Did You Know?

The Oxford Public Library now has a Book Group collection!  But what does that mean exactly?  It means that we have multiple copies (between 5-7) of single titles available to check out, perfect for your small book group.  For more information, ask a librarian at the Adult Reference Desk, and be sure to browse some of these titles, and more!
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell
The Paris Wife by Paula McLain
Detroit City Is the Place to Be by Mark Binelli
Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

Documentary Film

War Dance is the inspiring story of a school at the Patongo refugee camp in Northern Uganda.  The filmmakers follow Nancy, Dominic, and Rose -- three students who have been scarred by violence and war -- as they prepare for the annual National Music Competition in Kampala.  Deeply moving and affirming, this film explores the darkest places in the human soul and how music, dance, and community have the power to uplift and enhance feelings of self-worth, paving the way for positive change.  HM


If you like War Dance, check out Bouncing Cats, a documentary that profiles the work of Breakdance Project Uganda, which provides an outlet and positive influence for youth in Kampala.

Death, Politics, and Roadtrips

Fascinated by presidential killings and their public commemoration, author and NPR contributor Sarah Vowell helms a whirlwind tour of American history in Assassination Vacation.  She visits sites and artifacts related to Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley -- all the while weaving in her trademark humor and social commentary.  If you like this title, check out some of Vowell's other books -- The Partly Cloudy Patriot, The Wordy Shipmates, and Unfamiliar Fishes.  HM

Haunted

North Korea's government propaganda is infamous -- but Shin Dong-hyuk had never even heard of Kim Il sung.  He was born in a prison camp, but after 20 some years of enduring beatings, starvation, and psychological horrors, Shin escapes.  Journalist Blaine Harden attempts to tease out Shin's story in Escape From Camp 14: One Man's Remarkable Odyssey From North Korea to Freedom in the West.  A quick and engaging read, one is left with a sense that even though Shin is physically free from his tormentors, he is a complex person who may never be truly liberated from his past.  HM

SHARK!!

The summer of 1916 was a scorcher.  To escape the heat of the city, New Yorkers flocked to the thriving seaside playgrounds of Coney Island and the Jersey Shore -- only to be terrorized by (amazingly) a rogue great white shark.  In Close to Shore: A True Story of Terror in an Age of Innocence, Pulitzer Prize nominee Michael Capuzzo delves into the fear and panic of the weeks following the first attack, painting a vivid portrait of the era and the characters who inhabited it.  HM

Everywhere Around the World

In her book, Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy, author Barbara Ehrenreich explores what exactly it is that makes us want to get together and kick up our heels. From ancient Greek cults to the manic displays of soccer fans, we have a long history of sharing our happiness and exuberance with others -- why? By providing historical examples, Ehrenreich makes a strong argument that we are actually hard-wired to experience the greatest joy amongst our fellow human beings. HM

The Social Animal

If you like a little fiction with your non-fiction, this book is for you. In The Social Animal, New York Times columnist David Brooks weaves the story of Harold and Erica, two fascinating, yet achingly normal, people with intertwined fates. This is not your average boy-meets-girl tale, however. The book is jam packed with sociological, cultural, and economical studies and their findings. Brooks keeps the mammoth amount of research from becoming overwhelming by writing in a coversational tone and grounding the work in a relatable and very human story. OEO

Freshen Up the Place

The calendar says that Spring will be here soon, inspiring some people to tackle home projects. If you happen to be one of them, you should check out Refresh Your Home. The editors of The Family Handyman magazine have compiled hundreds of fantastic, practical ways to make your home nicer, one project at a time.

Exploring the Mitten

You don't have to travel very far to find interesting destinations. Off the Beaten Path: Michigan provides lots of unique places for you to explore, grouped by area. Among them: the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Abbott's Magic Manufacturing Company in Colon, and Kitch-Iti-Kipi near Manistique (the state's largest natural spring). We have a wonderful variety of entertaining options within our own state!

Dinner's Ready

Perfect One-Dish Dinners might take the stress out of meals for you. Pam Anderson gives all sorts of ideas for stews, casseroles, salads, and grilled entrees. If you feel like doing a bit more, she's got accompanying recipes for appetizers and desserts, too. I can't wait to try out the spicy chicken enchiladas verde and the shrimp wonton crisps with Asian pesto. Yum!

Efficiency in 2011

Perhaps one of your resolutions this year is to reduce your energy use. Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits has 140 simple solutions to help you achieve that goal. Many of the tips are common sense reminders (as in: "Do Not Sightsee in the Refrigerator" and "Turn Off Lights When Not in Use") and others are more labor-intensive ("Use an Outdoor Clothes Dryer" and "Add More Insulation"). Every little bit counts--and adds to your savings account!

Fighting Brain Disease

This little book of 100 Simple Things just might give you a fighting chance against Alzheimer's. Some of the suggestions are as easy as eat berries every day and avoid inactivity. Others are more involved, like "get a higher education" and "have an interesting job." The bottom line? Make an effort and you might reap the rewards.

From Neck to Nothing

Nora Ephron is one of my favorite authors. She's funny, humble, and witty. You might know some of her work--she wrote the screenplays for When Harry Met Sally, You've Got Mail and Julie and Julia. Her essays are equally engaging. I Feel Bad about My Neck was just the beginning. She's back with a new collection, I Remember Nothing. Give her a read--and you'll have a hard time putting down the book.

Unconventional Creativity

Julian Beever is no ordinary artist. His work takes hours of detailed sketching and planning before he begins the creation of the piece...which can be washed away in a matter of moments if the clouds should decide to burst! The incredibly realistic drawings stop people in their tracks and this book describes each piece from Julian's perspective.

Movie Night Suggestions

If you find yourself in the mood for cozying up with a good movie, film expert Roger Ebert has some great suggestions for you in The Great Movies III. The one hundred essays look at old and new, and include everything from The Godfather to A Prairie Home Companion. You will certainly find something of interest!

Bagel or McMuffin?

As we enter the season of family, friends and food, you might worry about packing on the pounds. Fear not--the authors of the Eat This, Not That! series have just released an updated and expanded edition to help you fight an expanding waistline. You don't have to give up all those delicious restaurant snacks during your shopping breaks...just make wiser choices. (Hint: choose the Egg McMuffin over the Bagel!)

Gotta Love Dewey!

You don't have to be a librarian to appreciate Dewey's Nine Lives, retired librarian Vicki Myron's second tribute to her library's beloved cat Dewey Readmore Books. Here, Myron tells new stories about Dewey's antics that didn't make the cut for the first book. Also included are tales (tails?) about six other extraordinary cats that are sure to give you a case of the warm fuzzies. If you are a cat owner, this heartwarming read will make you want to track down your feline friend and give him or her a cuddle. And if you don't have a cat, perhaps this book will inspire you to make the trek to the nearest animal rescue and adopt a new best friend. Either way, a wonderful read. And it would make a wonderful gift for the animal lover on your holiday shopping list!

Warm Hands

It's getting nearer to that time of year when you'll need mittens to keep your hands warm. Mittens & Gloves has a huge variety of patterns for you to knit up some new ones for yourself or to give as gifts. The items range from mittens and gloves to wristlets and sleeves. Some of the patterns are quite advanced--be prepared to be challenged by them!

A Little Wine

For those of us who are not yet wine connoisseurs, Let Me Tell You About Wine has enough information to get you started. Oz Clarke is an international expert on the subject and breaks it down into three sections: identifying flavors and grape varieties, enjoying the drink, and exploring the world of wine. The highly readable book is great for beginners and probably has new information for the experienced, too.

Carved Masterpieces

This past Saturday we had the pleasure of watching John Bradshaw make works of art as he carved pumpkins and gourds here at the library. If you're inspired to do more than triangle eyes and square teeth, you should check out Extreme Pumpkin Carving and try your hand at advanced carving.





(photo by Cristan)