Night of the Unread

If you've been in the library recently, you may have seen our display of books that have not checked out in awhile. Maybe they lived on a bottom shelf, maybe they had an ugly cover -- whatever the reason, these are truly hidden gems that have been looked over in the past. For example, as soon as you see Mason & Dixon by Thomas Pynchon, it's pretty easy to guess why it's been ignored; at a daunting 773 pages, it's a major undertaking. But that doesn't mean that it's not worth it. Following the fictionalized adventures of Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon (as in the Mason-Dixon Line), Pynchon takes readers on a whirlwind tour "featuring Native Americans and frontier folk, ripped bodices, naval warfare, conspiracies erotic and political, and major caffeine abuse " (from the inside flap). If that doesn't sound worth the 773 pages, I don't know what does. HM

Healthy Choices

If you're concerned about your weight, take a look at The Mayo Clinic Diabetes Diet. This book was compiled by experts from the Mayo Clinic and is not just for diabetics. It is divided into three parts: Lose It!, Live It! and All the extra stuff. The authors have identified 5 good habits and 5 bad habits for dieters. They also list 5 bonus habits to help keep you on track. Recipes, serving sizes, behavior strategies and an action guide are included. This colorful, informative, easy-to-read book is great for anyone who wants to get healthy. DB

A Chilling Read

Harbor by John Lindqvist (translated from the Swedish) is the story of a man but it is also the story of a place, of a thing. Anders and Cecilia and their daughter Maja are out exploring the frozen channel when Maja disappears, practically right in front of her parents. Unable to get over this the couple split and two years later Anders returns back to the scene. Strange happenings build into a feeling of dread that makes the book hard to put down. The character development is outstanding with a wonderful flow to the history of the harbor and it's inhabitants. Don't let the 'epic-ness' of the book be a deterrent. John Lindqvist is the author of Let the Right One In, which was made into a popular, must see horror film. SG

home decorating

Love home decorating? Read design blogs? You'll love Design Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney. Author of the blog DesignSponge, Bonney takes us into reader's homes (called Sneak Peeks) and also includes DIY projects and "before and afters" which features old furniture repurposed and redone. Design Sponge represents a new era in home decorating. Formerly the province of glossy magazines and high end decorators, the Internet has given us quirky design blogs and the ethic of DIY. The book also features tons of photos and information. ML

The Halloween Scene!

It’s time to get your ghost on! The Big Book of Halloween Fun by Susie Johns is a great guide. The creative recipes will tempt all your little ghouls. The simple crafts are good for younger children. There are costumes that will appeal to all ages. Ten pages of templates are included for those who need a pattern. Don't forget the fun and games. Quick, easy and spooky suggestions for some happy haunting. DB

All Ye Know on Earth, and All Ye Need to Know

Many people recognize Ann Patchett as a writer of realistic fiction, including the PEN/Faulker Award-winning novel, Bel Canto, and her recently published best seller, State of Wonder. While I, too, have read and enjoyed her novels, none have affected me as strongly as her memoir, Truth and Beauty: A Friendship. The story revolves around Patchett's relationship with fellow celebrated author and poet, Lucy Grealy (Autobiography of a Face). While Patchett describes herself as stoic and hardworking, Grealy is a personality to be reckoned with, living life with the brilliance, violence, and transience of a firecracker.

The experience of following Patchett and Grealy's friendship, from their beginnings as creative writing students at Sarah Lawrence through their grapples with adulthood and all that comes with it, is at times both gratifying and devastating. Both in print and audiobook format, this title is highly recommended. OEO

Worth a Second Look

I've heard a lot of people say that they started to read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, but never made it through to the end. If there is one book that is worth a second try, it's Betty Smith's classic coming-of-age tale. Set in the early part of the 20th century, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn follows the trials and triumphs of young Francie Nolan as she navigates a bittersweet childhood in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Francie's story is punctuated with the comings and goings of a variety of strong secondary characters, who serve to move the narrative in unexpected and sometimes heart-wrenching directions. This is definitely a book where the characters stick with you long after you've finished the last page. HM