Monday, September 30, 2013

Author Profile : Kate Morton

I (Julie) have recently read all four of Kate Morton's books and really enjoyed every one.  Kate Morton is an Australian author whose books are based mostly in England.  Her writing style is very enjoyable.  She slowly, but steadily draws the reader towards the culmination of the mysteries of her books.  I had a hard time putting them down.
Ms. Morton's first book is The House at Riverton (2006).  First published in Australia as The Shifting Fog, The House at Riverton is the story of Grace.  In 1914, Grace becomes at housemaid at Riverton and for the next ten years finds her life inextricably intertwined with the lives of the daughters of Riverton, Hannah and Emmeline Hartford.  However, when we first meet Grace she is living in a nursing home, a woman in her 90's.  A filmmaker has contacted her, asking for her remembrances of 1924, the year a noted poet killed himself at Riverton.  Grace takes the reader back in her memory to the time of WWI, the changing society, women's suffrage, and upheaval at Riverton.  As she reaches the climax, she reveals her own role in the events that led to the poet's death, and the guilt she has never been able to move past.

2008's The Forgotten Garden is the story of Nell.  At four years old, Nell was found on a dock in Queensland, Australia.  All she has with her is a white suitcase containing a book of fairy tales.  She is clearly not Australian, and when no one comes forward to claim her she is adopted by the dockmaster and his family.  In adulthood, Nell is beginning to trace her past when she becomes the unexpected guardian of her granddaughter and must abandon her search.  After her death, her granddaughter Cassandra travels to England to find her grandmother's roots.  What she finds is a crumbling cottage and more mystery.

The Distant Hours, published in 2010, might be my favorite of Ms. Morton's books.  It is the story of Edie and the mother she sees every day, but doesn't really know.  It is also the story of the three Blythe sisters.  Spinsters who have lived most of their lives together, the elder twins care for their younger sister, Juniper, who has never recovered from her fiancĂ©'s betrayal in 1941.  Edie discovers that her mother was evacuated to the Blythe's Milderhurst castle during the WWII evacuation of children from London.  When her mother will not talk about her history, Edie visits the sisters and discovers that her mother's past is not the only secret the castle is hiding.

Ms. Morton's most recent work is The Secret Keeper, published in 2012.  In the 1960's, teenage Laurel witnesses her mother's murder of an unexpected visitor.  She has never forgotten what she saw, but 50 years later, she still has no explanation for what happened.  Her mother, Dorothy, is on her deathbed, and Laurel begins researching Dorothy's life in pre-WWII London.  Who is the mysterious Vivien Jenkins?  Henry Jenkins? Jimmy?  What happens to them during the war and what role do they all play in the events of the 1960's?



All four books are available at Franklin County Library.


 

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Don't Forget!!! : Giveaway!

Don't forget to sign up for our bookbag giveaway.  The contest ends on September 30th.  All you have to do is go to the giveaway tab at the top of this page and leave a comment on the post.  You could win this bookbag filled with things any reader would love!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Marvelous Mondays! : Circuits and Fireproof Balloons

Marvelous Mondays! are back in session and going strong.  Our first two experiments this year were a lot of fun.

Week 1 was circuits.  We had two experiments.  One was finding out if a lime could act as a battery and power a clock.  It can!! 
 
The second was creating a complete circuit with an energy stick.  The stick would only turn on if its two ends were connected in a circuit.  We discovered that one person could complete the circuit, or we could hold hands in a circle and include several people in the circuit.
 

 
These experiments were both fun because I was able to keep them going in the library all week.  Everyone who came in was fascinated by both the lime clock and the energy stick.
 
Week 2 was Fireproof balloons.  Yes, we were playing with fire in the library!!  Seems a little scary doesn't it?  The object of our experiment was to pop balloons using a small candle.  We blew up several balloons and put water in the bottom of a few of them.  I asked the kids to hypothesize which balloons would pop and which ones wouldn't. 
 
We discovered that all the balloons would pop eventually, but the ones with water in the bottom lasted a whole lot longer than the ones without!

Cameron and Chloe were our winners!!  Their balloons didn't pop!

Come in next week at about 4:15 to see what new experiment we'll be doing!!


Friday, September 20, 2013

Rainy Day fun in the library!

We are so excited to finally be getting some rain here in Franklin County!!!  We are hoping this is a sign that we are finally ending this hot, dry summer!



If you're not sure how to spend this rainy day, here are some fun ways to spend it in the library!
  1. Look for the biggest book in the library. Take your picture with it.
  2. Browse the travel section, find a place you want to visit, make some plans.
  3. Go to the cookbook area, choose a recipe, go the store, get the ingredients and cook it that day.
  4. Everyone find a poem, read it out loud and then copy it into your journal.
  5. Bring paper and colored pencils. Draw from the easy I-Can-Draw-Books for an hour.
  6. Leave a thoughtful review on a post-it note in a book you really loved.
  7. Find out what services your library offers.
  8. Have a meeting, writer’s group, books club, homeschool co op, adventure planning committee at the library.
  9. Make a list of suggested books and media for your library to buy. Make the library YOUR library.
  10. Arrange a library tour.
  11. Browse books on the flora and fauna of your area. Learn to identify something new.
  12. Check out the corresponding children’s or adult section to your favorite area (reptiles, art, mystery…)
  13. Read a biography from the children’s sections on someone you know very little about.
  14. Find a baby name book, make a list of funny name combinations, choose a new name for the day.
  15. Hunt for authors with your same last name.
Come on in!  We'd love to see you!


This post inspired by http://www.pps.org/blog/25-mini-adventures-in-the-library/.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Around the Web PLUS New Books!

I've found a couple of interesting posts today on other sites and thought I would point you in their direction.

The Half Price Blog has a listing of books that will become movies this fall.  Which books do you need to brush up on before you go see the movie?  I am most excited about Catching Fire

BuzzFeed has "30 “Guilty Pleasure” Books That Are In Fact Awesome".  What's your favorite "guilty pleasure" book?

Yesterday we added over 50 new books.  They include:




Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Chance's Corner: Joyland

 
As anticipation grows for Stephen King's Doctor Sleep, due to be released on the 24th of this month, I decided to take a dive into his last current work Joyland. I'll start off by admitting that I was a little apprehensive about this endeavor. Mentally, Mr. King and I have sparred over his ego on several occasions... especially while I labored over It. Don't get me started on that, please. This is about Joyland, which much to my surprise, is considerably different than any of King's other works.

Set at a small amusement park, Joyland features 21 year old Devin Jones who flees from a broken heart and dives into the eccentric world of a carny. It's supposed to be a tale of mystery, horror, and growing up. In my opinion, this tale is only about growing up. There are subtle hints of a ghost in the Horror House, a Carny Killer, and a crippled child with the power of Sight, but these are all so rushed through... so passed over that I don't think King actually knew what he was wanting to write about. Overall, there is no mystery. He gives much of the story away in previous chapters, and the Carny Killer only makes an appearance in the last twenty pages when a likeable character suddenly becomes sadistic. Why did King think that was a great idea? That is the real mystery.

With the lack of horror and mystery aside, I will admit that I did enjoy this simple read. Even though I wasn't even a thought in the 70's, I easily related to Devin and his life at Joyland. It's very... nostalgic. Perhaps that is what it really boils down to. Nothing serious. There is no King ego at Joyland, and perhaps that is why this story lacks.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Marvelous Mondays are Back!

Starting today at 4:15, the library will be conducting science experiments, crafts, tricks, and more for kids of all ages. The activity will last about 15 minutes and we will have something different every Monday that school is in session. 



We will start off this year with a lesson about circuits.  I have two different ways to demonstrate a circuit.  Hope to see you later this afternoon!!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Giveaway!!!!!

Today we are kicking off a giveaway here on the blog!  We have a book bag stuffed full of all kinds of wonderful books and reading accessories. 


Included in the bag are:

·       Hardback books:

                               Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as
                               the Duck Commander by Phil Robertson

                               Home Front by Kristin Hannah

                               The Christmas Wedding
                               by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

                               Trader of Secrets by Steve Martini

                               Guns at Last Light by Rick Atkinson

·       Master’s Tournament Variety Puzzles

·       The Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary

·       Better Homes and Gardens French Country Vanilla
      18oz. candle

·       16.9 oz double wall mug

·       Spike Light book light

·       Pen, pencils, highlighters, bookmarks and book tabs



So how do you WIN?!?!?  Leave a comment on this post with your name.  We will leave this post up until September 30th so you can enter up through then.  We will draw for a winner on October 1st and you will be able to pick up your prize at the library!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Loaded Questions! : Favorite Childhood Book

I want to try something new on the blog.  Did you know that you can comment on our posts?  At the bottom of each post there is a place that says "no comments" or "2 comments".  If you click on that, you will be taken to a screen where you can leave a comment.  You can leave comments anonymously if you like, but we'd love to know who you are. 



To start out, I have a question for you!

What book do you remember most fondly from your childhood and why?   
 
Let us know in the comments below.  We may have some of your favorite books or be able to get them for a trip down memory lane.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Computer Classes are Coming!

Starting Tuesday, September 17th the Franklin County Library will begin a six week series of computer classes.  The classes will be at 5:30 and will last about 2 hours each.  The library has seven computers available, but you are welcome to bring your laptop.  You do not have to take all the classes, but can sign up for whichever ones are interesting to you.  Since space is limited, please call or e-mail the library to reserve a spot.  903-537-4916 or library@mt-vernon.com



September 17th - Learning to use a mouse
You will learn about the buttons on the mouse, scrolling, and clicking.  We will play several games that will allow you to practice all the different functions of a mouse.
 
September 24th - Introduction to computers
You will learn what a computer is used for, the parts of the computer, how to turn on a computer, the function of the desktop icons, start menu, and folders, and how to safely turn off a computer.
 
October 1st - Introduction to the internet
You will learn what the internet is used for, what a browser is, what the different social media sites are, how to perform a search, how to install and use antivirus software, and how to stay safe online.
 
October 8th - Introduction to e-mail
You will learn how to set up a new e-mail account, how to create a good password, how to read a new message, how to send a message, how to attach documents or pictures to an e-mail, how to delete messages, and how to sign out of your e-mail account. 
 
October 15th - Introduction to Microsoft Word
You will learn how to create a new document, how to use the tabs and ribbons to find the features you need, how to use fonts, copy and paste, and spell check.
 
October 22nd - Introduction to Microsoft Excel
You will learn what Excel is used for, how to create a new document and how to set it up to best view your data, how to sort data, use functions to total columns or rows, and use tabs and ribbons to find the features you need. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Lisa's Taco Recipes!


My family loves all things TACO! 
 

Here is a wonderful recipe for ... 

Taco Pickles
 




2 bunches of radish
a handful of carrots
couple jalapeños (more or less depending on your love of heat!)
handful of chopped cilantro
salt to taste
1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar

Cut all your veggies into thin slices no more than a ¼ inch thick. Bring your sugar and vinegars to a slow boil and whisk until all the sugar is dissolved and put in the fridge or freezer to bring it back to room temp. Once cool, add the liquid to your mix of veggies, jalapeño, cilantro and salt and combined. Store in a container in the fridge and eat your pickles over the next couple of weeks. Great just by themselves or on tacos, but these would be equally awesome on salads or sandwiches or even a piece of grilled fish.  ENJOY!
 
We Tacos
 
Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili
 


Servings: 10

1 onion, chopped
1 16-oz can black beans
1 16-oz can kidney beans
1 – 16- oz can tomato sauce
10 oz package frozen corn kernels
28 -oz cans diced tomatoes w/chilies
1 packet taco seasoning
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
24 0z. (3) boneless skinless chicken breasts
chili peppers, chopped (optional)
chopped fresh cilantro
 
Combine beans, onion, chili peppers, corn, tomato sauce, cumin, chili powder and taco seasoning in a slow cooker. Place chicken on top and cover. Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours. Half hour before serving, remove chicken and shred. Return chicken to slow cooker and stir in.
Top with fresh cilantro.
 
 

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

New York Times Bestseller List : September 1, 2013


Fiction

1.       The Cukoo’s Calling, by J.K. Rowling

2.       Mistress, by James Patterson

3.       Rose Harbor in Bloom, by Debbie Macomber

4.       Inferno, by Dan Brown

5.       And the Mountains Echoed, by Khaled Hosseini

6.       Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn

7.       The English Girl, by Daniel Silva

8.       The Ocean at the End of the Lane, by Neil Gaiman

9.       The Husband’s Secret, by Liane Moriarty

10.   A Dance with Dragons, by George R.R. Martin

Nonfiction

1.       The Liberty Amendments : Restoring the American Republic, by Mark Levin

2.       Zealot:  The Life and Times of Jesus, by Reza Aslan

3.       Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

4.       Infiltrated, by Jay Wesley Richards

5.       Happy, Happy, Happy,  by Mark Schlabach

6.       This Town: Two Parties and a Funeral-Plus, Plenty of Valet Parking!-in America’s Gilded Capital, by Mark Leibovich

7.       Lawrence in Arabia, by Scott Anderson

8.       Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand

9.       Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, by David Sedaris

10.   These Few Precious Days, by Christopher Anderson
 
Highlighted titles are available at Franklin County Library.