Reader's Shelf

From Library Journal

Fright, Fever, Flu:  Absorbing but Scary Medical Histories

Plagues and Peoples By McNeill, William H. 1977-10 - Anchor Books 9780385121224 Check Our Catalog Upon its original publication, "Plagues and Peoples was an immediate critical and popular success, offering a radically new interpretation of world history as seen through the extraordinary impact--political, demographic, ecological, and psychological--of disease on cultures. From the conquest of Mexico by smallpox as much as by the Spanish, to the bubonic plague in China, to the typhoid epidemic in Europe, the history of disease is the history of humankind. With the identification of AIDS in the early 1980s, another chapter has been added to this chronicle of events, which William McNeill explores in his new introduction to this updated editon. Thought-provoking, well-researched, and compulsively readable, "Plagues and Peoples is that rare book that is as fascinating as it is scholarly, as intriguing as it is enlightening. "A brilliantly conceptualized and challenging achievement" (Kirkus Reviews), it is essential reading, offering a new perspective on human history. …More

Flu: The Story of the Great Influenza Pandemic By Kolata, Gina 2001-01 - Touchstone Books 9780743203982 Check Our Catalog The author examines the Great Influenza Epidemic of 1918 that killed an estimated 40 to 100 million people in the world, and delves into the mystery that still surrounds it. Kolata takes readers into the lab where scientists today are working with samples of the virus, and addresses the prospects for a recurrence of an equally lethal pandemic. …More

The Fever: How Malaria Has Ruled Humankind for 500,000 Years By Shah, Sonia 2011-06 - Picador USA 9780312573010 Check Our Catalog In recent years, malaria has emerged as a cause celebre for voguish philanthropists. Bill Gates, Bono, and Laura Bush are only a few of the personalities who have opened their pocketbooks in hopes of eradicating the scourge. How does a parasitic disease that we've known how to prevent for more than a century still infect three hundred million people every year, killing nearly one million of them? In "The Fever"," " the journalist Sonia Shah sets out to answer this question, delivering a timely, inquisitive chronicle of the illness and its influence on human lives. "The Fever" captures the curiously fascinating, devastating history of this long-standing thorn in the side of humanity. …More

Rabid: A Cultural History of the World's Most Diabolical Virus By Wasik, Bill Author Murphy, Monica 2012-07 - Viking Books 9780670023738 Check Our Catalog An engrossing and lively history of the fearsome and mythologized virus. In the tradition of "The Emperor of All Maladies" and "The Great Influenza," journalist Wasik and veterinarian Murphy chart the history, science, and cultural mythology of rabies. …More

The Colony: The Harrowing True Story of the Exiles of Molokai By Tayman, John 2007-01 - Scribner Book Company 9780743233019 Check Our Catalog In the bestselling tradition of "In the Heart of the Sea" comes the untold history of America's only leper colony--which exists even today--and the extraordinary people forced to create a community under horrific circumstances. …More

The End of Plagues: The Global Battle Against Infectious Disease By Rhodes, John 2013-09 - Palgrave MacMillan 9781137278524 Check Our Catalog …More

Book Review-Life after Life

What if your life has a purpose, but you die before you are able to fulfill it?  Kate Atkinson explores this question in Life After Life. Ursula is born with the cord wrapped around her neck so she dies. Immediately, Ursula is born with the cord wrapped around her neck, but the doctor is there and is able to save her.  A few years later when her family is at the beach, she and her older sister wade into the ocean where they are overcome by a large wave.  Ursula drowns. Immediately, Ursula is born with the cord wrapped around her neck, but the doctor is there and is able to save her.  A few years later when her family is at the beach, she and her older sister wade into the ocean where they are rescued by a man who sees them having trouble. As Ursual grows she becomes subtley aware of knowing what is going to happen and she is able to change the trajectory of her life.  Does she have a purpose and if so, what is it. Set against World Wars I and II, this is a fascinating look at how simple decisions can change where life takes you and how some events are inevitable. I thought parts of the book were quite witty and the depictions of the British living during the two wars was very good.  It made me think a lot, not just of where things were going, but the what if's that were implied.  I enjoyed it quite a bit.

Life After Life By Atkinson, Kate 2013-04 - Reagan Arthur Books 9780316176484 Check Our Catalog BookPage Notable Title 2013 Costa Novel Award Winner In 1910, Ursula Todd is born to an English banker and his wife. She dies before she can draw her first breath. On that same cold and snowy night, Ursula Todd is born, and embarks upon a life that will be unusual. Does Ursula's infinite number of lives give her the power to save the world from its inevitable destiny? …More

Other books by the same author.

Case Histories By Atkinson, Kate 2005-10 - Back Bay Books 9780316010702 Check Our Catalog This new novel from award-winner Atkinson is a breathtaking story of families divided, love lost and found, and the mysteries of fate. As Private Detective Jackson Brodie investigates three cases, startling connections and discoveries emerge. …More

Started Early, Took My Dog By Atkinson, Kate 2011-10 - Reagan Arthur Books 9780316066747 Check Our Catalog One moment of madness is all it takes for Tracy's humdrum world to be turned upside down. Witnesses to Tracy's Faustian exchange are Tilly, an elderly actress teetering on the brink of her own disaster, and Jackson Brodie, who has returned to the land of his childhood. Variously accompanied, pursued, or haunted by neglected dogs, unwanted children, and keepers of dark secrets, soon all three will learn that the past is never history--and that no good deed goes unpunished. 400 pp. …More

One Good Turn By Atkinson, Kate 2007-09 - Back Bay Books 9780316012829 Check Our Catalog Following her mystery debut "Case Histories" with this percipient, funny, and totally satisfying read, Atkinson once again features ex-cop turned private investigator Jackson Brodie--except this time he is the prime suspect in a deadly crime. …More

Behind the Scenes at the Museum By Atkinson, Kate 1999-11 - Picador USA 9780312150600 Check Our Catalog This 1995 Whitbread Book of the Year paints a rich, vivid portrait of heartbreak and happiness, recounting the story of Ruby Lennox, a narrator who will leave no stone unturned in her account of family life above a pet shop in England. "A poignant and beautifully wrought portrait of a young girl's growth".--"Seattle Times". …More

Complimentary Reads

The Collector of Dying Breaths: A Novel of Suspense By Rose, M. J. 2014-04 - Atria Books 9781451621532 Check Our Catalog A suspenseful and enigmatic story, with gripping historical details and the paranormal subtext Rose has become famous for, which will please her many fans …More

My Name Is Memory By Brashares, Ann 2010-06 - Riverhead Books 9781594487583 Check Our Catalog BookPage Notable Title From the "New York Times"-bestselling author of "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" and "The Last Summer (of You and Me)" comes the magical love story of a man who spends centuries falling in love with the same girl. A magical, suspenseful, heartbreaking story of true love, "My Name Is Memory" proves the power and endurance of a union that was meant to be. …More

Reincarnation By Weyn, Suzanne 2008-01 - Scholastic Press 9780545013239 Check Our Catalog It starts with a fight in a cave over an elusive green jewel and then travels over time and lives to a pair of modern-day teenagers. For readers who believe that love is stronger than time or death, this is an unforgettable historical romance. …More

Emily and Einstein By Lee, Linda Francis 2011-03 - St. Martin's Press 9780312382186 Check Our Catalog After learning that her marriage was based on lies, widow Emily Portman is forced on a journey to find out who her husband really was. Emily finds comfort in a scruffy dog named Einstein. But is Einstein's seemingly odd determination that she save herself enough to make Emily confront her own past? …More

Winter's Tale By Helprin, Mark 2005-06 - Harvest Books 9780156031196 Check Our Catalog A breathtaking novel by the author of "A Soldier of the Great War," this is a book about the beauty and complexity of the human soul, about God, love, and justice. …More

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.

Secretary of State announces veteran designation for licenses and ID cards

Beginning May 1, Michigan veterans can display their proof of service right on their Michigan driver's license or state ID card, making it easier to receive benefits that often go unclaimed, such as retail discounts, promotions and special offers.  The new designation is available to all honorably discharged Michigan veterans and is free of charge when renewing a state license or ID or applying for one.

Upcoming Events at HPL

BALLET IN THE LIBRARY  SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014 11:00 AM AGES 3--7 11:30 AM AGES 8--11 Get out your tiaras, tutus, and leotards! Come meet Ms. Patti from Dassel Gymnastics and Dance and enjoy the fun of having an introductory ballet lesson, music, and movement.

LEGO MANIA FAMILY FUN DAY  2:00 PM SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014 Come on in and create your own world with LEGOs and DUPLOs. We'll supply the LEGOs. You supply the imagination.

Listening Room with Dan Giacobassi-Flute  6:00 pm, Monday, April 28: Listening Room with Dan Giacobassi-Flute Saxophonist and flutist Daniel Giacobassi started singing in his mother's church choirs as soon as he could walk and talk. He very enthusiastically chose to play flute at the age of 8 and followed his sister and brother into the world of professional music careers. Dan enjoyed the rich musical tradition and training of the Muskegon Public Schools and participated in a Blue Lake Fine Arts European tour. He received a bachelor’s degree in music education at WMU in Kalamazoo, MI and taught music for a couple of years. Dan started playing saxophone in his early 20's. He states, “I can never, it seems, say no to music and have thus played in a huge variety of musical groups and situations: Classical, Jazz, Big Band, Celtic, Appalachian, Japanese, and South American folk music, Country, Tex-Mex/Tejano, Rock, Blues, Pop variety, and numerous recording sessions in California and Michigan.” Dan also spent a year playing Western music in Japan, while studying Japanese traditional and classical music. He joined Jive At Five in 2001 as they were recording Forbidden Fruit, contributing as an arranger, saxophonist and flutist.

Score Workshop-Franchising  5:30 PM, Tuesday, April 29: Franchise-Is it for me? Franchising is a good choice for getting into business for yourself. Why? Because franchises bring business systems and markets based upon proven results. With such support and brand recognition, why do 50% of the franchises fail? This workshop explores various facets of franchising, including: Pros and cons of franchise ownership Making choices based upon fit Matching your style with the right franchise Keys to decision making Lead by Vance Meyer. Pre registration is highly encouraged. 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.

Scrapbooking  1:00 pm, Saturday, May 3 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. Bring your own pictures, newspaper clippings, cards, and other memorabilia, as well as the book you want to put them in. We will provide the rest including paper, scissors, stickers, embellishments, letters, stencils, a Cricut die-cut machine, and much more! Lead by Jacqui Bernhardt.

Upcoming Events at HPL

RAINBOW EASTER EGGS  2:00 PM -- 4:00 PM SATURDAY, APRIL 19, 2014 BE SURE TO BRING 2 OR MORE HARDBOILED EGGS TO DECORATE Join us for HPL's Annual Egg-stravaganza! Make amazing Easter eggs with multicolored swirls, dots, and stripes. Eggs are dipped again and again to build up a rainbow of colors. Drop in anytime during event hours. FAMILIES BRING THEIR OWN HARDBOILED EGGS TO TAKE PART

HACKLEY COFFEE HOUSE  6:30 PM MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2014 FOR WINNERS OF THE "OFF THE WALL" WRITING & DRAWING CONTEST FOR TEENS Winners read their work! Artists are featured in the HPL Gallery! Coffee, cocoa, and cookies.

Fatal Crossing  6:00 PM, Tuesday April 22: Fatal Crossing As a furious squall swept down Lake Michigan on June 23, 1950, a DC-4 with 58 souls on board flew from New York toward Minnesota. Minutes after midnight Captain Robert Lind requested a lower altitude as he began crossing the lake, but Air Traffic Control did not comply. That was the last communication with Northwest Airlines Flight 2501. The Navy and Coast Guard were unable to locate the wreck, rendering it impossible to determine a cause for this tragic accident. Over a half century later, nationally acclaimed author and explorer Clive Cussler of the National Underwater and Marine Agency teamed up with the Michigan Shipwreck Research Association to pick up the search where the government left off and attempt to solve the mystery of the plane’s disappearance. This gripping and suspenseful narrative begins as the team sets out upon its quest, an expedition fraught with disappointments and surprising discoveries as the explorers plow through archives and scour the lake bottom. An unexpected meeting with a victim’s son prompts a search of a different kind, one that would be more illuminating than submerged sections of twisted aluminum. Weaving past and present together through meticulous research and heart-rending interviews, V. O. van Heest paints a captivating portrait of the victims, vividly recreates the last few hours of Flight 2501, and reveals that the answers are sometimes found in unexpected places. V. O. Van Heest is an award-winning author of five previous books. An historian, museum exhibit designer, diver, and shipwreck hunter, van Heest has spent eight years researching the topic of this book. Brought to you through the generosity of the Friends of Hackley Library.

Tech Wednesday Photos  3:00 pm, Wednesday, April 23: Tech Wednesdays-Photos 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.

BALLET IN THE LIBRARY  SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014 11:00 AM AGES 3--7 11:30 AM AGES 8--11 Get out your tiaras, tutus, and leotards! Come meet Ms. Patti from Dassel Gymnastics and Dance and enjoy the fun of having an introductory ballet lesson, music, and movement.

LEGO MANIA FAMILY FUN DAY  2:00 PM SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014 Come on in and create your own world with LEGOs and DUPLOs. We'll supply the LEGOs. You supply the imagination.

Listening Room with Dan Giacobassi-Flute  6:00 pm, Monday, April 28: Listening Room with Dan Giacobassi-Flute Saxophonist and flutist Daniel Giacobassi started singing in his mother's church choirs as soon as he could walk and talk. He very enthusiastically chose to play flute at the age of 8 and followed his sister and brother into the world of professional music careers. Dan enjoyed the rich musical tradition and training of the Muskegon Public Schools and participated in a Blue Lake Fine Arts European tour. He received a bachelor’s degree in music education at WMU in Kalamazoo, MI and taught music for a couple of years. Dan started playing saxophone in his early 20's. He states, “I can never, it seems, say no to music and have thus played in a huge variety of musical groups and situations: Classical, Jazz, Big Band, Celtic, Appalachian, Japanese, and South American folk music, Country, Tex-Mex/Tejano, Rock, Blues, Pop variety, and numerous recording sessions in California and Michigan.” Dan also spent a year playing Western music in Japan, while studying Japanese traditional and classical music. He joined Jive At Five in 2001 as they were recording Forbidden Fruit, contributing as an arranger, saxophonist and flutist.

Score Workshop-Franchising  5:30 PM, Tuesday, April 29: Franchise-Is it for me? Franchising is a good choice for getting into business for yourself. Why? Because franchises bring business systems and markets based upon proven results. With such support and brand recognition, why do 50% of the franchises fail? This workshop explores various facets of franchising, including: Pros and cons of franchise ownership Making choices based upon fit Matching your style with the right franchise Keys to decision making Lead by Vance Meyer. Pre registration is highly encouraged. 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.

Scrapbooking  1:00 pm, Saturday, May 3 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. Bring your own pictures, newspaper clippings, cards, and other memorabilia, as well as the book you want to put them in. We will provide the rest including paper, scissors, stickers, embellishments, letters, stencils, a Cricut die-cut machine, and much more! Lead by Jacqui Bernhardt.

HPL's New Books

Below is a partial list of our new books. To see the full list, download the Excel file for 2014.  To see new books from other years try: 2013 , 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, or 2006.

The Cairo Affair By Steinhauer, Olen 2014-03 - Minotaur Books 9781250036131 Check Our Catalog As [four characters] converge on the city of Cairo ... a portrait [develops] of a marriage, a jigsaw puzzle of loyalty and betrayal against a dangerous world of political games, where allegiances are never clear and outcomes are never guaranteed. …More

Dirtier Than Ever By Stringer, Vickie M. 2010-02 - Atria Books 9781439166116 Check Our Catalog Stringer, whose work has been featured in "The New York Times, Newsweek, Essence," and "Black Enterprise," presents her latest romance novel. HPL patron: Stringer came through with it in all  three books about "Red".  Loved it! …More

Low Down and Dirty By Stringer, Vickie M. 2012-03 - Atria Books 9781451660869 Check Our Catalog In yet another fast-paced and spiraling edition in the bestselling series featuring Dirty Red, Stringer writes about a woman who will do anything to save her life and the people who go so low in attempts to stop her. …More

Always Unique By Turner, Nikki 2014-03 - St. Martin's Griffin 9781250043023 Check Our Catalog With only two hundred dollars, Unique packed her suitcase and headed to New York City for a brand new start. It's there that Unique meets big time boxing promoter, Kennard, and it is love at first sight. After nine months of living in the lap of luxury with Kennard, skeletons from Unique's past show up and it will cost her a cool million dollars to not only keep her relationship but her life. …More

Project Chick II: What's Done in the Dark By Turner, Nikki 2013-03 - St. Martin's Griffin 9781250001436 Check Our Catalog Thrilled the bad days were gone, it didn't take long for Tressa to realize that even though Lucky was dead, she would never be free of him. When the twins discover that Indie, the man who raised them, had a hand in killing their father, nothing can stop them from plotting their revenge. They are about to find out that nothing is what it seems. …More

Relapse By Turner, Nikki 2010-04 - One World 9780345511058 Check Our Catalog The Queen of Hip-Hop Lit returns with this scintillating tale of a woman withthree very different sides--all of which can't seem to beat an addiction to aman who's all-powerful and all wrong. …More

Lip Smackin' Good By Weber, Natalie 2014-03 - Urban Books 9781601625908 Check Our Catalog …More

Bone Deep By White, Randy Wayne 2014-03 - Putnam Adult 9780399158131 Check Our Catalog When a Crow Indian acquaintance of Tomlinson's asks him to help recover a relic stolen from his tribe, Doc Ford is happy to tag along--but neither Doc nor Tomlinson realize what they've let themselves in for. Their search takes them to the part of Central Florida known as Bone Valley, famous primarily for two things: a ruthless subculture of black-marketers who trade in illegal artifacts and fossils, and a multibillion-dollar phosphate industry whose strip mines compromise the very ground they walk on. …More

Angel's Revenge By Woods, Teri 2010-03 - Grand Central Publishing 9780446551557 Check Our Catalog …More

The Hot Box By Zane 2010-08 - Atria Books 9780743499279 Check Our Catalog Harmony, Bryce, and Lucinda are back with their friends Fatima and Colette as they embark on a new set of adventures involving love, fun, and of course, drama. But they are not alone. Tempest and Janessa from "The Heat Seekers" join the festivities. (Adult Fiction) …More

Total Eclipse of the Heart By Zane 2009-12 - Atria Books 9780743499293 Check Our Catalog In this provocative tale of love and heartbreak, bestselling author Zane explores what happens when a woman caters to her emotional well-being and discovers the meaning of unconditional love. …More