Steampunk

If you're a fan of steampunk, you might want to check out a couple of fairly new titles added to the library's collection.  Soulless by Gail Carriger says right on the front cover "a novel of vampires, werewolves, and parasols," and while it might be a crossover title for fans of paranormal romance or fantasy, I think steampunk fans will find much to like here.  The other title, Boneshaker, by Cherie Priest, doesn't contain the usual Victorian era setting, but steam-powered technology makes itself at home in a book that includes mad scientists and zombies, among other oddities.  Never heard of steampunk?  Take a look at this article from Library Journal and see if it sounds like your cup of tea, served from a Victorian teapot, of course.

April showers bring May flowers...

April is National Poetry Month, and I'd like to share one of my favorite poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay.  If you've never read her poetry, I suggest checking out The Selected Poetry of Edna St. Vincent Millay from the library.  I find her to be a very accessible poet who transforms pieces of everyday life into beautiful and magical celebrations.

Untitled

Sometimes, oh, often indeed, in the midst of ugly adversity, beautiful
Memories return.
You awake in wonder, you awake at half-past four, 
Wondering what wonder is in store.
You reach for your clothes in the dark and pull them on, you
       have no time
Even to wash your face, you have to climb Megunticook.

You run through the sleeping town; you do not arouse
Even a dog, you are so young and so light on your feet.
What a way to live, what a way...
No breakfast, not even hungry.  An apple, though,
In the pocket.
And the only people you meet are store-windows.

The path up the mountain is stony and in places steep,
And here it is really dark--wonderful, wonderful,
Wonderful--the smell of bark
And rotten leaves and dew!  And nobody awake
In all the world but you!--
Who lie on a high cliff until your elbows ache,
To see the sun come up over Penobscot Bay. 

Do you sudoku? (and yes, this post has cats in it...again!)

If you answered yes to the above question, you might be interested to know which author claims that sudoku is her guilty addiction.  Click here to find out (and we have lots of her books, so take a peek at our online catalog too).

Another great cat book is about to hit the shelves: Glamourpuss: The Enchanting World of Kitty Wigs.  Julie Jackson and Jill Johnson, author and photographer, have managed to make felines look both silly and dignified in this wacky collection of "tressed up" cats.  Some critics may say the existence of this book means someone has too much time on his/her hands, but if it makes you laugh, I think it serves a greater purpose - contributing to the health and well-being of humanity ;o)