Friday, February 28, 2014

Library Journal's Reader's Shelf


From Library Journal

Trashy Pulp Spun into Literary Gold


The Postman Always Rings Twice, Double Indemnity, Mildred Pierce, and Selected StoriesThe Postman Always Rings Twice, Double Indemnity, Mildred Pierce, and Selected Stories
By Cain, James M.
Introduction by Polito, Robert
Author Polito, Robert
2003-07 - Everyman's Library
9780375414381 Check Our Catalog
These three classics from the master of the noir novel, along with five otherwise unavailable short stories, are electric with the taut narrative voice, the suspense, and the explosive violence and eroticism that were James M. Cain's indelible hallmarks.
The Postman Always Rings Twice," Cain's first novel--tried for obscenity in Boston, the inspiration for Camus's The Stranger--is the fever-pitched tale of a drifter who stumbles into a job, into an obsessional passion, and into a murder. Double Indemnity--which followed "Postman so quickly, Cain's readers hardly had a chance to catch their breath--is a tersely narrated story of a blind, excessive love, duplicity, and, of course, murder. Mildred Pierce, a work of acute psychological observation and devastating emotional violence, is the tale of a woman with a taste for shiftless men and an unreasoned devotion to her monstrous daughter. All three novels were immortalized in classic Hollywood films. Also included here are five masterful stories--"Pastorale," "The Baby in the Icebox," "Dead Man," "Brush Fire," "The Girl in the Storm"--that have been out of print for decades. 
…More
Woman in the DarkWoman in the Dark
By Hammett, Dashiell
Editor Stone, Jeff
1989-07 - Vintage Books
9780679722656 Check Our Catalog
A young, frightened, foreign woman appears at the door of an isolated house. The man and woman inside take her in. Other strangers appear in pursuit of the girl. Menace is in the air.
Originally published in 1933, Hammett's Woman in the Dark shows the author at the peak of his narrative powers. With an introduction by Robert B. Parker, the author of the celebrated Spenser novels.
…More
Dangerous WomenDangerous Women
By Penzler, Otto
2005-01 - Warner Books
9780446614573 Check Our Catalog
From some of the most acclaimed mystery and suspense authors today come new stories for this anthology compiled by the legendary editor Otto Penzler, owner of the Mysterious Bookshop in New York and founder of the Mysterious Press and Otto Penzler books. …More
Chandler: Stories and Early Novels: Pulp Stories / The Big Sleep /Farewell, My Lovely / The High WindowChandler: Stories and Early Novels: Pulp Stories / The Big Sleep /Farewell, My Lovely / The High Window
By Chandler, Raymond
Editor McShane, Frank
Editor MacShane, Frank
1995-10 - Library of America
9781883011079 Check Our Catalog
Stories and Early Novels includes every story that Chandler did not later incorporate into a novel - thirteen in all. Drawn from the pages of Black Mask and Dime Detective, these stories show how Chandler adapted the violent conventions of the pulp magazines - with their brisk exposition and rapid-fire dialogue - to his own emerging vision of 20th-century America. Raymond Chandler: Stories and Early Novels contains a newly researched chronology of Chandler's life, explanatory notes, and an essay on the texts. …More
Hardboiled: An Anthology of American Crime StoriesHardboiled: An Anthology of American Crime Stories
By Pronzini, Bill
Editor Adrian, Jack
1997-05 - Oxford University Press, USA
9780195103533 Check Our Catalog
Compellingly and compulsively readable, this collection includes 36 superbly suspenseful stories which chronicle the evolution of this quintessentially American art form, from its earliest beginnings in the 1920s to the arrival of the tough digest formats in the 1950s to the present-day hard-boiled stories by such writers as James Ellroy. Contributors include Ed Gorman, Jim Thompson, Evan Hunter (better known as Ed McBain), and others. …More
The Colorado KidThe Colorado Kid
By King, Stephen
2010-12 - PS Publishing
9781848631267 Check Our Catalog
On an island off the coast of Maine, a man is found dead. There's no identification on the body. Only the dogged work of a pair of local newspapermen and a graduate student in forensics turns up any clues.
But that's just the beginning of the mystery. Because the more they learn about the man and the baffling circumstances of his death, the less they understand. Was it an impossible crime? Or something stranger still...?
No one but Stephen King could tell this story about the darkness at the heart of the unknown and our compulsion to investigate the unexplained. With echoes of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon and the work of Graham Greene, one of the world's great storytellers presents a surprising tale that explores the nature of mystery itself...

Upcoming Events at HPL






"OFF THE WALL" WRITING & DRAWING CONTEST FOR TEENS BEGINS
MARCH 1 - APRIL 1, 2014
Enter poems, stories, drawings, comics, or any other original creative work. Entries are due April 1, 2014. The best stories, poems, and art will be printed in the "Off the Wall", Hackley Library's publication by and for teens. Contest rules are available at Hackley Public Library.
ALL ARTWORK MUST BE IN BLACK AND WHITE


Scrapbooking
10:00 AM, Saturday, March 1

Learn the basics of scrapbooking! Hear tips and get assistance in creating memorable scrapbooks, collages, and other gifts for your loved ones. They make great gifts for birthdays, graduations, and other special occasions. Scrapbooking materials and tools will be provided including paper, scissors, stickers, embellishments, letters, stencils, a Cricut die-cut machine, and much more! Lead by Jacqui Bernhardt.


STEVENS PUPPETS PRESENTS "RUMPELSTILTSKIN"
2:00 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2014
A fantastic rendition of "Rumpelstiltskin" will be performed by the beautiful marionettes of Stevens Puppets. Join us in witnessing the "fly-apart" marionette, the first of its kind, and an original American art form.


Hackley Handy Crafts
6:00 PM, Monday, March 3:
Join craft maven Nancy Harman on the first Monday of each month. Learn a new craft or practice one you already know. These are geared towards older teens and grownups. Bring a photo and a piece of wood at least as large as the photo. These are free, and open to the public. Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library.


Rails Across Lake Michigan
6:00 PM, Tuesday, March 4:
Michigan’s Lake Michigan Railroad ferrries literally created rails across Lake Michigan from the Michigan ports of Muskegon, Grand Haven, Ludington and Frankfort to the Wisconsin ports of Milwaukee, Manitowoc, Kewanee, and Sturgeon Bay.
The Michigan railroads involved included Ann Arbor, Grand Trunk Western, and Pere Marquette-Chesapeake & Ohio
This program, featuring slides of vintage postcards and photos, describes the rise and fall of these great ferry systems.
Tom Buettner has been giving his programs to West Michigan communities for 22 years.
A resident of Caledonia, Michigan, Tom is noted for presenting programs addressing a multitude of topics – each one well-researched - each one presented in a refreshing manor. This one will be no exception. Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library.


Brad Fritcher + Trois - 2013 ArtPrize Jazz Winner
6 pm, Monday, March 10:
Harmonic Integrity x Architectural Properties + Passion = artistic vision beyond the strict confines of the jazz genre’s tradition.
The Brad Fritcher + trois project consists of four eager musicians who are expanding their artistic vision beyond the strict confines of the jazz genre’s tradition. After the first rehearsal on GVSU’s campus, the trio of Brad Fritcher (trumpet), Dutcher Snedeker (piano) and Christian VanDuinen (drums) knew immediately that they were working with something valuable. Shortly thereafter, Ryan Wallace drifted into the bass position and into the studio at Blue Lake Public Radio they went. The album that came forth is one that conveys each member’s ability to communicate intellectually and musically to themselves, each other and the listener. After the release of the album, Blue Lake Studio Sessions, the Brad Fritcher + trois continues to tether audiences to their concepts and their sound with live and intimate performances.
In addition, they went live on Jazz From Blue Lake with Lazaro Vega on May 13. Their debut album Blue Lake Studio Sessions was released on June 11. Their distribution includes, but is not limited to, (iTunes, Amazon MP3, Spotify, Last.fm, Rhapsody, emusic, & Google Play). They debuted in eastern Michigan at Detroit’s best kept secret, Jazz Cafe at Music Hall.


Michigan in the Civil War
6:00 PM, Tuesday March 11
This lecture and visual presentation was developed over a 5 year period by Al and Dave Eicher. More than 150 Michigan research centers such as Libraries, historical societies and individuals contributed information and photographs. The presentation includes visits to the many Historic sites relating to Civil War events in Michigan and old photos of places where the recruits joined the Union cause. The producer’s television cameras also went to the Harper’s Ferry Arsenal, Gettysburg Battle fields, the Battle of the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, the crossing of the Rappahannock River, Petersburg, Bull Run and Fredericksburg. Michigan men and women were there! Today, Michigan has many Civil War reenactment groups which each year set up camps at Old Fort Wayne, Caseville, Huron City, Port Austin and at Jackson, Michigan to name only a few locations. The Jackson event is the largest encampment next to Gettysburg. Nearly, 2,300 troops took part in various battles scenes and are featured in this lecture. This presentation is unique in that it develops a month by month timeline of events in Michigan and at the Eastern battlefields. At the beginning of the war, in April of 1861, Michigan had about 1200 men and a few officers in the State Militia. By January of 1865 nearly 89,000 Michigan soldiers had served in the war. This program in 77 minutes tells true stories about Michigan people and Governor Blair’s search for troops to meet Lincoln’s request. The music and sounds created at the reenactment events make this a very special program relating to Michigan’s role in the Civil War.

Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library.


Tech Wednesday-Goodreads and Library Thing
3:00 pm, Wednesday, March 12:
Tech Wednesdays are 30-60 minute long mini watch-and-learn classes on technical topics. They are held in the Julia Hackley Room twice a month at 3:00 pm and are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring your own laptop and follow along.
March 12 Goodreads/Library Thing


SPANISH FOR KIDS
11:00 AM, SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2014
FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-10
Learn Spanish with cultural immersion and total physical response method. Cindy Vogel, former bilingual Spanish teacher Grand Haven Public Schools, will lead the program.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Upcoming Events at HPL



WINTER PLAYDATE & STORY FUN (THURSDAY MORNING SESSIONS)
11:00 AM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2014
FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7.
Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project.
SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.


BLACK HISTORY CALENDAR CONTEST AWARDS
2:00 PM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2014
Student artists --- winners in the Black History Calendar Contest --- are honored at this event. Attendees will get a sneak preview of their art which will appear in this spring's HPL Black History Calendar.


Listening Room-JLTW featuring Lewellen Pepper
6:00 PM, Monday, February 24: JLTW featuring Lewellen Pepper

The Listening Room features another local group with JLTW featuring Lewellen Pepper


WINTER PLAYDATE & STORY FUN (MONDAY EVENING SESSION)
6:45 PM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2014
FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7.
Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project.
SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.


Insurances What do I need to protect my business and me?
5:30 PM, Tuesday, February 25
Every business has certain risks related to its operations. Thus, to protect the business and your personal assets, insurance coverage is critical. Knowing what type of insurance is required and how to obtain that insurance for your business are the questions this workshop will address. Topics include:
  • The kinds of insurance coverage that are needed for which kinds of risks
  • Valuing buildings, personal property and evaluating risks
  • Use of personal cars for business
  • Issues related to subcontractors
  • How to evaluate the insurance and identify provisions of contracts.

Lead by Andrew Price of McKenzie Price Insurance Company.

Brought to you through Score, a national organization of active and retired businessmen and women who volunteer their time to share their expertise with small businesses as well as new business start-ups. Their objective is to help America’s small businesses grow and prosper.


Tech Wednesday-Excel
3:00 pm, Wednesday, February 26
Tech Wednesdays are 30-60 minute long mini watch-and-learn classes on technical topics. They are held in the Julia Hackley Room twice a month at 3:00 pm and are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring your own laptop and follow along.
February 26-Excel


WINTER PLAYDATE & STORY FUN (THURSDAY MORNING SESSIONS)
11:00 AM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014
FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7.
Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project.
SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.


"OFF THE WALL" WRITING & DRAWING CONTEST FOR TEENS BEGINS
MARCH 1 - APRIL 1, 2014
Enter poems, stories, drawings, comics, or any other original creative work. Entries are due April 1, 2014. The best stories, poems, and art will be printed in the "Off the Wall", Hackley Library's publication by and for teens. Contest rules are available at Hackley Public Library.
ALL ARTWORK MUST BE IN BLACK AND WHITE


Scrapbooking
10:00 AM, Saturday, March 1

Learn the basics of scrapbooking! Hear tips and get assistance in creating memorable scrapbooks, collages, and other gifts for your loved ones. They make great gifts for birthdays, graduations, and other special occasions. Scrapbooking materials and tools will be provided including paper, scissors, stickers, embellishments, letters, stencils, a Cricut die-cut machine, and much more! Lead by Jacqui Bernhardt.


STEVENS PUPPETS PRESENTS "RUMPELSTILTSKIN"
2:00 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2014
A fantastic rendition of "Rumpelstiltskin" will be performed by the beautiful marionettes of Stevens Puppets. Join us in witnessing the "fly-apart" marionette, the first of its kind, and an original American art form.


Hackley Handy Crafts
6:00 PM, Monday, March 3:
Join craft maven Nancy Harman on the first Monday of each month. Learn a new craft or practice one you already know. These are geared towards older teens and grownups. Bring a photo and a piece of wood at least as large as the photo. These are free, and open to the public. Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library.


Rails Across Lake Michigan
6:00 PM, Tuesday, March 4:
Michigan’s Lake Michigan Railroad ferrries literally created rails across Lake Michigan from the Michigan ports of Muskegon, Grand Haven, Ludington and Frankfort to the Wisconsin ports of Milwaukee, Manitowoc, Kewanee, and Sturgeon Bay.
The Michigan railroads involved included Ann Arbor, Grand Trunk Western, and Pere Marquette-Chesapeake & Ohio
This program, featuring slides of vintage postcards and photos, describes the rise and fall of these great ferry systems.
Tom Buettner has been giving his programs to West Michigan communities for 22 years.
A resident of Caledonia, Michigan, Tom is noted for presenting programs addressing a multitude of topics – each one well-researched - each one presented in a refreshing manor. This one will be no exception. Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Upcoming Events at HPL



FAMILY LEGO MANIA 
2:00 PM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2014
Kids, join us for a lego-building good time as we use our imaginations to come up with cool constructions. Remember, we'll supply the Legos, you supply the ideas.


HACKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED IN HONOR OF PRESIDENTS' DAY 
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2014


WINTER PLAYDATE & STORY FUN (THURSDAY MORNING SESSIONS) 
11:00 AM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2014
FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7.
Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project.
SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.


BLACK HISTORY CALENDAR CONTEST AWARDS 
2:00 PM SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2014
Student artists --- winners in the Black History Calendar Contest --- are honored at this event. Attendees will get a sneak preview of their art which will appear in this spring's HPL Black History Calendar.


Listening Room-JLTW featuring Lewellen Pepper 
6:00 PM, Monday, February 24: JLTW featuring Lewellen Pepper
The Listening Room features another local group with JLTW featuring Lewellen Pepper


WINTER PLAYDATE & STORY FUN (MONDAY EVENING SESSION) 
6:45 PM MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2014
FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7.
Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project.
SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.


Insurances What do I need to protect my business and me? 
5:30 PM, Tuesday, February 25
Every business has certain risks related to its operations. Thus, to protect the business and your personal assets, insurance coverage is critical. Knowing what type of insurance is required and how to obtain that insurance for your business are the questions this workshop will address. Topics include:
  • The kinds of insurance coverage that are needed for which kinds of risks
  • Valuing buildings, personal property and evaluating risks
  • Use of personal cars for business
  • Issues related to subcontractors
  • How to evaluate the insurance and identify provisions of contracts.
Lead by Andrew Price of McKenzie Price Insurance Company.

Brought to you through Score, a national organization of active and retired businessmen and women who volunteer their time to share their expertise with small businesses as well as new business start-ups. Their objective is to help America’s small businesses grow and prosper.


Tech Wednesday-Excel 
3:00 pm, Wednesday, February 26
Tech Wednesdays are 30-60 minute long mini watch-and-learn classes on technical topics. They are held in the Julia Hackley Room twice a month at 3:00 pm and are free and open to the public. Feel free to bring your own laptop and follow along.
February 26-Excel


WINTER PLAYDATE & STORY FUN (THURSDAY MORNING SESSIONS) 
11:00 AM THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014
FUN FOR CHILDREN AGES 3-7.
Storytelling, picture books, finger plays, holiday tales and special fun. The session will end with a craft project.
SIGN UP IS REQUIRED--Call 231-722-7276 Ext. 230 to register.


"OFF THE WALL" WRITING & DRAWING CONTEST FOR TEENS BEGINS 
MARCH 1 - APRIL 1, 2014
Enter poems, stories, drawings, comics, or any other original creative work. Entries are due April 1, 2014. The best stories, poems, and art will be printed in the "Off the Wall", Hackley Library's publication by and for teens. Contest rules are available at Hackley Public Library.
ALL ARTWORK MUST BE IN BLACK AND WHITE


Scrapbooking 
10:00 AM, Saturday, March 1

Learn the basics of scrapbooking! Hear tips and get assistance in creating memorable scrapbooks, collages, and other gifts for your loved ones. They make great gifts for birthdays, graduations, and other special occasions. Scrapbooking materials and tools will be provided including paper, scissors, stickers, embellishments, letters, stencils, a Cricut die-cut machine, and much more! Lead by Jacqui Bernhardt.


STEVENS PUPPETS PRESENTS "RUMPELSTILTSKIN" 
2:00 PM SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2014
A fantastic rendition of "Rumpelstiltskin" will be performed by the beautiful marionettes of Stevens Puppets. Join us in witnessing the "fly-apart" marionette, the first of its kind, and an original American art form.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Staff Picks

We like to read, and we like to share what we read! This is a list of recent favorites.
STAFF PICKS





A Dazzling Tribute to Josephine Baker

Josephine, Patricia Hruby Powell's new children's picture book, arrives just in time for Black History Month. The free-verse text coupled with beautiful illustrations by Christian Robinson bring the essence of Josephine Baker's outstanding musical talent and vivacious personality into the spotlight. Powell takes young readers from Josephine's impoverished childhood to her death, and chronicles her struggles with racial discrimination, her rise to fame, her acclaimed performances and her efforts to spy against the Nazis during WWII. Josephine is a fitting tribute to an indisputable American legend.

Want to see all the staff picks?  In Encore (our catalog) search for HPL Staff Picks.
To sign up for this, or any of our newsletters, check out our Newsletter sign up page.

Lone Wolf
Lone Wolf
By Picoult, Jodi
2012-10 - Emily Bestler Books
9781439102756 Check Our Catalog

Edward Warren left his family after an irreparable fight with his father, and learns that his dad lies comatose in a hospital, gravely injured. Edward wants to terminate life support and donate his father's organs. Is he motivated by altruism or revenge? To what lengths will his sister go to stop him from making an irrevocable decision? …More


Rooftoppers
Rooftoppers
By Rundell, Katherine
Illustrator Fan, Terry
2013-09 - Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
9781442490581 Check Our Catalog

When authorities threaten to take 12-year-old Sophie away from Charles, who has been her guardian since she was one and both survived a shipwreck, the pair goes to Paris to find Sophie's mother, and they are aided by Matteo and his band of "rooftoppers." …More


The Girl from Felony Bay
The Girl from Felony Bay
By Thompson, J. E.
2013-04 - Walden Pond Press
9780062104465 Check Our Catalog

Debut author Thompson presents the story of a girl, a crime, and a great unsolved mystery set deep in the heart of South Carolina. …More


Christmas on 4th Street
Christmas on 4th Street
By Mallery, Susan
2013-09 - Harlequin
9780373777822 Check Our Catalog

After Nicole Perkins opens her store, The Christmas Attic, in Fool's Gold, California, business is booming; and, as a bonus, gorgeous army doctor Gabriel Boylan has offered to help out during the holiday rush. …More


Doctor Sleep
Doctor Sleep
By King, Stephen
2013-09 - Scribner Book Company
9781476727653 Check Our Catalog

Stephen King returns to the character and territory of one of his most popular novels ever, "The Shining," in this instantly riveting novel about the now middle-aged Dan Torrance and the very special twelve-year-old girl he must save from a tribe of murderous paranormals. …More


Dangerous Women
Dangerous Women
By Martin, George R. R.
Editor Dozois, Gardner
2013-12 - Tor Books
9780765332066 Check Our Catalog

All new and original to this volume, the 21 stories in Dangerous Women include work by twelve New York Times bestsellers, and seven stories set in the authors' bestselling continuities--including a new "Outlander" story by Diana Gabaldon, a tale of Harry Dresden's world by Jim Butcher, a story from Lev Grossman set in the world of The Magicians, and a 35,000-word novella by George R. R. Martin about the Dance of the Dragons, the vast civil war that tore Westeros apart nearly two centuries before the events of A Game of Thrones. …More


Sycamore Row
Sycamore Row
By Grisham, John
2013-10 - Doubleday Books
9780385537131 Check Our Catalog

When wealthy Seth Hubbard hangs himself from a sycamore tree and leaves his fortune to his black maid, Jake Brigance once again finds himself embroiled in a fiercely controversial trial -- a trial that will expose old racial tensions and force Ford County to confront its tortured history. …More


The Goldfinch
The Goldfinch
By Tartt, Donna
2013-10 - Little Brown and Company
9780316055437 Check Our Catalog

"The author of the classic bestsellers The Secret History and The Little Friend returns with a brilliant, highly anticipated new novel. A young boy in New York City, Theo Decker, miraculously survives an accident that takes the life of his mother. Alone and abandoned by his father, Theo is taken in by a friend's family and struggles to make sense of his new life. In the years that follow, he becomes entranced by one of the few things that reminds him of his mother: a small, mysteriously captivating painting that ultimately draws Theo into the art underworld. Composed with the skills of a master, The Goldfinch is a haunted odyssey through present-day America, and a drama of almost unbearable acuity and power. It is a story of loss and obsession, survival and self-invention, and the enormous power of art" …More