Hennepin County Library: Bookspace Blog http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Latest book news from Hennepin County Library Copyright 2009 Hennepin County Library en-us Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:46:18 CDT Hennepin County Library 64 64 http://www.hclib.org/ http://www.hclib.org/pub/images/countywebsite/hcl_logo.gif Electric Literature - Blog post for Nov 6, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Electric Literature is a quarterly that strives to offer literary fiction for contemporary consumers, via paper, blog, Kindle, iPhone, YouTube, Twitter and audiobook. Writers such as Michael Cunningham, Colson Whitehead and Lydia Davis have been featured.
Check out their Twitter feed,  YouTube channel and Facebook page.]]> Jeff R. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 17:05:41 CDT The Business Book of the Year - Blog post for Oct 30, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Financial Times and Goldman Sachs announced the 2009 Business Book of the Year: Liaquat Ahamed's Lords of Finance: 1929, The Great Depression, and The Bankers Who Broke the World. This year's winner tells the story of how mistakes made by four central bankers fueled the world economic collapse of the late 1920s.

Other finalists this year included:

]]> Stephanie S. Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:51:15 CDT Cartoonist DVD Examines Life of Jeff Smith - Blog post for Oct 29, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Bone, Jeff Smith created something truly original. “Bugs Bunny meets Lord of the Rings,” is the way he likes to describe his part action part comic book series. Learn more about how this artist got his startand how comics and graphic novels have changed over the years by watching Cartoonist: Jeff Smith, Bone, and the Changing Face of Comics.]]> Johannah G. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:01:34 CDT Edgar Allan Poe's Funeral in 2009 - Blog post for Oct 21, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Edgar Allan Poe died at age 40, and only 7 people attended his first funeral. Fans decided it was time for him to be honored properly with a full scale memorial in Baltimore on October 11 of this year. The author/editor Ellen Datlow describes the funeral service in her blog and shares the eulogy she wrote for him.

If you'd like to honor the great one yourself, watch this performance by Vincent Price of Poe's poem The Raven and revel in the chilly goodness of his macabre sense of story.]]> Jody W. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:40:03 CDT 10 Scariest Stephen King Novels and More! - Blog post for Oct 14, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ 10 Scariest Stephen King Novels.  I don't agree with the all the list.  I think It should have definately been included.  What do you think?  For fun, follow along with all the specials for the month including greatest toys based on H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu. Loved it!  I think I need me a pair of Cthulhu plush slippers.]]> Christine C. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:01:31 CDT Harvey Awards 2009 - Blog post for Oct 14, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ the Harvey Awards, recently announced at the Baltimore Comi-Con.  Here's a Comic Book Resources article about the event itself, and a quick summary of the winners.

Best New Series:  Echo, by Terry Moore
Best Writer: All-Star Superman, by Grant Morrison and Frank Quietly (art)
The Umbrella Academy, by Gerard Way (Dave Stewart as Best Colorist and Gabriel Ba as Best Artist)
Best Anthology: Comic Book Tattoo: narrative art inspired by the lyrics and music of Tori Amos
Best New Talent: The Mice Templar, by Bryan J.L. Glass]]> Jody W. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:45:36 CDT Talented Tropper - Blog post for Oct 12, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ This is Where I Leave You, thirty-something Judd Foxman tells the story of sitting shiva after the family patriarch dies. The tale takes place over one week.  Judd's marriage has just fallen apart when he discovered his wife Jen is having an affair with his radio personality boss. Now unemployed, Judd recently moved into a rundown apartment. On top of those traumatic events, the thought of sitting around for seven days with his dysfunctional family is disturbing, as is the disorienting grief he feels about losing his father. Tropper's style perfectly blends pathos with laugh-out-loud moments. Several wonderfully awkward situations (which may offend some readers) showcase Tropper's great imagination and talent. I agree with an Amazon reader who says, "If all books were like this, I'd spend my life reading."]]> Kim B. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:08:14 CDT A Club for Book Clubs - Blog post for Oct 6, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Book Club Club." The new page offers book clubs news and suggestions, as well as a list of Minnesota book clubs that are open to the public. Local book clubs can register to receive invitations to events and a monthly email with news, tips, and coupons; clubs will also be entered in drawings for literary event tickets and prizes.]]> Sharon M. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:43:01 CDT More about Google Books - Blog post for Oct 3, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ The Google Books Settlement: Who is Filing and What are They Saying?]]> Jeff R. Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:45:07 CDT The best dystopia I know - Blog post for Oct 1, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood. This book is vintage Atwood – part dystopia, part absurdly funny, part tragic, and filled throughout with a haunting sense of relevance. This is the story of life gone wrong in a near future world in which genetic engineering is applied to everything from the food to transgenic pets (ask for a pigoon at PetSmart sometime). Driving the plot is an exciting adventure that carries the reader through to the climax and leaves you wondering about the fate of the main character, Snowman. I’ve read the book twice already and am on the (long) waiting list for Atwood’s newest novel, “The Year of the Flood” in which it looks like Snowman may make an appearance (if he ever survived). Forget “Flash Forward” and “V” on the television…sit at Snowman’s feet and hear an amazing tale. If you're someone who would like to stop time you can do so for 374 pages with this outstanding novel.]]> David L. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:34:48 CDT October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month - Blog post for Sep 29, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ shelter dog, the library has lots of resources to help.  Even if you're not adopting a dog this month, you'll find some great dog stories and irresistible photos!]]> Jennifer L. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:08:40 CDT FallCon Comic Book Celebration - Blog post for Sep 23, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ website.]]> Johannah G. Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:11:39 CDT A Darker Bridget Jones from Minneapolis - Blog post for Sep 19, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Single you understand why. Jennifer, in her early thirties, lives in Minneapolis, barely tolerates her job as copywriter at Keller's, a family run department store, and has many disastrous first dates (these are so fun to read). Self-deprecating Jennifer enjoys her vintage toys (she spends a lot of time playing with a miniature dollhouse and its Tinkertoy family... this is therapeutic for her) and she considers the salesgirl at Cinnabon her hero. Then she meets Brad Keller, the handsome and rich son of her employer. The Star Tribune said, "This brash and funny novel plays with the form, with a dark, intelligent and wholly unexpected conclusion. Jennifer is uncomfortable, wickedly funny and ultimately likable..."]]> Kim B. Sat, 19 Sep 2009 09:39:00 CDT The Minnesota Gastronomical Landscape - Blog post for Sep 18, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ It's fall and Minnesota gardens and farmer's markets are full of all sorts of tasty homegrown goods.  Check out these fabulous Minnesota cookbooks, accompanied by all sorts of Minnesota gastronomical lore, for ideas on how to take full advantage of the harvest!

Don't miss your chance to hear three of these local authors, live at your library.  Catherine Friend, author of The Compassionate Carnivore, will read at the Ridgedale Library on Monday, Sept. 28, at 7pm.  The author of Never Trust a Thin Cook!, Eric Dregni, will share his gastronomical and cultural adventures in Italy at the Southdale Library on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 7pm.  And come December, watch for an appearance at the Ridgedale Library by Dara Moscowitz Grumdahl, Minnesota Monthly food critic and author of the forthcoming Drink This!

]]> Stephanie S. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:26:11 CDT Strange Horizons - Blog post for Sep 18, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Strange Horizons.  A venue for new authors to be discovered, the magazine includes more than just short fiction.  The art gallery, articles, columns, poetry and reviews are treasure troves for anyone who wants to know the story behind the stories.  Check it out!]]> Jody W. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:04:38 CDT Hispanic Heritage Month - Blog post for Sep 15, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Favorite Reads by Hispanic American Authors 
Favorite Reads by Latin American and Spanish Authors

Libros por Escritores Americanos de Origen Hispano
Libros por Escritores Latinoamericanos y Espaņoles
]]> Sharon M. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:27:32 CDT Whatever Happened? - Blog post for Sep 9, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Superman: Whatever happened to the Man of Tomorrow? describes The Man of Steel's last stand against villains such as Lex Luthor and Brainiac with art by Curt Swan, the definitive Superman artist from the 1950's through the 1980's.

In Batman: Whatever happened to the Caped Crusader? Neil Gaiman tells the tale of Batman's wake, which reveals the hidden thoughts and feelings of both his friends and enemies, captured in the art of Andy Kubert.  

You can't beat brilliant writers like Moore and Gaiman tackling stories based on two of the most famous heroes of all time.  You may find yourself asking, "Whatever happened to the time?"]]> Jody W. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:30:57 CDT Cold-blooded Zombies are Hot, Hot, Hot - Blog post for Sep 3, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/
One very fun book is a mash-up between the actual text of Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice and a young writer's vision of Mr. Bennet's daughters as kick-butt zombie slayers.  Check out Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: the classic Regency romance - now with ultraviolent zombie mayhem! if you don't believe me.

Alot of interest in zombies got kick-started by Max Brooks' very cool novel World War Z: an oral history of the zombie war where he sets up a story where germ warfare runs amok in a disastrous ways.  If you like your zombies in graphic novel form, I highly recommend Robert Kirkman's The Walking Dead series where an epidemic changes the face of the world.

Zombies have also hit the teen book shelf with funny books like You Are So Undead to Me by Stacey Jay as well as historic thrillers like The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan.  What will be next, I wonder?]]> Jody W. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:55:12 CDT Using Twitter to improve writing skills - Blog post for Sep 2, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ OnlineColleges.net, has tips and advice for business and creative writers, journalists and reporters, bloggers, even editors and proofreaders.]]> Jeff R. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:27:10 CDT Blown away by Sunrise - Blog post for Sep 1, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Once again we have a book written primarily for teens but that adults should read. Sunrise Over Fallujah, by Walter Dean Myers, is the story of Robin “Birdy” Perry, a young new army recruit who has left his Harlem home in 2003 to serve his country in Iraq following 9/11. The first person story tracks his experience – physical and emotional – as the reality and horror of his decision play out.   I’m not a war story fan, but I could not put this book down. Myers, one of the most respected young adult authors of our day, develops the personalities of the men and women in Birdy’s battalion to the point where we genuinely care for their well-being. There is plenty of suspense inherent in the nature of this war, with IEDs exploding without warning and little visible difference between hostile and friendly Iraqis. Myers served in the Korean War and his brother was killed in Vietnam so he knows of what he writes. The term “pink misted” haunted me for days after reading this book. If you liked Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried” you will certainly be drawn into this story as well. An important and well written book.   ]]> David L. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:19:12 CDT September is National Preparedness Month - Blog post for Aug 22, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ prepared for a natural or man-made disaster .]]> Jennifer L. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:46:21 CDT Louise Erdrich a Finalist for Dayton Literary Peace Prize - Blog post for Aug 20, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ website.]]> Kim B. Thu, 20 Aug 2009 09:16:50 CDT 2009 RITA Award Winners - Blog post for Aug 19, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ this year's RITA Award winners!  All winning titles are owned by the Hennepin County Library system, so be sure to reserve your copy today!]]> DJ Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:53:42 CDT David Small Appearing at Magers & Quinn in September - Blog post for Aug 13, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Stitches, will be released in September. The book has received positive reviews from The New Yorker, Stan Lee and Robert Crumb and should be a contender for next year’s Eisner Awards. This librarian had the privilege of reading an advance copy and thought it was great – dark, twisted, and moving.]]> Johannah G. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:39:14 CDT Little Giant of Aberdeen County - Blog post for Aug 10, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ • Find Little Giant of Aberdeen County in the Library Catalog
]]> Kim B. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:13:28 CDT Kindle E-book Reader - Blog post for Aug 5, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Wikipedia page, a YouTube video and a blog called the Kindle Reader.]]> Jeff R. Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:48:42 CDT Practical Finance - Blog post for Aug 4, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Practical Finance and Business and Economics booklists!]]> Stephanie S. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:36:16 CDT Death Row - Blog post for Aug 3, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ • Find Death Row in the Library Catalog
]]> Jean B. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:57:13 CDT Humor and Tragedy in Native America - Blog post for Jul 29, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ Louise Erdrich with The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse.  "Almost all of her novels are wonderful, but this one captures all her best qualitites,” she said. A good call. This is a tale of an Ojibwe priest, Father Damien, nearing the end of his life and struggling with a lifelong secret about his identity that he knows will be revealed upon his death. Father Damien’s encounter with a deeply troubled colleague as well as others on the reservation provides a blend of humor and tragedy that is complimented by Erdrich’s lyrical prose. Another Native American author, Sherman Alexie, combines similar humor and tragedy (read “Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”) and has spoken on how Native American culture often combines absurd humor with real tragedy, in some ways as a way for individuals to deal with their circumstance. “Last Resort” is a fine example of both this quality and of Erdrich’s marvelous craft as a writer. If you’ve not read this fine local author, this would be great introduction.]]> David L. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:39:19 CDT Eisner Award Winners Announced - Blog post for Jul 29, 2009 http://www.hclib.org/pub/bookspace/blog/ What It Is. She won in the category for best reality-based work. To view the complete listing, go to the Comic-Con International San Diego website]]> Johannah G. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:23:26 CDT