Long Island Reads Book Discussion Reminder

Wednesday, April 9, 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the open room at the Riverhead Free Library. Please register at the Reference Desk.

Aloft by Chang-rae Lee will be read and discussed by groups at libraries throughout Long Island in support of Long Island Reads, an annual island-wide reading initiative. Lee's book takes place on Long island with a narrative that will engage both men and women alike. It offers a masterful look at the dynamics of a family of mixed heritage coping with the everyday drama of life.

The award-winning author, Chang-rae Lee, was named by the New Yorker as one of its twenty writers for the twenty-first century.

Where the Fur Flies

April is poetry month. Let's read some great poems about our beloved animals. They will make you laugh, cry, feel great, and love those critters even more.

Animal Blessings: Prayers and Poems Celebrating Our Pets by June Cotner. This is a lovely book with religious aspects.

A Book of Animal Poems compiled by William Cole. It contains poems on species from farm animals to water creatures.

Ogden Nash's Zoo by Ogden Nash. Another lovely book on all varieties of animals, insects, reptiles, etc.

Listen Up!

Who doesn't like to listen to the Man in Black--Johnny Cash? No matter what your musical tastes most people can't help but sing along to Mr. Cash's songs because his lyrics appeal to all walks of life.

Have a listen to The Man Called Cash, a biography on audiobook by author Steve Turner, and you will understand how the joys and despairs of Mr. Cash's life helped him create the music that made him the icon he is. Even posthumously Johnny Cash won a grammy this year for his video God's Gonna Cut You Down. Have you seen it on You Tube?

Not a music fan? How about listening to Mr. Cash reading a wonderful story on the audiobook Louis L'Amour Collection, seven classic tales of the American West read by four of country music's most loved performers--Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings. You can also catch all four of them performing "Highwayman" on Willie Nelson's 16 Biggest Hits Volume II.

Born To Be Wild

Here you will find books and movies for your adventurous side-- exploration, sports, and travel. From mountain climbing to motorcycles to breathtaking travel narratives and biographies, you'll get a little of everything to inspire the risk-taker in you. Let us know if there is anything else you would like to see in this column. Below are two books about adventures on the high seas.

Hooked: Pirates, Poaching and the Perfect Fish by G. Bruce Knecht
Ever see Chilean Sea Bass on the menu? Well, this is the story of how it became a mainstay of American restaurants. This gripping sea adventure gives a true account of high seas piracy and a chase that would lead halfway around Antarctica with a fish as the ultimate treasure.

Shadow Divers: The True Adventures of Two Americans Who Risked Everthing to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II by Robert Kurson
Amidst the rusting hulks of sunken ships, deep sea divers test themselves against treacherous currents and perilous wreckage. But in the fall of 1991, not even the divers were prepared for what they found in the chilly waters off of New Jersey-- an unidentified World War II German U-Boat. Over the next six years, they try to uncover the mystery surrounding this boat and its origins.

Where the Fur Flies

Love animals? You heard it "straight from the horse's mouth" that here you will find books, videos, DVDs, etc., on everything from dogs and cats to lions and tigers. Keeping your animals healthy and happy to just enjoying a good story is sure to make this site "the cat's meow!"

Spring is in the air. Losing weight is not only for humans but also for pets.
My Fat Dog by Martha Garvey and My Fat Cat by the same author will help you get your furry winter couch potatoes on a slim down program in 10 easy steps. By the time summer comes, they'll be dancing up a storm.

Mr. Hollywood Speaks

Hello everyone! Mr. Hollywood is back with some more book and movie recommendations. With the 2008 Academy Awards just over, we have a few books that can give you some behind-the-scenes insight into how Oscars work. Offering a revealing look at the history, politics, and economics of the Academy Awards, The Big Show : High Times and Dirty Dealings Backstage at the Academy Awards by Steve Pond could be just what you're looking for. The author provides a rarely seen glimpse at whats not being shown on Oscar night.

Accompanying all of this Oscar talk, you might be interested in checking out last year's best picture winner and nomonies, such as: The Departed, Letters from Iwo Jima, Babel, Little Miss Sunshine, and The Queen. Also, if you see that these movies are out, as they are still popular, don't be afraid to stop by the reference desk so we can put them on hold for you. Look for this year's winners at the Library as soon as they're out on DVD.

Local History Book Stop

Tour Long Island with George Washington; take a jaunt to Rockaway in 1793, or travel the LIRR in 1890. Journeys on Old Long Island: Travelers' Accounts, Contemporary Descriptions, and Residents' Reminiscences 1744-1893 edited by Natalie A. Naylor takes you back as travelers and others describe their environment and the social customs of the period.

Historical and Descriptive Sketches of Suffolk County with a Historical Outline of Long Island by Richard M. Bayles covers the discovery of Long Island by the Dutch, the colonial and revolutionary periods, and the founding of towns as well as the Native American tribes. A chapter on the history of Riverhead is included.