Tech & Book Talk at SSCL

Hi everyone, here are our recommended titles for the week, five digital titles, eBooks & downloadable audiobooks, available through OverDrive and five print titles available through StarCat.

DIGITAL CATALOG RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson (Format: eBook):

When she receives the news in late 1944 that her baby’s father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant’s paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don’t know that she–or their grandson–exists. When Amelia discovers that the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?

Beloved author Melody Carlson pens a story of love, hardship, and reconciliation that will leave readers filled with Christmas joy.

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Doing Harm, The Truth about How Bad Medicine and Lazy Science Leave Women Dismissed, Misdiagnosed, and Sick written by Maya Dusenbery and read by Dara Rosenberg (Format Downloadable Audiobook):

In this shocking, hard-hitting expose in the tradition of Naomi Klein and Barbara Ehrenreich, the editorial director of Feministing.com, reveals how inadequate, inappropriate, and even dangerous treatment threatens women’s lives and well-being.

Editor of the award-winning site Feministing.com, Maya Dusenbery brings together scientific and sociological research, interviews with experts within and outside the medical establishment, and personal stories from women across the country to provide the first comprehensive, accessible look at how sexism in medicine harms women today.

Dusenbery reveals how conditions that disproportionately affect women, such as autoimmune diseases, chronic pain conditions, and Alzheimer’s disease, are neglected and woefully under-researched. “Contested” diseases, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, that are 70 to 80 percent female-dominated are so poorly understood that they have not yet been fully accepted as “real” conditions by the whole of the profession. Meanwhile, despite a wealth of evidence showing the impact of biological difference between the sexes in everything from drug responses to symptoms to risk factors for various diseases-even the symptoms of a heart attack-medicine continues to take a one-size-fits-all approach: that of a 155-pound white man.

In addition, women are negatively impacted by the biases and stereotypes that dismiss them as “chronic complainers,” leading to long delays-often years long-to get diagnosed. The consequences are catastrophic. Offering a clear-eyed explanation of the root causes of this insidious and entrenched bias and laying out its effects, Doing Harm will change the way we look at health care for women.

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Our Lady of Pain, Edwardian Murder Mystery Series, Book 4 by M. C. Beaton writing as Marion Chesney & read by Davina Porter (Format: Downloadable Audiobook):

Lady Rose Summer, the wayward Edwardian debutante who keeps getting mixed up in disreputable adventures, would swear she is not a jealous woman. After all, she knows her engagement to private detective Captain Harry Cathcart is only a ploy to keep her parents from shipping her off to India. But then Harry’s latest client, Dolores Duval–a vision of curves with a seductive French accent–starts appearing everywhere at his side. In a fit of rage, Rose threatens Dolores, only to be found the very next day, standing over her dead body. The newspapers rush to convict her, but can Harry and Detective Superintendent Kerridge clear her name?

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Shogun: Asian Saga, Book 1 written by James Clavell (Format: eBook):

“Only by living at the edge of death can you understand the indescribable joy of life.”

After Englishman John Blackthorne is lost at sea, he awakens in a place few Europeans know of and even fewer have seen—Nippon. Thrust into the closed society that is late sixteenth-century Japan, a land where the line between life and death is razor-thin, Blackthorne must negotiate not only a foreign people, with unknown customs and language, but also his own definitions of morality, truth, and freedom. As internal political strife and a clash of cultures lead to seemingly inevitable conflict, Blackthorne’s loyalty and strength of character are tested by both passion and loss, and he is torn between two worlds that will each be forever changed.

Powerful and engrossing, capturing both the rich pageantry and stark realities of life in feudal Japan, Shōgun is a critically acclaimed powerhouse of a book. Heart-stopping, edge-of-your-seat action melds seamlessly with intricate historical detail and raw human emotion. Endlessly compelling, this sweeping saga captivated the world to become not only one of the bestselling novels of all time but also one of the highest-rated television miniseries, as well as inspiring a nationwide surge of interest in the culture of Japan. Shakespearean in both scope and depth, Shōgun is, as the New York Times put it, “…not only something you read—you live it.”

Provocative, absorbing, and endlessly fascinating, there is only one: Shōgun.

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Tell the Wolves I’m Home: A Novel by Carol Rifka Brunt (Format:eBook):

In this striking literary debut, Carol Rifka Brunt unfolds a moving story of love, grief, and renewal as two lonely people become the unlikeliest of friends and find that sometimes you don’t know you’ve lost someone until you’ve found them.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER

NAMED A FAVORITE READ BY GILLIAN FLYNN • WINNER OF THE ALEX AWARD

1987. There’s only one person who has ever truly understood fourteen-year-old June Elbus, and that’s her uncle, the renowned painter Finn Weiss. Shy at school and distant from her older sister, June can only be herself in Finn’s company; he is her godfather, confidant, and best friend. So when he dies, far too young, of a mysterious illness her mother can barely speak about, June’s world is turned upside down. But Finn’s death brings a surprise acquaintance into June’s life—someone who will help her to heal, and to question what she thinks she knows about Finn, her family, and even her own heart.

At Finn’s funeral, June notices a strange man lingering just beyond the crowd. A few days later, she receives a package in the mail. Inside is a beautiful teapot she recognizes from Finn’s apartment, and a note from Toby, the stranger, asking for an opportunity to meet. As the two begin to spend time together, June realizes she’s not the only one who misses Finn, and if she can bring herself to trust this unexpected friend, he just might be the one she needs the most.

An emotionally charged coming-of-age novel, Tell the Wolves I’m Home is a tender story of love lost and found, an unforgettable portrait of the way compassion can make us whole again.

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PRINT RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Book Of Science And Antiquities: A Novel by Thomas Keneally:

Abstract: “An award-winning documentary filmmaker, Shelby Apple is obsessed with reimaging the full story of the Learned Man – a prehistoric man whose remains are believed to be the link between Africa and ancient Australia. From Vietnam to northern Africa and the Australian Outback, Shelby searches for understanding of this enigmatic man from the ancient past, unaware that the two men share a great deal in common. Some 40,000 years in the past, the Learned Man has made his home alongside other members of his tribe. Complex and deeply introspective, he reveres tradition, loyalty, and respect for his ancestors. Willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good, the Learned Man cannot conceive that a man millennia later could relate to him in heart and feeling.”– Publisher description.

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The Great Unexpected by Dan Mooney:

Abstract: “A curmudgeon and his eccentric new roommate join together to plan an epic escape in this charming, poignant tale. Joel lives in a nursing home, and he’s not one bit happy about it. He hates being told when to eat, when to sleep, when to take his pills. He’s fed up with life and begins to plan a way out when his new roommate, a retired soap opera actor named Frank, moves in and turns the nursing-home community upside down. Though the two men couldn’t be more opposite, a fast friendship is formed when Frank is the only one who listens to and stands up for Joel. When he tells Frank about his burgeoning plan, they embark together on a mission to find the perfect escape, and along the way will discover that it’s never too late for new beginnings. Filled with colorful characters, sparkling humor and deep emotion, The Great Unexpected is the story of friendship, finding oneself later in life and experiencing newfound joy in the most unexpected places.” — Provided by publisher.

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This Is Happiness by Niall Williams:

Abstract: “Change is coming to Faha, a small Irish parish that hasn’t changed in a thousand years. For one thing, the rain is stopping. Nobody remembers when it started; rain on the western seaboard is a condition of living. But now – just as Father Coffey proclaims the coming of the electricity – the rain clouds are lifting. Seventeen-year-old Noel Crowe is idling in the unexpected sunshine when Christy makes his first entrance into Faha, bringing secrets he needs to atone for. Though he can’t explain it, Noel knows right then: something has changed. As the people of Faha anticipate the endlessly procrastinated advent of the electricity, and Noel navigates his own coming-of-age and his falling in and out of love, Christy’s past gradually comes to light, casting a new glow on a small world. Harking back to a simpler time, This Is Happiness is a tender portrait of a community – its idiosyncrasies and traditions, its paradoxes and kindnesses, its failures and triumphs – and a coming-of-age tale like no other. Luminous and lyrical, yet anchored by roots running deep into the earthy and everyday, it is about the power of stories: their invisible currents that run through all we do, writing and rewriting us, and the transforming light that they throw onto our world”– Publisher description.

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Laetitia Rodd And The Case Of The Wandering Scholar by Kate Saunders:

“In 1851, private-detective Laetitia Rodd is enjoying a well-earned holiday when she gets an urgent request for her services. Mrs. Rodd’s neighbor Jacob Welland is a reclusive rich gentleman dying of consumption, and he wants Mrs. Rodd to find his brother, who has been missing for 15 years. Joshua Welland was a scholar at Oxford, brilliant, eccentric, and desperately poor when he disappeared from the university. Friends claim to have seen him since, in gypsy camps and wandering around the countryside. But the last sighting was ten years before – when Joshua claimed to be learning great secrets from the gypsies that would one day astound the whole world. Mrs. Rodd travels to Oxford and begins to search for the wandering scholar. But as she investigates, Mrs. Rodd discovers something dark – and extremely dangerous – lurking in the beautiful English countryside.”–Amazon.com

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The Perfect Love Song: A Christmas Story by Patti Callahan Henry:

Includes: a shortbread recipe, instructions for Charlotte’s southern garland, the legend of the

Claddagh Ring, the story behind the story, and discussion questions.

Abstract: Brothers Jimmy and Jack Sullivan live a nomadic life touring with their band, The Unknown Souls. But now Jack is engaged to Kara, with a Christmas wedding planned in Ireland. Until Jimmy met Kara’s best friend, Charlotte, he never expected to fall in love. When Jimmy and Charlotte write a song together, it catches the attention of a manager for a famous country band. Before Jimmy knows it, he’s on tour with the band and everyone knows his name. But fame isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and Jimmy finds himself far away from his loved ones. Only a Christmas miracle will lead Jimmy back to Ireland, to his brother, and to love.

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Have a great week!

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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StarCat

The catalog of physical library materials, i.e. print books, audiobooks on CD, DVDs etc.

ABOUT LIBRARY APPS:

You can access digital library content, i.e. eBooks & downloadable audiobooks, on PCs, Macs and mobile devices.

For mobile devices simply download the Libby (eBooks & downloadable audiobooks) or the RB Digital app (on-demand magazines), from your app store to get started. And if you’re using a PC or Mac simply click on the following link: https://stls.overdrive.com/

If you have questions call the library at 607-936-3713 and one of our tech coaches will be happy to assist you.

Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, here are the top New York Times fiction and non-fiction bestsellers for the upcoming week.

(Click on the book covers to read a summary of each plot and to request the book(s) of your choice.

FICTION:

BLUE MOON by Lee Child:

Jack Reacher gets caught up in a turf war between Ukrainian and Albanian gangs.

 

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CRISS CROSS by James Patterson:

The 27th book in the Alex Cross series. Copycat crimes make the detective question whether an innocent man was executed.

 

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THE DUTCH HOUSE by Ann Patchett:

A sibling relationship is impacted when the family goes from poverty to wealth and back again over the course of many decades.

 

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THE GIVER OF STARS by Jojo Moyes:

In Depression-era America, five women refuse to be cowed by men or convention as they deliver books throughout the mountains of Kentucky.

 

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THE GUARDIANS by John Grisham:

Cullen Post, a lawyer and Episcopal minister, antagonizes some ruthless killers when he takes on a wrongful conviction case.

 

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THE INSTITUTE by Stephen King:

Children with special talents are abducted and sequestered in an institution where the sinister staff seeks to extract their gifts through harsh methods.

 

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A MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT by David Baldacci:

When Atlee Pine returns to her hometown to investigate her sister’s kidnapping from 30 years ago, she winds up tracking a potential serial killer.

 

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THE NIGHT FIRE by Michael Connelly:

Harry Bosch and Renée Ballard return to take up a case that held the attention of Bosch’s mentor.

 

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OLIVE, AGAIN by Elizabeth Strout:

In a follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Olive Kitteridge,” new relationships, including a second marriage, are encountered in a seaside town in Maine.

 

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THE RISE OF MAGICKS by Nora Roberts:

The third book in the Chronicles of the One series. Fallon Swift goes up against an old foe.

 

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THE SPY by Danielle Steel:

Alexandra Wickham, an espionage agent during World War II, must keep her secret hidden into the Cold War.

 

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STARLESS SEA by Erin Morgenstern:

Zachary Ezra Rawlins fights to save a labyrinthine underground repository of stories.

 

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TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ by Heather Morris:

A concentration camp detainee tasked with permanently marking fellow prisoners falls in love with one of them.

 

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THE TESTAMENTS by Margaret Atwood:

In a sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” old secrets bring three women together as the Republic of Gilead’s theocratic regime shows signs of decay.

 

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TWISTED TWENTY-SIX by Janet Evanovich:

The 26th book in the Stephanie Plum series. A New Jersey gangster’s associates go after a bounty hunter’s widowed grandmother.

 

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WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens:

In a quiet town on the North Carolina coast in 1969, a young woman who survived alone in the marsh becomes a murder suspect.

 

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NON-FICTION:

BEAUTIFUL ONES by Prince. Edited by Dan Piepenbring:

A memoir by the musician written before his death, with photos and other memorabilia detailing his evolution.

 

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BECOMING by Michelle Obama:

The former first lady describes her journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House, and how she balanced work, family and her husband’s political ascent.

 

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BLOWOUT by Rachel Maddow:

The MSNBC host argues that the global oil and gas industry has weakened democracies and bolstered authoritarians.

 

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THE BODY by Bill Bryson:

An owner’s manual of the human body covering various parts, functions and what happens when things go wrong.

 

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CRIME IN PROGRESS by Glenn Simpson and Peter Fritsch:

The founders of Fusion GPS detail their investigations of Donald Trump and the subsequent fallout.

 

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EDUCATED by Tara Westover:

The daughter of survivalists, who is kept out of school, educates herself enough to leave home for university.

 

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FINDING CHIKA by Mitch Albom:

Lessons learned by the Alboms when they bring a Haitian orphan with a life-threatening illness into their family.

 

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HOME WORK by Julie Andrews with Emma Walton Hamilton:

The musical theater icon’s second installment of her memoir describes her arrival in Hollywood, becoming a mother and her relationship with Blake Edwards.

 

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I HEARD YOU PAINT HOUSES by Charles Brandt:

A World War II veteran works for a crime boss and comes into contact with the union boss Jimmy Hoffa. The basis of the movie “The Irishman.”

 

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JAY-Z: MADE IN AMERICA by Michael Eric:

Dyson An appreciation of the rapper’s career over the last three decades.

 

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ME by Elton John:

The multi-award-winning solo artist’s first autobiography chronicles his career, relationships and private struggles.

 

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SAM HOUSTON AND THE ALAMO AVENGERS by Brian Kilmeade:

The “Fox & Friends” host gives an account of the battle against the Mexican Army in 1836.

 

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TALKING TO STRANGERS by Malcolm Gladwell:

Famous examples of miscommunication serve as the backdrop to explain potential conflicts and misunderstandings.

 

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TRIGGERED by Donald Trump Jr.:

Forays into politics and views on liberals from the executive vice president of the Trump Organization.

 

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THE WAY I HEARD IT by Mike Rowe:

The television personality relays stories from his podcast and personal anecdotes.

 

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A WARNING by Anonymous:

A senior official in the Trump administration offers an assessment of the president and makes a moral appeal.

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Have a great day!

Linda Reimer, SSL

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Note: this list contains all the New York Times fiction and non-fiction bestsellers for the week that are owned by libraries within the Southern Tier Library System.

Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, here are our five musical recommendations of the week!

(Click on the Book/eBook/CD/DVD or book cover to request the item)

Encyclopedia of Classic Rock by David Luhrssen & Michael Larson (Genre: Classic Rock) (Format: Print Book):

If you enjoy reading about classic rock and fondly recall the early eighties classic paperback The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock N’ Roll, than this book is for you! The book has entries for dozens of classic rockers from world renowned artists like Hendrix, The Jefferson Airplane & The Grateful Dead to artists that were popular in their time but are less well known today, including The Blues Project, Free, The Groundhogs and Spirit. If you like classic rock you can’t go wrong listening to any of the artists featured in this fun Greenwood Press encyclopedia!

Not to mention this is a fun book to sit down and browse through at your leisure – you’ll find something interesting in each entry!

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Songs of Our Native Daughters (2019) by Our Native Daughters (Genre: Folk, Minstrel) (Format: Music CD):

Our Native Daughters consists of Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, and Allison Russell. These four talented minstrels got together and recorded a great banjo-centric album – if you like, folk music, blues or roots rock music– check this one out!

Song List:
1. Black Myself
2. Moon Meets the Sun
3. Barbados
4. Quasheba, Quasheba
5. I Knew I Could Fly
6. Polly Ann’s Hammer
7. Mama’s Cryin’ Long
8. Slave Driver
9. Better Git Yer Learnin’

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Star Dust: The Bible of the Big Bands by Richard Grudens with a forward by Frankie Laine and an introduction by Kathryn Crosby (Genre: Big Band, Jazz, Pop) (Format: Print Book):

I’m on an encyclopedia roll this week! Stardust: The Bible of the Big Bands is much like The Encyclopedia of Classic Rock in that if you are a big band fan, it is great fun to just sit down, relax and page through this book! The focus this time is obviously on big band music and the book covers more than 600 artists who played/sang this great style of music from the 1920s through the 1980s including Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Artie Shaw, Les Brown, The Dorsey Brothers, Lionel Hampton and many more. Additionally, the book features over 600 photographs!

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Taller (2019) by Jamie Cullum (Genre: Jazz, Modern Pop, R&B) (Format: Music CD):

Taller is the latest LP by the popular pianist and singer Jamie Cullum. And as someone who like the artist stands at just a little more than 5’ tall I can sympathize with his song Taller in which he laments his lack of height. His talent, however, is unquestionable – this is a fun album!

Song List:

1. Taller
2. Life Is Grey
3. Mankind
4. Usher
5. The Age Of Anxiety
6. For The Love
7. Drink
8. You Can’t Hide Away from Love
9. Monster

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True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter (2019) by Harry Connick Jr. (Genre: Vocal, Popular, Vintage) (Format: Music CD):

A 2019 celebration of Cole Porter’s music by the swinging pianist and singer Harry Connick Jr.!

Song List:
1. Anything Goes
2. I Love Paris
3. I Concentrate On You
4. All of You
5. Mind If I Make Love To You
6. Just One of Those Things
7. In the Still of the Night
8. Why Can’t You Behave
9. Begin the Beguine

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Videos Of The Week:

Rain And Tears by Aphrodite’s Child

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Wake Me Shake Me by Blues Project

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All Right Now by Free

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New Riders of the Purple Sage in 1972 by New Riders of the Purple Sage

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A Saucerful of Secrets by Pink Floyd

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Stephen Stills in Concert

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Low Sparks of High Heeled Boys by Traffic

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Sunshine of Your Love by Cream

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Takin’ Care of Business by Bachman Turner OverDrive

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Black Myself by Our Native Daughters

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I Knew I Could Fly by Our Native Daughters

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The Making of “Mama’s Cryin’ Long” from ‘Songs of Our Native Daughters’

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Quasheba, Quasheba

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All the Things You Are by Artie Shaw and His Orchestra with Helen Forrest

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Flying Home by Lionel Hampton

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It Don’t Mean A Thing by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra

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I’ve Got The World On A String by Les Brown & His Band of Renown

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Out of Nowhere by Bing Crosby

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Take The A Train by Duke Ellington

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Mankind by Jamie Cullum

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Taller by Jamie Cullum

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Anything Goes by Harry Connick Jr.

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Just One Of Those Things by Harry Connick Jr.

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Can’t Find My Way Home by Steve Winwood

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Have a great weekend!

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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REFERENCES:

Print References

The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits by Joel Whitburn

Online References

AllMusic: https://www.allmusic.com/

Songs of Our Native Daughters by Our Native Daughters (Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, Leyla McCalla, Allison Russell)
https://folkways.si.edu/songs-of-our-native-daughters

Online Catalog Links:

StarCat

The catalog of physical materials, i.e. print books, DVDs, audiobooks on CD, etc.

The Digital Catalog (OverDrive)

The catalog of e-books, downloadable audiobooks and a handful of streaming videos.

ABOUT LIBRARY APPS: Libby & RBDigital:

You can access digital library content on PCs, Macs and mobile devices. For mobile devices simply download the Libby and/or the RBDigital app, to check out eBooks, downloadable audiobooks and on-demand magazines, from your app store to get started. If you have questions call the library at 607-936-3713 and one of our tech coaches will be happy to assist you.

Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, is the time of year when all the greatest books of the year lists are being released.

And it is easy with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to miss these lists so I thought I’d alert you to two of my favorite end of the year readings lists! The first is the terrific interactive NPR’s Book Concierge, which not only offers you great reading suggestions for books published in 2019, but also allows you easy access to their best book lists from previous years. And the second list is from the New York Times.

(Click on the photo to access the reading list of your choice)

NPR’s Book Concierge

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The New York Times Best Books of the Year List:

Happy reading everyone!

Linda

 

Hi everyone, here are our recommended titles for the week, five digital titles, eBooks & downloadable audiobooks, available through OverDrive and five print titles available through StarCat.

DIGITAL CATALOG RECOMMENDATIONS:

Chasing the Bright Side Embrace Optimism, Activate Your Purpose, and Write Your Own Story by Jess Ekstrom (Format: eBook):

One flicker of hope. That’s all it takes to catapult yourself into the life you’ve always imagined.

Success is not born out of skill, school, where we’re from, who we know, or what we scored on the SAT. None of us were born ready. None of us started life knowing how to fly a plane or launch a company or knit a sweater for our dog.

But we are born with something more important than skills. We’re born with optimism—the initial seed for success. Optimism fuels the belief that you can be the one to create the good the world needs. But you’ve got to hone it. And practice it. And determine to live from it.

In Chasing the Bright Side, Jess Ekstrom shares her own inspirational story of how optimism helped her overcome multiple challenges, and the dynamic ways her mind-set propelled her as a young entrepreneur, international speaker, and philanthropist.

Do you have dreams for yourself and the world that are tucked away in your box of somedays? What would happen if today was the day you opened the box? And what if that box was the key to a better tomorrow?

Jess’s journey will inspire you embrace the power of optimism in your own life, and help you reimagine your purpose so you create good in the world while fulfilling your own dreams—right where you are.

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Dachshund Through the Snow, Andy Carpenter Novel, Book 20 by David Rosenfelt (Format: eBook):

This Christmas, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, can’t say no to helping six-year-old Adam and his dachshund, Simon.

Christmas is the time for giving. Lawyer Andy Carpenter and his wife, Laurie, generously give back year-round, but they always try to do a little something extra around the holidays. Andy’s local pet store has a Christmas tree, where instead of ornaments there are wishes from those in need. This leads Andy to six-year-old Adam, whose selfless plea strikes a chord with Andy and Laurie. Adam asked Santa for a coat for his mother, food for his dachshund, Simon, and for the safe return of his missing father.

It turns out Adam’s father doesn’t want to be found . . . he’s on the run from a murder charge – a murder that Adam’s mother swears he didn’t commit.

With his trademark humor and larger-than-life characters, Rosenfelt never fails to deliver as Andy and his eccentric crew dash to reunite a family in time for Christmas.

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Fires of Winter by Roberta Gellis (Format: eBook):

Her noble name made her a threat to the new king.

To remain in favor he would do anything…even accept the hand of his enemy.

The beautiful, cherished daughter of Scottish nobility, Melusine of Ulle had all the privileges of rank. But her family and her life were destroyed by the ravages of war.

A bastard son of an English lord, Bruno of Jernaeve was born with nothing. But through loyalty, cleverness, and brute strength, he carved out a spot at the right hand of the king.

They have nothing in common and every reason to hate each other, but even in the coldest of winters one spark can ignite a fire too hot to tame.

The Tales of Jernaeve series:
Tapestry of Dreams (Book 1)
Fires of Winter (Book 2)

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The Pretty One On Life, Pop Culture, Disability, and Other Reasons to Fall in Love with Me by Keah Brown (Format: eBook):

From the disability rights advocate and creator of the #DisabledAndCute viral campaign, a thoughtful, inspiring, and charming collection of essays exploring what it means to be black and disabled in a mostly able-bodied white America.

Keah Brown loves herself, but that hadn’t always been the case. Born with cerebral palsy, her greatest desire used to be normalcy and refuge from the steady stream of self-hate society strengthened inside her. But after years of introspection and reaching out to others in her community, she has reclaimed herself and changed her perspective.

In The Pretty One, Brown gives a contemporary and relatable voice to the disabled—so often portrayed as mute, weak, or isolated. With clear, fresh, and light-hearted prose, these essays explore everything from her relationship with her able-bodied identical twin (called “the pretty one” by friends) to navigating romance; her deep affinity for all things pop culture—and her disappointment with the media’s distorted view of disability; and her declaration of self-love with the viral hashtag #DisabledAndCute.

By “smashing stigmas, empowering her community, and celebrating herself” (Teen Vogue), Brown and The Pretty One aims to expand the conversation about disability and inspire self-love for people of all backgrounds.

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Serpent in the Thorns, The Crispin Guest Medieval Mystery by Jeri Westerson (Format: eBook):

The disgraced knight turned inquiry agent searches for a missing relic in this Macavity Award-finalist mystery set in fourteenth century London.

Former knight Crispin Guest is now known in the streets of medieval London as the Tracker—an investigator who can find anything and anyone. What begins as a straightforward case of murder turns complicated when Crispin realizes that the victim was an important courier in possession of a holy artifact—an object so valuable that its absence could start a war between France and England.

Surrounded by possible suspects, Guest will have to use his wiles to navigate both the exclusive halls of King Richard’s court, and the hardscrabble streets of fourteenth century London. In a world full of old friends, mysterious strangers, and dangerous enemies—including the treasonous mastermind who caused Crispin’s fall from grace—Crispin will have to uncover a deadly conspiracy to protect his country, save himself, and perhaps even restore his good name.

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PRINT RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Andromeda Evolution by Daniel H. Wilson:

“In 1967, an extraterrestrial microbe came crashing down to Earth and nearly ended the human race. Accidental exposure to the particle — designated The Andromeda Strain — killed every resident of the town of Piedmont, Arizona, save for an elderly man and an infant boy. Over the next five days, a team of top scientists assigned to Project Wildfire worked valiantly to save the world from an epidemic of unimaginable proportions. In the moments before a catastrophic nuclear detonation, they succeeded. In the ensuing decades, research on the microparticle continued. And the world thought it was safe … Deep inside Fairchild Air Force Base, Project Eternal Vigilance has continued to watch and wait for the Andromeda Strain to reappear. On the verge of being shut down, the project has registered no activity — until now. A Brazilian terrain-mapping drone has detected a bizarre anomaly of otherworldly matter in the middle of the jungle, and, worse yet, the tell-tale chemical signature of the deadly microparticle. With this shocking discovery, the next-generation Project Wildfire is activated, and a diverse team of experts hailing from all over the world is dispatched to investigate the potentially apocalyptic threat. But the microbe is growing — evolving. And if the Wildfire team can’t reach the quarantine zone, enter the anomaly, and figure out how to stop it, this new Andromeda Evolution will annihilate all life as we know it.” — Provided by publisher.

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Gwendy’s Magic Feather by Richard Chizmar:

Something evil has swept into the small western Maine town of Castle Rock on the heels of the latest winter storm. Sheriff Norris Ridgewick and his team are desperately searching for two missing girls, but time is running out to bring them home alive. In Washington D.C., thirty-seven-year-old Gwendy Peterson couldn’t be more different from the self-conscious teenaged girl who once spent a summer running up Castle Rock’s Suicide Stairs. That same summer, she was entrusted — or some might say cursed — with the extraordinary button box by Richard Farris, the mysterious stranger in the black suit. The seductive and powerful box offered Gwendy small gifts in exchange for its care and feeding until Farris eventually returned, promising Gwendy she’d never see the box again. One day, though, the button box shows up without warning — and without Richard Farris to explain why, or what she’s supposed to do with it. The mysterious reappearance of the box, along with the troubling disappearances in Castle Rock, leads Gwendy home again … where she just might be able to help rescue the missing girls and stop a madman before he does something ghastly. From New York Times bestseller Richard Chizmar comes Gwendy’s Magic Feather, a breathtaking novel that asks whether our lives are controlled by fate or the choices we make — and what price we might have to pay for those choices when we reach for the things we most desire. Prepare to return again to Stephen King’s Castle Rock, the sleepy little town built on a bedrock of deep, dark secrets, which is about to awaken from its quiet slumber once more. — Publisher’s website.

–

Now You See Them by Elly Griffiths:

Abstract: “The fifth book in the Magic Men series, Now You See Them is a wild mystery with detective Edgar Stephens and the magician Max Mephisto as they investigate a string of presumed kidnappings in the swinging 1960s”– Provided by publisher.

–

Scarlet Fever: A Novel by Rita Mae Brown:

Abstract: “Frigid February air has settled into the bones of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making for a slow foxhunting season, though “Sister” Jane Arnold’s enthusiasm is not so easily deterred. With the winter chill come tweed coats, blazing fireplaces, and perhaps another to share the warmth with, as the bold hunting scarlets worn by the men in Sister Jane’s hunting club make the hearts of women flutter–until someone’s heart stops entirely. Harry Dunbar, a member of the Jefferson Hunt club with a penchant for antique furniture, is found with his skull cracked at the bottom of the stairs to a local store. There are no telltale signs of foul play–save for the priceless (and stolen) Erté fox ring in his pocket. Sister and her hounds set out to uncover the truth: Was this simply an accident or something much more sinister? Steeped in the deep traditions of Virginia horse country and featuring a colorful cast of characters both two- and four-legged, Scarlet Fever is another spirited mystery from Rita Mae Brown”– Provided by publisher.

–

She Came to Slay: The Life and Times of Harriet Tubman by Erica Armstrong Dunbar:

In the bestselling tradition of The Notorious RBG comes a lively, informative, and illustrated tribute to one of the most exceptional women in American history—Harriet Tubman—a heroine whose fearlessness and activism still resonates today.

Harriet Tubman is best known as one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad. As a leading abolitionist, her bravery and selflessness has inspired generations in the continuing struggle for civil rights. Now, National Book Award nominee Erica Armstrong Dunbar presents a fresh take on this American icon blending traditional biography, illustrations, photos, and engaging sidebars that illuminate the life of Tubman as never before.

Not only did Tubman help liberate hundreds of slaves, she was the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the Civil War, worked as a spy for the Union Army, was a fierce suffragist, and was an advocate for the aged. She Came to Slay reveals the many complexities and varied accomplishments of one of our nation’s true heroes and offers an accessible and modern interpretation of Tubman’s life that is both informative and engaging.

Filled with rare outtakes of commentary, an expansive timeline of Tubman’s life, photos (both new and those in public domain), commissioned illustrations, and sections including “Harriet By the Numbers” (number of times she went back down south, approximately how many people she rescued, the bounty on her head) and “Harriet’s Homies” (those who supported her over the years), She Came to Slay is a stunning and powerful mix of pop culture and scholarship and proves that Harriet Tubman is well deserving of her permanent place in our nation’s history.

–

Have a great week!

Linda Reimer, SSCL

–

StarCat

The catalog of physical library materials, i.e. print books, audiobooks on CD, DVDs etc.

ABOUT LIBRARY APPS:

You can access digital library content, i.e. eBooks & downloadable audiobooks, on PCs, Macs and mobile devices.

For mobile devices simply download the Libby (eBooks & downloadable audiobooks) or the RB Digital app (on-demand magazines), from your app store to get started. And if you’re using a PC or Mac simply click on the following link: https://stls.overdrive.com/

If you have questions call the library at 607-936-3713 and one of our tech coaches will be happy to assist you.

Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, here are the top New York Times fiction and non-fiction bestsellers for the upcoming week.

(Click on the book covers to read a summary of each plot and to request the book(s) of your choice.

FICTION:

19TH CHRISTMAS by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro:

In the 19th installment of the Women’s Murder Club series, detective Lindsay Boxer and company take on a fearsome criminal known only as “Loman.”

 

–

 

BLUE MOON by Lee Child:

Jack Reacher gets caught up in a turf war between Ukrainian and Albanian gangs.

 

–

 

THE DUTCH HOUSE by Ann Patchett:

A sibling relationship is impacted when the family goes from poverty to wealth and back again over the course of many decades.

 

–

 

THE GIVER OF STARS by Jojo Moyes:

In Depression-era America, five women refuse to be cowed by men or convention as they deliver books throughout the mountains of Kentucky.

 

–

 

THE GREAT ALONE by Kristin Hannah:

A former prisoner of war returns from Vietnam and moves his family to Alaska, where they face tough conditions.

 

–

 

THE GUARDIANS by John Grisham:

Cullen Post, a lawyer and Episcopal minister, antagonizes some ruthless killers when he takes on a wrongful conviction case.

 

–

 

THE INSTITUTE by Stephen King:

Children with special talents are abducted and sequestered in an institution where the sinister staff seeks to extract their gifts through harsh methods.

 

–

 

A MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT by David Baldacci:

When Atlee Pine returns to her hometown to investigate her sister’s kidnapping from 30 years ago, she winds up tracking a potential serial killer.

 

–

 

THE NIGHT FIRE by Michael Connelly:

Harry Bosch and Renée Ballard return to take up a case that held the attention of Bosch’s mentor.

 

–

 

OLIVE, AGAIN by Elizabeth Strout:

In a follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Olive Kitteridge,” new relationships, including a second marriage, are encountered in a seaside town in Maine.

 

–

 

ROBERT B. PARKER’S ANGEL EYES by Ace Atkins:

The private investigator Spenser encounters powerful people as he looks for a missing woman in Hollywood.

 

–

 

STARLESS SEA by Erin Morgenstern:

Zachary Ezra Rawlins fights to save a labyrinthine underground repository of stories.

 

–

 

TATTOOIST OF AUSCHWITZ by Heather Morris:

A concentration camp detainee tasked with permanently marking fellow prisoners falls in love with one of them.

 

–

 

THE TESTAMENTS by Margaret Atwood:

In a sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” old secrets bring three women together as the Republic of Gilead’s theocratic regime shows signs of decay.

 

–

 

TOM CLANCY: CODE OF HONOR by Marc Cameron:

President Jack Ryan learns of a plot against America when he tries to help an old friend who has been arrested in Indonesia.

 

–

 

TWISTED TWENTY-SIX by Janet Evanovich:

The 26th book in the Stephanie Plum series. A New Jersey gangster’s associates go after a bounty hunter’s widowed grandmother.

 

–

 

WATER DANCER by Ta-Nehisi Coates:

A young man who was gifted with a mysterious power becomes part of a war between slavers and the enslaved.

 

–

 

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens:

In a quiet town on the North Carolina coast in 1969, a young woman who survived alone in the marsh becomes a murder suspect.

 

–

 

NON-FICTION:

BEAUTIFUL ONES by Prince. Edited by Dan Piepenbring:

A memoir by the musician written before his death, with photos and other memorabilia detailing his evolution.

 

–

 

BECOMING by Michelle Obama:

The former first lady describes her journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House, and how she balanced work, family and her husband’s political ascent.

 

–

 

BLOWOUT by Rachel Maddow:

The MSNBC host argues that the global oil and gas industry has weakened democracies and bolstered authoritarians.

 

–

 

THE BODY by Bill Bryson:

An owner’s manual of the human body covering various parts, functions and what happens when things go wrong.

 

–

 

THE BOOK OF GUTSY WOMEN by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton:

Profiles of women from around the world who have blazed trails and challenged the status quo.

 

–

 

EDUCATED by Tara Westover:

The daughter of survivalists, who is kept out of school, educates herself enough to leave home for university.

 

–

 

FINDING CHIKA by Mitch Albom:

Lessons learned by the Alboms when they bring a Haitian orphan with a life-threatening illness into their family.

 

–

 

HOME WORK by Julie Andrews with Emma Walton Hamilton:

The musical theater icon’s second installment of her memoir describes her arrival in Hollywood, becoming a mother and her relationship with Blake Edwards.

 

–

 

I HEARD YOU PAINT HOUSES by Charles Brandt:

A World War II veteran works for a crime boss and comes into contact with the union boss Jimmy Hoffa. The basis of the movie “The Irishman.”

 

–

 

ME by Elton John:

The multi-award-winning solo artist’s first autobiography chronicles his career, relationships and private struggles.

 

–

 

PLOT AGAINST THE PRESIDENT by Lee Smith:

A narrative is depicted from the perspective of Representative Devin Nunes.

 

–

 

SAM HOUSTON AND THE ALAMO AVENGERS by Brian Kilmeade:

The “Fox & Friends” host gives an account of the battle against the Mexican Army in 1836.

 

–

 

TALKING TO STRANGERS by Malcolm Gladwell:

Famous examples of miscommunication serve as the backdrop to explain potential conflicts and misunderstandings.

 

–

 

TRIGGERED by Donald Trump Jr.:

Forays into politics and views on liberals from the executive vice president of the Trump Organization.

 

–

 

THE WAY I HEARD IT by Mike Rowe:

The television personality relays stories from his podcast and personal anecdotes.

 

–

 

A WARNING by Anonymous:

A senior official in the Trump administration offers an assessment of the president and makes a moral appeal.

 

–

 

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT by Nikki R. Haley:

A memoir by the former United States ambassador to the United Nations and governor of South Carolina.

–

Have a great day!

Linda Reimer, SSL

–

Note: this list contains all the New York Times fiction and non-fiction bestsellers for the week that are owned by libraries within the Southern Tier Library System.

Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, just a reminder the library is closed on Thursday in observance of Thanksgiving, open our regular hours of 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 29, closed on Saturday, November 30 for rug cleaning and open our regular hours next week.

Regular Library Hours Are:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (except not this Saturday 11/30!)

Sunday: Closed

–

And onto the musical recommendations for this week!

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (Format: DVD)

Okay, so this one really is really short, only 24 minutes, and it is for kids or those of us who are of an age to find the Charlie Brown seasonal videos nostalgic! But is is fun!

The Plot: Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends to Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving. Charlie only knows how to make toast and cereal but he is saved when his friends Linus, Snoopy & Woodstock jump in to help him and pull out all the stops to put on a memorable Thanksgiving dinner

The music for the video is once again provided by the great jazzy pianist Vince Guaraldi.

–

December (1982) by George Winston (Genre: New Age, Instrumental, World Music, Piano) (Format: CD):

George Winston’s classic 1982 album features a great mix of original tunes, traditional Christmas songs and Pachelbel’s Cannon; a great relaxing and unwinding collection of instrumental piano music – perfect for the holiday season.

Song List:
1. Thanksgiving
2. Jesu, Jesu, Rest Your Head
3. Joy
4. Prelude
5. Carol of the Bells
6. Night, Pt. 1: Snow
7. Night, Pt. 2: Midnight
8. Night, Pt. 3: Minstrels
9. Variations on the Kanon by Pachelbel

–

Double Espresso (2002) by The Tony Levin Band (Genre: Pop/Rock) (Format: CD):

Master bassist Tony Levin and his band offer an intense collection of rock music that makes a perfect complement to expresso – as both will work hard to wake you up!

Song List:
1. Pieces of the Sun
2. Geronimo
3. Silhouette
4. Dog One
5. Tequila
6. Black Dog
7. Ooze
8. Apollo
9. L’ Abito Della Sposa

–

Garnet Rogers (1984) by Garnet Rogers

Garnet Rogers is first album by the Canadian folk singer-songwriter; and this album if full of wonderful acoustic music including the timely tune Thanksgiving Eve.

If you’re looking for a relaxing mix of traditional folk music for the holiday season – check this album out!

Song List:
1. Woh Me
2. Break The Law
3. Music In Your Eyes
4. Carrickfergus
5. Final Trawl
6. Westlin Winds
7. Black Eye Susan
8. Bird On A Wing
9. Farewell to Music
10. Thanksgiving Eve

–

Sinatra (1992) (Format: DVD):

Sinatra was originally broadcast at a TV miniseries and chronicles the eventful life of Frank Sinatra from his childhood through 1974.

The colorful series was approved by Frank Sinatra, developed by his younger daughter Tina Sinatra and starred Philip Casnoff as Frank Sinatra, Olympia Dukakis as Dolly Sinatra and Gina Gershon as Nancy Sinatra.

Also of note, the mini-series features music and vocals by the real Frank Sinatra – so it is a fun series to watch and the music is great too!

–

Videos Of The Week:

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Music by the Vince Guaraldi Sextet

–

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Opening

–

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving – Food

–

Night Part III: Minstrels by George Winston:

–

Thanksgiving by George Winston

–

Variations on the Kanon by Pachelbel by George Winston

–

Boogie Woogie Piano by Henri Herbert (from the documentary Street Pianos – Instrument of Change)

–

Black Dog by The Tony Levin Band

–

Utopia by The Tony Levin Band

–

Night Drive by Garnet Rogers

–

Small Victory by Garnet Rogers

–

Thanksgiving Eve by Garnet Rogers

–
Sinatra mini-series clip featuring Philip Casnoff

–

Philip Casnoff as Sinatra singing with the Benny Goodman Orchestra from the Sinatra mini-series

–
I Couldn’t Sleep A Wink Last Night from the film Higher And Higher by the real Frank Sinatra

–

My Way by Frank Sinatra

–

One More For The Road by Frank Sinatra

–

Have a great weekend!

Linda Reimer, SSCL

–

REFERENCES:

Print References

The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits by Joel Whitburn

Online References

AllMusic: https://www.allmusic.com/

Online Catalog Links:

StarCat

The catalog of physical materials, i.e. print books, DVDs, audiobooks on CD, etc.

The Digital Catalog (OverDrive)

The catalog of e-books, downloadable audiobooks and a handful of streaming videos.

ABOUT LIBRARY APPS: Libby & RBDigital:

You can access digital library content on PCs, Macs and mobile devices. For mobile devices simply download the Libby and/or the RBDigital app, to check out eBooks, downloadable audiobooks and on-demand magazines, from your app store to get started. If you have questions call the library at 607-936-3713 and one of our tech coaches will be happy to assist you.

Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, here are our recommended titles for the week, five digital titles, eBooks & downloadable audiobooks, available through OverDrive and five print titles available through StarCat.

DIGITAL CATALOG RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Book of Lost Saints by Daniel José Older (Format: eBook):

The Book of Lost Saints is an evocative multigenerational Cuban-American family story of revolution, loss, and family bonds from New York Times-bestselling author Daniel José Older.

Marisol vanished during the Cuban Revolution, disappearing with hardly a trace. Now, shaped by atrocities long-forgotten, her tenacious spirit visits her nephew, Ramón, in modern-day New Jersey. Her hope: that her presence will prompt him to unearth their painful family history.

Ramón launches a haphazard investigation into the story of his ancestor, unaware of the forces driving him on his search. Along the way, he falls in love, faces a run-in with a murderous gangster, and uncovers the lives of the lost saints who helped Marisol during her imprisonment.

The Book of Lost Saints by Daniel José Older is a haunting meditation on family, forgiveness, and the violent struggle to be free.

 

–

 

Not Always a Saint by Mary Jo Putney (Format: eBook):

New York Times bestselling author and historical romance legend Mary Jo Putney delights readers with this meticulously researched and page-turning story in her sensual Lost Lords series…

After the death of his sweetheart when he was at university, Daniel Herbert buried his grief in medical studies and his passion for healing. Viewed as a saint by those who know him, in his own mind he never quite manages to live up to his own high standards.

Most men would be thrilled to learn they’ve inherited a title and estate from a distant relative, but Daniel is appalled because the burden of wealth will interfere with his medical calling. Warily he accepts that he must enter society and seek a wife—a sensible woman who can oversee his properties, leaving him free to continue his work. He does not expect to become intoxicated by a woman called the Black Widow, who is as mysterious as she is shockingly beautiful…

Jessie Kelham’s looks have always been a curse. Now alone with a young daughter and a perilous secret, she is in need of protection. But dangerously attractive Daniel Herbert is not the kind of husband she has in mind. If he recognizes her, the demons of her past will surely erupt. Yet they cannot keep apart—and soon they are drawn into a union that may bring joy—or shattering danger…

 

–

 

The Poppy Wife: A Novel of the Great War by Caroline Scott (Format: eBook):

In the tradition of Jennifer Robson and Hazel Gaynor, this unforgettable debut novel is a sweeping tale of forbidden love, profound loss, and the startling truth of the broken families left behind in the wake of World War I.

1921. Survivors of the Great War are desperately trying to piece together the fragments of their broken lives. While many have been reunited with their loved ones, Edie’s husband Francis is still missing. Francis is presumed to have been killed in action, but Edie knows he is alive.

Harry, Francis’s brother, was there the day Francis went missing in Ypres. And like Edie, he’s hopeful Francis is living somewhere in France, lost and confused. Hired by grieving families in need of closure, Harry returns to the Western Front to photograph soldiers’ graves. As he travels through France gathering news for British wives and mothers, he searches for evidence his own brother is still alive.

When Edie receives a mysterious photograph that she believes was taken by Francis, she is more certain than ever he isn’t dead. Edie embarks on her own journey in the hope of finding some trace of her husband. Is he truly gone, or could he still be alive? And if he is, why hasn’t he come home?

As Harry and Edie’s paths converge, they get closer to the truth about Francis and, as they do, are soon faced with the life-changing impact of the answers they discover.

An incredibly moving account of an often-forgotten moment in history—those years after the war that were filled with the unknown—The Poppy Wife tells the story of the thousands of soldiers who were lost amid the chaos and ruins in battle-scarred France; and the even greater number of men and women hoping to find them again.

 

–

 

Religion as We Know It: An Origin Story: An Origin Story written by Jack Miles and read by David Cochran Heath (Format: Downloadable Audiobook):

A brief, beautiful invitation to the study of religion from a Pulitzer Prize winner How did our forebears begin to think about religion as a distinct domain, separate from other activities that were once inseparable from it? Starting at the birth of Christianity-a religion inextricably bound to Western thought-Jack Miles reveals how the West’s “common sense” understanding of religion emerged and then changed as insular Europe discovered the rest of the world. Finally, in a moving postscript, he shows how this very story continues today in the minds and hearts of individual religious or irreligious men and women.

 

–

 

Some Danger Involved written by Will Thomas and read by Antony Ferguson (Format: Downloadable Audiobook):

An atmospheric debut novel set on the gritty streets of Victorian London, Some Danger Involved introduces detective Cyrus Barker and his assistant, Thomas Llewelyn, as they work to solve the gruesome murder of a young scholar in London’s Jewish ghetto. When the eccentric and enigmatic Barker takes the case, he must hire an assistant, and out of all who answer an ad for a position with “some danger involved,” he chooses downtrodden Llewelyn, a gutsy young man with a murky past. As they inch ever closer to the shocking truth behind the murder, Llewelyn is drawn deeper and deeper into Barker’s peculiar world of vigilante detective work, as well as the heart of London’s teeming underworld. Brimming with wit and unforgettable characters and steeped in authentic period detail, Some Danger Involved is a captivating novel that introduces an equally captivating duo.

 

–

 

PRINT RECOMMENDATIONS:

The Future Of Another Timeline by Annalee Newitz:

Abstract: “1992: After a confrontation at a riot grrl concert, seventeen-year-old Beth finds herself in a car with her friend’s abusive boyfriend dead in the backseat, agreeing to help her friends hide the body. This murder sets Beth and her friends on a path of escalating violence and vengeance as they realize many other young women in the world need protecting too. 2022: Determined to use time travel to create a safer future, Tess has dedicated her life to visiting key moments in history and fighting for change. But rewriting the timeline isn’t as simple as editing one person or event. And just when Tess believes she’s found a way to make an edit that actually sticks, she encounters a group of dangerous travelers bent on stopping her at any cost. Tess and Beth’s lives intertwine as war breaks out across the timeline–a war that threatens to destroy time travel and leave only a small group of elites with the power to shape the past, present, and future. Against the vast and intricate forces of history and humanity, is it possible for a single person’s actions to echo throughout the timeline?”–Amazon.com

 

–

 

Into The Dark by Karen Rose:

Abstract: “New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose returns with a new thriller in her chilling Cincinnati series. Michael Rowland is not your typical teenager. Deaf from birth, he’s always looked out for his five-year-old brother, Joshua. When his stepfather comes after Joshua, Michael takes the child and runs. He’s determined to protect his brother at all costs, even if that means making himself vulnerable to a danger he can’t hear coming. And the danger intensifies when Michael witnesses a stranger kill his stepfather. Desperate and afraid, the boys have nowhere else to go but to Joshua’s soccer coach, journalist and ex-Army ranger Diesel Kennedy. When Diesel sees that Michael is injured, he takes them to see Dr. Dani Novak-not only because she’s fluent in American Sign Language, but because he’s drawn to her and everything she stands for. She never refuses Diesel’s requests-because she, too, feels their connection-but she resists him for reasons she doesn’t want to confess. When Dani and Diesel learn that Michael saw the face of his stepfather’s killer, they fear for his safety. But they quickly discover that it’s even worse than they feared: They may have a serial killer on their hands-and all signs point to Michael as the next target”– Provided by publisher.

 

–

 

Our Wild Calling: How Connecting With Animals Can Transform Our Lives–And Save Theirs by Richard Louv:

Abstract: “The author shows how cultivating the powerful, mysterious, and fragile bond between humans and other animals can improve our mental, physical, and spiritual health, protect our planet, and serve as an antidote to the loneliness of our species”– Provided by publisher.

 

–

 

The Second Sleep by Robert Harris:

Abstract: “From the internationally best-selling author of Fatherland and the Cicero Trilogy–a chilling and dark new thriller unlike anything Robert Harris has done before. 1468. A young priest, Christopher Fairfax, arrives in a remote Exmoor village to conduct the funeral of his predecessor. The land around is strewn with ancient artifacts–coins, fragments of glass, human bones–which the old parson used to collect. Did his obsession with the past lead to his death? Fairfax becomes determined to discover the truth. Over the course of the next six days, everything he believes–about himself, his faith, and the history of his world–will be tested to destruction”– Publisher’s description.

 

–

 

Stands Of Truth: A Novel by Colleen Coble:

Abstract: “Harper Taylor is used to being alone. Her mother passed away in a car accident when she was an infant, she never knew who her father was, and now even the widowed grandmother who raised her is gone. She’s done just fine investing her marine biology degree and her energy into her pen shell business. The last thing she expects is for the DNA test she took to reveal a likely half-sister. And when she and Annabelle meet, there are striking similarities in their stories. Is it just coincidence that both their mothers died tragically without revealing Harper and Annabelle’s father’s name? When Harper’s business partner has a stroke, his son Ridge steps in to help. Before long, he’s spending more time with her than the business would dictate–and Harper finds she doesn’t mind in the least. When yet another tragedy strikes close to home, though, Harper and Ridge realize that the secrets of the past can’t stay there. They’ll have to unravel Harper’s past before they can secure their future”– Provided by publisher.

–

Have a great week!

Linda Reimer, SSCL

–

StarCat

The catalog of physical library materials, i.e. print books, audiobooks on CD, DVDs etc.

ABOUT LIBRARY APPS:

You can access digital library content, i.e. eBooks & downloadable audiobooks, on PCs, Macs and mobile devices.

For mobile devices simply download the Libby (eBooks & downloadable audiobooks) or the RB Digital app (on-demand magazines), from your app store to get started. And if you’re using a PC or Mac simply click on the following link: https://stls.overdrive.com/

If you have questions call the library at 607-936-3713 and one of our tech coaches will be happy to assist you.

Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, here are the top New York Times fiction and non-fiction bestsellers for the upcoming week.

(Click on the book covers to read a summary of each plot and to request the book(s) of your choice.

FICTION:

19TH CHRISTMAS by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro:

In the 19th installment of the Women’s Murder Club series, detective Lindsay Boxer and company take on a fearsome criminal known only as “Loman.”

 

–

 

BLUE MOON by Lee Child:

Jack Reacher gets caught up in a turf war between Ukrainian and Albanian gangs.

 

–

 

THE DESERTER by Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille:

Two members of the Criminal Investigation Division must bring back a Delta Force soldier who disappeared.

 

–

 

THE DUTCH HOUSE by Ann Patchett:

A sibling relationship is impacted when the family goes from poverty to wealth and back again over the course of many decades.

 

–

 

THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS by Lisa Jewell:

Libby Jones learns the identity of her parents and inherits a London mansion, but this comes with a mystery of multiple murders.

 

–

 

THE GIVER OF STARS by Jojo Moyes:

In Depression-era America, five women refuse to be cowed by men or convention as they deliver books throughout the mountains of Kentucky.

 

–

 

THE GUARDIANS by John Grisham:

Cullen Post, a lawyer and Episcopal minister, antagonizes some ruthless killers when he takes on a wrongful conviction case.

 

–

 

THE INSTITUTE by Stephen King:

Children with special talents are abducted and sequestered in an institution where the sinister staff seeks to extract their gifts through harsh methods.

 

–

 

MICHAEL CRICHTON: THE ANDROMEDA EVOLUTION by Daniel H. Wilson:

A team of experts is assembled to stop an evolving and potentially apocalyptic microbe.

 

–

 

THE NIGHT FIRE by Michael Connelly:

Harry Bosch and Renée Ballard return to take up a case that held the attention of Bosch’s mentor.

 

–

 

NOTHING TO SEE HERE by Kevin Wilson:

Madison enlists her former boarding school roommate to look after her twin stepchildren, who burst into flames when agitated.

 

–

 

OLIVE, AGAIN by Elizabeth Strout:

In a follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “Olive Kitteridge,” new relationships, including a second marriage, are encountered in a seaside town in Maine.

 

–

 

STARLESS SEA by Erin Morgenstern:

Zachary Ezra Rawlins fights to save a labyrinthine underground repository of stories.

 

–

 

THE TESTAMENTS by Margaret Atwood:

In a sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” old secrets bring three women together as the Republic of Gilead’s theocratic regime shows signs of decay.

 

–

 

TWISTED TWENTY-SIX by Janet Evanovich:

The 26th book in the Stephanie Plum series. A New Jersey gangster’s associates go after a bounty hunter’s widowed grandmother.

 

–

 

WATER DANCER by Ta-Nehisi Coates:

A young man who was gifted with a mysterious power becomes part of a war between slavers and the enslaved.

 

–

 

WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING by Delia Owens:

In a quiet town on the North Carolina coast in 1969, a young woman who survived alone in the marsh becomes a murder suspect.

 

–

 

NON-FICTION:

BEAUTIFUL ONES by Prince. Edited by Dan Piepenbring:

A memoir by the musician written before his death, with photos and other memorabilia detailing his evolution.

 

–

 

BECOMING by Michelle Obama:

The former first lady describes her journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House, and how she balanced work, family and her husband’s political ascent.

 

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BLOWOUT by Rachel Maddow:

The MSNBC host argues that the global oil and gas industry has weakened democracies and bolstered authoritarians.

 

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THE BODY by Bill Bryson:

An owner’s manual of the human body covering various parts, functions and what happens when things go wrong.

 

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CATCH AND KILL by Ronan Farrow:

The Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter details some surveillance and intimidation tactics used to pressure journalists and elude consequences by certain wealthy and connected men.

 

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FINDING CHIKA by Mitch Albom:

Lessons learned by the Alboms when they bring a Haitian orphan with a life-threatening illness into their family.

 

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I HEARD YOU PAINT HOUSES by Charles Brandt:

A World War II veteran works for a crime boss and comes into contact with the union boss Jimmy Hoffa. The basis of the movie “The Irishman.”

 

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ME by Elton John:

The multi-award-winning solo artist’s first autobiography chronicles his career, relationships and private struggles.

 

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SAM HOUSTON AND THE ALAMO AVENGERS by Brian Kilmeade:

The “Fox & Friends” host gives an account of the battle against the Mexican Army in 1836.

 

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TALKING TO STRANGERS by Malcolm Gladwell:

Famous examples of miscommunication serve as the backdrop to explain potential conflicts and misunderstandings.

 

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TRIGGERED by Donald Trump Jr.:

Forays into politics and views on liberals from the executive vice president of the Trump Organization.

 

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UNITED STATES OF TRUMP by Bill O’Reilly:

The conservative commentator weaves interviews and personal history to portray the power and influence of the 45th president.

 

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WITH ALL DUE RESPECT by Nikki R. Haley:

A memoir by the former United States ambassador to the United Nations and governor of South Carolina.

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Have a great day!

Linda Reimer, SSL

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Note: this list contains all the New York Times fiction and non-fiction bestsellers for the week that are owned by libraries within the Southern Tier Library System.

Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, here are our five musical recommendations of the week!

(Click on the Book/eBook/CD/DVD or book cover to request the item)

Capital Jazz: A 50th Anniversary Collection (1992) by Various Artists (Format: CD):

Capital Jazz is a terrific 50 song set of classic jazz music. Artists in the set include Ella Mae Morse, Paul Whiteman, Jack Teagarden, Kay Starr, Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole, Art Tatum, Duke Ellington, Coleman Hawkins, Benny Carter, Stan Kenton, and Woody Herman.

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Before The Dead (2018) by Jerry Garcia (Format: CD):

This collection features 3.5 hours of music and some of the earliest, and rarest, recordings made by Jerry Garcia, both as a solo musician and as a member of the groups The Black Mountain Boys, The Asphalt Jungle Mountain Boys and The Wildwood Boys.

Included are recordings made at coffee houses, at part of a bluegrass band and even a recording made at a birthday party– all the material was recorded before 1965.

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The Holy Or The Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley & The Unlikely Ascent of “Hallelujah” by Adam Light (Format: Print Book):

Author and music journalist Alan Light chronicles the story of how Leonard Cohen wrote and recorded the song “Hallelujah”, the song then went nowhere and only after Jeff Buckley recorded and released it, did it become a world-wide smash and, in the post 9/11 era an anthem of hope for millions.

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Bonnie Raitt Live At Montreux 1977 (And 1991) by Bonnie Raitt (Format: DVD):

In 1977 Bonnie Raitt was touring to promote her sixth album, Sweet Forgiveness. She had released her first single from the LP, a version of Del Shannon’s Runaway, and it became her first hit.

This concert shows that in the 1970s Bonnie was already a top-notch blues guitarist and singer – it just took a while for the public to cotton on!

This collection features the eleven songs she played at the 1977 concert and, as a bonus, four songs she played at the 1991 Montreux Festival after the release of the two albums that made her a house hold name – Nick of Time (1989) and Luck of the Draw (1991)

Song List (1977):
1. Under The Falling Sky
2. Walk Out The Front Door
3. Good Enough
4. Nothing Seems To Matter
5. Love Me Like A Man
6. Give It Up, Or Let Me Go
7. Women Be Wise
8. I Thought I Was A Child
9. Home
10. Sugar Mama
11. Runaway

Song List: (1991)
1. Papa Come Quick
2. Good Man, Good Woman
3. Three Time Loser
4. Think

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Me, The Mob And The Music: One Helluva Ride With Tommy James And The Shondells by Tommy James with Martin Fitzpatrick (Format: Print Book):

The classic rocker Tommy James relays the story of his life, which includes a somewhat harrowing account of how he signed and recorded for Roulette Records, under the direction of the mobster and music business executive Morris Levy.

Bonus Suggestion: Original Album Series by Tommy James & The Shondells (CD):

This set released in 2013 features all the songs on five of the groups sixties albums: Hanky Panky, I Think We’re Alone Now, Mony Mony, Crimson & Clover and Cellophne Symphony.

The collection features of the group’s greatest hits including the songs Mony Mony, Hanky Panky, I Think We’re Alone Now, Crystal Blue Persuasion and Mirage.

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Videos Of The Week:

Cow Cow Boogie by Freddie Slack & His Orchestra with Ella Mae Morse on vocals:

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Godchild by Miles Davis

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Passion Flower by Louis Bellson And The Just Jazz All Stars

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What Is This Thing Called Love by The (Nat) King Cole Trio

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All My Trials by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter (Bob and Jerry)

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Man of Constant Sorrow by Sleepy Hollow Hog Stompers featuring Jerry Garcia

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Rosa Lee McFall by the Black Mountain Boys featuring Jerry Garcia

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Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley

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Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen

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Give It Up, Or Let Me Go by Bonnie Raitt

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Home by Bonnie Raitt

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Runaway by Bonnie Raitt

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Love Has No Pride by Crosby, Stills & Nash with Bonnie Raitt

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Crystal Blue Persuasion by Tommy James & The Shondells

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Hank Panky by Tommy James & The Shondells

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Mony Mony by Tommy James & The Shondells

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Have a great weekend!

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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REFERENCES:

Print References

The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits by Joel Whitburn

Online References

AllMusic: https://www.allmusic.com/

Jeff Buckley, 30, Who Wrote And Sang Eclectic Folk-Rock. Written by Neil Strauss. June 6, 1997. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/06/arts/jeff-buckley-30-who-wrote-and-sang-eclectic-folk-rock.html

Leonard Cohen, Epic and Enigmatic Songwriter, Is Dead at 82. Written by Larry Rohter and published in the New York Times November 10, 2016. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/11/obituaries/leonard-cohen-dies.html

Online Catalog Links:

StarCat

The catalog of physical materials, i.e. print books, DVDs, audiobooks on CD, etc.

The Digital Catalog (OverDrive)

The catalog of e-books, downloadable audiobooks and a handful of streaming videos.

ABOUT LIBRARY APPS: Libby & RBDigital:

You can access digital library content on PCs, Macs and mobile devices. For mobile devices simply download the Libby and/or the RBDigital app, to check out eBooks, downloadable audiobooks and on-demand magazines, from your app store to get started. If you have questions call the library at 607-936-3713 and one of our tech coaches will be happy to assist you.

Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.