My LINKcat AccountThe month of January got off to a fine start with a brisk, somewhat extended dip into arctic temperatures. While waiting for the temperature to moderate and become more reasonable, I found myself continually querying myself as to why I continue to live in Wisconsin (during the winter). I have to admit that I didn’t come up with a very good answer. Habit of course is one answer and something to do with the 2nd law of thermodynamics is another. As the days lengthen in January and the cold –for the moment at least- is no longer strengthening there are a number of interesting celebrations coming up. To start off with month of January is not only Hot Tea Month but it is also National Oatmeal Month. Seems really appropriate doesn’t it? This week finds the 11th being “Step in a Puddle and Splash Your Friend’s Day” – a little difficult to do this time of year since our puddles tend to be solid blocks of ice. January 13th is purportedly “International Skeptics Day” but I find that hard to believe. The 14th is “Dress Your Pet Up Day” which some may find easier to do than others. The 15th is “National Hat Day” which isn’t hard to celebrate in these northern climes since we should all be wearing our hats when we go out in the cold. The 16th is “Appreciate a Dragon Day”. This library has more than its fair share of dragons, so feel free to come in and appreciate any one of our dragons you care to. When you’re not involved in all these marvelous opportunities for celebration, you might want to look through some of the new books listed below. Stay warm and enjoy!
New Non-Fiction
13 things mentally strong people don't do : take back your power, embrace change, face your fears, and train your brain for happiness and success / by Amy Morin. A psychotherapist describes how mentally strong people focus on the positive to overcome life’s challenges and offers practical strategies to combat the 13 negative, but common, habits that can derail happiness and hold people back from success.
Brave girls : raising young women with passion and purpose to become powerful leaders by Stacey Radin. Drawing on her own experience with an after-school program dedicated to empowering girls through puppy rescue, a psychologist shows parents and educators how to help their girls become confident, passionate and powerful leaders during the most formative stage in their development and self-identification.
The Internet is not the answer / by Andrew Keen. A former Internet entrepreneur and chat show host on Techcrunch discusses the negative effects the internet has on human psychology, the economy and culture and shows how big data companies are trying to monetize every normal human function.
The 20/20 diet : turn your weight loss vision into reality : 20 key foods to help you succeed where other diets fail by Phil McGraw. The celebrity psychologist and host of the “Dr. Phil” show identifies leading reasons that diets fail, shares solutions for overcoming challenging roadblocks and outlines a diet based on strategic calorie-burning foods. By a #1 best-selling author.
New Fiction
The secret wisdom of the earth / by Chris Scotton. Witnessing his younger brother's accidental death, teenaged Kevin spends the summer traumatized in his grandfather's Appalachia coal-mining community, which is fighting plans for a massive mountaintop-removal operation.
A fine summer's day / by Charles Todd. The nuptial hopes of Inspector Rutledge are overshadowed by a series of seemingly unrelated murders throughout 1914 England and the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggers World War I.
Gods of gold / by Chris Nickson. During the 1890 gas-worker strikes in Leeds, Detective Inspector Tom Harper discovers that there may be a link between the disappearance of 8-year-old Martha Parkinson and the murder of a replacement gas worker.
Mr. monk and the new lieutenant by Hy Conrad. While at the funeral of Judge Oberlin, Monk and Natalie discover evidence of poisoning on the body and must investigate, in a book based on the USA Network television series created by Andy Breckman. By the author of “Mr. Monk is Open for Business”.
Trust no one / by Jayne Krentz. Retreating to her hometown after her motivational speaker boss dies from alcohol poisoning, a traumatized Grace Elland shares a dreadful blind date with a venture capitalist who uses his skills as a former Marine to help her outmaneuver a stalker. By the best-selling author of “River Road”.
Insatiable appetites / by Stuart Woods. Settling the estate of a respected friend and mentor, Stone uncovers secrets ranging from surprising to alarming while an underhanded foe stealthily spreads violent havoc. By the Edgar Award-winning author of the Holly Barker series.