Stacey's Favorite Books

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??....

      Hi blog friends! It's Wednesday again. Boy, it doesn't feel like an entire week has passed already, but I guess it has. I've been elbow deep in painting my house and so haven't had much time to read...I try to always have something, though, because, well, because I love to read. I just happen to fall asleep sooner when I've got so much going on during the day. I did just start a new book, however, that's called "Virals" by Kathy Reichs. It's actually a teen selection and I thought I should read it since I requested that the library get it. So far so good. It's written in a different type of a style than I normally read. The sentences are very short and concise, kind of like journalistic writing. What this does is make the story very fast paced. It feels like I'm flying through the story and the pages which is okay since it keeps my interest. I believe James Patterson writes something like this with shorter sentences and short chapters; making you feel like you are reading faster and or more than you actually are.
     The reason this book sounded so intriguing to me was because this group of teens becomes "infected" by something, perhaps viral, and it changes them. It talked about a "pack," so I assumed perhaps, like werewolves and since I love that type of fantasy, I thought I'd check it out.
     I do browse new books and randomly pick things that sound good, but more often than not, I read books based on things people have suggested to me that they either think I might like, or that they liked sooo much, they think I should read it. Sometimes, they are books that I just can't finish. Other times, as was the case with the Laurell K. Hamilton, Anita Blake Vampire Slayer books, that a patron recommended to me, they become one of my all time favorites.
    How do you find books that you like to read? Do you read things that friends tell you to read or perhaps you like to browse Amazon or the new books shelf here at the library? Let us know so we can all find some new favs....

Friday, March 25, 2011

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...

I guess I felt like cooking last night. That doesn't happen very often anymore it seems. Our life gets so busy, most of the time all I want is to have food on the table fast. Anyway, I looked around and decided on this recipe. We make this recipe with Peanut Butter Captain Crunch as that is a family favorite and it is really yummy, but I imagine this one is just as good, if you don't like peanut butter....

Planet Hollywood's Captain Crunch Chicken

INGREDIENTS:



2 cups Captain Crunch Cereal
1 1/2 cup Corn flakes
1 Egg
1 cup Milk
1 cup All purpose flour
1 teaspoon Onion powder
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
2 pounds Chicken breast cut in 1-oz. tenders
Vegetable oil for frying

PREPARATION:


Coarsely grind or crush the two cereals and set aside. Beat the egg with milk and set aside. Stir together the flour, onion and garlic powders and black pepper. Set this aside also.
Dip the chicken pieces into the seasoned flour. Move around to coat well, then shake off the excess flour. Dip into the egg wash, coating well, then dip into the cereal mixture, coating well.
Heat oil in a large heavy skillet to 325 degrees F.
Drop coated chicken tenders carefully into the hot oil and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, 3 to 5 minutes depending on size. Drain and serve immediately with Creole mustard sauce.
serves/makes 4

I finished reading  365 Thank Yous: How Simple Acts of Daily Gratitude Changed a Life, by John Kralik, and it has inspired me to keep going with my thankfulness each week and perhaps a few actual handwritten thank yous are in my future, too. So, in keeping up with my goal of being more thankful, here's my list for this week.

Today I am thankful  for:

1.Running 3 miles today!! I made it !! Hooray! That feels sooo good!
2. Coca-cola!!! So much better than Dr. Pepper and so glad I didn't give it up for Lent.
3. So thankful for all my new paint going on my walls tomorrow. The colors are bold and beautiful and I can't wait to see the rooms shaping up!
4. Stolen moments in day.
5. My daughter, who is so good at standing up for what she believes.
6. My son saying he was most thankful for Mom laying down next to him at night.
7. Supper in the crock pot waiting to be served.
8. Tickets to a comedian. Laughter really is the best medicine.
9. Helping people find books they love. So much satisfaction in this simple act.
10. Making deadlines.

Stop in anytime and we'll chat and find you something new to read...

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday?....

     Welcome to What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday? This week I want to share with you a project I've been working on. I've wanted to do something with favorites of staff members here in the library for a while. I sent an e-mail out a month or so ago asking for everyone's favorite books, authors, genres, etc. I've finally rounded up all but one staff member's lists. Now, what to do with them? Well, first of all I made a display with one of my co-workers, Kate. We put out some of her favorite books, made a poster listing them and then I made a few bookmarks with her favs on them. She was happily surprised that people checked some of her favorite books out the first day!
     Another addition to our New Books area is a "Reader's Advisory" book. I put all of the lists of favorites that I compiled in a three ring binder along with other lists of If you like this author, try these other authors. There are lists on Inspirational fiction, legal thrillers, paranormal romance, Jodi Picoult read alikes, etc. So, now if you are wondering what to read next and are too shy to ask, we have another resource to help you get started. Of course, I'd rather talk to you, but I made this book for times when I can't.

Here's our first Staff Favorites....

Kate’s Picks



Nelson Demille, John Corey series (favorite was the first, Plum Island)


Charlaine Harris, Sookie Stackhouse series


Suzanne Collins, Hunger Games series


The Red Tent by Anita Diamant


Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay


Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah


Shanghai Girls and Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See


“Jeez! My reading choices are so crazy!!”


What are your favorite authors?? Stop in and let's talk about it, so we can find you some new favorites...


Sneak Peak
The library is having their first every Run Your Buns Off 5K in conjunction with the W this year! The date is set for Saturday, June 4, 2011. Mark your calendars...Registration forms coming soon...

Friday, March 18, 2011

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...Spring is on its way...

Chocolate Caramel Brownies


Prep Time 15 Minutes
Cook Time 25 Minutes Servings 24 Difficulty Easy


Ingredients


14 ounces, weight Caramels (preferably Brach's)
⅔ cups Evaporated Milk, Divided
1 box German Chocolate Cake Mix (Preferably The Moist Kind)
¾ cups Margarine, Melted
1 cup Chopped Nuts (optional)
1 cup Chocolate Chips


Preparation Instructions

Grease a 9×13 pan.
Combine caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk in a double boiler (or you can microwave them carefully, but don’t burn them!).
In another bowl, combine cake mix, margarine, remaining 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and nuts. Stir until mixed. Press half of the dough into the prepared pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 6 minutes. Sprinkle on the chocolate chips. Spread caramel mixture over the chips, then crumble the remaining half of the dough on top (or drop chunks on top). Put the pan back in oven for 15 to 20 more minutes.

I had to make a dessert for a 4-H Soup Supper my daughter's club had this week, so I made these sinful treats to share. There's a tiny bit of work involved, but you will love the end result!! Try them this weekend!
 
A Reminder:
 
Spring is on its way folks and our gardens need your care. We are looking for volunteers to help keep the library's gardens beautiful!! We have sign up sheets available in the Lobby. You and your child could use this as a volunteer project; learning about volunteering and gardening!! Maybe you need a stress reliever at the end of your day... What better place to take out some frustrations and enjoy a little bit of nature, right here at the library. Come in and pick an area for this season!! We really appreciate all your help!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??

Presenting.....this week's edition of What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday!!!!!

     This week I have been doing something I rarely do....reading two books at the same time! For me, when I start a book, I usually get really in to the story and want to keep going. Why would I want to stop that story and start another one??? I know a lot of people do it. They will have one book by their bed, one book in their purse, one book at work for lunch breaks, etc., etc. I usually just want to finish one good book at a time and really absorb that story. This week, however, I picked a non-fiction title. Something else I don't normally do.
     What prompted the non-fiction choice is something I decided to do for Lent. I always try and do something to improve myself during the Lenten season. Last year, I ran a 5K with a co-worker friend of mine. This year I decided I needed to be more thankful, so I am trying to list things that make me thankful every week. Not doing so well there...I didn't  make it measureable enough for me to stick to it. But, as with anything I do in Lent, next week is a new week and I can try again...Anyway, the book I chose is called "365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life" by John Kralik.
     The premiss of the book is that John's life was at an all time low. His law firm was failing; he was going through a hard second divorce; his girlfriend dumped him; he was distant from his adult children and not seeing his younger ones enough; he had a cheap apartment that was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. One New Year's Day he decided that he needed to be more thankful for what he actually had as opposed to what he didn't. He set out to write one handwritten, heartfelt thank you a day, for 365 days. I haven't finished yet as I am reading two books this time, and you know that for the most part, the paranormal romance that is the other book in my bag, is winning out in time spent reading. But, I thought this would be a good title to read to help me out on my Lenten journey...

So, which side are you on? Do you read several books at a time, or do you devour one and then head on to the next?

Do you do things for Lent? What kinds of things do you choose? Are you successful?

Lastly, What are you thankful for today??

Things I am thankful for today include:

1.Always, good books to read and enjoy. Cheesy, but true.
2. Great help in the huge amount of work I have to do with no strings attached.
3. Sunshine and rain boots, so you can walk outside in it instead of looking at all of the mud out there and staying inside yet again.
4. Coca-cola and the fact that I didn't choose to give it up for Lent this year.
5. My husband and the fact that he can always make me laugh no matter how bad of a day I think I am having.
6. My supportive co-workers and the way they inspire me daily.
7. My oil slick shoes.
8. The fact that I can run, even if some days I don't want to...
9. Sample of a power bar so I had breakfast today.
10. Being on time today.

Friday, March 11, 2011

From Our Recipe Box to Yours....It's St. Patrick's Day!!

In honor of St. Patrick's Day next week, I thought I'd share an Irish recipe with you today...
Reuben Dip



Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes Ready In: 30 Minutes
Servings: 9
"Here, everyone's favorite stick-to-your-ribs sandwich--The Reuben--takes a turn as a chafing-dish dip, with the requisite dressing, sauerkraut, cheese, and corned beef."


Ingredients:


1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
16 ounces sauerkraut, rinsed and squeezed dry
8 ounces shredded corned beef
16 ounces shredded Swiss cheese


Directions:


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and dressing.
3. Spread sauerkraut into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer corned beef, Swiss cheese, and the mayonnaise-dressing mixture on top of the sauerkraut.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.


Don't Forget!!!

Dads & Other Heroes
March 26, 2011
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Come experience real life Rescue Heroes!! Dads & children, mommies, special adults, visit with some real life heroes and explore a fire truck and police vehicle!! Snacks provided.
Please call to register 319-352-1223

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday??....

     Welcome to the latest edition of What's In Your Library Bag Wednesday?!! I've had some house projects I've been working on lately and I haven't had as much time to read, but I've missed it so, I finally picked up Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. This isn't my typical read; it's more of a "book club book" if you know what I mean. But, it came on good recommendation from a coworker of  mine, so I thought I'd give it a shot. I'm not finished yet; really I've just barely started, so I'll have to give you a full review later.
     I can tell you one thing I really like so far is the format. Sarah's Key is written in two very distinct voices. First, one chapter is written from the perspective of a 10 year old girl during the concentration camp round ups in 1942 and then you get a chapter from the perspective of a middle aged American mom living in Paris and writing for an American magazine about the 1942 concentration camp round ups. I am sure there will be more of a connection before the end of the story, but for now it's just interesting to get the two perspectives. There were a few points in my reading today where I needed to just take a breather because it was making me sick to think about how the French police were treating children and how the little girl just doesn't understand, "Why her and Why her family?" Why indeed. It's quite a haunting tale so far and I can't wait to get to the end to see how it all comes together.
     I have a tendency to stay in my box as far as my reading goes. So, it's pleasantly surprising when I dare to step outside my box and find a gem such as this.

     The next time you need to find a book, try something different and see where it takes you.

Friday, March 4, 2011

From Our Recipe Box to Yours...Creme de Menthe Cake and some Rock n' Roll

Miss Sue, our children's Librarian, brought this yummy cake to our Staff meeting a while back and I thought I'd share it here with you today.

Creme de Menthe Cake

1 white cake mix, make as directed
2 T. Creme de Menthe
1 can chocolate frosting
1 container Cool Whip
2 T. creme de Menthe

Make the cake mix as directed and add 2 T. Creme de Menthe. Bake in 9x13 pan. Cool. Spread chocolate frosting over top. Mix 2 T. Creme de Menthe with the container of Cool Whip and spread over the layer of frosting! Enjoy!!

If you like chocolate and mint, you'll love this cake!! Go home and try it today!


On a side note: The Library will be closed this Saturday, March 5, while the water main in our parking lot is getting repaired. But, the water will be back on and we will be hosting the Annual Rock Shhhooowww here in the library from 6-8 p.m. $1 entry, money goes to TAB program. 5 local bands will showcase their talents. Snacks and water available for purchase. Stop in for some musical fun here at the Library!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

What's in Your Library Bag Wednesday???...An Interview

It's Wednesday again and this week I thought I'd try something a little different. I recently sent an e-mail requesting all of our staff members to send me a list of their favorite books so I could do a display or some such thing for all of you readers to tap into for reading suggestions.

So, this week, I decided to interview one of our staff and then include their reading list. Up first is Kathy Schaufenbuel, our Circulation Services Librarian. Kathy is the first face you see when you walk in the door. She greets you and makes you welcome. I asked Kathy a few questions this morning and this is what she told me...

Me: What's your favorite type of book to read? Why?
Kathy: Well, I definitely like happy endings. If I wanted anything else, I could just watch the news. I need a good plot and snappy dialogue to keep my interest. If I get bogged down in too much description I tend not to finish the story. I do read different types of books, mystery, regency, historical, but they all have a relationship aspect to them.
Me: So, what is a memory you have that would be connected to reading?
Kathy: I have memories connected to favorite stories that I've read. That's why I have what I call my "keeper shelf" at home. Those good memories are why I reread a lot. I am a fast reader and can always pick up something new from the stories each time I reread them. It's nice to be able to "visit" those characters again and again.


Some of Kathy's favorite reads:

Feehan, Christine - Dark series, Drake Sisters, Game Series...pretty much everything

Roberts, Nora - contemporary romance and just 'sweet'. Bride Quartet
Robb, J.D. - in death series
Howard, Linda - romantic suspense -- Cry No More, or for lighter reads: Open Season and Veil of Night
Garwood, Julie - definitely the historical romances
Devereaux, Jude - Knight in Shining Armor

TOTALLY depends on what mood I am in :) and I still may change my mind :)

Tune in for the next installment in my staff interviews....