It's That Time Again!

Yep, library time. I should mention that I don't necessarily read all the books that I take home (although I read all of those from my last trip to the library). I treat the library as sort of a smorgasbord where I roam the aisles and grab every book that catches my fancy. Everything I bring home I want to read, but I sometimes when I start a book, it just isn't that good, and at other times, the book is recalled to the library before I can read it.

Here's what I picked up:


Why I Picked It Up: Because BFFs Corrie and Laura both recommend it, and dear Sierra seconds (thirds?) their suggestion.




Why I Picked It Up: The book discusses the stresses that face teenage girls today. It sounded interesting to me as a woman, but even more so when I consider my 15 year old niece.




Why I Picked It Up: It was in the "Classics" section. I'd never heard of it, but I liked the title.




Why I Picked It Up: I love the Bronte sisters, but somehow never read this one. I found in the classics section and it promises to "eclips(e) even JANE EYRE." Sold!




Why I Picked It Up: I grabbed this one because the title piqued my interest. Being from the south means that manners were always ingrained in me since day one. I'm sure they could still use some polishing, though!




Why I Picked It Up: I read Gladwell's first book, The Tipping Point, and really enjoyed it. And, hey, who doesn't want to learn more about being successful?





Why I Picked It Up: This book comes highly recommended from dear Emily at Songs I Sing. She even did a blog post about it. It's a children's story, and it looks amazing. A quick internet search reveals that this book is beloved by many.



I also picked up some DVDs, although why, I'm not really sure. I don't do much movie watching these days-- it seems blogging and keeping up my store uses up any time I might spend on a movie. Nevertheless, here's what I grabbed tonight:






XOXO,

Trip to the library

It's that time again-- time for a trip to the library! Here's what I picked up tonight:

WHY I PICKED IT UP: I was a huge fan of the Harry Potter series. I saw this title at the library, and had to check it out. Looks to be a quick read-- should be interesting!



WHY I PICKED IT UP: I keep hearing about the fabulous Mitford sisters-- first over at Liebemarlene, and then from my friend Sara who reported that Love in a Cold Climate is one of her favorite novels.



WHY I PICKED IT UP: This was recommended by my friend Amy. I've never read anything by Stephen King before, but apparently this one is helpful to aspiring writers.




WHY I PICKED IT UP: This is another author I've never read, as my tastes tend to run to the classics. But, I've been spending a lot of time in the paperback section of Walmart these days (first buying the Twilight series, and now reading the Sookie Stackhouse books), and this one caught my eye. I didn't seek it out at the library, but when I saw it on display there, I snatched it up. I'm definitely going through an easy reading phase.




WHY I PICKED IT UP: The most recent installment in the Sookie Stackhouse series (with another coming out in May), this one promises to be as deliciously addictive as its predecessers. It's a vampire mystery series that I just heard about from my sister who watched the HBO series based on the books.



I just can't wait to start reading! What are you reading these days?

Rainy Autumn Nights

It is a cold blustery evening in Delaware-- one of those nights that would otherwise be a perfectly crisp Autumn evening except that the rain is coming down in sheets and instead it is quite miserable. I don't really need an excuse, but this sort of weather makes for a great excuse for me to make my grand exit and head to the library. True, my activities here at my parent's house are generally limited to watching movies by myself, watching television with my family, sewing, knitting, or reading a book, but it is certainly a delight to escape to the library. Yes, it is a bit cliche, but my imagination really does take flight there. I particularly revel in the new book section (with NEW written in bold red letters on the spine of the book) where I can lovingly rub my fingers over pages that have rarely been turned replete with fresh black ink and stiff creamy pages.

Here's what I picked up:

I Wish I'd Been There, Book Two: European History

by: Byron Hollinshead & Theodore K Rabb

What it is about: Twenty historians answer the question, "What is the scene or incident in European history that you would like to have witnessed-- and why?" Essays range from the death of Alexander the Great to the German surrender ending WWII.

Why I'm interested: I'm a fan of history and thought I might learn some new facts about European history along the way.

Emily Post: Daughter of the Gilded Age, Mistress of American Manners
by: Laura Claridge

What it is about: A biography of the unforgettable Emily Post, high priestess of manners.

Why I'm interested: As a southern-born American, I have been told that I should always endeavor to be a lady in whatever I do. I fail miserably, but it does not stop me from trying. I'm a bit intrigued to find out more about this charming lady and possibly to learn a few of her tricks.

William Wilberforce: The Life of the Great Anti-Slave Trade Campaigner
by: William Hague

What it is about: The biography of William Wilberforce, the 19th century activist who devoted twenty years of his life to fighting the abhorrent slave trade in England.

Why I'm interested: I have a great admiration for this man who devoted his life to fighting for something he believed in. I think there are parallels between the 19th-century fight against slavery and the 21st-century fight against abortion. Furthermore, Wilberforce was a man of great faith who succeeded in "placing principle above politics, mankind above party and results above ambition."

Red (The Circle Trilogy, Book 2)
by: Ted Dekker

What it is about: A man is stuck in two realities. In one, he is a respected military leader trying to deliver the outnumbered Forest People from calamity and in the other, he is working with the world's leaders to try and stop the release of the deadliest airborne virus ever created.

Why I'm interested: This book was recommended to me by a friend, and after reading the first installment, Black, I was hooked. I loved the alternating realities in the first book-- with pre-Fall paradise depicted in one (and an awesome Creator God with intimate relations with His Created) and post-Fall Earth where things look like what we're used to.

Libraries and nerd-ery

There is no frigate like a book

To take us lands away,

Nor any coursers like a page

Of prancing poetry.

This traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of toll;

How frugal is a chariot

That bears a human soul!

~ Emily Dickinson, Part One: Life XCIX

I am, without a doubt, the biggest nerd I know.  How else to describe someone who gets as much joy out of a library as I do.  When I moved out of Brooklyn in late February, it was with great sadness that I bid my local library (The Brooklyn Public Library's Central Branch) goodbye.  I was not ready to let it go, and on subsequent visits to the city, I've stopped by and checked more books and DVDs out.  I'm thankful for their online renewal service, and for my friend, Corrie, who has graciously volunteered to return my books for me if I mail them to her.

Having my nearest "local" library some three hours drive away was not ideal or practical for a self-avowed book lover such myself.  I was under the impression that I was banned from the New Castle County Public Library system because of a $100 fine that I somehow accrued  almost fifteen years ago.  I finally decided a few weeks ago that I would just pay the fine, but when I went in to talk to them, my fine had mysteriously disappeared, and I emerged from the library the triumphant owner of a bright yellow piece of plastic entitling me to borrow from any of the local libraries.  Yippee!

After my physical therapy session today (working on my knees), I drove to the nearest branch, and somehow managed a half hour later to have accumulated an armful of books on topics ranging from Eleanor of Aquitaine and Lady Jane Grey, to fashions of the 1940's, to sex and chastity.  What joy I had perusing those shelves; what regret in deciding to leave some books behind!  I didn't want to be too overzealous-- after all, I do only have them for three weeks at a time.

Perhaps I shall share some thoughts on my reading in future posts.  In the meanwhile though, I have a lot of reading to do!