READ @ MPL

Vegetables, herbs & fruit : an illustrated encyclopedia by Matthew Biggs, Jekka McVicar and Bob Flowerdew (2006)

This is an excellent reference source for growing vegetables, herbs and fruit. Each entry contains most of the following information: history, varieties, cultivation, companion planting, recipes, medicinal uses, pest and diseases, warnings, and other uses. This encyclopedia is well organized and illustrated, and thorough. Check catalog for availability

Reader's Digest organic gardening for the 21st century : A complete guide to growing vetables, fruits, herbs and flowers by John Fedor ; consultant, Bob Sherman of HDRA ; photography by Steven Wooster (2001)

This book defines organic gardening and its importance. It follows with a discussion about soils and compost, and what they are. Next the book explains the importance of planning your garden and what you will plant when. Lastly, the reader will find instructions on tending their gardens and a directory of vegetables, fruits and herbs. Check catalog for availability

Midwest top 10 garden guide by Blodgett and the editors of Sunset Books (2004)

This beautiful book helps readers choose from a wide variety of plants, shrubs, trees and more that are suitable for Midwest gardens and landscapes. Readers will easily find favorites listed, when and where to plant, and how to care for their new green friends. Check catalog for availability

The plant finder : the right plants for every garden by senior consultants, Tony Rodd and Geoff Bryant ; [editors, Loretta Barnard ... [et al.]] (2007)

This book isn't kidding when it states that it contains "the right plants for every garden." Gardeners will find approximately 1,000 pages of illustrations and information for almost anything that can be planted into the ground. It would be difficult to locate a resource that is more comprehensive than this one. Check catalog for availability

You grow girl : the groundbreaking guide to gardening by by Gayla Trail ; illustrations by Leela Corman (2005)

From the author's website, "You Grow Girl™...speaks to a new kind of gardener, seeking to redefine the modern world relationship to plants. This contemporary, laid-back approach to gardening places equal importance on environmentalism, style, affordability, art, and humour." Gayla's book is written in the same fun, humorous style and full of useful information for any gardening girl... or boy. Check catalog for availability

Author's website and blog

- Submitted by Paula @ MPL Central

After the suicide of a friend, sixteen year old Adam has quit his beloved hockey team and withdrawn to his room where his only interest is his computer. Concerned about their son's behavior, Mike and Tia Baye decide to install software on Adam's computer that allows them to monitor his activities. But do they really want to know? As the Baye family descends into a world of deceit, drugs and murder, the ethics of spying are questioned. How much should a parent know about their teenager? This and other moral questions are examined in this tense thriller. Parents beware! This book may scare the socks off you! So turn off the TV, unplug the phone and enjoy this well written psychological shocker. Check catalog for availability.

- Submitted by Dan @ Central

Three chapters connect three stories with different characters and places with most recent events first, then shifting back in time. I, "The Heron's Wife," 1999; II, "Lion Park," 1966 and III, "The Rules of Love," 1952. It is essentially about how love can go wrong. Willful Madeleine Heller is drawn to her sister’s fiancé. Frieda Lewis, a doctor’s daughter, becomes the muse of a rock star. And gorgeous Bryn Evans plans to marry an Englishman while secretly infatuated with her ex-husband. Tying things together is Lucy Green, who blames herself for an accident she witnessed at the age of twelve, and who spends four decades searching for the Third Angel – the angel on earth who will renew her faith. Check catalog for availability.

- Submitted by Jacki @ Central

The Queen's Man : A Medieval Mystery by Sharon Kay Penman, 1996

In 1193 Justin de Quincy becomes Eleanor of Aquitaine’s’ confidant. He diligently pursues secret traitors and murderers. Exciting action, adventure and friends lead Justin to uncover and solve dangerous plots against the queen and save the day… until next time. This book is the first in a series. Check catalog for availability.

I'd rate this one fun, light and entertaining.

- Submitted by Paula @ MPL Central

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

The Vietnam War experiences of the author are told in this outstanding work of fiction. This novel was a finalist for both the 1990 Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award and the acclaim is well deserved. The book is not a novel in the traditional sense, or a collection of short stories and not quite a memoir. The narrative is more a melding of all three formats into an inter-related work consisting of twenty-two stories that combine the war experiences of the narrator who also happens to be named Tim O'Brien but is not the author! The narrator having the same name as the author further blurs what is to be considered "truth" with fiction. The thread that holds all twenty-two stories together are the things that the soldiers carried in their packs, their consciences and their hearts while serving in the same platoon. Less an examination of the politics of war than a kaleidoscope of the memories and feelings created by it, this book is literary art at its best. Check catalog for availability.

Please join us at the Central Library on Tuesday, May 13th at 7pm for a discussion of this exceptional work. However, prior reading of this book is not necessary to join in the discussion. Tell the group about your experiences in the military or discuss the impact of military service on your family. Any and all contributions are welcome!

- Submitted by Dan @ Central

Even if you haven't seen Juno yet, chances are you've heard of it: Juno MacGuff is a cool, confident teenager who takes a nine-month detour into adulthood when she's faced with an unplanned pregnancy and sets out to find the perfect parents for her baby. Chances are you've also heard of Diablo Cody, who won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for this debut script.

Diablo also penned a memoir, Candy Girl, in which she recounts her decision to work as a stripper despite her profile as an intelligent woman with a supportive boyfriend and positive family life, describing the lessons she learned in gentlemen's clubs and elsewhere. Check catalog for availability.

- Submitted by Jacki @ Central

I recently read a couple of excellent non-fiction titles by Trevor Corson. In each he explores a modern day activity and deftly blends in extremely well-researched historical and scientific context. The results make for both entertaining and informative reading.

The Zen of Fish (2007)
Corson follows a class as they progress through an intensive twelve week course at the California Sushi Academy. He puts special focus on student Kate, who gets off to a shaky start but determinedly finds her way. Throughout, Corson gives one plenty to think about, especially in terms of sushi etiquette and fish species conservation. Highly recommended for sushi aficionados. Check catalog for availability.

The Secret Life of Lobsters (2005)
In this earlier work, Corson documents not only the lives of lobsters but also a lobster fishing community in Maine and several lobster-studying scientists. Lobsters definitely have odd social customs and especially unique sex lives. And the men and women who spend their lives harvesting and researching lobsters are an interesting bunch as well. All in all, a gripping read. Check catalog for availability.

- Submitted by Tom @ MPL Central

Post Office by Charles Bukowski

The first novel by "Beat" poet Bukowski is an excellent introduction to the writings of this acclaimed and original poet/novelist. Though decidedly harsh in terms of language and subject matter, Bukowski opens a window into his life as a mail sorter/carrier in a way only a writer of exceptional talent and vision can. Published in 1971, this novel is a true contemporary classic. Check catalog for availability.

For a good starting point in sampling the poetry of Bukowski try:

The People Look Like Flowers at Last: New Poems by Charles Bukowski

This posthumously published collection of poetry is the 5th from Bukowski since his death in 1994. Using poetry to explain his philosophy on life, this fine collection will enlighten the reader to the inner workings of Bukowski's mind through his alter-ego character Chinaski. Poems on topics such as gambling, women, and booze are the norm from this outstanding poet. Check catalog for availability.

- Submitted by Dan @ Central

Handsome wastrel and dandy Sebastian Horsley has written an improbably hilarious memoir of alcoholism, drug addiction, and recovery. Rich, well-connected and always impeccably dressed, Horsley willfully degrades himself in every imaginable way. And yet he is so witty and likeable you gladly go along for the ride. Not for the squeamish (he undergoes an actual crucifiction in the Philippines at one point), but fans of Oscar Wilde will be delighted. Check catalog for availability.

- Submitted by Mary @ Forest Home

The Queen's Handmaiden by Jennifer Ashley, 2007

The narrator of this story, seamstress Eloise, becomes Princess Elizabeth's favorite lady-in-waiting. She recounts her own story as well as Elizabeth's from childhood to the throne. Check catalog for availability.

I found this book a bit dull and slow until the end when the action, danger and romance picked-up. I would recommend the following books instead.

The Queen's Fool: A Novel by Philippa Gregory, 2004

The narrator of this story, the court's fool and secretly Jewish, Hannah Green, recounts the turbulent and dangerous times of Queen Mary and later Queen Elizabeth. Gregory offers more depth in her characters, an intricate plot and a bit of magic to these historic times. Check catalog for availability.

Gregory's style and attention to detail make for an enthralling read.

The Innocent: A Novel by Posie Graeme-Evans, 2004

The narrator and main character of this story, Anne de Bohun recounts her own tale as an herbal healer, business woman and mistress to King Edward IV. Anne finds numerous enemies and almost insurmountable dangers everywhere she goes. The action is nonstop, but unwanted by Anne. First book in a trilogy. Check catalog for availability.

Although I found some of Anne's adventures to be unbelievable, the action kept me quickly reading until I completed book three.

- Submitted by Paula @ MPL Central