New Mysteries – March 2010

Bellfield Hall: Or, The Observations of Miss Dido Kent Anna Dean, M DEA – Miss Dido Kent is called on to help her niece, Catherine, find her fiancé who mysteriously vanished from Bellfield Hall in the early 1800s.

Blacklands Belinda Bauer, M BAU – Twelve-year-old Steven is determined to find the body of his uncle and begins to write to an imprisoned serial killer.

Blood Vines Erica Spindler, M SPI – Alexandra Clarkson’s worst nightmares are about to come true. Creepy suspense.

Broken Places Sandra Parshall, M PAR – Murder. Blackmail. Old secrets that refuse to stay buried.  Summer has become deadly in the mountain community of Mason County, Virginia.

Cook the Books Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant, M CON – Gourmet Girl Chloe Carter is compiling a book of recipes.  When she comes across the body of one of Boston’s top chefs, killed by a grease fire, she knows it was no accident.

Death by the Book Lenny Bartulin, M BAR – Jack Susko is enjoying a quiet life as the owner of a secondhand bookstore.  When Hammond Kasprowicz, a wealthy collector, offers Jack some easy money, he doesn’t turn it down.

Death Without Tenure Joanne Dobson, M DOB – After six years in the English Department at Enfield College, Kate Pelletier is hoping to be tenured. Unfortunately, her rival for the coveted position is found dead.

The Devil’s Star Jo Nesbø, M NES – Oslo is sweltering in the summer heat when a young woman is murdered in her flat.  Detective Harry Hole is assigned the case with a colleague he neither likes nor trusts.  Cool Scandinavian crime.

Doors Open Ian Rankin, M RAN – Three friends descend upon an art auction.  Soon they seize on an impossible idea: steal the art.  There has to be a way, or is there?

Faces of the Gone Brad Parks, M PAR – Four bodies, each with a single bullet in the back of the head, is the story facing investigative reporter, Carter Ross, with the Newark Eagle-Examiner.

The Fifth Servant Kenneth Wishnia, M WIS – In 1592, Prague is a relatively safe city for its Jewish people.  However, when a Christian girl is murdered on the eve of Passover, a Talmudic scholar must bring the true killer to justice.

The Fourth Assassin Matt Beynon Rees, M REE – Palestinian Omar Yussef travels to New York for a UN conference and is looking forward to visiting his son, Ala.  The latest title in a great series, beginning with The Collaborator of Bethlehem.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest Stieg Larsson, M LAR – The last book in the wildly popular series featuring Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist.

Her Highness’ First Murder Peg Herring, M HER – In London, several young women are found dead, their corpses dressed as nuns. When one of her ladies  becomes a victim, Princess Elizabeth decides to act.

The Information Officer Mark Mills, M MIL – Summer 1942: Malta has become most bombed place on the planet.  After a young Maltese woman is murdered, presumably by a British officer, the fragile spirit of the Maltese people may be shattered.

Last Nocturne Marjorie Eccles, M ECC – Chief Inspector Lamb struggles to learn why two men took their own life.  A postmortem reveals some surprising results.

The Man from Beijing Henning Mankell, M MAN – January 2006: In the Swedish hamlet of Hesjövallen, nineteen people have been massacred.  The only clue is a red ribbon found at the scene.

The Merry Wives of Maggody Joan Hess, M HES – Sheriff Arly Hanks of Maggody, Arkansas must solve the death of the winner of the town’s hole-in-one contest. More amusing mayhem from a long-running series.

Murder in the Palais Royal Cara Black, M BLA – Just as P.I. Aimée Leduc is about to leave for New York City, her partner, René Friant, is wounded by a near fatal gun shot.  Even more horrifying is that eyewitnesses identify Aimée as the culprit.

Murder on the Cliffs Joanna Challis, M CHA – Daphne du Maurier herself is at the center of this mystery along the rugged cliffs of Cornwall.  Atmospheric.

A Night Too Dark Dana Stabenow, M STA – Another suspenseful outing for Aleut detective Kate Shugak, especially when she finds a body.  A very popular series.

Paganini’s Ghost Paul Adam, M ADA – A Parisian art dealer is found dead the day after a sold-out concert featured the playing of Paganini’s violin.  Great reviews.

Short Squeeze Chris Knopf, M KNO – Jackie Saitkowski is a smart-aleck attorney whose legal turf is the buzzing Hamptons real-estate market.  But when a new client turns up dead, things take a more dangerous turn.

Split Image Robert B. Parker, M PAR – The body in the trunk of car was just the beginning.  Sunny Randall and Jesse Stone team up.

The Teaberry Strangler Laura Childs, M CHI – It was a beautiful evening for the shop owners of Charleston, until Theodosia, tea shop owner, finds one of them dead.

Wake Up Dead Roger Smith, M SMI – On a hot night in Cape Town, American Roxy Palmer and her gunrunner husband, Joe, are carjacked, leaving Joe lying in a pool of blood.  Roxy makes a fateful choice that changes her life forever.

Winterland Alan Glynn, M GLY – The worlds of business, politics, and crime collide when two men with the same name, from the same family, die on the same night.

New Books on CD – March/April 2010

Altar of Eden James Rollins, CD F ROL – Science, history and suspense are combined in this stand-alone novel that delves into the mystery of genetically modified animals that were kept at the Baghdad city zoo.

Ayn Rand and the World She Made Anne C. Heller, CD B RAND – Known for her novels, Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, Rand was one of the 20th century’s most influential advocates of laissez-faire capitalism and individual rights.

Brava Valentine Adriana Trigiani, CD F TRI – Following up on the popular Very Valentine, shoemaker Valentine Roncalli is at the center of another hilarious and poignant story.

Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage Elizabeth Gilbert, CD B GILBERT – Following the success of her memoir Eat, Pray, Love, the author presents the latest chapter in her life.

The Imperial Cruise James Bradley, 973.911 BRA – In the summer of 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt dispatched the largest diplomatic mission in American history.  The agreements that were made had repercussions for World War II.

Invictus John Carlin, CD 306.48 CAR – President Nelson Mandela faced a bitterly divided country. The 1995 Rugby World Cup, held in South Africa, became an inspired vehicle for reconciliation.

Iron River T. Jefferson Parker, CD F PAR – Charlie Hood joins a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms task force patrolling the “iron river,” where illegal guns flow from United States dealers to Mexican drug cartels.

Kisser Stuart Woods, CD F WOO – Stone Barrington is back in New York and looking forward to some downtime.  What do you think?  Will he get to take a break?

La’s Orchestra Saves the World Alexander McCall Smith, CD F MCC – During World War II, Lavender (or La) flees London and organizes a small orchestra in her small town.  A heartwarming story by a favorite author.

The Last Surgeon Michael Palmer, CD F PAL – Dr. Nick Garrity, who runs a mobile clinic for the homeless, finds himself pitted against a ruthless psychopath.

The Lincoln-Douglas Debates CD 973.68 LIN – A stirring dramatization of the famous seven debates during the race for the senate in 1858.

Marriage and Other Acts of Charity: A Memoir Kate Braestrup, CD B BRAESTRUP – The author of Here If You Need Me turns her attention to the subjects of love and commitment.

The Midnight House Alex Berenson, CD F BERCI – A agent John Wells must find who is killing members of a secret interrogation team that operated at a secret base called the Midnight House.

Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation Daniel J. Siegel, CD 616.89 SIE 2009 – You can focus attention on the internal world of your mind in a way that will change the wiring of your brain.

Noah’s Compass Anne Tyler, CD F TYL – After waking up in a hospital bed with a major headache,retired teacher Liam Pennywell can’t seem to remember how he got there. From the noted author.

Point Omega Don Delillo, CD F DEL – A fictional look into the mind and heart of a “defense intellectual,” a man involved in the management of the country’s war machine.

The Politician Andrew Young, CD 973.93 YOU – The highly publicized account of the rise and precipitous fall of presidential hopeful, John Edwards, as related by his former aide.

Roses Leila Meacham, CD F MEA – In a small East Texas town, Mary Toliver regrets that she didn’t marry Percy Warwick, a timber tycoon.  This decision affects their families for the next two generations.

Secrets of Eden Chris Bohjalian,CD F BOH – The murder and suicide of  Alice Hayward and her husband tortures the thoughts of her minister, Stephen Drew.

Split Image Robert B. Parker, CD M PAR – The body in the trunk of the car was just the beginning.Sunny Randall and Jesse Stone team up.

Swan Thieves Elizabeth Kostova, CD F KOS – Psychiatrist Andrew Marlowe has a solitary, ordered life,until artist Robert Oliver attacks a painting in the National Gallery of Art and becomes his patient.

Tea With Hezbollah: Sitting at the Enemies’ Table, Our Journey Throughthe Middle East Ted Dekker and Carl Medearis, CD 956.05 DEK – A fascinating and, at times, terrifying journey with a novelist and a Middle East expert.

Treasure Hunt John Lescroart, CD F LES – Mickey Dade is glad to be pulled from his desk job at the PI firm , The Hunt Club, and put on the case of the murder of Dominic Como.

What the Dog Saw and Other Adventures Malcolm Gladwell, CD 814.6 GLA 2009 – From the author of The Tipping Point, comes the best of his writing from The New Yorker, as he writes about the “hidden extraordinary.”

Where the God of Love Hangs Out Amy Bloom, F CD BLO – A collection of connected stories centers on the theme oflove, in its many forms and complexities.

Wishful Drinking Carrie Fisher, CD B FISHER – The actress examines her turbulent life, from her Hollywood upbringing to her battle with alcohol.

The Wolf at the Door Jack Higgins, CD F HIG – Someone is targeting the members of an elite intelligence unit known as “the Prime Minister’s private army.”  Sean Dillon has an idea who it might be, but proving it may be quite difficult.

New Biographies – March/April 2010

All of Me Anne Murray with Michael Posner, B MURRAY – The story of the popular singer’s life from her humble beginnings through the career that now spans forty years.

All Things At Once Mika Brzezinski, B BRZEZINSKI – The cohost of Morning Joe relates her struggles as a working mother and her early years as the daughter of President Carter’s national security advisor.

American Original: The Life and Constitution of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Joan Biskupic, B SCALIA – The author presents a detailed portrait of the life and long career of the complicated and outspoken jurist.

The Bag Lady Papers: The Priceless Experience of Losing It All Alexandra Penney, B PENNEY – The author invested nearly all of her life savings with Bernie Madoff and was faced with her greatest fear when she lost it all.

Churchill Paul Johnson, B CHURCHILL – A look at one of the most complex and fascinating personalities in history by a noted historian.

Cleaving: A Story of Marriage, Meat, and Obsession Julie Powell, B POWELL – The author of Julie and Julia returns with further life adventures and her foray into butchery.

Comeback 2.0: Up Close and Personal—Lance Armstrong Lance Armstrong, B ARMSTRONG – Photographs and personal commentary by the iconic biker.

Confections of a Closet Master Baker: One Woman’s Sweet Journey from Unhappy Hollywood Executive to Contented Country Baker Gesine Bullock-Prado, B BULLOCK-PRADO – The subtitles says it all: unhappy as the head of her celebrity sister’s production company, the author and her husband move to Vermont and a small bakery.  Recipes included!

Enemies of the People: My Family’s Journey to America Kati Marton, B MARTON – The author discovers the terrifying truth about her family’s past in Hungary during the Cold War.

Finding It: And Satisfying My Hunger for Life Without Opening the Fridge Valerie Bertinelli, B BERTINELLI – More entertaining stories from the author of Losing It.

A Gambling Man:  Charles II’s Restoration Game Jenny Uglow, B CHARLES – Charles II was thirty years old when he crossed the English Channel in 1660.  A spirited look at turbulent time.

Going Rogue: An American Life Sarah Palin, B PALIN – The story of her life from the vice-presidential candidate.

Here’s the Deal, Don’t Touch Me Howie Mandel, B MANDEL – A memoir from the host of Deal or No Deal and his ongoing struggle with OCD and ADHD and how it affected his life and career.

High Society: The Life of Grace Kelly Donald Spoto, B KELLY – A new look at the glamorous actress who retired at the age of twenty-six to become the Princess of Monaco.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skloot, B LACKS – The story of an African American woman who died in the 1950s, but whose cells have been grown over the years for a multitude of medical experiments and advances.

The Journal Keeper: A Memoir Phyllis Theroux, B THEROUX – An insightful stroll through the life of a gifted writer as she discusses universal issues: love, loneliness, growing old, financial worries and spiritual growth.

The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn Alison Weir, B BOLEYN – A look at one of the world’s most fascinating and controversial women by a great biographer of British royalty.

Last Word George Carlin with Tony Hendra, B CARLIN – Indeed, the last words from the comedian/commentator.

Living Oprah: My One-Year Experiment to Walk the Walk of the Queen of Talk Robyn Okrant, B OKRANT – The author kicked off a year-long experiment to find out what would happen if she decided to follow all of Oprah’s advice.

Louisa May Alcott: the Woman Behind Little Women Harriet Reisen, B ALCOTT – A lively account of an exceptional woman and writer of the 19th century.

Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes Elizabeth Bard, B BARD – In Paris for a weekend visit, Elizabeth Bard sat down to lunch with a handsome Frenchman — and never went home again.

Marriage and Other Acts of Charity: A Memoir Kate Braestrup, B BRAESTRUP – The author of Here If You Need Me turns her attention to the subjects of love and commitment.

A Mountain of Crumbs Elena Gorkhova, B GOROKHOVA – Coming of age in the Soviet Union of the 1960s, the author’s passion for learning English bordered on the subversive in a land of political deception.

Mrs. Adams in Winter: A Journey in the Last Days of Napoleon Michael O’Brien, B ADAMS – Early in 1815, Louisa Catherine Adams, with her young son, left St. Petersburg in a Russian carriage and set out on a difficult journey to meet her husband, John Quincy Adams, in Paris.

Open: An Autobiography Andre Agassi, B AGASSI – A very revealing look inside the life of the tennis star.

Peter the Great Derek Wilson, B PETER I – The  life and reign of the extraordinary Russian leader.

Princess Noire: The Tumultuous Reign of Nina Simone Nadine Cohodas, B SIMONE – The triumphs and trials of the brilliant singer and musician.

The Queen Mother: The Official Biography William Shawcross, B ELIZABETH – A definitive biography of the mother of Queen Elizabeth II and grandmother of Prince Charles and one of the most beloved members of the British Royal Family.

Staying True Jenny Sanford, B SANFORD – A look at the private ordeal of the first lady of South Carolina after her very public betrayal.

Step Out on Nothing: How Faith and Family Helped Me Conquer Life’s Challenges Byron Pitts, B PITTS – The 60 Minutes correspondent relates the challenges of his life, including stuttering and being functionally illiterate. He also tells of the people who “stepped out on nothing” to make a difference for him.

New Music CDs – March 2010

March of The Zapotec and Realpeople Holland Beirut, CD 781.66 BEI 2009 – For the past year, Beirut has alternated between touring in support of 2007’s much-lauded The Flying Club Cup and writing a wealth of new material. With no sense of a release in mind, bandleader Zach Condon recorded in any style that struck his fancy. Some early discussions about recording material for a film being shot in Mexico morphed into a new idea: What about finding a local band in a small city in Mexico, hiring them to play some new material, and recording the result? It was a sincere challenge every step of the way. Condon had to find the band, which he did through a bandmate’s mother who has connections in Oaxaca. To communicate with the performers, he hired a translator, who had to be able to speak English, Spanish, as well as Zapotec, the band members’ native language. From there, he flew down to Oaxaca, traveling a half-hour out of town to the tiny weaver village of Teotitlan del Valle, where he met the nineteen members of The Jimenez Band. The ensuing weeks of recording, rewriting, and relating are documented in a series of short films (to be released online as the release date for March of the Zapotec draws near).

BlakRoc BlakRoc, CD 781.649 BLA 2009 – Produced by and featuring The Black Keys, BlakRoc also hosts a star-studded line up including Mos Def, Q-Tip, RZA, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Raekwon, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch, Jim Jones, NOE, Nicole Wray and Billy Danze. Of the album, The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach said ‘no samples were used on the record, it’s all live instruments and live vocals.’

It’s Entertainment! Celtic Thunder, CD 781.63 CEL 2010 – Overture and beginners please… Strike up the band… Stand by for Celtic Thunder… and It’s Entertainment. This stylish and high energy trip through some of the great songs of the last 30 years is pure showbiz! It is a tribute from Celtic Thunder to the legacy they have inherited from the great entertainers of the past, and a mark of how far they themselves have travelled as performers, in a few short years. It evokes an era of big bands and boulevards, top hats and tails and singing and dancin in the rain! It makes for irresistible listening as the principals from this generation pay their respects to the stars of an earlier time. In the true tradition of variety the music covers a mix of styles, of songs and of singers, as the lads salute their musical heroes- from Fred Astaire to Neil Diamond, from Jim Croce to Chicago, from Michael Buble to The Beach Boys!

Crazy Heart Various Artists, CD 781.542 CRA 2010 – The soundtrack was co-produced by 10-time Grammy Award winner T Bone Burnett. Burnett, who co-produced the soundtrack with guitarist/songwriter Stephen Bruton. Four-time Academy Award® nominee Jeff Bridges stars as the richly comic, semi-tragic romantic anti-hero Bad Blake, a broken-down, hard-living country music singer who’s had way too many marriages, far too many years on the road and one too many drinks way too many times. And yet, Bad can’t help but reach for salvation with the help of Jean (Maggie Gyllenhaal), a journalist who discovers the real man behind the musician. As he struggles down the road of redemption, Bad learns the hard way just how tough life can be on one man’s crazy heart.

Bomb in a Birdcage A Fine Frenzy, CD 781.66 FIN 2009 – While Bomb In A Birdcage has the same beauty and musical depth as the 2007 debut One Cell In A Sea, it is improved by a wonderfully developed pop sensibility. This album features 11 infectious, bubbly fun tracks infused with gorgeous lyrics and danceable beats.

All Rebel Rockers Michael Franti and Spearhead, CD 781.649 FRA 2008 – The follow-up to the critically acclaimed Yell Fire, All Rebel Rockers is Franti’s fiery protest music and thought-provoking lyrics backed by seductive elements of dub, infectious dance music, and irresistible hook-infused soul. Franti has toured and performed with everyone from U2, Dave Matthews Band, Ziggy Marley, and REM to Digable Planets, Cypress Hill, The Fugees, and A Tribe Called Quest.

Scratch My Back Peter Gabriel, CD 781.63 GAB 2010 – Peter Gabriel’s Scratch My Back album project is the first part of a series of song exchanges in which Gabriel and other leading artists reinterpret each others songs.To help craft his recording of the album s eclectic array of cult favorites and classic tracks, Gabriel enlisted former Durutti Column member John Metcalfe, composer, arranger and the expertise of producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd’s The Wall, LouReed’s Berlin) and engineer, mixer and producer Tchad Blake (Suzanne Vega, Sheryl Crow, Tom Waits).

Album Girls, CD 781.66 GIR 2009 – Built on the powerful songwriting of Christopher Owens and the ethereal production of Chet “JR” White, Girls recorded Album in a variety of bedrooms and rehearsal studios in their adopted hometown, San Francisco. The resulting 12 tracks are the perfect San Fran summer record, evoking a narcotic, sunny afternoon in Dolores Park, yet promising the eventual hangover of summer’s departure. Album is self-described as “honest, loose, ethereal, obnoxious and perfect,” it is a sincere tribute to the majesty of great pop music and the healing power of rock and roll.

Inglourious Basterds Various Artists, CD 781.542 ING 2009 – Soundtrack to Academy Award-winning director Quentin Tarantino’s World War II epic, Inglourious Basterds, starring Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Mélanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Daniel Brühl, Eli Roth.

Rebirth Lil Wayne, CD 781.649 LIL 2009 – A crossover Rock album from the self-proclaimed ‘greatest rapper of all time’. Lil Wayne’s previous full-length, the Grammy Award-winning The Carter III has been certified triple platinum with over one million sold in it’s first week of release! Rebirth, his long rumored Rock album, is still Rap heavy and features guest appearances from Eminem, Shanell (AKA SNL), Kevin Rudolf, Nicki Minaj and others. Includes the first single ‘Prom Queen’.

Heligoland Massive Attack, CD 781.66 MAS 2010 – HELIGOLAND is the much anticipated fifth studio album from legendary trip-hop duo MASSIVE ATTACK and the first new studio album since 2003’s critically-acclaimed 100TH WINDOW. HELIGOLAND features an all-star cast of guest vocals from DAMON ALBARN, HOPE SANDOVAL, MARTINA TOPLEY-BIRD, GUY GARVEY and TUNDE ADEBIMPE. Long time cohort HORACE ANDY makes a return alongside Massive Attack founding members ROBERT DEL NAJA (3D) and GRAND MARSHALL (DADDY G). Damon also plays bass on `Flat Of The Blade’ and keyboards on `Splitting The Atom’ while PORTISHEAD’s ADRIAN UTLEY plays guitar on `Saturday Come Slow’.

Unbroken Katharine McPhee, CD 781.63 MCP 2009 – Katharine McPhee, the 25 year old runner-up in the fifth season of American Idol has released her Verve Forecast debut. On Unbroken the vocalist and actress has co-written half of the album with some of music’s biggest songwriters, including Kara DioGuardi (American Idol), Ingrid Michaelson, and Paula Cole. “Terrified” features a duet with Jason Reeves while Rachael Yamagata sings backup vocals on the song she co-wrote “Keep Drivin’.” The album is produced by John Alagia (John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews Band).

Everybody Ingrid Michaelson, CD 781.66 MIC 2009 – Everybody is the eagerly-awaited follow-up to her 2007 release, Girls and Boys, which spawned the hit single ‘The Way I Am’ and launched Ingrid into the mainstream consciousness. The New York Times describes Michaelson’s unique musical approach as ‘soulful, idiosyncratic,’ while Rolling Stone loves her ‘sweet but mellow lounge-pop harmonies,’ and Entertainment Weekly hails Michaelson as ‘a deft mistress of quirk folk: a grassroots phenomenon.’ Features 12 tracks including the first single ‘Maybe’.

Sunny Side Up Paolo Nutini, CD 781.66 NUT 2009 – Atlantic recording artist Paolo Nutini returns with his eagerly awaited second album Sunny Side Up. Produced by Ethan Johns (Kings Of Leon, Ryan Adams, Ray LaMontagne), Sunny Side Up sees Nutini continuing to mine his arresting brand of soulful modern pop. Songs such as ‘Ten Out Of Ten’ and ‘Coming Up Easy’ display the gifted tunesmith’s ever-growing knack for irrepressible melodies melded with insightful and intimate lyricism, all held together by Paolo’s gritty and unpredictable vocal stylings.

The Sea Corinne Bailey Rae, CD 781.63 RAE 2010 – Corinne Bailey Rae’s new album, The Sea was co-produced by Bailey Rae with Steve Brown, and Steve Chrisanthou, who produced many of the songs on her debut album, which has sold four million copies worldwide. Bringing together a new band of musicians, Bailey Rae recorded the album mainly in Leeds and Manchester, England. Her voice, always an expressive and soulful instrument, resonates with a poignant and newfound depth on The Sea. Loss and grief are recurring themes yet a sense of beauty and wonder ultimately radiates from the album’s dark corners.

All or Nothing Jay Sean, CD 781.66 SEA 2009 – Jay Sean is taking the world by storm. He already has a #1 Top 40 hit to his name with “Down” and this is just the begining. To add further heat to this growing story, Jay Sean has now inked a multi-album, multi-million dollar record deal with Universal music monster, CASH MONEY RECORDS, home to 4 time Grammy winner Lil Wayne.

Awake Skillet, CD 781.7 SKI 2009 – Skillet’s eighth studio album, Awake, recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson. The foursome’s overwhelmingly satisfied with the entire sonic and thematic palette throughout Awake, which is loaded with plenty of anthems in the making destined to be smash singles and concert sing-a-longs. Skillet’s massive fan base (who affectionately refer to themselves as “Panheads”) are sure to agree, though they’ll likely be even more impressed with the lyrical outpouring, which remains a top priority for the players. The album contains 12 tracks, including ‘Monster’ which were added to their live set during their Comatose Tour, and the single ‘Hero’.

Haywire Josh Turner, CD 781.642 TUR 2010 – “Haywire has been the quickest record we’ve ever made from start to finish,” says Josh. “But I’m glad our haste didn’t make waste. I love every single song. One thing I’ve noticed is that you are definitely hearing more of my range, high and low on this album. I’m really proud of this record.” And that’s saying something, given what he’s accomplished so far. Since earning a standing ovation as an unknown singer on the Grand Ole Opry stage in 2001 with his impressive delivery of “Long Black Train,” he has established himself as one of the most identifiable male vocalists in country music.

New Non-Fiction Books – March 2010

Americans in Paris: Life and Death Under Nazi Occupation Charles Glass, 944.0816 GLA 2010 – Life under the Nazis as experienced by the Americans who lived in Paris from the spring of 1940 to liberation in the summer of 1944.

Bluebird: Women and the New Psychology of Happiness Ariel Gore, 305.42 GOR 2010 – Can a woman be smart, empowered and happy?

The Checklist Manifesto:  How to Get Things Right Atul Gawande, 610.28 GAW 2009 – A noted writer and surgeon states that we can do better and find solutions to complex situations through the lowly checklist.

Danger to Self: On the Front Line with an ER Psychiatrist Paul R. Linde, 616.89 LIN 2010 – A look behind the scenes at an urban psychiatric emergency room with all its chaos and pathos.

Daring Young Men: The Heroism and Triumph of the Berlin Airlift, June 1948-May 1949 Richard Reeves, 943.155 REE 2010 – The airmen of World War II returned to emergency active duty to save the desperate people of western Berlin.

Death of American Virtue: Clinton vs. Starr Ken Gormley, 973.929 GOR 2010 – An extensive history of the polarizing scandal that almost terminated the Clinton presidency.

Diabetes Rising: How a Rare Disease Became a Modern Pandemic, and What To Do About It Dan Hurley, 616.462 HUR 2010 – A penetrating look at a disease that now affects hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us Daniel H. Pink, 153.1534 PIN 2009 – What really motivates us?  Is it an external reward such as money?

Eternity Soup: Inside the Quest to End Aging Greg Critser, 613.2 CRI 2010 – An intriguing look at the multibillion dollar anti-aging industry.

Evidence of the Afterlife: The Science of Near Death Experiences Jeffrey Long with Paul Perry, 133.9013 LON 2010 – Dr. Long presents firsthand accounts of people who have died and lived to tell about it. The author has recorded hundreds of stories and examined remarkable similarities.

A Good Talk: The Story and Skill of Conversation Daniel Menaker, 302.346 MEN 2010 – An entertaining examination of how to enjoy the fine art of social conversation.

The History of the Medieval World: From the Conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade Susan Wise Bauer, 909.07 BAU 2010 – A comprehensive look at world history, and the new importance of religion, between the fourth and twelfth centuries.

If God Is Good: Faith In the Midst of Suffering and Evil Randy Alcorn, 231.8 ALC 2009 – A penetrating discussion of a fundamental human question:  “How can we reconcile a good and all-powerful God with the terrible evil and suffering we see in this world?”

Inside the Teenage Brain: Parenting a Work in Progress Sheryl Feinstein, 649.125 FEI 2009 – A look at teenagers through the recent discoveries of the evolving adolescent brain.

Lady Jane Grey: A Tudor Mystery Eric Ives, 942.053 IVE 2009 – A penetrating look at the mysteries surrounding the “nine days queen.”

The Mom & Pop Store: How the Unsung Heroes of the American Economy Are Surviving and Thriving Robert Spector, 381.14 SPE 2009 – A moving celebration of independent neighborhood shops, and of the vision, passion and persistence of their owners.

My Prison, My Home: One Woman’s Story of Captivity in Iran Haleh Esfandiari, 955.0544 ISF 2009 – As she was returning home to the United States, an Iranian-American woman was arrested for being part of an “American conspiracy.”

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea Barbara Demick, 306.095 DEM 2009 – A view into North Korea, as seen through the eyes of six ordinary citizens over the span of fifteen chaotic years.

The Power of Half: One Family’s Decision to Stop Taking and Start Giving Back Kevin Salwen and Hannah Salwen, 174 SAL 2010 – A family from Atlanta decided to sell their mansion and buy a house half its size, and give half of the sale price to a worthy charity. Could half be even more?

The Quants: How a New Breed of Math Whizzes Conquered Wall Street and Nearly Destroyed It Scott Patterson, 322.645 PAT 2010 – The story of four men whose “digitized money-trading machine that could shift billions around the globe with the click of a mouse” sowed the seeds for the unprecedented financial disaster.

The Routes of Man: How Roads Are Changing the World and the Way We Live ToDay Ted Conover, 388.1 CON 2010 – An enthusiastic exploration of six key roadways worldwide.  A look at the costs and benefits of being connected — from ancient Rome to the present.

The Science of Liberty Timothy Ferris, 303.483 FER 2010 – The author argues that the progress of science was the inspiration behind the rise of democracy and liberalism.

Sonic Boom: Globalization at Mach Speed Gregg Easterbrook, 330.9 EAS 2009 – The author looks at the sonic boom economy: an explosive time of unprecedented growth and change that will also create anxiety and stress.

The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century  Ian Mortimer, 942.03 MOR 2010 – Important facets of everyday life are shown in this down-to-earth study of the 1300’s.

The Twilight Years: The Paradox of Britain Between the Wars Richard Overy, 941.083 OVE 2009 – During the years between the wars, Britain, although intellectually vibrant, faced “a creeping fear that the West was staring down the end of civilization.”

An Uncommon Passage:  Traveling Through History on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail Edited by Edward K. Muller, 974.87 UNC 2009 – An uncommon book about an important feature of Western Pennsylvania history.

Why Boys Fail: Saving Our Sons from an Educational System That’s Leaving Them Behind Richard Whitmire, 370.154 WHI 2010 – A penetrating and insightful look at a misunderstood and ignored problem. The author looks at the issues and then addresses what actually works for boys.

You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up: A Love Story Annabelle Gurwitch and Jeff Kahn, 306.81 GUR 2010 – After thirteen years of being married, the authors found that “we’re just not that into us.”  Instead of giving up, they’ve held their relationship together by ignoring conventional wisdom.

New Fiction – March 2010

Alice I Have Been Melanie Benjamin, F BEN – Alice Liddell Hargreaves has had a life of rich experiences, but as she nears her 81st birthday, she realizes that to the world she will always be known as “Alice.”

The Brightest Star in the Sky Marian Keyes, F KEY – When a spirit visits the Dublin townhouse on Star Street, the tenants are surprised by intriguing changes.

The Burning Land Bernard Cornwell, F COR – A new entry into the noted historical novelist’s saga of Saxon Tales and the epic story of the birth of England and the legendary king who made it possible.

Conspirata: A Novel of Ancient Rome Robert Harris, F HAR – On the eve of Marcus Cicero’s inauguration as consul of Rome, the death of a boy sends ripples of fear throughout Rome.

Galileo’s Dream Kim Stanley Robinson, F ROB SF – A new title from the award-winning science fiction author.

An Irish Country Girl Patrick Taylor, F TAY – Another hopeful tale from the colorful Irish village of Ballybucklebo.

The Kingdom of Ohio Matthew Flaming, F FLA – After discovering an old photograph, an elderly antiques dealer is forced to revisit the history he has spent years trying to deny.

Kisser Stuart Woods, F WOO – Stone Barrington is back in New York and looking forward to some downtime. What do you think? Will he get to take a break?

The Midnight House Alex Berenson, F BERCI – Agent John Wells must find who is killing members of a secret interrogation team that operated at a secret base called the Midnight House.

Ordinary Thunderstorms William Boyd, F BOY – Adam Kindred is in London for a job interview, when a chance encounter soon leads to a series of accidents through which he loses everything, even his identity.

Point Omega Don Delillo, F DEL – The noted author looks into the mind and heart of a “defense intellectual,” a man involved in the management of the country’s war machine.

Pride and Avarice Nicholas Coleridge, F COL – At his magnificent Chawbury Manor, Miles Straker has it all. When self-made millionaire Ross Clegg buys the land adjoining Straker’s estate, Miles is racked with jealousy.  Scandals and revenge escalate as the battle between two families rages on.

The Queen’s Governess Karen Harper, F HAR – A tale of Elizabeth I’s closest ally and most trusted confidante, whose tale has never been told until now.

Saving CeeCee Honeycutt Beth Hoffman, F HOF – Twelve year old CeeCee Honeycutt is in trouble, but her eccentric great-aunt, Tootie Caldwell, whisks her away in her vintage Packard convertible.

Secrets of Eden Chris Bohjalian, F BOH – The murder and suicide of  Alice Hayward and her husband tortures the thoughts of her minister, Stephen Drew.

Shadow Tag Louise Erdrich, F ERD – When Irene discovers that her husband is reading her diary, she begins a secret Blue Notebook that records the truth of her life and marriage, and a Red Diary, that doesn’t.

Small Wars Sadie Jones, F JON – A major in the British Army, Hal Treherne is transferred to the British colony of Cyprus in 1956 and is soon join by his wife, Clara and their baby daughters.  As war breaks out, their family is unprepared for the resulting emotional strain.

Too Much Money Dominick Dunne, F DUN – High-society journalist, Gus Bailey, has found life to be rather unpleasant after he repeats a fake story from an unreliable source on a radio program.  The last offering from the well-known high-society journalist.

Treasure Hunt John Lescroart, F LES – Mickey Dade is initially glad to be pulled from his desk job at the private investigative service, The Hunt Club, and put on the case of the murder of Dominic Como, a high profile San Francisco activist.

True Confections Katharine Webe, rF WEB – Combine chocolate candy, a family business in turmoil, and an outsider’s perspective on it all.

The Unbearable Lightness of Scones Alexander McCall Smith, F MCC – The inimitable author returns with another episode featuring the characters of 44 Scotland Street.

Unfinished Desires Gail Godwin, F GOD – Friendship, loyalty, rivalries, redemption and memory are all captured in this novel centering on Mount St. Gabriel’s, a North Carolina all-girls school.

The Unnamed Joshua Ferris, F FER – Tim Farnsworth is a handsome, healthy man who seemingly loves his family and his work, until the day he just walks out.

Where the God of Love Hangs Out Amy Bloom, F BLO – A collection of connected stories centers on the theme of love, in its many forms and complexities.

Wild Child: Stories T.C. Boyle, F BOY – Fourteen new short stories by a noted author.

Winter Garden Kristin Hannah, F HAN – Sisters Meredith and Nina Whitson find a long hidden secret of their family after the death of their father.

The Wolf at the Door Jack Higgins, F HIG – Someone is targeting the members of an elite intelligence unit known as “the Prime Minister’s private army.”  Sean Dillon has an idea who it might be, but proving it may be a difficult task.

New Releases on DVD – January and February 2010

Amelia

Hilary Swank stars as famed aviator Amelia Earhart in this dramatic biopic that follows the daring pilot’s rise from obscurity in Kansas to her troubled marriage to businessman George Putnam (Richard Gere), who recruited her for her first transatlantic flight. Mira Nair (The Namesake, Vanity Fair) directs; Ewan McGregor, Joe Anderson, Christopher Eccleston, Joe Anderson and Mia Wasikowska co-star. Rated PG

Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

Michael Douglas stars as corrupt district attorney Mark Hunter in this remake of Fritz Lang’s noir classic about a reporter, C.J. Nicholas (Jesse Metcalfe), who sets himself up as the prime suspect in a murder he didn’t commit in order to expose Hunter’s misdeeds. Nicholas’s plans go awry, however, when Hunter discovers the trap and destroys the evidence that would exonerate the cub reporter. Amber Tamblyn and Orlando Jones co-star. Rated PG-13

Blind Date

Middle-aged married couple Don (Stanley Tucci) and Janna (Patricia Clarkson) are torn apart by their daughter’s accidental death. No longer able to relate to each other, they reconnect when Don begins placing personal ads for Janna to respond to. They both role-play their parts, pretending to be strangers, a facade they hope can repair years of damage to their relationship. Tucci also directs this remake of Theo van Gogh’s 1996 film. Not Rated

The Boys Are Back

Following the sudden death of his wife, Australian sportswriter Joe Warr (Clive Owen) struggles to cope with his grief and comfort his young son (Nicholas McAnulty). Being a single father gets even trickier when Joe’s rebellious teenage son from a previous marriage (George MacKay) moves in. Director Scott Hicks helms this touching — and often hilarious — tale of a family in flux, based on a memoir by Simon Carr. Rated PG-13

The Burning Plain

Charlize Theron plays a depressed, sex-obsessed restaurant manager in this moody, fragmented drama — screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga’s directorial debut — that weaves together four seemingly unrelated stories separated by time and space. A New Mexico housewife (Kim Basinger) begins a torrid affair, two teens mourn the death of their parents, and a young girl tries to mend her life in a Mexican border town. Rated R

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Inventor Flint Lockwood creates a machine that makes clouds rain food, enabling the down-and-out citizens of Chewandswallow to feed themselves. But when the falling food reaches gargantuan proportions, Flint must scramble to avert disaster. Can he regain control of the machine and put an end to the wild weather before the town is destroyed? Bill Hader and Anna Faris lend their vocal talents to this Golden Globe-nominated animated adventure. Rated PG

Coco Before Chanel

Audrey Tautou stars as legendary French designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in this lively biopic that explores the fashion icon’s storied ascension from orphan to seamstress and cabaret singer and ultimately, the queen of Parisian haute couture. Alessandro Nivola plays Arthur “Boy” Capel, Chanel’s lover and influential business investor who makes a lifelong impact on the young woman. Anne Fontaine directs this Oscar nominee for Best Costume Design. French Dialogue, English Subtitles. Rated PG-13

Come Dance at My Wedding

When bride-to-be Cyd Merriman (Brooke Nevin) considers selling her small-town dance studio, she discovers that her estranged father, Tanner Grey (John Schneider), is listed on the deed. Meeting for the first time, the two must decide what to do with the studio — and each other. As Cyd prepares for her wedding, Tanner helps by teaching dance classes. But fiancé Zach (Christopher Jacot) isn’t as welcoming, and Tanner makes an uneasy decision. Not Rated

Couples Retreat

Desperate to save their marriage, one couple convinces three other couples to go in on a group rate price for an island retreat designed for troubled unions. But the “mandatory therapy” brews up nothing but trouble for everyone. Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman, Kristen Bell, Kristin Davis and Faizon Love star in this comedy penned by Favreau. Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie in A Christmas Story, directs.  Rated PG-13

The Cove

This riveting, Oscar-nominated documentary follows a group of animal activists to a scenic cove in Taijii, Japan, where they use surveillance equipment to capture footage of a secretive and heavily guarded operation run by the world’s largest supplier of dolphins. As the daring group risks their lives to expose the horrifying truths behind the capture of dolphins for the lucrative tourist industry, they also uncover an environmental catastrophe. Rated PG-13

Departures

Freshly unemployed, young cellist Daigo (Masahiro Motoki) has an epiphany in which he realizes he’s been heading down the wrong career path. Retreating to his hometown, he trains for a new professional role as a nakanshi, or one who prepares the dead for burial. Tsutomu Yamazaki provides comic relief as Daigo’s eccentric mentor in director Yojiro Takita’s Oscar-winning, richly detailed — if unlikely — drama about finding your bliss. Japanese dialogue, English subtitles.  Rated PG-13

District 9

When aliens land on Earth, global business conglomerate Multi-National United forces them into rigid containment zones where they are compelled to labor, even as MNU commandeers their otherworldly technology for profit. As tensions build between human and non-human races, a rogue agent leads a resistance movement against MNU’s ruthless consolidation of power. Neill Blomkamp directs this cinema verité-style sci-fi thriller nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award. Rated R

Every Little Step

Go backstage for an up-close look at a Broadway production with this entertaining documentary that follows hopeful dancers as they audition for coveted spots in the 2006 revival of “A Chorus Line.” Drawing parallels between the interactions of the aspiring actors and the events of the play, filmmakers Adam Del Deo and James D. Stern also intercut interview footage of composer Marvin Hamlisch and dancers from the original Broadway production. Rated PG-13

Everybody’s Fine

Frank (Robert De Niro) just lost his wife, and without their mother by his side, Frank’s grown children aren’t compelled to visit for the holidays. So he hits the road to visit them — collecting various revelations and learning about himself along the way. Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell and Melissa Leo co-star in writer-director Kirk Jones’s family tale, an update of Giuseppe Tornatore’s 1990 Italian film. Rated PG-13

Extract

Encouraged by his friend, Dean (Ben Affleck), factory owner Joel (Jason Bateman) considers escaping his problems — an assembly-line accident, a potential lawsuit and a sexless marriage, for starters — by taking up with the gorgeous new temp, Cindy (Mila Kunis). But does Cindy have something nefarious up her sleeve? Kristen Wiig and J.K. Simmons co-star in writer-director Mike Judge’s (Office Space) latest work-set, comedic social commentary. Rated R

Falling Up

When his father is killed in a bizarre sports accident, wrong-side-of-the-tracks Henry O’Shea (Joseph Cross) quits nursing school to earn cash as a doorman at a posh New York apartment building, where he falls for lovely resident Scarlett Dowling (Sarah Roemer). As the pair’s relationship progresses, Henry’s sister (Rachael Leigh Cook) encourages the romance, but Scarlett’s mother has other ideas. David M. Rosenthal directs this romantic comedy. Not Rated

Fame

When a group of ambitious teenage dancers, musicians and actors enter a new semester at New York’s prestigious High School of Performing Arts, they try to make the most out of their chance at stardom in this remake of the Oscar-winning 1980 drama. Director Kevin Tancharoen’s energetic update stars Asher Book, Kay Panabaker, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Naturi Naughton, Kherington Payne and Collins Pennie. Rated PG

Flame and Citron

Based on actual events, this exciting drama tells the story of World War II Danish Resistance fighters Flame (Thure Lindhardt) and Citron (Mads Mikkelsen). Taking orders from Resistance leader Aksel Winther (Peter Mygind), the two systematically assassinate Danish collaborators and Nazi officers. But they are far from heroic in their personal lives, and filmmaker Ole Christian Madsen explores the serious flaws of these complex men.  Danish dialogue, English subtitles.  Not Rated

Gamer

It’s 2034, and humans can control and kill each other in a large-scale online gaming world. But Kable (Gerard Butler), a wrongfully convicted soldier forced to join the violent competition, tries to free himself by taking out its evil architect, Ken (Michael C. Hall). While being controlled by a rich kid (Logan Lerman), Kable must also save his wife, Angie (Amber Valletta), who’s trapped in her own avatar world. Rated R

Gifted Hands

Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. stars as pediatric neurosurgeon Ben Carson (portrayed as a child by Jaishon Fisher and as a teen by Gus Hoffman), who overcomes enormous obstacles to study medicine and save lives at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Kimberly Elise plays Carson’s hardworking single mother, Sonya, who faces her own hurdles on the road to helping her son succeed in this made-for-cable drama based on Carson’s memoirs.

Half-Life

Growing up is tough for Timothy (Alexander Agate) and Pamela (Sanoe Lake). Global catastrophes abound and their self-destructive mother (Julia Nickson-Soul) stays with a manipulative boyfriend who doesn’t love her. Fortunately, their active imaginations help them cope. Combining live action and animated flights of fancy, Jennifer Phang wrote and directed this dreamlike official selection of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. Not Rated

The Hurt Locker

Kathryn Bigelow directs this gripping drama (nominated for nine Oscars) following one of the U.S. Army’s elite EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) teams operating in the ferocious war zone of Iraq. As the squad identifies and dismantles improvised explosive devices and other bombs, they must also contend with the frayed nerves and internal conflicts that arise from living in constant peril. Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Ralph Fiennes, David Morse and Guy Pearce star. Rated R

I Can Do Bad All By Myself

Jennifer (Hope Olaide Wilson) and her kid brothers realize they’ve picked the wrong house to rob when they come face-to-face with quick-tempered matriarch Madea (Tyler Perry), who promptly deposits them with the only family they have: their hard-living aunt April (Taraji P. Henson), a nightclub singer. April’s got no room in her heart for the kids — until a handsome new tenant (Adam Rodriguez) starts to crack her tough exterior. Rated PG-13

In the Loop

When the U.S. president and the U.K. prime minister decide to invade a certain Middle Eastern country, skeptical American and British operatives do their best to stop the runaway train to war in director Armando Iannucci’s scathing political comedy. This Oscar nominee for Best Adapted Screenplay stars Tom Hollander as a British international development chief, James Gandolfini as a U.S. general, and Anna Chlumsky as a well-positioned intern. Not Rated

It Might Get Loud

Davis Guggenheim, creator of the Oscar-winning An Inconvenient Truth, directs this fascinating profile of three contemporary guitarists: Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, U2’s The Edge and Jack White of the White Stripes. Each talks about their creative process, technique and influences as cameras follow them to key locations in their own music history. A jam session featuring all three musicians is woven into their discussions. Rated PG

Law Abiding Citizen

Traumatized by the atrocious murders of his wife and daughter — and the flawed justice system that set the killers free — Clyde Shelton (Gerard Butler) gives in to his rage and sets out on a course of vengeance. He soon takes on not only the prosecutor involved in the case, Nick Rice (Jamie Foxx), but also the city of Philadelphia. Director F. Gary Gray’s bold crime thriller co-stars Viola Davis and Michael Gambon. Rated R

Love Finds a Home

Dr. Belinda Owens’s (Sarah Jones) difficulties with conception take a toll on her marriage to Lee (Jordan Bridges) in this eighth installment of the frontier series of books written by Janette Oke. Meanwhile, in the final stages of her pregnancy, Annie Watson (Haylie Duff) stays with her old pal, Dr. Owens, whose modern scientific knowledge doesn’t impress Annie’s stubbornly old-fashioned mother-in-law and nursemaid, Mary (Patty Duke). Not Rated

Love Happens

Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston star in this romantic tale about life, loss and love. When widower and self-help guru Burke Ryan (Eckhart) unexpectedly falls for Eloise (Aniston), his latent grief threatens his chance at romance. Now, the best-selling author and expert on coping with loss must prove he’s his own best teacher or risk losing love again. Martin Sheen, Judy Greer and Frances Conroy also star. Rated PG-13

Michael Jackson’s This Is It

Rehearsal footage, backstage action and interviews comprise this moving Michael Jackson experience. He is shown here preparing for a series of 50 sold-out London shows, which were scheduled to kick off in late summer 2009. Singing his numerous hits at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during the days leading up to his untimely death, Jackson is also seen refining cues, delving into dance details and working with director Kenny Ortega. Rated PG

Moon

As he nears the end of a lonely three-year stint on the moon base Sarang, astronaut Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell) begins to hear and see strange things. It’s not long before Sam suspects that his employer — the conglomerate LUNAR — has other plans for him. Featuring Kevin Spacey as the voice of a robot, this sci-fi thriller also stars Matt Berry and Kaya Scodelario. The film was an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival. Rated R

New York, I Love You

A companion piece to Paris, je t’aime, this valentine to New York cleverly blends nearly a dozen love stories, each presented by a different filmmaker. From Central Park to Brooklyn and Queens, each tale features the Big Apple as a central character. The writer-directors include Natalie Portman and Brett Ratner, and the cast features Shia LaBeouf, James Caan, Julie Christie, Christina Ricci, Ethan Hawke and dozens more. Rated R

Nine

In a postapocalyptic world, a small community of rag-doll robots hides in fear from dangerous machines out to exterminate them. But when a brave newcomer named 9 (voiced by Elijah Wood) joins the group, he inspires them to stand up and fight for their survival. Shane Acker directs this visually stunning animated film co-produced by Tim Burton, which also features the voices of John C. Reilly, Jennifer Connelly and Martin Landau. Rated PG-13

No Greater Love

When his wife, Heather (Danielle Bisutti), abandons him in a fit of depression and disappears without a trace, Jeff (Anthony Tyler Quinn) is left to raise his son, Ethan (Aaron Sanders), all on his own — until a decade later when by chance, he spots Heather at a church event. Now, the family must discover what place love, God and forgiveness have in their lives. Brad J. Silverman directs this inspirational drama. Rated PG

Post Grad

Ryden Malby (Alexis Bledel) always assumed it would be easy to find a job with a college diploma. But when nothing materializes after graduation, she’s forced to move back in with her dysfunctional family and work full-time at maintaining her sanity. The only bright spot is her steady relationship with her best friend, Adam (Zach Gilford), but even that’s starting to feel a little awkward. Carol Burnett, Michael Keaton and Jane Lynch co-star. Rated PG-13

The September Issue

Director R.J. Cutler’s documentary offers a rare look inside Vogue as the fashion magazine’s influential editor, Anna Wintour, and creative director, Grace Coddington, produce the highly anticipated September issue. Cutler captures the demanding creative process in action for nine months, following perfectionist Wintour and stylist Coddington as they attend fashion week in Europe, endless photo shoots and intense staff meetings. Rated PG-13

Surrogates

Based on Robert Venditti’s graphic novel of the same name, director Jonathan Mostow’s sci-fi thriller is set in a futuristic world in which humans hibernate at home while living their lives vicariously through robot surrogates. When a series of mysterious surrogate murders occurs, FBI agent Greer (Bruce Willis) ventures out into the world for the first time in years to investigate. Radha Mitchell and Ving Rhames co-star. Rated PG-13

Tennessee

On a cross-country trip to find their estranged father, brothers Carter (Adam Rothenberg) and Ellis (Ethan Peck) — whose life is on the line — meet waitress Krystal (Mariah Carey). The aspiring singer decides to drive the brothers to Nashville in hopes of jumpstarting her career. The trio becomes a united front as Krystal’s husband pursues them, Ellis’s health worsens, and Carter relives the painful past he and Ellis left behind. Rated R

The Time Travelers Wife

Due to a genetic disorder, handsome librarian Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana) involuntarily zips through time, appearing at various moments in the life of his true love, the beautiful artist Clare Abshire (Rachel McAdams). Also starring Ron Livingston as Gomez, the soul-stirring romantic drama was adapted from the best-selling Audrey Niffenegger novel.

Weather Girl

When she discovers that her vapid anchorman boyfriend (Mark Harmon) is sleeping with their TV news co-anchor (Kaitlin Olson), Seattle weather forecaster Sylvia (Tricia O’Kelley) wildly denounces him live on the air, and soon finds herself without a job. Rated R

Whip It

Escaping her smothering mother’s (Marcia Gay Harden) beauty pageant plans for her, small-town Texas teen Bliss (Ellen Page) joins an all-girl roller derby team in Austin and begins living a thrilling double life as Babe Ruthless — a life that might catch up with her. Drew Barrymore makes her directorial debut and plays fellow teammate Smashley Simpson in this smart coming-of-age tale. Kristen Wiig, Juliette Lewis, Eve and Jimmy Fallon co-star. Rated PG-13

Zombieland

An easily spooked guy, (Jesse Eisenberg), joins forces with wild man Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) to fight for survival in a world virtually taken over by freakish zombies. As they destroy scores of the undead, they meet up with two other survivors, Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) and Wichita (Emma Stone), and journey to a supposedly safe abandoned amusement park. Rated R

New Music CDs – January/February 2010

Fall Be Kind Animal Collective, CD 781.66 ANI 2009

Hospice The Antlers, CD 781.66 ANT 2009

Ben Folds Presents: University a Cappella! Ben Folds, CD 781.66 FOL 2009

Stronger with Each Tear Mary J. Blige, CD 781.63 BLI 2009

The List Rosanne Cash, CD 781.642 CAS 2009

Songs From The Heart Celtic Woman, CD 781.629 CEL 2010

Up From Below Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, CD 781.66 EDW 2009

Slice Five For Fighting, CD 781.66 FIV 2009

Embryonic The Flaming Lips, CD 781.66 FLA 2009

I Told You I Was FreakyFlight of the ConchordsCD 781.66 FLI 2009I Told You I Was Freaky is, among a great many other things, a genre-tripping tour de force and includes songs from the second series of their popular and award-winning/nominated HBO TV show.

Lungs Florence + The Machine, CD 781.66 FLO 2009

Glee: The Music, Volume 2 Glee Cast, CD 781.546 GLE 2009

2010 Grammy Nominees Various Artists, CD 781.63 GRA 2010

The Fall Norah Jones, CD 781.65 JON 2009

The Element of Freedom Alicia Keys, CD 781.63 KEY 2009

Declaration of Dependence Kings of Convenience, CD 781.66 KIN 2009

Need You Now Lady Antebellum, CD 781.642 LAD 2010

Give Yourself Away NewSong, CD 781.7 NEW 2009\

Nine (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Various Artists, CD 781.542 NIN 2009

Live at Reading Nirvana, DVD 781.66 NIR 2009

Of The Blue Colour Of The Sky OK Go, CD 781.66 OK 2010

Backspacer Pearl Jam, CD 781.66 PEA 2009

Transference Spoon, CD 781.66 SPO 2010

Y Not Ringo Starr, CD 781.66 STA 2010

If On A Winter’s Night… Sting, CD 781.723 STI 2009

Humanoid Tokio Hotel, CD 781.66 TOK 2009

Play On Carrie Underwood, CD 781.642 UND 2009

Contra Vampire Weekend, CD 781.66 VAM 2009

Fits White Denim, CD 781.66 WHI 2009

Neil Young Archives, Vol. 1: 1963-1972 [Box set] Neil Young, CD 781.66 YOU 2009

The Foundation Zac Brown Band, CD 781.642 ZAC 2008

Sherlock Holmes (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Hans Zimmer, CD 781.542 ZIM 2009

New Mysteries – January/February 2010

The Body in the Sleigh Katherine Hall Page, M PAG – It’s Christmas time and the Fairchild family is spending the holidays on idyllic Sanpere Island off the coast of Maine.  Holiday spirits are subdued when a body is found in an antique sleigh.

The Broken Teaglass Emily Arsenault, M ARS – Something suspicious is going on, in addition to the study of English words, at the Samuelson Company, the venerable dictionary publisher. Coded clues and murder!

Cape Greed Sam Cole, M COL – Two private detectives get involved in seemingly separate cases in Cape Town, South Africa.

Crawlspace Sarah Graves, M GRA – Jacobia “Jake” Tiptree moves from the fast world of Wall Street to a rewarding life in Eastport, Maine.  But no matter what your address, the most terrifying crimes always hit closest to home.

Darkness Visible J.M. Gregson, M GRE – Chief Superintendent Lambert and his team uncover a variety of suspects in the murder of a small-time criminal.

Death of a Valentine M.C. Beaton, M BEA – Will Hamish Macbeth, the Scottish police sergeant, be married at last?

9 Dragons Michael Connelly, M CON – Detective Harry Bosch promises the family of John Li, the owner of Fortune Liquors in a South L.A. neighborhood, that he will find his murderer. Vintage Connelly.

Eye of the Raven Eliot Pattison, M PAT – Duncan McCallum and Native American shaman Conawago, unite forces in 1760 Virginia during the turbulent French and Indian War.

Final Exam Maggie Barbieri, M BAR – Professor Alison Bergeron teaches at the small college of St. Thomas, but when a resident director goes missing she knows she must find her. From the author of Quick Study.

The First Rule Robert Crais, M CRA – Organized criminal gangs of the former Soviet Union may be behind the killing of Frank Meyer, an old friend of Joe Pike. Pike and partner Elvis Cole team up to get at the truth.

The Fleet Street Murders Charles Finch, M FIN – Christmas, 1866. Amateur sleuth Charles Lenox involves himself in a strange case concerning the violent deaths of two journalists.

The Godfather of Kathmandu John Burdett, M BUR – Sonchai Jitpleecheep, a Royal Thai Police detective, is summoned to a shocking and intriguing crime scene.

Heat Wave Richard Castle, M CAS – The fictional author of the fictional Derrick Storm novels, introduces Nikki Heat as a New York homicide detective.

Locked In Marcia Muller, M MUL – Following a shot to her head, San Francisco private eye Sharon McCone finds herself trapped by locked-in syndrome: almost total paralysis, but with an alert, conscious mind.

The Monster in the Box Ruth Rendell, M REN – Inspector Wexford is taken back to his first days as a young policeman and to the man he has long suspected of murder.

Necessary as Blood Deborah Crombie, M CRO – Scotland Yard detective Gemma James is involved in a complicated case featuring the murder of a Pakistani lawyer in trendy London’s East End.

The Poisoning in the Pub Simon Brett, M BRE – When a lunchtime meal leaves everyone with food poisoning, it seems to be the beginning of the end of the road for the pub known as the Crown and Anchor.

Predators Frederick Ramsay, M RAM – Predators, both human and animal, are roaming the country of Botswana.

The Red Door Charles Todd, M TOD – Detective Ian Rutledge is back in another stirring mystery set in post World War I England.

The Scarpetta Factor Patricia Cornwell, M COR – Dr. Kay Scarpetta offers her services to the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner.  Soon  a string of unexpected and unsettling events occur that escalates into even more bizarre happenings.

There Goes the Bride M.C. Beaton, M BEA – Unlucky in love, Agatha Raisin is not happy, especially when the fiancé of her ex-husband is shot, just before their wedding.

Thereby Hangs a Tail: A Chet and Bernie Mystery Spencer Quinn, M QUI – The irresistible Chet and his human companion, Bernie, are working on another case, following their great debut in Dog On It.

Too Many Murders Colleen McCullough, M MCC – The year is 1967 and detective Carmine Delmonico is faced with 12 murders in one day in the little town of Holloman.

Trial by Fire J.A. Jance, M JAN – A severely burned woman is helped by Sister Anselm  and Ali Reynolds of the Yavapal County Police Department. But could their efforts to save her put all three of them in greater danger?

U Is for Undertow Sue Grafton, M GRA – Kinsey Millhone continues to work her way through this acclaimed series of alphabetically arranged mysteries.

The Vows of Silence Susan Hill, M HIL – Detective Simon Serrailler tracks down a lone gunman who is terrorizing young women in the peaceful  town of Lafferton, England.

What Remains of Heaven C.S. Harris, M HAR – Nobleman and former spy, Sebastian St. Cyr, needs to expose a murderer in the glittering and dangerous world of 1812 London.

New Fiction – January 2010

Altar of Eden James Rollinsm F ROL – Science, history and suspense are combined in this stand-alone novel that delves into the mystery of genetically modified animals that were kept at the Baghdad city zoo.

The Atlantis Code Charles Brokaw, F BRO – After satellites spot extremely ancient ruins along the Spanish coast, archeologist Thomas Lourds knows that this could mean that the lost continent of Atlantis has been found.

Broken Jewel David L. Robbins, F ROB – The author of War of the Rats presents a novel of war and survival set against the backdrop of the Los Baños prison raid  – one of the most daring episodes of World War II.

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer: A Retelling by Peter Ackroyd Peter Ackroyd, F ACK – The well known writer takes on the classic 13th century poem and presents it in an accessible style with the aim of preserving the spirit of the original work.

Cloud Pavilion Laura Joh Rowland, F ROW – Japan 1701. Samurai detective Chamberlain San Ichirō undertakes a desperate search to locate a vanished cousin.

Deeper Than the Dead Tami Hoag, F HOA – FBI investigator Vince Leone is called to California to consult on a case involving a vicious psychopath.

Delilah India Edghill, F EDG – An inventive retelling of the Biblical tale of Samson and Delilah.

The Fall of the Templars Robyn Young, F YOU – 1295 AD. The fight for the Christian empire in the Holy Land has come to an end. The Knights Templar’s last battle has just begun.

Hollywood Moon Joseph Wambaugh, F WAM – More mayhem and crime from the Hollywood division of the LAPD.

The Honor of Spies W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV, F GRI – A new novel in the popular authors’ Honor Bound saga of World War II espionage.

I, Sniper Stephen Hunter, F HUN – Four ‘60s radicals are gunned down at long range by a sniper. Retired Marine sniper Bob Lee Swagger is called in to investigate and begins to unravel a sophisticated conspiracy.

Impact Douglas Preston, F PRE – Strange events seem to prefigure an event of earth-shaking consequences. “Sixty hours and counting.”

Iron River T. Jefferson Parker, F PAR – Charlie Hood joins a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms task force patrolling the “iron river,” where illegal guns flow from United States dealers to Mexican drug cartels.

Knit the Season: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel Kate Jacobs, F JAC – Holidays with the friends of the Friday Night Knitting Club at the Walker & Daughter cozy yarn shop on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

Lacuna Barbara Kingsolver, F KIN – Harrison Shepherd is pulled between Mexico and the United States as both nations invent their modern identities in the years before World War II.

La’s Orchestra Saves the World Alexander McCall Smith, F MCC – During World War II, Lavender (or La) flees London and organizes a small orchestra in her small town.  A heartwarming story by a favorite author.

Nanny Returns Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, F MCL – Nan, the heroine of The Nanny Diaries, returns from abroad with her husband, but is once again pulled into the lives Mrs. X and her two sons, Grayer and Stilton.

New York Edward Rutherfurd, F RUT – A sweeping fictional saga that explores Manhattan through four centuries.

No Less Than Victory: A Novel of World War II Jeff Shaara, F SHA – The final book in the noted author’s World War II trilogy.

Not My Daughter Barbara Delinsky, F DEL – A pregnancy pact between three teenaged girls puts their mothers’ love to the test.

Once in a Blue Moon Eileen Goudge, F GOU – An emotionally charged family drama focuses on two sisters, Lindsay and Kerrie Ann, and their turbulent lives.

The Paris Vendetta Steve Berry, F BER – Cotton Malone is on the trail of Napoleon’s legendary lost treasure, but obstacles abound.

Pirate Latitudes Michael Crichton, F CRI – Treasure and betrayal in the Caribbean of 1665 is the latest offering from the popular author.

The Prodigal Wife Marcia Willett, F WIL – The ancient family home where the Chadwick family has lived for generations is a haven from the heartbreaks of life. But when Jolyon Chadwick returns home with his new girlfriend, will he find the homey warmth he longs for?

The Pursuit of Other Interests Jim Kokoris, F KOK – Charlie Baker the CEO of a major Chicago ad agency seems to have it all, until the day he is unceremoniously fired.

Summertime J.M. Coetzee, F COE – A work of fiction that allows the author to imagine his own life with an unsparing eye.

Under the Dome Stephen King, F KIN – A new blockbuster from the master of horror.

Watchlist: Two Serial Thrillers in One Killer Book Two novellas written serially by many well-known authors: The Chopin Manuscript and The Copper Bracelet. Some of the authors included: Linda Barnes, Lee Child, Jeffery Deaver, Joseph Finder, Lisa Scottoline, and Erica Spindler.