I Can't Believe You're Reading That!

As a librarian, I am consistently asked what I have been reading lately.  I have been asked this nearly everywhere I go: the doctor’s office, dinner with friends, even while having a massage.  When I am asked this question I often pause to take stock of who I am talking to so I can gauge what their reaction may be.  Then I caution the inquisitor that I prefer young adult literature and that I don’t typically read “main stream” fiction.  Lately that has not been so much of a problem as the type of fiction I like to read has gained much popularity.  See, I am a big reader of books featuring zombies, weres, evil pixies and vampires to name a few.  I like to term the characters in my favorite books as the “reluctant monster”.

More often than not the monsters are the bad guys, but occasionally a great story comes along with a very sympathetic lead character that just so happens to turn into a being with four paws or one that likes to indulge in a little human blood, or brains, from time to time.  I mean really, is that so bad?  To me, what makes a good zombie story is not the gore; I am really not that into gory descriptions.  What makes a good story is the reactions of the characters to the flesh-eating monsters.  Think about it.  What will you do when the zombie apocalypse strikes?  Will you run and scream and hide, or will you do those things and then fight back to survive.

For some examples of very good zombie stories, try reading Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry and The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan.  For a zombie story with heart, one where you are actually rooting for the zombie, try reading Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion. 

As for the evil pixies and weres who just want to be like you and me, try Need by Carrie Jones and Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater.  These stories feature strong female characters and very sympathetic beings who happen to enjoy a little blood or turn into a dog.

If you are ever looking for other title ideas, please stop me.  I would love to talk to you about what you have read and am happy to provide suggestions.

Jeannie P. Madden

Phillip Levine is the New United States Poet Laureate

The Library of Congress appointed Philip Levine as its 18th Poet Laureate.  Levine will begin his duties in the fall.  He succeeds W. S. Merwin.

Wesley McNair is Maine's poet laureate. 

Just what does a poet laureate do?  The Librarian of Congress appoints the United States Poet Laureate after consulting former appointees.  The Library actually assigns very few specific duties to the poet laureate, giving the appointee freedom to work on their own projects.  The appointee is expected to help foster a greater appreciation of both the reading and writing of poetry. Some past projects include Ted Kooser's weekly newspaper column and Charles Simic taught a master class for poets at the Library of Congress.

Although April is National Poetry Month, take time to celebrate the art of poetry every month.  Your library has several books to help you create your own poetry.  Or come in and check out a published poets writing, just browse through the stacks in the 811s.  One of my favorite books is "Committed to memory; 100 best poems to memorize" (808.81 Com).  Take the challenge and commit a poem to memory today.

Today is Book Lover's Day Celebrate @ Your Library!

Today is Book Lover's Day.  What better way to celebrate than to head to your library, check out some books and read! 

And did you know that books can also serve as art?  Beyond the lovely covers and illustrations, older books heading for recycling can be repurposed.  Yes, this librarian does practice the book arts! 

We have a beautiful new book " The Repurposed Library" by Lisa Occhipinti (call # 745.54 Occ, but currently on our new book display when it's not checked out).  The author demonstrates 33 (thirty-three) craft/art projects to give old books a new life. 

Not crafty yourself?  Well, check out our Beauty and the Books silent auction in March 2012.  There will be at least one repurposed book available for bidding.