I'm very excited to announce that starting this Sunday, May 1, I'll be contributing a weekly book review to The Columbian newspaper.  The library has had a presence in the Life section of the Sunday newspaper for some time now, with a small listing of new titles in several categories.  This will continue, along with a short book review about a title I find interesting.  This is thrilling on several levels because A) the library will continue to have a regular spot in the paper which means great press for FVRL; B) it's an opportunity to expand the blog's audience, and to bring in new readers to the library; and, on a very personal level, C) I love to write, so I get to do even more of what I love!  Looking forward to sharing great books with blog and newspaper readers alike!     

What do used Band-Aids and clowns have in common?

I am a crazy, cat lady.  Really, I am.  But, as crazy as I am about felines, there is a type of cat that actually creeps me out a bit.  That would be the hairless variety.  I feel bad admitting this because on my personal scale of most adorable animals in the world, cats absolutely blow the competition away.  Except for the hairless ones.  I bring this up because there's a new book out called Creepiosity: A Hilarious Guide to the Unintentionally Creepy, and there's a big, hairless cat on its cover.  Now, I realize that hairless cats might be your cup of tea, but I'll bet you'll find at least one image in this quirky, albeit somewhat disturbing, book that qualifies as down right creepy.  How about lifelike baby dolls?  Used Band-Aids?  Fish with people faces?  CLOWNS?? (ok, including clowns is almost a cliche in the arena of creepiness, but they have to be there.  Trust me.)  The author also has a web site (www.creepiosity.com), so if the book just isn't enough for you, I guarantee that the online version will have you saying "gaah" more than once.

Feeling cooped up?

You've heard about the "dog days" of summer.  Well, I've decided to launch a new term for April: the "chicken days" of spring.  Why would I do this?  I happen to live next door to some chickens, who are always busy doing chicken stuff, and right now all of the stores are displaying Easter items, which means lots of yellow chicks, so it just seems natural that this time of year be devoted to poultry.  And I'll bet you're asking yourself right now, how can I be a part of the "chicken days?"  Well, now, it just so happens that the library is a pretty good place to learn about chicks (of the fuzzy, bird variety, that is).  We have lots of books about raising chickens, and a new one, entitled Chick Days, sounds perfect for beginners.  Get ready to learn how to take care of the feathered ladies by following the adventures of Amelia, Tilda, and Honey, and before you know it, you'll be having a hentastic time raising your own cluckers.  

What goes in, must come out

It's amazing (and disturbing) what gets ingested, either accidentally, or on purpose.  Thanks to an early 20th century laryngologist named Dr. Chevalier Jackson, who developed a safe method of removing swallowed objects, and who decided to keep what he removed (yeah, I know), we have an inside view (well, more like an outside one now, right?), of one man's contribution to the medical profession.  Swallow: Foreign Bodies, Their Ingestion, Inspiration, and the Curious Doctor Who Extracted Them by Mary Cappello presents the captivating story of how an eccentric medical pioneer saved lives...and safety pins, coins, thumb tacks, miniature opera glasses, and much, much more.  And if, after reading the book, you decide you'd like to see Dr. Jackson's objects in person, consider paying a visit to The College of Physicians of Philadelphia's Mutter Museum.