The Book Club

LitSoup: What are you reading right now?

2012-01-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

This month's LitSoup question:

What are you reading right now?

I posed this question to the newsroom, and these are the responses I received:

Jean Bonchak:

Reading “Spontaneous Happiness” by Andrew Weil. What’s good about this book is that Weil is not extreme in any of his viewpoints. He balances medical, holistic and spiritual aspects for achieving happiness in what is a very common sense approach. Should we be kick-up-your-heels happy all the time? Nope. He suggests staying in touch with the center point inside each of us where a safe, knowing contentment exists. Of the many self-help books out there that can be self-serving, preachy or just “way out there,” this one hits its target well.

Nicole Franz:

“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson

Jeffrey L. Frischkorn:

Been going through several of my Patrick McManus books, including “The Grasshopper Trap” and “Never Sniff A Gift Fish” while in my deer-hunting blind. McManus is the country’s most renowned outdoors humorist and many of his books are short essays taken from his days as a columnist for such well-known sportsmen’s magazines as “Field and Stream” and “Outdoor Life.” Oh, and I finished over the holidays Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol.”

Larece Galer:

Right now I’m reading "Axis Sally: The American Voice of Nazi Germany" by Richard Lucas. The book caught my attention for two reasons, the first being World War II has always held a fascination for me and the second reason Mildred Gillars a.k.a. Axis Sally was raised in the Ashtabula/Conneaut area. The book traces her journey from small town Ohio to Germany and eventually back to the U.S. to face charges of treason.

Rachel Jackson:

Children of the Storm, an Amelia Peabody mystery by Elizabeth Peters
Along with – for no apparent reason other than it was on my friend’s bookshelf not being read – “The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera and the current issue of Outside mag.

Janet Podolak:

I'm reading Pearl of China by Anchee Min. It’s a wonderful fictionalized account of Pearl Buck and her childhood friendship with a Chinese girl as both are growing up in China at the turn of the last century. Pearl, daughter of a Protestant missionary family, became almost more Chinese than American during her childhood and had a real empathy with Chinese peasants that later showed up in her Good Earth, a book that won both Pulitzer and Nobel prizes. I’ve been so enthralled with Min’s account that I can wait to read Hilary Spurling’s biography of Buck, “Burying the Bones” Pearl Buck in China.

Tracey Read:

“Double Dexter” by Jeff Lindsay

Cheryl Sadler:

This is a safe space and we're being honest, right? And I have courage to admit this because former N-Her Angela Gartner did so in October. I'm reading "New Moon" by Stephenie Meyer because I like easily digestible fiction and I need to know what the obsession with this series is all about. So far, I can't figure it out. Books aren't very well written. Characters are lame. I'm not interested in either Edward or Jacob, and I think Bella is annoying.
I'm also reading "Newsonomics: Twelve New Trends That Will Shape the News You Get" by Ken Doctor, which is much more intellectually stimulating. And I was partway through "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" when the ebook expired on my Nook, so I'm kind of forever on the waiting list.

Matthew Skrajner:

One of the gifts I received for Christmas was “Those Guys Have All the Fun: Inside the World of ESPN.” I haven’t been able to really sink my teeth into it yet, but I’m working my way through it. I don’t read too many books, instead just continually read things online (AKA the Twitter effect). But this one has kept me interested.
I’ve also been reading an unhealthy amount of the A.V. Club, the entertainment website run by The Onion. More than any other website I’ve come across, they give huge amounts of space to long, in-depth interviews that you just can’t find anywhere else. The recaps with each show’s creator of the most recent completed TV season’s of “Community,” “Breaking Bad,” and “Louie” have been filling a few hours of downtime the past few days.

This post is part of a LitSoup, a monthly feature on The Book Club compiled of contributions from the newsroom. Send an e-mail or tweet with your suggestions for future LitSoup topics.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Celebrate Charles Dickens' 200th birthday

2012-01-25T14:09:00.000-05:00

An email from The Morgan Library & Museum has me wondering how quickly I can plan a trip to New York City.

News release from The Morgan:

February 7, 1812: Charles Dickens is born in Portsmouth, England…

…FAST-FORWARD TWO HUNDRED YEARS
On Tuesday, February 7, 2012, any Morgan Library & Museum visitor who mentions Dickens’s birthday will receive FREE ADMISSION in celebration of the great writer’s bicentennial year.

CHARLES DICKENS AT 200
The Morgan is currently showing Charles Dickens at 200, an exhibition that captures the art and life of a man whose literary and cultural legacy ranks among the giants of literature. On view are the original manuscripts of A Christmas Carol and Our Mutual Friend (a portion of which Dickens retrieved from the wreckage of a train crash), letters, books, photographs, and original illustrations. The exhibition is on view through February 12, 2012.

ON DICKENS’S BIRTHDAY
-On Tuesday, February 7, Morgan visitors who mention Charles Dickens’s birthday will receive complimentary admission.
-Free admission applies to every exhibition at the Morgan, so after viewing Charles Dickens at 200, visitors are welcome to explore the rest of the museum.
-No rain checks, please! (Dickens’s bicentennial comes but once, after all…).

Learn more about the exhibit Charles Dickens at 200, or view some of the exhibit online.

The Morgan is at 225 Madison Ave.:

View Larger Map

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Half the title is right in book detailing 1992 Duke-Kentucky game

2012-01-16T01:28:00.000-05:00

When TV shows air highlights of great finishes in NCAA basketball tournament history, they usually include moments like Michael Jordan's game-winning shot for North Carolina against Georgetown in 1982 and Lorenzo Charles' buzzer-beating dunk for North Carolina State a year later. They always finish with Christian Laettner.

The Duke senior made one of the most famous shots in basketball history in 1992 when he sent the Blue Devils to the Final Four with a jumper from the foul line after a length-of-the-court pass from Grant Hill. This also seems to be where college basketball's heyday stopped, because it's rare to hear about a team since then being held in the same regard - not even the Fab Five and Michigan, which Duke defeated for its second straight NCAA championship that season.

That makes one half of the title for the new book, "The Last Great Game: Duke vs. Kentucky and the 2.1 Seconds That Changed Basketball," by ESPN's Gene Wojciechowski accurate. The game featured an amazing ending, and it was at the end of the era when players stayed in college for more than one or two years. With Laettner, Bobby Hurley, Grant Hill and Jamal Mashburn, the game featured all-time college basketball players.

The second half of the title -- the claim that it changed basketball -- is a hook the book didn't really need.The shot is so famous that anyone who follows any level of basketball either remembers the game or has seen it on YouTube (it's been 20 years, so if you want to feel old, today's high school players weren't alive).

The book tells the story from each team's perspective, alternating between the two. For Duke, it starts with mini biographies of Coach Mike Krzyzewski, Christian Laettner and Brian Davis. For Kentucky, it starts when the Wildcats were nearly given the death penalty by the NCAA and Coach Rick Pitino was lured away from the Knicks in 1989.

It goes into the homes of potential recruits to show how the teams were put together. Then it goes inside practices and games -- the methods Kentucky strength and conditioning coach Ray "Rock" Oliver used to get players in shape will make you tired just reading them -- leading up to the game, which was held March 28, 1992 at the Spectrum in Philadelphia.

The recounting of the game is only about 25 percent of the book. But it includes the perspective of almost everyone involved, including the referees and the TV broadcast crew. The scenes after the game are telling, especially inside the tearful Kentucky locker room.

Part of the suspense is waiting for Wojciechowski to explain how the final play and those 2.1 seconds changed basketball. But it never happens.

The book continues with the Blue Devils on to the Final Four, where they win the national championship, and concludes with the participants reflecting on the game.

Perhaps it doesn't explain how those 2.1 seconds changed basketball because they didn't. They changed the lives of the people involved, but not the sport. In the mid-1990s, the best players began jumping from high school to the NBA, or staying in college for a couple years at the most. Teams lost their identities because they weren't together long enough like Duke or UNLV in the early 1990s.

But that wasn't a result of Laettner's shot or the Duke-Kentucky game. It just so happened that one of the greatest college basketball games ever played happened right before America's powerhouse teams turned into turnstiles on the way to the NBA.

The misleading hook aside, "The Last Great Game" is a must-read for college basketball fans. It tells readers a lot about the character of the players involved and the excitement and emotion in the arena that night. Kentucky nicknamed four players on that year's team "The Unforgettables." That's an apt description for the game, too.

- Howard Primer

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (with video)

2012-01-11T11:30:00.000-05:00

Since I got my Nook, I've been voraciously scanning CLEVNET's emedia site for reading material. I came across "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" (Random House Reader's Circle Deluxe Reading Group Edition) by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows on a top-read list, so I put my name on the waiting list and had my usual giddy reaction when I got an email notifying me I could check it out.

The historical fiction is told through letters among the main characters. That's all. No dialogue, no additional text -- just letters. I had come across this before (in "The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters" by Elisabeth Robinson), so I adjusted to the format fairly quickly. The story is set in London shortly after World War II. Writer Juliet Ashton begins corresponding with members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and decides she has to go to the island.

This is where the book should get interesting, but I didn't find it that way. The letters continue, and the story becomes kind of predictable. I guess I just wasn't interested enough in the characters to care about what happened.

Part of what drew me to selecting this book was the time period in which it took place. But the really sad stories of the war came too late. I had already lost my investment in the story when I learned of the really awful things some of the characters went through.

The "deluxe" part of the book is the annotations throughout. Instead of having footnotes, like in a traditional book, the ebook links text to annotations in the back. Below, a video of me demonstrating how the annotations work (or watch here):

I didn't use the annotations much. Maybe I would have enjoyed the story more than I did if I had read through all of that background information to add context to the characters' situations. But I felt like the lengthy notes took away the momentum of the letters.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

2012-01-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

I alternated liking and disliking "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer with each chapter.

"Extremely Loud" tells the story of young Oskar Schell, whose father, Thomas, died in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Thomas had a habit of setting up puzzles and scavenger hunts for Oskar to solve, and Thomas' death has created one more question that Oskar feels he must find the answer to.

The book structurally reminded me a lot of "Everything is Illuminated." While Foer focused on Oskar in the present time, he jumped back to narration from Oskar's father, grandmother and grandfather. Similarly, in "Illuminated," the main character carries the plot of the story, though the author visits his ancestors to develop background.

Unfortunately, I find this to be the major fault in both of the books. I'm so interested in what Foer has to say with his characters in present time, but I am so BORED with earlier characters. I loved Oskar's journey in "Extremely Loud," but I found myself struggling to get through the chapters about his grandmother's early life.

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" the movie hits theaters Jan. 20. I'd like to see it, because I'm under the assumption this is actually one movie I'll like better than the book.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

In celebration of books

2012-01-09T17:35:00.002-05:00

Came across this today and just had to share.Hope it brightens your Tuesday.

- Tricia Ambrose @triciaambrose

Not-so-secret Santa

2011-12-21T17:26:00.000-05:00

Santa came a little early this year.

And he came in the form of my colleague Howard Primer.

In addition to being an ace sports copy editor, Howard is also studying at Cleveland State University.

And he was kind enough to offer me first crack at books he'd used this semester before he donated them.

So I will be spending my Christmas vacation reading:

"Once There Was a War" by John Steinbeck
"Hiroshima" by John Hersey
"The Ransom of Russian Art" by John McPhee
"My Detachment" by Tracy Kidder
"The Fire Next Time" by James Baldwin
"By-Line: Ernest Hemingway"
"Scoundrel Time" by Lillian Hellman
"Slouching Towards Bethlehem" by Joan Didion
"One Man's Meat" by E.B. White
"The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
"Rescuing Patty Hearst" by Virginia Holman
"Miami and the Siege of Chicago" by Norman Mailer
"The Right Stuff" by Tom Wolfe

I started flipping through the descriptions and got sucked into Hellman's Scoundrel Time right off the bat.

I'm hoping to make it through baking a few batches of Christmas cookies and some gift wrapping before I cave in to the pull of the book.

Thanks again, Santa Howard, and happy reading all!

- Tricia Ambrose

@triciaambrose

'The Help': A book I just couldn't put down

2011-11-30T13:03:00.005-05:00

My favorite thing about reading is getting into a book that is so good that I stay up all night reading it. You know it's a good book when you hear the thump of the newspaper being delivered outside and you still won't go to bed because you have 30 pages left to read.

"The Help" was that book for me this weekend.

Many of you probably know that the movie "The Help" is based on the book of the same name by Kathryn Stockett. I haven't seen the movie, and I'm guessing I will at some point, though I'm worried it will be too much of a bastardization of the story.

"The Help" is about an educated white woman who longs to be a writer - though in 1960s Jackson, Miss., her mother just wants her to be a wife. She gets the idea to tell the stories of what it's like to be the help - the black women who cook and clean and raise the children of the rich white families. But the racial tensions force Skeeter and the maids to meet secretly and cause them all sorts of problems with their families and friends.

I loved so many things about this book. Stockett chose to tell the story from three different perspectives - Skeeter, the writer, and Aibileen and Minny, two maids - which gives the novel a lot of depth. Stockett didn't just write about the women's connections to each other and how they wrote a book, but their relationships with their families, their friends, their lovers and their employers. And she somehow wrote this in a way that there weren't too many characters to keep track of. All of the characters were so vivid that I could picture each of them immediately upon reading their names. Stockett also created clear voices for each of the women, writing in different Southern dialects for each of them. I could hear Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny talking to me as I turned flipped through the pages.

I can't recommend this book enough. Get on your library's website and add yourself to the hold list (which undoubtedly exists).

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

'Sammy in the Sky' aims to help kids cope with loss of a pet

2011-11-28T13:00:00.003-05:00

If you were young when a family pet died - or you lost a family pet when your children were young - then you know the pain and confusion kids can go through with the loss of a pet.

Journalist Barbara Walsh tackles that topic in a new book, "Sammy in the Sky." The book includes illustrations by Jamie Wyeth.

David Sharp of The Associated Press wrote about "Sammy in the Sky" in a feature story this weekend. Walsh tells him that agents and publishers were hesitant to publish the book, which is now in its third printing. Head over to News-Herald.com/Life to read more about the book and the journey to getting it published.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

SuperFreakonomics

2011-11-21T10:04:00.025-05:00

I finally read "SuperFreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance", after having read "Freakonomics: The Hidden Side of Everything" a few years ago. I was pretty excited about the sequel, having really enjoyed the first book and all of the interesting correlations it revealed.

But I was kind of disappointed in the second book. I didn't feel the same interest, shock and excitement I had when I read "Freakonomics." Maybe it was because I had been through it before. But it also seemed the writing in the second book wasn't as good as in the first - or maybe I was so interested, shocked and excited when I read the first book that I didn't notice how much the authors jump from topic to topic to topic to topic. I like the connections and conclusions that are drawn in each scenario, but I just found it more difficult to get into them the second time around - or to even follow where they were going.

I'd probably rather listen to these stories and studies than read them, so I'm glad the Freakonomics podcasts exist to let me do just that.

If you haven't checked out the original "Freakonomics," you should definitely do so. If it really grabs you, there's always a second book to pick up (and then the podcasts if you just can't get enough).

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

The end of Odds & Book Ends

2011-11-20T12:00:00.050-05:00

Typically on Sundays, I fill this space with a listing of events in the coming weeks related to libraries, books, authors, reading and literature. The nature of the listing has evolved since I started it in April 2010, and now it has become too big a project for me to continue. The reality is that I will never be able to list all of the happenings at libraries in the area because there is so much going on. I'd encourage you to stop in at your local library - or visit it online - to see all of the book clubs, meetings, activities and more that are happening every week.

Below, find contact information for all of the libraries in the area. Check it out - and check them out. I'll continue to post here when I see something I find especially interesting is going on - especially if authors are coming in to town. Otherwise, keep your area library - or this blog post - bookmarked, and check out www.News-Herald.com/Calendar to find a listing of events in the area and submit your own.

Lake County

Geauga County

Bainbridge Library
17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls
440-543-5611
bainbridge.library@geaugalibrary.info
Bainbridge Library on Facebook

Burton Library
14588 W. Park St.
440-834-4466
email@burton.lib.oh.us
Burton Library on Facebook

Chardon Library
110 E. Park St.
440-285-7601
chardon.library@geaugalibrary.info
Chardon Library on Facebook

Geauga West Library
13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township
440-729-4250
geauga.west@geaugalibrary.info
Geauga West Library on Facebook

Middlefield Library
16167 E. High St.
440-632-1961
middlefield.library@geaugalibrary.info
Middlefield Library on Facebook

Newbury Library Station
14775 Auburn Road
440-564-7552
newbury.librarystation@geaugalibrary.info

Thompson Library Station
16700 Thompson Road
440-298-3831
thompson.librarystation@geaugalibrary.info

Cuyahoga County

Chagrin Falls Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library
100 E. Orange St.
440-247-3556
email the branch manager
Chagrin Falls Friends on Facebook

Cleveland Library
525 E. Superior Ave.
216-623-2800
email the library
Cleveland Library on Facebook

Euclid Library
631 E. 222nd St.
216-261-5300
Euclid Library on Facebook

Mayfield Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library
6080 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village
440-473-0350
email the branch manager

Richmond Heights Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library
5235 Wilson Mills Road
440-449-2666
email the branch manager

South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library
4645 Mayfield Road, South Euclid
216-382-4880
email the branch manager

Ashtabula County

Geneva Library
860 Sherman St.
440-466-4521
Ashtabula County District Library on Facebook

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (Nov. 14-20)

2011-11-13T12:00:00.021-05:00

Odds and Book Ends features activities and events in the area related to libraries, books and authors. Submit your events at www.News-Herald.com/Calendar, and check back to The Book Club every week for upcoming events and activities at your local library.

This week

Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. will present a free three-part series of computer classes offered through a Connect Ohio Grant. Classes will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the following days: Basic Computers, Nov. 19; Basic Internet, Nov. 14 and 26; and Using Email, Nov. 21 and Dec. 17. Register: 440-943-4151.

Beecology will be 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in the James R. Garfield Room at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. The program is the third offered in the Monday University at the Library series. Dave Rzepka, co-owner of Beecology, will discuss bee culture, natural skincare products using honey and beeswax, and other beneficial ingredients that originate from the world of bees. Refreshments will be provided, courtesy of the Friends of the Mentor Library. Registration required: 440-255-8811 or mentorpl.org.

Joe the Coupon Guy will present a class at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls. Details: Bainbridge Library website.

Euclid resident and author Bruce Double'u will be signing his novel "Euclid's Boys League All Stars" from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at Euclid's Beach Club Bistro, 21939 Lake Shore Blvd. The book is based on the actual achievement of youth baseball team that concluded an undefeated, five-tournament run in 1979.

Real Murders Book Discussion meets at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. November's featured book is "Murder in Amsterdam" by Ian Buruma. Register: 440-942-3200.

Mary Ellis, bestselling author of Amish fiction, will sign books from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 18 at Sparrow Christian Bookshop, 14962 S. State Ave., Middlefield. Learn more about Ellis and the event on The News-Herald's Community Calendar. Contact the shop at 440-632-0011 or www.sparrowchristian.com.

Friends of the Geneva Library, 860 Sherman St., will have a used book sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19. Money raised at this final sale of the year will benefit the library. The sale will include hard cover, paperbacks, DVDs, magazines and more. Geneva Library book bags will be available for $2. Details: 440-466-4521.

Coming up

"Ten Steps to Living With Lupus" meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Reservations are required for each step at 440-717-0183 or info@lupuscleveland.org. The program is presented by the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.

Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Ongoing events

The Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library is seeking to fill a vacancy on its board of trustees. Potential candidates must be registered voters and residents of Willoughby Hills. Information and application forms are available at the circulation desk at each of the Willoughby-Eastlake libraries. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 14. For details, call 440-944-6900, ext. 113.

Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (Nov. 7-13)

2011-11-06T12:00:00.024-05:00

This week

Coming up

Joe the Coupon Guy will present a class at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls. Details: Bainbridge Library website.

Euclid resident and author Bruce Double'u will be signing his novel "Euclid's Boys League All Stars" from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at Euclid's Beach Club Bistro, 21939 Lake Shore Blvd. The book is based on the actual achievement of youth baseball team that concluded an undefeated, five-tournament run in 1979.

Real Murders Book Discussion meets at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. November's featured book is "Murder in Amsterdam" by Ian Buruma. Register: 440-942-3200.

Friends of the Geneva Library, 860 Sherman St., will have a used book sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19. Money raised at this final sale of the year will benefit the library. The sale will include hard cover, paperbacks, DVDs, magazines and more. Geneva Library book bags will be available for $2. Details: 440-466-4521.

Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Ongoing events

Reliving her past

2011-10-31T13:01:00.000-04:00

Things are not going well for Natalie Miller.
The 30-year-old political aide has spent all her time building her career, and she's in the position she wants to be.
Until she's diagnosed with breast cancer and the man she's been living with announces she's leaving.
Say hello to the heroine of Allison Winn Scotch's "The Department of Lost & Found."
In between her treatments, she's determined to track down her past relationships to discover just what went wrong. And she logs her progress in a journal her therapist has urged her to keep.
Lost & Found is alternately funny and heart-wrenching, but never sappy.

Read an excerpt of "The Department of Lost & Found" here.

Natalie is the kind of friend I'd like to have - sarcastic, somewhat self-absorbed, insecure - a lot like a lot of us. Her diagnosis forces her to examine a lot of things she'd rather have not to look at. As she notes:

I needed another hit, so after gagging on my pill and eventually swallowing it, I moved back to my computer screen and leaned over my elbows and stared. Stared for a good twenty minutes until my sight grew fuzzy and the muscles between my shoulder blades ached. I straightened up and ran my fingers through my hair. Clumps. For the first time, it wasn't strands, five here, twenty there. It was a massive, heart-sinking, spine-chilling clump. Whether or not I had evidence that Taylor was screwing hookers had no effect on my cancer or my impending baldness. Nothing it seemed, not even the fleeting rush of victory, would slow that down.

Her story got me to thinking: Can we ever force ourselves to take the kind of timeouts prompted by things like serious illness or accident or divorce, without the trauma? Or are we incapable of maintaining that kind of introspection?
What do you think?

- Tricia Ambrose

@triciaambrose

Odds and Book Ends (Oct. 31-Nov. 6)

2011-10-30T12:00:00.056-04:00

This week

The library story time program for children 24 months and younger runs Mondays from the week of Sept. 26 through Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Caregivers attend with children for all story times. Register: 440-943-4151.

Friends of the Euclid Library, 631 E. 222nd St., will have a book sale from Oct. 28 through Oct. 30. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 28 will be a special preview for members only. The general public can attend the sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29, and 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30. The last day will be bag day, when you can fill a bag for $2. Only Friends-issued bags will be allowed in all of the sale rooms; no outside bags will be permitted. Details: 216-261-5300.

Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Joe the Coupon Guy will present a class at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at Chagrin Falls Library, 100 E. Orange St. Register online.

Medical updates will be the focus of the Chardon Lupus Chat, slated for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St. RSVP to 440-717-0183 or info@lupuscleveland.org. The program is presented by the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.

Tom Jerpbak, owner of Ye Olde Oaken Bucket, will discuss antiques and collectibles at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Each attendee may bring one small item. Learn the best ways to buy and sell and what to avoid. Register for the free program: 440-943-4151.

Meet local author Barbara Hacha of Concord Township at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. She recently published "Line by Line", a historical work that takes place during the Great Depression, with a major part of the story set in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. The book will be available for purchase and signing. Register in advance at 440-259-3300 or online at perrypubliclibrary.org.

Friends of the Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St., will host its annual Cuddle Up for Winter Book Sale on Nov. 5 and 6 in the library’s Bostwick Room. A members-only preview will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. Nov. 5. Individuals may join the Friends or renew membership at the door. General sale hours will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 5 and 1 to 5 p.m. Nov. 6, which also is bag day priced at $3 per bag. Details: 440-285-7601.

Coming up

Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. will present a free three-part series of computer classes offered through a Connect Ohio Grant. Classes will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the following days: Basic Computers, Nov. 7 and 19; Basic Internet, Nov. 14 and 26; and Using Email, Nov. 21 and Dec. 17. Register: 440-943-4151.

West Geauga Friends of the Library's fall book sale begins Nov. 9 with a members' preview from 4 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the open public sale from 6:30 to 8:30. Memberships will be available at the door. Hours for the sale - at Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township - are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12, which will be $3 bag day. A variety of of materials will be available, including fiction, nonfiction, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, games and more. Books range in price from 25 cents to $1. Special books, such as collector books, first editions and recent best sellers are priced individually. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 1 during regular hours, and collections resume after the sale Nov. 14. Funds raised from the book sale benefit the adult and children programs and purchases at the Geauga West Library. Details: 440-729-4250.

Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, will celebrate National Gaming Day 2011 by playing a live Pac-Man game from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Nov. 12 (before the library opens for library patrons). The game is for youths in third grade and older, who are invited to try their luck or skill at being the famous yellow character. Plan to wear comfortable shoes. Prizes will be awarded to the top Pac-Man players. Register: 440-428-2189 or www.madison-library.info.

Ongoing events

LitSoup: What are you reading right now?

2011-10-28T12:00:00.046-04:00

This month's LitSoup question:

What are you reading right now?

I posed this question to the newsroom, and these are the responses I received:

Brandon Baker:

FreeDarko Presents: The Undisputed Guide to Pro Basketball History

Jean Bonchak:

“Knufflebunny: A Cautionary Tale” and “Leonardo, the Terrible Monster” by Mo Willems are books I’ve been reading, re-reading and re-re-reading to my 3-year-old grandson, Robert.
A while ago while interviewing a children’s librarian at the Willoughby Library I asked for a popular children’s author who she immediately recommended Mo Willems.
Hesitant to leave the cars, trucks and general “things that go” genre preferred by Robert, I took a chance and brought the Willems’ books home.
WOW! Immediate impact and interest ensued.
In countless reading sessions with various books he has never responded as enthusiastically as he has with Leonardo and the Knufflebunny. Willem’s genius draws children in an inexplicable way, causing them to feel as if they are actually friends with the characters, creating a sense of empathy, concern and most of all, fun.
I’m hoping to expand our present reading menu to include several more of Willems’ books.
(Shhh! Don’t tell…but I’m having as much fun as Robert.)

Michael C. Butz:

"What the Dog Saw" by Malcolm Gladwell

Jeffrey L. Frischkorn:

Various deer-hunting magazines with the approach of the deer-hunting season.
And: Two magazines: “American History” and “Smithsonian”

Angela Gartner:

It’s not what I am reading, but what I am listening to at the moment. My sister and friend told me a number of times that I must read the Twilight series. I resisted because I didn’t want to be part of the masses. I didn’t want to be on Team Edward or Team Jacob. However, they swayed me to try the books while dining in Downtown Willoughby this summer. I had just finished an audio book that often travels with me during my workout routine, so I thought why not. I am now listening to the second book in the series “Eclipse.” The narrator Ilyana Kadushin has drawn me in the series written by Stephenie Meyer. Her voice is a good match for the main character Bella. I am also re-reading the print version of “On Writing” by Stephen King. I needed some inspiration this month and thought it would be perfect for a lunchtime read.
On a side note, I am still debating - Edward or Jacob.

Rachel Jackson:

Whatever comes across the Twitter feed … and Outside mag … can you say “popcorn brain”?

Mark Meszoros:

“The Gunslinger” (first book of “The Dark Tower” series) by Stephen King

Janet Podolak:

I'm reading the Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner’s Semester at America’s Holiest University by Kevin Roose

Mark Podolski:

Badasses: The Legend of Snake, Foo, Dr. Death and John Madden’s Oakland Raiders by Peter Richmond

Tracey Read:

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

Cheryl Sadler:

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson
Superfreakonomics by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
... and a few other books that I keep picking up and setting down ... but these three are the ones that have most recently drawn me in.

This post is part of a LitSoup, a monthly feature on The Book Club compiled of contributions from the newsroom. Send an e-mail or tweet with your suggestions for future LitSoup topics.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (Oct. 24-30)

2011-10-23T12:00:00.004-04:00

This week

Coming up

Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Ongoing events

Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Meeting the author of my favorite book

2011-10-19T14:33:00.000-04:00

Last week I had the awesome experience of meeting the author of my favorite book.

Audrey Niffenegger and me

Audrey Niffenegger was speaking at the Cleveland Public Library as part of Octavofest. Niffenegger is a visual artist and an author, and among her books is my favorite novel, "The Time Traveler's Wife."

I was thrilled when I learned Niffenegger would be in town, and I'm so glad I went to hear her speak. She read to the audience a short story of hers that has not yet been published. It's sort of a continuation of "The Night Bookmobile" (which I haven't read but now am looking forward to). She shared some of the visual artwork she has created. She answered audience questions, then signed books. She was even kind enough to have her picture taken with me before she signed my books.

It was such a neat experience to be so close to someone you admire in such a creative sense. I'm so glad I went and am disappointed that the auditorium wasn't packed to hear such a great writer read her work. If you've never heard an author read his or her own stuff, I encourage you to do so when the opportunity presents itself.

There are a ton of great events going on this month with Octavofest, so check out the Octavofest calendar and make plans to go to some of them.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Need a 2012 calendar?

2011-10-18T11:11:00.005-04:00

If you like hunky librarians and are in need of a 2012 calendar, you may want to direct your attention to Men of the Stacks. (Scratch that ... even if you're not in need of a 2012 calendar, but you like hunky librarians, you should direct your attention that way.)

From the Men of the Stacks website:

We know what people think: Dewey, glasses, shushing, books, hairbuns, Party Girl and card catalogs. Yes, we know what people think. We know that the American library profession is approximately 80% White and 72% female; and we know that tens of thousands of librarians are expected to reach age 65 in the next 5 years. We also know that this is not us.

The calendar isn't just a nice thing to look at. Proceeds from the calendar are being donated to the It Gets Better Project, a project started by syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage "to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of students taking their own lives after being bullied in school, they wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better." More than 25,000 videos for the project have been viewed more than 40 million times.

So if you like calendars and books and men who like books and want to help out a good cause, you might want to consider ordering a Men of the Stacks calendar.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Sh*t My Dad Says

2011-10-17T13:24:00.035-04:00

I've long been entertained by the Twitter account of Justin Halpern - @sh*tmydadsays - so I figured I would be equally entertained by his book of the same name. (Or, rather, his Twitter handle doesn't include an asterisk where his book title does.)

The book description from HarperCollins:

After being dumped by his longtime girlfriend, twenty-eight-year-old Justin Halpern found himself living at home with his seventy-three-year-old dad. Sam Halpern, who is "like Socrates, but angrier, and with worse hair," has never minced words, and when Justin moved back home, he began to record all the ridiculous things his dad said to him.

Halpern's book is essentially an expanded version of his Twitter account. He takes the ridiculous, ahem, stuff his father says and adds context and a story to it.

Some people thought Halpern's material was so good that they decided to turn it into a television show starring William Shatner. It was canceled after 18 episodes.

Why must everything be made into a TV show or a movie? Some things are best left just as they are. As is the case with Halpern's Twitter account.

Halpern's material is funny, but it's funny in 140-character snippets. The book was fine, but got a little redundant after a while. At just 158 pages, readers get a good sample of the funny stuff Halpern's dad says.

There was nothing really bad about the book, but its jokes are something I'd rather keep up with via Twitter. In fact, I kind wished Halpern had never gotten the book deal or the TV show so he would update his Twitter account more often. The book was good for one read, but it's not one I'll pick up again. That's probably the reason the show was canceled, too.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (Oct. 17-23)

2011-10-16T12:00:00.050-04:00

This week

The library story time program for children 24 months and younger runs Mondays from the week of Sept. 26 through Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Caregivers attend with children for all story times. Register: 440-943-4151.

Medicare Check Up will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 17 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. The program will review Medicare and provide information regarding open enrollment and the changes that beneficiaries are able to make during this time. It is appropriate for individuals currently receiving Medicare, as well as those approaching age 65. For more information, call 440-352-3383 and ask for the Adult Reference Department.

Resume Development will be at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. In a classroom setting, we cover resume content and selection of the best resume format. Learn how to highlight your accomplishments and get tips on deciding what to include and what to leave out. Register for the free program: 440-943-4151.

Friends of the Cleveland Public Library will have a fall used book sale from Oct. 18 through Oct. 21 at Cleveland Library, 525 E. Superior Ave.. Books, DVDs and CDs will be part of the sale. A members-only preview will be 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 18, and members should bring their cards for admittance. Those who are not Friends may join at the door. The sale will be open to the public noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 18, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 19 and Oct. 20. On Oct. 21, a bag of books will be offered for $5 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Details: 216-623-2821.

Medicare Check Up will be at 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. The presentation is for those already enrolled in Medicare. Register: 440-428-2189.

Joe the Coupon Guy will give a class at 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at Kirtland Library, 9267 Chillicothe Road. Register: 440-256-7323.

Real Murders Book Discussion group meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. This month's book is "The Killer of Little Shepherds" by Douglass Starr. Register for the free program: 440-942-3200.

Have coffee with the director of Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, at 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at the library. Ask questions, make suggestions and tell us how the library is working for you. Details: 440-482-2189.

Prevent Blindness Ohio and Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., are hosting a special children's reading hour led by local celebrities at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Main Library Children's Theater. Following the presentations by guest readers, families can explore the Wild About Eyes interactive exhibit, which is designed to educate and enlighten about eye health and safety. The kiosk will be on display at the library from Oct. 20 through Nov. 22. Details, or call 440-255-8811, ext. 221.

Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21, 22 and 24, and 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 23 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. The Friends will also raffle baskets filled with books and gifts. Tickets for the raffle are 50 cents each and can be purchased during library hours beginning Oct. 14. Details: 440-943-4151.

The Upstage Players, under the direction of Carrie Walsh, will present "Murder on the Oriental Rug" at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Wickliffe Library, 1713 Lincoln Road. This is an audience participation murder mystery-comedy; the audience can help solve the mystery, enjoy refreshments and win prizes. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase at the library. Attendees must be 18 or older. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Details: 440-944-6010.

Tess Gerritsen, author of medical and crime thrillers, will discuss her latest Rizzoli & Isles book, "The Silent Girl", at 7:45 p.m. Oct. 22 at Notre Dame Education Center Auditorium, 13000 Auburn Road, Munson Township. The program is being put on by the Geauga County Library Foundation and the combined Friends of the Libraries. A reception with the author takes place at 7 p.m. at a cost for $25 per individual or couple. General admission tickets - at $5 - may be purchased at the door. Tickets to the author reception must be purchased by Oct. 17. Book will be available for purchase at Fireside Bookshop of Chagrin Falls. Gerritsen will be available to autograph books before and after her presentation. Tickets can be purchased at any Geauga County Library or by mail to the Geauga County Library Foundation, 12701 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, OH 44024. Details from the Geauga County Library Foundation.

Halloween Video Scavenger Hunt will be 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. The list of items you need to either take pictures or video of will be available at the Adult Reference Desk beginning Oct. 22. Do the hunt by yourself or with friends. Teams will have one week to film the items on their list. The library will show all the videos and pictures taken on Oct. 29 and award prizes then. Details: 440-428-2189, or come in to the library.

Coming up

A presentation by author John B. Kachuba - Ghosthunting Ohio: On the Road Again - will be 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. No registration required. Details: 440-352-3383.

Meet Katie Spotz, a Mentor resident who set the world record for the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic, at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 in the James R. Garfield Room at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Register: 440-255-8811 or MentorPL.org. More details.

Friends of the Euclid Library, 631 E. 222nd St., will have a book sale from Oct. 28 through Oct. 30. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 28 will be a special preview for members only. The general public can attend the sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 29, and 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 30. The last day will be bag day, when you can fill a bag for $2. Only Friends-issued bags will be allowed in all of the sale rooms; no outside bags will be permitted. Details: 216-261-5300.

Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village will have preschool story time sessions at 11 a.m. Fridays, Oct. 28 through Dec. 9. (No session Nov. 25.) The cost is $6 for a six-week session. A special story time will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 12. Families are encouraged to bring a can of Purina dog food or cat food to donate to the shelter. Families can meet one of the Rescue Village's dog ambassadors, and there will be a special craft to take home. Details: Call the Humane Education Coordinator at 440-338-4819, ext. 20, or email education@geaugahumane.org. Rescue Village is at 15463 Chillicothe Road, Russell Township.

Sign up begins Oct. 24 for Halloween After Dark events at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. Boos and Ghouls will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29. Tween Zombie Halloween - for third- through eighth-graders - will be Oct. 29 and is not for the faint of heart. Details: 440-428-2189.

"Are You Experiencing Sibling Conflict While Caring For an Aging Parent?" will be at noon Oct. 29 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Home Instead Senior Care has partnered with the library for the program that offers strategies for overcoming sibling differences to help families provide the best care for elderly parents. Lunch will be provided. Register: 440-943-4151.

Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Ongoing events

Don't bother this reader!

2011-10-12T11:00:00.009-04:00

If you hate to be interrupted when you're engrossed in a book, you'll appreciate this video from Julian Smith:

- Tricia Ambrose

Follow me on Twitter @triciaambrose

Which way will story go?

2011-10-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

The same initial set of circumstances can go in any number of intriguing ways in the hands of an author.
That point was driven home as I began reading Lisa Scottoline's "Save Me."

I was hooked from the get-go, that's a given.
At the start we are in a school cafeteria where mom Rose is facing a bullying situation. How much should she intervene on behalf of her daughter? What authority does she have? Why do no other adults step in? When a fire breaks out following an explosion, it soon becomes clear that bullying may not be the driving force of the story. Scottoline writes:

Rose's mind reeled. If she got Amanda and Emily out of the cafeteria to the playground, she wouldn't have time to go after Melly. If she went to save Melly, she'd have to leave Amanda and Emily, who were right in front of her. She couldn't do that, and she couldn't leave her own child to die.
It was the choice from hell, in hell.
Rose could save Melly, or she could save Amanda and Emily.
She had to choose.
Now.

Rose makes her choice and then finds herself increasingly embroiled in a legal battle and increasingly distant from her husband.

If this were a novel by Jodi Picoult, the story would probably have centered on that legal battle. The story of how a volunteering mom made an impossible split-second decision and the events that followed.

If this were a novel by Stewart O'Nan, the story would probably have focused on the relationship between Rose and her husband.

But in the hands of Lisa Scottoline, it is the basis for a fast-paced mystery novel. Rose begins spending time investigating the cause of the explosion, and as she delves deeper and deeper into the circumstances surrounding the incident, I found myself turning pages faster and faster

Click here for some questions for book clubs.

Tricia Ambrose

Follow me on Twitter @triciaambrose

Odds and Book Ends (Oct. 10-16)

2011-10-09T12:00:00.007-04:00

This week

Coming up

Medicare Check Up will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 17 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. The program will review Medicare and provide information regarding open enrollment and the changes that beneficiaries are able to make during this time. It is appropriate for individuals currently receiving Medicare, as well as those approaching age 65. For more information, call 440-352-3383 and ask for the Adult Reference Department.

Resume Development will be at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. In a classroom setting, we cover resume content and selection of the best resume format. Learn how to highlight your accomplishments and get tips on deciding what to include and what to leave out. Register for the free program: 440-943-4151.

Medicare Check Up will be at 4 p.m. Oct. 18 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. The presentation is for those already enrolled in Medicare. Register: 440-428-2189.

Real Murders Book Discussion group meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. This month's book is "The Killer of Little Shepherds" by Douglass Starr. Register for the free program: 440-942-3200.

Have coffee with the director of Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, at 6 p.m. Oct. 20 at the library. Ask questions, make suggestions and tell us how the library is working for you. Details: 440-482-2189.

Prevent Blindness Ohio and Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., are hosting a special children's reading hour led by local celebrities at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20 in the Main Library Children's Theater. Following the presentations by guest readers, families can explore the Wild About Eyes interactive exhibit, which is designed to educate and enlighten about eye health and safety. The kiosk will be on display at the library from Oct. 20 through Nov. 22.
Details, or call 440-255-8811, ext. 221.

Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21, 22 and 24, and 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 23 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. The Friends will also raffle baskets filled with books and gifts. Tickets for the raffle are 50 cents each and can be purchased during library hours beginning Oct. 14. Details: 440-943-4151.

The Upstage Players, under the direction of Carrie Walsh, will present "Murder on the Oriental Rug" at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at Wickliffe Library, 1713 Lincoln Road. This is an audience participation murder mystery-comedy; the audience can help solve the mystery, enjoy refreshments and win prizes. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase at the library. Attendees must be 18 or older. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Details: 440-944-6010.

Tess Gerritsen, author of medical and crime thrillers, will discuss her latest Rizzoli & Isles book, "The Silent Girl", at 7:45 p.m. Oct. 22 at Notre Dame Education Center Auditorium, 13000 Auburn Road, Munson Township. The program is being put on by the Geauga County Library Foundation and the combined Friends of the Libraries. A reception with the author takes place at 7 p.m. at a cost for $25 per individual or couple. General admission tickets - at $5 - may be purchased at the door. Tickets to the author reception must be purchased by Oct. 17. Book will be available for purchase at Fireside Bookshop of Chagrin Falls. Gerritsen will be available to autograph books before and after her presentation. Tickets can be purchased at any Geauga County Library or by mail to the Geauga County Library Foundation, 12701 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, OH 44024. Details from the Geauga County Library Foundation.

The Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is offering six-week themed preschool story time for children ages 5 and younger and their parents. The Rescue Village Little Ambassadors will discover, explore and learn about the pets at Rescue Village through stories, songs, dance, games and crafts. They will learn how to properly care for and interact with pets. Subjects covered include colors, counting, number and letter identification, and patterns. Small and large motor skills will be practiced. The second session runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 8. The fee is $30 per six-week session, and sessions are limited to 10 participants. To register, contact Linda Hernandez at 440-596-1743 or lhernandez.walker@gmail.com.

Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Ongoing events

Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. is introducing a new series of programs Sept. 12 called Monday University at the Library. The sessions will be the second Monday night of each month. Click here for further details.

Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Octavofest

2011-10-06T10:17:00.028-04:00

I overlooked a major event going on this month in my weekly Odds and Book Ends post: Octavofest, a month-long event "celebrating the book and paper arts."

From the About page:

Octavofest was first held in 2009, when a program of eight types of events (e.g., exhibitions, demonstrations, art museum tours, and lectures) was held during the month of October and sponsored by Art Books Cleveland (ABC). ABC, formed a year earlier (March 2008), is the Cleveland-area organization devoted to advancing the appreciation of book and paper arts. Its members include book artists, binders, conservators, calligraphers, printers, and papermakers.
...
The 2011 Octavofest program promises an even livelier and more visible exploration of the book and paper arts. It has continued to draw new collaborators who, by combining their energies, can leverage their own venues, audiences, expertise, staff, and other resources to build the programming. New collaborators from beyond the immediate area, such as Oberlin College and the Ohioana Library Association, demonstrate the potential of Octavofest to promote the Cleveland area’s strengths, both in the book and paper arts and in the successful co-creation of community among institutions, organizations, artists, and entrepreneurs. ...

You can read more about Octavofest to get a better idea of its origin and its future, and take a look at its founding and participating members - which include Art Books Cleveland, Cleveland State University's Michael Schwartz Library, Cleveland Botanical Garden's Eleanor Squire Library, Cleveland Public Library, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Euclid Public Library, Cuyahoga County Public Library and many, many more Cleveland institutions.

Check out what's planned for the rest of Octavofest on the Calendar of Events. Several exhibits last throughout the entire month (and some beyond). There are also speakers, tours and hands-on activities. Registration is required for some, so be sure to check out the details of each event.

Happy Octavofest!

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (Oct. 3-9)

2011-10-02T12:00:00.014-04:00

This week

Coming up

Jump Start Your Job Search will be at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 11 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Attend the free session to learn about free workshops and job search assistance available to you through Lake1Stop. Receive a Job Search Planning Tool Kit to guide you through an effective job search. Register: 440-943-4151.

Medicare Check-Up will be 2 to 3 p.m. Oct. 12 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Get an overview of Medicare options and the Annual Coordinated Election Period explained for those already enrolled in Medicare. The program is presented by Aleyea Barajas from the Lake County Council on Aging.

Author Michael Swiger will visitMentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 to discuss his book "To Kill A Saint." Copies of Swiger's book will be available for purchase and signing. Register: 440-255-8811, ext. 215. The program is sponsored by The Friends of the Mentor Public Library.

The Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is offering six-week themed preschool story time for children ages 5 and younger and their parents. The Rescue Village Little Ambassadors will discover, explore and learn about the pets at Rescue Village through stories, songs, dance, games and crafts. They will learn how to properly care for and interact with pets. Subjects covered include colors, counting, number and letter identification, and patterns. Small and large motor skills will be practiced. The second session runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 8. The fee is $30 per six-week session, and sessions are limited to 10 participants. To register, contact Linda Hernandez at 440-596-1743 or lhernandez.walker@gmail.com.

Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 27, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Ongoing events

LitSoup: What book got you hooked?

2011-09-30T12:00:00.011-04:00

This month's LitSoup question:

What book got you hooked on reading?

I posed this question to the newsroom, and these are the responses I received:

Jean Bonchak:

Frank L. Baum’s series of Oz books fascinated me in childhood. I still remember walking to the Wickliffe Library to take out 2 volumes at a time (all that was permitted). Though exact names and titles escape me, I can still recall the creativity in his books beyond “The Wizard of Oz” including characters with wheels instead of feet, houses that were beautiful on the outside but horrible on the inside (and vice versa) and many, many more.
His genius could rival any modern day writers in the genre. What a beautiful legacy he left for us all.

Danielle Capriato:

I’m going to go with the ever-delightful “Pinocchio.” When I was but a wee lass, at the tender age of 3, my dear old dad used to read me a nightly bedtime story. As he read to me, I would follow along and ask him to point out words I thought were funny or otherwise liked. One night I told him it was my turn to read to him, and I picked up “Pinocchio” and read it to him by myself. At first he thought maybe I had memorized the story, but I had actually taught myself how to read. I spent the rest of my younger days with my nose stuck in a book.
If I had to make another choice, I would say the “Little House on the Prairie” series. I was given the set from my mother around kindergarten, and they were the first chapter books I read. I loved them, and while I haven’t read them in many years, the entire set still sits proudly on my bookshelf.

Jeffrey L. Frischkorn:

I was always a very slow reader and had great difficulty… Then I came across a book for boys called “Wilderness Trek.” That got me hooked and all through junior high and even up into high school I read as many as one book a day, mostly adventure stories for boys of my age ...

Cheryl Sadler:

Dr. Seuss, especially "One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish" and "The Cat in the Hat." The former was so read in my house that the cover was nearly detached.

This post is part of a LitSoup, a monthly feature on The Book Club compiled of contributions from the newsroom. Send an e-mail or tweet with your suggestions for future LitSoup topics.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

How are you celebrating Banned Books Week?

2011-09-29T10:17:00.001-04:00

I almost let the week pass without writing the most important book blog entry of the year: It's Banned Books Week!

According to bannedbooksweek.org:

During the last week of September every year, hundreds of libraries and bookstores around the country draw attention to the problem of censorship by mounting displays of challenged books and hosting a variety of events. The 2011 celebration of Banned Books Week will be held from September 24 through October 1. Banned Books Week is the only national celebration of the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. More than 11,000 books have been challenged since 1982.

Read more on Banned Books Week from the American Library Association.

To celebrated Banned Books Week, readers can "proclaim the virtues of their favorite banned books by posting videos of themselves reading excerpts" on YouTube. Find out more about participating in the Virtual Read-Out.

How are you celebrating Banned Books Week? What banned books have you been reading this week?

To mark the occasion, I'm going to revisit one of my favorites: "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain (which is available for free download at Project Gutenberg, along with other works in the public domain [some of which are banned books]). But, I will not be reading anything on video to post to YouTube. No one wants to see that anyway.

You can follow Banned Books Week on Facebook, Flickr, Twitter and YouTube.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Good news for Kindle owners who are library lovers

2011-09-27T15:00:00.000-04:00

Amazon announced last week that you can now borrow Kindle books from your local library.

Amazon offers a help page with questions about borrowing Kindle books for those needing more assistance.

If you need more help, check out the following links from cnet.com:

When I was browsing CLEVNET's eMedia collection for books for my Nook over the weekend, I noticed the option to request Kindle books. Be prepared to sit on a waiting list for the book you want (notice "The Help" had 457 patrons on the waiting list when I took the screenshot on the right [and I'm about in the middle of that list]).

CLEVNET allows you 48 hours from notification that the book is available to check it out, and you can have it on your device for up to 21 days before it expires. So remember to act quickly and don't delay your reading! Or you'll be in the middle of an interesting book when it expires and you can't open it again.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

It's not ALL about the differences

2011-09-26T15:45:00.000-04:00

Among the most intriguing things about Rachel DeWoskin's "Big Girl Small" is what it isn't.

It isn't a novel about coping with the challenges of being different. It's a novel about coping with the challenges faced by teens told by someone who happens to be different.

DeWoskin's heroine Judy Lohden is a 16-year-old girl making the transition to a new high school for the performing arts.She's clashing with her parents, trying to make new friends, coping with boy troubles. And, oh yeah, she's not even 4 feet tall.

Judy is your typical teen in more ways than not. DeWoskin has crafted a wonderfully rich character who doesn't define herself by her stature, so why should we?

If anything, she defines herself by the vocal talent that's landed her at the performang arts high school:

I mean, I knew they weren't going to be able to believe it when they heard me sing. Partly it's just an expectation thing - it's like when you see a book with a really stupid cover and then you're surprised it's deep or good or smart or whatever. When you see me, you're like, okay, there might be things she's good at, but having a huge, bellowing voice probably isn't one of them. But it is"

And yet, despite her talents, her loving family, her good friends, all is far from rosy in Judy's world. When does teasing stop being funny? When does a joke cross that line? Does any of us know where the line is?

Before we could pretend not to see him, he waved. We all waved back. And no one said anything mean, even after he jogged away with his shorts riding up so high he looked like he was naked. Maybe simply because it would have been too easy. And all I can say about that morning is - how did we three know instinctively where the lines are between being funny and being brutal?

Judy discovers firsthand how quickly things can go from being wonderful to being awful as she comes to terms with a situation I fear is too common in today's world.

How refreshing to read a novel about someone who's different that's not about the difference.

- Tricia Ambrose

Follow me on Twitter @triciaambrose

Odd and Book Ends (Sept. 26-Oct. 2)

2011-09-25T12:00:00.051-04:00

This week

The library story time program for children 24 months and younger runs Mondays from the week of Sept. 26 through Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Caregivers attend with children for all story times. Register: 440-943-4151.

The 20s/30s Readers meets at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Frances Cleveland Room of Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This month's selection is "Final Exam" by P.F. Kluge. For more information and to get a copy of the book, call 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 27, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Book and Brush Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., to discuss this month's selection, "The Forgery of Venus" by Michael Gruber. Refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Mentor Public Library. For more information on exploring the fine arts through literature, call librarian Barbara Hauer at 440-255-8811, ext. 210.

Who (and What) Built Cleveland's Millionaires Row will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. The illustrated talk will focus on the individuals who built the mansions that once lined Euclid Avenue. The program is co-sponsored by the Willoughby Historical Society, Willoughby Hills Historical Society and Willoughby Hills Public Library. Call 440-942-3362 to register for the free program.

Joe the Coupon Guy will present a class at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. Learn how to save 70 percent and more grocery shopping and over 90 percent toiletry shopping. Also find out how to save money on restaurants, utility bills, cellphones, travel, gas and more.

Anime Club meets at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. The club - for ninth-graders and older - will meet the last Thursday of each month to watch movies and discuss anime and manga. Details: 440-428-2189.

Profiles Crime Time Book Club will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 29 in the basement Garfield Room at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This month the club will read "The Bone Collector" by Jeffery Deaver. New members are welcome to attend. Details: 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

A six-session course of education and support for parents of children and teens with a mental or emotional illness will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 3 at the Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. A 12-session course for education and support for family and friends of those diagnosed with a mental illness will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 1 at the Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, 13244 Ravenna Road, Chardon. To register for either course, email Linda Reed at LREED@mhageauga.org or call 440-285-3945. For details, visit www.nami.org/sites/namigeauga.

Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., will host an Edible Banned Book Contest from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 2. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. There will be three categories: professional, amateur, and children ages 8 to 17. Entries must be made of food and must reflect your chosen title in some manner (plays on words are acceptable). You must choose a title from a book that has been banned or challenged (list of banned/challenged books). Details: Pam Rose, community outreach coordinator, at 440-255-8811, ext. 204.

Coming up

Learn the differences between the ACT and the SAT and how best to prepare for each of them during a presentation from Huntington Learning Center, set for 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 8 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville.

The Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is offering six-week themed preschool story time for children ages 5 and younger and their parents. The Rescue Village Little Ambassadors will discover, explore and learn about the pets at Rescue Village through stories, songs, dance, games and crafts. They will learn how to properly care for and interact with pets. Subjects covered include colors, counting, number and letter identification, and patterns. Small and large motor skills will be practiced. The second session runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 8. The fee is $30 per six-week session, and sessions are limited to 10 participants. To register, contact Linda Hernandez at 440-596-1743 or lhernandez.walker@gmail.com.

Ongoing events

Random Hearts

2011-09-19T13:25:00.039-04:00

Cheesy. Unimpressive. Unbelievable.

Those are some of the words I would use to describe "Random Hearts" by Warren Adler.

A man and woman are cheating on their spouses and die in a plane crash. The spouses meet and fall in love.

The premise isn't awful; the book is written awfully. What I said above is all revealed on the jacket of the book, but the two main characters don't even meet and find out what happened to their spouses until about a third of the way through the book. Then they almost instantly fall in love, and even though they have some bumpy moments in the first few weeks of getting to know each other, they decide to stay together.

That would never happen!

In the indie movie version of this story, the two main characters sleep together, then realize what an awful mistake that was because they were just trying to use the other to replace what they lost and discover that it isn't possible, so they move on in their lives separately, more hurt than they were before. Maybe that's a bit on the depressing side, but that is a book I would read and enjoy - because it would be realistic.

More unbelievable fodder from the book: The widower learns how much his deceased wife's family hates him because they blame him for her death. Adler paints Lily's family as uber-Italian and unforgiving, and her "Jersey Shore"-esque brother threatens widowed Edward for stealing her away. OK, 1) Who marries someone their family has that much hatred toward if their family is THAT IMPORTANT to them? and 2) What kind of uber-Italian name is Lily?

Unfortunately, Adler wrote this book nearly 30 years ago, when apparently you could board a plane using fake names without showing photo identification. The setup of his book wouldn't even be possible today - which made it a little more difficult for me to digest.

Watch the author speak briefly about the story below:

Read the first chapter of "Random Hearts".

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odd and Book Ends (Sept. 19-25)

2011-09-18T12:00:00.005-04:00

This week

Computer classes are scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 19 and 11 a.m. Sept. 20 at Mentor Library's Frances Cleveland Room, 8215 Mentor Ave. Learn how to operate Yahoo basic email. Minimum typing and computer-mouse skills are required. Seating is limited to 10 people. Register at 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Mentor Library's Book Club for Men meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at the library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This month's selection is "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void" by Mary Roach. Light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the book, go to the Information Services desk. Details: 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Jump-Start Your Job Search will be 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Attend this session to learn about free workshops and job search assistance available to you through Lake1Stop. Receive a Job Search Planning Tool Kit to guide you through an effective job search. Register for the free program at 440-942-3362.

Partnering with your Doctor will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. Maureen Ordman-Fike of the Alzheimer's Association will provide practical advice, tools and handouts to develop a successful relationship with your health care provider. Register: 440-632-1961.

Author Les Roberts will visit the James R. Garfield Room of the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 22. Copies of his book "The Cleveland Creep" will be available for purchase and signing. Register: 440-255-8811.

The Friends of the Burton Library will have a book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24 in the library basement, 14588 W. Park St. Enter the sale through the white doors in the back of the building.

Thomas Werman, chief field investigator from Mutual UFO Network Ohio, will give a program on UFO sightings in Ohio from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. Learn how to report a sighting and what is involved in being a field investigator. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.

Three Cleveland authors honor the history of the region on Sept. 24 at the Western Reserve Historical Society History Center, 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland. "Cuyahoga County: The First 200 Years" author Judy Cetina, "Erie Street Cemetery" author John Cimperman, and "Cleveland's Buckeye Neighborhood" author John Sabol will speak on their respective publications beginning at 2 p.m. A book signing will follow; books are avilable at the History Center Museum Store. The program is free with paid general admission ($8.50 for adults, $7.50 for senior, $5 for children ages 3 to 17, and free for WRHS members and children 2 and younger). Details: 216-721-5722 or www.wrhs.org.

Coming up

The 20s/30s Readers meets at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Frances Cleveland Room of Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This month's selection is "Final Exam" by P.F. Kluge. For more information and to get a copy of the book, call 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 27, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.

Book and Brush Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., to discuss this month's selection, "The Forgery of Venus" by Michael Gruber. Refreshments are provided by the Friends of the Mentor Public Library. For more information on exploring the fine arts through literature, call librarian Barbara Hauer at 440-255-8811, ext. 210.

Who (and What) Built Cleveland's Millionaires Row will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28 at Willoughby Hills Library, 65400 Chardon Road. The illustrated talk will focus on the individuals who built the mansions that once lined Euclid Avenue. The program is co-sponsored by the Willoughby Historical Society, Willoughby Hills Historical Society and Willoughby Hills Public Library. Call 440-942-3362 to register for the free program.

Anime Club meets at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. The club - for ninth-graders and older - will meet the last Thursday of each month to watch movies and discuss anime and manga. Details: 440-428-2189.

Profiles Crime Time Book Club will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 29 in the basement Garfield Room at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This month the club will read "The Bone Collector" by Jeffery Deaver. New members are welcome to attend. Details: 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

A six-session course of education and support for parents of children and teens with a mental or emotional illness will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 3 at the Middlefield Library, 16167 High St. in Middlefield. A 12-session course for education and support for family and friends of those diagnosed with a mental illness will take place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 1 at the Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, 13244 Ravenna Road, Chardon. To register for either course, email Linda Reed at LREED@mhageauga.org or call 440-285-3945. For details, visit www.nami.org/sites/namigeauga.

Mentor Library will host an Edible Banned Book Contest from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 2 at the main library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. There will be three categories: professional, amateur, and children ages 8 to 17. Entries must be made of food and must reflect your chosen title in some manner (plays on words are acceptable). You must choose a title from a book that has been banned or challenged (list of banned/challenged books). Details: Pam Rose, community outreach coordinator, at 440-255-8811, ext. 204.

The Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is offering six-week themed preschool story time for children ages 5 and younger and their parents. The Rescue Village Little Ambassadors will discover, explore and learn about the pets at Rescue Village through stories, songs, dance, games and crafts. They will learn how to properly care for and interact with pets. Subjects covered include colors, counting, number and letter identification, and patterns. Small and large motor skills will be practiced. The second session runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 8. The fee is $30 per six-week session, and sessions are limited to 10 participants. To register, contact Linda Hernandez at 440-596-1743 or lhernandez.walker@gmail.com.

Ongoing events

Mentor Library is introducing a new series of programs Sept. 12 called Monday University at the Library. The sessions will be the second Monday night of each month. Click here for further details.

Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Capturing the voice of the opposite sex

2011-09-14T18:34:00.000-04:00

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Stewart O'Nan's.
Check out my reviews of "Snow Angels," "A Prayer for the Dying"and "The Good Wife."

My latest foray into his works was with "Emily, Alone," the sequel to "Wish You Were Here."

We follow the widowed Emily Maxwell, whose grown children are far away, who feels unconnected to her grandchildren, whose comfortable routine is shaken up when her sister-in-law has a health scare.

It's very much a slice of life. A life shared no doubt by countless widows.

But what struck me is how beautifully he has captured the voice of an older, widowed mother and grandmother.

As Emily ruminates while looking for a photo: "The question of how she should be remembered was not one she wanted to contemplate. Her life had been happy, for the most part, her disappointments mild, common, yet when she recalled herself, she did so with a mix of self-righteousness and shame, holding up her worst moments against her best intentions. She would never forget the names she'd flung at Henry in her rages, or the times she's made her mother cry."

Or this as Emily thinks about her relationship with her daughter-in-law: "Emily likes to think she didn't need anything from Lisa, yet Lisa held the ultimate power over her - the ability to deprive Emily of time with Kenneth and her grandchildren. Even Margaret at her worst understood that family trumpeted their personal battles."

Or as she visits her husband's grave: "The slope was steeper than it appeared, and shadeless. Wanting to look nice for him, she'd worn the wrong shoes, and had to be careful, taking little mincing steps, carrying the cosmos out before her with both hands as if it were a hot casserole."

It strikes me as a pretty uncommon gift, this ability to masterfully craft characters of the opposite gender.

When I think back upon those characters who have really stuck with me for the most part they are women created by women or men created by men. There's Mrs de Winter in Daphne du Maurier's "Rebecca;" there's Pip in Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations; " E.L. Doctorow's "Homer & Langley;" Anna in Jodi Picoult's "My Sister's Keeper;" ... I could go on and on.

It was more difficult to think of the reverse. I got Hester Prynne in Nathanial Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter."(Most likely because my son just read the book and the tale is fresh in my mind.)

I must just be trying to think too hard.

I'm sure I'm forgetting scads of favorite characters. Who can you remind me of?

- Tricia Ambrose

Follow me on Twitter @triciaambrose

Meet the mind behind Rizzoli & Isles

2011-09-12T16:29:00.001-04:00

If all goes as planned I'll be tuning in to TNT at 10 p.m. tonight to watch the summer finale of "Rizzoli & Isles."
I've been a fan of the show since its debut last year.

But luckily we here in Northeast Ohio won't have to wait too long to get a Rizzoli & Isles fix.

Tess Gerritsen, author of the novels on which the series is based, is coming to Geauga County.
(Check out Gerritsen's take on each of the series' episodes and read chapters of an R&I short story "Freaks."

Geauga County Library Foundation and the combined Friends of the Libraries invited her to discuss her latest Rizzoli & Isles book, “The Silent Girl.”
The program will be at 7:45 p.m. Oct. 22 at Notre Dame Educational Center, 13000 Auburn Road in Munson Township. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased at the door.
Fans can attend a 7 p.m. reception with the author. Tickets are $25 per person or couple and must be purchased by Oct. 17.

Books will be available for purchase by Fireside Bookshop of Chagrin Falls.
Gerritsen will be available to autograph books before and after her presentation.
Tickets can be purchased at any Geauga County Public Library or by mail to the Geauga County Library Foundation, 12701 Ravenwood Drive, Chardon, OH 44024.

- Tricia Ambrose
Follow me on Twitter @triciaambrose

Odd and Book Ends (Sept. 12-18)

2011-09-11T12:00:00.002-04:00

This week

Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12. Details: 440-943-4151.

Computer classes are scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 12 and 11 a.m. Sept. 13 at Mentor Library's Frances Cleveland Room, 8215 Mentor Ave. Learn how to operate basic Internet. Seating is limited to 10 people. Register at 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Meet the new children's librarian at Henderson Memorial Library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson, at 10 a.m. Sept. 13. The hour-long meet-and-greet will include cookies and punch, followed by story time at 11 a.m. Details: 440-576-3761.

Uncovering the Hidden Job Market will be 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Learn how to maximize the effectiveness of your job search by using a combination of research and networking to find jobs that are not advertised and to meet the people who can help you get them. Register for the free program: 440-942-3362.

The Geauga County Genealogical Society begins its new program year Sept. 13 with a visit from David Lintern, volunteer interpreter at the James A. Garfield Historic Site. He will present "General Garfield: The Civil War Years 1861-1863." Lintern previously presented Garfield's early years to the genealogy group. The program will begin immediately after the 7 p.m. business meeting. The meeting and program are free and open to all, and will be at Chardon Library, 110 E. Park St. Details: gcgsoh@aol.com.

Certified eBay specialist Angela Paterek will help residents get started on selling on eBay at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Registration is required: 440-944-6900, ext. 113, or www.welibrary.info.

Putting the Garden to Bed will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Learn the best methods for fall clean up, composting, soil testing, amending the soil, mulching and pruning. Call 440-942-3200 to register for the free program.

Friends of Morley Library will have a book sale. A members night will be 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 15; memberships may be purchased at the door. The sale will continue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 16 and 17. Details: 440-352-3383; ask for the Friends room, and leave a message to receive a call back. The library is at 184 Phelps St., Painesville.

An introduction to genealogy with the Lake County Historical Society and Alan Rabe from the Northeast Ohio Family History Center wil be at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Sources of information will be presented, and locations in the area will be discussed. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

Friends of the Geneva Library, 860 Sherman St., will have a used book sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 and Sept. 17. Money raised will be used to benefit the library. In addition to books, DVDs and magazines, the new Geneva Library book bags will be for sale for $2. Raffle tickets for a handmade Amish quilt will be on sale for $1 each or six for $5. Details: 440-466-4521.

Perry Library will have a free children's theater workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17. The program is for children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Professional teaching artists will lead children in singing, dancing and acting out key moments of "Peter Pan." Please bring a sack lunch. Teen volunteers are invited to help out, and parents and grandparents are welcome to participate. Register: 440-259-3300 or perrypubliclibrary.org.

The Nuts and Bolts of Jewish Genealogy will be noon to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Western Reserve Historical Society, 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland. Speakers will be John Grabowski, director of archives/library at WRHS; Kenneth Bravo, president, Jewish Genealogical Society of Cleveland; Sean Martin, associate curator of Jewish American History, WRHS. Reservations are required; fee is $20. Refreshments will be served. Details: Nancy Leinweber at 440-205-1942 or nanbwl@juno.com. Printable registration form for The Nuts and Bolts of Jewish Genealogy.

Coming up

Computer classes are scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 19 and 11 a.m. Sept. 20 at Mentor Library's Frances Cleveland Room, 8215 Mentor Ave. Learn how to operate Yahoo basic email. Minimum typing and computer-mouse skills are required. Seating is limited to 10 people. Register at 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Mentor Library's Book Club for Men meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at the library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This month's selection is "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void" by Mary Roach. Light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the book, go to the Information Services desk. Details: 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Jump-Start Your Job Search will be 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Attend this session to learn about free workshops and job search assistance available to you through Lake1Stop. Receive a Job Search Planning Tool Kit to guide you through an effective job search. Register for the free program at 440-942-3362.

Partnering with your Doctor will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. Maureen Ordman-Fike of the Alzheimer's Association will provide practical advice, tools and handouts to develop a successful relationship with your health care provider. Register: 440-632-1961.

Author Les Roberts will visit the James R. Garfield Room of the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 22. Copies of his book "The Cleveland Creep" will be available for purchase and signing. Register: 440-255-8811.

The Friends of the Burton Library will have a book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24 in the library basement, 14588 W. Park St. Enter the sale through the white doors in the back of the building.

Thomas Werman, chief field investigator from Mutual UFO Network Ohio, will give a program on UFO sightings in Ohio from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. Learn how to report a sighting and what is involved in being a field investigator. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.

The Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is offering six-week themed preschool story time for children ages 5 and younger and their parents. The Rescue Village Little Ambassadors will discover, explore and learn about the pets at Rescue Village through stories, songs, dance, games and crafts. They will learn how to properly care for and interact with pets. Subjects covered include colors, counting, number and letter identification, and patterns. Small and large motor skills will be practiced. The second session runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 8. The fee is $30 per six-week session, and sessions are limited to 10 participants. To register, contact Linda Hernandez at 440-596-1743 or lhernandez.walker@gmail.com.

Ongoing events

A Visit from the Goon Squad

2011-09-06T10:16:00.046-04:00

I wasn't sure what to expect from "A Visit from the Goon Squad", so I'm not exactly sure if I was happy with what I got. The best-selling novel by Jennifer Egan is more like a collection of stories involving music and people who are intertwined. Bennie is a music executive, and Sasha his assistant. Each chapter is told from the perspective of someone different, whether Bennie or Sasha or someone else that has been in their lives for some important reason at some point.

I recognized two of the chapters immediately, possibly through a reading on The New York Times Book Review podcast or PRI: Selected Shorts. It makes sense to me now why the chapters could be read out of context: Each is its own story and can stand on its own. I read the book almost like "Winesburg, Ohio", which is a collection of stories about people that are somehow related or tied to one another. Several times while reading "Goon Squad," I had to skim back through earlier chapters to find out why a name seemed familiar or to figure out why I should know a character's name.

In that regard, I liked the book. I enjoy reading short stories, and it was kind of neat to revisit characters who seemingly had lost their role after each chapter ended. Her style also made the book a little more difficult to read. Each character had a distinctly different voice and told his or her story in his or her own way - and she didn't even identify who was speaking at the start of each chapter. (Maybe doing so would be "dumbing down" the book too much, or Egan wanted to challenge her readers to think harder while reading.)

My favorite chapter of the book was told via PowerPoint slides by Sasha's daughter. It was the easiest to read, even though the ideas, actions and dialogue weren't necessarily written in order or in complete sentences. The somewhat random visual nature of that particular story made me more interested and gave me more than just the plain blocks of text from the rest of the book. I'm glad she didn't use this method for every chapter, but it was an interesting and neat way to tell a story from a different point of view in an entirely different way.

The publisher turned those slides into a nine-minute video posted on YouTube. Watch it below (unless you're super worried about spoilers, which you don't really need to be because the book is told in a somewhat disjointed manner anyway):

I'm still kind of undecided as to whether I liked the book. It was a little weird, and I'm not sure exactly the story Egan was trying to tell or what she wanted me to get out of it. If you have read this book, what did you think?

Check out a sample of the book below:

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (Sept. 5-11)

2011-09-04T12:00:00.020-04:00

This week

The Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is offering six-week themed preschool story time for children ages 5 and younger and their parents. The Rescue Village Little Ambassadors will discover, explore and learn about the pets at Rescue Village through stories, songs, dance, games and crafts. They will learn how to properly care for and interact with pets. Subjects covered include colors, counting, number and letter identification, and patterns. Small and large motor skills will be practiced. The first session runs Sept. 6 through Oct. 13, and the second session runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 8. The fee is $30 per six-week session, and sessions are limited to 10 participants. To register, contact Linda Hernandez at 440-596-1743 or lhernandez.walker@gmail.com.

Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 9, 10 and 12. Details: 440-943-4151.

Longtime Cleveland meteorologist Dick Goddard will be at Perry Library, 3753 Main St., at 2 p.m. Sept. 10. Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Goddard has been delivering the forecast for more than 40 years in Cleveland. He is also an author, cartoonist, and passionate animal activist. Attendees also can purchase his new book, “Six Inches of Partly Cloudy.” All proceeds of the book will benefit animal charities. All ages are welcome to this free event but attendees must register by calling 440-259-3300 or online at perrypubliclibrary.org.

Coming up

Computer classes are scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 12 and 11 a.m. Sept. 13 at Mentor Library's Frances Cleveland Room, 8215 Mentor Ave. Learn how to operate basic Internet. Seating is limited to 10 people. Register at 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Certified eBay specialist Angela Paterek will help residents get started on selling on eBay at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Registration is required: 440-944-6900, ext. 113, or www.welibrary.info.

An introduction to genealogy with the Lake County Historical Society and Alan Rabe from the Northeast Ohio Family History Center wil be at 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Sources of information will be presented, and locations in the area will be discussed. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

Friends of the Geneva Library, 860 Sherman St., will have a used book sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 16 and Sept. 17. Money raised will be used to benefit the library. In addition to books, DVDs and magazines, the new Geneva Library book bags will be for sale for $2. Raffle tickets for a handmade Amish quilt will be on sale for $1 each or six for $5. Details: 440-466-4521.

Computer classes are scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 19 and 11 a.m. Sept. 20 at Mentor Library's Frances Cleveland Room, 8215 Mentor Ave. Learn how to operate Yahoo basic email. Minimum typing and computer-mouse skills are required. Seating is limited to 10 people. Register at 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Mentor Library's Book Club for Men meets at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at the library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This month's selection is "Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void" by Mary Roach. Light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the book, go to the Information Services desk. Details: 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Ongoing events

Six Inches of Partly Cloudy

2011-08-31T08:30:00.024-04:00

Dick Goddard's book "Six Inches of Partly Cloudy" is subtitled "Cleveland's Legendary TV Meteorologist Takes on Everything - and More!" And that's entirely fitting.

David S. Glasier talked with Goddard about his book. You can read that here.

Glasier summarized Goddard's book well:

With an assist from co-writer Tom Feran, Goddard delves into the track of his long career in television, an abiding interest in weather science, war, patriotism, polarized politics, human behavior, religion and gossip. There also are plenty of stories about people he’s worked with and met in his public and private life.
“I’m eclectic,” Goddard said. “I have interests in so many things.”
Reading this book is similar to a typical conversation with Goddard. You begin in one place and make many a stop on the way to the final destination.

The entire time I was reading Goddard's book, I could hear him talking to me. I felt like I was having a conversation with my grandfather - or, rather, that my grandfather was conversing with me, telling me stories on just about everything. The conversational tone made the book easy to read, and the short sections made it easy to pick up and put down, to read just a bit at a time. The book is filled with photos, memories, quotes, illustrations drawn by Goddard, and, of course, evidence of his love of animals. If you didn't like Goddard already, his book surely will make you. Anyone who grew up watching Goddard should enjoy reading his anecdotes and stories from his life.

Interested in reading "Six Inches of Partly Cloudy"?

You can win it: Sign up this month (as in August, so by the end of today) to receive daily weather forecasts and alerts via text message from The News-Herald. Text WILWEATHER to 22700 to get started.

Check out a sample of the book below:
Ch 1 Sample SIPC

Goddard’s upcoming book signings

Sept. 10, Perry Public Library, 3753 Main St., Perry Township
Oct. 1, Cuyahoga County Public Library, 100 E. Orange St., Chagrin Falls
Oct. 22, Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (Aug. 29-Sept. 4)

2011-08-28T18:44:00.000-04:00

This week

Coming up

Ongoing events

Odds and Book Ends (Aug. 22-28)

2011-08-21T12:00:00.010-04:00

This week

Getting Started with Gmail will be 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 22, at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Learn basic email technology, concepts and features. By the end of the class, participants will have a Google mail account. Details and registration: 440-259-3300.

Managing Digital Pictures will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Attendees will learn how to retrieve photos from their digital cameras, and what to do with the photos when they are on the computer. Basic computer skills are required. Bring your digital camera and all necessary equipment with you if possible. Register at 440-259-3300.

James A. Garfield: Passionate Reader will be 7 p.m. Aug. 24 in the James A. Garfield Room of the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., Mentor. Park Ranger Alan Gephardt from the James A. Garfield Historic Site will present information about James A. Garfield's lifelong love of books. He will discuss what, when and why Garfield read, ultimately revealing the ways in which reading enhanced his life and personal relationships. To register, call 440-255-8811 or visit www.mentorpl.org.

Learn how to search for jobs online at 2 p.m. Aug. 25 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Register for the free program at 440-942-3362.

Mentor Library's monthly mystery/crime book club meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 25. New members welcome. The true crime book "Bounty: The True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty" by Caroline Alexander will be discussed. Stop by the main branch, 8215 Mentor Ave., for a copy of the book. Details: 440-255-8811.

Author Cheral White will be at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 27 in the Hot Spot on the first floor. White is a local author who has written two new political thrillers, "Capitol Angst" and "Angst to the Nth." Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Mentor Public Library. For details, call 440-255-8811 or visit www.mentorpl.org.

Coming up

The computer class Mousing 101 will be offered 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 29 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. The class will teach you how to use the computer mouse, as well as other basic components of the computer. For more information or to register, call 440-259-3300.

The Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is offering six-week themed preschool story time for children ages 5 and younger and their parents. The Rescue Village Little Ambassadors will discover, explore and learn about the pets at Rescue Village through stories, songs, dance, games and crafts. They will learn how to properly care for and interact with pets. Subjects covered include colors, counting, number and letter identification, and patterns. Small and large motor skills will be practiced. The first session runs Sept. 6 through Oct. 13, and the second session runs Oct. 24 through Dec. 8. The fee is $30 per six-week session, and sessions are limited to 10 participants. To register, contact Linda Hernandez at 440-596-1743 or lhernandez.walker@gmail.com.

Ongoing events

Take a picture of someone reading somewhere in Madison and enter the photo in the "Madison Reads" contest. Entry forms are available at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, and entries will be accepted between Aug. 24 and 27. Photos will be displayed during the months of September and judged by the library patrons. Winning photos will be featured in Madison Library's "Remembering the Bicentennial Year 2012" calendar. For details, call 440-428-2189, ext. 223, or visit www.madison-library.info.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Become Your Own Matchmaker

2011-08-15T11:20:00.003-04:00

Anyone who has read my musings on Tuned in to Pop Culture knows that I'm a big fan of Bravo TV. And, one of my favorite shows, "The Millionaire Matchmaker," comes back for a fifth season tonight. Patti Stanger is the millionaire matchmaker and CEO of an exclusive dating service, the Millionaire's Club. And since just about anyone can write a book these days, Stanger has.

I breezed through "Become Your Own Matchmaker: 8 Easy Steps for Attracting Your Perfect Mate" in advance of tonight's season premiere because I wanted to get a little more of Stanger's entertaining, no-nonesense attitude instead of rewatching reruns of previous seasons - after all, you can only watch the Hello Kitty girl crash and burn so many times. "Breezed through" is key here, because "Become Your Own Matchmaker" is written very simply, and somewhat poorly. It's so conversational - and not even in a good way. I could hear Stanger's voice as I read the book, but the tell-it-like-it-is attitude about her didn't translate well from the screen to the pages. Her anecdotes seemed fake, and I lost track of where she was going with some of her examples (the "Red Lights" and "Green Lights" of men you're dating, with nicknames that went on for pages and pages that I couldn't even keep straight). And the book committed one of the biggest sins, in my opinion: poor editing. I have been trained to be an editor and cannot read something without editing it, so I had a lot of trouble stumbling over the mistakes and inconsistencies throughout the book.

The best part of the book was the introduction, during which Stanger details her background. I wonder if that's the only part Stanger actually wrote - and if her co-author Lisa Johnson Mandell took care of the rest. But maybe I just liked the content of the introduction because I like the author's persona on TV, and I'm not looking to become my own matchmaker.

Not that the advice isn't good. Stanger is spot on with her suggestions for how women can feel better about themselves and how they should handle different dating situations in order to find their "perfect mate." I suppose I'm just not in her intended audience. I can't even figure out what audience this was written for. Maybe Hello Kitty girl? I sure hope she's read this book. She could really use a lot of Stanger's advice.

The fifth season of "Millionaire Matchmaker" airs at 9 p.m. today on Bravo TV.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (Aug. 15-21)

2011-08-14T18:06:00.004-04:00

This week

The Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 15. Details: 440-942-7880 or www.welibrary.info.

The computer class Mousing 101 will be offered 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 15 and 29 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. The class will teach you how to use the computer mouse, as well as other basic components of the computer. For more information or to register, call 440-259-3300.

An overview of the CLEVNET databases will be 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 15 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Learn how to find product reviews using Comsumer Reports online, do genealogy research using Ancestry Library Edition, look up car repairs using Chilton Library and more. Registration is required: 440-259-3300.

A Book Club for Men will discuss books of interest along with librarian Steve Haas at 7 p.m. Aug. 15 in the Frances Cleveland Room of Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Join male readers to discuss "Garbage Land: on the Secret Trail of Trash" by Elizabeth Royte. Light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the book, please go to the Information Services desk or for more information call the library at 440-255-8811 or visit www.mentorpl.org.

Resume Development will be presented by Lake1Stop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. The session will cover resume content and selection of the best resume format. Learn how to highlight your accomplishments and get tips on deciding what to include and what to leave out. Register at 440-942-7880.

Homeschooling: Adding Variety to the Day will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 16 in the James R. Garfield Room of Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Learn tips to add variety and creativity to the learning process, with field trips, unit studies, service opportunities and more. Register at 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

Friends of the Wickliffe Library will have its annual book sale Aug. 17-20. The Friends' members-only preview is 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17. The public is welcome 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 18; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 19, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20 for Bag Day. Those interested can by a Friends of the Library green bag and fill it with books for only $5 that day. Details: 440-944-6010. The library is at 1713 Lincoln Road.

Learn to plan and compose landscape and wildlife photographs with your digital camera at Landscape and Wildlife Digital Photography from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. The host is Ron Surmick. Details: www.morleylibrary.org.

Getting Started with Gmail will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 18, and 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 22, at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Learn basic email technology, concepts and features. By the end of the class, participants will have a Google mail account. Details and registration: 440-259-3300.

Madison Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. Guest speaker will be Barbara Widden of the Lake County Historical Society. She will present "The Underground Railroad and historical paths." Guests are welcome and refreshments will be served. Details: 440-298-3570.

Pop City, a father-child program, will be 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 20 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Attendees will learn how to play football, make a comet ball and watch a karate demonstration. Kids 6 years old and older and their dads (or other adult male role model) are welcome. Register at 440-255-8811.

Preview the 2011 NFL and fantasy football season at 2 p.m. Aug. 20 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Register for the free program at 440-942-7880.

Coming up

Managing Digital Pictures will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Attendees will learn how to retrieve photos from their digital cameras, and what to do with the photos when they are on the computer. Basic computer skills are required. Bring your digital camera and all necessary equipment with you if possible. Register at 440-259-3300.

James A. Garfield: Passionate Reader will be 7 p.m. Aug. 24 in the James A. Garfield Room of the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., Mentor. Park Ranger Alan Gephardt from the James A. Garfield Historic Site will present information about James A. Garfield's lifelong love of books. He will discuss what, when and why Garfield read, ultimately revealing the ways in which reading enhanced his life and personal relationships. To register, call 440-255-8811 or visit www.mentorpl.org.

Learn how to search for jobs online at 2 p.m. Aug. 25 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Register for the free program at 440-942-3362.

Mentor Library's monthly mystery/crime book club meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 25. New members welcome. The true crime book "Bounty: The True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty" by Caroline Alexander will be discussed. Stop by the main branch, 8215 Mentor Ave., for a copy of the book. Details: 440-255-8811.

Author Cheral White will be at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 27 in the Hot Spot on the first floor. White is a local author who has written two new political thrillers, "Capitol Angst" and "Angst to the Nth." Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Mentor Public Library. For details, call 440-255-8811 or visit www.mentorpl.org.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

All about dignity for this reader

2011-08-11T12:00:00.000-04:00

Got an email in response to my plea for readers to tell me what it was about "Unbroken" that struck a chord with them.
I had heard such buzz about Laura Hillenbrand's work before reading it and was a bit let down to be left with so many questions when I finished.
Steve Roszczyk, the friend who had originally encouraged me to read the book - and was kind enough to send it to me - wrote:

I remember one chapter describing how the Japanese believed that if a man’s dignity can be destroyed, he has nothing left and is easily broken. Dehumanizing Louie proved to be impossible.

I don’t know if his yet to be discovered religious beliefs played a subconscious role in his survival, or if it was his growing hatred for his captors, but he certainly was a strong willed and determined individual. Although many times he came close, he simply was not going give in. Hillenbrand does a credible job in describing how Japanese culture played a role. Yet, the brutalizing torture is something that neither you nor I can ever fully understand, irrespective of which end of the persecution we are on.

We do know, however, that self-respect and self-esteem play a vital role in quality of life issues for all individuals. Once stripped of these, the individual is denigrated to a future of hopelessness and depression. Apply this to the underprivileged, homeless, aged and even those ignored by family and friends. Unlike Louie, they’ve lost their dignity, and thus their hope. It’s not hard to see why they choose to simply give up.

I know the book was the story of one man’s struggle to survive, but when I read the passage about dignity, I felt she was addressing more than just Louie’s life.

What bothered you?

All excellent points, Steve. So I guess what bothered me is the not knowing. How, in the face of the unspeakable, did he retain that dignity? And earlier in his saga, before the torture, when it was just him and his fellow servicemen adrift at sea for so long, what kept him going then when others struggled?
I doubt we'll ever really know. I guess I just hoped to learn something that I could use in my own life when things looked bleak.(Not that I'm likely to endure even one-one zillionth of the struggles he did!)

Anyone else come away with a different take?

- Tricia Ambrose

'Little Bee' didn't blow me away

2011-08-08T08:42:00.032-04:00

After Tricia gushed about "Little Bee," she lent the book to me. Did it blow me away? Not really. I'm still trying to figure out if I really liked the book. I definitely didn't love it.

The way the stories of the main characters intertwined was pretty interesting and incredible, as Tricia mentioned in her review, but I spent a lot of the book wondering how I was supposed to feel about the two women. I worried for Little Bee, for her safety, for her future. But I found Sarah - her "friend" in England - to be kind of unlikeable. I judged her for her actions and didn't sympathize for the situation that she got herself into that linked her to Little Bee.

The story is told by both women, alternating perspectives by chapter. I kind of wish the author would have just stuck to Little Bee. I didn't care enough about Sarah to care what happened in her life. I did care - and worry about - her son, permanently dressed up in a Batman costume to keep the Baddies away from his father, which to me was the most simple, tragic description in the book. Maybe it's because I've lived a suburban life, but it was harder for me to read about a child who doesn't understand how he's supposed to grieve than about a woman who witnessed rape and murder in Nigeria. Maybe it's because I work in the news business.

I wish I had seen what this commenter did in the book, and I probably would have come away liking it a little more - or at least come away really knowing whether I liked it. (Warning: Spoiler alert with that link.)

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (Aug. 8-14)

2011-08-07T12:00:00.024-04:00

This week

Learn how to operate Microsoft Publisher basics at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. The August computer classes will be 6 p.m. Aug. 8 or 11 a.m. Aug. 9. Seating is limited to 10 people. To register, call 440-255-8811 ext. 215.

Beginning Homeschooling with tips to decide if homeschooling is right for your family and what you need to think about to get started homeschooling will be 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8 in the James R. Garfield Room of the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Register at 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

Jumpstart Your Job Search, presented by Lake1Stop, will be 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Aug. 9 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Attend the session to learn about free workshops and job search assistance available through Lake1Stop. Register with the library at 440-942-7880.

A three-part Basic Computer Training class will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 9, 16 and 23 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Learn the basics of the computer, Internet, email and word processing. The free classes are funded by a grant though Everyone Connect Ohio. Find more information or register at 440-259-330 or www.perrypubliclibrary.org.

Reel Talk-Book and movie Discussion Group, meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Meeting Room B of Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., with the next meeting planned for Aug. 9. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.

Karate for Kids will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 10 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Curious about karate or want to learn more about martial arts? Visit the library for a karate demonstration presented by Mentor Karate. No registration is necessary. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

The Prisoners will perform a concert from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 11 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. The Prisoners will perform on the Read House Grounds for an end-of-summer band concert. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

The Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 12, 13 and 15. Details: 440-942-7880 or www.welibrary.info.

Burton Library's annual Community Appreciation Night is set for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the library, 14588 W. Park St. The Little Brothers (early blues from the deep South) and the Dust Busters (old-time string band) will perform. Weather permitting, the event will be in the Reading Garden. Refreshments will be served, and the library will remain open until 9 p.m. Details: 440-834-4466 or lbaker@burton.lib.oh.us.

Dick Goddard will speak about his new book, "Six Inches of Partly Cloudy," at 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Goddard will talk about his book and tell some of his favorite stories from 50 years in television. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

An Intro to Digital Photography will be presented at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 13 in the Frances Cleveland Room of the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This class is designed to introduce attendees to the basics of digital photography. The instructors will talk about different types of cameras, basic exposure techniques and tips on how to improve photographs. Guests are welcome to bring their camera and manual. Details: 440-255-8811 or visit www.mentorpl.org.

Coming up

The computer class Mousing 101 will be offered 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 15 and 29 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. The class will teach you how to use the computer mouse, as well as other basic components of the computer. For more information or to register, call 440-259-3300.

An overview of the CLEVNET databases will be 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 15 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Learn how to find product reviews using Comsumer Reports online, do genealogy research using Ancestry Library Edition, look up car repairs using Chilton Library and more. Registration is required: 440-259-3300.

A Book Club for Men will discuss books of interest along with librarian Steve Haas at 7 p.m. Aug. 15 in the Frances Cleveland Room of Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Join male readers to discuss "Garbage Land: on the Secret Trail of Trash" by Elizabeth Royte. Light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the book, please go to the Information Services desk or for more information call the library at 440-255-8811 or visit www.mentorpl.org.

Resume Development will be presented by Lake1Stop from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. The session will cover resume content and selection of the best resume format. Learn how to highlight your accomplishments and get tips on deciding what to include and what to leave out. Register at 440-942-7880.

Homeschooling: Adding Variety to the Day will be at 7 p.m. Aug. 16 in the James R. Garfield Room of Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Learn tips to add variety and creativity to the learning process, with field trips, unit studies, service opportunities and more. Register at 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

Friends of the Wickliffe Library will have its annual book sale Aug. 17-20. The Friends' members-only preview is 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 17. The public is welcome 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 18; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 19, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20 for Bag Day. Those interested can by a Friends of the Library green bag and fill it with books for only $5 that day. Details: 440-944-6010. The library is at 1713 Lincoln Road.

Getting Started with Gmail will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 18, and 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 22, at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Learn basic email technology, concepts and features. By the end of the class, participants will have a Google mail account. Details and registration: 440-259-3300.

Madison Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road. Guest speaker will be Barbara Widden of the Lake County Historical Society. She will present "The Underground Railroad and historical paths." Guests are welcome and refreshments will be served. Details: 440-298-3570.

Pop City, a father-child program, will be 11 a.m. to noon Aug. 20 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Attendees will learn how to play football, make a comet ball and watch a karate demonstration. Kids 6 years old and older and their dads (or other adult male role model) are welcome. Register at 440-255-8811.

Managing Digital Pictures will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 22 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Attendees will learn how to retrieve photos from their digital cameras, and what to do with the photos when they are on the computer. Basic computer skills are required. Bring your digital camera and all necessary equipment with you if possible. Register at 440-259-3300.

Ongoing events

Works of art for the sixth annual juried art show hosted by the Geauga Council for Arts & Culture will be accepted from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township. Categories in the show include oil or acrylic, watercolor, photography and other media. Artists in Northeast Ohio, professional or amateur, who are at least 16 years of age are eligible to enter. Cash awards will be given for Best of Show and first and second places in each category. Awards will be presented at a reception Aug. 10. Entry forms are available at the Geauga West Library and online at www.geaugaartscouncil.org. For details, call 440-286-9549 or 440-537-3344 or email presidentgcac@gmail.com.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Couldn't connect with inspirational tale

2011-08-03T18:29:00.000-04:00

"Unbroken" has gotten a lot of buzz.
Laura Hillenbrand has penned a well-researched, inspirational story of survival.
The book has been on the best-seller lists, and no matter where I've been this summer people have been talking about it.
So I'm almost ashamed to admit I didn't care for it.
Don't get me wrong, I am as impressed by anyone with Louie Zamperini.
How Zamperini managed to become an Olympic athlete is impressive in itself. How he survived World War II is a true triumph of the human spirit.
And I guess that's why, for me, Unbroken didn't resonate.
I don't understand how.
To her credit, Hillenbrand's account of Zamperini's days stranded in the Pacific and years as a prisoner of war in Japan is understated. The horror of the events does not need graphic sensationalism.
What was it in Zamperini that enabled him to remain Unbroken? How did he cope through those long days and nights of brutality? What can I learn from his experience?
Clearly, lots of others found a connection with this work. I'd love to hear from readers who disagree with my take. What was it about the book that held you?

- Tricia Ambrose

Preserving every book ever written???

2011-08-01T10:44:00.022-04:00

I can't even keep track of all the books I have in my house, so I'm pretty impressed to read that Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive, wants to preserve a physical copy of every book ever written.

That task is even more ambitious than it sounds.

Consider that the Library of Congress has a collection of more than 147 million items, and it receives its materials "through an acquisitions program that extends throughout the world and includes over fifteen thousand agreements with foreign governments and research institutions for the exchange of research materials; gifts; purchases; transfers from other U.S. government agencies; and copyright deposits. Each day about thirty-one thousand items arrive at the Library; approximately seven thousand of these items will become part of the permanent collections." (source: www.loc.gov/loc/legacy/colls.html) Not all of those items are books, but that's the type of number we're looking at.

Kahle's goal, according to The Associated Press:

Kahle envisions the book archive less like another Library of Congress (33 million books, according to the library's website) and more like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, an underground Arctic cavern built to shelter back-up copies of the world's food-crop seeds. The books are not meant to be loaned out on a regular basis but protected as authoritative reference copies if the digital version somehow disappears into the cloud or a question ever arises about an e-book's faithfulness to the original printed edition.
"The thing that I'm worried about is that people will think this is disrespectful to books. They think we're just burying them all in the basement," Kahle said. But he says it's his commitment to the survival of books that drives this project. "These are the objects that are getting to live another day."

My next question for Kahle would be about his selection decisions. Do you choose the first imprint of a book? The hardcover or the paperback? The original copyright, or the 20th anniversary edition with a new forward by the author? Or do you keep every copy of every book ever printed? It's a lofty, complicated ambition, for which I admire Kahle. But I also am glad that I won't have to be the one to make any selection decisions. You can keep as many books as you want, until you run out of space. More space costs money, but is it worth it to preserve everything?

I would love an opportunity to tour the facility when he is finished - though his work will never be done.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

P.S.: If you want to have a lot of fun (and waste a lot of time), check out the Wayback Machine, part of the Internet Archive, to see what your favorite websites looked like in previous incarnations. Unfortunately (or fortunately, perhaps, for how clunky it was before), News-Herald.com is not archived with the Wayback Machine.

Odds and Book Ends (Aug. 1-7)

2011-07-31T12:00:00.063-04:00

This week

The Monday Night Book Discussion meets the first Monday of each month from October through June, with the next meeting slated for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. For this month's selection, contact librarian Barb Hauer at 440-255-8811, ext. 210. The library provides books, and refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

Lupus Foundation of America Willougby Area Support Group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Details: 440-717-0183 or www.lupuscleveland.org.

The annual summer book sale sponsored by the West Geauga Friends of the Library begins Aug. 3 with a members' preview from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the open public sale from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The sale will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 4, and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 5. Bag day - when a bag will be $3 - will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 7. Funds raised from the book sale benefit the adult and children programs, and purchases at the Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road.

Preschoolers Down Under will be 6:30 to 7 p.m. Aug. 3 in the Children's Theater at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Preschoolers will enjoy a program full of stories, activities and crafts related to Australia. Register at 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

Mentor Library's end-of-summer party will be 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 4 at Read House, next to the Main Branch, 8215 Mentor Ave. Bring the family and celebrate the end of a the summer reading program. Features include putt-putt, ice cream and a steel drum band.

The Chardon Friends of the Library will have its annual Arts Festival Book Sale in the library's Bostwick Room from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 6, and 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 7. The members' only preview will be 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 6; you can join the Friends or renew membership at the door. Details: 440-285-7601. The library is located on Chardon Square.

The Friends of Kirtland Library has planned a Community Yard and Bake Sale for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at the library, 9267 Chillicothe Road. Rent a space on the library lawn to sell your treasures. A 12-foot-by-12-foot space is $20, and a corner space is $25. Details: 440-256-7323.

A UFO talk with Thomas Wertman, chief field investigator with the Mutual UFO Network of Ohio, will be 2 to 3 p.m. Aug. 6 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. He will speak about his involvement with UFO investigations and sightings in and around Ohio. Register at 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

The Mayfield Drive-In Theater and Geauga County Public Library will present Library Night at the Drive-In on Aug. 7. The movies to be shown are "The Smurfs" (rated PG) at 8:45 p.m. and "Zookeeper" (rated PG) at 10:25 p.m. The box office opens at 7 p.m. Sound will be broadcast over an FM radio channel. Admission fee will be $15 per carload for the event. If outside food or beverage is being brought into the theater, a $5 permit must be purchased at the box office in addition to the admission fee. Special events include appearances by the Geauga County Public Library Bookmobile, so it is suggested that patrons bring their library card. The Geauga County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit, Munson Township Fire Department and rescue squads, University Hospital's Life Flight helicopter, Captain Jack Sparrow and Herbie the Love Bug are scheduled to be present. The theater is at 12091 Mayfield Road in Chardon.

Coming up

Learn how to operate Microsoft Publisher basics at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. The August computer classes will be 6 p.m. Aug. 8 or 11 a.m. Aug. 9. Seating is limited to 10 people. To register, call 440-255-8811 ext. 215.

Beginning Homeschooling with tips to decide if homeschooling is right for your family and what you need to think about to get started homeschooling will be 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8 in the James R. Garfield Room of the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Register at 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

A three-part Basic Computer Training class will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 9, 16 and 23 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Learn the basics of the computer, Internet, email and word processing. The free classes are funded by a grant though Everyone Connect Ohio. Find more information or register at 440-259-330 or www.perrypubliclibrary.org.

Reel Talk-Book and movie Discussion Group, meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Meeting Room B of Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., with the next meeting planned for Aug. 9. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.

Karate for Kids will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 10 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Curious about karate or want to learn more about martial arts? Visit the library for a karate demonstration presented by Mentor Karate. No registration is necessary. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

The Prisoners will perform a concert from 7 to 8 p.m. Aug. 11 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. The Prisoners will perform on the Read House Grounds for an end-of-summer band concert. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

The Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have a book/AV sale at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 12, 13 and 15. Details: 440-942-7880 or www.welibrary.info.

Burton Library's annual Community Appreciation Night is set for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the library, 14588 W. Park St. The Little Brothers (early blues from the deep South) and the Dust Busters (old-time string band) will perform. Weather permitting, the event will be in the Reading Garden. Refreshments will be served, and the library will remain open until 9 p.m. Details: 440-834-4466 or lbaker@burton.lib.oh.us.

Dick Goddard will speak about his new book, "Six Inches of Partly Cloudy," at 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Goddard will talk about his book and tell some of his favorite stories from 50 years in television. Details: 440-255-8811 or www.mentorpl.org.

An Intro to Digital Photography will be presented at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 13 in the Frances Cleveland Room of the Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. This class is designed to introduce attendees to the basics of digital photography. The instructors will talk about different types of cameras, basic exposure techniques and tips on how to improve photographs. Guests are welcome to bring their camera and manual. Details: 440-255-8811 or visit www.mentorpl.org.

The computer class Mousing 101 will be offered 2 to 4 p.m. Aug. 15 and 29 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. The class will teach you how to use the computer mouse, as well as other basic components of the computer. For more information or to register, call 440-259-3300.

A Book Club for Men will discuss books of interest along with librarian Steve Haas at 7 p.m. Aug. 15 in the Frances Cleveland Room of Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Join male readers to discuss "Garbage Land: on the Secret Trail of Trash" by Elizabeth Royte. Light refreshments will be served. For a copy of the book, please go to the Information Services desk or for more information call the library at 440-255-8811 or visit www.mentorpl.org.

Ongoing events

A Nook e-reader will be raffled to kick off the availability of e-books at Henderson Library. Tickets are $5 each and on sale through Aug. 4. A winner will be drawn that day at the summer reading finale party. Tickets are available at the front desk of the library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson. All money raised will be used to purchase more e-books. Visit ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com to check out e-books.

Works of art for the sixth annual juried art show hosted by the Geauga Council for Arts & Culture will be accepted from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road in Chester Township. Categories in the show include oil or acrylic, watercolor, photography and other media. Artists in Northeast Ohio, professional or amateur, who are at least 16 years of age are eligible to enter. Cash awards will be given for Best of Show and first and second places in each category. Awards will be presented at a reception Aug. 10. Entry forms are available at the Geauga West Library and online at www.geaugaartscouncil.org. For details, call 440-286-9549 or 440-537-3344 or email presidentgcac@gmail.com.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

LitSoup: The book or the movie?

2011-07-29T12:00:00.029-04:00

The release of the final installment in the "Harry Potter" films led me to this month's LitSoup question:

Which is better: The book or the movie?

I posed this question to the newsroom, and these are the responses I received:

Jean Bonchak:

In most cases for me, a movie is a disappointing portrayal of a book. “White Oleander” and “The Notebook” are both examples of this. After being intrigued and thoroughly enjoying those stories via reading, their associated movies seemed to lack so much depth and emotion. They seemed flat. Maybe it’s the imagination which can flourish without boundaries while reading. In movies, the viewer is somewhat confined to what is seen on the screen.

Danielle Capriato:

I could go on for days on why I don’t like to compare film adaptations to the original book. I like to consider movies a separate interpretation of the story—a new and sometimes completely different way of visualizing what happened. Movies and books are entirely different forms of storytelling—as the cliché stands, it’s like comparing apples to oranges. One can never expect a movie to mimic a book exactly, so for the most part I try not to compare them at all. And in some cases I’ve seen movies that have inspired me to read the book (“My Sister’s Keeper” is one example). Either way I try to remain open-minded and unbiased about what I am reading or watching. While it is often hard to go into a movie based on a beloved book—such as “Harry Potter,” of course—and not worry about things that weren’t exactly like the book, or things that weren’t how I pictured them, I do my best. Therefore, I don’t know if I can answer this question the way it is meant to be. Were, for example, the “Harry Potter” books enjoyable? They were amazing, and worth reading no matter who you are or how old you are. Were the films good, too? Absolutely. Can I definitively say the books were “better” than the movies? No, because they were too different to compare. (But I think I’ll reread the books more times than I will rewatch the movies, if that means anything.)

Jeff Frischkorn:

I’ve always been disappointed in the way television and the movies portray the characters found in books. Always. Even a film like “Planet of the Apes” is much, much better in the book form of the same name. And “Big Red” was so different that you’d think the book and the movie only shared the same name and not much else. Maybe the closest of the two is Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” But not too many more.

Rachel Jackson:

For me, it totally depends on the situation – who acted or directed, who authored, etc. A fabulous story in the wrong hands can have tragic outcomes.
That said, I’m far more likely to read the book after I’ve seen the movie/miniseries. As someone who’s still rediscovering the joys of reading (that’s for a whole other blog post), I find it’s easier to slog through the book when I already have visuals or voices in mind for the characters. The Precious Ramotswe series (by Alexander McCall Smith) is a good example of this. The books move at a slow, easy pace; so does the TV series, but at least with the TV version I was able to get hooked on the characters more quickly. Then I went back and revisited the books. I had a similar experience with the Joe Leaphorn series (by Tony Hillerman), but for different reasons.

Janet Podolak:

I think the book is almost always better because it requires more engagement in the story and interpretations of its characters and events on the part of the reader.

Cheryl Sadler:

I always want to read the book before I see the movie, but then I'm always disappointed by the movie. I don't know why I do that to myself, fully knowing that the movie is not going to be everything I loved about the book. "The Time Traveler's Wife" is a good example of this: I looooooved the book, and I enjoyed the movie but was ultimately disappointed at all of the detail that was cut out. The movie is only 107 minutes and seemed like a lot had been left on the editing room floor. Even though the movie wasn't going to be the true telling of the book, I kind of wish they had kept in a little bit more, to make the movie just a little bit longer, and to keep in some of the details that were left out - details that I thought helped to tell the story and might have led to confusion for any viewers who had not read the book.

This post is part of a LitSoup, a monthly feature on The Book Club compiled of contributions from the newsroom. Send an email or tweet with your suggestions for future LitSoup topics.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (July 25-31)

2011-07-24T12:00:00.034-04:00

This week

The Chardon Polka Band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 25 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road, to wrap up the summer reading program. The library will be awarding prizes. Everyone is welcome. Register at 440-942-3362.

Learn how to sign in to your account on Willowick Library's new web catalog at 6:30 p.m. July 26 at the library, 263 E. 305th St. The program will include demonstrations on how to search for items, place requests, manage your account, and begin using its new features. Details: 440-943-4151 or welibrary.info.

The Friends of the Cleveland Public Library will host a used book sale at the library, 525 Superior Ave., Cleveland, from July 25 through July 28. A members-only preview will be 10 a.m. to noon July 25, and members should bring their cards for admittance. Those who are not Friends may join at the door. The sale will be open to the public from noon to 6 p.m. July 25, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 26 and July 27. On July 28, a bag of books will be offered for $5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details: 216-623-2821.

Books of Aurora will provide an inventory of new books for the annual summer book fair benefiting the Friends of the Bainbridge Library. The fair will take place from July 27 to 29 at Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road. Children ages 3 and older and their families can participate in the presentation of "Papa Dieux's Well: A Folktale from Haiti" at 7 p.m. July 27 outside the Bainbridge Library. The presentation is free and open to the public. Details: www.geaugalibrary.net and www.bookofaurora.com or call the library at 440-543-5611.

Coming up

The Monday Night Book Discussion meets the first Monday of each month from October through June, with the next meeting slated for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. For this month's selection, contact librarian Barb Hauer at 440-255-8811, ext. 210. The library provides books, and refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

Lupus Foundation of America Willougby Area Support Group meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Details: 440-717-0183 or www.lupuscleveland.org.

The annual summer book sale sponsored by the West Geauga Friends of the Library begins Aug. 3 with a members' preview from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the open public sale from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The sale will be open to the public rom 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 4, and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 5. Bag day - when a bag will be $3 - will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 7. Funds raised from the book sale benefit the adult and children programs, and purchases at the Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road.

The Chardon Friends of the Library will have its annual Arts Festival Book Sale in the library's Bostwick Room from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 6, and 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 7. The members' only preview will be 9 to 10 a.m. Aug. 6; you can join the Friends or renew membership at the door. Details: 440-285-7601. The library is located on Chardon Square.

The Friends of Kirtland Library has planned a Community Yard and Bake Sale for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at the library, 9267 Chillicothe Road. Rent a space on the library lawn to sell your treasures. A 12-foot-by-12-foot space is $20, and a corner space is $25. Details: 440-256-7323.

The Mayfield Drive-In Theater and Geauga County Public Library will present Library Night at the Drive-In on Aug. 7. The movies to be shown are "The Smurfs" (rated PG) at 8:45 p.m. and "Zookeeper" (rated PG) at 10:25 p.m. The box office opens at 7 p.m. Sound will be broadcast over an FM radio channel. Admission fee will be $15 per carload for the event. If outside food or beverage is being brought into the theater, a $5 permit must be purchased at the box office in addition to the admission fee. Special events include appearances by the Geauga County Public Library Bookmobile, so it is suggested that patrons bring their library card. The Geauga County Sheriff's Department K-9 Unit, Munson Township Fire Department and rescue squads, University Hospital's Life Flight helicopter, Captain Jack Sparrow and Herbie the Love Bug are scheduled to be present. The theater is at 12091 Mayfield Road in Chardon.

Ongoing events

A Nook e-reader will be raffled to kick off the availability of e-books at Henderson Library. Tickets are $5 each and on sale through Aug. 4. A winner will be drawn that day at the summer reading finale party. Tickets are available at the front desk of the library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson. All money raised will be used to purchase more e-books. Visit ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com to check out e-books.

Freegal Music Service has been purchased by the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library to allow its card holders to download three free songs per week. Freegal Music Service is available through a home or library computer. New music is added daily, and the content is based on a license with Sony Music Entertainment, owner of 54 music labels. The service must be accessed through the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library’s homepage at www.welibrary.info. Users will be asked to enter their library card number and can then begin searching for songs. Downloads do not time out or need to be returned. To obtain a library card, stop by the Eastlake, Willoughby, Willowick or Willoughby Hills library with a picture ID and a document verifying a current address (if it is different from your picture ID).

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Haunted Willoughby, Ohio

2011-07-20T01:19:00.000-04:00

I'm terrible at dealing with scary things, but I had to read "Haunted Willoughby, Ohio" by Cathi Weber. Staff Writer Janet Podolak wrote about Weber on Halloween last year (quite fitting!).

I couldn't read the book before bed because I'm that much of a scaredy-cat. The stories were scary enough to give me chills on a hot summer day.

Weber tells ghost stories about several sites in Willoughby, including the history of the place, who lived or worked there, and who is rumored to be haunting each location. Sprinkled throughout the chapters are images from the past and present, to help readers place the spooky stories.

Podolak's story detailed Weber's haunting coverage:

Her recent book tells stories of Willoughby's history and details spiritual encounters at Willoughby Coal & Supply, the Willoughby Brewing Co., the Homestead House Bed & Breakfast, Willoughby Masonic Temple, the Willoughby Public Library and Charter One Bank. It tells the story of the Girl in Blue, who is buried in Willoughby Cemetery; recounts the gruesome past of the Willoughby Medical College; and tells about the ghosts that haunt Van Gorder Manor. Each chapter concludes with the address of the place she's detailed and a website where readers can glean more information.

If any of that interests you, be sure to pick up the book. Even if you don't believe in this sort of thing, the stories about places you have been will leave you with goosebumps -- and might make you think twice the next time you pass one of these locations. I'm already antsy about seeing the Charter One Bank when I return this book to the Willoughby Public Library -- and I'll surely be looking for ghosts as I do it.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (July 18-24)

2011-07-17T12:00:00.040-04:00

This week

Mentor Library will feature an introduction to acupuncture from 7 to 8 p.m. July 18 at the Main Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Austin Homrighaus of Lake Erie Acupuncture will present an alternative approach to health care targeting the body, mind and spirit via acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Registration is required; call the library at 440-255-8811, ext. 215.

Madison Library's 2011 Wine Country Fundraiser will be 5 to 7 p.m. July 18 at Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, 5750 S. Madison Road. The event will include wine from Grand River and Debonne, beer from the Cellar Rats Brewery, and a buffet of hot and cold appetizers. Also part of the fundraiser will be a 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction and a door prize. Tickets are $25 a person and on sale at the library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, as well as available at the door. Click here to read more about the event, or get more information from the library at 440-428-2189 or madison-library.info.

"What's in Your Pantry?!" a wellness program, will be at 7 p.m. July 19 at Perry Library, 9753 Main St. Dr. Misty Senz of the Family Chiropractic Center in Perry will outline good nutritional choices for a busy family. Senz is a holistic health practitioner and chiropractic physician. Her practice emphasizes restoring natural health to families and teaching good nutritional choices. Snacks will be available. Register for the free program at 440-259-3300 or perrypubliclibrary.org.

Jump Start Your Job Search will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 19 at Willoughby Library 30 Public Square. Attend the free session to learn about the free workshops and job search assistance available to you through Lake1Stop. Receive a Job Search Planning Tool Kit to guide you through an effective job search. Register at 440-943-3200.

Former World War II POW Harry Guinther will present "The Greatest Victory" at 7 p.m. July 19 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. Guinther joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. shortly after his 19th birthday and trained as a radio operator and aerial gunner on a Martin B-26 Marauder aircraft. He will tell his personal stories as an airman, including his two daring escapes from imprisonment.
A question-and-answer session will follow the program. Call the Middlefield Library at 440-632-1961 to register for this presentation.

The Friends of the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will hold a large book/audio visual sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 22, 23 and 25 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. The Friends also will raffle baskets filled with books and gifts. Tickets for the raffle are 50 cents each and can be purchased during library hours beginning July 22. For details, call 440-942-3200.

The Friends of Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., will have a book sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 22. Summer beach reading, cookbooks, military books, Christmas in July are a few of the featured offerings. Details: 440-209-9952.

The Friends of the Burton Library will have a members-only preview book sale from 9 a.m. to noon July 23. Memberships can be purchased on that day. Friends of the Burton Library will hold a book sale in the library basement from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30. Items for sale include books, magazines, movies, music, maps, puzzles and vintage items. Details: 440-834-4466 or lbaker@burton.lib.oh.us.

Around the World in 80 Stories with Magical Storyteller Tess Shimko will be at 2 p.m. July 23 at Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd. Tess and Marshmallow the Magic Rabbit will show how books let you travel the world. Register at 440-942-7880 or www.welibrary.info.

Coming up

The Chardon Polka Band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 25 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road, to wrap up the summer reading program. The library will be awarding prizes. Everyone is welcome. Register at 440-942-3362.

Learn how to sign in to your account on Willowick Library's new web catalog at 6:30 p.m. July 26 at the library, 263 E. 305th St. The program will include demonstrations on how to search for items, place requests, manage your account, and begin using its new features. Details: 440-943-4151 or welibrary.info.

The Friends of the Cleveland Public Library will host a used book sale at the library, 525 Superior Ave., Cleveland, from July 25 through July 28. A members-only preview will be 10 a.m. to noon July 25, and members should bring their cards for admittance. Those who are not Friends may join at the door. The sale will be open to the public from noon to 6 p.m. July 25, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 26 and July 27. On July 28, a bag of books will be offered for $5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Details: 216-623-2821.

The Monday Night Book Discussion meets the first Monday of each month from October through June, with the next meeting slated for 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. For this month's selection, contact librarian Barb Hauer at 440-255-8811, ext. 210. The library provides books, and refreshments are courtesy of the Friends of the Library.

Ongoing events

Odds and Book Ends (July 11-17)

2011-07-10T12:00:00.042-04:00

This week

Reel Talk-Book and movie Discussion Group, meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Meeting Room B of Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., with the next meeting planned for July 11. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.

Uncovering the Hidden Job Market will be 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 12 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Learn how to maximize the effectiveness of your job search by using a combination of research and networking to find jobs that are not advertised and to meet the people who can help you get them. Call 440-942-3200 to register for this free program. www.welibrary.info

The World of Dementia will be 1 to 2 p.m. July 12 at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. Linda Bliss, R.N., will walk attendees through the world of dementia to give them a better understanding of their reality and the symptoms and behaviors associated with dementia. She will also give attendees the tools to manage the behaviors and communicate with people with dementia. Details: 440-255-8811, ext. 215, or www.mentorpl.org.

Meet "Paris Wife" author Paula McLain, of Cleveland Heights, at 7 p.m. July 14 at Perry Library, 3753 Main St. Her story focuses on the lives of Ernest Hemingway and his wife, Hadley Richardson. McLain will read from her novel, and sell and sign copies. The free program is open to all but registration is required at 440-259-3300 or perrypubliclibrary.org.

The Indian Museum, 25 Public Square, Willoughby, will feature story telling by Doris Straka from 1 to 4 p.m. July 16. She is going to be telling Native American tales from several different areas, suitable for all ages. Straka is a story teller certified by the Smithsonian. For details, call 440-951-3813.

Coming up

Madison Library's 2011 Wine Country Fundraiser will be 5 to 7 p.m. July 18 at Grand River Cellars Winery & Restaurant, 5750 S. Madison Road. The event will include wine from Grand River and Debonne, beer from the Cellar Rats Brewery, and a buffet of hot and cold appetizers. Also part of the fundraiser will be a 50/50 raffle, Chinese auction and a door prize. Tickets are $25 a person and on sale at the library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, as well as available at the door. Click here to read more about the event, or get more information from the library at 440-428-2189 or madison-library.info.

Jump Start Your Job Search will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. July 19 at Willoughby Library 30 Public Square. Attend the free session to learn about the free workshops and job search assistance available to you through Lake1Stop. Receive a Job Search Planning Tool Kit to guide you through an effective job search. Register at 440-943-3200.

Former World War II POW Harry Guinther will present "The Greatest Victory" at 7 p.m. July 19 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. Guinther joined the U.S. Army Air Corps. shortly after his 19th birthday and trained as a radio operator and aerial gunner on a Martin B-26 Marauder aircraft. He will tell his personal stories as an airman, including his two daring escapes from imprisonment.
A question-and-answer session will follow the program. Call the Middlefield Library at 440-632-1961 to register for this presentation.

The Friends of the Burton Library will have a members-only preview book sale from 9 a.m. to noon July 23. Memberships can be purchased on that day. Friends of the Burton Library will hold a book sale in the library basement from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30. Items for sale include books, magazines, movies, music, maps, puzzles and vintage items. Details: 440-834-4466 or lbaker@burton.lib.oh.us.

The Chardon Polka Band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 25 at Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road, to wrap up the summer reading program. The library will be awarding prizes. Everyone is welcome. Register at 440-942-3362. welibrary.info.

Ongoing events

The Geauga County Library Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2011 Chapman Award. The yearly recognition is bestowed on a special individual (or group of individuals) whose deeds have promoted the enjoyment of and value of books and reading and whose involvement has directly benefitted the Geauga County community. The Chapman Award is presented at the Foundation’s annual ceremony and social event in October. Deadline for submissions is July 15. Nomination forms are available at all Geauga County Public library branches. More than one nomination form may be submitted per person. Details: 440-286-6811.

The Fairport Harbor Public Library Board of Trustees is accepting applications or résumés for an opening on the Library Board of Trustees for the term ending Dec. 31, 2015. All residents of Fairport Harbor are eligible. Applications are available at the library, 335 Vine St. Applications must be returned to the library no later than July 15.

A Nook e-reader will be raffled to kick off the availability of e-books at Henderson Library. Tickets are $5 each and on sale through Aug. 4. A winner will be drawn that day at the summer reading finale party. Tickets are available at the front desk of the library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson. All money raised will be used to purchase more e-books. Visit ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com to check out e-books.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

'Paris Wife' author comes to Perry library

2011-07-07T16:54:00.000-04:00

"Paris Wife" author Paula McLain will be at Perry Public Library beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday.
The Cleveland Heights author will read from her best-selling novel as well as sell and sign copies.
"The Paris Wife" focuses on the lives of Ernest Hemingway and his wife Hadley Richardson.
Read my review here.
Register now for the free program. Call 440-259-3300 or go to www.perrypubliclibrary.org.
You'll find the Perry library at 3753 Main St.

-Tricia Ambrose

You really can't put this book down

2011-07-06T18:09:00.001-04:00

Raise your hand if you've ever picked up a book whose jacket touted that you wouldn't be able to put it down, that it was a page-turner, that it would blow you away.
Now, put your hand down if you've ever been disappointed by those words.
Those of you with your hands still raised must have read "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave.
I enjoyed a lot of wonderful books on my recent vacation. Some were diverting beach reads, some were fascinating works of nonfiction, some were beautifully crafted stories.
None stuck with me the way "Little Bee" did.
The title character is a Nigerian refugee who meets up with the one woman she "knows" in England.
How their stories intertwine will leave you speechless. (Have I gushed enough yet?!)
I'd be interested to hear what others thought of their story. Please share your reactions.
Get the reading group guide for "Little Bee" here.

Here's a glimpse of Little Bee:

"There was a white girl in the newspaper photo and she was topless. You know what I mean when I say this, because it is your language we are speaking. But if I was telling this story to my big sister Nkiruka and the other girls from my village back home then I would have to stop, right here, and explain to them: topless does not mean, the lady in the newspaper did not have an upper body. It means she was not wearing any garments on her upper body. You see the difference?"

How can you not be instantly charmed?

Meet the author and let him show you London:

- Tricia Ambrose

Odds and Book Ends (July 4-10)

2011-07-03T12:00:00.021-04:00

This week

The Willoughby Area Support Group for the Lupus Foundation of America Inc., Greater Cleveland Chapter, meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 5 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Details: 440-717-0183.

Coming up

Ongoing events

The Geauga County Library Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2011 Chapman Award. The yearly recognition is bestowed on a special individual (or group of individuals) whose deeds have promoted the enjoyment of and value of books and reading and whose involvement has directly benefitted the Geauga County community. The Chapman Award is presented at the Foundation’s annual ceremony and social event in October. Deadline for submissions is July 15. Nomination forms are available at all Geauga County Public library branches. More than one nomination form may be submitted per person. Details: 440-286-6811.

An art exhibit featuring an array of work done by hemodialysis patients participating in art therapy and activities at Centers for Dialysis Care in Mentor will take place in July at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville.

A Nook e-reader will be raffled to kick off the availability of e-books at Henderson Library. Tickets are $5 each and on sale through Aug. 4. A winner will be drawn that day at the summer reading finale party. Tickets are available at the front desk of the library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson. All money raised will be used to purchase more e-books. Visit ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com to check out e-books.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (June 27-July 3)

2011-06-26T12:00:00.023-04:00

This week

“Ten Steps to Living with Lupus” meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Reservations are required for each step at 440-717-0183 or info@lupuscleveland.org.

Hillcrest Concert Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 28 at Euclid Library, 631 E. 222nd St., Euclid. Visit www.hillcrestconcertband.org.

Coming up

The Willoughby Area Support Group for the Lupus Foundation of America Inc., Greater Cleveland Chapter, meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. July 5 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Details: 440-717-0183.

Reel Talk-Book and movie Discussion Group, meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month in Meeting Room B of Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., with the next meeting planned for July 11. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.

Ongoing events

Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, will host the traveling exhibit "A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs 1910-1965" through July 1. Only 55 libraries across the U.S. were selected to host the exhibit, which is composed of eight colorful double-sided panels filled with text and photographs highlighting the spirit of the musical era. The Bainbridge Library is offering a variety of free programs to enhance the exhibit experience. Larry Sheir, cantor at the Westside Temple Beth Israel, will present the grand finale "From Tin Pan Alley to Broadway" at 7 p.m. June 28. For more information on the event, call 440-543-5611.

The Geauga County Library Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2011 Chapman Award. The yearly recognition is bestowed on a special individual (or group of individuals) whose deeds have promoted the enjoyment of and value of books and reading and whose involvement has directly benefitted the Geauga County community. The Chapman Award is presented at the Foundation’s annual ceremony and social event in October. Deadline for submissions is July 15. Nomination forms are available at all Geauga County Public library branches. More than one nomination form may be submitted per person. Details: 440-286-6811.

An art exhibit featuring an array of work done by hemodialysis patients participating in art therapy and activities at Centers for Dialysis Care in Mentor will take place in July at Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville.

A Nook e-reader will be raffled to kick off the availability of e-books at Henderson Library. Tickets are $5 each and on sale through Aug. 4. A winner will be drawn that day at the summer reading finale party. Tickets are available at the front desk of the library, 54 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson. All money raised will be used to purchase more e-books. Visit ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com to check out e-books.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

LitSoup: Who is your favorite literary character?

2011-06-24T12:00:00.042-04:00

This month's LitSoup question:

Who is your favorite literary character?

Maybe it’s someone featured in several books you have read, or a character that has stayed with you long after you put down the book.

I posed this question to the newsroom, and these are the responses I received:

Tricia Ambrose:

If we’re considering strictly the classics I'd go with Miss Havisham of Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations." I’ve always been obsessed with her obsession. I can’t help but empathize with her need for revenge, her being a prisoner in a trap of her own making (like many of us, hers is just more outwardly manifested!)
If we’re branching out, someone who really hooked me was Alice, the title character in "Still Alice." Lisa Genova’s tale of a 50-year-old professor who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is one you won’t be able to put down. Read my review here.

Mike Butz:

Not sure if I have a "favorite" literary character, but there's definitely a character that has "stayed with me long after I put the book down." (Figuratively and literally.)
I submit to you the Giving Tree from Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree." Her/its selflessness and unconditional love toward the boy is so simple yet so remarkable.
I understand there's debate about each character’s personalities and roles, and that some feel the Giving Tree is an irresponsible enabler. But I've always viewed the Giving Tree as caring, generous and altruistic. To this day, whenever I think about the book or am reminded of it, the Giving Tree's unselfishness weighs heavily on my thoughts.

Jean Bonchak:

Among the literary characters who have stayed with me for many years is Piggy from “Lord of the Flies.” He portrays rationality and morality and is taken advantage of and scorned by his peers because of his outward appearance, vulnerability and insecurities. Thus, all the good that he’s able to offer is cruelly snuffed out.

Danielle Capriato:

Anne Shirley is by far one of my favorite fictional characters.
Like many young girls who loved to read, the Anne of Green Gables books always enthralled me as a girl. I read them still every year around Christmas because they are so comforting. (Not gonna lie, “Anne of the Island” is a big favorite for the romance—the way she and Gilbert Blythe are so obviously meant to be together and it takes her until the final pages of that book to realize it… It just satisfies my inner silly romantic girl.)
Anne is quirky, resilient, intelligent and ambitious. The way the series portrayers her as a flighty girl with romantic ideals and her head in the clouds who grows up to be an amazing, strong woman with a wonderful head on her shoulders—while still retaining her imagination, of course!—just makes her such an obvious answer to this question.

Jeffrey L. Frischkorn:

“Buck” in Jack London’s “Call of the Wild.” Buck starts out as a ‘city slicker” dog and morphs back into his savage genes toward the end… I the other one are the “Boy and “The Old Man” in Robert Ruark’s “The Old Man and the Boy.”

Robin Palmer:

The characters in The Velveteen Rabbit, especially the wise Skin Horse:
"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."
"Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit.
"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."
"Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?"
"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."

Tracey Read:

A character that has stayed with me for decades is Great Expectations' Miss Havisham. The image of her still in her wedding dress going mad in the decrepit mansion is so visual.

Cheryl Sadler:

Dolores Price from Wally Lamb's "She's Come Undone". She is depressed and depressing, but for the entire 465 pages I never stopped rooting for her to find something that would make her happy. I think Lamb did an incredible job with her character, creating someone I couldn't let go of, no matter what crazy things she did (stalking her college roommate's boyfriend to the point of moving to his town?????).

This post is part of a LitSoup, a monthly feature on The Book Club compiled of contributions from the newsroom. Send an e-mail or tweet with your suggestions for future LitSoup topics.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Odds and Book Ends (June 20-26)

2011-06-19T12:00:00.017-04:00

This week

Playaways now are part of Geauga County Public Library’s lending options. A Playaway is a portable, all-in-one format audio book. It is high-definition audio that does not need a separate player. The orange-boxed devices come pre-loaded and ready to start, making it easy to borrow from a library and use right away. Geauga County Public Library is adding Playaways to the Bainbridge, Chardon, Geauga West and Middlefield libraries. They are already available at Bainbridge Library, and Playaway representatives will be at the other locations to demonstrate the device. A demonstration will be 9 a.m. to noon June 22 at Geauga West Library. Titles include recent best-sellers, young adult and children's books. Individuals also may access the library catalog at www.geaugalibrary.net and search Playaway to check available titles.

Crossroads will hold a Family Story Time from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 22 at its Early Childhood Services Center, 1083 Mentor Ave. in Painesville. The family friendly event will feature books, crafts and a snack. The event is geared for children up to age 8 and their parents or caregivers. The event is free, but registration is required. Those interested should call 440-358-7370. The Crossroads Early Childhood Services Center provides a broad range of behavioral health services to children from birth to age 5. Crossroads is a nonprofit organization providing behavioral health services to children and their families.

President Abraham Lincoln, as portrayed by historian John King, will speak at the next meeting of the Willoughby Historical Society to commemorate the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the Civil War. Lincoln will discuss aspects of his early life and his role throughout the Civil War up to the fateful evening at Ford Theatre. The event will be 7 pm. June 22 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. The event is free and open to the public.

Coming up

Hillcrest Concert Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. June 28 at Euclid Library, 631 E. 222nd St., Euclid. Visit www.hillcrestconcertband.org.

Ongoing events

Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, will host the traveling exhibit "A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs 1910-1965" through July 1. Only 55 libraries across the U.S. were selected to host the exhibit, which is composed of eight colorful double-sided panels filled with text and photographs highlighting the spirit of the musical era. The Bainbridge Library is offering a variety of free programs to enhance the exhibit experience. On June 3, Bill Rudman will present the grand opening for the exhibit with "Jewish Songwriters United: Their Impact on the American Musical" as an after-hours special event at 7:30 p.m. Larry Sheir, cantor at the Westside Temple Beth Israel, will present the grand finale "From Tin Pan Alley to Broadway" at 7 p.m. June 28. Also, the library will show movie musicals that showcase the songwriters included in the exhibit at 2 p.m. on Fridays in June. For more information on the event, call 440-543-5611.

The Geauga County Library Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2011 Chapman Award. The yearly recognition is bestowed on a special individual (or group of individuals) whose deeds have promoted the enjoyment of and value of books and reading and whose involvement has directly benefited the Geauga County community. The Chapman Award is presented at the Foundation’s annual ceremony and social event in October. Deadline for submissions is July 15. Nomination forms are available at all Geauga County Public library branches. More than one nomination form may be submitted per person. Details: 440-286-6811.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Happy Bloomsday! 5 Ways to Celebrate James Joyce's 'Ulysses'

2011-06-16T17:36:00.000-04:00

Happy Bloomsday! 5 Ways to Celebrate James Joyce's 'Ulysses'

Odds and Book Ends (June 13-19)

2011-06-12T12:00:00.038-04:00

This week

Perry Library’s Adult Summer Reading 2011, “Novel Destinations” begins June 13, and anyone age 16 or older is invited to join. There will be weekly prize drawings, as well as grand prizes at the close of the program July 23. Participants simply need to read or listen to a book of their choice and submit the title with their name for the weekly prize drawings. Prizes are on display at the library. To register, call 440-259-3300 or visit at www.perrypubliclibrary.org. The library is at 3753 Main St.

Cartoonist Jenny Campbell will be featured in a program at 11 a.m. June 13 at West Geauga Senior Center, 11414 Caves Road, Chester Township. Campbell is a children’s illustrator and the author of the nationally syndicated cartoon strip "Flo & Friends." She will talk about her career, background and inspiration for the cartoon strip. For reservations, call 440-729-2782.

Reel Talk-Book and Movie Discussion Group meets at 2:45 p.m. the second Monday of every month - with the next meeting slated for June 13 - in Meeting Room B of Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville. Books and DVDs are available at the check-out desk on the main floor. Details: 440-352-3383 or www.morleylibrary.org.

Graphic artist Thom Zahler will demonstrate cartooning techniques at 6 p.m. June 14 at the Willoughby Hills Library, 35400 Chardon Road. Details and registration: 440-942-3362.

Playaways now are part of Geauga County Public Library’s lending options. A Playaway is a portable, all-in-one format audio book. It is high-definition audio that does not need a separate player. The orange-boxed devices come pre-loaded and ready to start, making it easy to borrow from a library and use right away. Geauga County Public Library is adding Playaways to the Bainbridge, Chardon, Geauga West and Middlefield libraries. They are already available at Bainbridge Library, and Playaway representatives will be at the other locations to demonstrate the device. Demonstrations will be from 4 to 8 p.m. June 16 at Middlefield Library, and 9 a.m. to noon June 22 at Geauga West Library. Titles include recent best-sellers, young adult and children's books. Individuals also may access the library catalog at www.geaugalibrary.net and search Playaway to check available titles.

Friends of the Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville, has planned a book sale in the Morley Library Book Cellar. A Friends preview will be 5 to 8 p.m. June 16, and the sale will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 17 and 18. Details: 440-227-6581.

Eastlake Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd., will host "Sidewheel Treasure and Tragedy" at 7 p.m. June 16. Georgann and Mike Wachter will highlight several of the ships that traveled the Great Lakes and compare them to two floating museum paddle wheel steamers. The program includes a discussion of the G.P. Griffith, which burned and sank off Willowick's shore. To register, call 440-942-7880.

The Northeastern Ohio Rose Society is celebrating Rose Month (June) by having a book display on roses at Ashtabula Library, Topky Library and Madison Library. A rose show will be June 18 and 19 at the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, sponsored by the Cleveland Rose Societies. The club meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at Madison Library, and the next meeting will be Sept. 26. Details: 440-997-9403.

Coming up

Crossroads will hold a Family Story Time from 6 to 7:30 p.m. June 22 at its Early Childhood Services Center, 1083 Mentor Ave. in Painesville. The family friendly event will feature books, crafts and a snack. The event is geared for children up to age 8 and their parents or caregivers. The event is free, but registration is required. Those interested should call 440-358-7370. The Crossroads Early Childhood Services Center provides a broad range of behavioral health services to children from birth to age 5. Crossroads is a nonprofit organization providing behavioral health services to children and their families.

President Abraham Lincoln, as portrayed by historian John King, will speak at the next meeting of the Willoughby Historical Society to commemorate the Sesquicentennial Anniversary of the Civil War. Lincoln will discuss aspects of his early life and his role throughout the Civil War up to the fateful evening at Ford Theatre. The event will be 7 pm. June 22 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. The event is free and open to the public.

Ongoing events

National Candy Month Contest at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., will be May 16 through June 16. June is Candy Month. Check out books from the children's area and receive one chance at guessing how many candies are in the jar. The person with the closest answer wins the jar. One guess per child, per day. The winner will be announced June 17. Details: 440-255-8811.

Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, will host the traveling exhibit "A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs 1910-1965" through July 1. Only 55 libraries across the U.S. were selected to host the exhibit, which is composed of eight colorful double-sided panels filled with text and photographs highlighting the spirit of the musical era. The Bainbridge Library is offering a variety of free programs to enhance the exhibit experience. On June 3, Bill Rudman will present the grand opening for the exhibit with "Jewish Songwriters United: Their Impact on the American Musical" as an after-hours special event at 7:30 p.m. Larry Sheir, cantor at the Westside Temple Beth Israel, will present the grand finale "From Tin Pan Alley to Broadway" at 7 p.m. June 28. Also, the library will show movie musicals that showcase the songwriters included in the exhibit at 2 p.m. on Fridays in June. For more information on the event, call 440-543-5611.

Library card holders now are able to check out and download eBooks anytime, anywhere by visiting the Mentor Library website www.mentorpl.org. Users will be able to browse the library’s website, check out with a valid library card and download to PC, Mac and many other mobile devices. Titles can be enjoyed immediately or transferred to a variety of devices, including iPod and Sony Reader and many others. Users also will need to install free software available on the library website. Titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, so there are no late fees.

The Geauga County Library Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2011 Chapman Award. The yearly recognition is bestowed on a special individual (or group of individuals) whose deeds have promoted the enjoyment of and value of books and reading and whose involvement has directly benefitted the Geauga County community. The Chapman Award is presented at the Foundation’s annual ceremony and social event in October. Deadline for submissions is July 15. Nomination forms are available at all Geauga County Public library branches. More than one nomination form may be submitted per person. Details: 440-286-6811.

-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Jacket recommendation pays off

2011-06-08T17:58:00.000-04:00

I was intrigued by the cover of Lee Martin's "Break the Skin."

I know you shouldn't judge a book by that, but of course we do.

It wasn't so much the jacket itself, it was the recommendation on the back from Stewart O'Nan. I love, love, love his works.If he thought it was a good read, odds are I would too.

My co-worker Mark Meszoros was also intrigued. But he was more taken by the fact that Martin's "The Bright Forever" was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

Note to publishers:You just never know which bit of information will appeal to a reader. Those multiple entry points are so important.

O'Nan did not let me down. I'll put my thumb up next to his.

Lee Martin has crafted a couple of truly memorable characters in Miss Baby and Laney.

I wouldn't say I liked them so much as I empathized with them.

The wrong choices that snowballed. The lack of hope for a better future. The serious lack of judgment when hooking up. You just want to shake them.

But in Martin's hands these women are far from sterotypes. They are complicated individuals.

As Miss Baby says: "That's the thing that froze me, that uncertainty about what was coming at me from the future. I kept turning it over in my head, the fact that when we make a choice, we create a realm of possible consequences, and another collection of possibilities go zooming past us, and we never know what they were. We never know how things might have turned out differently."

Who hasn't shared that emotion? Certainly it's one Laney can relate to. And how the stories of these two very different women from very different towns become intertwined is the suspenseful backbone of the story.

I'm curious to see if Mark enjoys the novel as I did. Stay tuned.

- Tricia Ambrose

ESPN book is thorough, tedious

2011-06-06T00:35:00.002-04:00

Because this is about a sports book, I can get away with using a sports analogy. The new book about ESPN, "These Guys Have All the Fun," is a marathon, not a sprint. It's 745 pages of everything you've ever wanted to know about Bristol, Conn.

If you're picking it up hoping to read about scandal and wild parties, you'll be a little disappointed. It includes some sordid tales, but nothing that hasn't been written about the worldwide leader before or hasn't happened in a corporate office. From a Cleveland perspective, Gary Miller gives his account of what happened when he was accused of urinating out of a window in the Flats during the 1997 baseball playoffs.

It feels like a marathon because the first quarter of the book is a detailed account of the business deals that got the network started. It's thorough and probably interesting if you're in the TV business. For those who just want to read about the names we recognize, plowing through the first 150 pages is like watching the last "Star Wars" movie, when you just want to scream "Turn into Darth Vader, already!"

Once it moves past the network getting off the ground, the book does as well. It covers expansion, "SportsCenter," network personalities, dealings with sports leagues, failed promotions and plenty of internal politics (gender, race and power). The authors got just about everyone involved in ESPN's history to talk on the record - the book is told in an oral history format.

A few things I found interesting:

- A great story in the beginning about a satellite company, its first customer, and where the first customer's transmission was going.

- If ESPN has to bow to any entity, it's the NFL. The account of the last TV rights negotiation gives a fascinating look at the stakes involving multibillion dollar entities.

- Keith Olbermann is a genius - he wrote Mickey Mantle's obituary in 15 minutes. He's also not the easiest colleague to work with. They probably could have gotten an entire book about Olbermann's time at ESPN by itself.

- Jeremy Schaap's perspective on his interviews with Bobby Fischer and Bob Knight.

- Howard Primer