My LINKcat AccountAs you may or may not remember, last week I mentioned that colder weather was probably in store, since -- and I quoted some old weather-lore-- as the days lengthen, the cold strengthens. Which, indeed, it is doing. Tomorrow, depending on the accuracy of the weather forecasts,, my have daytime highs in the minus single digits. We all knew this arctic blast was almost for sure going to happen , after all it is Wisconsin, but I feel somewhat responsible for having mentioned that possibility out loud. I probably knocked wood, but in retrospect, I am sorry to report, I can not guarantee that I did. If a scapegoat is needed, I'm willing to own this, but I'd also like a little bit of credit for all the bright sunlight: It seems only fair. It does look like the climb out of the icebox will start on Saturday, January 26th, which is good timing. The reception in honor of Children's Librarian, Louise Valdovinos will be happening at 1:30 on that afternoon. Check our website for more details (www.deforestlibrary.org). There will be cake!
In the meantime, if the cold blast is keeping you indoors, there are plenty of new books listed below for you to settle in with. Enjoy!
New Non-Fiction
“Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet” by Will Hunt. Explores the history, science, architecture and mythology of the subterranean landscape and in the process reengineers our relationship with the worlds beneath our feet.
“The Deadly Deep: The Definitive History of Submarine Warfare” by Iain Ballantyne. Traces the evolution of the submarine from its ancient beginnings through its culmination as a military vessel, discussing such topics as the buoyancy discoveries of Archimedes, the designs of David Bushnell and the role of subs in nuclear warfare.
“The Great War in America: World War I and Its Aftermath” by Garrett Peck. A chronicle of the American experience during World War I reexamines its role in shaping America's position on the global stage and triggering such changes as the Red Scare, the race riots, women's suffrage and Prohibition.
“All the Lives We Ever Lived: Seeking Solace in Virginia Woolf” by Katharine Smyth. An intimate work of memoir and literary criticism describes how the author found literary solace and insights in Virginia Woolf's “To the Lighthouse” while mourning a beloved parent's death. A first book.
“The Banished Immortal: A Life of Li Bai, Li Po” by Ha Jin. A narratively driven, deeply human portrait of the Tang Dynasty poet discusses his early life, travels, rebel history and controversial death, offering further insights into the Daoist influences on his themes. By the National Book Award-winning author of “Waiting”.
“Queen Victoria” Daughter, Wife, Mother, Widow” by Lucy Worsley. The BBC historian presenter and best-selling author of Courtiers explores the life and myriad roles of Queen Victoria as they reflected her defiance of gender conventions and defining position in a time of extraordinary change and political resistance.
New Fiction
“99 Days in Logar” by Jamil Kochai. A trepidatious return visit to a family compound in Afghanistan finds a disastrous encounter with a terrifying but beloved guard dog leading to a 12-year-old boy's mythology-laced search through the landscape of contemporary Logar.
“The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred-year-old Man, No.2 (The Hundred-year-old Man)” by Jonas Jonasson. When a hot air balloon ride results in a diplomatic crisis of epic proportions, 100-year-old Allan Karlsson and his irresistible sidekick Julius embark on yet another hilarious adventure.
“Ghost Wall” by Sarah Moss. Spending her father's vacations at an Iron Age reenactment anthropology field site that requires participants to use period tools and knowledge to survive, Silvie begins to envision her own future before a spiritual ritual involving human sacrifice raises disturbing questions.
“Annelies” by David Gilham. An empowering reimagining of Anne Frank as a Holocaust survivor traces her endurance of terrible losses, her struggles to forgive and her development into a highly skilled writer. By the New York Times best-selling author of “City of Women”.
“The Light Over London” by Julia Kelly. Unable to confront the challenges in her own life, Cara Hargraves immerses herself in work for her antiques-dealer boss, uncovering relics from the life of World War II British "Gunner Girl" Louise Keene and her complicated relationship with a man named Paul.
“The Best of Us, No.4 (Sullivan’s Crossing)” by Robyn Carr. A latest entry in the best-selling series that includes The Family Gathering continues the story of the beloved three-generation family on the rustic campground crossroads of the Colorado and Continental Divide trails.
“The House Next Door” by James Patterson, et.al. From a #1 best-selling author comes a collection of three pulse-pounding thrillers in one book, including the title story, "The Killer's Wife" and "We. Art. Not. Alone."
“Liar, Liar, No.3( Harriet Blue)” by James Patterson & Candice Fox. When a vicious man kills the only person in the world who matters to her, detective Harriet Blue goes rogue and commits acts that render her a dangerous fugitive in her resolve to exact revenge.