My LINKcat AccountThere is nothing special that happened today. Battles were waged and lost and won. Things were invented – like Teflon in 1938 (which is why today is National Teflon Day) and Twinkies in 1930. Sports records were set and overturned. Award shows happened and awards were won. Lots of things happened in the course of recorded history but nothing that interesting or fun. Today is National Caramel Popcorn Day and Student Athlete Day and Tartan Day and Sorry Charlie Day (a day named after that cartoon tuna named Charlie who was rejected by Starkist) – it’s purportedly a day to reflect on the times in your life when you’ve been rejected and think about the lessons you have learned. See what I mean? April 6th is sort of blah. However, April 6th this year is only two days before the annual Midwest Crane Count on April 8th which is always pretty exciting: the being up before dawn cracks; the fresh air; the solitude; the dawn chorus; and the virtuous feeling of being out and about and gathering data in a good cause. April 6th is also only three days from the start of this year’s National Library Week – things can’t get much more exciting than this at your local public library. Stop by and see what fabulous things we have planned to celebrate public libraries. This celebration might include cake and the chance to win a cool prize. Come to the library early during the week (if you want cake) and often to improve your chances to win the cool prize. Or, you might just want to check out one of the new books that arrived this week at the library. Enjoy!
New Non-Fiction
Richard Nixon : the life / by John Farrell. An extensively researched portrait of the 37th President by the prize-winning biographer of Clarence Darrow traces Nixon's early political ambitions in his post-military years, his early achievements as a senator and vice president and his forward-thinking ideas in health care, poverty, civil rights, the environment and foreign affairs.
The truth about your future : the money guide you need now, later, and much later / by Ric Edelman. The investment guru and #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Truth About Money outlines forward-thinking recommendations on how to tap rapidly evolving technological and scientific innovations to make powerful new choices about saving, investing and planning for the future.
Clean my space : the secret to cleaning better, faster--and loving your home every day / by Melissa Maker. A modern guide to a healthy home by the vlogger behind the popular YouTube channel of the same name outlines strategies for rendering cleaning fun and fast, in a guide that includes coverage of time-saving cleaning tools and techniques.
Wired to eat : turn off cravings, rewire your appetite for weight loss, and determine the foods that work for you / by Robb Wolf. A recipe-complemented guide by the best-selling author of The Paleo Solution outlines a 30-day program based on the latest research to help readers rewire their appetites, regulate blood sugar, and lose weight more easily by consuming paleo-based, whole foods.
Ice ghosts : the epic hunt for the lost Franklin expedition / by Paul Watson. A Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author of “Where War Lives” and expedition member describes how an unlikely combination of marine science and Inuit knowledge helped solve the mystery of the Lost Franklin Expedition of 1845.
New Fiction
Setting free the kites / by Alex George. Befriending a fearless newcomer who helps him work through the challenges of being frequently bullied, Robert works at his friend's side during a summer at his family's amusement park and uncovers harsh truths about personal secrets and revenge. Reading-group guide online.
Almost missed you : a novel / by Jessica Strawser. A seemingly loving husband abruptly walks out on his wife, taking their baby with him, and turns up at the home of his best friend, who faces an impossible choice between calling the police and allowing him to stay when he threatens to expose a terrible secret. A first novel.
The tea girl of Hummingbird Lane : a novel / by Lisa See. Explores the lives of a Chinese mother and her daughter, who has been adopted by an American couple, tracing the very different cultural factors that compel them to consume a rare native tea that has shaped their family's destiny for generations.
The confessions of young Nero / by Margaret George. A tale inspired by the rise of the Emperor Nero follows the ascension of a youth to the head of Julius Caesar's imperial dynasty, where he navigates corruption and his mother's ruthless ambitions to pursue his ideals in the arts and athletics. By the best-selling author of “Mary, Called Magdalene”.
Dangerous games : a novel / by Danielle Steel. A television journalist and an ex-Navy SEAL place their lives at risk during a perilous assignment involving a corrupt vice president and his connections to the revered widow of a visionary, assassinated scion of a powerful political family.
The black book / by James Patterson. A devoted Chicago cop from a family of career detectives miraculously survives an attack that kills his partner but that he cannot remember himself, an event that causes him to be charged with double murder and tasked with uncovering what really happened to clear his name.