April 2012: Books, Movies, and National Poetry Month

When you're stuck in the April showers, fear not! This month has plenty of new books and movies to keep you entertained.


NEW BOOKS IN APRIL 

 Death Comes Silently by Carolyn Hart released 4-3-12

This is book number 22 in the Death on Demand series. While Annie Darling is hosting a signing at her book store, her friend is mysteriously murdered covering a shift of Annie's at a local charity shop. The crime is soon linked with an "accidental" drowning two weeks earlier. As the suspect pool thickens, Annie and crew must dig deeper if they are going to unravel this mystery.

 Calico Joe by John Grisham released 4-10-12

In the summer of 1973 Joe Castle was the boy wonder of baseball. Calico Joe quickly became the idol of every baseball fan in America, including Paul Tracey, the young son of a Mets pitcher. On the day that Warren Tracey finally faced Calico Joe, Paul was in the stands, rooting for his idol but also for his Dad. Then Warren threw a fastball that would change their lives forever…

 Lucky Bastard by S.G. Browne released 4-17-12

Over years of stealing luck from the fortunate and selling it to the desperate and addicted, Nick Monday has had a lucrative life. Then he's hired by the mayor's daughter to retrieve her father's missing luck. With a hefty payday at hand, Nick tackles the job enthusiastically until he's accosted by the Chinese mafia, blackmailed by the government, distracted by an attractive rival and disowned by his sister. He'll be lucky to get out this one alive.

The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King released 4-24-12

King began the Dark Tower series in 1974, it gained momentum in the 1980s and he brought it to a thrilling conclusion when the last three novels were published in 2003 and 2004. This novel stands on its own for all readers, an enchanting and haunting journey to Roland’s world and testimony to the power of Stephen King’s storytelling magic.

From the Booksellers' Bookshelves: So, what are you reading? 

“I’m reading Harbor by John Ajdvide Lindqvist. It’s very eerie and good so far, but this author’s last book had a dud ending, so we’ll see how it pans out.” —Charles, Shift Supervisor

“I’ve finally started Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. I’m not very far into it, but it’s excellent!” - Sarah, Bookseller

April Movies (based on books!) 

Blue Like Jazz (PG-13) 

When Donald Miller left for college, he discovered that he doesn’t yet truly know who he is and what he believes. On April 20th, in a film based on the memoir of the same name, Don embarks on a spiritual journey that teaches him that sometimes you have to leave home to come back to it.

Think Like a Man (PG-13) 

When four friends discover the women they love have been taking the advice in Steve Harvey’s book Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, they decide to turn the tables on them. Romany Malco, Gabrielle Union, and Sherri Shepard star in this romantic comedy opening April 20th.

The Lucky One (PG-13) 

 When U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault returns home from his third tour in Iraq, he’s determined to meet the woman he credits with saving his life. This film, starring Zac Efron and based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, opens April 20th.

The Pirates! Band of Misfits (PG) 

Captain Pirate, Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz all want to be Pirate of the Year, but only one of them will succeed. Based on the books by Gideon Defoe, this CG stop motion film (think Wallace and Gromit) features the voice talents of Hugh Grant and Salma Hayek and hits theaters on April 27th.

National Poetry Month

Since 1996, April has been National Poetry Month. Poetry.org lists 30 ways to celebrate, one for each day of the month. Here are just a few of them: Leave poetry in an unexpected place – whether you’re donating books or leaving a single poem on a sheet of paper, there’s nothing like stumbling upon the right poem at the right time. Start a commonplace book – since the Renaissance, people have copied their favorite poems and quotes into blank books called commonplace books. Why not start your own personal anthology today? Celebrate Poem in Your Pocket Day – On April 26th, put a poem in your pocket and share it with your friends, coworkers and family. Find printable, pocket-sized PDFs, as well as other ways to celebrate, at poetry.org.

March 2012: Spring is Here!

Here's a look at just a few of the books and movies coming out this season.

NEW BOOKS IN MARCH

A Rising Thunder by David Weber released 3-6-12

The 3rd book in the Honor Harrington series. After a brutal attack on the Manticoran home system, Honor Harrington and the Star Kingdom she serves battle back against a new, technologically powerful, and utterly nefarious enemy. If that weren’t task enough, Honor must also face down a centuries-old nemesis in the crumbling, but still mighty, Solarian League.

Infamous by Sherrilyn Kenyon released 3-13-12

The 3rd book in the Chronicles of Nick series. Nick Gautier has learned to annihilate zombies and raise the dead, divination and clairvoyance, so why is learning to drive and keep a girlfriend so hard? But the real skill he’ll have to master is survival. His next lesson makes all the others pale in comparison.

Stay Close by Harlan Coben released 3-20-12

Harlan Coben follows four consecutive #1 NYT bestsellers with a stand-alone thriller in the vein of his beloved breakout novels Caught and Hold Tight.

Force of Nature by C.J. Box released 3-20-12

This is the 12th book in the Joe Pickett series. He never wanted to tell Joe Pickett about it, but Nate Romanowski always knew trouble was coming out of his past. Now it's here and it may not only be the battle of his life, but of Joe's. The entire Pickett family will be a target, and the only way to fight back is outside the law. Nate knows he can do it, but he isn't sure about Joe and all their lives could depend on it.

From the Booksellers’ Bookshelves: So, what are you reading right now?

“I just finished The Facts in the Case of the Departure of Miss Finch by Neil Gaiman. It’s a short story of his that was turned in a graphic novel. Be careful what you wish for when there’s a creepy circus in town.” - Krystal, Asst. Mgr.

“I’m reading Emperor Mollusk vs The Sinister Brain by A. Lee Martinez. It’s a hilarious look at our world if we were conquered by a highly intelligent mollusk from space who is forced to defend our world against someone who’s probably smarter than he is .” - Charles, Shift Supervisor

March Movies (based on books!) 

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax (PG)

When 12 year-old Ted seeks to win a girl’s heart, the task leads him straight to the Lorax. This 90-minute animated version of the Dr. Seuss tale starring Zac Efron, Danny Devito, Taylor Swift and Betty White arrives in theaters March 2nd.

John Carter (PG-13)

When former military captain John Carter gets transported to Mars, he discovers a world on the brink of collapse. Taylor Kitsch stars in this film based on the series by Edgar Rice Burroughs, coming to theaters March 9th.

The Hunger Games (PG-13)

Katniss Everdeen takes her sister’s place in a televised battle to the death against other kids in this dystopian vision of the former United States. This film, based on the first book in the trilogy by Suzanne Collins, will be in theaters March 23rd.

Mirror, Mirror (PG)

When a princess is exiled and her kingdom is stolen, she recruits seven short dissenters to help her win it back. This retelling of Snow White starring Lily Collins, Julia Roberts and Nathan Lane hits theaters March 30th.

Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month. Here’s a brief look at some of women’s contributions to our collective history.

• Elizabeth Cady Stanton formed the first organized movement for women’s suffrage in 1848. She died in 1902, eighteen years before Congress ratified the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote.

• Sarah Breedlove, aka Madam C. J. Walker, was the first child in her family born after the Emancipation Proclamation, and she became the first female self-made millionaire in America.

• Edith Wharton became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for literature in 1920 for The Age of Innocence.

• Both Marie Curie (in 1903) and her daughter Irene Joliet-Curie (in 1935) won the Nobel Prize for chemistry.

Who are some of the women in history who've inspired you?

January 2012: Happy New Year!

It's a new year and a great time to dive into a new book. Here are just a few of the books hitting the shelves in January.


NEW BOOKS IN JANUARY

The Bride Wore Black Leather by Simon R Green released 1-3-12
This is the 12th book in the Nightside series. John Taylor is about to marry Suzie Shooter but before he can say "I do," he has one more case to solve as a private eye and his first assignment as Walker. Both jobs would be a lot easier to accomplish, however, if he weren't on the run from friends and enemies alike.

Believe the Lie by Elizabeth George released 1-10-12
This is book 26 in the Inspector Lynley series. Lynley is mystified when he goes undercover to investigate a death, hired by the victims wealthy uncle Bernard Fairclough. The investigation into the Fairclough family reveals the clan is awash in secrets, lies and motives. As it escalates, the families veneer cracks and it threatens to destroy them all from within. 
 
Death of Kings by Bernard Cornwell released 1-17-12
This is book six in the Saxon Tales series. As the ninth century wanes, Alfred the Great lies dying, his dream of a unified England in danger and his kingdom on the brink of chaos. While his son, Edward, has been named his successor, there are other Saxon claimants to the throne—as well as ambitious pagan Vikings to the north.

Taken by Robert Crais released 1-24-12
This is the 13th book in the Elvis Cole series. When the police tell a wealthy industrialist that her missing son has faked his own kidnapping, she hires Elvis Cole who finds it is no fake. The boy and his secret girlfriend have been taken, and are now lost in the gray and changing world of the professional border kidnappers who prey not only on innocent victims but also on one another.

From the Booksellers’ Bookshelves: So, what are you reading right now?

“Right now I’m reading book 4 in the Dresden Files series, Summer Knight. I love Harry Dresden because he’s not some invincible hero; he gets beat up all the time. Summer Knight is fun because he’s delving into the some of the fae worlds he’s only briefly mentioned before.” - Brad, Bookseller

“I’m reading a book called Patriot Witch by C.C. Finlay. It’s a fantasy story about the revolutionary war. Corny, but pretty good so far.” - Sarah, Bookseller/Media Dept.


January Movies (based on books!)

War Horse (PG-13)

A young boy enlists to serve in WWI after his beloved horse is sold to the cavalry. Based on the children’s novel by Michael Morpurgo, this tale of courage and friendship is now in theaters.

Beauty and the Beast 3D (G)

When a beautiful man with an ugly soul is transformed into a hideous beast, the only way to break the spell is through love. Disney’s take on this classic fairy comes back, this time in 3D, on January 13th

Coriolanus (R)

When Rome’s greatest hero is banished by its politicians, he joins forces with Rome’s enemies. Ralph Fiennes, Gerard Butler and Vanessa Redgrave star in this adaption of Shakespeare’s play, coming to theaters January 20th.

One for the Money (PG-13)

Former lingerie buyer turned bounty hunter Stephanie Plum is tracking down a man wanted for murder – and for breaking her heart years before. Based on the book by Janet Evanovich, this comedy starring Katherine Heigl hits theaters January 27th.

The Tulsa Library's Winter Reading Program for Adults

The Tulsa Library’s Adult Winter Reading program starts January 23rd. Folks who read or listen to eight books before March 29th will earn a free Tulsa City-County Library book bag and be entered for the chance to win a free Kindle Fire.

For more information on this contest, visit tulsalibrary.org.

December 2011: Happy Holidays!

The holidays are almost here and boy have they kept us busy! Let's take a look at what's coming out this month.

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.

The Adventures of Tin Tin: The Secret of the Unicorn (PG)

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.

November 2011: Happy Thanksgiving!

The weather's finally turning and the holidays are almost here. Let's take a look at what's happening this November.

NEW BOOKS OUT IN NOVEMBER

Out of Oz by Gregory Maguire released 11-1-11

The final volume in the Wicked Years series. The Emerald City is mounting an invasion of Munchkinland, Glinda is under house arrest, the Cowardly Lion is on the run from the law and look who’s knocking at the door: Dorothy. On top of all this, Elphaba's daughter Rain has come of age. The fate of Oz is decided at last…

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini released 11-8-11

The final installment in the Inheritance Cycle. Long months of training and battle have brought Eragon victories and hope as well as heartbreaking loss. Now they must confront Galbatorix. Will they be strong enough to defeat him? There will be no second chances.

V is for Vengeance by Sue Grafton released 11-15-11

The 22nd book in the Kinsey Millhone series. Any plans for Kinsey's 38th birthday festivities are ruined by an assault that leaves her with two black eyes and a misshapen nose. Even worse is the flood of new cases involving miscreants, adulterers, and a suicide that carries the unmistakable stench of murder. Fortunately, Kinsey's midlife crisis is abated by good spirits and some very clever sleuthing.

Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich released 11-22-11
This is the 18th book in the Stephanie Plum series. Stephanie's vacation is ruined when the seatmate on her flight never returns after an L.A. layover. He turns up dead in a garbage can and it turns out he had a photo that many bad people wanted to see. The only other person to see the picture was...Stephanie. Now she's the target and is doing everything in her power to not end up in the dumpster next.

From the Booksellers’ Bookshelves: Whatcha reading?

“I just finished The Strain by Chuck Hogan and Guillermo del Toro. You won’t find any sparkles here, just a great story and incredibly terrifying monsters.” - Angela, Bookseller

“I just finished 2011’s The Year’s Best Dark Fantasy and Horror and really liked it—lots of variety and originality. I’m getting ready to start Them or Us, the final in the Hater trilogy by David Moody, which I’m excited about.” - Bonnie, Media Dept.

November Movies (based on books!)

Killing Bono (R)

Two brothers dream of being rock stars while their friends from high school – the guys in U2 – actually do it. Based on the memoir by Neil McCormick, this film arrives in theaters on November 4th.

Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (PG-13)

Edward and Bella are newlyweds, expecting parents – and in more danger than ever before. Part 1 of the last installment of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga hits the silver screen on November 18th.

Hugo (PG)

An orphan living in a train station is set on a trail of discovery concerning his late father. Based on The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, this tale comes to life on November 23rd.

The Descendents (R)

When Matthew’s wife falls in a coma, he goes to tell the one person who doesn’t know – the man she was having an affair with. Based on the novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings, this film shows at Circle Cinema starting November 23rd.

National Novel Writing Month, aka Nanowrimo!

Every November thousands of professional & amateur authors alike take up the challenge of writing a 300-page novel in one month. The philosophy behind the time limitation is that it is just enough time, provided you throw caution to the wind and just get the words down on paper. After all, in the words of Nora Roberts, “I can fix bad writing. I can’t fix a blank page.” So go ahead, writers—get writing!

Local Events: Ian Frazier!

Ian Frazier is a nonfiction writer and longtime contributor to the New Yorker. Frazier’s most famous books are a blend of humor, history and travel.

One of his most notable works is Great Plains, an exploration of some 25,000 miles of America’s landscape, from the site of Sitting Bull’s cabin to the murders detailed in Truman Capote’s true crime classic In Cold Blood.

With the help of Le War Lance, who first appears in Great Plains, Frazier examines the contemporary experience of Native Americans, particularly the Oglala Sioux, in On the Rez.

Frazier’s latest opus is Travels in Siberia, which came out in paperback in September 2011. Calling it “the greatest horrible country in the world,” Frazier takes us on his journeys to a land just this side of inhabitable.

Ian Frazier is coming to Tulsa on November 10th. He will be appearing at All Souls Unitarian Church. This free event starts at 7pm and is brought to you by BookSmart Tulsa.

October 2011: Happy Halloween!

October's arrived and for many of us Halloween preparations are underway! Here's a look at some of the books, movies and other activities to keep us entertained this month.

NEW BOOKS IN OCTOBER

Shock Wave by John Sandford released 10-4-11

This is the fifth book in the Virgil Flowers series. A new superstore has its sights on a small Minnesota town and local businesses and environmentalists want to stop it. When bombs start going off at the headquarters of the superstore and the construction site, it is up to Flowers to find out who's behind it before more people get hurt.

Snuff by Terry Pratchett released 10-11-11

This is the 39th Discworld novel. At long last, Lady Sybil has lured her husband, Sam Vimes, on a well-deserved holiday away from the crime and grime of Ankh-Morpork. Yet a policeman will find a crime anywhere if he decides to look hard enough, and it’s not long before a body is discovered, and Sam must see that justice is done.

Damned by Chuck Palahniuk released 10-18-11

The daughter of a narcissistic film star and a billionaire, Madison is abandoned at her Swiss boarding school over Christmas. She dies over the holiday of an overdose and the next thing she knows, she’s in Hell. There she shares a cell with a cheerleader, a jock, a nerd and a punk rocker who together are on a quest to confront Satan.

Double Dexter by Jeff Lindsay released 10-18-11

This is the sixth book in the Dexter series. Dexter is not pleased to discover that someone is shadowing him, observ­ing him, and copying his methods. Dexter is not one to tol­erate displeasure . . . in fact, he has a knack for extricating himself from trouble in his own pleasurable way.

October Movies (based on books!)

The Big Year (PG)

Every year hundreds of birdwatchers race around North America hoping to be crowned the American Birding Association’s Big Year birding champion. Based on the nonfiction book by Mark Obmascik, this comedy starring Steve Martin, Owen Wilson and Jack Black comes to theaters Oct 14th.

The Three Musketeers (PG-13)

When a stubborn young man named D’Artagnan runs into the legendary Porthos, Athos and Aramis, they soon see they’ll have to work together to protect the King of France. The latest incarnation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic story hits theaters on Oct. 21st in 3D.

Toast (NR)

Nigel Slater is nine when mom dies, and ill-equipped to deal with his abusive and distant father. He finds solace in the kitchen and unwittingly starts down the path that will make him a food writer for the London Observer. Based on Slater’s memoir, this film arrives at Circle Cinema Oct. 21st.

The Rum Diary (R)

Paul Kemp is a 30-year-old, New York writer who’s taken a newspaper job in Puerto Rico. Surrounded by drunks and has-beens, Kemp fears he may end up just like them. Johnny Depp stars in this film based on the novel by Hunter S. Thompson, coming to theaters on Oct. 28th.

Local Events: Tulsa Library Anime MiniCon

The Tulsa City-County Library’s Anime Minicon is back! It begins Saturday, October 29th at 1pm with martial arts demonstrations from Tulsa Martial Arts. Then at 2pm, Gene Yang, author of “American Born Chinese” and “Level Up,” will talk about why and how he makes comics. The first 200 teens will receive a free copy of “American Born Chinese.” At 3pm kids can choose between entering the cosplay contest or attending a Minicomic Workshop. Located at Hardesty Regional Library, this event is free and open to the public. Visit tulsalibrary.org for more details, including information on how to enter TCCL’s Anime Minicon art contest for ages 10-18.