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.