New Fiction – December 2008

Lynne

The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday Alexander McCall Smith – Isabel Dalhousie returns to help a doctor who has been disgraced by allegations of scientific fraud

Company of Liars Karen Maitland – In 1348 the Black Plague is gripping England. Nine desperate strangers try to outrun certain death by traveling through the country.

Cross Country James Patterson – Detective Alex Cross pursues the most ruthless killer he’s ever encountered. 

A Cure for Night Justin Peacock – Forced to resign from his prestigious Manhattan law firm for drug abuse, Joel Deveraux becomes a public defender in Brooklyn. 

 Dark Summer Iris Johansen – Veterinarian Devon Brady never suspects that Ned, a wounded black lab, will plunge her into a whirlwind of terror and destruction.

 Deaf Sentence David Lodge – Desmond Bates is a recently retired linguistics professor and vexed by his encroaching deafness and at loose ends with his life.

 Devil’s Brood Sharon Kay Penman – The long-awaited third book in the author’s trilogy of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquataine concludes their timeless stories.

 The Eleventh Man Ivan Doig – A college football team from Montana is scattered around theglobe during World War II. One teammate’s assignment is to chronicle the story of each member of his team.

Exposed Alex Kava – FBI Agent Maggie O’Dell and Assistant Director Cunningham believe they are responding to a threat made at Quantico. Instead they walk into a trap.

Extreme Measures Vince Flynn – Counterterrorism operative, Mitch Rapp, wages war against a bin Laden wannabe whose group is about to descend on America.

The Fire Katherine Neville – Finally, twenty years after the publication of The Eight, comes a continuation of the global adventure.

First Daughter Eric Van Lustbader – After his troubled youth, Jack McClure becomes a top ATF agent.  A call from his friend, the newly elected president, ramps up a search for a kidnapped child.

 The Glass of Time: The Secret Life of Miss Esperanza Gorst Michael Cox – A story of murder, love and revenge in Victorian England.

The Gate House Nelson DeMille – The author returns to the fabled Gold Coast of Long Island and the changing world of ultra-WASP John Sutter.

Heat Lightning John Sandford – The author’s latest outing features Minnesota investigator Virgil Flowers and a disturbing series of murders.

Hot MahoganyStuart Woods – Stone Barrington is trying to enjoy a quiet meal at Elaine’s restaurant when he is drawn into the cutthroat world of priceless antiques.

 I See You Everywhere Julia Glass – The intertwined lives of two sisters, the conscientious older sister and the younger, a daring rebel, are depicted over the course of 25 years.

The Lucky One Nicholas Sparks – On a tour of duty in Iraq, U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a young woman that eventually changes his life. 

Lulu in Marrakech Diane Johnson – Lulu Sawyer arrives in Morocco, hoping to rekindle a romance with Englishman Ian Drumm, and also to begin her assignment as an undercover agent for the CIA.

 A Most Wanted Man John Le Carré – Issa, a young Russian man smuggled into Hamburg, meets up with Annabel, a civil rights lawyer, and Tommy Brue as they become victims of rival intelligence operations in the War on Terror. 

One Fifth Avenue Candace Bushnell – Living in New York City’s most elite apartment building, five women pursue relationships and personal dreams in a privileged world.

 An Outrageous Affair Penny Vincenzi – A family saga  tells the story of Caroline and her two daughters, Chloe and Fleur, and their lives in wartime England to 1950’s Hollywood.

 The School on Heart’s Content Road Carolyn Chute – Egypt, Maine is the setting for this story of Mickey Gammon, a 15-year-old dropout, and his introduction into the secretive world of the “Settlement” and its leader, known as “The Prophet.”

A Stopover in Venice Kathryn Walker – Romance, art history, mystery and Venice!

Testimony Anita Shreve – A prestigious boarding New England boarding school is rocked by a sexually explicit videotape that includes several students.

Too Close to Home Linwood Barclay – In a quiet suburb, in a house only one door away, a family is murdered for no apparent reason.

 What Happened to Anna K. Irina Reyn – An inventive, modern-day retelling of Anna Karenina takes place in Queens, Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Whiskey Rebels David Liss – Ethan Saunders, a former spy for Washington during the Revolution, follows a trail that leads him to Alexander Hamilton and to the rebellious whiskey-makers who are fiercely opposed to taxation.

The Widows of Eastwick John Updike – Alexandra, Jane and Sukie return to the town of Eastwick and find themselves dealing with the legacy of their evil deeds

New CDs – November 2008

Richelle

 

Fearless Taylor Swift, CD 781.642 SWI 2008 – “Taylor Swift has defied a lot of conventional wisdom. In the midst of a recording-industry implosion, she sold 3 million physical copies of her 2006 debut. At a time when Nashville is dominated by Stetson-wearing male singers in their 30s and 40s, the 18-year-old emerged as country’s newest superstar with a repertoire full of girly songs aimed at teens. She is a blond, blue-eyed, amazonian starlet who — unlike nearly every other person who fits that description — writes her own songs, plays an instrument, answers to no Svengali and doesn’t rely on high-priced studio ninjas and trendy producers. Britney she ain’t.”–Rolling Stone Magazine (via Amazon)

 

 

The Promise Il Divo, CD 782.42 DIV 2008 – Andrea Bocelli’s new album, Incanto, is a collection of the most famous Italian songs, with the release set to coincide with the famous tenor’s 50th birthday.

 

Dark Horse Nickleback, CD 781.66 NIC 2008 – Nickelback have established themselves as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. With over 26 million albums sold worldwide they have made their mark in rock and roll history. Their new album, ‘Dark Horse’, is one of the most anticipated releases this year. The band brought in legendary producer Mutt Lange to produce the record with Nickelback and longtime collaborator Joey Moi.

 

 

Self-Titled David Cook, CD 781.66 COO 2008 – American Idol winner David Cook is set to release his self-titled debut album on November 18th, 2008. Produced by Grammy winning Rob Cavallo (Green Day, Kid Rock), David Cook is a quality album full with radio hits. Cook co-wrote 9 songs from his debut, along with songwriters like Chris Cornell, Brian Howes & Cathy Dennis. The 1st single “Light On” was co-written by one of rock music’s most influential innovators, Chris Cornell, lead singer and songwriter for Soundgarden and Audioslave, and acclaimed producer / songwriter Brian Howes, who has worked with superstar rock bands such as Hinder and Puddle of Mudd.

New Releases on DVD – November 2008

Richelle

Get Smart

When the headquarters of the U.S. spy agency CONTROL is attacked and the identities of its agents are compromised, the Chief has no choice but to promote his analyst Maxwell Smart, who has dreamed of working in the field. Smart will do whatever it takes to thwart the latest plot for world domination by KAOS. Cast: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Arkin, Terence Stamp, James Caan. Rated PG-13

 

Hellboy II

The fate of mankind hangs in the balance when a ruthless prince awakens an unstoppable army of creatures to wage war with the human world. It’s up to Hellboy and his team of paranormal outcasts to face off with the forces of darkness in ultimate battle of good versus evil. Ron Perlman, Selma Blair, Doug Jones, Jeffrey Tambor, Seth MacFarlane, John Hurt. Rated PG-13. Based on the Dark Horse comic book created by Mike Mignola.

 

Kung Fu Panda

Po works in his family’s noodle shop while dreaming the day away about becoming a Kung Fu master. His dreams soon become reality when he is unexpectedly chosen to join the world of Kung Fu and study along side his idols. Before they know it, the vengeful and treacherous snow leopard Tai Lung is headed their way. It is now up to Po to defend everyone from the oncoming threat. Voice of Po: Jack Black. Audience MPAA rating: PG; for sequences of martial arts action.

 

Tropic Thunder

When three of Hollywood’s biggest stars head into Vietnam to shoot a war movie, they find that the action becomes much more real than any of them expected. Cast:Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Steve Coogan, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Brandon T. Jackson, Bill Hader, Nick Nolte. Rated R

More New DVDs: TV Series and Feature Length Films – November 2008

Richelle

Damages

Patty Hewes, the nation’s most revered and most reviled litigator, and her ambitious protégée, Ellen Parsons, become embroiled in a class action lawsuit targeting Arthur Frobisher, one of the country’s wealthiest CEOs. As Patty battles Frobisher and his attorney, Ellen learns what it takes to win at all costs. Cast: Glenn Close, Rose Byrne, Ted Danson. Not rated.

The Dark Crystal

Jen, a Gelfling (one of the last survivors of the elfin-like race), is told of a prophecy by his master, a wise and gentle mystic. Jen sets to the task of returning the crystal shard to the all powerful Dark Crystal, making it whole again, and restoring light to the world. Voices: Jim Henson, Kathryn Mullen, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire. (1982) Rated PG.

Labyrinth

A teenage girl’s baby brother is kidnapped by the King of the Goblins; in order to rescue him she must navigate a devilish labyrinth. Cast: David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly, Toby Froud, Shelley Thompson, Christopher Malcolm, Natalie Finland, Shari Weiser, Brian Henson, Ron Mueck, Rob Mills, Dave Goelz, David Alan Barclay, David Shaughnessy. (1986) Not Rated

The Sally Lockhart Mysteries: The Shadow in the North

Sally Lockhart has started her own financial consulting business. When her client loses a fortune from the unexpected collapse of a shipping line, Sally is determined to find out why so many of their ships have mysteriously vanished without a trace. Cast: Billie Piper, Jared Harris, J.J. Feild, Matt Smith, David Harewood, Hayley Atwell, John Standing, Julian Rhind-Tutt. A Masterpiece Mystery! Production of WGBH Boston and the BBC. Hosted by Alan Cumming. Not Rated.

Sleepers

Sentenced to the Wilkinson School for boys, four pals are mistreated at will by a cadre of sadistic guards. 15 years later, they have an unexpected opportunity for revenge. Cast: Kevin Bacon, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Patric, Brad Pitt. (1996) Rated R

Christmas CDs – 2008

Richelle

It’s not too late to put these Hot Holiday Items on hold!

Click on Titles to order them from the Library Catalog

I’ll Be Home for Christmas Brian McKnight, CD 781.723 MCK 2008 – Christmas cheer runneth over with McKnight’s first true holiday collection featuring all of your favorite Christmas classics and three new McKnight holiday originals – presented in that smokey R&B mold that McKnight does so well; McKnight’s famed vocal prowess will definitely make this the most wonderful time of the year! As an extra special bonus, Josh Groban, Rascal Flatts and Babyface also make guest appearances on the album! McKnight’s visibility will be growing around the holiday season and into 2009. Already a household as a result of his hits, a stint in Chicago on Broadway, and his own radio show (KTWV the Wave /LA, McKnight is also the host of his very own video countdown Soul Sessions with Brian McKnight on BET .

Songs of Joy & Peace Yo-Yo Ma & Friends, CD 781.723 MA 2008 – Imagine a party, a musical party inspired by the holiday season. A party that celebrates the universal hopes, dreams and joy animating seasonal festivals the world over – Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid al-Adha, Kwanzaa, Yule and New Year’s Day. That is what brought Yo-Yo Ma together with a remarkable group of friends – some old, some new – to create SONGS OF JOY & PEACE. It is Yo-Yo’s hope that everyone who listens to this album will hear a song familiar, comfortable and beloved to them as well as discover and fall in love with music that is brand new.

A Swingin’ Christmas Tony Bennett Featuring the Count Basie Big Band, CD 781.723 BEN 2008 -2008 album release Swingin’ Christmas featuring the Count Basie Big Band. Bennett has 15 Grammy Awards along with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2001). ‘Tony Bennett is among the most recognized human beings on the planet.’ ~Vanity Fair. The album tracks are ‘The Christmas Song’, ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas, ‘Winter Wonderland’, ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’, ‘Christmas Time is Here’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘The Christmas Waltz’, ‘Christmas Auld Lang Syne’, ‘Silver Bells’ and ‘Christmas Tree’.

A New Thought for Christmas Melissa Etheridge, CD 781.723 ETH 2008 -What if someone made a Christmas album for everybody else? That’s exactly what Melissa Etheridge has done. Working alongside her producer David Cole, Melissa’s songs celebrate a spiritual time of year where people can rejoice in their traditional, or non-traditional ways, and celebrate a winter solstice filled with love and peace. This ten song album has newly composed songs such as “Ring The Bells,” “Light A Light,” and “It’s Christmas Time” interspersed with traditional holiday standards such as “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Blue Christmas.” This album begs the question, “If we’re all talking about peace on earth, what if we all concentrated on peace on earth and made it happen?”

It’s Christmas Mandisa, CD 781.723 MAN 2008 – Mandisa’s debut album True Beauty gave inspiration and hope to women everywhere and challenged us to rethink our definition of beauty, and proved she had more than just talent – but something important to say. This fall, she returns with her first full-length Christmas album It’s Christmas. Produced by Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Jeremy Camp), It’s Christmas strikes a balance between traditional Christmas carols and newer songs, and features special appearances by Michael W. Smith and Matthew West.

Joy to the World Faith Hill, CD 781.723 HIL 2008 – The first holiday album from super-star Faith Hill, ‘Joy To The World’ is a joy to behold, featuring beautiful new versions of ten traditional and modern classics, complete with horns, strings, woodwings, percussion and chorales, much like the big-band orchestras of the 40’s and 50’s. One of the most popular music stars in America, Faith Hill celebrates the joy-and faith- of the season with ‘Joy to the World.’

A Winter Symphony Sarah Brightman, CD 781.723 BRI 2008 – Arrival — Colder than winter — Ave Maria (with Fernando Lima) — Silent night — In the bleak midwinter — I’ve been this way before — Jesu, joy of man’s desiring — Child in a manger — I wish it could be Christmas everyday — Amazing grace — Ave Maria — I believe in Father Christmas.

Don’t Come Home for Christmas Jeff Dunham, CD 781.723 DUN 2008 – YEAR-ROUND FAMILY FUN! CONTAINS INSTANT SING-ALONG CLASSICS (AND A FEW TWISTED ONES)!!!Don’t Come Home For Christmas is the first CD of songs ever released by Jeff Dunham and his beloved group of characters! Tracks include Achmed’s “Jingle Bombs,” Bubba J’s “Roadkill Christmas,” and Walter’s heart-felt “I Hate Christmas.” Join Jeff and “Guitar Guy” along with Peanut, Bubba J, Achmed the Dead Terrorist, Sweet Daddy Dee, José Jalapeño, and Walter as they make Christmas very special – and hilarious – like only they know how.

New CDs – November 2008

Richelle

A Hundred Million Suns Snow Patrol, CD 781.66 SNO 2008 – The Grammy-nominated band’s fifth studio album was recorded throughout the Summer of 2008 in Hansa Studios in Berlin (where Bowie recorded “Low,” “Heroes” and “Lodger”) and at Grouse Lodge deep in the Irish countryside. Snow Patrol are one of the biggest selling UK bands this decade and A Hundred Million Suns follows up the 2006 Number One, seven-times platinum phenomenon Eyes Open which sold 2.1 million copies in the UK and over 1 million in the US. Eyes Open achieved platinum awards across the world from the US and Canada to Germany, Australia and beyond, selling over 4.5 million copies. Their single “Chasing Cars” has just received its 2 millionth download in the US.

Evolver John Legend, CD 781.643 LEG 2008 – The album Evolver features superstars Kanye West, Andre 3000 and Estelle.The album’s first single ‘Green Light’ impacted Urban & Rhythm formats August 19th, 2008. John Legend’s debut CD Get Lifted & sophomore CD Once John Legend is the winner of five Grammy Awards.

 

Incanto Andrea Bocelli, CD 781.63 BOC 2008 -Andrea Bocelli’s new studio album is a collection of the most famous Italian songs – including Mamma, Funiculi Funicula and Santa Lucia. They are the songs which have enchanted Andrea since childhood. Released to coincide with his 50th birthday, the album is a personal tribute to his musical heritage. Popularized through concert, radio and record and the film industry by the great tenors of the 19th and 20th centuries, this selection of songs is a celebration of the Italian tenor tradition.

 

 

Tina! Tina Turner, CD 781.63 TUR 2008 – Tina! is the 2008 CD to compliment the eight-time Grammy Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s long-awaited return to arenas throughout North America. Capitol/EMI releases a new 18-track CD and digital collection of Turner’s Top Hits, rare live recordings and two exclusive new tracks. Few rock performers can work a stage and an audience as masterfully as Tina Turner has been doing since the 1960s. First achieving stardom alongside then-husband Ike Turner, R&B siren Tina left to pursue an even more successful solo career that also included movie roles.

Closer – The Best of Sarah McLachlanSarah McLachlan, CD 781.66 MCL 2008 – 2008 Album, Closer: The Best Of Sarah McLachlan contains 24 classic tracks personally selected by the artist from her award-winning catalog, as well as two newly recorded and previously unreleased songs, “U Want Me 2” and “Don’t Give Up On Us”, working with her longtime producer Pierre Marchand.

 

Our Love Is Here to Stay: Ella & Louis Sing Gershwin Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, CD 781.65 GER 1998 – When Ella and Louis recorded a series of albums together for Verve in 1956 and 1957, George Gershwin’s songs were a constant theme, including a double LP of Porgy and Bess that delighted Ira Gershwin. This 1998 compilation pulls together material from those recordings to celebrate a union of jazz’s greatest singers with a songwriter who had been an essential resource for jazz since the 1920s. The chemistry is consistently inspired, with Armstrong’s gravelly voice, perfect rhythmic sense, and still-eloquent trumpet providing a fine complement to Fitzgerald’s consummately smooth delivery and extraordinary range. Also included are Ella and Louis’s own takes on Gershwin from contemporary sessions, including Fitzgerald’s Jazz at the Philharmonic version of “Oh, Lady, Be Good!” (from At the Opera House) that includes Lester Young, Coleman Hawkins, and Stan Getz among the tenor saxophonists. Collectors will want the CD reissues of the original albums to get a complete picture of the Fitzgerald and Armstrong partnership, or Fitzgerald’s own extended encounter with Gershwin in the Songbook series; nevertheless, this is a delightful introduction to an inspired collaboration.

Whatever: The ’90s Pop and Culture Box Various Artists, CD 781.63 WHA 2005 – Remember the 1990s? Dot-com booms and stock market pinnacles? The fall of the Wall, the rise of Desert Storm, Presidential impeachment, and Beavis & Butt-head? The decade of grunge power, alt-rock diversity, and hip-hop evolution? It’s an era that’s oh-so-close, yet already so far away. If you’re pining for those ’90s, and we know you are-our monolithic new 7-disc box takes you back in style.

 

New DVDs: Feature Length Films and TV Series – November 2008

Richelle

 

Boston Legal: Season Four

Follows the personal and professional exploits of a group of attorneys working at the law firm of Crane, Poole & Schmidt. Cast: William Shatner, James Spader, Candice Bergen, John Larroquette. Not rated.

A Heart in Winter

Camille, a concert violinist, becomes intrigued by her lover’s business partner, Stephane. She interprets his distance as a sign of intellectual seduction. The love triangle that develops reveals the complexity and imperfection of the three characters. French dialogue with English subtitles. Cast: Daniel Auteuil, Emmanuelle Béart, André Dussollier. Not Rated

Mad Men: Season One

In the glamorous and ego-driven world of advertising, everyone is selling something and nothing is ever what it seems. Set in 1960 New York, this series reveals the lives of the ruthlessly competitive men and women of Madison Avenue’s “Golden Age,” where key players make an art of the sell while their private world gets sold. And no one plays the game better than Don Draper, the biggest ad man–and ladies’ man–in the business. Cast: Jon Hamm, John Slattery, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Maggie Siff, Aaron Staton, Bryan Batt, January Jones, Christina Hendricks, Michael Gladis, Rich Sommer. Not rated. Originally broadcast on AMC July 19-Oct. 18, 2007.

MI-5: Volume 5

A series of sinister terror strikes, combined with severe fuel shortages, has plunged Britain into crisis. As a chronically weakened prime minister fights to hold onto power, the public mood turns increasingly anarchic. MI-5 supremo Harry Pearce and team leader Adam Carter begin to face the horrifying possibility that the country is under attack from sinister forces right at the heart of the establishment. Cast: Rupert Penry-Jones, Peter Firth, Anna Chancellor, Hermione Norris, Raza Jeffrey, Nicola Walker, Miranda Raison. Not Rated

The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima

Screen chronicle based on actual 1917 events outside Fatima, Portugal, where three shepherd children report visions of the Virgin Mary and confront anticlerical government oppression in the process. Cast: Gilbert Roland, Angela Clark. Videodisc release of the 1952 motion picture. Not rated.

The Nun’s Story

Audrey Hepburn portrays a nun whose life journey takes her from the staff of a mental asylum to a surgical nurse in the Belgian Congo. She returns to Belgium as WWII breaks out and is torn between the needs of the Resistance and the church’s neutrality. Cast: Peter Finch, Dame Edith Evans, Dame Peggy Ashcroft, Dean Jagger, Mildred Dunnock. From the book by Kathryn C. Hulme. Not rated.

Perfect Strangers

When Melanie goes home from a local pub with the best looking man in the room, she’s captivated by his charm and attentiveness. He sails her away to his “castle”–A rundown shack on a deserted island. But soon, his passion turns to obsession and romance turns to rage and Melanie realizes that she is the victim of a kidnapping. Torn between fear and desire, Melanie must escape her schizoprenic captor. A moment of panic leads to murder and madness. Melanie’s time is running out, but for her perfect stranger, it may already be too late. Cast: Sam Neill, Rachael Blake, Joel Tobeck, Robyn Malcolm, Madeleine Sami. Rated PG-13

Pushing Daisies: The Complete Season One

Ned can bring the dead to life briefly when he touches them, and must touch them again to reverse the spell. Along with a private eye, he uses his gift to help solve crimes and collect the rewards. Cast: Lee Pace, Anna Friel, Chi McBride, Jim Dale, Ellen Greene, Swoosie Kurtz, Kristin Chenoweth. Originally broadcast during the 2007-2008 television season.

A Raisin in the Sun

Dreams can make a life worth living, but they can also be dashed by bad decisions. This is the crossroads where the Younger family find themselves when their father passes away and leaves them with $10,000 in life insurance money. Decisions will need to be made on how to best spend the money – from buying a new family home, buying a liquor store or even paying for medical school tuition. While no choice is easy, life on the South Side of Chicago in the 1950s is even harder. Cast: Sean Combs, Sanaa Lathan, Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, Justin Martin, Bill Nunn, David Oyelowo, Ron Cephas Jones, Sean Patrick Thomas, John Stamos. Based on the play by Lorraine Hansberry. Not rated.

Rough Riders

A fact-based, rough and tumble western depicting a young and energetic Theodore Roosevelt leading his legendary Rough Riders in their fight against oppressive Spanish rule at the turn of the 20th century. Cast: Tom Berenger, Gary Busey, Brad Johnson, Illeana Douglas, Chris Noth, Brian Keith, George Hamilton, Sam Elliott. Not rated.

The Searchers

Ex-confederate soldier Ethan Edwards searches five years for his niece, the only member of his family to survive a Comanche massacre. Cast: John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood. Not Rated

The Shoes of the Fisherman

All eyes are focused on the Vatican, hoping to see the puffs of white smoke signaling the selection of the next Pope, but this time, much more is at stake, for the new pontiff may be the only person who can bring peace to a world on the brink of nuclear war. Cast: Anthony Quinn, Oskar Werner, David Janssen, Vittorio De Sica, Leo McKern, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Laurence Olivier, Barbara Jefford, Rosemarie Dexter. Based on the novel by Morris L. West. Rated G

30 Rock: Season 2

The primetime Emmy-winning workplace comedy that exists behind-the-scenes of a live sketch comedy show has returned, with some of the original stars returning also. Cast: Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tracy Morgan. Not rated.

Documentaries and Non-Fiction Films – November 2008

Richelle

China from the Inside

A series of four PBS documentaries that survey China through Chinese eyes to see how history has shaped them, and where the present is taking them. Deals with the governance of China; talks about the past and future for Chinese women; looks at China’s environmental challenges; explores China’s conflict between personal freedom and governance.

Why Shakespeare?

A documentary film from the National Endowment for the Arts that examines the contemporary relevance of Shakespeare’s plays and the importance of live theater. Performers include: Christina Applegate, Ben Donenberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Dana Giola, Tom Hanks, Bill Pullman, Michael Richards, William Shatner, Martin Sheen, Julie Taymore, Michael York. Not Rated

New Nonfiction – October 2008

Lynne

Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer’s Life Kathleen Norris – What is acedia? Ruminations from a noted author.

American Lightning: Terror, Mystery, The Birth of Hollywood, and the Crime of the Century Howard Blum – On the morning of October 1, 1910 the Los Angeles Times Building was bombed. This was a prelude to the devastation to come.

The Anglo Files: A Field Guide to the British Sarah Lyall – As a young reporter for The New York Times, the author moved to London and began a chronicle of her adopted country.

Being Catholic Now: Prominent Americans Talk about Change in the Church and the Quest for MeaningKerry Kennedy – The daughter of Robert and Ethel Kennedy relates the importance of faith and showcases the thoughts of other Americans.

The Black Hole War: My Battle with Stephen Hawking to Make the World Safe for Quantum Mechanics Leonard Susskind – What is the true nature of black holes? Is our understanding of the entire universe at stake?

China: Getting Rich First Duncan Hewitt – Is it possible for the new China to reconcile its ancient past with the new dreams of modernization and globalization?

Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the WorldVicki Myron with Bret Witter –How is possible for an abandoned kitten to transform a small library, save an American town, and become famous around the world?

Emotional Awareness: Overcoming the Obstacles to Psychological Balance and Compassion A Conversation Between the Dalai Lama and Paul Ekman – A remarkable exchange that delves into the nature of our emotional lives from the perspectives of science and spirituality.

Empires of the Sea: The Siege of Malta, the Battle of Lepanto, and the Contest for the Center of the World Roger Crowley – In 1521, Suleiman the Magnificent sent an invasion fleet to the Christian island of Rhodes. This was the opening shot in the struggle between rival empires and faiths for control of the Mediterranean.

The First Billion Is the Hardest T. Boone Pickens – At the age of 68, down and out, Pickens turned his remaining investment funds of $3 million into $8 billion in profit. Now, at age 80, he explains what he believes will be the future of energy in America.

Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: On the Tracks of the Great Railway Bazaar Paul Theroux – The prolific and noted author of travel narratives describes his recent journey through Asia.

Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men Michael Kimmel – A look at the cultural and social world of young men through the years between 16 and 26.

Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution—and How It Can Renew America Thomas L. Friedman – The noted author of The World Is Flat takes a look at America’s loss of focus and the global environmental situation and how these two problems are linked.

The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington Jennet Conant – The story of the British spies who infiltrated the upper echelons of Washington during the early days of World War II.

The Last Undercover: The True Story of an FBI Agent’s Dangerous Dance with Evil Bob Hamer – Posing as everything from a drug dealer to an aging pedophile, the author describes his life as an undercover agent.

The Limits of Power: The End of American Exceptionalism Andrew J. Bacevich – The author identifies a triple crisis that confronts America and offers solutions to cope realistically with the future.

Moral Clarity: A Guide for Grown-Up IdealistsSusan Neiman – How is moral philosophy relevant to everyday life? The author presents a philosophical framework for forming clear opinions and taking responsible actions on today’s questions.

Moving to Higher Ground: How Jazz Can Change Your Life Wynton Marsalis with Geoffrey C. Ward – The award-winning musician relates the lessons he has learned from jazz that can help move us all to higher ground.

The Necklace: Thirteen Women and the Experiment that Transformed Their Lives Cheryl Jarvis – The author bought a beautiful, expensive necklace along with twelve other women who agreed to share it equally throughout the year. Here’s their story.

Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein – The authors demonstrate how “choice architecture” can be established to help individuals be nudged in beneficial directions, rather than to make those choices that make us poorer and less healthy.

A Path Out of the Desert: A Grand Strategy for America in the Middle East Kenneth M. Pollack – A leading Middle East policy analyst advises a more realistic and cohesive approach to the Arab world.

Poisoned Profits: The Toxic Assault on Our Children Philip Shabecoff and Alice Shabecoff – The authors’ research links current rise in childhood disease to industrial toxins that are found both outside and in everyday products.

The Sea Is So Wide and My Boat Is So Small: Charting a Course for the Next Generation Marian Wright Edelman – The founder of the Children’s Defense Fund calls on Americans to create a better world for all of our children.

Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief James M. McPherson – With virtually no military experience, President Lincoln emerged as the greatest commander in chief in American history.

The Trouble with Boys: A Surprising Report Card on Our Sons, Their Problems at School, and What Parents and Educators Must Do Peg Tyre – Struggling throughout elementary and secondary school, boys now account for less than 43% of those enrolled in college.

Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip—Confessions of a Cynical Waiter Steve Dublanica – An inside look at a waiter’s life at an upscale New York restaurant.

The War Within: A Secret White House History 2006-2008 Bob Woodward – The author’s fourth book about the Bush administration takes the reader through the highest levels of decision-making at the White House, Pentagon and State Department.

More New Music CDs – October 2008

Richelle

Click titles/artwork to go to the Library Catalog

 

Little HoneyLucinda Williams, CD 781.642 WIL 2008

Lucinda Williams has always been adept at painting landscapes of the soul, illuminating the spirit’s shadowy nooks and shimmering crannies — but she’s never captured the sun breaking through the clouds as purely as on her new Lost Highway release, Little Honey. The album features a duet with Elvis Costello “Jailhouse Tears” Other guest vocalists include Matthew Sweet, Susanna Hoffs, Jim Lauderdale, Tim Easton and Charlie Louvin.

13th Hour Midnight Syndicate, CD 781.66 MID 2005

Over the past eight years, Midnight Syndicate has defined the gothic/horror soundscape genre and redefined the Halloween music industry. Their unique blend of dark orchestral movie-style instrumental music and carefully crafted sound effects make their “soundtracks for the imagination” truly interactive listening experiences, earning them a diverse worldwide following in the gothic music, Halloween, horror music, haunted attraction, and gaming industries.

Learn to Live Darius Rucker, CD 781.642 RUC 2008

As the front man of Hootie & The Blowfish, Darius Rucker has already experienced success – earning 2 Grammy awards and selling over 25 million albums worldwide. Now, embracing his country roots and a music he has always wanted to make, Darius is attracting the attention of country fans who are discovering his voice for the first time, and rewarding Hootie fans with new music featuring one of the most unique voices across any genre of music. Featuring his debut country single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It”, Learn to Live features 12 undeniable country hits and a voice that is unarguably Darius Rucker. “I have always written country songs…for me, this is really just part of the natural evolution of my career. I plan to be doing this for a long time. This isn’t a one album deal – it’s a career thing,” explains Rucker.

Broken China Robert Wright, CD 781.66 WRI 1996

Brand new solo album by the Pink Floyd keyboardist, with Sinead O’Connor appearing as guest lead vocalist on the tracks ‘Reaching For The Rail’ and ‘Breakthrough’. The album has a Floyd sound and look throughout, thanks to their designer Storm Thorgerson.

Some Mad HopeMatt Nathanson, CD 781.63 NAT 2007

With rapturous romanticism and over-the-top, heart-on-sleeve emotion, Matt Nathanson can’t decide whether he wants to be U2’s Bono (particularly on the opening “Car Crash”) or John Mayer (with whom he’s toured as an opening act). Though his roots are in the folk coffeehouse, he plainly has his ears aimed toward the rock arena, as the propulsive “To the Beat of Our Noisy Hearts” and “Detroit Waves” attest. “Wedding Dress” sounds like it’s aspiring to become a first-dance standard, while the sensuality of “Come On Get Higher” suggests more stripped-down delights. A couple of lines here compete for the album’s cheesiest: “C’mon let’s make this dream that’s barely half-awake come true” (from “Heartbreak World”) and “What happened to feeling cheap radio songs?” (from “Bulletproof Weeks”).

Love & Life Eric Benet, CD 781.643 BEN 2008

Eric Benet has recaptured the essence of his roots as he journeyed back to Milwaukee on his fourth solo effort, Love & Life, a strong, good-feeling record reminiscent of yesteryears when R&B was rooted in gospel, a dash of jazz and the feeling of social awareness. This album reflects a journey that magnifies the abundance of familiar experiences both personal and social that transpires, represents sheer honesty, allowing you to discover truth, and be moved and connected by music.

Hello Love Chris Tomlin, CD 781.7 TOM 2008

Following his 2006 RIAA Gold-certified record, See the Morning, Chris Tomlin’s fifth studio release, Hello Love, communicates what he describes as the “need to introduce ourselves to love again.” Produced by Ed Cash (Steven Curtis Chapman, Amy Grant, Bebo Norman), the record endeavors to give voice to the Church to worship their Creator.

Gift of ScrewsLindsey Buckingham, CD 781.66 BUC 2008

Primarily recorded and self-produced at his home studio and on the road during the ‘Under The Skin’ tour, the album also features two songs co-produced by Rob Cavallo (Green Day, My Chemical Romance). Mixing the immediacy of the best of his contributions to Fleetwood Mac with experimental production flourishes, highlights of the set include ‘Bel Air Rain’, ‘Time Precious Time’, ‘Underground, ‘Love Runs Deeper’ and ‘Treason’. “You could certainly say this album is a distillation of a number periods of time, some false starts to make albums, certainly some songs that go back a number of years, that took a while to find a home here, combined with brand-new songs and a whole other outlook,” explains Buckingham. “And the fact that there was a kind of tenacity and focus to want to bring all of this together in one place. The fact that as an artist I’m still, for better or worse, clinging to my idealism and to my sense that there is still yet much to be said. This is a culmination of that.”

That Lonesome Song Jamey Johnson, CD 781.642 JOH 2008

He could be basking in his songwriting accolades, but Jamey Johnson remains a restlessly creative maverick. Jamey is the co-writer of the CMA and ACM 2007 Song of the Year “Give It Away,” recorded by George Strait. Trace Adkins, George Jones and Joe Nichols have also recorded his songs. But instead of sitting at home counting his royalty checks, Jamey Johnson recorded more than 40 songs during the past year. Not content with providing hits for others, the singer-songwriter has a powerful drive to sing, record and perform. “Writing is not enough for me,” says this intense artist. “I did not come here to just be a writer. I live to play….I’m not here to take a stab at it. I am going to DO it.” Following a deep period of isolation and introspection, Jamey Johnson entered the recording studio in April 2007. Within months, Jamey emerged with That Lonesome Song, a collection of extraordinary compositions that is equally noteworthy for its lyrical craftsmanship and its strikingly original sound.

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons Joshua Bell, CD 787.2 BEL 2008

Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell, who has enchanted audiences for two decades with his breathtaking playing and tone of rare opulence, has recorded Antonio Vivaldi’s concertos The Four Seasons. Widely considered as one of the premiere violinists of his generation, Bell is joined on this studio release by the celebrated musicians of the Academy of St.Martin in the Fields, who toured the work with him prior to the recording sessions. This recording of The Four Seasons is coupled with another masterpiece of Baroque virtuosity, Giuseppe Tartini’s The Devil’s Trill. The liner notes by Linda Kobler explain the curious genesis of Tartini’s piece and the indisputable place of Vivaldi’s concertos in the history of sonata composition.

Act Two Celtic Thunder, CD 781.629 CEL 2008

Celtic Thunder Act Two, the companion to Celtic Thunder (which sold over 150,00 CDs and DVDs combined) musically completes the collection of songs that have been included in one of the most successful PBS programs ever. Celtic Thunder Two includes an eclectic mix of songs ranging from the Moody Blues classic Nights In White Satin, Paul McCartney’s Mull Of Kintyre to the classic Danny Boy. The ensemble numbers on Celtic Thunder Two reflect the power of the vocalists, who range in age from 14 to 40, and feature songs that celebrate a common Celtic heritage.