Foxcatcher: Sunday, March 29th

Our spring Glenviewings series continues tomorrow (March 29) with a screening of Foxcatcher at 2:00PM. Spend part of your Sunday afternoon with us watching what Mark Zoller Zeitz of Rogerebert.com says "is a heartfelt, intelligent, deadly serious drama based on a real murder case in which a wealthy patron hired two wrestler brothers, tried to seduce and control one of them, and ended up murdering the other. Every frame of it is sincere. As cowritten by E. Max Frye ("Something Wild") and Dan Futterman ("Capote") and directed by Bennett Miller ("Capote," "Moneyball"), it's also a throwback to a '70s style of commercial filmmaking. Much of it unfolds in long takes, in medium or long distance shots that draw attention to the environment around the characters, and there is minimal dramatic assistance (or intrusion) by music. Parts of it evoke films by the late Alan J. Pakula ("All the President's Men," "The Parallax View," "Comes a Horseman"), a master of understatement." 

March Madness for Kindles!

This month, take an e-reader challenge and see how many downloaded books you can scratch off your list. Check out some of these new e-books for March. For information on how to use our downloadable service, visit our website.

New Uses for Old Boyfriends by Beth Kendrick
Funny Girl by Nick Hornby

Mrs. Grant and Madame Julie by Jennifer Chiaverini

The Tusk That Did the Damage by Tania James

Some Other Town by Judith Collison

A Murder of Magpies by Judith Flanders
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell by William Klaber

The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce

Librarians' Top Picks--The LibraryReads List for April 2015

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that I am a big fan of the book lists promoted monthly by LibraryReads. Each month, public librarians across the country vote for their favorite soon-to-be-published titles. The top 10 vote getters each month are then featured on LibraryReads. Below is the list for April 2015.

These lists are worth a close look. Librarians are not only avid readers; they are also good listeners. Every day they hear about books their patrons are excited to read, giving librarians good insight into what books might be popular in the future. Librarians voting on LibraryReads were early fans of All the Light We Cannot See by Andrew Doerr and The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins--long before they became best sellers. Last month's March 2015 list included Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania by Eric Larson, a book already accumulating quite a few holds at our library.

LibraryReads archives their lists back to September 2013. These lists are great resources if you are just looking for a good book to read. You can find all the lists on the LibraryReads home page at libraryreads.org.

April 2015 LibraryReads List

At the Water’s Edge:A Novel

by Sara Gruen

Published: 3/31/2015 by Spiegel & Grau
ISBN: 9780385523233

“Set in Loch Ness, right in the middle of WWII, a foolish group of rich Americans arrive in search of the famous monster. Narrator Maddie must make sense of the circumstances that have brought her to this wild locale. Only then can she discover the strength she needs to make her own decisions. Enjoy a delightfully intriguing cast of characters and the engaging style of storytelling that has made Gruen so popular.”

Paulette Brooks, Elm Grove Public Library, Elm Grove, WI

The Royal We

by Heather Cocks & Jessica Morgan

Published: 4/7/2015 by Grand Central Publishing
ISBN: 9781455557103

“This delightful spin on the story of Prince William and Kate Middleton is the perfect beachy, weekend read for anyone who loves love stories with a healthy dose of humor. Here, Will and Kate are replaced by Nick and Bex–he’s the heir to the British throne, she’s the American who effortlessly steals his heart. Can they weather many obstacles to find their Happily Ever After? Part fairy tale, part cautionary tale, the novel is pure fun from start to finish.”

Donna Matturri, Pickerington Public Library, Pickerington, OH

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A Desperate Fortune

by Susanna Kearsley

Published: 4/7/2015 by Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN: 9781492602026

“While transcribing an old manuscript of a young girl’s diary, Sara decodes an account of Jacobite spies. Long before, Mary Dundas gets involved in a mission which makes her confidante to the King of Scotland in exile. And along the way, both women fall for men they know little about. Kearsley is a master at seamlessly blending stories from two time periods. Readers who enjoy a little puzzle solving with their historical fiction will be rewarded.”

Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX

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The Dream Lover: A Novel

by Elizabeth Berg

Published: 4/14/2015 by Random House
ISBN: 9780812993158

“George Sand leaves her estranged husband and children to embark on a life of art in bohemian Paris. A talented writer who finds monetary and critical success, Sand adopts a man’s name, often dresses as a gentleman and smokes cigars. Through her writing, politics, sexual complexities and views on feminism, Sand is always seeking love. This novel has spurred me to learn more about George Sand, a woman truly ahead of her time.”

Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, MA

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Still the One

by Jill Shalvis

Published: 4/7/2015 by Berkley
ISBN: 9780425270189

“Oh Jill Shalvis, how I love thee! Although all the books in this Animal Magnetism series have strong heroines, this one is the absolute best. And chemistry–wowza, it’s intense. The novel brings a focus on two important social issues: the lack of funding available for those who need physical therapy, and the fact that service dogs who do not pass their certification should not be thrown away. I fell in love and learned something at the same time. Instant classic.”

Amanda Brown, Roanoke Public Libraries, Roanoke, VA

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Inside the O’Briens: A Novel

by Lisa Genova

Published: 4/7/2015 by Gallery Books
ISBN: 9781476717777

“The O’Briens are an Irish Catholic family living in Boston. Joe, the father, is a cop, and when he is diagnosed with Huntington’s, he must somehow tell his wife and four grown children and learn to live with the disease. I couldn’t put the book down for too long. Genova made me feel as if I was part of the family. I loved the way she developed her characters with style and warmth.”

Valerie Giambona, Secaucus Public Library, Secaucus, NJ

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House of Echoes: A Novel

by Brendan Duffy

Published: 4/14/2015 by Ballantine Books
ISBN: 9780804178112

“Eager to get out of the big city, Ben and Caroline Tierney purchase a large, old house upstate hoping to renovate it into a hotel. However, their house, called The Crofts, has a dark, mysterious past, and terrifying secrets begin to threaten the family. This wonderfully eerie and atmospheric debut novel is a great recommendation for fans of Bohjalian’s The Night Strangers and McMahon’s The Winter People.”

Sara Kennedy, Delaware County District Library, Delaware, OH

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The Precious One: A Novel

by Marisa de los Santos

Published: 3/24/2015 by William Morrow
ISBN: 9780061670893

“Taisy hasn’t seen her father since he dumped her family and started another one 17 years ago. An unexpected invitation to write his biography returns her to her hometown, and gives her a rare chance to knit together a broken web of relationships. Like all de los Santos’ books,The Precious One features smart, funny characters who form an unconventional family. It’s luminous and heartwarming, without an ounce of sap.”

Heather Bistyga, Anderson County Library, Anderson, SC

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The Bone Tree: A Novel

by Greg Iles

Published: 4/21/2015 by William Morrow
ISBN: 9780062311115

“Based on a real series of unsolved murders from the civil rights era in Louisiana, and the crusading journalist who uncovered the story, Iles’ novel shines a bright light of truth upon one of America’s darkest secrets. Iles’ compelling writing makes this complex tale of good versus evil a must-read for those who love thrillers, and those who want to learn a little bit of American history not normally taught in school.”

Ellen Jennings, Cook Memorial Public Library, Libertyville, IL

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Where They Found Her: A Novel

by Kimberly McCreight

Published: 4/14/2015 by Harper
ISBN: 9780062225467

“Molly Sanderson is covering a feature for the Ridgedale Reader that not only stirs up her recent grief over a stillborn child, but secrets that have been kept hidden for over two decades in this northern New Jersey college town. As the stories of four different women unfold, a new piece of the puzzle is revealed. Chilling and gruesome at times, this is a novel with characters who will stay with the reader long after the final page is turned.”

Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - 2015

The 2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performer inductees were chosen by more than 500 voters of the rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.  Artists are eligible for inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twenty-five years after their first recording is released.
The ceremony will take place on April 18, 2015 in Cleveland.

Green Day

Green Day is an American punk rock band that was formed in 1986 by Billie Joe Armstron (lead vocalist and guitarist) and Mike Dirnt (bassist and backing vocalist).  They were originally part of the punk scene at the DIY 924 Gilman Street club in Berkely, California.  In 1994 they released Dookie through Reprise Records and became a hugh success.  It eventually sold over 10 million copies in the U. S.  

Their three follow-up albums, Insomniac (1995), Nimrod (1997), and Warning (2000) were successful, but not as much as Dookie.  The band's rock opera, American Idiot (2004) reignited their popularity.

They have sold more than 75 million records worldwide.  The group has won 5 Grammy Awards, including Best Musical Show Album for American Idiot.  In 2010, the musical won them 2 Tony Awards for Best Scenic Design and Best Lighting Design, and was nominated for Best Musical.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

Joan Jett (Joan Marie Larkin) was born Joan Marie Larkin on September 22, 1958 in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.  She's an American rock guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and actress.  She was best known for her work with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, including their No. 1 hit record "I Love rock 'n' Roll" in 1982.  Other popular recordings were "Crimson and Clover," "I Hate Myself for Loving You," "Do you Wanna Touch Me," "Light of Day," "Love is All Around" and "Bad Reputation."  She is considered by the Toronto Sun as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll.

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts became the first rock band to perform at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway that broke the record for the fastest ticket sell-out.

Lou Reed

Lou Reed (Lewis Allan) was born on March 2, 1942 and dies October 27, 2013.  He was an American musician, guitarist, singer, and songwriter.  In the 1960s, he worked with the Velvet Underground.  Also was not financially successful, it did have a following and became one of the most influential bands of the era.

After leaving the group, Reed began a solo singing career in 1972.  His hit song, "Walk on the Wild Side," was commercially successful.

The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

Paul Vaughn Butterfield was born on December 17, 1942 in Chicago, IL and died on May 4, 1987 in North Hollywood, California.  He was an American blues singer and harmonica player.  He formed the band in 1963 and they were popular in the late 1960s with performances at the Fillmores, Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock.  They combined electric Chicago blues with rock urgency and jazz fusion.

Butterfield was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame in 2006.  He was well known for his harmonica skills.  His preferred single notes to chords and used the harmonica for soloing.

Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr was born Richard Starkey (July 7, 1940) in Dingle, Liverpool, England.  He joined The Beathes in 1962 and was their lead drummer.  He was the lead singer for "With a Little Help from My Friends", "Yellow Submarine" and "Act Naturally."  He wrote "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden."  After the band's break-up in 1970, he released several successful singles.

In 2011, Rolling Stone readers named Starr the fifth-greatest drummer of all time.  In 1988, The Beatles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in 2002, he was inducted into the Percussive Arts Hall of Fame.

Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble

Stephen Ray Vaughan was born on October 3, 1954 in Dallas, TX and died on August 27, 1990. He is considered one of the most influential guitarist in the history of blues music.  He as inspired by American and British blues rock.  He left high school in 1971 and moved to Austin, TX.  Later his formed his own group, Triple Threat Revue and then renamed the band Double Trouble.  In 1983, his debut studio album, Texas Flood charted at number 38.

Vaughn has receive several music awards.  In 1983, he was voted Best New Talent and Best Electric Blues Guitar Player by the readers of Guitar Player.  In 1984, the Blues Foundation named him entertainer of the Year and Blues Instrumentalist of the Year, and in 1987 Performance Magazine honored him with rhythm and Blues Act of the Year.  He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2000 and the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2014.

Bill Withers

Bill Withers was born on July 4, 1938 in Slab Fork, West Virginia.  He is an American singer-songwriter whose genres include soul, R&B, smooth soul, blues, and Funk.  His major recording hits include, "Lean on Me" (Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2007), "Ain't No Sunshine," (1972 Grammy Award for Best R&B Song) "Use Me," "Just the Two of Us," "Lovely Day," and "Grandma's Hands."  

On October 6, 1972, Reed performed at Carnegie Hall.  This was recorded and released as a live album Bill Withers, Live at Carnegie Hall on November 30, 1972.  In 1976, Withers performed "Ain't No Sunshine" on Saturday Night Live.  

Erin-Go-Bragh! (Long Live Ireland) - Truly Terrific Great Irish Crime Writing!

Dia Dhuit (Hello)

With St. Paddy's Day on the way and in the spirit of celebrating the Emerald Isle, check out the following sampling of "Emerald Noir" (the emerging wave of Irish crime fiction writers). The detectives in these stories are not only defined by their outstanding sleuthing abilities, but through such issues as cultural background and national identity - IRISH! Since everybody is a wee bit Irish in March, try one or more of these mysteries as an accompaniment to your stout (Slainte!) and soda bread:

The Rage by Gene Kerrigan (2011)A recently-released convict, a discouraged policeman, and a retired nun become involved in planning a high-stakes robbery. Winner of the 2012 CWA Gold Dagger, for best crime novel of the year.

Broken Harbor by Tana French (2012)
In the aftermath of a brutal attack that left a woman in intensive care and her husband and young children dead, brash cop Scorcher Kennedy and his rookie partner, Richie, struggle with perplexing clues and Scorcher's haunting memories of a shattering incident from his childhood. 

The Cold Cold Ground by Adrain McKinty (2012)"Featuring Catholic cop Sean Duffy whose outsider status in the mostly Protestant RUC makes it as hard to do his job as the criminals he’s fighting, this is the start of a new series set in Troubles-era Belfast. A body is found in a burnt out car. Another is discovered hanging from a tree. Could this be Northern Ireland’s first serial killer, or another paramilitary feud?" -- Publisher.

The Guards by Ken Bruen (2001)
Stuck in a rut after his dismissal from the Irish police force and still grieving over the death of his father, Jack Taylor finds renewal when an intriguing woman hires him based on his rumored talent for finding things.

Elegy for April by Benjamin Black (2010)
After Dr. April Latimer goes missing in 1950s Dublin, her friend Phoebe Griffin enlists the aid of her brilliant recovering-alcoholic father, Quirke, and Detective Inspector Hackett, who follow April's trail through the darker byways of the city.

The Nameless Dead by Brian McGilloway (2013)
After the Commission for Location of Victims' Remains uncovers a baby's skeleton while following up a tip about Declan Cleary, Inspector Devlin is torn between resurrecting the past and letting a murderer go free.

The Last Girl by Jane Casey (2013)
Investigating two brutal murders, Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan finds the case complicated by deep-rooted family secrets, numerous false leads, and the questionable decisions of a once-trustworthy superintendent.

Plugged by Eoin McNamee (2011)
When his girlfriend and several people close to him are murdered, Daniel McEvoy finds himself targeted by the New Jersey mafia, corrupt cops, and an eccentric neighbor and searches for a hair-plug technician who may hold crucial answers.

Cathedral by Nelson Demille (1990)
Born into the heat and hatred of the Northern Ireland conflict, IRA man Brian Flynn has masterminded a brilliant terrorist act--the seizure of Saint Patrick's Cathedral. Among his hostages: the woman Brian Flynn once loved, a former terrorist turned peace activist. Among his enemies: an Irish-American police lieutenant fighting against a traitor inside his own ranks and a shadowy British intelligence officer pursuing his own cynical, bloody plan.

Irish Gold by Andrew Greeley (1994)
Dermot Coyne goes to Dublin to investigate his parents' departure from Ireland during the Time of Troubles in 1922 and learns much about his Irish heritage from Nuala Anne McGrail.

Hope one of these luckily turns out to be your Pot o' Gold novel for March 17, 2015!

Go N-Eiri An T-Adh Leat (Good Luck)

Beannachtai Na Feile Padrig Oraibh (St. Patrick's Day Blessing Upon You)

Women's History Month: Biopic Films about Women

March is women's history month an annual celebration that highlights the contributions and achievements of women. Women's history month traces its beginnings to the first International Women's Day celebrated on March 8, 1911. In February 1980 President Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980 as, National Women's History Week. Seven years later, after being petitioned by the National Women's History Project, Congress passed Pub. L. 100-9 which designated the month of March 1987 as Women's History Month. Since 1995, U.S. presidents have issued annual proclamations designating the month of March as Women's History Month. Check out one of these biopics or choose another from our vast collection.

Erin Brockovich
Frida
Julia & Julia
La Vie En Rose
Temple Grandin
The Iron Lady
The Queen

March is Women's History Month

Celebrate Women's History Month by reading one of these historical fiction titles that reimagine the lives of women, both ordinary and well-known, in history.

Clara & Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland

Hoping to honor his father and the family business with innovative glass designs, Louis Comfort Tiffany launches the iconic Tiffany lamp as designed by women's division head Clara Driscoll, who struggles with the mass production of her creations.

The Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini

Pledging her loyalty to the North at the risk of her life when her native Virginia secedes, Quaker-educated aristocrat Elizabeth Van Lew uses her innate skills for gathering military intelligence to help construct the Richmond underground and orchestrate escapes from the infamous Confederate Libby Prison.

Mary Coin by Marisa Silver

Imagines the lives of the subject of the photograph, photographer, and a college professor who finds a connection to a family legacy in the image of the iconic "Migrant Mother.".

Half Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls

Presents a novel based on the life of the author's grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, who learned to break horses in childhood, journeyed five hundred miles as a teen to become a teacher, and ran a vast ranch in Arizona with her husband while raising two children.

The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B. by Sandra Gulland

The diary of a Creole beauty from Martinique who became Napoleon's wife. It traces her adjustment to French high society, her love affairs in order to survive the revolution--her husband is guillotined--and her romance with Napoleon. First volume in a trilogy.

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross

Berated for being intelligent and scholarly, Joan dons her dead brother's clothes, assumes a man's identity, and gains respect and authority as well as the title of pope.

In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

A fictional account of the young lives of Mirabal sisters Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa, otherwise known in the Dominican Republic as Las Mariposas, describes their suffering and martyrdom in the last days ofthe Trujillo dictatorship.

Empress Orchid by Anchee Min 

A fictional portrait of the last empress of China follows Orchid, a beautiful teenager from an aristocratic family, who is chosen to become a low-ranking concubine of the emperor and rises to a position of power in the Chinese court.

The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty

"A novel about the friendship between an adolescent, pre-movie-star Louise Brooks, and the 36-year-old woman who chaperones her to New York City for a summer, in 1922, and how it changes both their lives"--.