Book Notes for November/December 2004


HERSHEY PUBLIC LIBRARY	A Bi-Monthly Publication from the Readers' Services Department 701 Cocoa Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033 717-533-6555 www.hersheylibrary.org	November 2004

Gentle Reads for Hectic Holidays

A year in Provence by Peter Mayle [944.9083 MAY, CAS] - A funny, month-by-month account of the charms and frustrations of moving into an old French farmhouse and adapting to a new way of life.

Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner [FIC STE] - This Pulitzer Prize winner focuses on the generation after the American pioneers as seen through the eyes of beautiful and talented artist Susan Ward, whose art brings her fame and marital trouble.

At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon [FIC KAR, CAS, LP] - This began the Mitford series featuring Episcopal priest Father Tim and the other colorful characters in small-town Mitford.

Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank Gilbreth [B GIL, LP] - True story of a Victorian-era father who believes a family can be run like a factory and a mother who is his partner in all but the area of discipline. They raise 12 lively children, all born within a seventeen-year span.

Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy [FIC BIN, LP] - Several girls from a small village in Ireland form a lasting friendship that continues as they go off to college in the big city of Dublin.

Green Journey by Jon Hassler [FIC HAS] - Retired sixth-grade teacher Agatha McGee realizes her dream of going to Ireland in search of the romance that has eluded her.

The Ladies of Missalonghi by Colleen McCullough [FIC MCC, LP] - With the help of her cousin, drab Missy learns to go after what she really wants in this story set in the Blue Mountains of Australia.

Mama Makes Up Her Mind: And Other Dangers of Southern Living by Bailey White [814.54 WHI, LP] - A wonderful collection of tales rich in humor and folksy charm from this NPR commentator and first grade teacher in rural South Georgia.

Red-tails in Love: A Wildlife Drama in Central Park by Marie Winn [598.07 WIN] - The appearance of red-tail hawks in New York’s Central Park captivates bird watches and non-bird watchers alike. This book will surprise you.

Very Good, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse [FIC WOD] - Tickle your funny bone as you follow the adventures of lovable scamp Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet Jeeves.

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher [FIC PIL, LP] - An eclectic cast of endearing characters assembles in an old estate in rural Scotland as winter sets in. Pilcher keeps you turning pages as she spins her yarn.

Wobegon Boy by Garrison Keillor [FIC KEI, LP] - In this low-key, humorous story, John Tollefson leaves Lake Wobegon and moves to upstate New York, but his hometown sensibilities travel with him.

Web Site for Readers!

Reader's Robot
    This site for book lovers was created as a readers’ advisory service by the Thompson Nicola Regional District Library System in British Columbia, Canada. It offers a unique surveying system that allows you to answer questions about the kind of books you want to read. It then has a “robot” recommend book just for you based on your answers.
    The surveys asks you about what appeals to you in a book, such as what kind of characters you like, what setting you prefer, what kind of writing style you favor.
    In addition to the robot search, you can also browse many annotated lists of books by genre, read reviews by other book lovers, and read back issues of Library Journal’s Word of Mouth column.
    This site contains quite a bit of information, but it does take time to find all the ways in which it can be useful. Take your time and try out all of the different facets of this fun and fascinating site.

Gift Books

Books make wonderful gifts, but buying books for those who’ve read “everything” can be difficult. Below are some unusual books to consider for that hard-to-shop- for book lover on your list. You can preview all of the books at the library before making your decision. You may even find one to add to your own wish list.

America 24/7 by Rick Smolan and David Elliot Cohen [OS 973.927 AME] - One photo from each state and one for D.C. and New York City portray America in all its variety during a one week period.

Book Lust: Recommended Reading for Every Mood, Moment, and Reason by Nancy Pearl [011.73 PEA] - Famous librarian and book reviewer Pearl offers insight and enthusiasm as she categorizes books with annotations, plot summaries, and other useful information. You’ll find just what you’re looking for.

Food to Die For: Secrets from Kay Scarpeta’s Kitchen by Patricia Cornwell [641.521 COR] - Features recipe favorites from Cornwell’s star detective and medical examiner Kay Scarpetta. Recipes are taken from the books in her series and include entries from the book. Fun for mystery lovers who also love good food.

Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts [973.3 ROO] - Political commentator Roberts introduces a variety of historical women and how they influenced the men who made policy decisions in our country.

The Outermost House: A Year of Life on the Great Beach of Cape Cod by Henry Beston [508.744 BES] - Originally published in 1928, this literary classic chronicles a solitary year on a Cape Cod beach. American nature writing at its most inspiring.

Rules for Aging: Resist Normal Impulses, Live Longer, Attain Perfection by Roger Rosenblatt [818.54 ROS] - Award-winning essayist Rosenblatt offers 54 funny and wise bits of advice for aging gracefully. He offers us much to ponder.

So Many Books, So Little Time: A Year of Passionate Reading by Sara Nelson [028.9 NEL] - Nelson’s memoir begins with her plan of reading a book a week for one year. As with life, plans change. The result is this witty, endearing account of a passionate reader. You’ll finish with lots of additions to your own “to be read” pile.

A Taste of Murder: Diabolically Delicious Recipes from Contemporary Mystery Writers by Jo Grossman and Robert Weibezahl [641.5 GRO] - A fascinating and varied assortment of recipes from famous mystery writers. Includes anecdotes and advice from such names as Tony Hillerman, Anne Perry, Lilian Jackson Braun and many others. Great fun.

Trowel & Error: Over 700 Tips, Remedies & Shortcuts for the Gardener by Sharon Lovejoy [635.21 LOV] - Lovejoy is an award-winning garden writer and naturalist who offers hundreds of remedies, tips, short-cuts, and cure-alls for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

Good Food and Good Books
Go Hand in Hand
If you’ve not yet discovered The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, you’re in for a treat. This is the first in a series of gentle mysteries set in Botswana, Africa. It is a gentle, humorous read just right for a hectic holiday season. Settle down with a cup of Red Bush tea (now available in many grocery stores) and relax with this endearing mystery.
The following pumpkin stew is inspired by the delightful Mma. Ramotswe, owner of the agency. Her days often wind down with a meal made with the pumpkin she grows in her garden.

Pumpkin Stew

2 lbs. sugar pumpkin, kabocha squash, or butternut squash
2 Tablespoons peanut oil
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1½ cups chopped onion
1 tsp. ground coriander
¼ tsp. ground cloves
½ tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. chili powder
1¼ tsp. salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 (14.5 oz.) can peeled and diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz.) can low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock

If using pumpkin or kabocha, halve and scrape out seeds. Portion out 2 lbs. and save the rest for another use. Keep the 2 lbs. of pumpkin or squash in large chunks so that it will be easy to remove flesh from rind after it is cooked. (If using butternut squash, peel squash with sturdy vegetable peeler or sharp paring knife. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Cut into large chunks.) Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Place pumpkin or squash in a large steam basket and place over boiling water. Cover and steam for 20-30 minutes, or until pumpkin is tender. Add water to pan if needed during cooking time. When cool enough to handle, scrape flesh from rind and discard rind (not necessary if using butternut squash). Chop into 1-inch pieces and set aside. Heat oil over medium heat in a 6 quart, heavy-bottomed pan. Add carrot and onion and saute until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in coriander, cloves, thyme, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Stir in cooked squash and half of the peanuts and simmer 10 more min. Taste soup and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve in bowls topped with remaining peanuts.

Previous Issues of Book Notes

September/October 2004

Readers' Advisory