Civil War Espionage

Dara Horn's All Other Nights was recently named to Booklist's Editor's Choice list of Adult Fiction titles for 2009. The title refers to the question, 'How is this night different from all other nights?', traditionally asked at Passover Seder and carries the reader through the years 1861 to 1865 with appearances by numerous historical figures, especially Judah Benjamin, Secretary of State for the Confederacy. Geography is expansive, too, including New York City, New Orleans, Mississippi, Richmond, and Washington, D.C.

Perhaps most intriguing, though, are the spy networks and the difficult moral choices faced by the characters as they struggle with obligations to family, to self and to country. If you like historical fiction, mystery, and romance, you will enjoy this book as much as Booklist's editors did.

Obesity in Youth: Causes, Consequences and Cures

Obesity in Youth: Causes, Consequences and Cures is a recent NT Library acquisition which deals with the obesity epidemic facing children and adolescents. The book begins with an examination of key genetic influences and dietary patterns; later chapters focus on treatment and prevention. There is an important focus on psychological aspects of obesity such as teasing, body image, mental disorders and the psychosocial consequences for children, families and society.

First Lady Michelle Obama has teamed up with the Muppets to tackle childhood obesity. She has spoken several times about the importance of nutritious food and healthy school lunches. Grist reports that White House is embracing the “addiction model” of food consumption as described by former FDA chief David Kessler’s new book The End of Overeating: which has become a "bible" for Obama and her food policy team.

What I find interesting is that chef Jamie Oliver is the 2010 TED winner. He has taken cooking to the activist level:
“Every child should be taught to cook in school, not just talk about nutrition all day. Good food can be made in 15 minutes. This could be the first generation where the kids teach the parents.” – Jamie Oliver
Usually, highly scientific or philosophical thinkers are awarded prizes. Looks like TED also values pragmatists.

NPR Takes a Look Back @ 2009 Books

If you missed the end of the year's best book lists of 2009, not to worry, you can take a look at the new year's best book lists of 2009. Best cookbooks, mysteries, foreign fiction, debut fiction and more. Here are the picks from NPR's critics and correspondents:

Enjoy NPR's Book Notes

The Favorites by Mary Yukari Waters

The lineage of women, matriarchs, daughters, and family relations are the focus of The Favorites. And, add in the complicated personal identity of being half-American and half-Japanese, and you read a story that unfolds the layers of complexity of Japanese tradition, challenges of new versus old, and family secrets untold, or so some believe.

After living her first seven years in Japan, Sarah now returns to Japan with her mother seven years later, for summer vacation. By force and by curiosity, Sarah learns family history, including second marriages, adopted children, and deep-seeded love. Because of this trip, Sarah sees her mother in a whole new light - more confident, playful, and full of laughter and ease. Aside from Sarah, the other family members begin to grow, change, and relations develop that once never existed.

While Japanese traditions may differ from other cultures, the principals are no different. Certain circumstances call for certain actions, and one does what is needed at the time. Respect is of the utmost importance and, as a result, much is left unsaid and buried deep inside. \

This tale brings laughter, smiles, confusion, and the rules of life all in one. After reading The Favorites, you just might want to hug your mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, or cousin, and, together, have a cup of tea.

85 Reasons to be Thankful for Librarians!

Looking for ways to take advantage of your school or public library? Check out the following blog post.
85 Reasons to be Thankful for Librarians!

Daniel Pink's New Book: Drive

Daniel Pink, author of a Whole New Mind recently published a new title: Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us Watch the video! Sounds like a worthy purchase.

Two questions that can change your life from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.