Here's the latest edition of... What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??!!!!
After last week's review of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, I finished the book and came into the library to get Catching Fire, which is number 2, by Suzanne Collins in the series and guess what???!!! Yep, you guessed it. My luck. It was checked out and I had to put a hold on it!!! GRRRRRR! I think I'll just put a hold on the third one, Mockingjay, now....Because, I am about 10 pages in and just know I can't put it down and I'll have to read the third one, too!!
In the meantime, I am signed up for an online Reader's Advisory class about mysteries, so I thought I'd grab a mystery to read so I could be prepared to write a review for this upcoming class. With this in mind, you must remember that I usually only read mysteries that have some romance in them, too. I grabbed the new book by Linda Howard, Veil of Night.
I first got started reading Linda Howard when I became a librarian and everyone here at the Waverly Library said, have you read Open Season by Linda Howard?? Oh, you have to read it. It's about a librarian!! Loved that book by the way. Linda Howard writes strong and funny female protagonists that never quite seem to fit their stereotype. Veil of Night is no different. Jaclyn Wilde is a wedding planner who owns her own business, Premier, along with her mother. In the middle of one of the most hectic weeks ever, 6 weddings back to back, Jaclyn has to appear in court for a speeding ticket she forgot to pay. In her hurry to get back to the office, Jaclyn runs into handsome Detective Eric Wilder. Literally. She apologizes and heads off to her meeting with Carrie Edwards, Bridezilla. It goes so badly she decides to stop for a drink after work and runs into Eric Wilder again. Figuratively. It's his in, anyway, and they hit it off and Jaclyn spontaneously allows him to come home with her.
The next day there is another meeting with Bridezilla and things go sooo badly that one vendor quits and Carrie ends up slapping Jaclyn. By the end of the day, however, Carrie is killed and Jaclyn is suspect #1 as she was the last person to be with her and has probable cause because there was a "fight." Guess who the detective on the case is?? Yep. Eric Wilder. One night stand Eric Wilder. The story continues on with the now 5 weddings and a murder investigation simultaneously. It leaves you guessing until pretty close to the end who the murderer is, while at the same time, develops the relationship between Jaclyn and Eric.
Veil of Night is definitely a romance/mystery. At times, I wonder if it could be classified as mystery at all. The romance aspect seems to take the front seat pretty often. Since I really like romance, this is okay with me. One thing I didn't expect, though, was how funny the main character would be.
I was soaking some achy muscles in the tub the other day....of course reading my book. I told you I take them everywhere...And I couldn't help but laugh out loud there were parts that were soo funny. My four year old had to come in and check on me I was laughing so hard.
So, if you are in the mood for a light and fun mystery romance that is at times quite hilarious, Linda Howard's Veil of Night is one you should definitely check out.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Friday, September 24, 2010
From Our Recipe Box to Yours...Cake Ball Fun and a few suggestions!
Today I wanted to share a recipe with you all. The idea came to me as I was reading a newsletter I had received from a doctor's office. On their sidebar they had included a recipe to try. I thought, hmmm, there are all those mysteries out there that include recipes within the story... I can do that for my readers on the blog! Just like a book! Our very own Janette recently led a cake ball class here at the library. It was such a hit we will probably offer another one later this fall. Aha! The perfect recipe to share! One from our recipe box to yours....
Red Velvet Cake Balls
1 box red velvet cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)
1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)
wax paper
1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)
3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)
4. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)
5. Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package.
6. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)
I also only melt a few pieces of chocolate bark at a time because it starts to cool and thicken. It’s easier to work with when it’s hot.
Try them! They're lots of fun to make and even more fun to eat!!!!
**The idea for cake balls comes from Bakerella, an online cooking website, http://bakerella.com Go there for more designs, recipes and ideas! There is even a new book on cake balls, that you can check out here at the library, "Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats" by Bakerella.
Now on to the suggestions....
If you like mysteries, but you don't want all the gore and violence, Cozy Mysteries, are the way to go. A Cozy Mystery is kind of like the game Clue, "Colonel Mustard was found in the library with the wrench." Some popular Cozy Mysteries also include recipes. Diane Mott Davidson has a big series and also Joanne Fluke. In the Joanne Fluke stories, main character Hannah Swensen owns a bakery and solves murders in her small town in Minnesota. These light and fun mysteries are sure to delight. The moutwatering recipes will win you over too.
So, if you are looking for something new to try.....Check out our Cake Balls or try a Joanne Fluke cooking mystery today.
Red Velvet Cake Balls
1 box red velvet cake mix (cook as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake)
1 can cream cheese frosting (16 oz.)
1 package chocolate bark (regular or white chocolate)
wax paper
1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into large bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly with 1 can cream cheese frosting. (It may be easier to use fingers to mix together, but be warned it will get messy.)
3. Roll mixture into quarter size balls and lay on cookie sheet. (Should make 45-50. You can get even more if you use a mini ice cream scooper, but I like to hand roll them.)
4. Chill for several hours. (You can speed this up by putting in the freezer.)
5. Melt chocolate in microwave per directions on package.
6. Roll balls in chocolate and lay on wax paper until firm. (Use a spoon to dip and roll in chocolate and then tap off extra.)
I also only melt a few pieces of chocolate bark at a time because it starts to cool and thicken. It’s easier to work with when it’s hot.
Try them! They're lots of fun to make and even more fun to eat!!!!
**The idea for cake balls comes from Bakerella, an online cooking website, http://bakerella.com Go there for more designs, recipes and ideas! There is even a new book on cake balls, that you can check out here at the library, "Cake Pops: Tips, Tricks, and Recipes for More Than 40 Irresistible Mini Treats" by Bakerella.
Now on to the suggestions....
If you like mysteries, but you don't want all the gore and violence, Cozy Mysteries, are the way to go. A Cozy Mystery is kind of like the game Clue, "Colonel Mustard was found in the library with the wrench." Some popular Cozy Mysteries also include recipes. Diane Mott Davidson has a big series and also Joanne Fluke. In the Joanne Fluke stories, main character Hannah Swensen owns a bakery and solves murders in her small town in Minnesota. These light and fun mysteries are sure to delight. The moutwatering recipes will win you over too.
So, if you are looking for something new to try.....Check out our Cake Balls or try a Joanne Fluke cooking mystery today.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday??...
So what's in your library bag this Wednesday?
I have The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins in my bag right now. This is a young adult selection that was recommended to me first by a high school gal and then by a coworker. I have to admit that I wasn't very excited about this title. When it was first suggested to me about a year or so ago, I quickly checked it out and began reading. I don't think I even made it 50 pages and I got kinda bored. It didn't seem to really be my thing, you know, an all powerful controlling government making people send their children into The Hunger Games where it is a battle unto the death. What?? No romance? No way! So, the book sat in my bag until its due date and then I returned it, not really thinking much about it again.
I fell back into my romance routine and devoured several paranormal romance moving it to the top of my favorites list. My coworker, Janette, who is a big YA reader, suggested Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, as a book with young romace and wolves, two of my favorites. From beginning to end, I couldn't get enough of this book and I finished it and its sequel, Linger, in record time. Definitely good reads, by the way.
Reading like I won't survive without it, has its ups and downs. Occassionally, as a result, I am left without any ideas on what to read next and am desperate to find something before I head home.On one such day, my coworker, Janette said, "You really need to read The Hunger Games. I think you will like it." I said, "Oh, okay," but I thought, "I tried that once and didn't really care for it." But, since I was without anything to read and I had really liked the book she suggested previously, I decided to give it another go.
I started reading and thought, "Hmmm. I remember reading this before and it didn't really appeal." It took me until page 62 and then I was hooked. I can't wait to see what happens next. I take the book into the bathroom, the kitchen, by my bed, to work for my lunch breaks....Any minute I ge a chance to read is a bonus.
I don't know about you, but I usually don't finish a book that I don't like. There are too many good books out there to waste my time finishing what I'm not interested in. Don't get me wrong. I used to finish every book I started because that was what you were supposed to do right? Now I only read what I like and rarely give a book a second chance because I didn't like it the first time, why would I want to read it now.
But, as is so often the case, I was wrong. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is becoming an addiction now the second time around. Lucky for me there are two more in the series.
I love it when a book is so compelling that you can't put it down, don't you?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What's in your Library Bag Wednesday??? A Review....
It's Wednesday again already and this is when I usually ask you, "What's in your library bag?" But, since I know most of you are busy and might not be reading a new book every Wednesday, I thought I'd include some thoughts on one of my favorite books of all time. A review of sorts...
The book is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and it is in the historical romance genre. At first glance, Diana Gabaldon's books can be kind of intimidating because they are usually upwords of over 600 pages, but let me just tell you they are well worth the read. Outlander, the first book in her aptly named "Outlander series", starts out in Scotland in 1945 after WWII and ends up in the Scotland of 1743. Claire Beauchamp Randall is a former British combat nurse and is on holiday with her husband Frank in Scotland. They hope to get reacquainted after the long war and are sightseeing and such. A strange thing happens when Claire, on a plant finding expedition, touches a boulder in an ancient stone circle near their rooms. She is thrown back in time more than 200 years to the Scotland of 1743. It is here that she meets Jaimie Fraser and must try and remember her history lessons from childhood to navigate this new time she finds herself in while also trying to figure out how to get back to the Scotland of 1945. Ms. Gabaldon goes into great detail on the history of Scotland both in 1945 and in 1743, which makes the story very real and believable. As Claire finds her way, she also finds a love to last through all time. Jaimie and Claire are meant to be together and they overcome all sorts of obstacles to make it work. To me, this book is the perfect romance, a love that withstands everything, even, literally, the test of time. Since, fantasy is also a favorite of mine, I especially like the fantastic idea of time travel that Diana Gabaldon weaves into her story. This is a book I can read again and again, like visiting an old friend.
I recently recommended this series to one of our library patrons and she said she couldn't put it down. She'd often come up to me and say, "I read every second I can, even stealing moments after I drop my daughter off at soccer practice. My husband thinks it's the same big book taking all of my time, but I've read three now and can't wait to start the fourth. I just love Jaimie and Claire!" What more could you ask for in a book??
If these books sound interesting or if you'd like to try something else, come in and see me at the library and we'll talk...
The book is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon and it is in the historical romance genre. At first glance, Diana Gabaldon's books can be kind of intimidating because they are usually upwords of over 600 pages, but let me just tell you they are well worth the read. Outlander, the first book in her aptly named "Outlander series", starts out in Scotland in 1945 after WWII and ends up in the Scotland of 1743. Claire Beauchamp Randall is a former British combat nurse and is on holiday with her husband Frank in Scotland. They hope to get reacquainted after the long war and are sightseeing and such. A strange thing happens when Claire, on a plant finding expedition, touches a boulder in an ancient stone circle near their rooms. She is thrown back in time more than 200 years to the Scotland of 1743. It is here that she meets Jaimie Fraser and must try and remember her history lessons from childhood to navigate this new time she finds herself in while also trying to figure out how to get back to the Scotland of 1945. Ms. Gabaldon goes into great detail on the history of Scotland both in 1945 and in 1743, which makes the story very real and believable. As Claire finds her way, she also finds a love to last through all time. Jaimie and Claire are meant to be together and they overcome all sorts of obstacles to make it work. To me, this book is the perfect romance, a love that withstands everything, even, literally, the test of time. Since, fantasy is also a favorite of mine, I especially like the fantastic idea of time travel that Diana Gabaldon weaves into her story. This is a book I can read again and again, like visiting an old friend.
I recently recommended this series to one of our library patrons and she said she couldn't put it down. She'd often come up to me and say, "I read every second I can, even stealing moments after I drop my daughter off at soccer practice. My husband thinks it's the same big book taking all of my time, but I've read three now and can't wait to start the fourth. I just love Jaimie and Claire!" What more could you ask for in a book??
If these books sound interesting or if you'd like to try something else, come in and see me at the library and we'll talk...
Friday, September 10, 2010
Noise in the Library
A relative of mine said to me the other day, "When did libraries get so noisy?"
"OOooh I said. Don't ask that too loudly. That really shows how long it's been since you've been in a library."
In fact, we do occassionally have a patron come up and ask when libraries got so noisy, but not very often.
Part of the noise level, I think is the age. Building styles and people styles have changed a lot in the last decade or so. People have become more laid back. And our library, for example, is very open and inviting with tall ceilings. The tall ceilings tend to lend themselves to noise being carried throughout the library. When I answer the phone in the back, my laugh can often be heard up front and vice verse. When a parent brings their child in for storytime and they are crying because they don't want to leave, we can all hear it.
So, on the one hand, it is a comfortable place to be and bring your family, feeling kind of like home. On the other hand, some people prefer the quiet. In an attempt to make all kinds happy, our library does have special study rooms and a room with computers where the door can be closed for those patrons that don't like the noise. And because sound does carry easily, we will say something if things are getting too loud.
That said, a funny thing happened the other day. A patron fell asleep in the back on our couch. Said patron proceeded to snore through the next hour or so. Since our library is so open, it could be heard throughout the library. I wondered what I should do...wake them up, or let them be? As nobody complained, I let them be. Eventually, we did need to wake the patron up, but it's kind of a funny dilemma, no?
We strive to be a comfortable place where everyone feels welcome....
What are your thoughts?
"OOooh I said. Don't ask that too loudly. That really shows how long it's been since you've been in a library."
In fact, we do occassionally have a patron come up and ask when libraries got so noisy, but not very often.
Part of the noise level, I think is the age. Building styles and people styles have changed a lot in the last decade or so. People have become more laid back. And our library, for example, is very open and inviting with tall ceilings. The tall ceilings tend to lend themselves to noise being carried throughout the library. When I answer the phone in the back, my laugh can often be heard up front and vice verse. When a parent brings their child in for storytime and they are crying because they don't want to leave, we can all hear it.
So, on the one hand, it is a comfortable place to be and bring your family, feeling kind of like home. On the other hand, some people prefer the quiet. In an attempt to make all kinds happy, our library does have special study rooms and a room with computers where the door can be closed for those patrons that don't like the noise. And because sound does carry easily, we will say something if things are getting too loud.
That said, a funny thing happened the other day. A patron fell asleep in the back on our couch. Said patron proceeded to snore through the next hour or so. Since our library is so open, it could be heard throughout the library. I wondered what I should do...wake them up, or let them be? As nobody complained, I let them be. Eventually, we did need to wake the patron up, but it's kind of a funny dilemma, no?
We strive to be a comfortable place where everyone feels welcome....
What are your thoughts?
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
What's in your Library Bag Wednesday???
So, I see it's Wednesday again already and I am wondering what's in your library bag this week? I finished the book I was reading and with the long weekend of camping I just did, I haven't really picked up another book yet. I am reading three magazines though...
If you know me at all, you'll realize I am never without reading material of some sort. Going without reading something would be like breaking my right arm and I am right handed. You get the picture.
Anyway, back to what I am presently reading. Side Note #2: Another hobby of mine is taking pictures. I am not an expert by any means, but I love to practice and learn. That leads me to the latest issues of Digital Photography and Popular Photography which are in my library bag to read right now. The other magazine I am reading happens to be Our Iowa which has lots of great photos taken right here in Iowa to look at and get ideas from. Plus, there are all kinds of tips on fun little spots to take mini vacations to that are not usually too far from us here in Waverly.
I was, however, recently tracked down, here at the library and told that I MUST read Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati next OR ELSE!!! It seems that I suggested this series of books to someone and they loved them soo much that I need to experience them, too!! I guess Sara Donati just moved to the top of my list!
What are you reading or who's on your list this Wednesday, September 8, 2010?
If you know me at all, you'll realize I am never without reading material of some sort. Going without reading something would be like breaking my right arm and I am right handed. You get the picture.
Anyway, back to what I am presently reading. Side Note #2: Another hobby of mine is taking pictures. I am not an expert by any means, but I love to practice and learn. That leads me to the latest issues of Digital Photography and Popular Photography which are in my library bag to read right now. The other magazine I am reading happens to be Our Iowa which has lots of great photos taken right here in Iowa to look at and get ideas from. Plus, there are all kinds of tips on fun little spots to take mini vacations to that are not usually too far from us here in Waverly.
I was, however, recently tracked down, here at the library and told that I MUST read Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati next OR ELSE!!! It seems that I suggested this series of books to someone and they loved them soo much that I need to experience them, too!! I guess Sara Donati just moved to the top of my list!
What are you reading or who's on your list this Wednesday, September 8, 2010?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday????
So it's Wednesday, and I am wondering what's in your library bag? What are you reading right now?
I am reading "Bet Me" by Jennifer Cruisie. It's a light and funny modern day romance with a strong female protagonist. It's a little out of character for me as I have been stuck in fantasy mode lately, but I like it. I am usually up for a good romance.
I don't typically read more than one book at a time because I am usually so in to the one I am reading that I take it everywhere with me just in case I might have a moment to read.
But, I do have several titles on a list to add to my library bag soon...
Needful Things by Stephen King
This is not the story you think it is.... by Laura Munson
Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Pull of the Moon by Elizabeth Berg
Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Cruisie
Faking It by Jennifer Cruisie
So what is in your library bag right now? I love to dig in it with you and see what you are reading...
I am reading "Bet Me" by Jennifer Cruisie. It's a light and funny modern day romance with a strong female protagonist. It's a little out of character for me as I have been stuck in fantasy mode lately, but I like it. I am usually up for a good romance.
I don't typically read more than one book at a time because I am usually so in to the one I am reading that I take it everywhere with me just in case I might have a moment to read.
But, I do have several titles on a list to add to my library bag soon...
Needful Things by Stephen King
This is not the story you think it is.... by Laura Munson
Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Lament by Maggie Stiefvater
Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Pull of the Moon by Elizabeth Berg
Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Cruisie
Faking It by Jennifer Cruisie
So what is in your library bag right now? I love to dig in it with you and see what you are reading...
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