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!

Best Seller Read-Alikes for the Week of December 2nd

Can’t wait to get your hands on the latest best-seller, but the hold list is too long? To tide you over, every week we’ll offer similar titles and authors to the week’s fiction and nonfiction best sellers.

Fiction

At #1 this week in fiction is Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich.The nineteenth outing for bounty hunter Stephanie Plum finds her working a series of small jobs for her cousin's bail bond business and in serious need of cash. Finally, she lands a case that could put her back in the black: tracking down a con man who has disappeared from the hospital after an emergency appendectomy. When  a second felon goes missing from the same hospital, she must call on Trenton's hottest cop Joe Morelli for help.

Other authors & series similar to Evanovich include:

Lisa Lutz - Lutz’s funny, fast-paced mystery stories feature a large cast of colorful characters. Start with The Spellman Files, the first in her upbeat series following Izzy Spellman and her work at her dysfunctional family’s detective agency. Izzy’s family doesn’t understand the term “boundaries” and she’s had it up to here. She decides to move on with her career, but first she takes on one last case.

Harley Jane Kozak - The author of the humorous Wollie Shelley mystery series, Kozak is known for her witty page turners. The series starts with Dating Dead Men, wherein Wollie Shelley’s research project in dating for a popular talk show host’s upcoming book is complicated by a corpse.

Nancy Martin - Martin's ongoing Roxy Abruzzo mysteries series also features a sassy heroine running with a motley crew of eccentrics. In Sticky Fingers, Roxy does a little debt collection on the side for her jailed mob boss uncle and refuses a hit job on a former high school classmate — but finds herself accused of the murder anyway. Solving the mystery requires a lot of help from her amusing friends and relatives and the smart dialog and fast pace make this series a good match for Evanovich fans.

Click here for more fiction bestsellers... 

Nonfiction
At #1 in non-fiction is is the presidential biography, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham. The Pulitzer-prize winning journalist and historical biographer presents an exhaustive and glowing portrait of the third president. Tracing Jefferson's path from his family's Virgina aristocracy to his role as a Founding Father and then on to his achievements as a master politician, Meacham paints Jefferson as a philosopher president and a political pragmatist, devoted to the success of democratic republicanism in the United States.

Sarah did an excellent post on historical biographies last Friday. Below, find some highlights that are a good match for Meacham's latest biography:

David McCullough - McCullough's engaging and highly respected histories and biographies, his work as the host of American Experience and as a narrator on several historical documentaries have earned him two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. He's known for his positive tone and ability to explain the large events of history through their impact on the individual. Try his biography of John Adams or Mornings on Horseback, the story of Theodore Roosevelt's youth.

Ron Chernow - Chernow worked as a journalist and as a member of a Think Tank specializing in finances before becoming a popular and well-regarded author, receiving a Pulitzer Prize for his work Washington: A Life. His writing has a great attention to detail, and tends to be a little quieter and thoughtful in tone. He often uses his experience in finances to write about those who have had a significant impact on our nation's economics, as in his biography of Alexander Hamilton.

Click here for more nonfiction bestsellers ...

If you'd like more recommendations, 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 Historical Biography

Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, starring Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role, is both well-reviewed and turning an impressive box office profit. Bill O'Reilly's Killing Lincoln (written with co-author Martin Dugard) remains on the bestseller lists a year later, and has been joined by his Killing Kennedy. It's no secret that readers here in Dubuque and across the nation enjoy reading about the significant people and events of American history.

Joining Mr. O'Reilly on the best seller lists this week is Jon Meacham's Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power. Mr. Meacham's fourth book, American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House, was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Biography. His writing is characterized by his careful research and attention to accuracy, but it's his focus on the people behind history that so many readers find appealing. Mr. Meacham is not alone in his skills, and today we've gathered together a few other notable authors of historical biography. 

Doris Kearns Goodwin
Ms. Goodwin is probably best known for Team of Rivals: the political genius of Abraham Lincoln, which served as the basis for Spielberg's film. Her eye toward the relationships of her subjects brings a fresh perspective to their familiar lives. Ms. Goodwin was also the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize for History in 1995 for No Ordinary Time; Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Her writing career began with a book on Lyndon Johnson, during whose presidency she worked as a White House Fellow and assistant to the President. In fact, Stephen King consulted with Ms. Goodwin about her experiences as he worked on 11/22/63.

David McCullough
Mr. McCullough's engaging and highly respected histories and biographies, his work as the host of American Experience and as a narrator on several historical documentaries have earned him two Pulitzer Prizes, two National Book Awards, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. He's known for his positive tone and ability to explain the large events of history through their impact on the individual. Try his biography of John Adams or Mornings on Horseback, the story of Theodore Roosevelt's youth.

Ron Chernow
Mr. Chernow worked as a journalist and as a member of a Think Tank specializing in finances before becoming a popular and well-regarded author. He's received a National Book Award for The House of Morgan, as well as a Pulitzer Prize for Washington: a life. His writing has a great attention to detail, and tends to be a little quieter and thoughtful in tone. He often uses his experience in finances to write about those who have had a significant impact on our nation's economics, as in his biography of Alexander Hamilton.

Other authors you might enjoy:

• Walter Isaacson
• Joseph J. Ellis
• Caroline Alexander
• Stephen E. Ambrose

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!

Deus ex Libro

The paranormal and urban fantasy labels cover a wide variety of books, from bubbly and romantic to dark and gritty. From fairies to vampires, readers will find themselves browsing in the Science Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, and Mystery sections to find their next books. That's why we're here to help you narrow down the search.

Recently I've enjoyed several series that feature the interference of the gods in the lives of mortals, especially one particular mortal singled out for the gods' attention and all the chaos that comes with it.  Each of these series are also fast-paced with first-person narration and darker humor, but after that, they're all a little different.

Hounded by Kevin Hearne
The first book in Hearne's Iron Druid chronicles is an action-packed romp through Celtic mythology in the Arizona desert. Atticus O'Sullivan is the last of the druids, and he's been on the run for centuries, what with having stole the vengeful god of love's sword. Despite his great age, Atticus is more of a footloose twenty-something than a wise mystic, but at least he has his trusty partner, Oberon, the wisecracking Irish wolfhound.

Readers may also enjoy: Storm Front by Jim Butcher, see Andrew's review here.


Black Blade Blues by J.A. Pitts
Somewhat more serious and moody, J.A. Pitts' series follows Sarah Beauhall as she struggles to find her balance as an adult. Between student debt, a non-existent relationship with her family, two jobs (blacksmith and prop master for a local b-studio) and relationship troubles with her girlfriend, the last thing she needs is to become the wielder of Gram, an ancient Norse blade made for killing dragons. Personal growth, vast conspiracies, epic battles, and an old homeless man who might be Odin.

Readers may also enjoy: Santa Olivia by Jacqueline Carey.


Urban Shaman by C.E. Murphy
Urban Shaman, the first book in C.E. Murphy's Walker Papers series, is a bit more menacing in tone. Set in the Pacific Northwest, the series starts as Joanne Walker's life falls to pieces. Her mother just died, she's about to be fired from her job as a police mechanic, and the woman she's trying to help claims that she's being hunted by Cernunnos, god and leader of the Wild Hunt. But Cernunnos isn't the only god taking an interest in Joanne's life. It's sarcastic and violent, with interesting characters, and a murder mystery for good measure.

Readers may also enjoy: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs, see Amy's review here.


First Grave on the Right by Darynda Jones 
The first book in Ms. Jones' fast-paced series featuring Charley Davidson, private investigator and grim reaper. The story is irreverently funny to balance the darkness of the crimes, and when you add in a deliciously steamy romantic sub plot, you get a fun and suspenseful read. I won't spoil the surprise by revealing the identity of Charley's supernatural lover because the reveal sets up the next book in the series. The narrator of the audio book (available as a download through OverDrive) does an excellent job of matching the novel's tone.

Readers may also enjoy: Undead and Unwed by MaryJanice Davidson.

If you're looking for more books where ancient gods interfere with the modern world try:
Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips
American Gods by Neil Gaiman


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!

Best Seller Read-Alikes for the Week of November 4th

Can’t wait to get your hands on the latest best-seller, but the hold list is too long? To tide you over, every week we’ll offer similar titles and authors to the week’s fiction and nonfiction best sellers.

Fiction

At #1 this week in fiction is John Grisham's The Racketeer. Grisham's latest legal thriller centers around the murder of a federal judge and his attractive assistant. When the investigation stalls, imprisoned lawyer Malcolm Bannister (who is serving a 10 year sentence for  money laundering) tells the feds that he knows both the killer and the motive, but will only divulge the information in exchange for his freedom. In class Grisham style, the legal twists are numerous and effective. A fast-paced read for fans of Grisham and the genre.

Books and authors similar to Grisham include:

The Black Echo by Michael Connelly - Washed-up former hero cop Harry Bosch works to prove that the apparent overdose of a fellow Vietnam vet was actually a murder. Connelly is a crime reporter in Los Angeles and brings a strong authenticity to this procedural series. His writing is gritty and atmospheric with occasional forays into the gruesomely violent.

Final Jeopardy by Linda Fairstein - Fairstein’s series of fast-paced legal thrillers featuring Assistant D.A. Alexandra Cooper are gritty and suspenseful.  Fairstein takes inspiration from real crimes, and often has Alex juggle multiple cases. The first book is Final Jeopardy, when a woman on her way to Alex’s beach house is murdered, Alex’s life as Chief of the Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit becomes even more complex.

Dead Irish by John T. Lescroart - When the boss of ex-cop and current barkeep Dimas Hardy begins an investigation into the alleged suicide of his brother-in-law, also a friend of Hardy, Hardy steps in to help the troubled bar owner and becomes privy to lives of the victim's family in his attempt to find the killer. Dead Irish is the first in an ongoing series of Lescroart's popular legal thrillers that echo Grishman's swift pacing and legal twists.

Click here for more fiction bestsellers... 

Nonfiction

At #1 in non-fiction is Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot, Bill O'Reilly & Michael Dugard's follow-up to their bestseller detailing President Lincoln's assassination (Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever). O'Reilly and Dugard take the same route here, retelling the events leading up to the assassination of President Kennedy and how the event affected the nation and the world.

Books similar to Killing Kennedy include:

Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy by Vincent Bugliosi (973.922092 BUG) - Best known as the prosecutor of the Manson murders, Bugliosi presents a thorough analysis of the assassination of JFK and its surrounding conspiracy theories draws on forensic evidence, key witness testimonies, and other sources to explain what really happened and why conspiracy theories have become so popularized.

Jack Kennedy: An Elusive Hero by Christopher Matthews (Biog. Kennedy) - Based on interviews with some of his closest associates, Matthew creates a portrait of the thirty-fifth president, discussing his privileged childhood, military service, struggles with a life-threatening disease, and career in politics. More thoughtful that shocking, this biography delves deeper into the personal life of JFK.

The Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Medicine, Madness and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard (973.84 MIL) - A narrative account of James Garfield's political career offers insight into his background as a scholar and Civil War hero, his battles against the corrupt establishment, and Alexander Graham Bell's failed attempt to save him from an assassin's bullet.

Click here for more nonfiction bestsellers ...

If you'd like more recommendations, 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!

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!

Best Seller Read-Alikes for the Week of October 21st

Can’t wait to get your hands on the latest best-seller, but the hold list is too long? To tide you over, every week we’ll offer similar titles and authors to the week’s fiction and nonfiction best sellers.

Fiction

At #1 this week in fiction is J.K. Rowling's much-anticipated novel The Casual Vacancy. Rowling's first venture into adult fiction centers on the small English village of Pagford and begins with the sudden death of a councilman. The empty seat on the council set off a fierce fight between the haves and the have-nots, the differing cultures and between the generations of Pagford. A darkly humorous satire, Rowling explores the far less magical battles between good and evil in small-town life. 

Books similar to Rowling's The Casual Vacancy include:

A False Sense of Well Being by Jeanne Braselton - After eleven years of marriage, thirty-eight-year-old Jessie Maddox finds herself in the middle of a midlife crisis as she begins to experience a number of dark fantasies about her husband's untimely end. Black humor suffuses Jessie's attempts to explain and alleviate her boredom as she confides in other women and finally return to her hometown in Alabama, searching for some kind of comfort.

Below Stairs:  The Classic Kitchen Maid's Memoir that Inspired 'Upstairs, Downstairs' by Margaret Powell (Biog. Powell)- A memoir written by a kitchen maid in 1920's England, detailing the daily drudgery of domestic service, the inequities between social classes and the dynamic between the family of the house and those who served them. Powell writes with unsentimental wit and bluntness that is refreshing and entertaining.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson - Set in the small British village of Edgecombe St. Mary, where Major Ernest Pettigrew (retired) leads a quiet life until his brother's death sparks an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the Pakistani shopkeeper from the village. Drawn together by their shared love of literature and the loss of their respective spouses, the Major and Mrs. Ali soon find their friendship blossoming into something more. But will their relationship survive in a society that considers Ali a foreigner? An engaging love story that explores the social and politcal boundaries of small-town life.

Click here for more fiction bestsellers... 

Nonfiction

At #1 in non-fiction is Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot, Bill O'Reilly & Michael Dugard's follow-up to their bestseller detailing President Lincoln's assassination (Killing Lincoln: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever). O'Reilly and Dugard take the same route here, retelling the events leading up to the assassination of President Kennedy and how the event affected the nation and the world.

Books similar to Killing Kennedy include:

Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy by Vincent Bugliosi (973.922092 BUG) - Best known as the prosecutor of the Manson murders, Bugliosi presents a thorough analysis of the assassination of JFK and its surrounding conspiracy theories draws on forensic evidence, key witness testimonies, and other sources to explain what really happened and why conspiracy theories have become so popularized.

Jack Kennedy, Elusive Hero by Chris Matthews (Biog. Kennedy) - Based on interviews with some of his closest associates, Matthew creates a portrait of the thirty-fifth president, discussing his privileged childhood, military service, struggles with a life-threatening disease, and career in politics. More thoughtful that shocking, this biography delves deeper into the personal life of JFK.

The Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Medicine, Madness and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard (973.84 MIL) - A narrative account of James Garfield's political career offers insight into his background as a scholar and Civil War hero, his battles against the corrupt establishment, and Alexander Graham Bell's failed attempt to save him from an assassin's bullet.

Click here for more nonfiction bestsellers ...

If you'd like more recommendations, 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!

Database Spotlight: NoveList

Are you looking for a book, but can't quite remember the title? Do you need to know what order to read the books in that popular vampire mystery series? Is your favorite author not writing new books fast enough for you? Stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor of Carnegie-Stout, give us a call at Ph: (563) 589-4225, or fill out a Personal Recommendations form, and we'll be happy to help you!

But if Carnegie-Stout is closed and you need an answer now, we have a database that can get you started! NoveList has information on thousands of books and authors, and it's one of the first places we check at the Recommendations Desk. Anyone can access NoveList from one of Carnegie-Stout's computers, or from your home if you have a full service library card.

To find NoveList, go to the library's homepage: www.dubuque.lib.ia.us and click on the "Research Tools" link on the left-hand side of the screen. This brings you to an alphabetical list of our research databases from which you will be able to open NoveList. If you are outside of the library, you will be prompted to enter the bar code from the back of your library card and your PIN (usually the last four numbers of your phone number).

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Once NoveList has loaded, you can use the search box at the top to look for books by author, title, series name, or a combination of keywords. The home page also links to suggested reading lists arranged by genre, and read alike suggestions for currently popular books.

Let's try a practice search. If you read a book with a dog named Chet last month that was part of a mystery series, but you can't remember the title or author and you really want to read the next book, NoveList might have the answer. We'll change the search settings to Series and enter the search terms "Chet" and "dog." Happily there is only one series in NoveList featuring a dog named Chet, so Spencer Quinn's series appears with the books in series order.

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If you've done a search in Carnegie-Stout's catalog recently, you may've noticed that NoveList also provides the series order in the item record, if you scroll past the part where we tell you if the book is checked in. The best part is that you can click any of the other titles in the series to see if they are on the shelf!

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NoveList also provides read alike suggestions both in our catalog and on their website. When you are looking at a book, series, or author that you enjoy, look to the upper right hand corner for "Read-alikes from NoveList." You can either click on the suggestions to learn more, or if you hover over a title or author, a pop-up will appear to give you more information.

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This should get you started in using NoveList, but if you have any questions, the librarians of Carnegie-Stout are here to help you find the answers!

Best Seller Read-Alikes for the Week of September 23rd

Can’t wait to get your hands on the latest best-seller, but the hold list is too long? To tide you over, every week we’ll offer similar titles and authors to the week’s fiction and nonfiction best sellers.

Fiction

At #1 on the best seller's list for fiction is A Wanted Man by Lee Child. The 17th installment in the Jack Reacher series find ex-MP Reacher hitching a ride with three strangers to Virginia. Unknown to him, the two men and one woman who are riding with him have just left the scene of a brutal murder, with the woman as their hostage. Or at least that's what they appear to be. Reacher quickly finds himself drawn into a massive conspiracy, as he finds himself both hunted and the hunter.

Authors similar to Lee Child include:

Barry Eisler - The Japanese-American hero of Barry Eisler's plot-driven and atmospheric novels, John Rain, is a paid assassin and military veteran who follows his own moral compass, despite the danger to himself. The first book in this fast-paced and richly-detailed series, Rain Fall, finds Rain protecting the daughter of a Tokyo politician.

James Lee Burke - Burke's first-person mystery novels are not always as fast-paced as Child's novels, but his hardboiled heroes, like P.I. Dave Robicheaux, are no strangers to action. In the first book of the series, The Neon Rain, someone in New Orleans wants Robicheaux dead, and there are no shortage of suspects.

Ace Atkins - Atkins' Quinn Colson suspense series follows the retired Army Ranger as he attempt to bring law and order to his violently corrupt Mississippi hometown. In the first novel in the series, The Ranger, Colson returns home from Afghanistan and investigate his uncle's alleged suicide, revealing shocking personal secrets. Atkins' fast-paced writing style adds to the suspense, creating a dark, atmospheric tone, with some dry humor sprinkled in.

Click here for more fiction bestsellers... 

Nonfiction
At #1 on the nonfiction best seller's list again this week is No Easy Day: The Autobiography of a Navy SEAL by Mark Owen and Kevin Mauer. At #2 is Bob Woodward's latest book, The Price of Politics. Woodward recounts his findings over the course of 18 months of reporting on the U.S. economic crisis and the effects on and actions of the federal government during the recession. Woodward critiques the actions of both the Democratic and the Republican leadership, as well as the White House, using memos, email and in-depth interviews.

Books similar to The Price of Politics include:

The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael Lewis (330.973 LEW) - In his latest examination of the U.S. economy, Lewis shares insights into the recent economic crisis, citing such factors as expanded home ownership and risky derivative elections in the face of increasing shareholder demands, and profiles responsible parties in government, financial, and private sectors.

Too Big to Fail by Andrew Ross Sorkin (330.973 SOR) - New York Times financial reporter Sorkin presents a moment-by-moment account of the recent financial collapse that documents state efforts to prevent an economic disaster, offering insight into the pivotal consequences of decisions made throughout the past decade. The book was also the basis for the HBO movie by the same name, starring James Woods, William Hurt and Cynthia Nixon.

Click here for more nonfiction bestsellers ...

If you'd like more recommendations, 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.

Best Seller Read-Alikes for the Week of September 16th

Can’t wait to get your hands on the latest best-seller, but the hold list is too long? To tide you over, every week we’ll offer similar titles and authors to the week’s fiction and nonfiction best sellers.

Fiction

At #1 on the best seller's list for fiction is Mitch Albom's The Time Keeper. Written in the same leisurely and sparse style as his other fables for the modern world (The Five People You Meet in Heaven, For One More Day), The Time Keeper centers on Father Time - the inventor of the world's first clock some six thousand years ago and subsequently banished to a cave for eternity - who is given one last chance at redemption. He must teach two earthly people the true meaning of time, in a journey that leads him to a teenage girl who is about to give up on life and a wealthy businessman who wants to live forever.

Authors and books similar to The Time Keeper include:

Richard Paul Evans -  Evans is an inspirational author of Christian-themed novels for adults and kids. His on-going Walk series begins with The Walk, which begins when Seattle ad executive, Alan Christoffersen loses everything -  his job, his home and his wife. Bereft, he decides to take a walk, heading for the farthest point on his map: Key West, Florida. The people he encounters along the way, and the lessons they share with him, will save his life.

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch with Jeffery Zaslow - Pausch, a computer science professor diagnosed with terminal cancer, explores his life, the lessons that he has learned, how he has worked to achieve his childhood dreams, and the effect of his diagnosis on him and his family.

Jeffery Zaslow - The contributing author of The Last Lecture, Zaslow has written other inspirational fiction and nonfiction novels. Most recently, he contributed to Gabby Gifford's biography, Gabby. On his own, Zaslow wrote The Girls from Ames: A Story of Women and a Fourty-Year Friendship  and The Magic Room: A Story About the Love We Wish for our Daughters. 

Click here for more fiction bestsellers... 

Nonfiction

At #1 on the nonfiction best seller's list is the controversial first-person account of the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, No Easy Day: The Autobiography of a Navy SEAL by Mark Owen and Kevin Mauer. Written pseudonymously, the book's author was revealed to be former Navy SEAL Mark Bissonnette, and the book begins with his early training and details the planning and execution of the raid on the bin Laden compound in Pakistan. The books has come under heavy criticism from the Defense Department, which has threatened legal action against Bissonnette for allegedly breaching a nondisclosure agreement. Bissonnette's account of the raid also contradicts many details from the official U.S. description of the mission.

Books similar to No Easy Day include:

SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper by Howard Wasdin (359.0092 WAS) - A Navy SEAL Team Six sniper reveals how he became an elite soldier while recounting the dramatic mission that nearly cost him his life, offering insider perspectives on his team's extensive training process at the Marine's Scout Sniper School.

American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle (956.70443 KYL)- A former member of Navy SEAL Team 3 describes his life as a father and husband, and as the serviceman with the most confirmed sniper kills in the history of the United States military while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian, the Making of a Navy SEAL by Eric Greitens (359.984 GRE) - The author describes how, after working as a humanitarian around the world, he realized that he could do nothing to stop violence or prevent people from becoming refugees and soon joined the elite Navy SEALs, where he drew on his humanitarian training as he battled injustice.

Click here for more nonfiction bestsellers ...

If you'd like more recommendations, 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!

Best Seller Read-Alikes for the Week of September 10th

Can’t wait to get your hands on the latest best-seller, but the hold list is too long? To tide you over, every week we’ll offer similar titles and authors to the week’s fiction and nonfiction best sellers.

Fiction

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is once again #1 on the best sellers list. Sarah wrote a great read-alike for Flynn, which you can find here. At #2 is the latest installment in the Chief Inspector Gamache series, The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny. The mystery open when the choir director of a monastery in a remote corner of Quebec is murdered, his skull bashed in with a rock. Outsiders are not allowed inside the monastery’s walls, where 24 cloistered monks pray, make chocolate, and sing. But with the murder, Chief Inspector Gamache and Inspector Jean-Guy Beauvoir are allowed inside and they soon find serious divisions among the outwardly unified and placid monks.

Authors similar to Louise Penny include:

P.D. James - Another author who takes readers inside closed societies with her Adam Dalgliesh mysteries, she deftly explores modern-day murders prompted by old-fashioned motives. James delves into the psychological nuances of her characters and unflinchingly includes social issues and the effects of modern-day violence. Start with the first in the Dalgliesh series, Cover Her Face.

Rita Mae Brown - The Sister Jane Foxhunting mysteries by Brown are amateur detective stories offering well-formed, deep characters, an exploration of social issues, and a mix of humor and detection, all set in small-town Virginia. Start with first in the series, Outfoxed.

Click here for more fiction bestsellers... 

Nonfiction

At #1 on the nonfiction best seller's list is Obama's America: Unmaking the American Dream by Dinesh D'Souza.  A follow-up to his 2011 The Roots of Obama's Rage, D'Souza's latest book argues that President Obama intends to weaken America so that other nations may rise in the name of global fairness, claiming that a second Obama term would bring about defense cuts and increased dependence on foreign energy.

Other books similar to Obama's America include:

The Amateur: Barack Obama in the White House by Edward Klein (973.932 KLE) Klein, former editor of The New York Times Magazine, argues in his book that President Obama is arrogant and incompetent and discusses how his wife wields immense control over him, the real reason Rahm Emmanuel left the White House, and how Obama has forgotten and ignored those who helped put him in power.

Ameritopia: The Unmaking of America (2012) by Mark Levin (320.973 LEV): The nationally syndicated conservative radio host explores the philosophical basis of America's foundations as well as the crises facing government today.

Click here for more nonfiction bestsellers ...

If you'd like more recommendations, 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!

Best Seller Read-Alikes for the Week of August 26th

Can’t wait to get your hands on the latest best-seller, but the hold list is too long? To tide you over, every week we’ll offer similar titles and authors to the week’s fiction and nonfiction best sellers.

Fiction Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is once again #1 on the best sellers list. Sarah wrote a great read-alike for Flynn, which you can find here. At #2 and striking a far different note is Debbie Macomber's latest, The Inn at Rose Harbor. A spin-off of her popular Cedar Cove novels, is set in the same small town, but focused on a youngish widow named Jo Marie Rose who has purchased the bed-and-breakfast of the title.  Her first guests, Abby and Josh, bring with them their own troubles and, as their stories intertwine, both the guests and Jo Marie are given hopeful new beginnings.

Authors similar to Debbie Macomber include:

Jan Karon's Mitford series, has a strong inspirational message. In a small town setting, Karon explores her characters' lives with humor and grace, and offers emotionally satisfying solutions as well as domestic pleasures and endearing characters. The series begins with At Home in Mitford, which introduces Episcopalian Father Timothy Kavanaugh, his congregation, and his comical dog.

Robyn Carr writes contemporary romances and love stories that are character driven. Her stories are bittersweet, heartwarming and dramatic. Start with Virgin River, the first in her Virgin River series. Arriving in the remote mountain town of Virgin River in response to an ad, recently widowed Melinda realizes that she has made a mistake, until she finds an abandoned baby on her porch and lets a former Marine into her heart.

Click here for more fiction bestsellers... 

Nonfiction

Marking its 92nd week on the best sellers list, Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption is back at number one, and you can find read-alikes for that title here. At number two is The Amateur: Barack Obama in the White House by Edward Klein and you can find read-alike here. At number three is a memoir by Hope Solo, the goalkeeper for the U.S. women's soccer team, Solo: A Memoir of Hope. Solo reveals how she has repeatedly triumphed over adversity, from her childhood in Richland, Washington, to the realization of her dreams of being a world-class soccer player.

Other books similar to Solo include:

In the Water They Can't See You Cry: A Memoir by Amanda Beard (Biog. Beard) - Seven-time Olympic medalist Amanda Beard describes her battles with depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse in spite of her successful career, recounting how she hid her struggles from her loved ones before seeking help and finding renewal in the birth of her son.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (Biog. Walls) - The child of an alcoholic father and an eccentric artist mother discusses her family's nomadic upbringing, during which she and her siblings fended for themselves while their parents outmaneuvered bill collectors and the authorities.

Click here for more nonfiction bestsellers ...

If you'd like more recommendations, 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!