Nonfiction

Keep Learning

Posted Thu, 03/18/2010 - 11:55am by Angel Hill

I’m a strong believer in continuing education. What’s nice about being out of school is that you can choose what you read and how you enrich your life. YOU decide what you learn. There’s a great series of books called The Intellectual Devotional by David S. Kidder and Noah D. Oppenheim. In the first book you get 365 different mini-lessons in things like history, literature, arts, science, music, philosophy, and religion. The other two books cover American history and health. Like the cover says, “Revive Your Mind, Complete Your Education, and Roam Confidently with the Cultured Class.”

Coco Chanel

Posted Thu, 03/11/2010 - 5:34pm by Rhiannon P.

Coco Chanel

I recently watched the movie Coco Avant Chanel featuring Audrey Tautou as Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. In the past I have read a few biographies on Coco Chanel and was surprised by her many quirks. One that particularly stands out in my mind is that she often fabricated her life story in a way that gave her the power to leave out the parts that just didn’t quite fit into the vision she wanted for herself. One has to admire that she was a woman that came from nothing and carved out her own successful path in life, not to mention her genius sense of fashion.

Bird Haven for Earth Day

Posted Thu, 03/11/2010 - 4:27pm by Christine Turner

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to identify and appreciate the simple things in life. A few weeks ago, I was reading in my study, when I noticed that the songbirds are back. I am delighted they have returned to my garden, and realized how much I truly missed them during the cold "winter" months. As our community grows birds are losing their natural habitat. Therefore, I have begun making plans to create a backyard haven for birds and butterflies. Below are a few of the books that I found helpful.

A Patriotic Vacation

Posted Thu, 03/11/2010 - 12:49pm by Angel Hill

For the past year I’ve heard that people have been vacationing closer to home to save money. Thankfully, we have a big, beautiful country full of places to visit. Take a look at National Geographic’s latest edition of Complete National Parks of the United States. Even if you’re not planning a vacation, it’s worth browsing.

The Women Who Won the West (a few of them at least!)

Posted Wed, 03/10/2010 - 3:19pm by Greg Burns

Among other things, March is Women's History Month, so this seems a good time to highlight some of the excellent tales of women in the American west.

There have been many good non-fiction books written detailing the contributions of women in the settling of the west. A good place to start might be with some of these titles:

By Grit & Grace: eleven women who shaped the American West

Calling All Coaches

Posted Mon, 03/08/2010 - 3:24pm by Sara West

Spring is almost here! It's no longer chilly enough to be uncomfortable, yet it's not too humid to be unbearable. A lot of parents and families find themselves outdoors this time of year watching youth sports. Some parents even find themselves coaching those sports. If you're a newly nominated coach or even a returning coach looking for new strategies, you can find some helpful and informative guides at the library:

Shhh, It’s a Secret

Posted Thu, 03/04/2010 - 2:09pm by Angel Hill

In the President's Secret Service Do you have a hard time keeping a secret? Try working in the Presidents’ Secret Service! Apparently, some of them have a hard time keeping a secret too, and we’re the lucky ones now to be able to read some of the nitty-gritty that happens behinds closed doors. Take a look at In the President’s Secret Service by Ronald Kessler.

HBO's The Pacific

Posted Wed, 03/03/2010 - 1:17pm by Grace Lillevig

HBO's ten part series The Pacific debuts on March 14. I'm sure we'll be watching it as my husband and I enjoyed Band of Brothers, which was by the same producers (Tom Hanks, Stephen Spielberg and Gary Goetzman). Unlike Band of Brothers, which was based on Stephen Abrose's book, The Pacific follows several main characters and is based on memoirs published after World War II. The following are tie-in books in HCPL's collection:

National Craft Month

Posted Tue, 03/02/2010 - 3:24pm by Abby B.

March is National Craft Month! I haven't had as much time as I'd like to be crafty myself lately. However, I do enjoy looking at craft books so I can "ooo" and "ahh" over the things I'd like to make. The library has plenty of books for you crafty folks, whether you want to try a new craft or find ideas for a craft you've been enjoying for years.

Amanda Blake Soule. Handmade Home

Filled with 33 projects made by reusing and repurposing materials--from vintage feedsacks to old sheets and towels--and including some projects that children can help with, all of the items here offer a practical use in the home.

Get Ready, Get Set, Garden!

Posted Mon, 03/01/2010 - 5:37pm by Sara West

Sure, parts of Houston just recorded snowfall last week, but don't let that stop you from planning your Spring garden. No matter what type of garden you're looking for, we have a book for you: