Staff Picks – The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap

The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch

For those of us who have dreamed of owning our own bookstore or for those who just dream of having an independently owned bookstore in their community, The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch will serve as inspiration and give a glimpse into the reality of such an adventure. I say adventure because of the wonderful tales that Wendy relates of customers, the bookstore cats and more.

Wendy and her husband Jack, a native of Scotland, decided to settle down in Big Stone Gap, a small town tucked deep into the mountains of southwest Virginia. They purchased a Victorian home downtown with plans to liveupstairs and operate a used bookstore downstairs. The book takes us into life in a small Appalachian community where everyone knows everyone and two strangers opening a bookstore become the talk of the town. After initial struggles with local politics and negativity, Wendy and Jack become important members of the community, providing a venue for discussion groups, town meetings, musical entertainment and dances. During the course of the book Wendy introduces us to colorful characters who frequent the bookstore, out of state wanderers and the closeness of small town living.

I truly recommend this book for everyone who has ever been laughed at or discouraged for chasing their dreams, to those who dream of doing what most folks label as impossible and for those of us who want to be encouraged about life in small towns across the United States. Wendy does a good job of describing small town politics and the pure joy of owning your own business that is actually supporting itself in the downturned economy that is so noticeable in the coal country of Central Appalachia.

Recently, Tails of the Lonesome Pine Bookstore (which is actually the real name instead of The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap) hired a storekeeper so that Wendy and Jack could tour bookstores across the United States to promote both their store and Wendy’s new book. Life continued as normal in Big Stone Gap and there was even a wedding held at the bookstore in October. Wendy keeps a blog going at http://wendywelchbigstonegap.wordpress.com/ where folks can keep up with weekly happenings at the store. I think that this book has inspired a road trip for me.

Recommended by: Wendy J.

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Staff Picks- For the Love of Pumpkins

For the Love of Pumpkins by Sarah Marie Talley

This time I picked another Halloween inspiration book to get me ready for my favorite holiday. 🙂 This one caught my attention from the shelves because of the adorably carved pumpkins on the front, and because really who doesn’t love pumpkins at Halloween? The subtitle for this book is “A Visual Guide to Fall Decorating with Pumpkins and Ornamentals”. If you’re looking for exhaustive descriptions of how to recreate the ideas in the book, this isn’t the one for you. There are simple descriptions for each project, but the main focus of this book really is the pictures. (Thus the Visual Guide part, I guess.) And boy, the pictures really are worth it. There are some really adorable displays, and some very elegant ones, and some things I have never seen before and certainly couldn’t have brainstormed on my own! One of the prettiest and most unique ideas I saw in the book was probably the three-tiered pumpkin fountain. They accented the fountain with fresh bittersweet branches and the result was a lush, beautiful, harvest fountain.

As far as the text goes, there seems to be just enough to get you through the projects, but for those of us that sometimes need a little more of the step-by-step instructions, certain steps may leave us stumbling. There are recipes for the Thanksgiving portion of the book that are standard step-by-step fare though, and there is a very informative appendix in the back of the book that details all the different types of pumpkins and gourds found throughout the book. There’s also a lovely (but short) section at the beginning about the pumpkin process – from how the pumpkins are grown and harvested to how to select and care for your pumpkin. I really enjoy the layout of the book – there are often mosaics of pictures on each page, the photos themselves are all well-composed and eye-catching, and where there are blocks of text they fit in instead of breaking the flow of pictures.

All in all I would recommend this book to people looking for Halloween and other fall design ideas who are more visually inspired. If you are a more concrete builder, painstakingly following each direction to create your desired outcome, this is probably not the book for you. But even then, it’s certainly worth a look for the information on pumpkins and the gorgeous pictures!

Recommended by: Ashley at Main
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Staff Picks – Halloween with Matthew Mead

Halloween with Matthew Mead

With a change of pace this week, I will be reviewing a non-fiction title! Just in time for our next upcoming holiday, I want to talk to you about “Halloween with Matthew Mead.” This is a new book that was ordered recently by our Sophia branch, and I have to say, it was a great purchase! On the cover of the book we’re promised some “style made shockingly simple”. I didn’t exactly believe that claim, since in my experience of checking out many many Halloween idea books (it’s one of my favorite holidays!) usually the suggestions provided require such skill and so much time that all I can do is look at the pictures and dream. You can imagine how pleasantly surprised I was when I realized most of the ideas in this book were actually projects I could do!
From the whimsical (ideas for a “forest fete” complete with mushrooms and little mice) to the elegant (a “white magic” party with white-on-white décor and treats) to the down-right cute (a “pirate’s booty” party for kids), this book really has ideas for just about everyone. I have to say, my favorites have to be either the green “martian eye cookies” or maybe the adorable (and totally simple!) “pantry pals”.. staring carrots with black-eyed peas as eyes! I am definitely copying a few recipes and ideas from this book, and anyone else who likes to put on a party for Halloween should give it a look too!

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Staff Picks – Imagine

Imagine: How Creativity Works by Jonah Lehrer

This book came across the desk the other day and I decided I would read it. It is about how creativity works. I don’t think of myself as being creative so I thought it might help me develop that quality.

The book started with a discussion of right and left brain. Oddly enough, it came from studying people with brain damage. They used to tell people that had brain damage on the right side that they were the lucky ones because the left side is where speech and understanding of language is located. However, they noticed that people with brain damage on the right side could not “get” jokes and did not understand metaphors. They summed up this phenomenon by saying the left brain, sees the trees but the right brain sees the forest. The left brain is the center where you can focus on one subject. The right brain is where creativity comes from. That is where you put 2+2 together. Consequently, that makes people with ADHD unable to focus, but much more creative than the rest of us.

I found this book to be fascinating! Some of the things that can contribute to being creative is: living in a city, being depressed, letting go, traveling and daydreaming. Being an expert in some field guarantees you will not be creative in that area. It seems to be better if you don’t know much about what you’re trying to figure out. There’s hope for us regular people after all.

The book is “Imagine: How Creativity Works” by Jonah Lehrer. At this time it can be found in the new books under 153.35 Lehrer.

Recommended by: Kay at Main

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Staff Picks – 15 Minute Gentle Yoga

15 Minute Gentle Yoga by Louise Grime

This book and DVD combo is perfect for anyone who is too busy to invest a lot of time in exercise, those of us who can’t get out to a yoga or fitness class for whatever reason, anyone who is looking to supplement their practice, or just learn a few more poses. Also, it’s perfect for beginners. It is wonderful for both audio and visual learners. The book includes written instructions and pictures that take you step-by-step through each pose. The DVD includes page number references that flash up on the screen, so you can locate the corresponding page in the book if you find that easier to follow. The DVD also has options to watch with or without audio instruction. The book and DVD were designed to work and be used together. I recommend reading the entire book and viewing the DVD once before trying any of the workouts.

The book is divided into user friendly sections, including: instructions on how to use this book, an introduction and more information about the practice of yoga, advice for beginners, practicing safely, and detailing the proper clothing and needed equipment, which is very little–all you really need is a yoga mat or non-slip surface and a rolled up blanket or large towel. There are four sequences that are designed for different parts of the day: 1) Rise and Shine 2) Strengthening 3) Early Evening Energizer and 4) Winding Down. You can do any of the sequences whenever you’d like in any combination. Just be certain to follow the instructions carefully and go at a pace that is comfortable for you.

As always, be sure to check with your health care provider before trying any fitness program, especially if you are pregnant, have any injury or illness, take certain medications, or any health concerns. Stop if you feel dizzy, out of breath, or have any pain. Some yoga poses are inappropriate for various conditions, but with the help of your doctor and a certified yoga instructor, you can develop a practice that is safe and fits your needs.

I enjoyed the program so much that I purchased my own copy after borrowing it from our library and practice it frequently. Take your time learning or, if you already practice yoga, enjoy these simple routines as part of your daily practice or use in them in place of a longer regular practice when you are pressed for time. Keep in mind that it is not expected that you’ll perform the poses perfectly at first–that is why it’s called a yoga “practice.” And don’t forget to breathe!

If yoga doesn’t appeal to you, this is actually part of a set of 15 minute workouts published by DK. We have the following titles in our library collection: 15 Minute Abs Workout, 15 Minute Better Back Workout, 15 Minute Everyday Pilates, and 15 Minute Total Body Workout.

Recommended by: Crystal at Main

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Staff Picks – Savvy Saving

Savvy Saving by Melissa Jennings and Shelley King

This is a well-organized, quick read for anyone who is interested in saving money, couponing, or creating a family budget. Although the authors and ultimate target audience for the book are stay at home moms with plenty of storage space, the general tips can be adapted to various lifestyles, and the authors even give tips for doing so throughout the book. You can choose the sections of the book that work better for your lifestyle and available space. I live in a small apartment with my husband and cat; we don’t have the need or the space to keep six months’ worth of supplies in basement pantries or deep freezers like the authors!

I found the chapters on how to make coupons work better for you, including information on store’s coupon policies, coupon lingo, and various websites where you can download and print coupons, as well as obtain free samples quite helpful. There are also tips for saving while shopping online. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on living frugally naturally and how to save money on healthy and organic foods. Other sections include information on the following:

• menu planning
• how to organize your coupons, savings, receipts, and family budget
• holiday shopping tips
• savings on dining out
• savings in drugstores
• learning to observe sales cycles and the best times to buy certain items
• stockpiling in small spaces
• organizing your stockpile

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in cutting food costs. I think the authors present useful information for both the novice and seasoned savvy shopper.

Location/Call number: Sophia PL New books Non-fiction 640.73 Jennings

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Staff Picks – Gothicka

GOTHICKA: Vampire Heroes, Human Gods, and the New Supernatural by Victoria Nelson

Young adults and many regular adults, myself included, are today enchanted by vampires and other supernatural and fantasy characters. Many of these are portrayed in current, wildly popular books, such as those by Stephanie Meyer (the Twilight series), Morgan Rice (Vampire journals), and Nancy Holder (the Wicked series).

This book by Victoria Nelson explores the origins of this genre, which is designated Gothick, coming from the terms Gothic, which means medieval time period, and Gothick, which is a dark romanticism (sinful clerics of both sexes, incest, ghosts, and murder). Old Gothick served as a back door to the world beyond. Today’s Gothick suggests that if we want to get to heaven, monsters can help show us that it’s here on earth.

Gothick is a genre primarily written for young people but it has shown an uncanny ability to adapt to many social and cultural differences, hence its appeal to a very wide audience. The hero and heroines of early Gothick novels were most likely the first Emos — for people in the know, I need say no more; for others, i.e., some parents & grandparents, emo is short for emotional.

The American Gothick run is not over; there is a dedication to story as well as outrageousness and shifty ways of expressing that story that push beyond expected limits.

I recommend this book to parents of young adults who read this genre. It will help the parents understand why their children like to read this type of story.

Long live Gothicka!

Recommended by Stacy at Main

Find this book in the Adult non-fiction collection at 700.415 Nelson or check its availibility on our catalog!

Staff Picks – The Barefoot Sisters: Walking Home

THE BAREFOOT SISTERS: WALKING HOME by Lucy and Susan Letcher a.k.a. Isis and jackrabbit

Volume 2 of the Barefoot Sisters’ adventures hiking the Appalachian Trail is every bit as fun to read as was the first book (Southbound). The months of better weather for the northbound hike presented plenty of new experiences, ranging from extraordinary scenery and easier terrain to poison ivy, rattlesnakes, and even a bout with Lyme Disease.

Isis and jackrabbit met another batch of thru-hikers (northbound like themselves) who quickly became new friends. These folks met at various times in various shelters, hostels, and pizza restaurants, but occasionally all gathered for special hiker events, such as Trail Days and The Gathering. The two young women also made a couple of side trips with hiker friends. Two of the special ones were spring break in a fabulous house on a Florida beach and tourist time in New York City.

The pages progress with journal entries from the girls, usually alternating. It is easy for the reader to get caught up in the prose that is beautifully written—descriptions make you feel like you are right there with them, plus their inner feelings are not held back.

Each book can be read as its own adventure, but the two together are a journey that is poignant, fun, and real.

Find this one in adult nonfiction: 917.4 Letcher

Recommended by: Paula at Main

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Staff Picks – The Barefoot Sisters: Southbound

The Barefoot Sisters: Southbound by Lucy and Susan Letcher a.k.a. Isis and jackrabbit

There is a glossary for the Appalachian Trail. MEGA is short for the hike from Maine to Georgia, some 2,160 miles; GAME is from Georgia to Maine. “Sobo” and “nobo” are short for the hikers going southbound or northbound. “Thru-hikers” are those intent on hiking the whole distance. “Zero” is a rest day, where no hiking is done.

The zero days occur mainly because of inclement weather or injuries, but sometimes they are just days to replenish a hiker’s food supply and motivation, along with taking a shower. The times that the heroines of this book most needed a few of these days were when they faced snowstorms, knee-high snow depths, gusting wind, zero temperatures, and near-zero visibility as they traversed the mountains of Virginia and West Virginia during December and January.

Lucy and Susan decided to take time to hike the A.T. after Susan graduated from college. They were 25 and 21, respectively. The other decision they made was to hike it barefoot. After a few days acclimating their feet to the ground with its little stones, tree roots, etc., they happily kept their shoes in their packs as they got used to walking in sync with the earth’s surface. Their reputation as The Barefoot Sisters quickly spread and along the whole trail other hikers marveled at their skill and were thrilled to meet the two young women in person.

Other hikers were plentiful, each with his/her own trail name (Lucy and Susan soon adopted Isis and jackrabbit as theirs), and a firm camaraderie built up with many of them. Even when not hiking together, individuals, couples, pairs, man and dog, and even a family of 7 (2 parents and 5 children from teenager to toddler) frequently met at shelters or in towns when a resupply was needed.

This book is a journey and an adventure built around the experience of hiking the Appalachian Trail. The reader not only gets immersed in the hiking itself, but also in the human nature stories. After a few chapters, it is easy for the reader to get excited along with Isis and jackrabbit when Waterfall or Black Forest or Lash or Heald & Annie (dog) come into their path again.

Even if you are not as enthralled as I am with the A.T., I believe you would enjoy this fantastic story. You might even join me in reading their second book where the sisters hike from Georgia back up to Maine!

Found in Adult Nonfiction 917.404 Letcher (c2009).

Recommended by: Paula at Main

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Staff Picks – Alcatraz

Alcatraz: History and Design of an Icon by Donald MacDonald and Ira Nadel

Did you know that the island on which Alcatraz sits was the property of the King of Spain until 1846? After the Mexican-American War in 1848, the island became the property of the U.S. government and was established as a fortress. In 1909, it became a prison to house U.S. soldiers convicted of crimes in the Philippines. During the intervening years, different levels of fortress were constructed and the uses of the buildings also varied in many ways.

In this small book, the authors tell the story of this legendary American landmark. Included are pictures of the island and the buildings – both outside and inside – all hand-drawn plans by architect MacDonald.

Even the identification of the facility changed through the years – citadel, fortress, prison, disciplinary barracks, anti-aircraft post, the “Rock.” Various architectural styles also have been visible through the years and are displayed in the drawings, which decorate nearly every page.

In 1933, Alcatraz became the country’s first maximum-security prison. Authorities proclaimed: “In their individual cells, their ‘evil influence’ would not extend to others.” Regulations within the prison were severe; for example, each prisoner had to keep his cell “neat, clean and free from contraband.” There even was a diagram showing where each item in the cell had to be placed around a bed and on the two shelves that were provided.

This book, in its unique size and format, tells all, from the island’s discovery to its current use as a national park receiving more than one million visitors each year. I found this book to be an entertaining way to learn about the most famous prison in U.S. history.

In the adult nonfiction area: 979.461 MacDonald c2012.

Recommended by: Paula at Main

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