If you're lucky enough to have a library near you, and smart enough to have a library card, you know it's a treasure.
Regardless of what the building looks like on the outside, inside it's pure gold. Books on everything under the sun, music, online references and resources, probably computer classes and possibly even art... all yours to use, for free.
If your library has an issue on the ballot next week, make your way to the polls and vote YES.
Please.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Catching up with Catacombs
I'm not the only one who does this, am I? Sometimes it takes me a lonnnnnnng time to get around to reading my National Geographic mags...but I can't cancel the subscription. This stuff's too good.
I had the house to myself long enough one day this week to enjoy the February (2011, I should point out) issue with the cover feature, Under Paris. The authors - experienced cavers - explore the city's Catacombs and tunnel life, describing Paris as a "city with a subconscious." Some National Geography mag articles never seem dated.
Unfortunately, the February issue was eerily timely, too, with its focus on traumatic brain injuries in sports - especially football. The article was sadly too relevant after 16-year old Ridge Barden died of injuries sustained after a hard hit in high school football game in upstate New York last week.
Sigh.
What kind of reading are you catching up on this week?
I had the house to myself long enough one day this week to enjoy the February (2011, I should point out) issue with the cover feature, Under Paris. The authors - experienced cavers - explore the city's Catacombs and tunnel life, describing Paris as a "city with a subconscious." Some National Geography mag articles never seem dated.
Unfortunately, the February issue was eerily timely, too, with its focus on traumatic brain injuries in sports - especially football. The article was sadly too relevant after 16-year old Ridge Barden died of injuries sustained after a hard hit in high school football game in upstate New York last week.
Sigh.
What kind of reading are you catching up on this week?
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
The Beaded Moccasins: Thought-provoking, YA or not
Lynda Durrant's The Beaded Moccasins: The Story of Mary Campbell, classified YA (young adult) historical fiction, certainly makes a dandy diversion for young female readers - say, 10 and up - and a lovely choice for parents (ok, Moms) to read aloud to their daughters. But if you like US Colonial history, or wish to think deeply about what family is and what that means, don't look for a preteen excuse to read this book. March right up to the library shelf and grab it.
The story in a nutshell
Taken captive on her 12th birthday, the book follows Mary as she walks from Eastern Pennsylvania to the banks of the Cuyahoga River with the Delaware tribe who planned to make her one of their own. Along the way - for more than a year - Mary struggles with what family is, and what it means to be who she is. The author carefully tells a tale of assimilation and growing up, brilliantly blended into the historical backdrop of colonial expansion. The story is gripping and well-told; the author's excellent research provides an accurate setting and many exquisite details.
Field Trip with the Author!
Lynda Durrant will be on hand to chat with hikers, historians, writers, and just plain ol' fans at Mary Campbell Cave, in Gorge Metropark on Saturday, October 22. We'll meet at 11am at the marker to the cave, and once we're all talked out, I plan to hike the park's namesake trail - it's a beauty. Won't you come, too? Don't miss your chance to get even more insight into Mary Campbell's experience, a fascinating era in US history, and a little exercise on one of NE Ohio's prettiest trails.
_________________________
Attention book clubs: I've always thought this title would be the perfect selection for mothers and daughters to read together; it's certainly ideal for moms, in general, and it offers a great historical perspective on parenting.
The story in a nutshell
Taken captive on her 12th birthday, the book follows Mary as she walks from Eastern Pennsylvania to the banks of the Cuyahoga River with the Delaware tribe who planned to make her one of their own. Along the way - for more than a year - Mary struggles with what family is, and what it means to be who she is. The author carefully tells a tale of assimilation and growing up, brilliantly blended into the historical backdrop of colonial expansion. The story is gripping and well-told; the author's excellent research provides an accurate setting and many exquisite details.
Field Trip with the Author!
Lynda Durrant will be on hand to chat with hikers, historians, writers, and just plain ol' fans at Mary Campbell Cave, in Gorge Metropark on Saturday, October 22. We'll meet at 11am at the marker to the cave, and once we're all talked out, I plan to hike the park's namesake trail - it's a beauty. Won't you come, too? Don't miss your chance to get even more insight into Mary Campbell's experience, a fascinating era in US history, and a little exercise on one of NE Ohio's prettiest trails.
_________________________
Attention book clubs: I've always thought this title would be the perfect selection for mothers and daughters to read together; it's certainly ideal for moms, in general, and it offers a great historical perspective on parenting.
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