NEW BOOKS IN DECEMBER
Red Mist by Patricia Cornwell released 12-6-11
The 19th book in the Scarpetta series. Kay Scarpetta travels to the Georgia Prison for Women to speak with a woman who has information on the death of her former deputy chief, as well as a string of seemingly unrelated murders. But the connections she discovers say they are only the beginning of something far more destructive.
D.C. Dead by Stuart Woods released 12-22-11
Thie 22nd book in the Stone Barrington series. Barrington is unsure if he wants to stay in New York and continue his work as a partner at Woodman & Weld. It’s as a relief when he's summoned to Washington, D.C. by the president. Not only does this special operation that calls for Stone's unique skill set, it will also reunite him with his former partner in crime, Holly Barker.
77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz released 12-27-11
The Pendleton is a late 1800's dream home who's early life was scarred with episodes of suicide, mass murder and other horrors. In the 70's it was rechristened as a luxury apartment building. Some years later, the new tenants of the Pendleton will begin to understand what drove the past occupants over the edge.
Down the Darkest Road by Tami Hoag released 12-27-11
This is the third book in the Oak Knoll series. Lauren Lawton and her daughter move to Oak Knoll to get away from a life where her other daughter was murdered and her father committed suicide. However, shortly after arriving in town, the obvious suspect in her daughters murder shows up and Lauren must struggle to make sure history does not repeat itself.
From the Booksellers’ Bookshelves: So, what are you reading right now?
“I just finished a book of short stories called Men and Cartoons by Jonathan Lethem. It’s a really interesting blend of fantasy and reality. For example, in one story, the author interviews a former TV star from the 70s, who just so happens to be a giant crab.” - Krystal, Asst. Mgr.
“I just finished Out of Oz by Gregory Maguire. It was a rather unfulfilling ending to what started as a great series.” - Charles, Supervisor
December Movies (based on books!)
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (R)
It’s the Cold War, and former spy George Smiley is called out of retirement to find a mole. Based on the novel by John Le Carre and starring Gary Oldman, this movie comes to theaters on December 9th.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (PG-13)
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law return in Guy Ritchie’s latest interpretation of the characters created by Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes and Watson face Moriarty on December 16th.
When a junior reporter is kidnapped, he finds himself on an adventure in search of a lost ship. Written by Steven Moffat and Edgar Wright and starring Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, Herge’s comic book character comes to life on December 21st.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (R)
A journalist and a hacker search for a missing woman. Based on the bestseller by Stieg Larsson, the phenomenon that began in Sweden hits American theaters on December 21st. Daniel Craig stars.
Nat’l Stress Free Family Holiday Month
December has been named National Stress Free Family Holiday Month. Tell me that doesn’t sound like a dream come true. But if you’re like me, and you have more than one side of the family (or more than one side of more than one family) to juggle, it can sometimes turn into more of a nightmare. Here are some tips to help keep your stress levels down & your enjoyment up this holiday season.
- So Much to Do in So Little Time - This is definitely one of the biggest causes of holiday stress. Make a list of priorities and be prepared to let the last few things go.
- Take Time For Yourself -Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, use them positively. Whether you take a walk or just a few deep breaths, those moments you give yourself make a world of difference in reducing your stress levels.
- Don’t Expect Perfection - Since they only come once a year, there’s often a lot of pressure on the holiday to go just right, but that rarely happens. Just embrace it. And remember, if the neighborhood dogs eat your Christmas dinner, you can always go out for Chinese.
