American Tapas

History is a popular browsing area in the library. However, a 751 page biography of John Adams by David McCullough or a 1,029 page biography of Adolf Hitler by Ian Kershaw can be overwhelming. No need to leave the 900's, look for the authors whose books contain little history "appetizers".

Kenneth Davis has long been known for his Don't Know Much About... series. These books are written in a question and answer format and usually focus on one historical era or major event. This format allows the reader to either search the book for a topic or read it straight through. His two most recent books, America's Hidden History and A Nation Rising concentrate on exposing the truth behind famous and infamous people and events in American history. They could be described as "myth-busting" books for the history lover.

Another series (written by several different authors) is the Politically Incorrect Guides. This series targets social issues (The Politically Incorrect Guide to Women, Sex, and Feminism) and history. With titles such as The Politically Incorrect Guide to the South: and why it will rise again, the history lesson is often delivered from an unfamiliar point of view. There are further reading suggestions listed throughout the books along with quotes and little nuggets of information that you're "not supposed to know". More fun than a text book, this series is a little bit like going on a historical treasure hunt.

If you've ever wondered why Rhode Island is tiny and Texas is enormous, books like Mark Stein's How the States Got Their Shapes will make it clear. One of the best aspects of this title is that it briefly explains the history and geography of the different boundaries assigned to each state and it provides a cross-reference to the other boundary disputes which affected them. For example, Michigan acquired the Upper Peninsula after a border dispute with the state of Ohio. Wisconsin went through several years of separation anxiety as it was passed from one territory to another. Gerrymandering (and $2,000 in gold) changed the borders of Idaho forever. There is a plethora of information about each state packed into a few pages.

Looking for more? Check out J. Stephen Lang's Big Book of American Trivia, James Noles' A Pocketful of History, Thomas Woods' 33 Questions about American History You're not Supposed to Ask or American History Revised by Seymour Morris.

Readershelf: Road Trip! February 15, 2011

Readershelf: Road Trip! February 15, 2011

Just Looking

You may have noticed the multitude of books on display when you walk through the doors of the Manitowoc Public Library. These displays cover an array of subjects and are changed every two to four weeks. They are excellent browsing areas for people who are looking for something different. The displays often reflect events that occur during a particular month or may coincide with programming that is taking place within the library. For example, the library sponsors a program called Great Decisions on Monday evenings in February and March. There will be a display related to the Great Decisions topics maintained for two months with books related to the various discussion topics addressed at the program.

During the month of February we have displays on chocolate, wedding planning, and the lives of the presidents (in honor of Ronald Reagan's 100th birthday and President's Day). In addition, there will be a display later in the month to commemorate Black History Month. Naturally, there is also a large display in the front of the library stocked with new romance fiction.

In March the topics will be women's history, Irish stories, cooking up a killing, movies (and their remakes), as well as a continuation of the Great Decisions topics. Some of the displays, like Irish stories, will combine both fiction and non-fiction titles. "Cooking up a Killing" is culinary fiction with a mystery and will feature authors like Joanne Fluke, Diane Mott Davidson, and Isis Crawford.

Hundreds of books are carefully selected each month for these displays. Thoughtful planning goes into the various topics and formats chosen for each display. Next time you come in for tax forms or the latest John Grisham book, stop a moment to browse through the displays. You may discover a new hobby or field of interest. You might find just what you need to keep you company on a cold winter's night. Still can't find it? Stop at the Reference Desk and ask a librarian.

Hero Worship

Looking for mystery, suspense, romance? Here are several authors who combine them all, making their books the perfect winter getaway.

Midnight in Ruby Bayou by Elizabeth Lowell-A quest for perfect rubies leads to murder, mayhem and a brush with the Russian Mafia. This is part of a series about a family involved in jewel trade. (Similar popular authors: Nora Roberts, Jayne Ann Krentz)

Shadow Dance by Linda Howard-A wedding reception comes to a halt as tales of an ancient Scottish feud between the two families bring dire warnings. The investigation leads the bride's best friend to Serenity, TX where things are not so serene. (Similar popular authors: Judith McNaught, Heather Graham)

Walking After Midnight by Karen Robards-"Frankenstein" rises from the dead at the local mortuary and kidnaps the cleaning lady. They learn that looks aren't everything as they run for their lives. (Similar popular authors: Linda Howard, Catherine Coulter)

Into the Night by Suzanne Brockmann-Navy SEALS fight terrorists by day and groupies by night. More complications occur when the President's daughter comes for a visit. This book is one of a series of books by this author about a group of Navy SEALS. (Similar popular authors: Marliss Melton, Dee Hendersen)

Body Movers by Stephanie Bond-A rich girl's daddy leaves her and her little brother flat broke. She has to make ends meet by picking up men-dead men. This is the first in a series. (Similar popular authors: Jennifer Cruise, Beverly Barton)

Medieval helpdesk

Back when working the Reference Desk was easy....

Holiday Mayhem

John Grisham's Christmas classic, Skipping Christmas, allows the reader to take a short timeout from the endless hustle and bustle of the Christmas season. Imagine telling your friends and neighbors you're just not "doing" Christmas this year. You've added up the cost, the stress, the lost time at the mall, the fear of falling off your roof while putting up a giant snowman and you're just not going to do it. The neighbors will try to pressure you into conformity. Your friends will wonder who is hosting the Christmas Party. Your family will show up unexpectedly to change all your plans. For a quick read and a little laughter, try Skipping Christmas.

Looking for more Christmas joy? Try Jean Shepherd's In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash which is the fictionalized memories of the author's childhood in a small town in Indiana. (The classic holiday movie "A Christmas Story" is based on this book.) You can also take a break from the adult bookshelf and reread Barbara Parkinson's The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (a wonderful story to share with the kids). These titles and many more are available at our library.

The Library has a new website!

Be sure to check out our brand new website: www.manitowoclibrary.org

Click here to check it out!