A World Elsewhere Wayne Johnston 1.30.2012

Follow Landish Druken, a larger than life character, in this sweeping novel set at the end of the 19th century. From Newfoundland to Princeton, New Jersey, to North Carolina, A World Elsewhere by Wayne Johnston lines up poor beside rich, loyalty with deceit. This is a strange and wondrous tale told with wit by a master Canadian writer, Marina says.

Museum Masterpieces: The Louvre The Great Courses 1.23.2012

Thanks to the Friends of the Library, The Great Courses -- an audio/DVD lecture series covering subjects from art, music, history and philosophy to sciences and mathematics delivered by top professors -- has been added to the library's collection. Sharon watched Museum Masterpieces: the Louvre and learned about how the museum and its collection evolved. She now feels she can shamelessly drop names such as Da Vinci, Vermeer, Delacroix, just to name a few.

The Blindness of the Heart Julia Franck 1.16.2012

Winner of the German Book Prize, The Blindness of the Heart by Julia Franck follows a woman in Germany from the beginning of World War I to the end of the World War II. The story just pulls you along, says Joan, a Friend of the Library, and you can't help but feel her despair and desperation. Joan considered it her favourite book of the year.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother Amy Chua 1.9.2012

Amy Chua chronicles how she raises her daughters in the traditional Chinese way in her book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. In other words, she forbids play dates, television, sleepovers or grades below A. As strict as that seems, the girls don't resent it and Chua gets positive results. So, Susan S. asks, are Western parents too lenient? Definitely worth looking into.

I'd Listen to My Parents If They'd Just Shut Up Anthony Wolf 1.2.2012

I'd Listen to My Parents if They'd Just Shut Up by Anthony Wolf is a humourous book vital to parents wanting to ensure a good relationship with their teen. It explores many scenarios oft-heard at home and helps parents choose what to say--but especially what NOT to say--to get the desired outcome. Laurie says it's an easy and enjoyable read that will keep you smiling even when the message is often "Just shut up!"

     Read more staff bookshelf entries from 2011 »