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 SUGGESTIONS:

The Bishop’s Bedroom written by Jill Foulston & read by Edoardo Ballerini (Format: Downloadable Audiobook):

Summer 1946. World War II has just come to an end, and there’s a yearning for renewal. A man in his thirties is sailing on Lake Maggiore in northern Italy, hoping to put off the inevitable return to work. Dropping anchor in a small, fashionable port, he meets the enigmatic owner of a nearby villa who invites him home for dinner with his older wife and beautiful widowed sister-in-law. The sailor is intrigued by the elegant waterside mansion, staffed with servants and imbued with mystery, and stays in a guest room previously occupied by a now-deceased bishop related to his host. The two men form an uneasy bond, recognizing in each other a shared taste for idling and erotic adventure. They soon set sail together, encountering old flames and making new conquests. But tragedy puts an abrupt halt to their revels and shatters the tranquility of the villa. What really happened on the dock? And who was the figure glimpsed cycling around the shore in the dark?

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I Wanted Fries with That: How to Ask for What You Want and Get What You Need by Amy Fish (Format: eBook):

SPEAK UP AND PERSUADE

At some point in our lives, we’ve all experienced an injustice, large or small — a restaurant botching our lunch order or a boss who isn’t following the guidelines for workplace etiquette — and suffered in silence for fear of offending anyone. When we fail to speak up, however, we shortchange ourselves. Amy Fish encourages standing up for yourself (and others) by complaining effectively. Her suggestions will appeal to anyone who wants to speak up and isn’t sure where to start, including managers navigating workplace disputes, couples who argue about the same things over and over, and even someone with a friend with bad breath. Illustrating her points with funny real-life stories, Fish reveals pragmatic methods to redress grievances with civility, honesty, and fairness for everyone involved — whether you’re trying to right the wrongs of the world or just claim the french fries you ordered.

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Sh*tshow by Richard Russo (Format: eBook):

A Vintage Shorts Short Story original.

David and Ellie didn’t realize how much they have missed their friends, two other couples who had moved out of their modest neighborhood in a desert city for the comforts of the suburbs, until the day of Donald Trump’s election. Separated also from their daughter who lived hours away in California, they were in a funk. But, when Ellie discovers a repellant offering floating in the small Jacuzzi in their backyard, David is blindsided. Little does he know this is but the first in a chain of grisly events that would play out in their lives with devastating consequences.

In this darkly humorous, incisive and absorbing political parable, written with the remarkable humanity he’s beloved for with countless fans, Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Russo probes how deeply, yet imperceptibly, fissures can form amongst friends, neighbors, and families.

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Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival by Velma Wallis (Format: eBook):

“No one should miss this beautiful legend.” — Tony Hillerman

Based on an Athabascan Indian legend passed along for many generations from mothers to daughters of the upper Yukon River Valley in Alaska, this is the suspenseful, shocking, ultimately inspirational tale of two old women abandoned by their tribe during a brutal winter famine.

Though these women have been known to complain more than contribute, they now must either survive on their own or die trying. In simple but vivid detail, Velma Wallis depicts a landscape and way of life that are at once merciless and starkly beautiful. In her old women, she has created two heroines of steely determination whose story of betrayal, friendship, community, and forgiveness “speaks straight to the heart with clarity, sweetness, and wisdom” (Ursula K. Le Guin).

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Vespasian Series Books 1-3: Tribune of Rome, Rome’s Executioner, False God of Rome by Robert Fabbri (Format: eBook):

Tribute of Rome: One man, born in rural obscurity, destined to become one of Rome’s greatest Emperors
26 AD: 16-year-old Vespasian leaves his family farm for Rome, his sights set on finding a patron and following his brother into the army, but he discovers a city in turmoil and an Empire on the brink. The aging emperor Tiberius is in seclusion on Capri, leaving Rome in the iron grip of Sejanus, commander of the Praetorian Guard. Sejanus is ruler of the Empire in all but name, but many fear that isn’t enough for him. Sejanus’ spies are everywhere—careless words at a dinner party can be as dangerous as a barbarian arrow. Vespasian is totally out of his depth, making dangerous enemies (and even more dangerous friends—like the young Caligula) and soon finds himself ensnared in a conspiracy against Tiberius. With the situation in Rome deteriorating, Vespasian flees the city to take up a position as tribune in an unfashionable legion on the Balkan frontier. Even here, rebellion is in the air and unblooded and inexperienced, Vespasian must lead his men in savage battle with hostile mountain tribes. Vespasian will soon realize that he can’t escape Roman politics any more than he can escape his destiny.

Rome’s Executioner: A hero forged in battle. A legend born. Thracia, AD30: Even after four years military service at the edge of the Roman world, Vespasian can’t escape the tumultuous politics of an Empire on the brink of disintegration. His patrons in Rome have charged him with the clandestine extraction of an old enemy from a fortress on the banks of the Danube before it falls to the Roman legion besieging it.

Vespasian’s mission is the key move in a deadly struggle for the right to rule the Roman Empire. The man he has been ordered to seize could be the witness that will destroy Sejanus, commander of the Praetorian Guard and ruler of the Empire in all but name. Before he completes his mission, Vespasian will face ambush in snowbound mountains, pirates on the high seas, and Sejanus’s spies all around him. But by far the greatest danger lies at the rotten heart of the Empire, at the nightmarish court of Tiberius, Emperor of Rome and debauched, paranoid madman.

False God Of Rome: Vespasian’s mission will lead to violence, mayhem, and theft—and in the end, to a betrayal so great it will echo through the ages

Vespasian is serving as a military officer on the outskirts of the Roman Empire, suppressing local troubles and defending the Roman way. But political events in Rome—Tiberius’s increasingly insane debauchery, the escalating grain crisis—draw him back to the city. When Caligula becomes Emperor, Vespasian believes that things will improve. Instead, he watches the young emperor deteriorate from Rome’s shining star to a blood-crazed, incestuous, all-powerful madman. Lavish building projects, endless games, public displays of his relationship with his sister, Drusilla, and a terrified senate are as nothing to Caligula’s most ambitious plan: to bridge the bay of Neapolis and ride over it wearing Alexander’s breastplate. And it falls to Vespasian to travel to Alexandria and steal it from Alexander’s mausoleum.

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PRINT BOOK SUGGESTIONS:

The Body On The Train by Frances Brody:

Abstract: “London, 1929. In the darkness before dawn, a railway porter, unloading a special train from Yorkshire, discovers a man’s body, shot and placed in a sack. There are no means of identification to be found and as Scotland Yard hits a dead end, they call on the inimitable Kate Shackleton, a local sleuth, confident her local knowledge and investigative skills will produce results. But it’s no easy task. Suspicion of political intrigue and fears of unrest in the Yorkshire coalfields, impose secrecy on her already difficult task. The murder of a shopkeeper, around the same time, seems too much of a coincidence. The convicted felon was found with blood on his hands, but it’s too tidy and Kate becomes convinced the police have the wrong man. By then it’s too late. Kate finds herself in a den of vipers. The real killer is still at large, and having tinkered with Kate’s car, nearly causes her to crash. Not only that, but Scotland Yard has turned their back on her. As Kate edges toward the shocking truth, she’s going to need all the strength and resourcefulness she can muster to uncover this sinister web of deceit.”–IndieBound.org

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The Fall Of Richard Nixon: A Reporter Remembers Watergate by Tom Brokaw:

Abstract: “The last year of the Nixon presidency was filled with power politics, legal jiu-jitsu and high-stakes showdowns, with head-shaking surprises every day. Tom Brokaw, the NBC News White House correspondent during the final year of Watergate, gives us a close-up, personal account of the players, the strategies, and the highs and lows of the scandal that brought down a president. Brokaw writes, ‘Even now, almost half a century later, I am astonished by what the country went through, and I wanted to share press stories from the inside looking out — what it was like to be on call 24/7, the twists and turns, the laughs and tensions during this historic time.'”– Provided by publisher.

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The Rise of Magicks by Nora Roberts:

Abstract:”The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Year One and Of Blood and Bone concludes her stunning new trilogy praised as “A match for end-of-the-world classics like Stephen King’s The Stand.” After the sickness known as the Doom destroyed civilization, magick has become commonplace, and Fallon Swift has spent her young years learning its ways. Fallon cannot live in peace until she frees those who have been preyed upon by the government or the fanatical Purity Warriors, endlessly hunted or locked up in laboratories, brutalized for years on end. She is determined to save even those who have been complicit with this evil out of fear or weakness-if, indeed, they can be saved. Strengthened by the bond she shares with her fellow warrior, Duncan, Fallon has already succeeded in rescuing countless shifters and elves and ordinary humans. Now she must help them heal-and rediscover the light and faith within themselves. For although from the time of her birth, she has been The One, she is still only one. And as she faces down an old nemesis, sets her sights on the enemy’s stronghold, and pursues her destiny-to finally restore the mystical shield that once protected them all-she will need an army behind her…”– Provided by publisher.

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Robert B. Parker’s Angel Eyes by Ace Atkins:

Abstract: “In the latest thriller featuring the legendary Boston PI, Spenser heads to the City of Angels to meet old friends and new enemies in a baffling missing person case that might shake Tinseltown to its core”– Provided by publisher.

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Twisted Twenty-Six: A Stephanie Plum Novel by Janet Evanovich:

Abstract: Grandma Mazur is a widow … again. This time her marriage lasted a whole 45 minutes. The unlucky groom was one Jimmy Rosolli, local gangster, lothario (senior division) and heart attack waiting to happen … well, the waiting’s over. It’s a sad day, but if she can’t have Jimmy at least Grandma can have all the attention she wants as the dutiful widow. But some kinds of attention are not welcomed, particularly when Jimmy’s former “business partners” are convinced that his widow is keeping the keys to their financial success for herself. As someone who has spent an entire career finding bad guys, a set of missing keys should be no challenge for Stephanie Plum. Problem is, the facts are as twisted as a boardwalk pretzel with mustard.

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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:

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.”

 

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BLUE MOON by Lee Child:

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

 

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THE DESERTER by Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille:

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

 

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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 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.

 

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FINAL OPTION by Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison:

The 14th book of the Oregon Files series. Juan Cabrillo’s enemy has replicated a state-of-the-art ship.

 

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FIND ME by André Aciman:

Years after the events of “Call Me by Your Name,” Elio has become a classically trained pianist in Paris while Oliver is a New England college professor with a family.

 

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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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KISS THE GIRLS AND MAKE THEM CRY by Mary Higgins Clark:

An investigative journalist seeks to uncover sexual misconduct at a television news network.

 

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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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NOEL STREET by Richard Paul Evans:

A former Vietnam War prisoner of war may gift a single mother with release to her secret pain in Mistletoe, Utah.

 

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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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STARLESS SEA by Erin Morgenstern:

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

 

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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.

 

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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:

ACID FOR THE CHILDREN by Flea:

A memoir by the bassist and a founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

 

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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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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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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.

 

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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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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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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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LITTLE WEIRDS by Jenny Slate:

A collection of comedic and revealing essays.

 

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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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MOBITUARIES by Mo Rocca and Jonathan Greenberg:

 

The humorist spotlights frequently unnoticed aspects of deceased celebrities and historical figures.

 

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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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THREE DAYS AT THE BRINK by Bret Baier with Catherine Whitney:

The Fox News host describes a meeting between Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin in Tehran during World War II.

 

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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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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)

Be Thou My Vision: Sacred Music (2004) by John Rutter by The Cambridge Singers (Format: CD):

A choral music collection of works by the modern composer of choral works – John Rutter

Of course, this recording features his own Cambridge Singers, with the City of London Sinfonia, all under his baton and sounding highly polished.

1. Be Thou My Vision for chorus, organ & orchestra
2. Open Thou Mine Eyes for chorus
3. I will sing with the spirit, for choir & orchestra
4. A Gaelic Blessing for chorus & orchestra
5. Wings of the morning, for choir & orchestra
6. Be Joyful in the Lord for chorus & orchestra
7. All Things Bright and Beautiful for chorus & orchestra
8. I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes for chorus & orchestra
9. As the Bridegroom To His Chosen for chorus & strings

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Eddie & The Cruisers (1983) (Format: DVD):

Movie Summary: In the early sixties an up and coming rock band lead by Eddie Wilson recorded some great songs, lost their equally great saxophone player and then their lead singer seemingly drove his car off a bridge.

Twenty years later the band’s music is more popular than ever and a reporter decided to dig deeper and find out if Eddie really died in 1963, or, might he still be alive?

The music in the film was written by John Cafferty and performed by Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band – and is fun, upbeat classic rock.

Songs List:
1. On the Dark Side
2. Mockingbird
3. Runaround Sue
4. Down on My Knees
5. Hang up My Rock & Roll Shoes
6. Runaway
7. Boardwalk Angel
8. Betty Lou Got a New Pair of Shoes
9. Those Oldies But Goodies (Remind Me of You)
10. Season in Hell (Fire Suite)

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The Flying Dulcimer (1993) by Matthew Abelson (Format: CD):

Matthew Abelson is hammered dulcimer player extraordinaire who has played at the White House and has traveled across the country putting on dulcimer workshops and performing concerts.

This collection seems like a perfect complement to the fall-into-holiday season!
Traditional music played on a traditional instrument – check it out!

1. Goin’ ‘Cross The Mountain / Over The Waterfall
2. Langstrom’s Pony
3. O’Carolan’s Welcome
4. Drowsy Maggie / Golden Keyboard
5. Minuet In G
6. Simple Gifts
7. South Wind
8. Tobin’s Favorite / Top Of The Cork Road
9. Cantata (Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring)
10. O’Carolan’s Concerto
11. Sandy River Belle
12. Temperance Reel / Staten Island
13. Si Bheag, Si Mohr
14. Pretty Little Dog
15. Da Slokit Light

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Linus & Lucy: The Music of Vince Guaraldi (1996) by George Winston (Format: CD):

George Winston is a great pianist known for creating New Age music for the Windham Hill label since 1980. This collection features some music that will be very familiar to anyone who has watched any of the Charlie Brown TV shows over the years as Vince Guaraldi wrote and prefomed the original music for those classic TV shows.

Song List:
1. Cast Your Fate To The Wind
2. Skating
3. Linus & Lucy
4. The Great Pumpkin Waltz
5. Monterrey
6. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
7. Treat Street
8. Eight Five Five
9. The Masked Marvel
10. Charlie Brown and His All-Stars
11. You’re in love, Charlie Brown
12. Peppermint Patty
13. Bon voyage
14. Young man’s fancy
15. Remembrance
16. Theme to Grace/Lament

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Things Have Changed (2018) by Bettye Lavette (Format: CD):

Bettye Lavette is a talented R&B singer who performed & recorded for many years before finally breaking through to the mainstream American audience with her 2005 album I’ve Got My Own Hell To Raise. Things Have Changed is her newest LP and it consists of terrific cover versions of Bob Dylan’s songs.

Song List:
1. Things Have Changed
2. It Ain’t Me Babe
3. Political World
4. Don’t Fall Apart on Me Tonight
5. Seeing the Real You at Last
6. Mama, You Been on My Mind
7. Ain’t Talkin’
8. The Times They Are A-Changin’
9. What Was It You Wanted

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Videos Of The Week:

On The Dark Side by Eddie & The Cruisers (music by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band)

 

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Tender years by Eddie & The Cuisers (music by John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band)

 

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Jamming with Matthew Abelson

 

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Matthew Abelson performs at Arcade & Kent – 1999

 

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Cast Your Fate To The Wind by George Winston

 

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A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving by George Winston

 

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Linus & Lucy (Charlie Brown Theme) by Vince Guaraldi

 

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Love Reign by Bettye Lavette

 

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Things Have Changed by Bettye Lavette

 

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Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bettye Lavette

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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/

John Rutter Composer & Conductor, https://johnrutter.com/

The Flying Dulcimer, http://www.flyingdulcimer.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 SUGGESTIONS:

The Butterfly Crest by Gissel Ferriol (Format: eBook)

Elena Vicens is a regular person, living an ordinary life; until one day when, out of the blue, she received a mysterious letter. The letter tells of a lock box left by her mother who died almost two decades before. The act of opening the lock box sends Elena on a journey across the globe and brings a world of myths and magic to light. Only one thing is certain, after opening the lock box Elena’s life will never be the same!

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Guilty Minds by Joseph Finder (Format: eBook):

Guilty Minds is another political thriller by the inestimable writer of political thrillers – Joseph Finder.

In our era of social media, when videos from unknown sources can go viral, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court finds himself enmeshed in a scandal created by a gossip website reporter who specializes in dishing the dirt on the rich and famous. The reporter claims that the justice had multiple liaisons with prostitutes, an accusation the justice denies. But just how is the justice going to clear his name? Enter Intelligence operative Nick Heller and let the suspense begin!

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Journey: A Novel by James A. Michener (Format: eBook):

Journey is a classic adventure tale one of the masters of 20^th Century historical novels – James A. Michener.

This eBook is new to the catalog and opens in 1897 when the exciting news broke that gold had been discovered in the Yukon. People of all walks of life left their lives to journey to Canada with the hope of finding gold and become rich beyond the dreams of avarice. Michener introduces the reader to four British nobles who with their Irish servants embark on an arduous trip, through the frigidly cold wilderness to the Klondike Gold Fields.

Michener wrote great, descriptive historical novels allowing the reader a glimpse into another world – and if you haven’t ever read a Michener novel, I recommend you do so!

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Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek (Format: eBook):

In studying how business teams work together, motivational speaker and New York Times Bestselling author Simon Sinek noticed that some teams were devoted to supporting and working with each other as part of a team, and in fact went out of their way to assist each other.  And other teams became divisive groups that did not place nicely together and thus did not work well together.

Sinek discovered that the best teams work so well together because their team leaders create an environment of trust and positive collaboration building a “Circle of Safety” around the team.  In other words the team leaders support the team and put the team first having the proverbial and collective back of the team covered.

One of the stories in the book, and the one the author named the book after Officers Eat Last is actually something a Marine general said to the author while he was researching the book. The general noted that the superior officers, in the chain of command, made sure everyone else was fed first and that that the highest ranking officers got in the back of the chow line to ensure their “team” was taken care of – the meaning being simply that great leaders put their soldiers/team members first and that fosters great teams and great team work.

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Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut (Format: eBook):

Player Piano was originally published in 1952 and was Kurt Vonnegut’s first novel. Vonnegut did not set out to create a science fiction novel, and in fact wasn’t pleased when Player Piano was referred to as a science fiction novel – but a science fiction novel it is! The novel is set in the future and the protagonist, engineer Paul Proteus, finds himself working during an era where machines displace human workers without regard for the safety or well-being of said workers. Paul believes in the well-being of human beings and gets into a great deal of trouble as a result, as he works to change the new machinated status quo.

PRINT BOOK SUGGESTIONS:

Building Walls: Excluding Latin People in the United States by Ernesto Castaneda

In the book Building Walls Sociologist Ernesto Castaneda discusses the recent presidential plan to build a border wall between the United States and Mexico and puts it into a larger historical narrative. The book focuses on the history of Latino immigrants in the U.S. and the consequences of building walls, physically and socially between American citizens and Latino immigrants.

About The Author: Ernesto Castaneda is Assistant Professor of Sociology at the American University of Washington, D.C.

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A Christmas Gathering by Anne Perry:

Recently married Lady Vespasia and her husband Victor Narraway, a former police department head, have been invited to the elegant home of friends for the Christmas holidays. And despite the fact that the couple would have preferred to stay at home and enjoy a cozy Christmas in each other’s company they feel obligated to attend the holiday festivities.

After they arrive at the grand estate it becomes apparent that more is going on than what meets the eye. Victor seems to be on a secret assignment but what exactly has he been assigned to do?  And how is the lovely Iris Watson-Watt involved?

Something is afoot and the forecast for a quiet and relaxing Christmas is falling to less than 50%!

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City Of Scoundrels by Victoria Thompson

Elizabeth Miles has a usual background. She is a former con women turned upper class Lady, Elizabeth Miles is engaged to her true love, the honorable Gideon Bates. While lawyer Gideon is waiting to be drafted to serve in the Great War he workers hard preparing wills for soldiers before they leave for the front. Gideon prepares a will for Corporal Tom Preston who is the co-owner of the very profitable Preston Shoe company. Preston has recently, secretly, married a lady he knows his family would disapprove of; however, he is determined that should he be killed his wife an unborn child will inherit his estate.

Shortly after Preston is sent into battle, he is reported killed in action and then his will disappears. Good thing the honorable lawyer Gideon Bates has a fiancée who comes from a family of grifters!

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In Regalia by Erin L. McCormack:

Middle aged Helene Roy Bradford comes from a troubled family. Her parents died young, her brother is rudderless and she is estranged from her younger sister Renee.

Despite her past Helene has created a stable and comfortable life which she enjoys. And then she receives news that Renee has died and her brother-in-law Izzy, who is Native American, requires assistance in raising their children. A culture class ensues as Helene and Izzy, who have very different social expectations, try to find common ground and heal.

The story is relayed in an interesting way in three parts via Helene’s narrative, Renee’s journal entries and Izzy’s blog postings

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Monster Kill by Sean Doolittle:

Treasure hunters uncover the wreck of the steamship Arcadia in Kansas and awaken a golem, a mindless assassin who was created in 1856, and whose sole purpose and goal is to kill a slave trader of that era. The slave trader has been dead for many, many years so the golem goes after the trader’s closest living relative – a bored IT technician named Ben Middleton. Ben must stop the golem before it kills him and then, presumably moves on to killing his estranged teenage son Charley.

If you like fast-paced thriller with elements of fantasy– check this one out!

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Salvation Day by Kali Wallace:

Orphaned Zahra is determined to build a better life for herself and her siblings, so she agrees to a plan put together by the leader of their group, Adam Light. Adam’s plan is for the group to steal an abandoned spaceship, The Wisdom of Wisdom. The ship was abandoned a decade ago due to a virus that killed most the crew. In order to steal the ship they plan to kidnap the only survivor, Jaswinder Bahttacharya, whose genetic signature they’ll need to board the ship. All goes to plan at first but once the group successfully boards the ship they are shocked to discover the real reason the ship was abandoned. Survival is then the order of the day…

–

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.

 

–

 

DOCTOR SLEEP by Stephen King:

Now grown up, Dan, the boy with psycho-intuitive powers in “The Shining,” helps another child with a spectacular gift.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

FIND ME by André Aciman:

Years after the events of “Call Me by Your Name,” Elio has become a classically trained pianist in Paris while Oliver is a New England college professor with a family.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

NINTH HOUSE by Leigh Bardugo:

After mysteriously surviving a multiple homicide, Galaxy Stern comes face to face with dark magic, murder and more at Yale University.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

EDISON by Edmund Morris:

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author chronicles the personal life, inventions and obsessions of Thomas Alva Edison

 

–

 

EDUCATED by Tara Westover:

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

 

–

 

ME by Elton John:

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

 

–

 

PERMANENT RECORD by Edward Snowden:

A memoir by the former National Security Agency contractor who exposed the government’s mass surveillance program.

 

–

 

TALKING TO STRANGERS by Malcolm Gladwell:

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

 

–

 

THREE DAYS AT THE BRINK by Bret Baier with Catherine Whitney:

The Fox News host describes a meeting between Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin in Tehran during World War II.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

THE WAY I HEARD IT by Mike Rowe:

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

–

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, here are our five musical recommendations of the week!

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

The Commitments (1991) (Format: Blu-ray but also available on regular DVD):

Dubliner Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) decides to put together a traditional R&B band but find R&B musicians are a bit hard to find in Dublin. So Rabbitte holds auditions, hires a few players that can play R&B and finds two sensational R&B musicians a horn player named Joey “The Lips” Fagan (Johnny Murphy) and Deco Cuffe (Andrew Strong) a street car conductor who sings like he’s just walked out of 1960s Stax recording session. The band, dubbed The Commitments, begins playing to sold out clubs and Jimmy is determined to get the band recorded but that turns out to be harder than it sounds.

The movie is full of great upbeat R&B music and is great fun to watch!

–

Threads (2019) by Sheryl Crow (Format: CD):

Back in 1992, while I was working at Sam Goody a rockin’ gal named Sheryl Crow released her first LP. It was titled Tuesday Night Music Club and it featured great roots rock music including the songs All I Want To Do, No One Said It Would Be Easy and Leaving Las Vegas. Twenty-six years later Sheryl has released her thirteenth album and it too features great roots rock music! Check it out!

Song List:
1. Prove You Wrong
2. Live Wire
3. Tell Me When It’s Over
4. Story Of Everything
5. Beware Of Darkness
6. Redemption Day
7. Cross Creek Road
8. Everything Is Broken
9. The Worst
10. Lonely Alone
11. Border Lord
12. Still The Good Old Days
13. Wouldn’t Want To Be Like You
14. Don’t
15. Nobody’s Perfect
16. Flying Blind
17. For The Sake Of Love

–

Preachin’ The Blues: The Life of Son House by Daniel Beaumont (Format: Print Book):

Preachin’ The Blues offers insight into the life and music of the great blues guitarist and singer singer Son House (1902-1988). House was born Eddie James House Jr. in 1902 in Riverton, Mississippi and began playing the guitar as a youth. He developed a new style that contained uniquely repetitive guitar playing with his raw gospel tinged vocals. House recorded in the 1930s and 1940s and then disappeared from public view and spent the succeeding twenty years living in obscurity in Rochester, New York before being rediscovered in the 1960s. Today Son House is considered one of the best of the Delta Blues musicians of the early twentieth century – and this is his story.

–

Six Classic Albums Plus Bonus Singles by The Maddox Brothers & Rose (Format: CD):

The Maddox Brothers and Rose were a rockin’ country band that played rockabilly music before there was a name for it. The band featured six siblings, five brothers, Cliff, Cal, Fred, Don and Henry and their sister Rose. They called themselves “America’s Most Colorful Hillbilly band”, and their music was featured in the recent Ken Burns PBS series Country Music.

The group’s recording heyday was in the 1940s and 1950s and this collection features 96 songs from seven vintage albums on four discs. The albums are: A Collection of Standard Songs, I’ll Write Your Name In The Sand, One Rose, Glory Bound Train, A Big Bouquet Of Roses and Rose Maddox Sings.

The group’s most popular songs include I Wish I Was A Single Girl Again, No Help Wanted, You’ve Been Talking In Your Sleep and No One Is Sweeter Than You. If you haven’t heard the music of this great rockabilly band before – check it out!

–

Woodstock: Back To The Garden 50Th Anniversary Collection (2019) by Various Artists (Format: CD):

This is a newly issued 42 song collection of recordings made at the original Woodstock in 1969. The producer for this re-mixed collection, Andy Zax, noted that original tapes “are the sonic equivalent of heirloom tomatoes — slightly imperfect, but delicious;” and with that idea in mind the production team for this issue did the bare bones minimum of tweaking the music for this collection so that listeners might hear the music as it was heard fifty years ago.

This collection features the following songs:

Disc: 1
1. Handsome Johnny (2019 Mix) – By Richie Havens
2. Freedom (Live at Woodstock, Bethel, NY, 8/15/1969) [2019 Mix] – By Richie Havens
3. “Everybody’s ground getting comfortable?” (2019 Mix) – By John Morris
4. Reason To Believe (2019 Mix) – By Tim Hardin
5. “It’s deadly serious, man” (2019 Mix) – By John Morris
6. Coming Into Los Angeles (2019 Mix) – By Arlo Guthrie
7. “Lotta freaks!” (2019 Mix) – By Arlo Guthrie
8. Drug Store Truck Drivin’ Man (with Jeffrey Shurtleff) [2019 Mix] – By Joan Baez
9. “Please come down” (2019 Mix) – By Chip Monck
10. The “Fish” Cheer/I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin’-To-Die Rag (2019 Mix) – By Country Joe McDonald
11. Jingo (2019 Mix) – By Santana
12. Soul Sacrifice (2019 Mix) – By Santana
13. “Helen Savage, please call your father” (2019 Mix) – By Chip Monck
14. Darling Be Home Soon (2019 Mix) – By John Sebastian
15. “It’s not poison!” (2019 Mix) – By Wavy Gravy
16. Going Up The Country (2019 Mix) – By Canned Heat
17. On The Road Again (2019 Mix) – By Canned Heat

Disc: 2
1. “Country common sense” (2019 Mix) – By Chip Monck, Country Joe McDonald, Ken Babbs
2. Dark Star (2019 Mix) – By Grateful Dead
3. “We’ve got the keys to your house” (2019 Mix) – By JOHN MORRIS
4. Bad Moon Rising (2019 Mix) – By Creedence Clearwater Revival
5. I Put a Spell On You (2019 Mix) – By Creedence Clearwater Revival
6. Kozmic Blues (2019 Mix) – By Janis Joplin
7. Piece Of My Heart (2019 Mix) – By Janis Joplin
8. Medley: Dance To The Music / Music Lover / I Want To Take You Higher (2019 Mix) – By Sly & The Family Stone
9. We’re Not Gonna Take It (2019 Mix) – By The Who
10. My Generation (2019 Mix) – By The Who
11. Somebody To Love (2019 Mix) – By Jefferson Airplane
12. Volunteers (2019 Mix) – By Jefferson Airplane
13. “We must be in Heaven, man!” (2019 Mix) – By Wavy Gravy

Disc: 3
1. “I think you people have proven something to the world” (2019 Mix) – By Max Yasgur
2. With A Little Help From My Friends (2019 Mix) – By Joe Cocker
3. “Looks like we’re gonna get a little bit of rain” (2019 Mix) – By JOHN MORRIS
4. I’m Going Home (2019 Mix) – By Ten Years After
5. The Weight (2019 Mix) – By The Band
6. Spinning Wheel (2019 Mix) – By Blood, Sweat & Tears
7. Suite: Judy Blue Eyes (2019 Mix) – By Crosby, Stills & Nash
8. Sea Of Madness (2019 Mix) – By Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
9. Wooden Ships (2019 Mix) – By Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
10. Love March (2019 Mix) – By The Butterfield Blues Band
11. At The Hop (2019 Mix) – By Sha Na Na
12. “It’s been a delight seeing you” (2019 Mix) – By Chip Monck

Videos Of The Week:

Mustang Sally by The Commitments

–

Treat Her Right by The Commitments

–

Still The Good Old Days by Sheryl Crow with Joe Walsh

–

Tell Me When It’s Over by Sheryl Crow with Chris Stapleton

–

Grinnin’ In Your Face by Son House

–

Mini-Concert: including the songs Death Letter Blues, John the Revelator, Preachin’ the Blues & I Wanna Live so God Can Use Me by Son House

–

George’s Playhouse Boogie by The Maddox Brothers & Rose

–

Love Is Strange by The Maddox Brothers & Rose

–

Coming Into Los Angeles by Arlo Guthrie

–

Dark Star by The Grateful Dead

–

Soul Sacrifice by Santana

–

Volunteers by Jefferson Airplane

–

Cause’ I Love You by Rufus & Carla Thomas

–

Nobody’s Fault by Mine by Blind Willie Johnson

–

Treat Her Right by Roy Head

–

Woke Up This Morning by Lightin’ Hopkins

–

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, OverDrive has just dropped a new Big Read title!

And you may well be wondering “What on earth is a Big Read title?”

And the answer to that question is that Big Read titles are eBooks that are made available for simultaneous use, so the titles are available for anyone and everyone to check out at the same time!

OverDrive, the company that provides all the eBooks and downloadable audiobooks for patrons of all Southern Tier Library System member libraries, puts out Big Read titles several times a year; and when you see a Big Read title – you can check it out and enjoy it without waiting!

This time out the Big Read title is I’m Not Dying with You Tonight written by Gilly Segal and Kimberly Jones.

I’m Not Dying With You tells the story of two girls who must learn to trust each other to survive during a night when race riots break out in their city.

You can click on the cover of the eBook to be redirected to the Digital Catalog site where you can read a detailed description of the plot. Or, you can simply open the Libby or OverDrive app to check out the eBook as Big Read titles are listed at the top of the Libby & OverDrive home pages.

You can think of Big Read eBooks as book club titles as anyone/everyone can checkout and read them  at the same time and you can also join in the Big Read conversation and say just what you think about the current Big Read book!

Here’s the link to the Big Read I’m Not Dying with You Tonight discussion board:

https://biglibraryread.com/discussion/main-forum/

Have a great day!

Linda Reimer, SSL

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.”

 

–

 

AGENT RUNNING IN THE FIELD by John le Carré:

A veteran of Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, who is assigned to command a lesser band of spies, hatches a covert operation.

 

–

 

BLOODY GENIUS by John Sandford:

The 12th book in the Virgil Flowers series. A fight between university departments turns deadly.

 

–

 

BURNING WHITE by Brent Weeks:

The fifth book in the Lightbringer series. When Chromeria is threatened, Kip Guile pulls forces together for one last fight.

 

–

 

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 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.

 

–

 

THE LAND OF LONG LOST FRIENDS by Alexander McCall Smith:

The 20th book in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Series. Precious Ramotswe’s latest case involves a preacher and a young woman.

 

–

 

MEANT TO BE YOURS by Susan Mallery:

The fifth book in the Happily Inc. series. An undateable pair are drawn to one another.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

NINTH HOUSE by Leigh Bardugo:

After mysteriously surviving a multiple homicide, Galaxy Stern comes face to face with dark magic, murder and more at Yale University.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

STEALTH by Stuart Woods:

The 51st book in the Stone Barrington series. A respite in England is disrupted when a rival’s deadly plan leads to something bigger.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

VINCE FLYNN: LETHAL AGENT by Kyle Mills:

Mexican cartels, ISIS and a possible pandemic bring Mitch Rapp back into action.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

WHAT HAPPENS IN PARADISE by Elin Hilderbrand:

In the sequel to “Winter in Paradise,” Irene Steele visits the island of St. John to get to the bottom of the mysterious life and death of her husband.

 

–

 

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:

THE BODY by Bill Bryson:

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

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

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.

 

–

 

DEAR GIRLS by Ali Wong:

The comedian dispenses her brand of wisdom through letters to her children.

 

–

 

DO YOU MIND IF I CANCEL? by Gary Janetti:

Comedic essays on everyday life by a writer and producer for television.

 

–

 

EDISON by Edmund Morris:

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author chronicles the personal life, inventions and obsessions of Thomas Alva Edison

 

–

 

EDUCATED by Tara Westover:

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

 

–

 

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 m

other and her relationship with Blake Edwards.

 

–

 

ME by Elton John:

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

 

–

 

PERMANENT RECORD by Edward Snowden:

A memoir by the former National Security Agency contractor who exposed the government’s mass surveillance program.

 

–

 

TALKING TO STRANGERS by Malcolm Gladwell:

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

 

–

 

THREE DAYS AT THE BRINK by Bret Baier with Catherine Whitney:

The Fox News host describes a meeting between Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin in Tehran during World War II.

 

–

 

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.

–

Have a great day!

Linda Reimer, SSL

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)

52^nd Street (1978) by Billy Joel (Format: CD)

Overview: Once The Stranger became a hit, Billy Joel quickly re-entered the studio with producer Phil Ramone to record the follow-up, 52nd Street. Instead of breaking from the sound of The Stranger, Joel chose to expand it, making it more sophisticated and somewhat jazzy. Often, his moves sounded as if they were responses to Steely Dan — indeed, his phrasing and melody for “Zanzibar” is a direct homage to Donald Fagen circa The Royal Scam, and it also boasts a solo from jazz great Freddie Hubbard à la Steely Dan — but since Joel is a working-class populist, not an elitist college boy, he never shies away from big gestures and melodies. Consequently, 52nd Street unintentionally embellishes the Broadway overtones of its predecessor, not only on a centerpiece like “Stiletto,” but when he’s rocking out on “Big Shot.” That isn’t necessarily bad, since Joel’s strong suit turns out to be showmanship — he dazzles with his melodic skills and his enthusiastic performances. He also knows how to make a record. Song for song, 52nd Street might not be as strong as The Stranger, but there are no weak songs — indeed, “Honesty,” “My Life,” “Until the Night,” and the three mentioned above are among his best — and they all flow together smoothly, thanks to Ramone’s seamless production and Joel’s melodic craftsmanship. It’s remarkable to think that in a matter of three records, Joel had hit upon a workable, marketable formula — one that not only made him one of the biggest-selling artists of his era, but one of the most enjoyable mainstream hitmakers. 52nd Street is a testament to that achievement.

     Song List:

1. Big Shot
2. Honesty
3. My Life
4. Zanzibar
5. Stiletto
6. Rosalinda’s Eyes
7. Half a Mile Away
8. Until the Night
9. 52nd Street

—

Bach Cantatas (2007) by Ton Koopman conducting The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir (Format: DVD):

Abstract: “Widely accepted as a leading authority on Baroque music, Ton Koopman introduces and conducts five of J.S. Bach’s religious cantatas (composed between 1707 and 1731) and his famous secular Kaffee kantate. Performed by the Amsterdamn Baroque Orchestra and Choir, the ensemble aptly illustrates the enormous skill and diversity in J.S. Bach’s music.”–Container.

—

The Best of Friends (1976) by Loggins & Messina (Format: CD):

Overview: The Best of Friends contains ten of Loggins & Messina’s best-known songs, not only including all of their big hits (“Vahevala,” “Your Mama Don’t Dance,” “Thinking of You,” “Watching the River Run”), but also key album tracks like “House at Pooh Corner,” “Danny’s Song,” “Peace of Mind” and “Angry Eyes.”

Song List:

1. Angry Eyes
2. Be Free
3. Vahevala
4. Peace of Mind
5. My Music
6. Thinking of You
7. House at Pooh Corner
8. Watching the River Run
9. Danny’s Song

—

Four Classic Albums Plus Bonus Singles & Live Tracks by Wanda Jackson (Format: CD)

This collection features the first four of Rockabilly pioneer Wanda Jackson’s vintage albums. Wanda was recently featured in the Ken Burns County Music documentary.

The albums are:

Day Dreaming (aka Wanda Jackson) (1958)

There’s a Party Going on (1959)

Rockin’ with Wanda! (1960)

Right Or Wrong (1961)

This collection features 89 songs including: Songs include Making Believe, Money, Honey, Let’s Have a Party, There’s A Party Going On, Fujiyama Mama, Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad, Baby Loves Him and Right or Wrong.

—

Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns (2001) (Format: 10 DVDs):

Abstract: A virtuoso performance by acclaimed flmmaker Ken Burns, Jazz celebrates the music of America – from blues and ragtime to swing, bebop and fusion. If you’ve seen the recently Ken Burns documentary on Country Music – imagine the same great documentary only with Jazz as the focus and you have, in a nutshell, what this series is about!

Videos Of The Week:

Big Shot by Billy Joel

–

Until The Night by Billy Joel

–

J S BACH Cantata BWV 147 – The Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra & Choir

–

Be Free by Loggins & Messina

–

Danny’s Song by Loggins & Messina

–

Hard Headed Woman by Wanda Jackson

–

Sparklin’ Brown Eyes by Wanda Jackson

–

Jazz: A Film by Ken Burns Trailer

–

Buddy Bolton’s Blues by Buddy Bolton

–

Egyptian Fantasy by Sidney Bechet

–

Maple Leaf Rag by Jelly Roll Morton

–

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.

Just a reminder, tomorrow is Election Day 2019 and if you’re not sure where to go to vote here is a link to the Steuben County, New York Polling Place page found on the official Steuben County website.

https://www.steubencony.org/Elect-Polling-Places/Poll_lookup.aspx

And if you don’t live in Steuben County, New York and have questions about where to go to vote, call you’re local public library and they’ll assist you!

And on with the suggested reading titles of the week!

–

DIGITAL CATALOG SUGGESTIONS:

The Boys on the Bus by Timothy Crouse (Format: eBook):

The Boys On The Bus tells the colorful story of the experiences of reporters who covered the 1972 presidential election between incumbent President Nixon and George McGovern.

–

The Hopefuls: A Novel by Jennifer Close (Format: eBook):

The Hopefuls relays the story of a young wife, Beth, who moves to Washington with her politically ambitious husband, Matt. The plot chronicles their lives in D.C. and mixes in humor, idealism, jealousy and more as they encounter and get to know prominent White House staffer Jimmy and his wife Ashleigh, after which drama ensues.

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Sharpe’s Tiger, Sharpe’s Series, Book 1 by Bernard Cornwell (Format: eBook):

Sharpe’s Tiger is the first book, chronology-wise, in the long running, swashbuckling Sharpe series, which opens at the end of the 18th Century and chronicles the life of Richard Sharpe. With sheer determination, Sharpe pulled himself up from very humble beginnings to rise through the ranks of the 95th Rifles; but that is getting ahead of the story a bit! Sharpe’s Tiger introduces Private Sharpe and relays his adventures during the Seige of Seringapatam a battle that was fought in what is today southeast India during April and May of 1799.

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Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For by Susan Rice (Format: Downloadable Audiobook):

Diplomat and foreign policy expert Susan E. Rice served as Assistant Secretary of State during the Clinton Administration and National Security Advisor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during the Obama Administration. In her memoir Tough Love she conveys her experiences before, during and after her tenure in government; offering a straightforward view of events that occurred during her thirty years in government.

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PRINT BOOK SUGGESTIONS:

Generation Citizen: The Power of Youth in Our Politics by Scott Warren:

Generation Citizen tells the story of the Generation Citizen organization which was founded in 2009 to educate American youth regarding the importance of civic engagement and civic responsibility. The organization was co-founded by then Brown senior Scott Warren, who is now the C.E.O. of Generation Citizen, and it has since become one of the preeminent civics education organizations in the country.

The book also offers information on the author’s life, features interviews with young Americans who have become civically engaged and it illustrates the importance of youth in promoting political change.

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Lethal Agent: A Novel by Kyle Mills:

In a novel that relays a story that could have come from today’s headlines, Lethal Agent tells the tale of a virulent presidential election that has the U.S. transfixed, while out of the blue ISIS kidnaps a French scientist and forces him to create deadly biochemical which they intend to use as bioweapons after smuggling the toxin into the United States from Mexico.

But is it really the bioweapon created by the French scientist that is the danger or, does ISIS have something else up its sleeve? U.S. Commando extraordinaire Mitch Rapp is on the job and is determined to find out and stop ISIS in its tracks.

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The Perfect Plan: A Novel by Bryan Readon:

Unstable Liam Brennan cracks and kidnaps a woman working for his charismatic older brother Drew. And the seemingly perfect Drew just happens to be a-new-to-the-political-scene break out gubernatorial candidate. As the authorities chase Liam it becomes apparent that there is more to the Brennan Brothers than what meets the eye…

It is indeed a mystery to be solved!

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Vote for US: How to Take Back Our Elections and Change the Future of Voting by Joshua A. Douglas:

In twelve short chapters, author Douglas offers information and stories that are upbeat, illuminating and that focus on the ways we can work to strengthen American Democracy. The book is written in an easily accessible style and features chapters titled What Do Taco Trucks Have To Do With Voter Registration?, How Voting Can Be As Easy As Food Shopping, The Former Miss Wisconsin May Save Your Vote, The Secret Sauce Of Our Democracy and How To Combat Fake News.

About The Author: Joshua A. Douglas is a professor of law at the University of Kentucky.

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We Are Still Here: Pain And Politics In The Heartland Of America by Jennifer Silva:

We’re Still Here tells the story of more than 100 families, all residents of an anonymous Pennsylvania town, a town that grew and prospered, over generations, as the coal industry did the same; and as the coal industry has declined so too has the town. This story offers a tale that is familiar in many parts of the U.S. today, as towns that thrived during the heyday of the American manufacturing era have declined in the last several decades.

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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.