Taking a Trip

Sometimes, we all need a vacation, but planning that vacation can turn into a part-time job full of stresses and headaches. Where to go. When to go. What to pack. How to budget. Where to stay. And all those little details from Airport security to Vaccinations.

The best travel tip I can give you is to start planning early. As much fun as it can be to take an impromptu road trip, but knowing which exit to take to see the world's largest wooden nickel can add so much. Likewise it can be useful to know if a big convention is happening before you find out there's only one hotel room available and it's three times the usual price!

Luckily Carnegie-Stout has the resources to help you get started planning your next trip today. We have everything from books to DVDs to recommended websites - we'll even help you pick the perfect audiobook or walk you through loading up your eReader from our eBook collection.

The first step for planning your trip depends on you. Is there a specific time you are able to travel? You'll want to see what to see what the weather is like at your potential destinations. A beach vacation in rainy season is no good, but neither is the peak of tourist season! If you'll be visiting another country, check to see if your visit overlaps school vacations or holidays like our Thanksgiving when shops are closed and everyone is visiting home.

A good guidebook will give you include advice on these topics, as well as tips for getting around, must-see destinations, recommended hotels and restaurants, and more. You can check our catalog for the latest guidebooks by searching in the subject field for: DESTINATION -- Guidebooks. I recommend using the Subject Keyword option.

Click image to see our Hawaii guidebooks.

While a good guidebook can get you started, some topics require up to the minute information. If you'll be visiting a foreign country there are three websites you should visit: the U.S. State Department, the CDC, and the official tourism page for your destination.

The State Department has instructions on applying for a renewing your passport (you can also visit most local post offices to pick up this information), information on tourist visas, and information for travel safety and warnings for Americans abroad.

Likewise, the CDC will tell you which immunizations you'll need, up to date information for local outbreaks or other concerns, how to locate medical help overseas, as well as general travel tips. You'll also want to check that any medication you'll be bringing with you is legal to have in your possession, and likewise some drugs you can buy over the counter in other countries require a prescription in the U.S.

Other online resources you might find useful:

• Practice your language skills with Mango Languages
• Check for airfare deals with a comparative site like Kayak or FareCompare
• SeatGuru has information for meals, in flight entertainment, and where the good seats are
• World Airport Guides has maps and other information for airports around the world
• The TSA will tell you what you can and cannot pack in your checked bags and carry-ons
• The TSA also maintains a blog, which has pictures of all the strange and dangerous things people try to smuggle onto aircraft.

And of course, Carnegie-Stout has books with general travel tips, as well as guidebooks for cruises, traveling with infants and toddlers, and more.

The Smart Traveler's Passport (910.202 TOR)
Budget Travel magazine, one of several travel magazines available at Carnegie-Stout, compiled this book of reader submitted travel tips. While some of the tips are a little out of date (how many people travel with CD player in 2012?), there's still good information. A tip on page 178 suggests bringing bilingual takeout menus when you travel to a country where you don't read the language and need to know if you're ordering chicken or ox heart.

1001 Smart Travel Tips (910.2 ONE)
Fodor's, publisher of travel guides, has a more recent book of travel tips from their writers, editors, and readers. The organization in this book is very clear, and includes sections on packing, flying with animals, trains, and brief information for many popular destinations.

The Packing Book (910.2 GIL)
In addition to some general travel information, this book tells you the best ways to pack your suitcase or carry-on for short trips or long, business or casual. One highlight are the packing lists that you could copy and then check off as you prepare.

Smart Packing for Today's Traveler (910.2 FOS)
Another detailed packing guide with great illustrations for how to select your travel wardrobe for your destination. The author's advice on page 18 is especially useful: "If you can't lift and maneuver your gear by yourself after you've packed it all, edit the contents down to the amount you can mange alone."

If you don't see the information you need for your next trip in this post stop by the library, give us a call ((563) 589-4225), leave us a comment, or check out the other travel posts we have on the blog. Safe journeys, and drop us a post card if you think of it!

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!

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.

Spotlight: Your Bookshelf

This week we're going to try something a little different, and ask you, the readers of Carnegie-Stout Public Library, to tell us what great books you're reading. There's not enough time in any given week for any one person to get to every great book, so a recommendation from a trusted source is always helpful! So what're you reading Dubuque?

Leave a comment here, or on Facebook, with the title and author of a book you're reading now, or read recently and why you think others might like to read it.

Think of it as an impromptu online book club! We'll gather the titles together and add them to a Pinterest Board (like the one we do for our own books) so that all the suggestions are in one place. If you're a Dubuquer on Pinterest, you can follow the board here: pinterest.com/cspl/what-dubuque-is-reading

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: Historical Romance

There's nothing wrong with wanting to read a book just for fun, whether it has wizards on boats, clever amateur detectives, rugged adventurers, or horrific monsters. The Adult Services team here at Carnegie-Stout loves books of every genre, but we all have our favorites. Personally, when I'm feeling stressed and need an escape, I turn to Historical Romance (or military science fiction). Sometimes I like to read a book that's fun, sexy, and ends with Happily Ever After.

What is Historical Romance? It depends on who you ask, but typically the phrase is used to describe steamy stories set in the late 18th or early 19th centuries, most often in England, and feature at lead one protagonist from the upper reaches of society. Although there is a growing popularity for titles set during the Victorian period. Romances with an American setting during this time period tend to be more in the style of a pioneer or old west story, or set during the Civil or Revolutionary War.

It's been a while since we posted our first Read Alike list (for Julia Quinn), or last year's experiment in reading all of the nominees for the RITA's Historical Romance category. Both of those lists are full of excellent books and authors for fans of Historical Romance, but there wasn't room for all of my old favorites or the newer authors just entering the world of Romance so I've gathered a few more suggestions below. If you happen to prefer Contemporary Romance, check out this post from earlier this summer.

The Heir by Grace Burrowes

I recently picked up Ms. Burrowes' first novel, The Heir, at the suggestion of a patron, and I tore through the 400+ pages in a single weekend. It's set during an unusually hot summer (sound familiar?) and the sparks between the characters are equally combustible. The Earl of Wyndham is a determined bachelor whose father has an overbearing need for grandchildren, his housekeeper, Anna, is capable, intelligent, attractive, and obviously born to something better than a servant's life. The story has a slower pace, which allows their relationship to develop more naturally, and Anna's mysterious past keeps the tension high.


A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant 
I just love it when a romance turns my expectations on their head. Ms. Grant's first novel, A Lady Awakened, seems to have a predictable set up, a newly widowed and childless Martha and the irresponsible rake next door come up with a bargain to save her husband's estate from her dastardly brother-in-law. The surprise is that the sex isn't instantly mind-blowing, though not for lack of trying on Theo's part. The focus on the characters' growing emotional and intellectual connection, along with their colorful country neighbors, makes this book more than a little heartwarming.





Goddess of the Hunt by Tessa Dare
Ms. Dare is another relatively recent addition to the romance shelves, and her charming characters and witty writing has earned her a 2012 RITA Award. Her first novel, Goddess of the Hunt, is the story of Lucy, who's a bit of a tomboy. Lucy attempts to win the heart of her childhood crush by seducing another man, and finds rather more than she expected.






Some Enchanted Evening by Christina Dodd
Ms. Dodd has been writing for two decades now, and while in recent years she's expanded into romantic suspense and paranormal titles, she's still a master of the steamy historical. Try Some Enchanted Evening, which adds a bit of fairy tale to the mix. Clarice is a princess in hiding in Scotland, where she sells cosmetics to support herself and her younger sister. Until Robert Mackenzie, Earl of Hepburn catches sight of her and realizes she's more than she appears.




Love Only Once by Johanna Lindsey

Ms. Lindsey has been writing steamy historical romances for almost thirty years now. Over the years she's written a wide variety of romances (including some with elements of Science Fiction), but all of her novels feature strong men, spirited women, and the clash of wits that comes with passion. Love Only Once is the first novel in her popular Malory Family series set in Regency era England. Regina Ashton is kidnapped by a handsome stranger and finds herself drawn to him in spite of her pride and his troubling past.

And if you can't get enough Historical Romance, here's another five authors worth checking out:

• Loretta Chase
• Vicky Dreiling
• Laura Lee Guhrke
• Madeline Hunter
• Courtney Milan

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!

Database Spotlight: Mango Languages

Are you planning a vacation to foreign shores? A long weekend relaxing on a the beaches of Cancun or taking romantic strolls through Paris? Has it been a while since you studied a French or Spanish in high school? Or maybe you're just starting your studies in German or Japanese?

Carnegie-Stout has a database that can help you out! Mango Languages offers interactive, introductory level language practice in 46 different languages. Anyone can access Mango from one of Carnegie-Stout's computers, or from your home if you have a full service library card.

To find Mango, 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 Mango. 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).

Once Mango loads, you'll be asked to Log In, Create a Profile, or Start Learning. (Note: you can enlarge the images by clicking on them)

You do not need to create a profile or log in to use Mango, but if you do, Mango will track your progress and allow you to pick up where you left off. To create a profile, simply register with an email address and the password of your choice.

Once you have selected Start Learning or logged in, you'll see a screen with all of the available language courses.

In addition to the 46 languages available, there are English courses for non-native speakers. These English courses are designed for people from 15 different language backgrounds. You can select the English courses from the left-hand side of the screen, or you can select the language of your choice from the list in the middle. For today's example, we'll be looking at French.

The French lesson offers some basic information about the language and where it is spoken, in addition to the three language levels: Basic, Complete 1.0, and Complete 2.0. Today we'll be looking at Basic. To start this level, push the button next to Basic which says "Launch." This will open a new window. (Note: you may need to update Adobe Flash Player)

Each level is split into Chapters, and the Chapters into Lessons. If you have created a profile and logged in, Mango will remind you which lessons you have already completed. Although you are more than welcome to repeat any portion you might like to revisit! We'll start with Chapter 1, Lesson 1; to start this lesson we click on the number one under Chapter 1.

Each Lesson starts with an overview of what topics will be covered, and what concepts we'll be learning. Each lesson will include conversations that teach you useful phrases, grammatical concepts, and vocabulary. The text will be shown in English and, in this case, French. You'll want to make sure you have your computer speakers turned on or your head phones plugged in so that you can hear the proper pronunciation. At the end of the lesson there will be questions to help you test your knowledge and review what you've learned.

You may've noticed that at the top of the screen there is an option which says "Translate." This will take you to a feature similar to Babelfish or Google Translate, where text typed in one box will be translated into the language of your choice in the next box. While these tools can be helpful, be warned that the translations are not always perfect.

If this isn't quite your speed or level, Carnegie-Stout does have a good collection of language learning materials in both print and CD Audio. You can find this material in our catalog by doing a subject search for: French language -- Self-instruction (or replace "French" with the language of your choice), or come in and browse the 400s! Or if you're planning a trip, most of our travel guidebooks can be found between 910 and 917 (you might also want to check the DVDs).

Et nous vous souhaitons bon voyage!

Spotlight: Political Mysteries

With the excitement of this week's visits to Iowa by Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan, and current President Barack Obama, there's no denying that the election is in full swing. The national conventions are coming soon too. The Republicans will convene in Florida from August 27th through the 30th. The Democrats will gather in North Carolina from September 4th through the 6th.

Carnegie-Stout has books for anyone who wants to learn more about the candidates. You can browse those lists in our catalog by clicking the link of your choosing:
Governor Mitt Romney
President Barack Obama

In poking around Presidential trivia recently, I discovered an interesting fact, not one, but two children of former Presidents had successful careers as mystery novelists: Elliott Roosevelt, son of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Margaret Truman, daughter of President Harry S. Truman.

Both authors make use of their special connection to Washington politics to craft their mysteries, using real political figures and recognizable landmarks. Nor are they the only authors to mix politics and murder to craft a suspenseful tale.

Murder and the First Lady by Elliott Roosevelt
Mr. Roosevelt's mother, Eleanor Roosevelt, acts as the sleuth in his historical mystery series. His writing isn't overly violent, and readers will enjoy the historical details. Despite being set during the Depression and WWII, there is an optimism to this series, which starts with Murder and the First Lady.

Margaret Truman
Ms. Truman used a more contemporary Washington D.C. as the setting for her suspenseful mystery novels. Although characters make reappearances, readers can explore her books in any order. She keeps much of the violence off of the page, and provides readers with a twisting plot that will keep you guessing.

State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy
Ms. Hyzy is the author of several cozy mystery series filled with colorful characters. Her amateur sleuths tend to have interesting day jobs, but none so interesting as Olivia Paras, White House chef. The series starts with State of the Onion, Olivia is under enough stress as she competes for a promotion to Executive Chef before she stumbles into a plot to kill the President.

The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Mr. Carr's historical mysteries are somewhat more violent than the other authors on today's list, but readers who enjoy a fast-paced plot and a literary flare should give him a try. The Alienist, his atmospheric third novel, is set in 1896 New York City, and Police Commissioner Theodore Roosevelt is working to catch a serial killer.



James Lehrer, journalist, anchor, and author of fiction and nonfiction alike, and subject of a few Staff Reviews, penned a series of novels with a political bent early in his career. These witty books follow "One-eyed Mack" from teenager through to life as Oklahoma's lieutenant governor.


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: Epistolary Novels

Quill and Modern Pen by DigitalParadox

I have a weakness for epistolary novels, I may not always love them, but I'm more likely to pick them up in the first place. I'm sure more than a few of you are wondering what on Earth epistolary means. Epistolary comes from the word epistle, which means letter. Thus an epistolary novel is composed, at least in part, by letters between characters.

Pamela by Samuel Richardson is an early and notable example of the form. First published in 1740, it was a huge bestseller that inspired copycats and parodies. Pamela, a young maid, becomes the object of obsession for her employer, but in the end her virtuous nature leads to a happy ending.

Other Classic Epistolary Novels
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Les Liasons Dangereuses by Choderlos de Laclos
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

Contemporary Takes on the Epistolary Novel
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
A story about change, tradition, family, and politics in a small community unified by a reverence for language. The community is shaken when the letter “z” is outlawed, but that is just the beginning. Quirky, clever, and perfect for anyone who loves word games.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peal Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
An epistolary novel set shortly after the end of WWII on the Channel Island of Guernsey, this intricately plotted novel has a wide appeal. The plot has a touch of romance and mystery, but is primarily a moving look into the perseverance of the British residents of Guernsey under the Nazi occupation.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Ms. Walker tackles the complex and often troubling issues of race and sex in America, as well as the individual's strength to persevere through our connections with others and God, in her thought-provoking writing. The Color Purple is the bittersweet story of Celie, a young African-American woman in the early half of the 20th century who is raped, beaten, and isolated. She writes of her troubles to God, and to her sister, a missionary in Africa. The Color Purple was awarded both the National Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
Lionel Shriver's reflective, character-driven novels explore the complex impact of contemporary life, from health care to ambition and fame, on society through the lens of the individual. We Need to Talk About Kevin, which was recently adapted as a film, is told through a series of letters written by Eva to her ex-husband after their troubled 17-year-old son, Kevin, kills nine people at his school. We Need to Talk About Kevin was awarded the Orange Prize for fiction in 2005.

Dear American Airlines by Jonathan Miles
Mr. Miles' bitterly funny first novel will resonate with anyone ever frustrated by the modern inconveniences of air travel or the cumulative disappointments of life. What starts as a bitingly angry letter of complaint by Benjamin Ford to the airline that has stranded him at O'Hare with no escape in sight, becomes Bennie's examination of his entire life.

Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart
Mr. Shteyngart's novels typically include characters who look at America from an, often Russian, immigrant's perspective. His darkly humorous, near future Super Sad True Love Story also takes a biting look at our fascination with technology, from email to social media, and its impact on our relationships.

Alice's Tulips by Sandra Dallas
Sandra Dallas' novels focus on the lives of her quirky, quick-witted heroines and the relationships they build in small town America. Her writing has a homespun quality with careful use of dialect and the stories move at a relaxed pace. The story of Alice's Tulips is told through a series of letters between Alice, a young bride whose husband has left their Iowa farm to fight in the Civil War, and her sister.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This young adult novel is currently in production for a movie adaptation to be released this September. Charlie writes a series of semi-anonymous letters to an unnamed "friend" about his struggles fitting in in high school after his best friend's suicide. Mr. Chbosky handles some difficult topics with honesty and a little dark humor, as readers watch Charlie confront his past and take control of his future. Parents of younger of more sensitive readers may want to read this book before their teens.

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!

Tips to Survive the Apocalypse

You may've heard that the world will be coming to an end later this year. Well Carnegie-Stout is here to help you prepare. There are 23 weeks until December 21st, so we'd better get started.

Now, you might be feeling a little skeptical, this isn't the first time the end of the world has been predicted, and you very well might be right. But just in case the end is nigh, you might want to check out some of these information sources.

You're going to find the most practical information on the second floor in non-fiction. If you're just looking to browse, start at the call number 613.69: survival.

• Surviving the Apocalypse in the Suburbs by Wendy Brown (333.72 BRO) 
• The Ultimate Survival Manual by Rich Johnson (613.69 JOH, New)
• Sneakier Uses for Everyday Things by Tymony Cy (608 TYM) 
• The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook by Joshua Piven (613.69 PIV) 
• How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It by James Wesley Rawles (613.69 RAW) 
• The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks (818.602 BRO) 
• How to Survive a Robot Uprising by Daniel Wilson (OverDrive Audiobook)
• Please consider the potential ramifications of downloading a guidebook to surviving attack by intelligent machines. Do you really trust your mp3 player?

You may also be interested in learning more about the source for these dire predictions: The Maya. Luckily, Carnegie-Stout has the books to give you an edge when it comes to Pre-Colombian calendar systems.

• 2012: the return of Quetzalcoatl by Daniel Pinchbeck (303.4909 PIN)
• The Order of Days: the Maya world and the truth about 2012 by David Stuart (529.3297 STU)
• 2012 and the End of the World by Matthew Restall (236.9 RES)
• The 2012 Story by John Major Jenkins (001.9 JEN)
• Popol Vuh: the Mayan book of the dawn of life (299.784 POP)
• Maya Cosmos by David A. Freidel (299 FRE)
• Breaking the Maya Code by Michael D. Coe (497.42 COE)

Finally, if you want to stay updated or learn more there are (of course) many websites you can visit. Here's a list of favorites website from a staff member who wishes to remain anonymous:

• Terra Vivos- underground shelters (with virtual walk-throughs), disaster scenarios, a downloadable Doomsday clock and more.
• Missile silos converted to shelters: SiloHome, HardenedStructures.com , Survivalcondo.com
• 10 Places to Ride Out the Apocalypse
• Civil Defense pamphlets and fallout shelter plans
• Post-apocalypse art: Vladimir Manyuhina; Steve McGhee; Nice collection from i09
• NUKEMAP: Drop a nuclear bomb on your neighborhood!
• io9's Reading List for the Apocalypse
• Michigan State University course Surviving the Coming Zombie Apocalypse: Catastrophes & Human Behavior
• Westlake Ace Hardware Zombie Preparedness Center
• Patrick Geryl's Doomsday Survival List (via CNN Money)

Good luck!

Spotlight: Science Fiction

Several months ago a patron posed a difficult question to the staff of the Recommendations Desk: What are the best books in the Science Fiction section by contemporary authors? (I paraphrase)

There's two elements that make this a tricky question:
1) Best is a very subjective quality
2) The Science Fiction collection at Carnegie-Stout includes all types of speculative fiction (from space ships to witches), save for those books and authors that are shelved in Fiction

So where do you start when trying to answer a very large question? When speaking with a patron we try to narrow your interests down to what you do and don't like to read. Maybe you prefer a series, or can't stomach books with graphic violence. Maybe you'd like a little romance with your ray guns, or a wizard who solves mysteries.

These are the sorts of questions that we had in mind when we launched our Personal Recommendations program. It's a way to help pinpoint what you like and don't like about books (of any genre).

Of course, if you're simply wondering what contemporary books and authors are highly regarded by fans, critics, or the staff of Carnegie-Stout, we can make some suggestions there too!

One place to look are posts tagged as Science Fiction, right here on our blog. This will call up staff reviews, read alike lists, and other posts on books shelved in the Science Fiction section at Carnegie-Stout.

Another good place to look are lists of award winners and nominees. Notable awards include the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, the Arthur C. Clarke Award, and the James Tiptree, Jr. Award.

And finally, below you'll find cover images for books and authors you might want to check out if you're curious about speculative fiction. All images link directly to our catalog.

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: Summer Reading

School's out, the pools are open, and the weather is seasonably warm. That means it's time for summer reading! We hope you'll be joining us for our Adult Summer Reading Program events and contests this year.

You can check out the schedule and register for the fun on our website, or stop in in person. (Note: Registration begins on June 4th). The Youth Services department will be offering fun and activities for kids and teens as well.

Whether you prefer a steamy beach read, the comfort of an old favorite, or are planning to tackle some classic literature, Carnegie-Stout has a book for you! If you're not sure what to pick up first, stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll help you find the right book.

Right here on the blog we have reading suggestions for Mysteries, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Romance, True Crime, and more.

In addition, everyone from the big publishing houses to Anderson Cooper is putting out a list of must-read titles for the summer. We've put together a short list of links below, but we'd love to know what Dubuquers will be reading this summer. Leave us a comment here, or on our Facebook page.

• Nancy Pearl's Great Summer Reads
• Summer Book Picks by top fashion designers at Harper's Bazaar
• Summer Reading Recommendations from The Horn Book
• Summer Reading 2012: 10 New Must-Read Books by Policymic
• 20 Summer Standouts by BookPage
• 11 Summer Beach Reads from Good Housekeeping
• Literary Look Ahead by NPR
• Summer Books Preview by USA Today

Photo: Beach Book by Steve & Jemma Copley

Spotlight: Mystery Graphic Novels

Graphic Novels, like print books, cover a wide range of genre and tone, which means you don't have to be a fan of super heroes to check one out! Today we'll be focusing on graphic novels with appeal for mystery fans.

Earlier this month Andrew reviewed The Hunter by Darwyn Cooke, a graphic novel adaptation of the first book in Richard Stark's Parker series of mystery novels. The Hunter will be the topic of discussion at the next meeting of Carnegie-Stout's graphic novel discussion group, Graphic Content at 7:00 p.m. on June 12. You can read Andrew's full review of this gritty crime thriller by clicking here.

Ed Brubaker's Criminal series has a similar inspiration in hardboiled mysteries. The series is drawn by Sean Phillips, whose expressive style conveys the violence of the story without overwhelming gore. The series starts with Coward, Leo is a professional pickpocket known for his skills as a thief and in avoiding risky situations, but now he finds himself on the run.

Mr. Brubaker also writes superhero stories for Marvel, including the Gotham Central series, a police procedural set in the city famous as the home of Batman. Mr. Brubaker's coauthor on the series is Greg Rucka, who got his start writing suspenseful crime novels. Michael Lark is the artist, and his style is striking, reminiscent of shows like Law and Order. The story follows the men and women of the Gotham City police department as they try to do their jobs without the assistance (or interference) of Batman.

Evan Dorkin's Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites has received several Eisner Awards and a Harvey Award and was a 2011 selection by YALSA. The story of a group of dogs and cats who band together to solve supernatural mysteries. Mr. Dorkin is known for his humorous writing, and it's on display in this series. Jill Thompson created the excellent watercolor illustrations.

Blacksad by Juan Diaz Canales also features a feline investigator, though of the two-legged hardboiled PI variety. The series is set in 1950s America, with murder and kidnapping under the threat of Soviet attack. Illustrator Juanjo Guarnido's art is lush, emotive, and has a film noir feel.

The graphic novel collection even has titles for the True Crime aficionado. Green River Killer: a true detective story was written by Jeff Jensen whose father, Detective Tom Jensen, was in charge of the original investigation. Illustrator Jonathan Case's black and white art does not distract from the story.True Crime readers may also want to check out the work of Rick Geary. Mr. Geary has written about several high profile historic murders, including Lizzie Borden.

Batman, despite his costume, is a detective, and the new series by Scott Snyder, Court of Owls has more of that mystery flavor. Illustrator Greg Capullo has a high gloss superhero style to the art.

In John Layman's series Chew, Tony Chu works with the Special Crimes Division of the FDA (not a typo). When Mr. Chu eats, he's given a psychic vision of the food, which makes for some disturbing and darkly humorous investigations. Rob Guillory's illustrations have a cartoonish style that is both goofy and unsettling.

And finally, the beloved fictional author and amateur detective, Richard Castle, has a graphic novel adaptation of the equally fictional Derrick Storm, private eye. The team of Brian Michael Bendis, Kelly Sue Deconnick, Scott Hanna, and Dan Green do a fine job of bringing this action-packed television tie-in to life.

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: 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!