Celebrating Jane Austen

December 16th marks the 235th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen. It is remarkable that a woman who published 6 novels in the early 19th century is still remembered and appreciated all of these years later. Her simple idea of writing about 5 or 6 families in an English village has lead to several made for television movies, major motion pictures and numerous spin-offs involving her characters as well as Jane herself!

In recognition of Jane Austen's birthday, take some time to check out some of the titles by and about Jane that are available at the Monroeville Public Library.

Holiday Edition of MPL's Podcast

Check out our special holiday edition of Sound WAVs, Monroeville Public Library's official podcast. (Podcasts are free, online audio files that you can download and listen to on your computer, iPod, mp3 player, or even burn to CD.)

This month's podcast features our teen volunteers reading a Hanukkah poem by Nicholas Gordon, a dramatic reading of Clement Moore's "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," and some information on the history and significance of Kwanzaa. There's also a "highly exclusive" interview with two of our best teen volunteers! Drop by our website to download the episode.

Happy Holidays!

Hanukkah

Last night at sundown marked the beginning of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights. Here are a few titles from our collection regarding the celebration of Hanukkah. (Click on the title to reserve it.)

Books:

Celebrating the Jewish year: The Winter Holidays : Hanukkah Tu b'Shevat Purim

by Paul Steinberg

Hanukkah: The Family Guide To Spiritual Celebration

by Ron Wolfson

Hanukkah, Oh, Hanukkah!: A Treasury of Stories, Songs, and Games To Share

compiled by Wendy Wax

CDs:

Happy Joyous Hanukkah

by the Klezmatics

The Jewish Experience, Chanukkah

by Western Wind and Theodore Bikel



Oy Chanukah!
by the Klezmer Conservatory Band

Mystery vs. Thriller -- what's the difference?

In a true mystery novel, the murder or action has already taken place and the rest of the story is devoted to finding out who-done-it and why. Motivation is part of the puzzle; and most of the action takes place in the mind of the protagonist. Often, the villain remains unidentified until the very end, while characters are developed and the lead sleuth gains important psychological insights into all the suspects.



By contrast, a suspense novel is one in which the action or crime is yet to happen. The reader is led to the climax as tension rises continuously. Often the reader knows exactly who is going to perform the anticipated event -- without knowing exactly when, where, or how it will occur.



When in doubt as to how to classify a book -- Mystery or Suspense -- we take our cues from the author’s reputation or the publisher’s recommendation. For example, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson has elements of both mystery and suspense. By applying all the criteria, we have placed this entertaining novel in our Mystery Section. Check it out on your next visit!

New York Times Bestsellers List October 24, 2010

Click on title or book cover to request title from Monroeville Public Library. Many are also available in audiobook and large print.

FICTION

1. Reversal by Michael Connelly



2. Fall of Giants by Ken Follett



3. Freedom by Jonathan Franzen



4. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson



5. Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks



6. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris



7. Don't Blink by James Patterson



8. Painted Ladies by Robert B. Parker



9. Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans



10. The Help by Katherine Stockett






NON-FICTION

1. Obama's Wars by Bob Woodward



2. Earth (The Book) by Jon Stewart



3. Trickle Up Poverty by Michael Savage



4. The Roots of Obama's Rage by Dinesh D'Souza




5. Assholes Finish First by Tucker Max



6. At Home by Bill Bryson



7. Pinheads and Patriots by Bill O'Reilly



8. Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow



9. The Moral Landscape by Sam Harris



10. The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking

New York Times Bestsellers List October 17, 2010

Click on title or book cover to request title from Monroeville Public Library. Many are also available in audiobook and large print.

FICTION

1. Fall of Giants by Ken Follett



2. Don't Blink by James Patterson



3. Freedom by Jonathan Franzen



4. Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks



5. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris



6. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson




7. Naked Heat by Richard Castle




8. Legacy by Danielle Steel



9. Bad Blood by John Sandford



10. The Help by Katherine Stockett






NON-FICTION

1. Obama's Wars by Bob Woodward



2. Earth (The Book) by Jon Stewart



3. Assholes Finish First by Tucker Max



4. The Roots of Obama's Rage by Dinesh D'Souza



5. The Grand Design by Stephen Hawking



6. Pinheads and Patriots by Bill O'Reilly



7. Operation Dark Heart by Anthony Shaffer



8. Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern




9. Even Silence Has An End by Ingrid Betancourt



10. Crimes Against Liberty by David Limbaugh

MPL's New Podcast!

Welcome to Sound WAVs, Monroeville Public Library's new, official podcast! Podcasts are free, online audio files that you can download and listen to on your computer, iPod, mp3 player, or even burn to CD. Our monthly podcasts will feature dramatic readings of poems, short stories, novel selections, and more, read for you by a variety of local volunteers.

This month's podcast features a dramatic reading of Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem "The Raven," read for you by local teen volunteers. Drop by our website to download our first episode.

Be sure to leave your comments here to let us know how you enjoyed our first podcast -- and if you have any suggestions for future episodes!