My LINKcat AccountNow we are officially on the other side of Ground Hog’s Day. If the weather forecasts at this writing--which is before the purported winter storm has even made it onto land yet—are in the slightest bit accurate, Tuesday, February 2nd will be a cloudy day. We all know what a cloudy day means. You’ve got it. Yes, it means an early spring. With all the dire predictions of this impending storm filling the airwaves, it’s hard to believe in an early spring. But hang in there! The vernal equinox is only 48 days away and daylight savings is only 41 days away. Be sure to check out our Facebook page and see whether Booky, our prognosticating Badger, thinks it will be an early spring! So far, Booky’s been right 100% of the time – admittedly, the predictions started last year but, still 100% is an excellent track record. While you’re waiting for spring to arrive, whether it is early or late, there are a number of new books to help you pass away the time. Below you will find a sampling. Enjoy!
New Non-Fiction
Republic of spin : an inside history of the American presidency / by David Greenberg. A history of the political publicity methods of the past century documents the rise of the White House "spin machine" to illuminate the art of image making and message craft, citing the activities of presidents and back-stage strategists as well as ongoing debates about the impact of spin on politics.
Excellent daughters : the secret lives of young women who are transforming the Arab world / by Katherine Zoepf. A first-of-its-kind exploration of a new generation of Arab women who are questioning authority, changing societies and leading revolutions brings a new understanding of the changing Arab societies, from 9/11 to Tahrir Square to the rise of ISIS, and gives voice to the extraordinary women at the forefront of this change.
The cabaret of plants : forty thousand years of plant life and the human imagination / by Richard Mabey. Taking readers from the Himalayas to Madagascar to the Amazon to our backyards, a renowned naturalist presents a sweeping botanical history in which he explores dozens of plant species that have challenged our imaginations, awoken our wonder and upturned our ideas about history, science, beauty and belief.
Why we snap : understanding the rage circuit in your brain / by R. Douglas Fields. An internationally-respected neurobiologist describes the rage circuit—the last-straw provocation that sets off otherwise sane, rational people into violence—and discusses the nine triggers that can unleash a rampage in anyone, as well as the evolutionary purpose of this mental state.
Mind hacking : how to change your mind for good in 21 days / by John Hargrave. An author, comedian and entrepreneur presents a 21-day, three-step training program that will help readers rewire their brains and achieve healthier thought patterns for a better quality of life by using the repetitive steps of analyzing, imagining and reprogramming to help break down the barriers that prevent them from reading their highest potential.
New Fiction
Blue : a novel / by Danielle Steele. Surviving the crash that kills her beloved husband and preschooler son, reporter Ginny Carter becomes a human rights worker in war-torn countries to escape her own grief before meeting a remarkable homeless boy with whom she forges a healing bond. By the best-selling author of Pegasus.
Kingfisher by Patricia McKillip. After the son of a sorceress discovers the truth about his father, a knight in the court of King Arden, who had a destructive infatuation with the queen, he sets out towards Severluna to help restore the kingdom to its former glory. By a World Fantasy Award-winning author.
Remembrance : a mediator novel / by Meg Cabot. Graduating from college and becoming engaged to Dr. Jesse de Silva, psychic mediator Susannah Simon accepts a guidance counselor job at her former school and is tested by a string of meddlesome ghosts, including the vengeful spirit of her ex, Paul. By the best-selling author of The Princess Diaries series.
Missing pieces / by Heather Gudenkauf. Haunted by the unsolved murder of his mother in his teens, Sarah Quinlan's husband, Jack, is forced to confront the past in the wake of a devastating accident and disturbing family questions. By the New York Times best-selling author of The Weight of Silence.
Robert B. Parker's Blackjack : a novel / by Robert Knott. Managing an influx of carpetbaggers, gamblers, thieves and other disreputables in prosperous Appaloosa, Cole and Hitch are challenged by a flashy and womanizing casino owner who proves slippery when he is implicated in a series of murders.
Breakdown : an Alex Delaware novel / by Jonathan Kellerman. When an emotionally unstable actress turns up dead after a dramatic public breakdown weeks earlier, psychologist-sleuth Alex Delaware assists police lieutenant Milo Sturgis with the case and wonders if there is a connection to the victim's missing daughter and a second celebrity killing. By a #1 New York Times best-selling author.
Brotherhood in death / by J. D. Robb. Assisting a colleague whose husband may have been attacked by an injured senator who betrayed his family and then went missing, Eve Dallas uncovers clues leading to a powerful adversary with numerous targets. By the #1 New York Times best-selling author of “Obsession in Death”.