Outside of a Dog, #74

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Although our culture seems to bombard us constantly with information about what, how, and why celebrities are doing what they are doing, it still can be a fascinating and enjoyable experience to sit down and read a good old fashioned biography. I find biographies that are about the not so famous even more interesting to read. Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started.

Grieving: A Love Story by Ruth Coughlin

Similar in topic and tone to Joan Didion’s 2007 bestseller “The Year of Magical Thinking,” Coughlin’s book written in 1993 shows us that losing a spouse remains one of the most devastating events that can happen to anyone who has enjoyed a long and happy marriage.

Coughlin addresses her husband’s struggle with terminal cancer and like the Didion title explores what happened to her after his death and how she slowly and eventually built a new life while paying tribute to the memories of a happy marriage.

WCV RSV MTC SHL 155.937 C

Slow Motion by Dani Shapiro

In her early 20’s Dani Shapiro’s life seemed out of control. Involved with an older married man, unsuccessful at her modeling/acting career, the highlight of her day becomes her clandestine meetings with her drug dealer. When both her parents are injured in a devastating automobile accident that will require months of slow rehabilitation, she comes to their aid. In the end their recovery becomes her recovery. Honest and ultimately inspiring, adults as well as young adult readers who enjoy stories of personal redemption should find this book a worthwhile read.

SHL Bio Shapiro

Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott

Anne Lamott writes fiction but it is her biographical nonfiction titles that have earned her a faithful and devoted following. Her books are a meandering mix of humor, insightful and personal observations about the complexities of life. Readers will find them entertaining as well as thought provoking. Lamott’s most recent book “Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith” was on the New York Times bestseller list for months. Her newest fiction title “Imperfect Birds: A Novel” is scheduled to be published in April 2010.

WAM WCV WMB Bio Lamott

Also available in Large Type

Smashed: Story of a Drunken Girlhood by Koren Zailkas

From her very first illicit sip at age 14, through a harrowing decade of drinking, binge drinking, and getting so ‘smashed’ she couldn’t see straight, 24-year-old Koren Zailkas has an all-too-common story of a young girl’s alcohol abuse. She explains why she began, and how she chose to stop in this memoir.

Bio Zailkas WMB

616.86 Z WAM

Also available in Large Type

Outside of a Dog, #73

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Instead of all those tired and clichéd New Year’s resolutions like lose weight, exercise more, get out of debt…blah blah blah…why not make a resolution to simply read more – whether it’s a diet book, a financial management title, or simply a darn good story, you’ll find an endless supply of appealing suggestions available at the library. Here are some great fiction titles to get you started:

Second Hand by Michael Zadoorian
FIC Zadoorian WCV WAM

Richard runs a second hand thrift store just outside of Detroit (imagine Ferndale or Royal Oak). He is a self-proclaimed connoisseur of junk. He has devoted much of his life to finding, selling, and treasuring the discards of others. When he meets a young woman named Theresa, he discovers that her work at an animal shelter has some poignant and painful similarities to his own passion for saving the discards of others. As their relationship grows, they discover some fundamental truths about each other and the real value of material possessions in life.

The Book of Joe by Joe Tropper
Fic Tropper WCV

A funny and touching story about a man who left home, moved to New York City, and wrote a best selling novel about his old hometown. Now, seventeen years later, with his father gravely ill, he reluctantly returns. Unfortunately, the folks living in Bush Falls, Connecticut were not too happy with his literary portrayal of them and even less pleased with the blockbuster movie based on their town and lives. Can we ever really go home again? Joe begins to find out the answer to that question in often hilarious and touching ways.

We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver
Fic Shriver WAM

Shriver gives a fictional glance to the behind-the-scenes lives of a family torn apart by absolutely unspeakable violence. When her son kills several of his high school classmates in a well organized and painfully thought out plan, his mother is left to agonize and wrestle with the reasons why this tragedy occurred. What could she or anyone have done to prevent it? Shriver’s writing style is pensive and pondering as she shares with readers the painful tale of what happened and its aftermath.


Buffalo Soldier by Chris Bohjalian
Fic Bohjalian WCV

Bohjalian’s novel takes the reader to northern Vermont, where days of rain have caused a river to overflow. The nine-year-old twin daughters of Terry and Laura Sheldon are swept away in the raging current and the girls are tragically drowned. Their deaths have repercussions for the entire community. This is a thoughtful, sorrowful, and quite surprising story dealing with loss, grief, and the emotional bonds between husband and wife, parent and child. A novel that will stay with you long after the last page.

In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner

Fic Weiner WMB

This sweet novel by the author of "Good in Bed" and, most recently, "Best Friends Forever," is all about sisters Maggie and Rose, who seem to share nothing but the same parents and the same taste (and size!) in designer shoes. Maggie is the flighty younger sister, determined to make her fortune and fame by working as little as possible, while Rose is the responsible older sister. Lawyer Rose lets Maggie move in for a few days and finds her life at the law firm and in her own home, turned upside down. Both girls go on journeys to prove to themselves and each other what's really important. We defy you not to make it to the end without sniffling a little!

Outside of a Dog, #72

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

During the week between Christmas and New Year’s, many folks find themselves enjoying vacation or holiday time off from the obligations of work and school. For a lot of families, this is a nice time to settle in for a relaxing evening at home with a holiday movie. Tired of heading to the video store or waiting for your Netflix selection to arrive? Why not check out what your public library has to offer in holiday themed movies...

Instead of listing dozens of choices here…simply click on our automated card catalog. In the search box type in “Christmas films” and select the subject link. You will find 51 films listed alone for the Warren Civic Center branch and 281 films listed if you decide to search all the libraries in the Suburban Library Cooperative at one time. Recent releases as well as classics and children’s films are listed.

The card catalog record will let you know if the DVD is currently checked in and available (remember to click "details" if you want the DVD's call number). Many Macomb libraries will allow you to place a hold or reserve if the item is checked out and will send the material to the library of your choice for pick up.

Outside of a Dog, #71

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Recently released in DVD is the documentary “Food, Inc.” It’s a fascinating and albeit shocking look at how the food we eat every day is produced, manufactured, and ends up on our dining room tables. The film delves into how our meat so attractively displayed at our local supermarket eventually got there. But more than that, it vividly illustrates how our whole food system does tremendous damage to the environment, economy, and our personal health. We may produce the cheapest and most abundant food in the world, but in reality it is tremendously expensive in many ways. Other books dealing with this topic are also suggested.

Food Inc
WCV DVD F7
WAM DVD New F53

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the all-American Meal - Eric Schlosser
WCV 394.1097S
WAM WMB WDB 394.1S

King Corn: You are What You Eat
SHL SCS RSV DVD 633.15 King

In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto - Michael Pollan
WAM WMB WDB 613 P

The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals - Michael Pollan
WCV RSV SCS ROG 394.12P

Food Matters: A Guide to Conscious Eating with more than 75 Recipes - Mark Bittman
WCV SHL SCS HPW 613.2 B

Super Size Me - Morgan Spurlock
MPL DVD 647.95 S
ROG DVD 394.1 S
RSV DVD 616.28 S

Outside of a Dog, #70

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Let's talk turkey! Thanksgiving is this week, and while you're waiting for the bird to fry, roast, or bake, why not sit back and relax with one of these seasonal titles:

Scooby-Doo and the Thanksgiving Terror - Mariah Balaban
Scary, spooky things happen year-round to hungry detective dog Scooby-Doo and his crew! This short story is all about a Thanksgiving parade float that comes to life, and only Scooby can solve the mystery.
WCV E Scoo
WDB E Scoo T


How to cook a turkey: and all the other trimmings - The editors of Fine Cooking magazine
A holiday survival guide for those new to the kitchen or the holiday traditions, How to cook a turkey explains how to cook both a great big bird, and all the other side dishes and desserts you might want on the holiday. There's even a whole chapter on pie, whether you love apple, or live for pumpkin.
WAM 641.66592 H

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Alvin's Thanksgiving celebration [DVD]
In this collection of four episodes from the 1988 cartoon series, Alvin and his brothers Simon and Theodore, learn the meaning of family and fun.
WCV DVD A83

Pieces of April [DVD]
Katie Holmes stars in this offbeat indie film about April, the black sheep of a New York family. She's intent on hosting her entire family for Thanksgiving dinner - until she finds out her oven doesn't work, and her relatives are already on their way! Patricia Clarkson and Oliver Platt also star.
WCV DVD 791.43 PIECES
WDB DVD P 282

Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Parade - Romie Minor
One of Arcadia Publishing's fantastic "Images of America" series, this book takes you behind the scenes of the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade, watched every Thanksgiving by hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents. Art Van Elslander and WJR's Paul W. Smith will be co-grand marshals for this year's parade, with the theme of "Together We Shine for 2009."
WCV WDB WAM 977.434 M


Celebrations: The complete book of American holidays - Robert J. Myers
An introduction to all holidays, including their origins, this Hallmark book is a great way to teach not just kids, but the whole family, about Thanksgiving and other upcoming holidays.
WMB WAM 394.26 M

Librarians Are Reading!

If you just can't get enough books to read, and you're looking for something new, why not check out the Suburban Library Cooperative's Library Staff Are Reading page? Every year since 2002, the Cooperative asks library staff for their three favorite books of the year, and posts them online and in a brochure available at the libraries.

The Suburban Library Cooperative has 27 member libraries - imagine how many book recommendations that would give you!

You won't rue reading this book!

Today’s Book: Rosemary and Rue, Seanan McGuire

The plot: October “Toby” Daye, once both a Knight (who prefers to be called “Sir Daye”) and private detective finds her life as a changeling infinitely more difficult when she tries to rebuild it fourteen years after being turned into a fish by a rival of her liege lord, Sylvester. Toby’s lost everything – her boyfriend, Cliff, who thought she was human; her daughter, Gillian, who is now 17 and angry, refusing to see her; and her lord, Sylvester, whom she’s been afraid to see since her return. She’s thrown back into the world of rites to royalty and magical mysteries when her “worst friend and best enemy,” Evening Winterrose, is found murdered in her warded home.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s a gripping mystery with a lot of urban fantasy thrown in to the mix, and as Toby delves into the dark side of her past and present (and maybe even future), you’ll learn about the world of the fullblooded fairies and the halfblooded changelings that inhabit the California coast. You’ll cheer for “Sir Daye” as she tries to find the murderer without getting murdered herself.


Who Will/Should Read It: Fans of any urban fantasy will do well here, but maybe the best audience for Toby’s mystery would be readers of Laurell K. Hamilton’s Merry Gentry series who find the graphic sex there a little too bawdy. Newcomer McGuire manages to get the point across with innuendo, rather than explicitness. There’s also a lot to like for devotees of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series; if you’re eagerly awaiting April’s “Changes,” pick this noirish novel up.

F MCG LEN

Outside of a Dog, #69

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

It’s getting cold outside in Michigan, even though it’s been Fall since September. While we still have a few days left of sunshine and 50-degree days, check out one of these Michigan-set novels; come back for more before you hide under your blankets for winter!

Please Don’t Come Back from the Moon – Dean Bakopoulos

Written an “an elegy” to the working class men of Detroit (and America) in this quiet, almost heartbreaking novel of growing up without a father. Building a family in Michigan is the theme here, and there’s more than a few biographical touches to this tale, as well as threads of magical realism.

Fic Bakopoulos WCV WDB

Mr. Paradise – Elmore Leonard

Famous the world over for gritty noir novels, Elmore Leonard is a New-Orleans-born Michigan native who lives in Oakland County. This novel of crime gone wrong involves a high-priced call girl, authentic dialogue and places (the very first chapter places the protagonist at the posh Rattlesnake Club restaurant), and a satisfying murder mystery.

Fic Leonard WCV WDB WAM

BKD Fic Leonard WCV

CD Fic Leonard WDB

Poison Blonde (An Amos Walker novel) – Loren Estleman

Classic cars and classic clothes are hallmarks of Amos Walker novels. Written for fans of 40s and 50s noir, this 19-book series by native Estleman hits these private detective stories right on the nose, where classy dames and real gone hipsters abound. Set in Detroit’s backyard of Hamtramck, this is the 17^th book in the series. If you want to start at the beginning, try 1980’s Motor City Blue.

LT Mys Estleman WCV WMB

Fic Estleman WDB

[Motor City Blue – Fic Estleman WMB]

A Stolen Season (An Alex McKnight Mystery) – Steve Hamilton

Winner of both the Edgar and Shamus awards for mystery and private eye novels, respectively, Hamilton is another local talent who turns his eyes to whodunits in Michigan – usually in the cold upper regions of the state. In this Alex McKnight novel (the seventh – and newest - in the series), plot crossovers and double-crosses surround the ex-cop while he deals with Bay Mills Indians and drug dealers.

Fic Hamilton WCV WAM WDB

The Chocolate Cat Caper (A Chocoholic Mystery) – Joanna Carl (a.k.a. Eve Sandstrom)

Michigan seems to be a popular place to set series mysteries – such as these Chocoholic books, featuring Texan Lee McKinney, who moves up to a Michigan resort town on the lake to help her Aunt Nettie’s chocolate business get back up and running. Lee and Nettie end up accidentally solving mysteries in this fictional resort town, and all of the mysteries involve chocolate! These are a good suggestion if you’ve finished the Joanne Fluke novels and are looking for more tasty page-turners.

Mys Carl RAY RSV SCS

Fic Carl MTC ROK

For kids who want some local fun, try the Michigan Chillers series by Jonathan Rand – featuring titles like Dinosaurs Destroy Detroit and Poltergeists of Petoskey.

Juv PBK MC WCV WAM WDB WMB

Outside of a Dog, #68

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

A recent post suggested book titles dealing with some of the many aspects of friendship. Interested in watching a movie with a friendship theme? Here are some old and new suggestions. Reminiscent of the so called “buddy” movie, each of these movies views the process of friendship in its own unique and special way.

For Women ("Chick Flicks"):

Beaches CHE HPW
Bonneville MTC ROG RSV
Fried Green Tomatoes ARM ROG ROK SHL WCV RSV SHL UPL
Friends With Money WCV CHE CLL EPL HPW LEN MTC ROG RSV SBL SCS WAM WDB
Jane Austen Book Club WCV ARM CHE CLL FRA LEN MPL MTC ROG RSV UPL WAM
My Best Friend's Wedding CHE CLL MTC ROG
Mystic Pizza WAM RSV MTC ROG
Sex and the City FRA RAY HPW ROG WAM SCS CHE CLL EPL LEN MTC UPL WMB WAM
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants ARM CLL LEN LWM ROG ROK SCS SHL WDB WMB FRA CHE HPW MTC RSV UPL WAM
Steel Magnolias FRA HPW RSV SBL
The Banger Sisters WCV CHE EPL MPL WAM WMB WDB
The Women WCV ARM CHE CLL EPL MTC MPL ROG RSV SCS UPL WDB WMB
Thelma and Louise UPL WAM WMB WDB SBL MTC SHL ROG SBL CHE HPW RSV
Waiting to Exhale LEN SBL
Waitress EPL LEN LWM SCS SHL WAM WDB WMB WCV CHE FRA HPW MPL RSV UPL

For Men (Buddy Movies):

Appaloosa WCV CHE CLL EPL FRA LEN MTC MPL ROG RSV SBL SCS UPL WMB
Breaking Away CHE FRA MTC ROG RSV SBL SHL
Brokeback Mountain MPL SBL SHL WDB WCV CHE CLL FRA MTC ROG ROK RSV SCS SHL UPL
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid WCV ARM MTC ROG UPL CHE CLL FRA LWM ROK RSV SBL SHL
Diner MTC ROG SHL
Good Will Hunting CLL FRA MTC ROG RSV SHL CHE
Grumpy Old Men ARM CHE FRA MTC ROG UPL
Lethal Weapon CLL RSV CHE MTC ROG SBL
Midnight Cowboy ROG SCS WCV CHE CLL HPW MTC ROK RSV SBL SHL
My Dinner With Andre SHL
Mystic River FRA WCV LEN LWM MTC ROG SBL SCS UPL WDB WMB
The Kite Runner UPL WCV WAM WDB WMB ARM CHE CLL RAY EPL HPW LEN LWM MTC MPL SCS SHL
The Odd Couple CHE
The Shawshank Redemption WCV UPL CLL ROG CHE FRA MTC ROK SBL
The Soloist WCV ARM CHE CLL EPL FRA LEN MTC MPL ROG RSV SCS UPL WAM WDB WMB

Outside of a Dog, #67

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx.

Several old clichés come to mind when you think about friendship including “make new friends but keep the old”, “no one can have too many friends”, and “with friends like that, who needs enemies”. In the interest of discovering more about the concept or subject of friends we selected the following titles.

The Art of Friendship: 70 Simple Rules for Making Meaningful Connections - Richard Horchow

This book of rules and advice are offered with the goal of making real and lasting friendships. These true friendships can enhance and enrich each of our lives in many ways.

177.62 H WCV WAM

Toxic Friends: The Antidote for Women Stuck in Complicated Friendships - Susan Shapiro Barash

What to do if your friends are not so wonderful but rather hurtful, unkind, nasty, and, yes, even toxic to your mental health and well being.

155.333 Bar MPL MTC

If Teacups Could Talk: Sharing a Cup of Kindness with Treasured Friends - Emilie Barnes

A feel good little book detailing how important it can be to share time and tea with valued friends.

641.5 B WCV

I Know Just What You Mean: The Power of Friendship in Women’s Lives - Patricia O'Brien and Ellen Goodman

After more than 25 years of friendship, Ellen and Patricia share their own stories as well as other stories about the importance of long time friendships.

158.25 G WCV WAM