For several hours a week, I work at the Huntley Library re-shelving items. During this process, opportunity presents itself for me to peruse materials I’d not see while looking on my own. Very often I say to myself, oh, that looks interesting … and then I keep it or jot down the info. I’ll share some with you that pique my interest.
Pacific
by Simon Winchester
909.098 WIN
This is another book I sought after hearing the NY Times best-selling author interviewed on WGN radio. He spoke about the creation of the first Japanese transistor radio which led to the Sony Corporation. He explained that the book is a collection of essays, each about 35-40 pages long, focusing on key moments since 1950 that speak to events important to us today. The first chapter, for example, is about President Truman and the development of the hydrogen bomb. Chapter 4 is about the capture of the USS Pueblo by North Korea early in 1968. It does not look like a “fast read” and maybe not a book you’d read cover to cover, but I like the idea of history in a nutshell.
The Electrifying Fall of Rainbow City
by Margaret Creighton
974.7 CRE
Putting this book away on the NEW shelf caused me to wonder just what city is (or was) “the rainbow” city. Do you know? Do you have a guess? Hint: In 1901, it was the 8th largest city in the US. The book is newly published and appears to be well-researched judging by the extensive notes and bibliography at the end of 274 pages. Black & white pictures/photos enhance the history. More hints: a lady in a barrel and President McKinley.
The Year of Fog
by Michelle Richmond
FIC RIC
Such an intriguing title. So many topic possibilities, I had to examine this book further. Yikes, the back cover reviews and the inside flap use words like: riveting, haunting, gripping, moving. Apparently, it’s the story of a photographer, a soon-to-be-step-mother, a walk on the beach, a seal pup diverting her attention, and then…a missing 6 year old.
100 Things To Do Before You Grow Up
by Lisa Gerry
JUV 790.192 GER
As the call number and title indicate, this book is geared to “tweens.” It might be a fun gift book if you have someone in that category. You could help them accomplish some. I thought I’d like to thumb through it to see how many of the 100 I have accomplished since…age-wise anyway…I am now grown up. Here’s one I have not done: #24, make homemade ice cream. I can start on that tomorrow! How about #86? Look through a telescope at the night sky.
