Staff Picks: Curl Up with a Good Book

When it’s cold and snowy outside, one of our favorite things to do is to curl up with a good book to immerse ourselves in other places or other people’s lives. While we’d rather escape the cold by booking the next flight to the Bahamas, escapism through the pages of a book is a great and inexpensive alternative readily available to us!

We, the staff of Information Services, hope you enjoy our recommendations and we wish you a joyful holiday season.

Please feel free to comment on our book picks or share your own!

Click an image below to check availability or to place a hold.

	U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton Chosen by Amy. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the alphabet mystery series by Sue Grafton, and I was not disappointed. Rare is the mystery that intentionally reveals “whodunit” before the ending and yet still keeps us turning pages well into a long night of reading. Far from a one-dimensional character, private investigator Kinsey Millhone continues to evolve with each new installment and this, more than anything, keeps me eagerly awaiting new releases by Sue Grafton.
	The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella Chosen by Christa. If you’re in the mood for some lighthearted chick lit, then this is the book for you! Just as Samantha Sweeting is about to become a partner at London’s most prestigious law firm, she makes one tiny mistake and is immediately fired. In a shocked daze, she winds up on the doorstep of a wealthy couple who are looking for a maid. Out of desperation, she interviews for the job and is hired on the spot. The only hitch is that she has no idea how to cook, clean, or do laundry! However, the couple’s handsome gardener thinks he can help her out… Filled with hilarious scenes and sweet romance, this is the perfect book to get lost in on a snowy afternoon.
	Mommywood by Tori Spelling Chosen by Jill. If you enjoy celebrity biographies like I do, this second book by Tori Spelling, daughter of TV mogul Aaron Spelling, is an enjoyable read! Tori tells of her life as a celebrity mom with candor and humor that is unexpected. Tori reveals herself to be a down-to-earth mom trying to live a normal life while dealing with the unusual circumstances that come with being in the public eye. I actually laughed out loud at some of her stories!
	The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell Chosen by Tyson. Since I enjoy examining philosophical questions such as ethics, the mind, free will, and the existence of a god, philosophy books such as Bertrand Russell’s The Problems with Philosophy are the types of books I reach for when it’s cold and snowy outside. We all have an inner philosopher within us just waiting to come out, and for the novice philosopher, I suggest Russell’s book as a disciplined guide to some of our most interesting philosophical problems.
	Rebecca’s Tale by Sally Beauman Chosen by Linda. Rebecca’s Tale is very interesting even if you haven’t read Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, the book it is based on. It takes you back into the world of Manderly and continues Rebecca’s story. It is fiction, of course, but Ms. Beauman builds on the story behind the mystery of Rebecca and presents a plausible ending.
	National Geographic Image Collection Chosen by Danielle. This new collection of photographs spans the life of the National Geographic Magazine. Presented by theme, there are photographs old and new, beautiful and haunting, fascinating and sometimes disturbing. It is a mesmerizing collection that showcases mankind’s quest to explore, understand, and document the world we live in. I found this book as hard to put down as any vampire romance saga!
	Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron with Bret Witter Chosen by Debbie. If you have a love of the Midwest, or small towns, or the state of Iowa, or libraries, or pets, or especially cats, you will delight in reading about an Iowa library cat who touched the lives of countless people. Be prepared to smile, to cry, and to learn some valuable life lessons as you come to know and marvel at Dewey Readmore Books.
	Beastly by Alex Flinn Chosen by Staci. Beauty and the Beast has long been one of my favorite fairy tales and Beastly has fast become one of my favorite re-tellings. Beastly is the story of Kyle Kingsbury, an arrogant and wealthy high school freshman, set in present day New York City. Kyle invites Kendra, a strange-looking outcast, to the Spring Dance with the intention of standing her up. When he does, Kendra (who is a witch in disguise) curses him and turns him into a beast. His father exiles him and finds a blind tutor to teach him, but will he be able to find a girl to like him for who he really is before time runs out?On a side note, Alex Flinn and Beastly will be our featured author and book at next year’s Read ‘n’ Feed for teens on March 16, 2010!
	I Love You, Miss Huddleston, and Other Inappropriate Longings of My Indiana Childhood by Philip Gulley Chosen by Gina. Philip Gulley has written a cute autobiography. It made me laugh out loud! I think anyone who grew up in a small Midwestern town will be able to identify, but you don’t have to be a small-town girl (or boy) to enjoy it.
	Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger Chosen by Cristella. Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveler’s Wife, released a new novel this year. In Her Fearful Symmetry, Elspeth Noblin has returned to her London flat as a ghost, haunting the premises as her twin nieces inherit her living space. It’s easy to get wrapped up in these characters’ lives, making it a great read for a cold night.
	Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris Chosen by Marisa. This is a collection of 12 short stories written by one of the better modern day satirical writers. David Sedaris is often compared to Mark Twain and this collection of stories is a quick and easy holiday read. His take on the holidays is witty, funny, cynical, and highly observant. Please note that David Sedaris is definitely not for the easily offended!
	Peony in Love by Lisa See Chosen by Elaine. What could be better on a cold winter’s day than to sink into a story that takes you far away from Indiana’s dreary weather? Peony in Love does just that. Set during China’s Qing Dynasty, a place far different from our own in time, space, society and beliefs, it tells the story of Peony, a young girl who is wrapped up in the romance of love depicted in a great opera. As a special present for her 16th birthday, Peony’s father arranges for it to be performed in their home, even though the story is so powerful that several young women have wasted away, pining for such a great love. Peony too falls under the spell of the opera, and she must face death and tragedies before she learns the true nature of love.

Christa’s Picks

Hi! This is Christa from Information Services. I recently had the opportunity to meet best-selling author Nicholas Sparks at a speaking engagement in Indianapolis. Let me tell you, that was exciting! He seems to be a genuinely nice person (not to mention very good-looking!) and is an interesting, entertaining storyteller (as his numerous fans already know). During his talk, he explained how he became a writer and told the story behind his first smash hit novel, The Notebook. Later, at the book signing, I asked which of his books is his favorite, and I was pleasantly surprised when he replied, “Three Weeks with My Brother.”

If you’ve never read a Nicholas Sparks novel, I highly recommend you give him a try. If you’ve read all of his novels and are looking for other writers whose books are similar to Sparks’s, here are a few suggestions. These author read-alikes came from a database called NoveList, which is available through APL’s web site. The titles mentioned below are some of my favorites—feel free to let us know if you have any other Sparks read-alikes to share or tell us about your favorite Sparks novel! Click an image for availability.

	The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks If you love watching Hallmark Hall of Fame movies, then you will definitely enjoy reading Nicholas Sparks’s books. He writes bittersweet love stories featuring sensitive yet strong characters. They contain just enough romance to not become too mushy, enough tragedy to tug at your heartstrings, and enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. The Notebook is my all-time favorite Sparks novel and is based on the love story between Sparks’s wife’s grandparents. It is a short but moving novel that will make you cry while renewing your faith in the power of true love.
	Grace by Richard Paul Evans Evans is another great author who writes heartwarming love stories that you never want to put down once you start reading. Grace is the tale of a fifteen-year-old boy’s overwhelming love and compassion for another human being. One night after work, he discovers a teen runaway Dumpster-diving. She’s in trouble, so he decides to help her by letting her live in his clubhouse, but his good intentions inevitably go by the wayside when his parents find out. Warning: this is another tearjerker!
	The Bridges of Madison County by Robert James Waller This is an oldie but goodie! If you’ve never read it, I suggest you give it a try. If you’re like me and read it several years ago, why not read it again? This is the story of a handsome photographer who stops at an Iowa farmhouse to ask for directions to Madison County’s famous covered bridges. Little does he know that during that one encounter, he will meet Francesca, a housewife who is alone for a few days while her husband and children are away. They end up spending four steamy, sultry days together, but then she must make a heartbreaking decision—should she run away with him or stay with her family?
	The Fountain by Emily Grayson This bittersweet love story explores the possibilities of the question, “What if?” Once upon a time, wild, sexy, unpredictable Will left Casey at the altar. Twenty years later, he shows up and weasels his way into her life again. There’s just one problem, though—Casey’s built a family and a pleasant but lackluster life with kind, loving Michael. Against her better judgment, she starts to wonder, “What if I had married Will? Could I sacrifice all I have today just to be with him?” You’ll have to read this romantic tearjerker to find out the answer!
	Candles on Bay Street by K. C. McKinnon You’ll need a whole box of tissues for this one! (Are you starting to see a pattern here?) Sam and Dee Dee were the best of friends throughout childhood. On the eve of their high school graduation, just as Sam is about to tell Dee Dee that his feelings for her have grown much deeper, she runs off and marries the town bad boy. Years later, married Sam is delighted to see Dee Dee return home. However, now she is a single mother with a secret. This book explores the deep love between true friends and the lengths that love will allow them to go for each other.

Debbie’s Picks

EVERYTHING IRISH

Hi!  This is Debbie from Information Services.  When the month of  March arrives, I immediately think of St. Patrick’s Day.  Whether or not you have any Irish roots, it’s fun to be  “Irish” for one month out of the year.  APL has many sources to help you celebrate and join in the fun of  March’s green holiday.  Here are just a few suggestions, and you can click on the images to check for location and availability:

	Irish Cooking by Biddy White Lennon and Georgina Campbell Check out an Irish cookbook, and surprise your family with an authentic Irish dish.  There is an interesting dessert called “Apple Snow” in Irish Cooking.
	Waking Ned Devine Check out a movie about Ireland.  Perhaps the most well known Irish movie is The Quiet Man starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, but have you seen  Waking Ned Devine? Product Description from Amazon.com: When Ned Devine dies from shock after winning the lottery, two longtime friends, Michael and Jackie, discover the body and agree Ned would want them to benefit from his good luck. They embark upon an outrageous scheme to claim the ticket but first they have to get all the townsfolk to go along with their plan!
	Spectacular Ireland by Peter Harbison If you would like to see beautiful pictures of Ireland, check out this new book.
	Upon A Shamrock Shore by The Irish Rovers If you want to listen to some Irish music, check out one of our Irish Cds.
	The Irish: a Photohistory by Sean Sexton and Christine Kinealy If you are curious about Irish history, go browse the 941.5 section in the non-fiction stacks.
	Football Weekends At Notre Dame by Bill Schmitt …and last but not least, check out one of the many books about the University of Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish.

If you have any fun St. Patrick’s Day traditions, please feel free to share them with us, and remember: It has been said, ” If you’re lucky enough to be Irish…you’re lucky enough!” 

“Deserted Island” Movies

Hi, this is Danielle from Information Services. Who doesn’t like to answer those hypothetical “deserted island” questions?  For example: If you were stranded on a remote, deserted island for the rest of your days and could only have five books [albums, people, foods, superheroes] with you, what would you choose?

Faced with this unlikely scenario, there is a choice selection of movies that I would want to watch over and over again.   Of course, this hypothetical scenario assumes that I’ve been provided a working television and DVD player.

Who’s ever going to be stranded on an island with only a TV and a DVD player and have the electricity to run both?  No one.  But making lists is fun.

These are some of my all-time favorite movies in no particular order (except for the first one)–ten movies that I can quote extensively and really annoy people around me by reciting the lines while I’m watching.  A lot of them were made in the 90′s when I was a teenager and impressionable.  Some of them reveal what a huge geek I am.

What are your deserted island movies, the ones you can’t live without?  Please share yours or comment on mine.  Click on the images or links below to check for availability.

	Last of the Mohicans (1992) I love love love this movie. It’s the first DVD I ever purchased. I know that it really doesn’t follow the novel at all, but I don’t care. It was shot in gorgeous locations and has an awesome musical score, fantastic acting, great battle scenes, and a gripping story. I cry every time I see it and I am not ashamed to admit it.
	Empire Records (1995) Ahh…teen angst mixed with great music. This film has a great cast–Renee Zellweger, Liv Tyler, Anthony LaPaglia, Robin Tunney. I really wanted to work in a music store after seeing this one.
	Steel Magnolias (1989) Possibly one of the greatest chick flicks of all time. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry, and that is my criteria for a truly great film. No other film can make me bawl my eyes out and then laugh out loud a split second later.
	Serenity (2005) If you are a fan of sci-fi with a sense of humor and you haven’t seen the TV series Firefly, check it out now. Or just go buy it because you’re going to love it. However, be prepared to be insanely angry with some TV execs–Firefly was cancelled after 11 episodes had aired. After you’ve watched Firefly, check out Serenity, Firefly’s cinematic sequel. How many cancelled TV shows are made into movies? Not many, I’d guess, and that’s a testament to Firefly/Serenity‘s awesomeness.
	Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) Some people can’t stand Jim Carrey, but I love him. My family has a wacky sense of humor and we just enjoy Jim’s brand of silly. I may not understood all the “adult” humor when I first saw this movie, but it was still hilarious. My dad, my sister and I still quote this movie to each other on a regular basis.

Cristella’s Picks

Hi, this is Cristella from Information Services. Here are a few things I’ve enjoyed in the last year or so. You can check on the availability of an item by clicking on the images below. I have very eclectic tastes so if you’d like me to recommend something to you or have suggestions for me, feel free to comment or stop by and chat!

	The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (Rated R) This is a film that sneaks up on you, mostly because of the acting. Casey Affleck plays Robert Ford who joins his brother, played by Sam Rockwell, in Jesse James’ gang.  The story takes place over a few months in which Ford becomes disenchanted when he realizes the fear and paranoia are not quite the life he expected. His seemingly good deed is not met with the reaction he’d hoped nor expected. The cinematography and music compliment this fascinating character study.
	Neko Case, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood Neko Case has one of the most amazing voices I’ve heard. Her voice along with her unique style of songwriting makes her music incredibly compelling. She is influenced by country, gospel and folk music. Some of my favorite songs on this record are “Maybe Sparrow” and “The Needle Has Landed.”  What’s great about this recording is that it grows each time you listen to it. I hear something new each time I play it. This is Case’s fourth recording.
	John Adams (Starring Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney) Based on David McCullough’s biography of our second president, John Adams is an eight part mini series chronicling the life of our second president. Paul Giamatti portrays Adams and Laura Linney stars as Abigail Adams. The Boston Massacre, the Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence, the drafting of the Constitution are dramatized. If you’re like me, you’ve forgotten most of what I had learned about the American Revolution in high school and this sparked a new interest for me. David McCullough’s biography of John Adams is also available.
	Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and Birth of the New Hollywood by Mark Harris When Bonnie and Clyde, Dr. Dolittle, The Graduate, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and In the Heat of the Night, were nominated for Best Picture in 1967, it marked a change not only in the culture of film but in American culture. Harris creates an entertaining and compelling story tracking these five films from their inception to their eventual success in being recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The book provides fascinating anecdotes about the films’ participants and although filmaking can be and arduous process, Harris writes the story in a way that keeps you turning the pages and wanting to know what will happen next.
	M. Ward, Post-War Matt Ward’s sixth record is insprired by the music of post World War II America. He drew paralells between that time in our country to the present culture. Ward’s music could be called country. He is skilled with a guitar and counts Roy Orbison as a major influence and inspriration. This CD is great for a road trip!

Jill’s Picks

I’ll admit it – I grew up in the 1980’s.  I assume this explains why I still love the light and fluffy sitcoms of that era.  The sitcoms were fun and mindless, always wrapping-up with a neat happy ending.  The Anderson Public Library has hundreds of tv series dvds in its collection, and many are my favorites.  Here are a few.  Click an image for availability and feel free to add your comments as well!

	The Love Boat This long-running show (1977-1986) featured a wonderful rotating cast of big-name television and movie stars. The hour-long show featured 3 story lines each episode and there was always one that was written as a comedy. Seasons 1 and 2 are available on dvd.
	Three’s Company This popular sitcom ran from 1977 through 1984.  The series focused on three roommates and their stuffy landlord.  A fluffy sitcom with lots of physical comedy from the late John Ritter.  The Library has seasons 1 through 8 on dvd.
	Facts of Life Although this show did deal with some heavier topics, it was a fun one to watch and it always ended well.  The show had a stellar cast of young guest stars – many who went on to successful acting careers. (George Clooney, Molly Ringwald, Jami Gertz, Seth Green, Juliette Lewis, etc.).  Seasons 1-3 are available on dvd.
	Laverne and Shirley This long-running sitcom is a well-known favorite.  The physical comedy was great and I can watch these episodes over and over.  Great to watch while knitting! Seasons 1-4 are available on dvd.
	Growing Pains Another long-running series that lasted for 7 seasons.  This show centered around the Seavers, a family of 5, and their daily trials and tribulations.  The story line later added 2 additional children, one of which was a young Leonardo DiCaprio.  The Library has season 1 on dvd.

Amy’s Picks

Hi! Below are a few selections from my own reading that I’d like to share.  The first two are holiday books that I’ve especially enjoyed and the last two are Oprah Winfrey book club picks. Like many people, I do keep an eye on Oprah’s reading list and several of the suggestions have turned out to be really great books.  Does anyone else have a favorite Oprah book they’d like to suggest?  If so, please leave us a comment!  Happy reading everyone and have a safe and happy holiday!

Click an image for availability.

	A Redbird Christmas, by Fannie Flagg Oswald Campbell, a Chicago native who has been told by his doctors that he has just months to live, decides to head south for warmer weather.  It isn’t long before Oswald comes to love the little town of Lost River, Alabama. He finds friendship and belonging among the kind townspeople, thanks especially to the single women and elderly widows who have taken him under their wings.  Fannie Flagg makes southern hospitality shine in the quirky cast of characters who populate this story, including Jack, the redbird who makes his home at the neighborhood grocery store.  But it’s Patsy, a shy little girl abandoned by drifters and who suffers a painful limp, that will steal your heart.
	The Stupidest Angel : A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror, by Christopher Moore For those who want to leave the sentimental out of their Christmas reading, and would instead prefer the offbeat and laugh out loud funny, The Stupidest Angel is just the book!  In this outrageous story by Christopher Moore, the despicable Dale Pearson dressed in Santa garb catches his ex-wife, Lena Marquez, on his property uprooting pines to give to people who can’t afford a Christmas tree.  Josh, age seven, witnesses the confrontation and when Lena accidentally kills Dale with a shovel, he is certain that Santa is dead and Christmas will never come.  The well-meaning but not very bright Archangel Raziel arrives to grant a Christmas miracle for young Josh and bring Santa back. The resulting chaos from Raziel’s botched mission makes for a fast-paced satirical tale of Christmas terror that will be sure to strike the funny bone in even a grinch.
	The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, by David Wroblewski David Wroblewski’s ambitious attempt to pattern a novel after William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Hamlet, makes for riveting reading.  The hero of the story, Edgar Sawtelle, is a teenager who was born mute.  He helps his parents with the raising and training of “Sawtelle” dogs, whose remarkable characteristics and uncanny intelligence have become known far beyond rural Wisconsin where the story takes place.  Edgar’s hard-working but idyllic life is disrupted when his uncle Claude arrives on the farm.  And life as he knows it changes forever when his father unexpectedly dies.  As Claude steps in to take the places once occupied by the father Edgar loved so much, the slow realization that perhaps his father’s death was no accident at all torments Edgar and sets in motion a chain of events that will keep you up late turning pages until the very end.  This is a book you will likely either love or hate – but why not give it a try?
	Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett Pillars of the Earth is another Oprah Winfrey selection.  I decided to tackle this lengthy work of historical fiction set in the backdrop of 12th-century England when it was chosen by my online book club and I was not disappointed.  What I most appreciated about this book was how well I came to know the characters: Prior Phillip, whose life’s work is to save a priory and its surrounding village from decline; Tom Builder, whose dream to become the master builder of a new cathedral must be tempered by the need to find work, any work, to keep his family from starving; and Aliena, the daughter in exile of the once Earl of Shiring, whose will to not just survive but overcome is masterfully portrayed.  The depth of Follett’s development of these characters and several others – including a few villains – made the tumultuous time period of empress Maud and Stephen’s fight for the crown after the death of Henry I come to life without the plot becoming too daunting to follow.  John Lee does an excellent job as narrator of the unabridged audio cd.

Elaine’s Staff Picks

Hello and Happy Holidays!

If you are looking for a book with a Christmas theme, check out our lobby display.  We have Christmas stories set in Biblical times, historical holiday romances and mysteries, and contemporary Xmas tales.  In fact, we have something in just about every genre available.  We even have holiday vampire romances!

And here are some books for those of you who are NOT looking for a holiday read:

These are all titles in mystery series.  I particularly like mystery series because you have the opportunity to get to know your detective (and sometimes other characters) over the course of the series, and there is a puzzle or some danger to keep you interested.

Let me know what your favorite mysteries are.  I’m always looking for another author to read.

Click on the image to see if the title is available.

	Medicus: A Novel of the Roman Empire by Ruth Downie Poor, put-upon Gaius Petrius Ruso is having a bad time. Recently divorced (his wife had all the money) and struggling under debts left by his father, Ruso has transferred to the Roman Legion stationed in Britannia where he serves as a doctor. A petty bureaucrat runs the hospital in which he works; his quarters are falling down and infested with mice and puppies. As you can imagine, he’s more than a bit cranky. He would just like to be left alone, but people and circumstances keep getting in the way. First of all, he sees an injured slave girl and is forced to buy her in order to treat her, then he discovers that she doesn’t know how to cook or clean, making her a fairly useless servant. Also, everyone thinks he is investigating the death of a serving girl from a local bar; someone is unhappy about it, and he must find out whom – for his own safety.
	Winter Study by Nevada Barr There’s plenty of snow but no happy holiday in this most recent book in Nevada Barr’s Anna Pigeon series. In the dead of winter, tough and competent park ranger Pigeon goes to Isle Royale National Park to learn about managing wild wolves. But it’s not the wolves that Anna finds dangerous; it’s the scientists who are also staying on the island, with their secrets and personal and professional animosities. Most dangerous of all is the cold – the constant bitter killing cold.
	When the Bow Breaks by Jonathan Kellerman This is the first book in Kellerman’s long-lived Alex Delaware series, and it’s easy to see why this series has lasted. Delaware was a highly respected, workaholic child psychologist until a man accused of child abuse committed suicide in Delaware’s office. The incident caused him to rethink his life and he quit his practice and retired (in his thirties) to live quietly in his isolated canyon home. It’s been six months and his friend, a homicide detective, asks him to talk to a young girl who is the only witness to the events surrounding a ghastly double murder. Delaware agrees and finds himself drawn into a situation more bloody and dangerous than anything he’s experienced before.
	Still Life by Louise Penny This is the first entry in the Three Pines series. Exceptionally well written, this traditional mystery delves into the lives of the inhabitants of a small Quebec village. The most beloved person in town is found with an arrow through her heart. Is it a terrible hunting accident, or something even more terrible? Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surete de Quebec and his team of investigators are called in to investigate and uncover secrets no one ever suspected.

Favorite Sitcoms

Hi, this is Christa from Information Services.  I don’t know about you, but I really miss the days when prime time TV consisted of one hilarious sitcom after another.  These days, I find myself getting more and more disappointed with the programs to choose from-reality shows, crime dramas, and sports.  Sure, there are a few good sitcoms on right now, like The New Adventures of Old Christine and Worst Week, but these gems are few and far between.  Listed below are my top five all-time favorite, laugh-out-loud sitcoms.  Click on the images to check our catalog for availability, and feel free to post your own list of favorites to our blog! 

	The Brady Bunch Who can resist escaping into the happiest, most perfect family’s world—especially when all of their problems are solved in 30 minutes or less?  I love almost every episode, but most of my favorite ones revolve around spooky situations:  when Greg scares Bobby and Peter into thinking they have a UFO in their backyard, when the girls scare the boys by making a “ghost” in their attic, and when Peter keeps changing into different Halloween costumes because he has two dates with two different girls at the same time!
	Seinfeld I absolutely love this show for two reasons.  One, it’s a show about everything, anything, and nothing.  Two, it’s about a zany group of friends that you feel as if you have known all your life.  Therefore, everyone can find something to relate to at some point in this show.  It’s hard to pick a favorite episode, but mine is the one where Jerry steals the marble rye from the little old lady and Kramer feeds a horse a can of “Beef-a-Reeno” and then takes George’s fiancee’s parents on a carriage ride—with disastrous results!
	Will & Grace I love so many things about this show!  Karen’s obnoxious attitude and antics never cease to shock me, and the characters’ quick-witted humor is so abundant that sometimes I have to watch an episode twice before I catch all the jokes.  However, what I like the most about this show is the strong friendship between Will and Grace that always seems to prevail no matter what comes between them.
	Caroline in the City You might not remember this show, but it’s a great one to watch now, especially since the first season was recently released on DVD.  It only lasted for four seasons, and it aired during the mid-to-late 1990s, but it’s still one of my favorites.  It’s about a single cartoonist named Caroline Duffy who lives in New York City.  Rounding out the cast are her best friend Annie (a dancer in Cats), her hot boyfriend/boss Del, and her handsome yet brooding assistant Richard.  What makes this show so good, aside from the humor, is the tension between Caroline and Richard (who’s secretly in love with Caroline).  Between all the laughs, you’re always wondering if Caroline will ever dump Del and get together with Richard.
	How I Met Your Mother Just beginning its fourth season, I think this hilarious sitcom has a lot of lasting potential, due to the very nature of its premise.  Each episode is a flashback to the crazy, everyday antics of the five main characters, which will eventually lead up to explain how Ted met his wife (by the time the series ends, whenever that may be).  As you can see, this could go on for years, as long as the show’s writers don’t run out of ideas!  I love this show because it’s a cross between Friends and Seinfeld, with its own unique twist.

Favorite CDs

Hi, this is Linda! At the end of each year I try to find what others think were the best books, and CDs of that year. There were two recording artists that I had never heard of mentioned and a few others who always turn out good recordings. Give them a listen! These are my favorites. If you have favorites that you wish to share, please do so by leaving a comment. Click an image for availability.

	Billie Holiday: Definitive Collection This CD contains great Billie Holiday Blues selections including the chilling “Strange Fruit”, the song she frequently closed her live performances with.
	Harps and Angels by Randy Newman Randy Newman’s first new album in ten years contain all new songs that are sarcastic, satirical, funny, along with heart-breaking/heartfelt songs like “Feels like Home” and “Losing You”. This combined with Newman’s piano playing with orchestral background makes a great album.
	Moment of Forever by Willie Nelson In the title song, Willie is joined by Kenny Chesney and he closes with Bob Dylan’s “Gotta Serve Somebody”. Willie sings songs about the good life and a life well-lived and in Dave Matthew’s “Gravedigger”, he thinks of what’s ahead. Excellent album.
	Mudcrutch Tom Petty was originally in this band. Petty joins two other “Heartbreakers” plus the original “Mudcrutch” band members. This is classic rock with wonderful songs and music.
	Trouble in Mind by Hayes Carll Thirty-two year old Carll sings emotional and heart-warming songs that are sometimes funny and playful. Great musicians accompany him and their names will sound familiar to country/rock fans.
	Two Men with the Blues by Wynton Marsalis and Willie Nelson Recorded during a two-night stand at Jazz at Lincoln Center, this unique album mixes jazz and the blues with a touch of country and is performed by two American musical giants backed by a very good band.