SG

Your Next Great Read is HERE!

Not finding what you want in the Adult Area? Try looking in Teen. Many Teen books these days are crossovers, meaning they will appeal to many generations.

In addition to this blog, Oxford Public Library also has a cool Teen Blog, which reviews books from in and around the Teen Area. So if the mood strikes you, click on over and check it out! You might just find your next great read! --AJL

I Spy

Chris Pavone’s debut spy novel The Expats is fast paced and suspenseful. Kate, who has been working for the CIA for the last 15 years, never told her husband Dexter what her job was. When Dexter lands a lucrative job in Luxembourg Kate jumps at the chance to quit the Agency, leave her double life behind and start anew as a stay-at-home expat mom. But soon Kate suspects all is not as it seems and there is something fishy about their new friends as well, or is it just paranoia? And why did her husband lie to her about one of his trips and why are his shoes muddy? Is he also not who he seems? This book has all the twists and turns of a good spy story without the usual politics, violence or gore. SG

A Delicious Read

Fans of the "cozy" mystery genre will love this book. As you know, cozies are mysteries without horror, gore or fear. Usually featuring a plucky heroine and sometimes knitting,food or other cozy elements. Cooking the Books by Kerry Greenwood is the sixth in a series featuring Corinna Chapman, baker extraordinaire. Corinna a former accountant with a hot boyfriend and a bakery that features bread and muffins. The descriptions of the bread and muffins are mouth watering and her host of eccentric friends interesting. Greenwood is a life long resident of Melbourne Australia where the novel is set and her take on the local color is fascinating. ML

Born to Move

Are you looking for amazing views, captivating creatures and stunning photography? Who isn't? Great Migrations by K. M. Kostyal is the book for you. It’s the official companion to the National Geographic Channel Global Television Event. You will get a fabulous up-close look at many migratory animals and learn about the natural obstacles they must overcome throughout their journeys. Colorful, Detailed, Wonderful--National Geographic. DB

Sister

Sister: A Novel by Rosamund Lupton: When her mom calls to tell Bee that her younger sister is missing, she puts her life on hold and immediately returns home to London. She expects to find Tess and give her the usual lecture but then Tess is found dead. The police think it’s a suicide but Bee is certain this isn’t the case and so she begins her own investigation. Everyone thinks she’s in denial but Bee knows better and soon involves herself deeply in her sister’s life – an artistic, free lifestyle so unlike Bee’s scheduled, businesslike routine. This suspenseful story, involving jealous boyfriends, medical experiments, and strange friends, is very well written, in an interesting narrative style. SG

Set in stone!

Concrete Garden Projects is a fun book for the DIY enthusiast. The book, by Malin Nilsson and Camilla Arvidsson details how you can make beautiful planters, pots and birdbaths with concrete. The directions are fairly detailed with clear pictures and the results would make any gardener happy! ML

Cook without a book!

Pam Anderson's latest cookbook is packed with good ideas and information. It's title, Pam Anderson Cook Without a Book Meatless Meals:recipes and techniques for part-time and full-time vegetarians tells you what you need to know about this book. There are several innovative ways she organizes this book: for instance she will have a master recipe and then several variations. One fun chapter is the "supper soup bar" where one soup is fixed then many add-ins set out to compliment it. One example is the tortilla soup bar where some of the add-ins are corn,black beans and cooked vegetables. Anderson is the New York Times author of six cookbooks. A delicious read. ML

Isn't she lovely?

The Look of Love by Mary Jane Clark is a light murder mystery that envelops part-time actress and cake decorator Piper Donovan. When she agrees to make a wedding cake for Jillian, director of the exclusive beauty retreat Elysium in Hollywood, she doesn’t realize that her life could be in danger. There are several ruthless characters that wish to stop the wedding and want to harm Jillian and ruin Elysium’s reputation. They will stop at nothing to attain their goals. The story gives the reader a glimpse at the ugliness of the beauty industry. A quick read something that you can pick up and put down easily. DB

Make Your Own Furry Pal

Have allergies? Maybe your landlord doesn't allow pets? If you're handy with the knitting needles (or know someone who is), pick up Knit Your Own Cat: Easy-to-Follow Patterns for 16 Frisky Felines by Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne. From Persians to Torties, and everything in between, this book provides simple instructions for creating your very own new best friend. Litter box not necessary. HM

Southern Hospitality

Nestled in the foothills just outside of Nashville, Tennessee, The Loveless Café is an iconic destination in and of itself. It genuinely pays homage to true Americana. When a colleague of mine brought this book to my attention, I knew we would need to add it to our Library’s collection. The true Southern charm of this quaint and busy café is well worth the 30 minute drive from downtown; not to mention, the food and service is among some of the best Southern hospitality you could ever ask for. The recipes are quite practical, yet so delicious—then again, when you add Tennessee whiskey, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean, butter, sugar, and heavy cream together, what wouldn’t be good, right? (Drunken Caramel Sauce, p. 206).

I personally own a copy of Southern Country Cooking from the Loveless Café: Hot biscuits, country ham. However, my collection just wouldn’t be complete without this book being added to my kitchen arsenal (don’t worry, I am not going to keep the Library’s copy, I will buy my own). If ever you venture to Nashville, a visit to the Loveless Café is a definite must, but as the book states, “now anyone who can’t travel to Nashville or wait two hours for a table can have a taste of the Loveless at home!”--BC