eBranch Blog

August 30, 2004

New Bestsellers 8/30

The following books are appearing on the best seller lists for the first time this week. For a complete listing see our collection of Best Seller Lists. The Library Journal Lists of Most Borrowed Books in Public Libraries for Fiction and Nonfiction were updated for August 15.
NYT = New York Times
PW = Publisher's Weekly
USA = USA Today
WSJ = Wall Street Journal

Fiction

Sandra Brown. White Hot
Set in the sultry climate of the rural South and against a backdrop of a dangerous and sometimes lethal industry, Brown's new work combines hard-edged suspense with emotionally charged relationships and startling plot twists--the author's most compelling novel yet. (PW #5, WSJ #6)

Tess Gerritsen. Body Double
"Pregnant women play key roles in this bone-chilling fourth novel in Gerritsen's edgy, suspenseful series of thrillers featuring Boston Medical Examiner Maura Isles and Homicide Detective Jane Rizzoli." - Publisher's Weekly (PW #12, WSJ #11)

Brian Herbert. Dune: The Battle of Corrin
International bestselling authors Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson forge a final tumultuous finish to their prequels to Frank Herbert's "Dune." At last, 56 years after the events of "Dune: The Machine Crusade," the war will be decided in the apocalyptic Battle of Corrin--where human and machine face off one last time. (PW #6, WSJ #5)

Kay Hooper. Hunting Fear
From the author of "Once a Thief" and "Always a Thief" comes the story of Lucas Jordan, an extraordinary psychic and latest member of Noah Bishop's Special Crimes Unit. In "Hunting Fear" he comes upon a brilliant, twisted madman out to win a sick game, matching his wits against the best hunter he can find: Lucas. (PW #13, WSJ #10)

August 27, 2004

Elections & Politics Find It! Guide

We have developed an Elections & Politics Find It! Guide with information on all the parties and candidates in the 2004 elections.

Hindi DVD List Updated

The Hindi DVD list has been updated with 17 new titles. This is a list of Hindi language DVDs owned by the library with links directly into the catalog.

August 25, 2004

Death of Dr. Parker Williams

"We are saddened today by the death of Dr. Parker Williams. She was instrumental in getting the Parker Williams Branch Library in the Scarsdale community in 1993. Through the years, she has remained an active member of the Friends of the Parker Williams Branch Library. She touched so many lives with her very positive outspoken nature. She will be missed."

- Catherine Park, Library Director

2004 Best Books for Young Adults

This list of Best Books for Young Adults is created by a committee from the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association. Teens attend special sessions to give the committee their opinions of the nominated titles. To be on the final list of Best Books the book must be of good literary quality and be popular reading for teens, ages 12-18.

Tamora Pierce. Trickster's Choice
Alianne must call forth her mother's courage and her father's wit in order to survive on the Copper Isles in a royal court rife with political intrigue and murderous conspiracy.

50 Greatest Chick Flicks

Everything from romance to action and adventure is represented on this list of 50 Greatest Chick Flicks chosen by O, the Oprah Magazine.

Notorious
A beautiful woman with a tainted past is enlisted by American agent Devlin to spy on a ring of Nazis in post-war Rio. Her espionage work becomes life-threatening after she marries the most debonair of the Nazi ring, Alex. Only Devlin can rescue her, but to do so he must face his role in her desperate situation and acknowledge that he's loved her all along. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Starring Cary Grant & Ingrid Bergman.

August 24, 2004

New Bestsellers 8/23

The following books are appearing on the best seller lists for the first time this week. For a complete listing see our collection of Best Seller Lists. The Library Journal Lists of Most Borrowed Books in Public Libraries for Fiction and Nonfiction were updated for August 15.
NYT = New York Times
PW = Publisher's Weekly
USA = USA Today
WSJ = Wall Street Journal

Fiction

Ted Bell. Assassin
In an elegant palazzo on the Grand Canal, an American ambassador's tryst turns deadly. In the seamy underbelly of London, a pub-crawling killer is on the loose. And in a storybook chapel nestled in the Cotswolds, a marriage made in heaven turns to hell on earth. Isolated incidents? Or links in a chain of events hurtling towards catastrophe? (PW #14)

Nonfiction

Ronald Kessler. Matter of Character: Inside the White House of George W. Bush
Granted rare access to the West Wing and interviews with key White House personnel, a veteran journalist and bestselling author contends that President Bush is fundamentally driven by a moral instinct and self-awareness. (NYT #9, PW #12, WSJ #10)

John O'Neill. Unfit for Command: Swift Boat Veterans Speak Out Against John Kerry
A shocking indictment of John Kerry by some of the men who knew him best. (NYT #3, PW #5, WSJ #2)

Business

Cheryl Lightle, Rhoda Anderson, & Shari MacDonald. The Creative Memories Way
The legendary founders of the scrapbooking movement now inspire readers to build a family legacy. Readers can discover how to experience album-making as a fun and exciting mission, get big results with a minimal amount of work, and leave a legacy for future generations. (WSJ #8)

August 20, 2004

Teens' Top Ten

The new feature on the Teens Know site is the Teens' Top Ten, an opportunity for teens to read and vote on their favorite titles during Teen Read Week, October 17-23, 2004.

August 18, 2004

Back to School - 6th Grade Book List

We have added Books About Kids in Sixth Grade to the lists mentioned previously.

Carol Gorman. Dork on the Run
Having reluctantly agreed to run for sixth-grade president, Jerry, who has been trying to change his image as a dork, finds his opponent playing dirty tricks on him.

August 17, 2004

Children's Bestsellers

We have now added Children's books to our collection of Bestseller Lists. We have added the New York Times Children's Chapter and Picture and the Publisher's Weekly Children's Fiction and Picture book lists.

Bill Martin Jr. 1916-2004, Author of Brown Bear, Brown Bear

Bill Martin Jr. the author of numerous books for children passed away on August 11. One of his most popular titles is Brown Bear, Brown Bear.

Bill Martin Jr. & Eric Carle. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Children see a variety of animals, each one a different color, and a teacher looking at them.

August 16, 2004

New Bestsellers 8/16/04

The following books are appearing on the best seller lists for the first time this week. For a complete listing see our collection of Best Seller Lists. The Library Journal Lists of Most Borrowed Books in Public Libraries for Fiction and Nonfiction were updated for August 15.
NYT = New York Times
PW = Publisher's Weekly
USA = USA Today
WSJ = Wall Street Journal

Fiction

Pamela Anderson. Star
Playful, bawdy, and curl-your-toes-sexy, Star is a breathless romp through tinseltown and tabloids. An insider's look at the world of inflated egos and inflated bodies, Star goes well beyond the clich?d air-kisses and casting couches of Hollywood to show what really happens when A-list meets D-cup, when girl becomes goddess. (NYT #15, PW #14, WSJ #13)

Dorthea Benton Frank. Shem Creek: a Lowcountry Tale
"Linda Breland, a single mother tired of living hand-to-mouth in New Jersey, decides to move herself and her two teenage daughters to her distant hometown of Mount Pleasant, S.C., where her sister, Mimi, still lives." - Publisher's Weekly. Fourth in a series. (NYT #10, PW #13, WSJ #11)

Karen Marie Moning. Immortal Highlander
Enter a world of timeless seduction, of ancient intrigue and modern-day passion. Enter the dazzling world of Karen Marie Moning, whose acclaimed Highlander novels have captivated readers, spanning the continents and the centuries, bringing ancient Scotland vividly to life. In a new novel brimming with time-travel adventure and sensual heat, the nationally bestselling author of The Dark Highlander delivers a love story that will hold you in thrall?and a hero you will most certainly never forget. (NYT #12, WSJ #12)

Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child. Brimstone
Art critic Jeremy Grove is found dead, his face frozen in a mask of terror. His body temperature is grotesquely high; he is discovered in a room barricaded from the inside; the smell of brimstone is everywhere...and the unmistakable imprint of a claw is burned into the wall. As more bodies are discovered--their only connection the bizarre but identical manner of death--the world begins to wonder if the Devil has, in fact, come to collect his due. Teaming with Police Officer Vincent DAgosta (The Relic), Agent Pendergast is determined to solve this case that appears to defy everything except supernatural logic. Their investigation takes them from the luxury estates of Long Island to the crumbling, legend-shrouded castles of the Italian countryside, where Pendergast faces the most treacherous and dangerous adversary of his career. (NYT #11, PW #10)

J.D. Robb. Visions in Death
As technology and humanity collide, Detective Eve Dallas searches the darkest corners of Manhattan for an elusive killer with a passion for collecting souls. (NYT #9, PW #8, WSJ #4)

Nonfiction

Tommy Franks. American Soldier
The Commander in Chief of the United States Central Command from July 2000 through July 2003, General Tommy Franks made history by leading American and Coalition forces to victory in Afghanistan and Iraq. Few individuals have the chance to contribute so much of themselves to the American story as General Tommy Franks. In American Soldier, he captures it all. (NYT #1, PW #1, USA #2, WSJ #1)

Maureen Dowd. Bushworld: Enter at Your Own Risk
A collection of the author's columns originally published in The New York Times. (NYT #7, PW #8, WSJ #6)

Laura Schlessinger. Woman Power: Transform Your Man, Your Marriage, Your Life
Through a series of provocative chapters and Q&As, Dr. Laura guides women on how to assess what is valuable and what is vulnerable in their marriages, and stimulates women to think about what is really important about being a woman, a wife, and a mother. In addition, readers will find inspirational stories and tips, thought-provoking essays, and plenty of room for entries, thoughts, and journals. There are even fascinating Q&As for husbands and wives to do together! (PW #10)

PW Religion

T. D. Jakes. He-Motions
He-Motions will bring clarity and hope to men and help them strengthen their relationships with themselves, with the women in their lives, and ultimately, with their God. #4

Lee Strobel. The Case for a Creator
Lee Strobel investigates the latest scientific discoveries to see whether they form a solid basis for believing in God. #8

August 13, 2004

Julia Child 1912-2004

Julia Child who introduced French cooking to the American TV public, died in her sleep early this morning. She was the author of numerous cookbooks including Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Her last book was written in 2000.

Julia Child. Julia's Kitchen Wisdom
Here is equally essential information about soups, vegetables, and eggs, and for baking breads and tarts. It's all waiting for you in this delicious, priceless, comforting compendium of Julia's kitchen wisdom.

Source

It's Alive Movie List

Turn out the lights, get out the popcorn, and have a horror fest with some of the movies from the It's Alive movie list. Based upon a list compiled by YALSA.

Weird Science
Two nerdish boys attempt to create the perfect woman, but she turns out to be more than that. Directed by John Hughes. Starring Anthony Michael Hall, Kelly LeBrock, & Ilan Mitchell-Smith. PG-13

August 12, 2004

Back to School Book Lists

School days, school days, dear old golden rule days...
As school begins for students across Harris County, and kindergartner's hit the books for the first time, check out our new book list: Books About Kids in Kindergarten. It includes books about kindergartners as well as books to help calm first day jitters.

Natasha Wing. The Night Before Kindergarten
Anticipation and excitement are in the air as the children get ready for the first day of kindergarten.

Is your child older? We have Books About... for First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth grades as well!

August 11, 2004

Story Time Database

Are you a parent, teacher, day care provider, librarian? If so, you should check out our new Story Time Database for some great ideas for story times. Our children's librarians have submitted some of their thematic story times to assist each other as well as our customers. Each story time includes a selection of books that relate to the theme. In addition you might find songs, crafts, or fingerplays.

August 09, 2004

New Bestsellers 8/9/04

The following books are appearing on the best seller lists for the first time this week. For a complete listing see our collection of Best Seller Lists.
NYT = New York Times
PW = Publisher's Weekly
USA = USA Today
WSJ = Wall Street Journal

Fiction
Clive Cussler. Lost City
An enzyme that prolongs life has been discovered in the North Atlantic, in an area known as Lost City . But why are all those connected with it getting killed? including the people attempting to harvest it, the scientists stationed in a remote Greek laboratory who have been disappearing one by one and what does the body found frozen in the Alps have to do with this? To Kurt Austin, leader of NUMA's Special Assignments Team, and his colleague Joe Zavala, it will become very clear they have their work cut out for them. In fact, it may be their greatest challenge ever. (PW #3, WSJ #3)

Christine Feehan. Mind Game
Dahlia LeBlanc's gifts are also a curse, making it impossible for her to be around others without hurting them. But can she trust her secrets to Nicolas Trevane, a Shadow warrior sent to find her? (USA #12)

Diana Palmer. Renegade
(PW #15, WSJ #13)

August 06, 2004

New Books/Movies/Audio Lists Updated

The New Books, Audios, and Movies lists have been updated with titles cataloged in July 2004.

August 05, 2004

McKinley's Sunshine Wins Mythyopic Award for Adult Literature

The Mythopoeic Awards are given annually to the fantasy novel that best exemplifies "the spirit of the Inklings."

Robin McKinley. Sunshine
"Rae Seddon, nicknamed Sunshine, lives a quiet life working at her stepfather's bakery. One night, she goes out to the lake for some peace and quiet. Big mistake. She is set upon by vampires, who take her to an old mansion. They chain her to the wall and leave her with another vampire, who is also chained. But the vampire, Constantine, doesn't try to eat her. Instead, he implores her to tell him stories to keep them both sane." - Booklist

August 04, 2004

Branch Book Clubs

A number of our library branches have book clubs. You can now find out which branches have book clubs, the date and time they meet, and what they are currently reading on our Branch Book Clubs page. Contact your local branch today for information on joining a book club.

August 02, 2004

New Bestsellers

The following books are appearing on the best seller lists for the first time this week. For a complete listing see our collection of Best Seller Lists.
NYT = New York Times
PW = Publisher's Weekly
USA = USA Today
WSJ = Wall Street Journal

Fiction
Jeffery Deaver. Garden of Beasts
Introduces anti-hero Paul Schumann, a notorious rubout man for the New York Mafia known for his cold and professional approach to his job. But the jig is up when he is duped by high-ranking feds who give him a choice--prison or one more impossible job: assassinate the man who's running Hitler's plan for rearming Germany. (NYT #10, PW #11, WSJ #11)

Karen Robards. Bait
It's a business trip that takes attorney Maddie Fitzgerald down to New Orleans, but it's hardly business as usual when a man breaks into her hotel room and tries to kill her. Barely escaping with her life, the sexy, stylish thirty-two-year-old brunette calls the police and finds herself face-to-face with FBI agent Sam McCabe. Unnerved by his questions-and his good looks-Maddie is told she's been targeted by a hired killer, one who has eluded McCabe for years. (WSJ #15)

Nonfiction
9/11 Commission Report
The independent, bipartisan panel was directed to examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the September 11 attacks, identify lessons learned, and provide recommendations to safeguard against future acts of terrorism.This volume is the authorized edition of the Commission's final report. (USA #1)

Robert C. Byrd. LOSING AMERICA (Norton, $23.95.) The senior senator from West Virginia assails what he considers the "reckless and arrogant presidency" of George W. Bush. (NYT #9)

Business
David Brooks. On Paradise Drive
The author of the acclaimed bestseller Bobos in Paradise, which hilariously described the upscale American culture, takes a witty look at how being American shapes us, and how America's suburban civilization will shape the world's future. (NYT #10)

Erica Kennedy. Bling
Cinderella remixed: an uninhibited, unputdownable novel about a small-town girl and the music mogul determined to turn her into a megastar. (NYT #5)

Tonya Lews Lee & Crystal McCrary Anthony. Gotham Diaries
In this compelling first novel, authors Tonya Lewis Lee and Crystal McCrary Anthony give us a rare glimpse inside the fashionable and urbane world of New York's chic African-American society and its incumbent scandals, foibles, and skeletons. Gotham Diaries is a gripping novel, filled with fascinating characters and a plot that won't let go. (NYT #9)

PW Audio Fiction
Stephen Coonts. Liars & Thieves
Liars and Thieves is Stephen Coonts as you've never seen him before-a story as chilling as it is unforgettable. Tommy Carmellini, a CIA operative who is unafraid to walk both sides of the law to attain his objective, uncovers a dark conspiracy that leads to the highest levels of the American government-and to a ruthless manipulator who will stop at nothing to keep a decades-old secret. (Unabridged CD) (#14)

Catherine Coulter. Blowout
Married FBI agents Savich and Sherlock work and play hard: devoted to their jobs, their son, and each other, they approach each new case with gusto, and appreciate every moment of downtime they can grab. But a long weekend getaway at a secluded cabin in the Pennsylvania woods is cut short when the agents are summoned back to Washington, where a nightmare awaits them. (Unabridged Cassette & CD) (#6)

Sue Grafton. R is for Ricochet
... And R is for romance: love gone right, love gone wrong, and matters somewhere in between. (Unabridged Cassette) (#4)

James Patterson. Sam's Letters to Jennifer
Laced with mystery, this new work by the mega-bestselling author combines two amazing love stories in a novel that's impossible to put down. (Unabridged Cassette & CD) (#10)

Kathy Reichs. Monday Mourning
Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist for both North Carolina and Quebec, has come to Montreal during the bleak days of December to testify as an expert witness at a murder trial. She should be going over her notes, but instead she's digging in the basement of a pizza parlor, investigating the skeletonized remains of three young women. How did they get there? When did they die? (Unabridged Cassette) (#7)

PW Audio Nonfiction
Bill Clinton. My Life
Former president Bill Clinton's highly anticipated memoirs will be published in June. My Life, an account of Clinton's life through the White House years, is one of the most eagerly awaited books of recent years. (Unabridged CD) (#1)

Tolle Eckhart. The Power of Now
In The Power of Now he shows readers how to recognize themselves as the creators of their own pain, and how to have a pain-free existence by living fully in the present. Accessing the deepest self, the true self, can be learned, he says, by freeing ourselves from the conflicting, unreasonable demands of the mind and living "present, fully and intensely, in the Now." (Unabridged CD) (#7)

Summer Reading: What Houston Insiders are Reading, 2004

In her August 1, 2004 column, Chronicle columnist Shelby Hodge surveyed a number of "big readers and interesting folks" to find out what they're reading this summer. The Summer Reading book list includes both fiction and nonfiction selections.

Sarah Dunant. The Birth of Venus
Nancy Kinder, Republican fund-raiser
Alessandra Cecchi is not quite fifteen when her father, a prosperous cloth merchant, brings a young painter back from northern Europe to decorate the chapel walls in the family's Florentine palazzo. A child of the Renaissance, with a precocious mind and a talent for drawing, Alessandra is intoxicated by the painter's abilities. But their burgeoning relationship is interrupted when Alessandra's parents arrange her marriage to a wealthy, much older man.

George Crile. Charlie Wilson's War: the Extraordinary Story of the Largest Covert Operation in History
Mayor Bill White
From an award-winning 60 Minutes reporter comes the extraordinary story of the largest and most successful CIA operation in history?the arming of the Mujahideen in Afghanistan.