From the Horse's Mouth

Soldier Dogs: The Untold Story of America's Canine Heroes by Maria Goodavage

Dogs have always played an important role in all branches of the military. Ms. Goodavage takes an in-depth look at these remarkable canines, known as MWDs (Military Working Dogs). She describes the selection, training, and preparation of these animals for roles in patrol, substance detection, and most of all combat. The book emphasizes the relationships between the animals and their handlers. It also includes information about the war dog memorial and the war dog organization. How do you describe these dogs? Just awesome!

Enjoy reading about dogs? We also have available in book, CD, and ebook the story of Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin. The author's family adopted this severely injured puppy who had been used as bait in dog fights and brought back from the brink of death. With hope and love, this is a touching tale with a very happy ending!

Book Discussion

The Glass Castle

by Jeannette Walls

Saturday, March 24

11:00 a.m.

This thought-provoking memoir is as gripping as it is uplifting. As children, the author and her siblings fended for themselves, eating out of trash cans and living by their wits, while their parents inhabited a bizarre dreamworld. Yet Walls presents a unique and sometimes upbeat portrait of her life with them. There's lots to talk about in this thoroughly American chronicle.

All are welcome to register for the discussion at the Reference Desk. Cardholders may pick up a copy of the book here.

The Green Spot

Take a hike! Attend our library program Hiking on Long Island, Thursday, September 22, 7 to 8:30 p.m. If you're too late for this, there are many other options.

Visit our hiking display on the first section of The Green Spot for hiking schedules from local organizations and books featuring some great treks and easy strolls. Some standouts include Short Nature Walks Long Island in which authors Rodney & Priscilla Albright take you on fifty-three leisurely walks with clear directions and detailed maps for each.

Long Island: A Guide to New York's Suffolk and Nassau Counties by Raymond Edward Spinzia, Judith Ader Spinzia and Kathryn Spinzia Rayne features many of the parklands on Long Island where you stroll the grounds of former estates or take more rigorous hikes through woodland preserves.

For those wishing to go further afield, try 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of New York City by Christopher & Catherine Brooks. Unbounded by state lines, the trails showcase swamp streams and roaring waterfalls, hidden lakes and bald summits. A very scenic section of the Appalachian Trail is highlighted.

Many general books provide outdoor basics for hikers and backpackers, including Wilderness Basics by the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club. So get ready to get up and go!

Booked for Lunch

Lunch time is book time at the Riverhead Free Library. Every Friday from 12: 30 to 1:30 p.m. through the end of August, librarians will present new authors and new books available for checkout to Riverhead cardholders. Here are a few samples of some of the latest titles.

The Beginners by Rebecca Wolff - Set in a secluded New England village, this atmospheric novel evokes a darkly Gothic aura. When two strangers show up in town, an adolescent girl becomes entangled in their lives and gets an unlikely education. Dread and desire hang over every page of this delicious thriller, as creepy as it is marvelous.

Silicon Jungle by Shumeet Baluja - In this sinister novel, a company's vast database of people's most private thoughts and actions raises ethical questions about today's cutting edge data-mining industry. Do-gooders, voyeurs, government agents, and radicals surface, and a naive, young intern is caught in the middle.

Last Men Out: The True Story of America's Heroic Final Hours in Vietnam by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin - The local author of Dark Noon, Tom Clavin co-authors this gripping true account of the brave U.S. Marines who led daring helicopter rescues, evacuating the remaining fellow marines and civilians as Saigon fell.

The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond - This popular true romance is available in CD and in large print as well as in standard format. It tells the entertaining tale of a city girl who fell for an Oklahoma cowboy. From the author of The Pioneer Woman Cooks, this humorous story also provides some good "home-cooked" recipes.

Bring your own lunch and join us outdoors in the courtyard by the Yellow Barn for Booked for Lunch or indoors in case of rain or extreme heat!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Riverhead Reads

Sign up now at the Reference Desk for the Adult Winter Reading Club 2010. Read or listen to any book for a chance to win prizes in weekly raffle drawings. Get extra chances to win by reading a book from our preferred reading list. This winter's theme is Riverhead Reads: Making a Difference Globally & in Your Community. Check out the newest display with the presents on the top shelf for a sampling of these books. Here are a few....

The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World by Jacqueline Novogratz is the inspiring story of a woman who left a career in international banking to embark on a quest to understand and tackle global poverty. It all started on a trip to Africa where the author saw a boy wearing a cherished blue wool sweater she had donated to Goodwill eleven years earlier.

For those who want to know how to get involved,Volunteerism edited by Frank McGuckin is an excellent resource. A series of essays and articles lays bare the issues surrounding the topic and introduces private and the national service agencies, including AmeriCorps. While providing thought- provoking critiques about the failure of some efforts, the book also sheds light on the rewards of volunteering.
Animal Investigators: How the World's First Wildlife Forensics Lab is Solving Crimes and Saving Endangered Species by Laurel A. Neme, Ph.D. shares behind-the-scenes cases and describes the scientific methods through which the lab safeguards endangered species that are being poached for their body parts. Filled with suspense, this book unfolds like a crime novel.

For readers in the mood for more serious biographies of remarkable people who made a difference, try Failure is Impossible: Susan B. Anthony in her Own Words by Lynn Sherr. Raised as a Quaker with a strong sense of social responsibility, Anthony was a key figure in the women's suffrage movement--but her legacy goes far beyond the vote.

Fireside Chat

Come in out of the cold this winter and join us around the fireplace for a chat about the latest books. Details will be in the library's next newsletter. If you liked Booked for Lunch, you'll love our Fireside Chat. In the meantime, here's a preview of some of the new non-fiction travel books on the new book shelf....

Tropic of Capricorn: A Remarkable Journey to the Forgotten Corners of the World by Simon Reeve spans 23,000 miles around the globe. Starting in Africa and heading east through Australia and South America, Reeve encounters breathtaking landscapes and remarkable people--from the Bushmen of the Kalahari and Nambian prostitutes battling HIV to gem miners in Madagascar and teenagers in the Brazilian favela, once described as the most dangerous place on earth. Not for the faint of heart, this plunges beyond the usual travelogue.

In Mozambique Mysteries, novelist and world traveler Lisa St. Aubin de Teran captures the spirit Mozambique, which seems remote and unreachable to many westerners. Enthralled by this unique but poor country, the author finds the perfect place to realize her dream of founding a college for tourism and agriculture.


Talking Heads' founder David Byrne creates another unique travel experience in Bicycle Diaries. As a cyclist, Bryne's whole world opened up when he discovered folding bikes and took to the road internationally. What he sees and whom he meets, as he pedals through the streets of Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Manila, and more, is the subject of this eye-opening celebration of the world from the seat of a bike.

Blue Ribbon Book Stop

Visit the latest holiday display this November 2009, honoring colonial America. Several standout books have been written about Jamestown, the Virginia settlement that pre-dates the Mayflower.

Savage Kingdom: The True Story of Jamestown, 1607, and the Settlement of America by Benjamin Woolley is "a well-told story of discovery, conquest, business, and politics." The award-winning author and broadcaster meticulously gathers and documents many fascinating details of this first permanent English colony in North America.

Captain John Smith: Jamestown and the Birth of the American Dream by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler draws from primary sources, including John Smith's own writings, to tell the story of the colony's most famous founder. Edgar award-winning authors also deconstruct the myth of the relationship between Captain Smith and Pocahontas.

The Jamestown Project by Karen Ordahl Kupperman enlarges the colony's story to encompass all the factors that led up to its founding, including the view from England toward the New World. Kupperman, an NYU historian, also reveals the dark side of this seeming success story.

These three non-fiction works are recent additions, written to honor the 400th anniversary of Jamestown in 1607.

Book Discussion: The Professor and the Madman

Tuesday, October 20
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Open Room

Join us for a discussion of this international bestseller: The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester. An extraordinary tale of madness and genius, this marvelous true story tells of the obsessions of two men who were primarily responsible for the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. It explores not only the dark side of the human psyche but chronicles the making of a masterpiece. Remarkably readable and well researched. Please sign up online or register at the Public Information Desk or at the Reference Desk.

In the News

Woodstock is over, but there's still time to celebrate the '60s this August. Visit our book and CD display nearest the circulation desk and pick out your favorite '60s icon or read about rockets and remember the war in Vietnam. There's something for everyone. Here's a sample.

1969 by Rob Kirkpatrick chronicles American music, news, politics, art, publishing, and sports during 1969 from Woodstock to the Manson family to Richard Nixon's presidency to the gay rights movement.

Aquarius Revisited: Seven Who Created the Sixties Counterculture That Changed America by Peter O. Whitmer with Bruce VanWyngarden is a joyful and intriguing romp through this controversial era with a focus on the ideas and writings of seven key figures that define the decade, including William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, and Norman Mailer.

Rocket Men: The Epic Story of the First Men on the Moon by Craig Nelson recreates the story of the Apollo II moon mission as well as providing the history of rocketry, human space flight, and the space race.

Keep Your Head Down: Vietnam, the Sixties, and a Journey of Self-Discovery by Doug Anderson offers an evocative depiction of the author's service in Vietnam and its effects when he returns to America. In a life-changing trip back to Vietnam in 2000, he meets with former enemies who are now, like him, writers and poets.