Friday Grab Bag: Award Nominees

We're putting the final touches on a new project that some might call madness, and we'll have all the details for you next week. We didn't want to leave you without a Friday post, so we're pulling together a list of titles that are up for one award or another!

First up The Oscars! The 85th annual Academy Awards will be presented this weekend on Sunday, February 24th. ABC has a full list of the nominees on their website, and many of the films are available for check out through Carnegie-Stout. Of course, many of the nominees are based on books that are also available for check out!

• The Pirates! in an Adventure with Napoleon by Gideo Defoe, part of the series which inspired The Pirates! Band of Misfits nominated for Best Animated Feature Film
• Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, the inspiration for Lincoln with twelve nominations
• The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick, the film of the same name has eight nominations
• Argo: how the CIA and Hollywood pulled off the most audacious rescue in history by Antonio Mendez & Matt Baglio ties in with the film Argo, which has seven nominations
•  The adaptation of Life of Pi by Yann Martel has eleven nominations
• Les Miserables, based on the classic by Victor Hugo, has eight nominations
• The Hobbit: an unexpected journey, the first of three movies based on Tolkien's classic has three nominations
• Kon-Tiki based on Thor Heyerdahl's adventure memoir is a nominee for Best Foreign Feature
• The latest film of Anna Karenina based on the classic by Leo Tolstoy has four nominations

The long list for the second annual Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction were announced this month. This award is selected by the American Library Association, and will be awarded on June 30th during the annual convention. You can check out the whole list by following this link. Staff of Carnegie-Stout have reviewed two titles from the long list here on the blog: Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver and Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo.

The nominee list for the 2012 Nebula Awards were also announced this week. This award is given by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. The winners will be announced on May 18th, which gives you enough time to check out all of the nominees for Best Novel (all of which are available at Carnegie-Stout):

• Throne of the Crescent Moon by Saladin Ahmed
• Ironskin by Tina Connolly
• The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin
• The Drowning Girl by Caitlin R. Kiernan
• Glamour in Glass by Mary Robinette Kowal
• 2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson

Be sure to check back next Friday to learn about the first ever Dubuque Tournament of Books (or stop by the Recommendations Desk to learn more)!

Read Alike: The Hobbit

The Hobbit: an unexpected journey, the first film in Peter Jackson's planned trilogy, opens in U.S. theaters today. The film is an adaption of J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, The Hobbit, or, There and Back Again. The book's popularity led to Tolkien's trilogy, The Lord of the Rings, which was, in turn, the source of Jackson's first popular Middle-earth trilogy.

Many of you have probably seen all or part of Jackson's film adaptions of The Lord of the Rings, and hopefully you've read the books as well. If you haven't yet, we definitely recommend picking up The Hobbit whether or not you'll be going to the theater this weekend. If you're curious about how the book became the movie, check out this interview where Peter Jackson talks about some of the decisions he made in the process of filming.

If you've already read The Hobbit a dozen times and are looking for something new, we've pulled together a few suggestions for you. Of course, it's easy to argue that most modern fantasy owes a debt to Tolkien's influence, and because this upbeat adventure novel has appeal for readers young and old, we've included titles from the youth, young adult, and adult collections! 

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K Le Guin
A fantasy classic that remains popular with readers from tween to adult. Earthsea is a world dominated by the seas, and where names hold great power. The story follows Ged as he grows in his skills as a wizard from a boyhood as a goatherd to his time as a student in the wizard's school. Much like Bilbo, Ged's journey teaches him to think beyond himself to the larger threats of evil in the world.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien met while teaching at Oxford and formed a friendship that shaped their literary careers. Lewis and Tolkien shared a love of mythology, and that love shines through in different ways in each of their writing. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia has adventure, a battle between good and evil, and is popular with younger readers. You can read more about Lewis and Tolkien's friendship here.

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
Alexander's Prydain Chronicles have a solid appeal for younger readers, but the suspenseful adventure, the details from Welsh mythology, and a touch of humor hold up well. There's a colorful cast of characters including Taran, assistant pig-keeper, Eilonwy, runaway witch, Doli the dwarf, and, of course, Hen Wen the oracular pig. The heroes find themselves in a battle against evil that spans five books. 

Dune by Frank Herbert
Frank Herbert is best known as the creator of the Dune series, which, after his death, was carried on by his son Brian. Though the setting for Dune is vastly different from Tolkien's Middle-earth, Herbert's detailed worldbuilding, epic story, and descriptive language capture a similar appeal. Although younger readers might find be uncomfortable with some of the issues raised, adults older teens who are willing to try science fiction should give this series a try.

More for Tweens
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Redwall by Brian Jacques
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins
Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman
Small Persons with Wings by Ellen Booraem

More for Teens
The Once and Future King by T.H. White
The Tiffany Aching books by Terry Pratchett
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper

Adults should take a look at our Read Alike post for Robert Jordan, which has a mix of modern fantasy authors. You might also enjoy Andrew's review of The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I'd like to thank Andrew and Emily for their help with this post!

Did you already attend a midnight showing? Give us your movie review in the comments!

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Six Degrees

Usually our Friday posts include a list of books or authors with similar writing styles, characters, genres, or tones. But where's the fun in always doing the expected?

Have you ever played the six degrees of Kevin Bacon? A Madison librarian, Sarah Statz Cords, came up with a variation for those of us better at naming authors than actors. That said, we won't limit you to just books, if a movie or television show helps you connect the dots between your six items, go for it! Post your list here, or on our Facebook Page.

I'll start us off:

1) The Nine: inside the secret world of the Supreme Court by Jeffrey Toobin has been on my To Read list ever since my father, brother, and sister all told me that they loved it.

2) True Believers by Kurt Andersen is a book that I did read this year. The main character, Karen Hollander, has just turned down the opportunity to become a member of the Supreme Court because of a dark secret in her past.

3) Less of a secret was her youthful love for all things James Bond. While Karen and her friends preferred the books, today most of us are more familiar with the movies, including Judi Dench in the role of M.

4) Judi Dench's career has included a number of parts in movie adaptations, including Mrs. Fairfax in the 2011 film of Jane Eyre, my all time favorite book.

5) I can't bring myself to watch any of the movie versions of Jane Eyre, but I did read The Flight of Gemma Hardy by Margot Livesey. A retelling of Jane Eyre set in the 1950s and '60s.

6) The narrator of the audiobook for The Flight of Gemma Hardy is one of my favorites: Davina Porter. She's also the voice behind Diana Gabaldon's wonderful Outlander.



Think it's too easy? Try to find the connections between your favorite book and favorite movie (no points if your favorite movie was based off of your favorite book), have a friend pick the two titles you have to connect, or see how many lists you can make that include your favorite author.

Now Available - Author Alerts!

Thanks to the Carnegie-Stout Library Foundation, we have launched a new service for C-SPL users - Author Alerts!

With Author Alerts, you can be the first to know when the library has a new book by your favorite author, new movie with your favorite actor or a new album by your favorite artist. You'll be notified by email or text (your choice!) with a link to the library's catalog to place a hold on the item.

Signing up is easy! On our homepage, go to the E-Branch Library menu and select Author Alerts (or, click here). Click the Start Here button and then select how you would like to be notified, by email or by text (for texts, standard messaging rates apply). You can also enter a screen name, which will allow you to share author lists and reviews.

On the next page, select what materials you would like to be notified about - books, DVD, music, etc. You can change these settings at any time.

Now you're ready to create your first alert! Just enter the first and last name of an author, actor or artist and click continue. If there are multiple matches in the library's catalog, you'll be asked to select the correct name. For instance, I entered Suzanne Collins and there are several close matches. In this case, I've selected the option with the most titles, since I'd like to know when the library adds anything by her (click to enlarge):

Once you've chosen your first alert, you'll be taken to your main alerts page. This is where you can find and add additional authors and see what other users are adding as well. You'll also be able to review the alerts you've signed up for and edit or delete them. You can also change how you receive your alerts by choosing the Edit Settings options at the top of the screen.

If you'd like to see what else the library has by your favorite author/artist/actor, click on the name and you'll be taken to the library's online catalog.

As always, if you have any questions about this or any other library service, you can email us at yourlibrarian@dubuque.lib.ia.us or give a call at (563) 589-4225 ext. 2224. 

Books to Movies, recent and upcoming

It would be easy to write a blog post every other month with updates on books classic and recent, obscure and popular that are making the transition to Hollywood. In addition to the coming excitement of Oscar Season, the fall holds a few action titles with literary beginnings. We've gathered a few together, with some reading suggestions.

Alex Cross, based on Cross by James Patterson
Release date: October 19
This is the third film based on Patterson's popular Alex Cross series. The first two films, Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider, star Morgan Freeman as Cross, while the most recent film stars Tyler Perry. The series starts with Along Came a Spider, and the next book, Merry Christmas, Alex Cross, comes out in November.
Readers may also enjoy:

• Rules of Prey by John Sandford, the first book in his Prey series featuring Lucas Davenport. Fast-paced, violent, and full of gritty details, these suspenseful mysteries mix elements of police procedurals with the psychology of the criminals.
• If I Should Die by Grace Edwards, the first book in her Mali Anderson series. Set in Harlem, this fast-paced series has a tough, intelligent, African-American woman as the detective. Anderson left the police force over racism and sexism, but when a murder is committed before her eyes, she puts her skills to use.

Cloud Atlas, based on Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Release date: October 26
Mitchell's experimental novel about the interconnections between the generations makes for a rather unusual movie, where stars like Halle Berry and Tom Hanks play multiple roles. It is a complex and thought-provoking novel that features Mitchell's skills at changing voice and style.
Readers may also enjoy:

• David Mitchell's most recent novel, The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet, set in late 18th century Japan with a diverse cast of characters.
• If on a Winter's Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino is the novel that helped to inspire Cloud Atlas  (http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2004/may/22/fiction.italocalvino). This book includes ten different stories written in varied styles.

Anna Karenina, based on Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Release date: November 9
The latest in a series of film adaptations of this Russian classic about society's expectations and doomed love stars Keira Knightley and Jude Law, and should appeal to fans of luscious costume dramas. While you're waiting for the theatrical debut, you can check out the adaptation from 1934 starring Greta Garbo.
You may also enjoy:

• The Awakening by Kate Chopin. This highly controversial late Victorian novel of a woman dissatisfied with her marriage who begins a tragic affair. Chopin's novel shares a similar leisurely pace, though it is more lyrical than weighty.
• If you're looking for a good costume drama, try Phantom of the Opera, Marie Antoinette, or Vanity Fair. Vanity Fair is based on the novel of the same name by William Thackeray, about a young English girl who plots and schemes her way up the social ladder.

 
Life of Pi, based on Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Release date: November 21
Martel's haunting, suspenseful, and spiritual story of a young boy, Pi Patel, stranded at sea in a lifeboat with wild animals, including a tiger, will be guided to the big screen by director Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Brokeback Mountain).
You may also enjoy:

• A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer. This moving Newbery Honor book tells the story of an 11 year-old girl who has to make the dangerous journey from Mozambique to her father's family in Zimbabwe. Farmer incorporates many elements of the Shona spirit world in the book. Though Nhamo's journey is dangerous, she maintains her sense of humor.
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This inspirational and reflective novel by the highly regarded Brazilian author has been translated into 71 different languages. A parable or fable about following your heart and the meaning of life, this story is spiritual and gives the reader much to consider.

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Spotlight: Fairy Tales

Though some of us put fairy tales aside as something for children (or babies), the truth is that many of these stories were originally intended for all ages or even adult audiences. Of course, some of us never outgrow our love for the fantastic, magic and danger and things seen from the corner of your eye.

The enduring appeal of these stories is handily demonstrated by the fact that 2012 saw not one, but two movies based on the story of Snow White: Snow White and the Huntsman (starring Charlize Theron and Kristan Stewart) and Mirror, Mirror (starring Julia Roberts and Sean Bean). And on television this fall will be the second seasons of both Grimm and Once Upon a Time.

Before we get too far, Carnegie-Stout does have collections of classic fairy tales by The Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, Edmund Spenser, and Charles Perrault. And there are even more in the children's section.

Because fairy tales come from the tradition of oral storytelling, there's been no shortage of adaptations, remixes, and retellings over the years. For example you have Disney's animated feature Beauty and the Beast, the '80s television program Beauty and the Beast, the modern day YA novel (and movie) Beastly, and, of course, the numerous variations in the romance section.

We have graphic novels inspired by fairy tales, from Castle Waiting by Linda Medley (see Andrew's staff review) to the Fables series by Bill Willingham. Both of which take elements familiar from bed time stories, and create something for a more adult audience (Fables, in particular, is not meant for younger readers).

Many authors have built careers around creating or recreating fairy tales. J.R.R. Tolkien has inspired generations of fantasy fans with his tales of Middle-earth. Charles de Lint was one of the original authors of urban fantasy (the kind without vampires), and Holly Black helped to reinvent the sub-genre for modern YA readers. Eowyn Ivey's recent debut novel, The Snow Child, is a retelling of a Russian fairy tale, and yes, she's named after the Tolkien character.

There are many, many more examples, but we don't want to overwhelm you. If you're not sure where to start, try My Mother She Killed Me, My Father He Ate Me (Fiction Short My), a collection of fairy tales by 40 contemporary authors. Stop by the Recommendations Desk or submit a Personal Recommendations request online, and we'll help you find a new version of your favorite story.

Avast ye, Dubuquers, 'tis Talk Like a Pirate Day!

Are ye in need o' a refresher on your pirate lingo? Look t' our blog post o' last year for the origins o' this fine day, and links t' get ye talkin' like a pirate.

If you're lookin' t' celebrate this fine day, Carnegie-Stout has a fine trove o' piratical books and movies for you t' peruse.

Might we suggest explorin' t' phenomenon o' space pirates? Those scurvy dogs who sail t' voids between t' stars and have appeared in works o' science fiction for decades. Below we've gathered a samplin' o' titles available at Carnegie-Stout.

Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon
The Rock Rats by Ben Bova
Sureblood by Susan Grant
The Reality Dysfunction by Peter F. Hamilton
The Truth of Valor by Tanya Huff
Firefly: the complete series
Outlaw Star
Treasure Planet
Tenchi Muyo!

Best Scene from The Bad News Bears

Pie-eyed Coach Morris Buttermaker (Walter Matthau) gradually realizes just how bad his Bears really are.

Read Alike: The Wettest County in the World

Shia LaBeouf's new movie, Lawless, is scheduled for release next week. The story tells of three brothers who make their living in the violent world of Prohibition era bootlegging. The plot is based on the Depression era ancestors of author Matt Bondurant. Mr. Bondurant used their story in his suspenseful 2008 novel, The Wettest County in the World.

When you add in the recent excitement around Western inspired novels, many of which have been adapted to the big screen in recent years, you wind up with today's list of reading suggestions.

For more on the Prohibition and the rise of organized crime during the Depression, check out Boardwalk Empire: the birth, high times, and corruption of Atlantic City by Nelson Johnson (974.985 JOH). This nonfiction title about the rise of Atlantic City and the powerful men behind the city served as the basis for the HBO drama of the same name.

No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
Mr. McCarthy is not a cheerful author. His menacing novels delve into the dark sides of humanity and our propensities for violence. He's known for setting his stories in the Southwest, whether in the lawless past, or the lawless future. No Country for Old Men is the story of Llewelyn Moss, who gets himself caught up in the violence of drug trafficking in the '80s. The 2007 film adaptation starring Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin received the Academy Award for Best Picture.

True Grit by Charles Portis
In his career, Mr. Portis has been both a journalist and a novelist. In fact his second novel, True Grit, was originally serialized in The Saturday Evening Post. This engaging, suspenseful novel takes its cues from the Western genre, but creates something unique. A dialog-rich story told from the perspective of 14 year-old Mattie Ross, and her quest for revenge on the man who killed her father and the not quite upstanding men who join her in her quest. This novel has seen multiple film adaptations, from the 1969 version with John Wayne to the 2010 version, which also stars Josh Brolin.

Doc by Mary Doria Russell
Ms. Russell's most recent novel is, like her earlier works, richly detailed and character-driven, as she plays with genre conventions. Ms. Russell is known for experimenting with genre, often combining science fiction elements with historical settings. Doc is the story of the infamous Doc Holliday and how he came to meet up with Wyatt Earp in Dodge City, Kansas, though not the infamous shootout at the OK Corral. While there is no movie adaption for this title yet, rumor has it there might be an HBO series in the works.

The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt
Mr. deWitt's second novel, The Sisters Brothers, has garnered quite a bit of positive attention, including winning The Morning News' 2012 Tournament of Books. It's a gritty and darkly comic novel of the California Gold Rush. Eli and Charlie Sisters, brothers and hired guns of fearsome reputation, are on a mission to kill Hermann Kermit Warm. Eli, the narrator, begins to question their violent life. While there is no movie yet, John C. Reilly's production company has purchased the film rights.


Readers who enjoy stories about living on the wrong side of the law in a lawless land should also check out Joyce Saricks' recent Booklist column on books with a Western inspiration. It's a creative field, whether you prefer something historical or fantastic, violent or less so. Which was your favorite, Deadwood or Firefly?

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Spotlight on the Olympics

Today is the start of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, you can follow the action at the official website: www.london2012.com or through NBC: www.nbcolympics.com

In honor of the excitement, Swimming World Magazine has been our  magazine of the month for July, and we've gathered together a few books (and a few DVDs) that capture the Olympic spirit for today's blog post.

Gold by Chris Cleave
The highly anticipated* third novel by Chris Cleave, author of Little Bee, delves into the world of competitive cycling. Grueling training, years of rivalry and competition have been the basis Kate and Zoe's friendship. At 32, the London Olympics will likely be their last chance to win gold, but would a win be worth?
*Well, at least I've been waiting anxiously.

Running the Rift by Naomi Benaron
This character-driven story is set before and during the 1994 Rwandan genocide and was awarded the Bellwether Prize. Jean Patrick trains hard to escape his rural Tutsi village and compete in the Olympics. Though the violence to come is unsettling, Ms. Benaron’s novel also humanity's capacity for beauty and goodness.

Swimming by Nicola Keegan
Ms. Keegan's first novel, Swimming, captures the refuge and escape that can be found in the pool. Pip is a born swimmer, and turns to the water early to escape her turbulent, often destructive family, and her own awkward youth. Pip achieves success at the highest levels, competing in the Olympics during the '80s, but finds it difficult to define herself outside the water. Ms. Keegan writes with humor and a real understanding of what it means to be a swimmer, but her use of profanity may not be for all readers.

The Games by Ted Kosmatka
Mr. Kosmatka's page-turner of a first novel is set in a near future world where the Olympics are dominated by an event where genetically engineered creatures fight to the death, a set up ripe for disaster. The bloody action, moral questions, scientific detail, and intriguing characters hold appeal for fans of Michael Crichton in particular.

Movies and Documentaries
Dare to Dream (DVD 796.334082) A documentary of the U.S. Women's Olympic soccer team of 2004.

One Day in September (DVD 796.48) A documentary about the murder of 11 Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Games.

Chariots of Fire (DVD Feature) Story of two English runners that were both driven by different means to win the Olympics. One used his faith in God, and the other his hatred of Anti-Semitism.

Charlie Chan at the Olympics (DVD Feature) This mystery pits Charlie Chan against international spies who are using the Berlin Olympic games as the perfect cover for cold-blooded murder. The detective is aided by his son who just happens to be on the U.S. swim team.

Miracle (jDVD Feature) Based on the true story of the most famous team in the history of American sports: the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. Follow from the team's selection process to the ultimate victory over Finland for the gold.

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Read Alike: Sherlock Holmes

Quite possibly the most famous detective who never lived, after 125 years Sherlock Holmes remains incredibly popular. The creation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he first appeared in A Study in Scarlet in 1887, and in the decades since he's been adapted and reimagined for stage, movies, televisions, adventures as a child, in the Americas, or in the modern day. Sherlock Holmes has inspired generations of mystery fans.

At Carnegie-Stout we have all of the original stories, as well as several of the works inspired by the great detective. Read on for a selection of options available in our collection.

The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz
Mr. Horowitz is primarily an author of fast-paced adventure titles for tweens and teens, most notably the Alex Rider series of spy novels. His books mix suspenseful mysteries with fantastic elements and moments of humor. In addition to his novels, Mr. Horowitz has written for television, and is the creator of both Foyle's War and the Midsomer Murders series. He worked with the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to write the first authorized continuation of the Sherlock Holmes series, The House of Silk. The story is narrated by Dr. Watson from a retirement home, a year after Holmes' death.

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
Ms. King challenges the expected roles for women in her mystery series inspired by the work of Sir Conan Doyle. While Kate Martinelli is a modern day San Francisco homicide detective, lesbian, and fan of Mr. Holmes, Mary Russell lives in his world. The intelligent, unconventional orphaned heiress Mary Russell’s life takes an unexpected turn when she makes the acquaintance of the retired beekeeper, Sherlock Holmes. Mary Russell's series starts with The Beekeeper's Apprentice, and is filled with details both historical and Holmesian. Kate Martinelli's series starts with A Grave Talent.

The Final Solution by Michael Chabon
Mr. Chabon has written a wide range of titles over his literary career that bend the rules of genre while maintaining literary sensibility. His books often have a slower pace with a focus on the characters, and an exploration of Judaism. Mr. Chabon often mixes humor into his stories, whether dark or light-hearted. The retired sleuth of The Final Solution is never stated to be the great Sherlock Holmes, but the details make his identity clear. In 1944, a young, mute refugee from Nazi Germany comes to a rural Sussex village with a parrot, murder and intrigue follow.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon
Mr. Haddon has written everything from picture books to poetry, and his known for his interesting characters and humorous observations of everyday life. His first book for adults, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, proved to be a huge success, and while not a story of Sherlock Holmes, readers will see his influence. Christopher is 15, gifted in math, autistic, and an admirer of Mr. Holmes. When he discovers his neighbor's murdered dog and is accused of the crime, Christopher sets out to solve the case.

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to authors who've tried their hand the sleuth of 221B Baker Street.  The folks of Wikipedia have put together a list of authors with Holmesian adaptations that would fill several bookshelves.

When it comes to film and movie, every fan has their favorite Holmes, whether a classic like Basil Rathbone or Jeremy Brett, or a modern take like Robert Downey Jr. or Benedict Cumberbatch. CBS has plans to air a remake this fall, that will be set in modern day New York City and have Lucy Liu taking on the role of Dr. Watson.






The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection, starring Basil Rathbone
Sherlock Holmes, portrayed by Jeremy Brett
Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch
Sherlock Holmes, featuring Robert Downey Jr.
House, M.D., with Hugh Laurie in a role inspired by Mr. Holmes

And if you're interested in reading more about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, or the history and science behind Sherlock Holmes, Carnegie-Stout has some reading options in our non-fiction collection.

Local author, David L. Hammer, has written extensively on Sherlock Holmes. A particularly fun title is A Dangerous Game: being a travel guide to the Europe of Sherlock Holmes (914.04), complete with interesting facts and photographs.

Other nonfiction titles include:
The Devil and Sherlock Holmes by David Grann (081 GRA)
The Science of Sherlock Holmes by E.J. Wagner (363.25 WAG)
Conan Doyle Detective by Peter Costello (823.8 DOY)
Sherlock Holmes was Wrong by Pierre Bayard (823.8 DOY)

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Comment: Prefer Mystery Movies

Library patron comment submitted at a movie screening:

Prefer mystery movies & movies that are not silent. Thank you.

Library staff reply:

Carnegie-Stout Public Library shows a movie suitable for adult audiences one evening each month. We try to show movies from a broad range of genres and eras in hopes of appealing to as many people as we can. We have shown several mystery movies over the last few years, including The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Maltese Falcon, Double Indemnity, Witness for the Prosecution, Vertigo, The Killing, The Thief, Murder on the Orient Express, The Departed, and Shutter Island. All of these had sound.

Of course we will continue to show more mystery movies in the future. When selecting titles, we must be able to acquire non-theatrical public performance rights for the movies, and they must be readily available on new DVDs. If you have specific titles you'd like us to consider, please let our library staff know in person, by email at yourlibrarian@dubuque.lib.ia.us or by phone at 563-589-4225.

mm, 5/8/12

Spotlight: Motherhood

 This Sunday, May 13th, is Mother's Day, and what better topic for our Friday post than motherhood? We've brought together some fiction titles, memoirs, advice books, and movies to look over here, or on display at Carnegie-Stout. And don't forget, our magazine of the month is Working Mother!

Novels
Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton (Mystery) In Ms. Lupton's fast-paced and conversational second novel, a woman runs into a burning building to save her daughter, but that's only the start of the danger.

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult (Fiction) A thought-provoking novel that includes a soundtrack. Music therapist Zoe Baxter sues her ex-husband for custody of their frozen embryos after she falls in love with another woman.

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova (Fiction) Ms. Genova's second novel is reflective and inspirational. A successful career woman and mother finds herself reevaluating her priorities after a traumatic accident.

Room by Emma Donoghue (Fiction) This fast-paced and suspenseful novel is told from the perspective of five-year-old Jack, who has lived his entire life in one small room with his mother, held captive by the whims of her kidnapper.

Please Look After Mom by Kyŏng-suk Sin (Fiction) This haunting family drama has a relaxed pace, though the revelations about the characters keep the pages turning. When the family matriarch goes missing, her children and husband search Seoul as well as their memories.

Come Home by Lisa Scottoline (Mystery) Ms. Scottoline's latest novel is fast-paced and suspenseful, as well as an examination of motherhood. Dr. Jill Farrow has finally found balance in her life after her divorce, when her ex-husband's daughter arrive unexpectedly with news of her father's murder.

One True Thing by Anna Quindlen (Fiction) This is a reflective and thoughtful novel by Ms. Quindlen. Ellen has taken care of her mother throughout her battle with cancer, and never expected to be accused of euthanasia.

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah (Romance) A character-driven and moving story of family. After their father's death, two sisters are brought reunited with their abrasive, Russian-born mother.

Boneshaker by Cherie Priest (Science Fiction) In a fast-paced, alternate universe steampunk Seattle Briar struggles to raise her precocious son, Zeke, on the wrong side of the tracks, but things are only complicated when Zeke decides to clear his father's name.

Movies and Television

Gilmore Girls

Terms of Endearment
Mrs. Miniver
Mother India
Mother and Child
Volver

All About My Mother (Todo Sobre Mi Madre)

Mother of Mine 

Biography, Memoir, and Advice

• Are You My Mother? by Alison Bechdel (Adult Graphic)
• No Biking in the House Without a Helmet by Melissa Fay Greene (362.734 GRE)
• Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua (306.8743 CHU)
• Blue Nights by Joan Didion (Biography)
• Mom: a celebration of mothers from StoryCorps (306.8743 MOM)
• Not Becoming My Mother: and other things she taught me along the way by Ruth Reichl (641.5092 REI)
• Just Let Me Lie Down by Kristin Van Ogtrop (306.8743 VAN)

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Spotlight: 100th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Titanic

On April 15th, 1912 the RMS Titanic collided with an ice berg, and went to her watery grave with 1,514 passengers and crew. This terrible tragedy has captured our imaginations for generations, and the 100th anniversary has renewed interest. We've gathered together some interesting links from around the web, as well as books and DVDs available here at Carnegie-Stout.

Of course we do have James Cameron's Titanic starring Leonardo DiCaprio on both DVD and blu-ray.

We also have the 1953 film Titanic starring Barbara Stanwyck in addition to three documentaries on the topic:
Secrets of the Titanic (DVD 910.45 SEC)
Titanic : how it really sank (DVD 910.91634 TIT)
Titanic : the complete story (DVD 910.91634 TIT)

There are a number of new documentaries and dramas airing on TV this month. Including a two part mini-series on ABC produced by Julian Fellowes (the man behind Downton Abbey), and a number of programs on PBS.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, a trip to Branson, Missouri might be in order. If a road trip to see Titanic Branson is not in your schedule, you still might want to check out their website, which includes video profiles of passengers and more. You may also enjoy the website of RMS Titanic, Inc, a company which has been behind seven research expeditions to the undersea wreckage and worldwide exhibitions of Titanic artifacts recovered from the wreckage. Their website includes information and photographs.

Still not enough? Mills Morgan Travel is offering a Titanic Memorial Cruise from Southampton to (hopefully) New York. Or maybe you'd prefer to stay on dry land and peruse the Library of Congress' Titanic Pathfinder, the BBC's Titanic archive, or the official Titanic Facebook page.

A selection of books on the Titanic available at Carnegie-Stout:
A Night to Remember by Walter Lord
(910.91634 LOR) Mr. Lord brought an immersive, human-centered touch to his histories. His dramatic, richly detailed, and painstakingly researched examination of the sinking of the Titanic remains a classic of narrative nonfiction more than fifty years after its original publication.

The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott
Seamstress Tess Collins, maid to fashion designer Lady Lucile Duff Gordon, finds herself sailing on the Titanic towards her dreams of a better life. Ms. Alcott's first novel focuses on the aftermath of the disaster, and includes a bit of romance for Tess.

The Lifeboat by Charlotte Rogan
Grace Winter survived the sinking of an ocean liner crossing the Atlantic in 1914 and three weeks in an overcrowded lifeboat with minimal supplies. Ms. Rogan's first novel is a compelling look at human nature, self-sacrifice, and the will to survive.

Voyagers of the Titanic by R. P. T. Davenport-Hines
(910.91634) A history of the Titanic and its ill-fated voyage focuses on the passengers, crew, and builders and illuminates the heroism, sacrifice, hope and love that emerged from the tragedy.

The Band that Played On by Steve Turner
(910.91634) The story of the musicians who went down with the ship, a story that has fascinated readers since the first news reports. Who were these brave men? What was the last song they played?

Lost Voices from the Titanic by Nick Barratt
(910.91634) Mr. Barratt provides the definitive narrative of the disaster in the words of those who were involved--including the designers and naval architects at the White Star Line; first-class aristocratic passengers and the families in third class and steerage, many of whom were simply seeking a better life in America; and the boards ofinquiry, whose task it was to help change maritime law to ensure that such an event never took place again.

Building the Titanic by Rod Green
(623.82 GRE) Features a detailed account of the creation of the Titanic, telling the story of how the ship was designed and constructed and why its legend continues to fascinate.

Titanic's Last Secrets by Bradford Matsen
(910.91634) John Chatterton and Richie Kohler, of Shadow Divers fame, look into the sinking of the Titanic. Mr. Matsen tells of their investigation of the wreck of both the Titanic and her sister ship, the Britannic.

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

More Hunger Games Read Alikes

Today is opening day for the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games, a dystopian trilogy written for teens that has proven equally popular with adults. Fast-paced, action-packed, with a strong and compelling heroin, and just a hint of romance, Ms. Collins has created a real page-turner.

The Hunger Games were already the topic of a read alike post, but with more great Young Adult titles published every month and the excitement surrounding the film, we thought we'd do an update.

You can check out our original Hunger Games read alike post here: carnegiestout.blogspot.com/2011/05/read-alike-hunger-games.html

SH = Strong Heroine
A = Action-Packed
D = Dystopia
2+ = Trilogy/Series
P = Protector
V = Violence
R = Romance

Terrier by Tamora Pierce SH A 3+ P V
Ms. Pierce is well known for writing fantasy novels, often set in the world of Tortall, that always feature a strong heroine. The stories are fast-paced and the settings are full of interesting detail with regional slang and rich history. Start with Terrier, the first of three books featuring the adventures of Beka Cooper, Provost's Guard (a bit like a medieval police officer). Terrier has a suspenseful mystery and some great action scenes.

Legend by Marie Lu SH A D 3+ P V R
Ms. Lu's fast-paced first novel, Legend, is set in a dystopian future where the West and East coasts are at war. June, a military prodigy, is marked for greatness within the Republic. Day comes from the slums and has turned to a life as a Robin Hood-esque criminal. When June is tasked with capturing Day, they both find that their world is not what it seems.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson SH A 3+ V R
Ms. Carson's first novel a compelling and fast-paced story of a young woman marked for a greatness she doesn't feel capable of. Princess Elisa finds comfort in her studies, her faith, and eating, but when she is married to the king of the neighboring land, she can no longer hide from the dangers of her world.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater SH P V R
Ms. Stiefvater has found great popularity with her lyrical novels that mix romance and fantasy. Her characters intelligent and independent. Start with The Scorpio Races, which puts a new spin on the old Celtic myth of the Water Horse, a man-eating horse that comes from the ocean. Thisby is a remote island off the British coast known for the deadly yearly race of the capaill uisce, and Kate "Puck" Connolly will be the first woman to enter the races. The audio book is fantastic.

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder SH A D 3+ V R
Ms. Snyder writes suspenseful fantasy novels with strong heroines and dark settings. Start with Poison Study, Yelena is offered a reprieve from her death sentence for murder if she agrees to become the new poison taster for the repressive leader of her country where anyone with magical talent is killed.

Divergent by Veronica Roth SH A D 3+ V R
This debut novel is also the first in a dystopian trilogy aimed at young adults, but that adult readers who loved The Hunger Games may find compelling as well. Though action-packed, the novel asks larger questions about humanity. Future residents of Chicago are required to choose a faction at age 16, will Beatrice stay with her family in the self-sacrificing Abnegation, or leave her family for adventure with Dauntless?

The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley SH A 2+ P V R
Ms. McKinley has been writing character-driven fantasy novels and variations on fairy tales for teen and adult readers for decades. Her settings are always highly detailed with great attention to the natural elements. Start with The Blue Sword, Harry is the well-bred daughter of colonialists in a desert country, but when she is kidnapped by the Hillfolk, she discovers unexpected strengths.

Ashes by Ilsa Bick SH A D 2+ P V R
Ms. Bick is both a novelist and a child psychiatrist. Her novels are action-packed and dark. Ashes, is the first of a trilogy set in the near future that puts a new spin on zombies. Alex has an incurable brain tumor, survival skills she learned from her father before his death, and a plan behind her visit to a remote park in the U.P. Instead there is an explosion that destroys all modern technology, but Alex can't begin to imagine how much the world has changed.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young SH A D 2+ P V R
An action-packed young adult novel set in a bleak future, where 18-year-old Saba’s parents have died, her beloved twin brother has been kidnapped, and she’s left in the wilderness with her annoying kid sister. Saba sets out across the post-apocalyptic desert in search of her brother, and finds her own strength, in this first of a new trilogy. She narrates the tale in her own Old West-ish dialect.

Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness A D 2+ P V R
The first novel in the dystopian science-fiction series Chaos Walking, The Knife of Never Letting Go. This is a fast-paced tale set in a compelling and richly-developed world, a planet where all the women have been killed and all the men are linked by a mysterious psychic connection. When a young man learns a secret about the colony’s past, he’s forced to flee with the army on his heels.

Delirium by Lauren Oliver SH D 2+ V R
Lauren Oliver's lyrical novels include science fiction elements with their character-driven tragic romances. Her second novel, Delirium, is also the start of a dystopian trilogy set in a future where love (or amor deliria nervosa) is viewed as an illness easily cured with a little brain surgery. But just before Lena is eligible for the cure, she meets a young man who just might be the love of her life.

Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve SH A D 2+ V R
Mr. Reeve has written a number of action-packed science-fiction and fantasy novels for teens and younger readers. Packed with steam punk details and creative world building, his series the Hungry City Chronicles has found fans with readers both young and old. Start with Mortal Engines, in a future where cities are mobile and life depends on mechanical cannibalism Tom is unprepared to be thrown from the relative safety of London into the barren wilderness with a mysterious girl on a deadly mission.

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Thanks go to Amy and her Harry Potter for Adults read alike post!