So many great book reviews have been submitted by participants in the Adult Winter Reading Program! We thought we'd share a few here, in case you're on the hunt for a good read. It's not too late to join the program yourself--submit five reviews and be entered to win a grand prize, or submit at least one and you could win one of our fabulous weekly giveaways!
by Neil Gaiman
"Shadow, released from prison, has a mysterious encounter with a man on a plane who offers him a job. When Shadow accepts, he plunges into a world peopled by the gods that have been brought to America by immigrants from around the world. But someone is killing off the old gods, and Shadow finds himself in the middle of a war.
American Gods is a page turner. I read it late into the night, unable to put it down. Gaiman is a master storyteller, and the concepts in mythology he creates make for a spellbinding read.
I recommend this book to any adult who likes mythology or fantasy."
by Chuck Klosterman
"Warning: Chuck Klosterman writes for a pretty specific reader. His work is
filled with references to rock gods, iconic sports moments and obscure pop
culture. You don't have to be a music critic (like Chuck) or a writer for ESPN
to get through the book, but at times, you might find references going right
over your head.
In "Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story," Chuck
travels across America to explore the landmarks of rock star demise, and in
doing so, makes some insightful realizations about his own life – particularly
his love life. He warns you that "romance is 85% illusion and 15% real" so you
have to embrace Chuck's reality and not worry about what is really happening
(Are the three girlfriends real? Maybe, maybe not.)
Reading this book is
like hopping in the car and driving with Klosterman. He sets the scene – and the
soundtrack – up perfectly for his dissertation on life."
by David Levithan
"I liked it from the very beginning, but I was hooked when I got to "arcane,
adj." Miss Torso! The pianist!
There was no downside to this book, except
that maybe it was a tad too short. You know, like that favorite song of yours
that needs just one more verse? And if that's my biggest complaint, there is
nothing to worry about, is there? It's more of a compliment."
by Mike Carey & Peter Gross
"If a reader can first cross the line that this is a graphic novel, they'll be
rewarded with a work of fantastical fiction that can go toe to toe with any work
of prose. And after reading it you'll see that that remark means a lot more then
what's on the surface. This book and its following volumes are a challenging
but fun exploration of what's "story-true" versus "real-true" (which is more
important?) and where modern media hype runs into the very foundations of
mythology. Amazing work."
Keep those reviews coming!
Monday, March 4, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Matters of the Heart
Candy hearts, balloon hearts, and paper hearts abound in the season of Valentine's Day, but did you know February is also American Heart Month? Taking care of your ticker is important all year long, but this month is set aside for educating the public on ways to live a heart healthy lifestyle. Have a look at the resources on the American Heart Association's website, including the Go Red for Women campaign (heart disease is the number one cause of death for women.) Stop in at the library and check out one of these books to help you get on the right track!
American Heart Association Healthy Slow-cooker Cookbook: 200 Low-fuss, good-for-you recipes. (available as an eBook on OverDrive)
Back to Life After a Heart Crisis: a Doctor and His Wife Share Their 8-step Cardiac Comeback Plan, by Marc Wallack and Jamie Colby.
Eating Well for a Healthy Heart Cookbook: a Cardiologist's Guide to Adding Years to Your Life, by Philip A. Ades and the editors of EatingWell.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
The wait is over: digital magazines for everyone!
We're thrilled to announce a new digital service for library customers! Zinio provides access to popular magazines like Consumer Reports, Newsweek, Taste of Home, and Rolling Stone, all from your computer, tablet or smartphone! The library's current collection includes over 90 titles, and you can expect it to keep growing.
To get started, visit our Zinio page to create an account. You'll need to enter
your library card number the first time; after that you'll set up a username and password to use. This will take you to the library's collection, where you can browse for magazines. When you find one you'd like to read, you'll create a second account for Zinio (you can use the same username and password). If you have already been using Zinio for personal magazine subscriptions on your computer or device, you can login with your established account.
your library card number the first time; after that you'll set up a username and password to use. This will take you to the library's collection, where you can browse for magazines. When you find one you'd like to read, you'll create a second account for Zinio (you can use the same username and password). If you have already been using Zinio for personal magazine subscriptions on your computer or device, you can login with your established account. 
Zinio allows you to read the magazine cover to cover using the browser on your computer or device, or you can download the free Zinio app for an optimal experience.
Best of all, there are no limits to checkout, no late fees, no returns, and no waiting. Once you add a magazine issue to your account, it's there as long as you'd like!
So instead of standing at the grocery store checkout debating with yourself over buying the latest issue of US Weekly, grab your library card, login, and read it for free!
Call 367-8720 for more information.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Gifts for Readers
Twas the week before Christmas, and in the spirit of holiday giving, we asked some of our library staff members, "If you were to give one book that you read this year as a gift, what would it be?" Here are some of their answers, for those shoppers who might need inspiration when it comes to the readers in their lives!
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce: A shy, retired brewery salesman from a small English village receives a letter from his estranged friend Queenie, who is in hospice dying of cancer. He decides to walk 600 miles to say goodbye in person, and attempt to rectify some past wrongdoing involving Queenie. There is much to learn on his journey: for Harold, the people he encounters, and the reader.
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter: Simply put, a great story. Starting in a tiny fishing village on Italy's Cinque Terre in 1962 and spanning continents and decades to present-day Hollywood, it's a novel filled with unforgettable characters whose lives intersect in unexpected and touching ways.
The Homemade Pantry: 101 foods you can stop buying and start making by Alana Chernila: Who doesn't want to learn how to make Pop Tarts at home? This cookbook is full of recipes for canned, jarred, and boxed foods that you can actually prepare in your own kitchen--for less money, more flavor, and greater nutritional value. Yes, please!
The Submission by Amy Waldman: For those who don't mind grappling with tough ethical and social issues, a story about a 9/11 widow involved in selecting a designer for a memorial at the World Trade Center site, when the leading candidate is revealed to be a Muslim-American.
Swamplandia! by Karen Russell: Described by our staff member as a "fun fairytale turned disturbing," this one is for adventurous readers who enjoy plenty of quirkiness. Set in the Florida Everglades, the story follows the Bigtrees, a family of wild characters whose alligator wrestling tourist attraction has fallen into decline.
For people who enjoy fun, romantic fare, there is Julia Quinn's historical romances. On the Way to the Wedding was a favorite of one of our staff members, especially the audiobook version.
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: It would be hard to go wrong with this one, if you know someone who hasn't read it yet! Appealing to young adult and adult fans alike, get your recipient hooked and they'll have plenty of time to read all three books and watch the first movie, before the second movie comes out late next year.
Fans of inspirational romance might appreciate Wish You Were Here, by Beth Vogt. A runaway bride has some tough decisions to make in the days before her wedding, in this debut novel.
Mud, Sweat, and Tears: the autobiography, by Bear Grylls: Readers who want to know what makes adrenaline junkies tick will find an interesting case study in this autobiography of the adventurer many of us know from his television show Man vs. Wild.
Reality TV fans might also enjoy License to Pawn: deals, steals, and my life at the Gold &Silver by Rick Harrison. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the cable hit Pawn Stars, and the three generations of men who built the most famous pawn shop in America. Plus it includes plenty of fascinating (and often alarming) stories of what people will do for money.
Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn: For the person who likes to read "It" books, this psychological tale has had everyone talking since its release this summer, and rightfully so. A tightly written account of one twisted marriage keeps the reader guessing at every turn.
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter: Simply put, a great story. Starting in a tiny fishing village on Italy's Cinque Terre in 1962 and spanning continents and decades to present-day Hollywood, it's a novel filled with unforgettable characters whose lives intersect in unexpected and touching ways.
The Homemade Pantry: 101 foods you can stop buying and start making by Alana Chernila: Who doesn't want to learn how to make Pop Tarts at home? This cookbook is full of recipes for canned, jarred, and boxed foods that you can actually prepare in your own kitchen--for less money, more flavor, and greater nutritional value. Yes, please!
Swamplandia! by Karen Russell: Described by our staff member as a "fun fairytale turned disturbing," this one is for adventurous readers who enjoy plenty of quirkiness. Set in the Florida Everglades, the story follows the Bigtrees, a family of wild characters whose alligator wrestling tourist attraction has fallen into decline.
For people who enjoy fun, romantic fare, there is Julia Quinn's historical romances. On the Way to the Wedding was a favorite of one of our staff members, especially the audiobook version.
Fans of inspirational romance might appreciate Wish You Were Here, by Beth Vogt. A runaway bride has some tough decisions to make in the days before her wedding, in this debut novel.
Mud, Sweat, and Tears: the autobiography, by Bear Grylls: Readers who want to know what makes adrenaline junkies tick will find an interesting case study in this autobiography of the adventurer many of us know from his television show Man vs. Wild.
Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn: For the person who likes to read "It" books, this psychological tale has had everyone talking since its release this summer, and rightfully so. A tightly written account of one twisted marriage keeps the reader guessing at every turn.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Holiday Cooking
We’re approaching that time of year: turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes, crazy relatives with a side of stress! The holidays can be hectic, especially if you have to prepare the meal for your crowd. But it doesn’t have to be that difficult. Here at Siouxland Libraries, we offer a number of resources for you to add to your holiday arsenal!
Hot off the press comes this holiday gem: Thanksgiving: How to Cook it Well by Sam Sifton. Sifton, former restaurant critic for the New York Times, walks through everything Thanksgiving: from cooking the turkey and other holiday classics, to cleaning up after the meal. This is a great read for someone new to the holiday cooking scene or for those who would like to learn how to prepare without the stress.
Maybe you would just like a few new recipes to try out on your holiday guests? Bradley Ogden and Lydia Scott give us over 100 fun recipe ideas in Holiday Dinners with Bradley Ogden: 150 Festive Recipes for Bringing Family and Friends Together. Ogden takes the guesswork out of cooking by providing preparation schedules and a glossary of terms for classic holiday recipes.
Try these titles and more for the holiday season at Siouxland Libraries, and let the fun begin!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Good News for People Who Love eBooks
Installing this free app allows you to checkout and download books directly to your device, no computer necessary! Kindle Fire users could do direct downloading previously, using the device's Internet browser, but this opens new doors, including the ability to download the Adobe ePUB version of a book when the Kindle version is not available, or must be transferred via USB. Plus, users of these tablets may now checkout and download mp3 audiobooks for listening enjoyment.
As we work on updating our handouts and help videos, you can find support for using the mobile app on OverDrive's Digital Help site. Users of Nook tablets should check out this article to get started. Once you have installed the app on your Nook tablet or Kindle Fire, this guide from OverDrive, or this one from the library will help you learn how to use it.
If you need additional assistance, as always, feel free to call us at 367-8720 or bring your device into any branch library and we'd be glad to get you started!
Monday, October 1, 2012
Making Sense of the American Civil War
Civil War buffs and other history enthusiasts will have an opportunity to study the subject in a unique way, when Siouxland Libraries hosts the discussion series "Making Sense of the American Civil War," a free scholar-led program that will explore several books and essays, framing them in a context of the war on the Northern Plains. Dr. Brad Tennant, Associate Professor of History at Presentation College, and Black Hills State University Professor Donovin Sprague will serve as the scholars.
The three sessions will cover different books--all available at the library, if you're interested in reading them before or after the program.
Session 1, Thursday, October 4, 7 PM, Main Library Register
Introductory Essay by Edward Ayers and selections from Ayers’ America’s War: Talking about the Civil War and Emancipation on their 150th Anniversaries.
Session 2, Thursday, November 1, 7 PM, Main Library Register
March by Geraldine Brooks and Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam by James McPherson.
Session 3, Thursday, December 6, 7 PM, Main Library Register
Northern Plains Guide (Pick this up at the library), featuring documents pertaining to the Civil War years in this region.
A special Lunchtime Learning program featuring Bill Hoskins, director of Siouxland Heritage Museums, will take place on Wednesday, October 24 from 12-1 PM at the Main Library. Hoskins will give a presentation on the Civil War on the Northern Plains.
Programs made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association, in collaboration with the South Dakota Humanities Council and SD State Library.
For more information on the series, call 367-8720.
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