Riverhead Reads: Passport to Mystery

Winter is here and so is the Adult Winter Reading Club 2011, Riverhead Reads: Passport to Mystery. Read or listen to any book for a chance to win prizes in our weekly raffle drawings. Read a book from our preferred reading list, featuring international crime fiction, and double your chances of winning. Here's a sample of a few of the books listed for Scandanavia.

Before the popular Stieg Larsson series (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo), the first grandmasters of Swedish dectecive fiction were the writing team of Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo. The Man on the Balcony features Stockholm police inspector Martin Beck who also fights crime in The Locked Room. If you don't mind Scandinavian dreariness or brutal crimes, put this Edgar winning duo next on your list.

Even James Patterson has hopped on the bandwagon with his own Swedish crime thriller, The Postcard Killers, which he co-wrote with Swedish novelist, Lisa Marklund. We have plenty of extra copies of this book on hand. The number one bestselling author in Europe, Marklund has yet to make it big in the USA, but expect more of her books to surface here in the near future.

Swedish mystery writer Henning Mankell's Detective Inspector Kurt Wallander series features a rumpled, irritable middle-aged cop. Though the character failed to capture the same devoted attention of American readers as did Larsson's tattooed heroine, the author gets high praise for intricate plotting and for his tackling of social and global issues. Try The Dogs of Riga or any of his other available mysteries for something different.

The Scandanavian invasion is not just limited to Sweden. Many top notch crime writers hail from other countries, including Norwegian writer Karin Fossum. Her Inspector Sejer series is kicked off by Don't Look Back, set in an idyllic Norwegian village. Fossum is another author who is widely acclaimed across Europe and many of her books are available here as well.

Most of the international mystery authors write series mysteries with continuing characters. However, their books that are published in the USA may vary from the order in which they were published in their native countries. In most cases it is unnecessary to read an author's books in any particular order. Check with the Reference Desk to join the Adult Winter Reading Club and pick up a kit for your Passport to Mystery.

In the News

Author Thomas Clavin's new release (November 2010) pays tribute to the entertainers who made Las Vegas what it is today. That Old Black Magic: Louis Prima, Keely Smith, and the Golden Age of Las Vegas celebrates these legendary stars along with a host of others who graced the Las Vegas stages--Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Eddie Fisher. Set in the 1950s and early 1960s, this true tale tells the captivating Vegas back story that launched the city as an entertainment mecca. Read firsthand accounts about Las Vegas and its entertainers in autobiographies, such as Tony Bennett's The Good Life.

Recently, Mr. Clavin hosted a fascinating author talk at the Riverhead Free Library featuring his book Dark Noon: The Final Voyage of the Fishing Boat "Pelican." It was September 1951 when an overloaded fishing boat sank off the coast of Montauk, killing most of those onboard. The author was able to interview a few remaining survivors to provide a gripping and realistic account of the tragedy. If you haven't read this book yet, now is the time. We will have multiple copies available for check out shortly.

Where the Fur Flies

Human-Animal bonds. Americans love their pets! Just look at all the books written on this subject. Every month there are one or two new titles. This bond is mutually beneficial to our health and well-being. It has existed for thousands of years. In addition to the health benefits, animals actively assist us in many other ways. An unspoken, deeply felt bond is created between animals and people!

The following books are just a few of the many wonderful stories where animals of all types have made our lives richer and fuller. This bond is so good for both species!

Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale or How I Learned About Life and Love with a Blind Wonder Cat by Gwen Cooper. Once in a lifetime story of an extraordinary cat and his human companion. This story about love and hope is funny and moving for anyone who has fallen in love with an animal with a disability. A must read!

An Eagle Named Freedom: My True Story of a Remarkable Friendship by Jeff Guidry. The moment Jeff saw the baby eagle with broken wings, his life was changed. "Freedom" couldn't fly but she had Jeff. A very moving story.

Hachi: a Dog's Tale. DVD. Based on a true story from Japan, it is inspirational and heartwarming. I loved this movie!

Angel by My Side: The True Story of a Dog Who Saved a Man and a Man Who Saved a Dog by Mike Lingenfelter. This is about Mike and his rescue golden retriever. When two serious heart attacks and open heart surgery threaten to take away most of Mike's reason for living, Dakota, an extraordinary service dog, is by his side to help him gain his independance. Dakota was '1999 Service Dog of the Year' by Delta Society and was chosen as 'Humanitarian of the Year' by the National Sertoma Club of Dallas. Dakota was the first non-human recipient in history for this award.

Why We Ride: Women Writers on the Horses in Their Lives. Horses are chosen for their beauty, ability, trust, and friendship. They teach us something about becoming stronger, better people. Based on this trust, this is truly a symbiotic relationship. A great book for both horse owners and horse lovers.

Wesley the Owl: The Remarkable Love Story of an Owl and His Girl by Stacey O'Brien. I loved this book. The author captured the essence of the soul of Wesley. It is funny, fascinating and powerful. A must read about selfless devotion.

Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat by David Dosa. Touching! A must read for cat lovers or anyone with compassion for humans in a medical setting. This story proves there are no ordinary cats!

For more books about the human-animal bond, check out the November 2010 display by the large print books.

The Green Spot

The Green Spot has a new look! Thanks to our staff teens, decorative pumpkins line the top shelf. Also featured, courtesy of the Long Island Farm Bureau, is a display of local farm stands. Pick up a brochure, "Long Island's Bounty Brought to You by Long Island Farm Bureau," for a list of farm stands in your area where you can go pumpkin picking and more.

Then get into the spirit of the season by picking up a good book. Our "Fall Into a Good Book" display, near the Adult Reference Desk, features some of the best autumn activities. Andrea Chesman's Serving Up the Harvest, an innovative cookbook organized seasonally, celebrates the unique flavors of fresh-from-the- garden vegetables with more than 175 recipes.

For those who prefer celebrating the harvest outside, try Fall Scaping: Extending Your Garden Season Into Autumn by Nancy J. Ondra and Stephanie Cohen with photography by Rob Cardillo. This beautifully illustrated book describes dozens of plants that can bring life to a late season garden. It covers a wide range of growing conditions and color schemes.

Last but not least, here's a little something for the party animal's among us. The Halloween Handbook: 447 Costumes by Bridie Clark and Ashley Dodd is a one of a kind dress-up for grown-ups book. The authors suggest ways of assembling hundreds of classic and original Halloween customes from everyday objects. Combined with holiday lore, party ideas, and seasonal amusements, it's wicked fun!

In the News...

Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods...monster storms aren't just a present-day phenomenon. Read about one of Long Island's worst storms in R.A. Scotti's gripping true story Sudden Sea: The Great Hurricane of 1938. This dramatic recreation of the hurricane that ripped apart Long Island and the New England coast, has been praised by critics and book groups alike. Scotti draws on archival footage, newspaper accounts, and the personal testimony of survivors. Or, you may want to read Hurricane!, by Joe McCarthy, an earlier book about this same storm that left 650 people dead and 1,754 injured.

Recent reports of tornadoes on Long Island are causing quite a stir. Those unfamiliar with this less frequent but devastatingly destructive event may want to learn the basics from Tornadoes by Michael Allaby. Part of the Dangerous Weather series, these books explain our weather in layman's terms with diagrams and photos.

Tornado Hunter: Getting Inside the Most Violent Storms on Earth by Stefan Bechtel with Tim Samaras tells us the remarkable story of storm chasers who spearhead daring missions to extract secrets from Earth's most violent weather. You'll see the first ever photos from inside a tornado and meet survivors with incredible tales.

Preparedness is the key to the Island's wild weather. Check at the Reference Desk for information from our Emergency Management vertical file, or get advice from one of our numerous books on the subject, such as The Homeowner's Hurricane Handbook by Bob Sterns.

Book Discussion: A Trip to the Stars

Wednesday, September 22
7 to 8:30 p.m.

Written by poet Nicholas Christopher, this unique coming-of-age tale and love story shows us what happens when we lose what matters most. In 1965, a young boy and his aunt become separated when the child is kidnapped by a wealthy uncle. Despite this unnerving event, mysterious ties continue to link the two over the next fifteen years that they are apart.

Spanning several continents, A Trip to the Stars is seeped in mystery, romance, and intellectual adventure. Sign up for the discussion and pick up a book at the Reference Desk.

Patron Picks

Thank you to everyone who participated in Riverhead Reads, our annual adult summer reading club. Here are some of the top-rated book picks from our patrons.

The Shack by William P. Young was one of the most requested books of 2007. Set deep in the Oregon wilderness, it tells the tale of the brutal murder of a family's youngest daughter and her father's attempt to reconcile it--with himself and with God. Multiple copies of this book are available, so if you have not already read it, now is the time!

For those who enjoy reading Pultizer Prize-winning authors, Geraldine Brooks is a must. Her latest title, People of the Book, is enthusiastically read by book groups and receives high praise from our patrons. The story of rare-book expert Hanna Heath takes us back in time as she discovers a series of tiny artifacts in a volume's ancient binding and pieces together the mystery of the book's origins.

Those who enjoy a lighter read may want to try out New York Times bestselling author Diana Palmer whose sizzling modern-day western Fearless is sure to please romance readers. Set in the wide open spaces of Texas, it pits an undercover DEA agent against a fiercely independent female rancher.

Finally, The Summons is one of author John Grisham's more current legal thrillers. As a beloved and powerful judge lays dying, he issues a summons for both of his sons to return home. But the judge dies too soon for the meeting to take place, leaving behind a shocking secret.

Look for more Patron Picks on the September 2010 display.

Adult Summer Reading Club: America the Beautiful

Sign up and get your reading kit at the Adult Reference Desk beginning Saturday, June 19.


Get ready for the adult summer reading club 2010--Riverhead Reads: America the Beautiful--celebrating America's wilderness and waterways. This self-guided reading program gives our cardholders a chance to win prizes each time they read or listen to a book. Reading books from the preferred reading list provides an even greater chance to win.

Here are just a few of the unique books from the list...

The Deerslayer by James Fenimore Cooper - One of the most popular writers of the 19th century, Cooper is best known for his Leatherstocking Tales featuring frontiersman Natty Bumppo. The Deerslayer is the first chronologically in the Leatherstocking series.



Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani - Set in a sleepy hamlet of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, this modern-day novel is also the first book in a series. Trigiani celebrates small town life with a winning blend of '70s nostalgia and Appalachian local color.


High Country by Nevada Barr - Part of a mystery series, this page-turner features National Park Service ranger Anna Pigeon, whose crime-solving abilities constantly put her in peril.

Return to Wild America: A Yearlong Search for the Continent's Natural Soul by Scott Weidensaul - Those who prefer non-fiction will love Weidensaul's poetic account of the North American wilderness. The author is one of the world's premier writer/naturalists today.


Ledyard: In Search of the First American Explorer by Bill Gifford - John Ledyard (1751 - 1789), one of the greatest American explorers of all time, is largely forgotten today. In this memorable tribute to him, Gifford traces Ledyard's explorations with Captain Cook, across America before Lewis and Clark.


Check the Riverhead Reads kit for more books on the preferred reading list.

Book Discussion: Blue Highways

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

7 to 8 p.m.

Don't forget to join us for a discussion of Blue Highways: A Journey into America by William Least Heat-Moon. Traveling around the perimeter of the United States, Heat-Moon discovers true adventure on the nation's back roads--from towns like Remote, Oregon; Simplicity, Virginia; and even parts of Long Island. This classic tale is hailed as a masterpiece in American travel writing.

It also kicks off the theme for the adult summer reading club, Riverhead Reads: America the Beautiful. You may sign up immediately for the book discussion at the Reference Desk. Register for the reading club beginning Saturday, June 19, or check this blog for more information.

Hidden Treasures

Check out the new May 2010 display and take a book home with you. Most of these unique, significant, or just plain entertaining books have been neglected for a year or more. They need you to check them out! Without your attention, some of them could even be removed from our collection. Here's a sample...

Soak up the summer sun with Lifeguarding: A Memoir of Secrets, Swimming and the South by Catherine McCall. Set in segregated 1960s Louisville, Kentucky, psychiatrist and author McCall tells of her family home, haunted by ghosts and family secrets. For her and her siblings, competitive swimming becomes an outlet for a difficult home life. "Immensely compelling and deeply moving..." (Publishers Weekly)

Prefer to take a voyage to the tropics? The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific will lead you into another world with acclaimed travel writer Paul Theroux. The author kayaks from island to island in the Pacific sharing his adventures in this highly readable travel memoir.

In Sandra Cisneros delightful second novel, Caramelo, a family embarks on their annual car trip from Chicago to Mexico City. Along the way, Lala Reyes listens to stories about her family, including her grandmother, the descendant of a renowned dynasty of shawl makers.

Look for more great Hidden Treasures in the months to come on this blog!

Book Discussion: Local History

New date!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
10 a.m. to noon
Stage Room

Mark your calendars for the new date of the local history book discussion. As an exciting addition to the program, local historian Richard Wines will join us. Mr. Wines will speak about the history of Community Volunteerism in the Riverhead area. This will be followed by a group discussion. Sign up for the program and pick up a copy of the suggested reading, Journey Through Time: The Riverhead Bicentennial 1792 -1992, edited by Barbara Austen, at the Adult Reference Desk.

Check the upcoming July/August newsletter for more information about this and other reading programs. In the meantime, sign up for the next book discussion, Blue Highways: A Journey into America by William Least Heat-Moon. This will be held Wednesday, June 30, 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. In this classic true story, Heat-Moon recounts his unforgettable adventures traveling the nation's backroads, including through parts of Long Island. A true American experience.

In the News

Volcanoes are as fascinating as they are terrifying. Many books found at the library offer insight and historical information on this subject, popularized by the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland.

For general information, try Volcanoes by Mauro Rosi, Paolo Papale, Luca Lupi, and Marco Stoppato. This fully illustrated book provides a wealth of information about the geology of volcanoes and describes the structure and history of one hundred volcanoes around the world.

Simon Winchester, bestselling author of The Professor and the Madman, and one of the most renowned science writers of our time, tells the story of the world's most famous volcano in Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883. This critically acclaimed book is sure to cativate both volcano enthusiasts and general audiences. Beyond the purely physical horrors of the event, Winchester shows how the eruption changed the world in more ways than could possibly be imagined.

To learn more about the little country and the volcano that literally brought air travel to a halt throughout much of Europe, check out the travel books on Iceland, including the Thomas Cook guide Iceland. Color photos illustrate the stark beauty of this unique country made up of volcanoes, which erupted as recently as 2004.

Book Discussion: River of Doubt

River of Doubt:
Theodore Roosevelt's Darkest Journey
by Candice Millard

Tuesday, April 20
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

This national bestseller, by first-time author Candice Millard, tells the dramatic tale of former president Theodore Roosevelt's expedition down an uncharted tributary of the Amazon. Roosevelt and his men endured starvation, Indian attack, disease, drowning, and a murder perpetrated by one of their own men. This is a powerful non-fiction thriller that is sure to provoke a lively discussion.

In the News

Yesterday was all about the Irish. If you enjoyed St. Paddy's Day, try enjoying the evening with some good Irish authors.

The late Frank McCourt is best known for Angela's Ashes, a multiple award-winning memoir in which the author recounts his life as the child of Irish immigrants in Depression-era Brooklyn. After the death of McCourt's sister, the family decides to return to even worse poverty in Ireland. 'Tis, the sequel to Angela's Ashes, takes McCourt from Ireland back to America.

Another popular bestselling Irish author is Maeve Binchy whose recent book Heart and Soul will delight readers with its "cheerful, read-by-the-fire comfort," according to Kirkus Reviews. Although Binchy can be somewhat formulaic, her millions of fans swear by her. Her latest novel tells the story of an underfunded clinic in an Irish community, caught between the past and the present.

Morgan Llywelyn lives near Dublin, Ireland, and is also the author of numerous bestselling historical novels. Look for her new novel Brendan: The Remarkable Life and Voyage of Brendan of Clonfert, One of the Most Beloved Irish Saints. In a narrative laced with Irish history and lore, Llywelyn brings to life the complex tribal Celtic society of the fifth century.

Look for the library's Irish display this month for more Irish novelists--and some great Irish cookbooks, too.

Book Discussion: Amagansett

Amagansett

by Mark Mills

Saturday

March 20, 2010

11 a.m.

A national bestseller and former Long Island Reads selection, this suspenseful drama offers the best in historical fiction. When a Basque fisherman casts his nets in the treacherous waters of the Atlantic, he pulls in the body of a beautiful young woman. Screenwriter Mills expertly fashions the dynamic history of Long Island's south shore in this clash between the rich summer people and the dispossessed immigrant fishermen and Native Americans. Set in the post-World War II era, the story skillfully combines a poignant love story with a solid police procedural. Praised by critics.

Fireside Chat

Our next Fireside Chat will be Friday, February 29, 2010, at 3 p.m. Relax as we introduce some of the newest books available at the Riverhead Free Library--the latest fiction and non-fiction--including mysteries, gripping true adventure tales, self-help, biographies, and much, much more. Here's a sampling...
Bluebird: Women and the New Psychology of Happiness by Ariel Gore is sure to please those tired of searching for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Gore asks the question: "Can a woman be smart, empowered, and happy?" Determined to find out, she chronicles her inquiry with curiousity and humor. Bluebird is a smart, uplifting study of the real secret to joy.

Integrating archaeological, genetic, linguistic, and literary information, The Vikings: A History by Robert Ferguson is a readable and accessible book that serves as a solid introduction to Viking history. This provides an intriguing look at these restless voyagers and conquerers.


Miss O'Dell: My Hard Days and Long Nights with the Beatles, the Stones, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, and the Women They Loved by Chris O'Dell with Katherine Ketcham is the ultimate rock 'n' roll memoir. Chris O'Dell was one of the first woman tour managers for some of the world's most influential musicians today. She was a friend, confidante, and lover to these revered musical icons and lived in the "fast lane" for almost twenty years. Baby boomers in particular will enjoy this front row seat to rock history.