New World Music additions

For all of you fans (and potential fans) of World Music. Not necessarily new, but new to us! Click title to see if it's checked in (and place a hold):

• E O mai - Keali‘i Reichel (1997) Sample on Amazon - Hawaiian music, sung in English and Hawaiian - if you like Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (the artist who sang that hauntingly beautiful ukelele version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," you'll probably like this.
  

• Punahele - Ray Kane (1994) Sample on Amazon - Traditional Hawaiian slack key guitar music, "what you hear when you enter heaven," according to a reviewer.


• Rough Guide to Music of Nigeria and Ghana (2002) Sample on Amazon - Compilation from the fabulous Rough Guide series.


• Rokku mi rokka (Give and Take) - Youssou N'Dour (2007) Sample on Amazon - Latest from Senegal-born vocalist Youssou N'Dour, who has been an important figure on the world music scene since the 80s.


• Momento - Bebel Gilberto (2007) Sample on Amazon - Third album from one of the biggest artists of new Brazilian music (and daughter of Brazilian legend Joao Gilberto).


• Samba meu - Maria Rita (2007) Sample on Amazon - Lovely Samba collection from another "biggie" of Brazilian music.


• Rustico - Pedro Luis Ferre (2007) Sample on Amazon - Cuban singer and songwriter Pedro Luis Ferrer shows off a variety of music styles and a bit of social commentary.


• Breathing under water - Anoushka Shankar and Karsh Kale (2007) Sample on Amazon - Classical Indian music meets Electronica meets everything else. Guest appearances by Anoushka's father Ravi Shankar, half-sister Norah Jones and Sting. --Deidre

Book review: Under Enemy Colors by S. Thomas Russell

It is 1793, and Lieutenant Charles Hayden has been appointed to the HMS Themis to guard the waters between England and France – and to spy on the Themis’ tyrannical captain. The ship is a disgrace, the crew is divided into violent factions, and the captain’s erratic behavior is driving his men closer and closer to mutiny. Hayden must defy his captain to bring the Themis into fighting shape without ruining his own career, but even the threat of court-martial is not as great as the weight on his own conscience. Because Hayden’s mother is French – and this war means that he must fight against his own people.

With Under Enemy Colors, S. Thomas Russell begins an exciting new series of seafaring adventures filled with action and rich with historical color. Charles Hayden is a compelling hero: bound by a strong sense of duty yet filled with doubt about his own dual nature, and strangely drawn to the enemy’s ideals of equality and freedom. The next novel in the series is due out in 2009.

Readers who find themselves swept away by sea stories can also check out the superb novels by Patrick O’Brian, the classic Horatio Hornblower series by C.S. Forester, or for historical adventure with a fantasy twist, try the books of Naomi Novik. - Michelle

The Incredible Hulk

The Incredible Hulk is all about scientist Bruce Banner ( Edward Norton) who is attempting to find a remedy for his gamma radiation poisoning that reacts to his rage by turning him into a monster; or as General Thunderbolt Ross ( Tim Roth) sees it, the ultimate fighting machine. From Bruce Banner’s hiding place ( in the poverty stricken hill slums of Brazil), to his past university campus and finally to New York City, General Thunderbolt is determined to capture Bruce despite the efforts of the lovely Betty Ross (Liv Tyler) to save him. For those interested, Betty Ross is both Bruce’s lover and General Thunderbolt’s daughter. In my opinion, the excellent acting by Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, and Tim Roth combined with some great special effects overshadowed Marvel’s last sensation Iron Man. However, there are some who think The Incredible Hulk is plagued with too much romance. - Henry

What You're Reading

Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase-Tammy (Hamilton)
I had a hard time warming up to this book-the first 25 pages or so really seemed to drag by. But it did pick up pace, and became an enjoyable read. The conversations seemed a bit stilted, but I still enjoyed the end result and would recommend the book.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls-Michelle (Hamilton)
Truly an inspirational story. Although her upbringing was full of hardships it goes to show that there is beauty in everything and everyone. It's merely a matter of perspective.
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis - Suzanne (Downtown)
One of the best books I have read on what being a Christian is all about. Very well written.
The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier - Jennifer (Downtown)
He has several unique, enlightening concepts which he illustrated well with his own personal experiences. The one that really caught my attention was the reason for and method of revisiting your failures - very thought-provoking.
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan - Karen (Downtown)
This book gives a very interesting background on the science of nutrition and good nutrition advice overall. I think all Americans should read this!
Color Zoo by Lois Ehlert-Mai (Hamilton)
My three-year-old son really likes the different colors and shapes that are used in this book to describe the various animals.
He learned the basic shapes and colors by re-reading this book.

Books by Email

Have you tried our Online Book Club? Just sign up with your email address, and every day, Monday through Friday, you'll receive part of a chapter from a book. A new title begins each Monday. If it's enough to whet your appetite, you can check the book out and read the rest! Here are the categories available: Fiction, Nonfiction, Teen, Business, Romance, Inspirational, Science Fiction, Mystery, Horror, Audio, and Pre-Publication. It's a great way to sample a title that might be new to you!

What You're Reading

When Joy Came to Stay by Karen Kingsbury - Debra (Downtown) "This is a real tear-jerker and really made me think about depression and the foster care system."
Dijiste que me Quenas by Maria Antonietta Collins - Odalys (Downtown) "This portrayed a tragedy that can be suffered by anyone, but also showed a very positive way of coping with it - with love, compassion and forgiveness."
Prayer by Phillip Yancey-Suzanne (Hamilton) "A complete exposition on prayer and all of its aspects. Phillip Yancey is a wonderful author on spiritual subjects. I always enjoy his writings--it's like an investigative report--stimulated the intellectual in me."
Austenland by Shannon Hale-Marinda (Hamilton) "This is for die hard Jane Austen fans and a very fun and entertaining read."
Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas - Laurie (Sunset Library) "It is an interesting and well-researched historical fiction book about life in a town near a Japanese Internment Camp during World War II."
Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg - Kimberly (Sunset Library) "It was like listening to a Great Aunt or Grandmother tell a story while having some iced tea sitting on the porch listening to the stories of the "Good Ole Days"."

Green Living Suggestions

Every so often we hear from library members whose lives have been impacted by a book. One example came from Nancy, who read Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home, by Linda Mason Horton. She says this title is "very thorough and educational and already changing the health of my family." If you're interested in similar material, try Organic Housekeeping: In Which the Nontoxic Avenger Shows You How to Improve Your Health and That of Your Family While You Save Time, Money, and, Perhaps, Your Sanity, by Ellen Sandbeck. And while you're in this do-it-yourself mode, you might enjoy The Ultimate Natural Beauty Book: 100 Organic Beauty Products to Make and Use Easily at Home, by Josephine Fairley.

Current Events Discussion Group

Come join us Wednesday, June 11 from 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm at the Downtown Library to discuss current events. Tell us about your favorite current event book(s), magazine and newspaper article(s), Internet sites - as we share current events and make arrangements for future meetings!

Call 480-782-2803 to register or click here to register online.

What You're Reading

Public Secrets by Nora Roberts - Mary (Sunset Library) - "Enjoyed observing Emma, the main character talk to people in her life from a child to an engaging adult. Nora Roberts really knows how to weave a story and involve the reader in the character's life. I enjoy reading her books."
Garlic and Sapphires: the secret life of a critic in disguise by Ruth Reichl - Ann (Sunset Library) -"Witty and light-hearted reading."
Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltx - Karen (Sunset Library) - "Provides a way to look at one's thinking and perception of their life/image in order to change their thinking/image to a more favorable image, way of living and more positive self."
Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon - Tammy (Sunset Library) - "Inspiring, easy to read, comfortable and still interesting even though latest in a long line of Mitford books."
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom - Elizabeth (Sunset Library) - "Engaging to read and makes you think."

The Strangers

With some of this summer’s top blockbusters opening during the last weeks of May, we were treated to fighting mice and dwarfs in Prince Caspian and Indiana Jones taking on the evil Soviet Empire. Yet amongst all this mayhem an exciting, unheralded murder suspense thriller snuck onto the scene.
Following the opening credits, the movie takes us to a chic party where two lovers seem to be having a relationship crisis. As the pair journey forth, we learn that they are going to a borrowed summer house deep in the back woods. Just about the time we are about to fall asleep, thinking this is yet another summer cinematic bust, there comes a loud knocking at the door. From here on, with brilliant directing by Bryan Bertino and some outstanding performances by Liv Tyler, Scott Speedman, and the entire cast, we are literally scared to death!
A rather run-of-the-mill storyline ends up becoming suspense you’re not likely to forget because Bertino knows how to combine terrifying performances with great camera work. Liv Tyler gives Bertino and movie-watchers all they could possible ask for. Her facial expressions, cascading screams, and emotional acting will make you want to see more of Liv Tyler.
So if you’re tired of weird creatures fighting bad humans or Indiana taking on evil Russians, this could be the summer film you’ve been waiting for. While not for the squeamish or happy-ending viewer, those who thrill to suspense, enjoy being frightened out of their wits, and don’t find blood revolting will totally enjoy The Strangers. -Henry

CPL Book Groups

Are you looking for a stimulating environment where you can share your love of books and make new friends? Consider joining one of our book groups. We currently have six active book groups at our branches:

Downtown
Wednesday Night Book Discussion
The last Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm This month's book

Hamilton
General Fiction Book Group
The first Thursday of the month, 1:00pm This month's book

Mystery Fiction Book Group
The third Thursday of the month, 1:00pm This month's book

Sunset
Tuesday Morning Book Group
The first Tuesday of the month, 10:00am This month's book

Monday Night Book Group
The second Monday of the month, 6:30pm This month's book

Mystery Round Table
The third Wednesday of the month, 7:00pm This month's book


If you're interested in joining any of these discussions, you can pick up a copy of the current book at the branch where the discussion will take place. Check the Events Calendar on our homepage for specific dates. Everyone is welcome!