Linda Stevens's blog

Stop Right There

Submitted by Linda Stevens on Fri, 03/23/2012 - 1:39pm

When recommending books to people, I've found that what a person does not like is almost as important as what they do like.  I read a tremendous number of books, usually 3 or 4 a week, from various genres.  I read even more book reviews and descriptions of books and blog posts about books and book catalogs.  Still, there are certain title words or plot points that will make me stop immediately, knowing that this is not a book for me -- particularly in the romance genre.  This is not to say that there is anything wrong with the book, it is just not one that matches my tastes.  In fact, isn't it better that the title or the blurb on the back of the book gives you a clear signal of appeal?

HCPL Friends: Birdies for Charity

Submitted by Linda Stevens on Fri, 02/24/2012 - 2:05pm

As budgets get smaller, the financial support of the Harris County Friends of the Library becomes more important then ever to our libraries.  The Friends help pay for the summer reading programs, staff scholarships, program refreshments and ebooks for the collection.  Over the last five years, they have donated over $15,000 to help fund services at county libraries.  

The primary fundraiser of the Harris County Friends of the Library has been a wonderful program run by the Houston Golf Association called Birdies for Charity.  It is centered on the Shell Houston Open but you don't have to golf at all for a chance to win a car, just be willing to donate to your favorite cause, Harris County Friends of the Library.  One hundred percent of your pledge goes to help libraries.  The HGA takes care of collecting and then distributing the money without taking out a penny.

Romance on the Road

Submitted by Linda Stevens on Wed, 02/22/2012 - 3:46pm

it happened one nightI don't think I'm the only one whose thoughts have turned to spring breaks and vacations.  Since I won't be taking one next month, I thought I'd escape on a fictional vacation and celebrate the road trip romance.  Remember the movies It Happened One Night or Romancing the Stone?  Think of those in book form:  a (usually harrowing) physical journey is accompanied by an emotional journey, played for either laughs or adventure.  I particularly enjoy the historical versions, because you're travelling though another time, as well as another place.

Series Titles Worth the Wait

Submitted by Linda Stevens on Wed, 01/25/2012 - 12:25pm

clocksWhen you are a dedicated series reader, over time you notice that certain recurring characters seem to take on extra life.  They pop up more frequently and always get the best lines.  They are endearing and engaging.  They find a special place in your reading heart.

That's why one of my pet peeves as a romance series reader is to finally get to one of these stories and it doesn't seem worthy of the character who inspired it.

Not to despair!  I read two series titles last week that avoided this problem entirely -- they were worth the wait.

Pick Up HCPL Items at the Texas Medical Center Library

Submitted by Linda Stevens on Tue, 01/03/2012 - 8:37am

tmc libraryIt’s not always easy navigating the area around the Texas Medical Center, so HCPL and the TMC Library hope to reduce daily stress for those who work or seek treatment in the Medical Center with the availability of public library items for pick-up and browsing in the TMC Library.

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