The shortlist includes:
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Arlington Park by Rachel Cusk
The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
The Observations by Jane Harris
Digging to America by Anne Tyler
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Orange Prize
The shortlist (final contestants) for this year's Orange Prize, the UK's annual book award for fiction written by women were announced yesterday.
The shortlist includes:
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Arlington Park by Rachel Cusk
The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
The Observations by Jane Harris
Digging to America by Anne Tyler
The shortlist includes:
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Arlington Park by Rachel Cusk
The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
The Observations by Jane Harris
Digging to America by Anne Tyler
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Gore Vidal
Yesterday author Gore Vidal was announced as the first winner of the PEN/Borders Literary Service Award.
In giving Vidal the award, the committee said:
"The breadth and depth of Gore Vidal's brilliant work, his courage in speaking out, even at times when free speech has been at risk in our country, and his lifelong commitment to democracy, justice, reason, and common sense make him the ideal recipient of the inaugural PEN/Borders Literary Service Award."
Gore's most famous works includes the novels Creation and Lincoln.
In giving Vidal the award, the committee said:
"The breadth and depth of Gore Vidal's brilliant work, his courage in speaking out, even at times when free speech has been at risk in our country, and his lifelong commitment to democracy, justice, reason, and common sense make him the ideal recipient of the inaugural PEN/Borders Literary Service Award."
Gore's most famous works includes the novels Creation and Lincoln.
Monday, April 09, 2007
The Unknown Terrorist by Richard Flanagan
The Guardian raved about this newthriller:
"Flanagan's plot, kick-started by the coincidences that great cities so conveniently arrange, moves with a hurtling rapidity that can only be called cinematic: The Unknown Terrorist reads like the book of the film it will surely become."
Reserve our copy here
"Flanagan's plot, kick-started by the coincidences that great cities so conveniently arrange, moves with a hurtling rapidity that can only be called cinematic: The Unknown Terrorist reads like the book of the film it will surely become."
Reserve our copy here
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
"The Invisible Wall"
Today's New York Times "Books of the Times" selection is Harry Bernstein's "Invisible Wall", a story of the author's Jewish childhood in post World War II Lancashire, England.
Reminiscent of Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes", Bernstein's father struggles with alcoholism, leaving his mother to struggle to provide for the family, financially and spiritually.
The Times writes:
"In this, his first book, the 96-year-old Mr. Bernstein tells his story, so remote in time, almost as though it were a fable, occasionally addressing the reader directly. (“I have told you before,” he begins one sentence, characteristically.) The setting, beautifully rendered, recalls early D. H. Lawrence, with mill hands trudging off to work early in the morning, their iron-shod clogs raising sparks on the cobblestones. In Mr. Bernstein’s hands, the small events of family life and the daily dramas on the street take on a shimmering, timeless quality."
Reminiscent of Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes", Bernstein's father struggles with alcoholism, leaving his mother to struggle to provide for the family, financially and spiritually.
The Times writes:
"In this, his first book, the 96-year-old Mr. Bernstein tells his story, so remote in time, almost as though it were a fable, occasionally addressing the reader directly. (“I have told you before,” he begins one sentence, characteristically.) The setting, beautifully rendered, recalls early D. H. Lawrence, with mill hands trudging off to work early in the morning, their iron-shod clogs raising sparks on the cobblestones. In Mr. Bernstein’s hands, the small events of family life and the daily dramas on the street take on a shimmering, timeless quality."
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Today's Links
Geoffrey Chaucer's "Blog"
Business Plans and Profiles Index
Novelist Jennifer Egan discussing the new Oprah pick, Cormac McCarthy's "The Road".
Costhelper "find out what price other people are paying"
Business Plans and Profiles Index
Novelist Jennifer Egan discussing the new Oprah pick, Cormac McCarthy's "The Road".
Costhelper "find out what price other people are paying"
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Cut off my Internet? No Way!
If you're a student at the Indian Institute of Technology in Mumbai, India no YouTube, etc for you after 11:30 p.m..
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Would you walk over the Grand Canyon?
I don't think I would but now it indeed is possible with the March 28th opening of the Grand Canyon Skywalk. The $30 million Skywalk allows those brave and willing to pay $25 the privilege of walking 70 feet past the canyon's rim (and 4,000 feet above the canyon's floor).
To psyche yourself up for this adventure, why not read about the discovery of the Grand Canyon in our copy of Down the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon?
To psyche yourself up for this adventure, why not read about the discovery of the Grand Canyon in our copy of Down the Great Unknown: John Wesley Powell's 1869 Journey of Discovery and Tragedy Through the Grand Canyon?
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
America's Favorite Buildings
Recently, the American Institute of Architects released its lists of America's Favorite Architecture. Chicago's first entry, Wrigley Field, clocked in at #31.
For more about Wrigley Field , why not read Wrigley Field: A Celebration of the Friendly Confines?
For more about Wrigley Field , why not read Wrigley Field: A Celebration of the Friendly Confines?
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
St. Patrick's Day
Unless you've been hiding under a blarney stone, you know that this Saturday is St. Patrick's Day.
I'm not Irish but I love many Irish things and people. I'm celebrating this year by having some yummy Irish food at one of the places listed at the Drive-Thru blog.
I'm not Irish but I love many Irish things and people. I'm celebrating this year by having some yummy Irish food at one of the places listed at the Drive-Thru blog.
Monday, March 12, 2007
The Brackets!
Yesterday, the 64 teams that will participate in the NCAA men's basketball championship tournament, better known as "March Madness" were announced.
Your blogger has a mild interest in these matters dating back to high school geometry where her teacher gave out extra credit based on success on her bracket. I was lucky to get a B.
The library has a number of resources that will inspire you as you fill out your brackets including the books Last Dance: Behind the Scenes at the Final Four by John Feinstein and Glory Road: My Story of the 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship by Don Haskins.
Your blogger has a mild interest in these matters dating back to high school geometry where her teacher gave out extra credit based on success on her bracket. I was lucky to get a B.
The library has a number of resources that will inspire you as you fill out your brackets including the books Last Dance: Behind the Scenes at the Final Four by John Feinstein and Glory Road: My Story of the 1966 NCAA Basketball Championship by Don Haskins.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Douglas Adams
Today would have been the writer Douglas Adams' 55th birthday. Adams, most known for the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy books, died in 2001.
The Hitchhiker's series was turned into a radio series and movie. This blogger's adviceis it read the book before you see the movie or else you'll be lost around the time the main characters start clutching their towels. :)
The Hitchhiker's series was turned into a radio series and movie. This blogger's adviceis it read the book before you see the movie or else you'll be lost around the time the main characters start clutching their towels. :)
Friday, March 09, 2007
Daylight-Saving Time
Hopefully you've heard by now that Daylight-Saving Time starts on this coming Sunday. So you either have to go to bed early on Saturday night or get up an hour earlier on Sunday.
Why all the fuss about when to change the clocks? It supposedly saves energy.
For the very curious, the library has two books about the history of Daylight Savings Time, Seize the Daylight: the curious and contentious story of daylight saving time and Spring Forward: the annual madness of daylight saving
Why all the fuss about when to change the clocks? It supposedly saves energy.
For the very curious, the library has two books about the history of Daylight Savings Time, Seize the Daylight: the curious and contentious story of daylight saving time and Spring Forward: the annual madness of daylight saving
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Ernest Gallo
Winemaker Ernest Gallo of the Gallo winemaking empire died this week at 97. What I didn't know is that he got his first wine recipe from a public library.. How cool is that?
If you're looking to become the next Ernest Gallo, open up one of our many wine books.
If you're looking to become the next Ernest Gallo, open up one of our many wine books.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
New Building Groundbreaking Ceremony!
We will have a groundbreaking party for our new building on Sunday, April 22nd!
The party begins with shovels ceremonially digging into the ground at 1pm. Several local dignitaries will speak. We will have plastic construction hats for the children who attend. Then comes the cake! Nationally recognized folk singer Mark Dvorak will then entertain us at 2:15 with his interactive program, "Old Songs & New People."
We are looking for community members who would like to participate in the celebration. Submit a signed statement in 25 words or less telling what the Addison Public Library means to you. Staff at any public service desk will gladly accept your statement. We encourage all ages to give us this positive feedback. Several of those who submit statements will participate in the groundbreaking itself.
The party begins with shovels ceremonially digging into the ground at 1pm. Several local dignitaries will speak. We will have plastic construction hats for the children who attend. Then comes the cake! Nationally recognized folk singer Mark Dvorak will then entertain us at 2:15 with his interactive program, "Old Songs & New People."
We are looking for community members who would like to participate in the celebration. Submit a signed statement in 25 words or less telling what the Addison Public Library means to you. Staff at any public service desk will gladly accept your statement. We encourage all ages to give us this positive feedback. Several of those who submit statements will participate in the groundbreaking itself.
Monday, March 05, 2007
Women's History Month
March is Women's History Month. Check out these web sites on women's history or one of our many books on the subject.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Daley wins again
Chicago mayor Richard Daley won his bid for reelection last night. If he finishes his next term he will be the longest-serving mayor in Chicago history.
If you want to know the secret of the Daley clan, check out our books on the Daleys.
If you want to know the secret of the Daley clan, check out our books on the Daleys.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Ruth Rendell podcast
The Guadian's newest books podcast is an interview with the acclaimed British mystery writer Ruth Rendell.
Rendell's newest book is End in Tears
Rendell's newest book is End in Tears
100th post!: Kiriyama Prize
Welcome to our blog's 100th post!
Today, the finalists were announced for this year's Kiriyama Prize an award for "outstanding books that promote greater understanding of and among the nations of the Pacific Rim and of South Asia."
The finalists include
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
Kirin Desai The Inheritance of Loss
Lois-Ann Yamanaka Behold the Many
The winners will be announced on March 27th.
Today, the finalists were announced for this year's Kiriyama Prize an award for "outstanding books that promote greater understanding of and among the nations of the Pacific Rim and of South Asia."
The finalists include
Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
Kirin Desai The Inheritance of Loss
Lois-Ann Yamanaka Behold the Many
The winners will be announced on March 27th.
Books reviewed in this week's Chicago Tribune book section
Murder City: The Bloody History of Chicago in the Twenties by Michael Levy (review)
The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by Dinaw Mengestu (review)
Measuring Time by Helon Habila (review)
The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears by Dinaw Mengestu (review)
Measuring Time by Helon Habila (review)
Monday, February 26, 2007
Why are we doing this blog anyways?
The Librarians and Libraries Rock blog have some great reasons why we and other libraries are/should be blogging.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Wimbledon
Ever since my English neighbors introduced me to the joys of eating strawberries and cream while watching Andre Agassi, I've been a huge fan of the Wimbledon tennis tournament. I can barely play tennis myself but I always manage to spend hours watching the tourney every summer.
However, I've always been irked that Wimbledon openly paid its female contestants less than the men. Well yesterday Wimbledon finally entered the 21st century, announcing that women and men will be paid equally.
For those that can't wait until June for their English tennis, you can watch our copy of the movie Wimbledon starring Kirsten Dunst.
However, I've always been irked that Wimbledon openly paid its female contestants less than the men. Well yesterday Wimbledon finally entered the 21st century, announcing that women and men will be paid equally.
For those that can't wait until June for their English tennis, you can watch our copy of the movie Wimbledon starring Kirsten Dunst.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Taylor Branch
I have many reading goals in life, one of them, which I will do someday (!) is to read Taylor Branch's trilogy on the life on Martin Luther King Jr. At several hundred pages apiece, it will be quite the feat. But those I know who've read them say that it is well worth the effort.
The last book of the trilogy is Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-1968 and has been nominated for several awards including the National Book Critics Circle Award for biography.
The Circle's blog, Criticial Mass, has a great summary of the book as well as links to several reviews.
The last book of the trilogy is Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-1968 and has been nominated for several awards including the National Book Critics Circle Award for biography.
The Circle's blog, Criticial Mass, has a great summary of the book as well as links to several reviews.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
Autism
A study released yesterday says that 1 out of every 150 children in the U.S. have autism. The library has a number of Autism resources including the books Realizing the College Dream With Autism or Asperger Syndrome: A Parent's Guide to Student Success and Could it be Autism?: A Parent's Guide To The First Signs and Next Steps.
Magazine and Video Sale
This is the start of our magazine and video sale, it runs through Sunday and there are great bargains to be had. More details can be found here
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Bambi vs. Godzilla
Bambi Vs. Godzilla: On the Nature, Purpose, and Practice of the Movie Business is the latest book by award-winning playwright and screenwriter David Mamet about the perils of artists working in the movie business.
The New York Times said about Mamet and the book "Somebody with a keen knowledge of gamesmanship knows exactly how Hollywood’s games are played. And refuses to play by the rules."
The New York Times said about Mamet and the book "Somebody with a keen knowledge of gamesmanship knows exactly how Hollywood’s games are played. And refuses to play by the rules."
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Today's links
Text of the State of the Union Address (New York Times)
Rapid Transit Challenge
Famous Presidential Speeches (infotrac)
Pictures of Every Ad in Times Square (Ironicsans.com)
Top 100 Cubs of all Time
(BleedCubbieBlue.com)
Rapid Transit Challenge
Famous Presidential Speeches (infotrac)
Pictures of Every Ad in Times Square (Ironicsans.com)
Top 100 Cubs of all Time
(BleedCubbieBlue.com)
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Books in this week's Chicago Tribune book section
The Castle in the Forest by Norman Mailer
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak
Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy by Barbara Ehrenreich
The Best Intentions: Kofi Annan and the UN in the Era of American World Power by James Traub
The Little Book of Plagiarism by Richard A. Posner
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak
Dancing in the Streets: A History of Collective Joy by Barbara Ehrenreich
The Best Intentions: Kofi Annan and the UN in the Era of American World Power by James Traub
The Little Book of Plagiarism by Richard A. Posner
Oscars!
The Oscars nominations are out and the library has the nominated movies that will help you get ready for Oscar Night.
Little Miss Sunshine
The Devil Wears Prada
United 93
Cars
Monster House
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Black Dahlia
The Illusionist
Flags of our Fathers
An Inconvenient Truth
Little Miss Sunshine
The Devil Wears Prada
United 93
Cars
Monster House
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
Black Dahlia
The Illusionist
Flags of our Fathers
An Inconvenient Truth
Monday, January 22, 2007
Go Bears!
In honor of the Bears' trip to the Super Bowl, I give you the video of the Super Bowl Shuffle.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Go Bears!
Wasn't that game exciting on Sunday? Planning to watch the Bears face the Saints on Sunday?
It's been fun to watch the national media discover our bears. First case in point, today's Slate article: "My Recurring Nightmare About the Bears Quarterbacks".
If you're hungering for some Bears history, read out copy of Papa Bear: The Life and Legacy of George Halas.
It's been fun to watch the national media discover our bears. First case in point, today's Slate article: "My Recurring Nightmare About the Bears Quarterbacks".
If you're hungering for some Bears history, read out copy of Papa Bear: The Life and Legacy of George Halas.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
New books on order at the Library
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Happy Birthday J.R.R. Tolkien!
J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the "Lord of the Rings" Trilogy among other books would have been 105 today. Tolkien died in 1973.
We have many Tolkien related items at the library including the Lord of the Rings books and Tolkien biographies.
We have many Tolkien related items at the library including the Lord of the Rings books and Tolkien biographies.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
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