Age Group:
3-8 years

Genre:
Non-Fiction, Friendship, Animals, Picture Book

Summary:
A Friend for Einstein shares the adorable story of the world’s smallest stallion and his quest for friendship! Too small to play with the other ponies, Einstein tries befriending a myriad of farm animals. But none are quite right for inquisitive Einstein. That is until he meets Lily, an energetic friend who is sure to keep up with the wiry pony!

My Thoughts:
I could not stop smiling while reading this book! Could Einstein be any cuter?? I want one! He actually reminds me of a stuffed unicorn toy with blue eyes that I got as a child.

The pictures in this non-fiction book are really too charming for words. With full page photo spreads and just the right amount of text, this book is the perfect choice for a read-a-loud.

Experience the cuteness of real life and borrow A Friend for Einstein: the smallest stallion from your local Vaughan Library today!

I’m really excited that Janet Evanovich’s first book in the Stephanie Plum series is now a movie, arriving in theatres on January 27^th.  In “One for the money”, Stephanie Plum, former department store lingerie salesperson turned bounty hunter, meets her nemesis as she hunts down wanted cop Joe Morelli.  Since he was her former high school boyfriend, obviously things are going to be…interesting to say the least. 

This is the first book in a lighthearted action adventure series, the most recent being “Explosive Eighteen”.  I admit that I haven’t read the last few, since after that many books, the plots seem repetitive.  But for the first few novels, I was quite amused by the antics of Stephanie and also her extremely funny grandma; both characters are quite the feisty ladies!

Reviews aren’t out yet for the movie, but I’m optimistic it will be entertaining (Check out the trailer online).  And if you are a patient person and don’t want to see the movie in the theater, you can wait for the movie to make it to VPL’s catalogue, and then add your name to the inevitable waitlist.

Rubber was definitely the most unique, original film of 2011. And so far everybody who has seen it either seems to be fascinated by it or repelled/annoyed by it. It’s a horror comedy with postmodernist commentary on filmmaking (and I realize this sentence alone has already made some of you stop reading).

Meet Robert. He is a junkyard tire that becomes self-aware and discovers he has the power to blow up people’s heads. Sounds like the making of a B-movie with lots of wacky, bloody gore? You betcha.

But French director Quentin Dupieux isn’t content to just crank out another bizzare one-note grindhouse film. The early moments when Robert first comes to life and unsteadily, wobbily, starts to roll along draw you in and make you root for this inanimate piece of rubber. You actually feel the same simple joy Robert does when he starts to discover how he can manipulate objects in his environment; it’s like watching a baby or a puppy discover the world. Despite the fact that this black rubber tire has no face and no discernable features, there are multiple moments throughout the film when this tire’s frustration, rage, or desire are palpable.

This movie also has arthouse elements to engage the thoughtful or analytical viewer. They include characters who know they are in a movie getting exasperated with the ones who don’t; characters breaking the fourth wall by talking to the camera; and an opening monologue about how films are full of things happening for “no reason”. But perhaps the most significant aspect is a self-reflexive commentary on today’s movie audiences, with the inclusion of actual spectators equipped with binoculars who are watching the proceedings of the film. In a very early moment of the film, before Robert has come to life, there is a long silent moment where the spectators watch and wait, but nothing at all happens. The character of a young boy says exactly what has just crossed the skeptical movie watcher’s mind: ”Oh. It’s already boring”. (And then something happens.)

Who will like this movie? People who like creative, independent cinema. People who like modern grindhouse films. People who like movies about moviemaking. People who sympathized with the lamp in Spike Jonze’s IKEA commercial despite the announcer telling you not to.

Looking for something different? Check out Rubber today!

Identical Strangers: A Memoir of Twins Separated and Reunited

This fascinating memoir reads like a cross between a science fiction thriller and The Parent Trap. Elyse Schein and Paula Bernstein are identical twins that were separated at birth. While each grew up knowing that they were adopted, neither knew that they had an identical twin sister, nor that they were originally  part of a secret study on  separated twins.

At the age of thirty five these two women slowly discover  the circumstances of their births and each other. Told in their alternating voices this book is an engrossing real life look at the nature vs nurture debate.

Join us at the Woodbridge Library for a Matinee every two weeks.  We have a wide collection of classical movies featuring actors such as  Clark Gable,  Marlon Brando, Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn.  For upcoming Black History Month, we start off  the celebrations with The Help (February 1) starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer.  This is based on the book written by Kathryn Stockett who details the African American maid experience in the deep south.  This is truly an historical story with many hilarious moments ! 

For the rest of the month of February, we show That Hamilton Woman (February 15)  and A Place in the Sun (February 29).

Come along  for an afternoon of fun at the movies.  We even have popcorn and it is all free!

WAR HORSE

Age Group:
Child

Genre:
Adventure, Animals, Classic, Fiction, Historical, International, War Story

Summary:
Joey is a just a farm horse like any other – until the day he’s sold off to join the cavalry at the oubreak of World War 1. Beloved by his young owner Albert, and now thrust into a ruthless, deadly battlefield, Joey must adapt quickly to his new life. On the way he will make fast friends with horses and men alike. But he will also come to know the cruelty of humankind. Yet Joey is strong and determined. And he’s not about to give up now!

My Thoughts:
I was inspired to read War Horse after seeing previews for the new Spielberg movie of the same name. I am also a fan of books such as Black Beauty and movies like the Black Stallion. War Horse is on par with these classics, delivering a tight plot, charismatic characters, and a kind of magic realism. At the same time, I learned a lot about WWI through subtle but memorable details. As the narrator, Joey the horse maintains a sort of innocence that is certain to charm young readers!

I am looking forward to seeing the movie version too. I hear it is getting good reviews. Has anyone had a chance to see it yet? Check out the preview on YouTube by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7lf9HgFAwQ.

Borrow War Horse from your local Vaughan Library today! For another heartwarming period piece, try Black Beauty too and the movie!

Full Title:
How Full is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life 

Age Group:
Adult and Child

Genre:
Non-Fiction, Self-Improvement, Science, Sociology

Summary:
If you can imagine the metaphor of a bucket, then you can re-imagine your life! When your bucket is full and when you actively fill the buckets of others, you are on the road to drastically reducing negativity in your life and discovering true happiness.

In this collaborative effort, Rath and Clifton share with readers their philosophy on life. When we “dip” from the life buckets of others, no one benefits. But when we take the time to share positivity, to tell people how much they matter – to make every moment count – we are taking action to improve our relationships, health, and productivity.

My Thoughts:
In simple, straightforward language, Rath and Clifton unveil a unique and compelling attitude toward personal fulfillment. What I liked about this book is its accessibility. How Full is Your Bucket? is succinct and pleasant to read. It is free from theoretical jargon, with an inspiring focus on positive strategies.

This book is an uplifting choice for anyone who is looking for deeper satisfaction in their life!

Borrow How Full is Your Bucket? Positive Strategies for Work and Life from your local Vaughan Library today! For the little ones in your family, try How Full is Your Bucket? For kids.

Full Title:
Love Times Three: Our True Story of a Polygamous Marriage

With:
Brooke Adams

Age Group:
Adult

Genre:
American, Autobiography, Memoir, Non-fiction, Religion

Summary:
Meet Joe, Alina, Vicki and Valerie – a modern family with a twist! As Independent Fundamentalist Mormoms, polygamy is a key tenet of faith for the Darger family, who share their home with their 23 combined children. Alina, Vicki and Valerie are all “married” to Joe but he is only legally married to Alina. On the same day he also “married” Vicki. Some years later Vicki’s twin sister Valerie joined the family with her five children after experiencing a painful divorce.

The family, who experienced their fair share of hardships over the years, shares with readers the beginning of their families and their desire to be accepted in society. In an attempt to educate readers and de-stigmatize their lifestyle, the Dargers open up about all aspects of their lives, including jealousy, discrimination and many more personal challenges.

My Thoughts:
For fans of the TV shows Big Love or Sister Wives, Love Times Three is the next step toward making sense of a lifestyle that is both fascinating and immensely varied. Although this certainly was not the most well written book, it did not disappoint in its exploration of polygamy, providing a well rounded foundation of religious beliefs, in addition to the inevitable challenges of living the lifestyle.

The Dargers are a likeable family who reveal numerous details about their lives. From what I could tell, they are genuinely happy. At the end of the book, some of their eldest children share their thoughts on growing up in a polygamist family, and their opinion on carrying on the lifestyle. This is an interesting read from a human interest standpoint and definitely worth a check!

Borrow Love Times Three: Our true story of a polygamous marriage from your local Vaughan library today!

***************NATIONAL BESTSELLER***************

Full Title:
As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl

Genre:
Non-Fiction, Biography, Canadian, Gender Identity, Historical, Journalism, Mental Health, Science, Social Commentary

Summary:
In 1967, following a baby boy’s botched circumcision, his family agrees to surgically alter the boy to live as a girl. From there, Bruce became Brenda and under the vigilance of renowned doctor John Money, Brenda was nurtured to enjoy feminine things, such as wearing frilly dresses and helping her mom in the kitchen. Lauded as an indisputable success by the influential Money, Brenda’s case was revered in the medical community and became the impetus for future infant sex re-assignments.

But everything didn’t turn out perfectly for Brenda. Knowing that something was not quite right with her body, Brenda struggled to fit in with her peers at school. She was rough and tumble and never truly identified with girls. She would beat up her twin brother and play with her brother’s toys rather than her own dolls. Brenda turned into a despondent, angry child. Her grades slipped and she became increasingly wary of medical professionals, especially Money.

Finally at the age of fourteen, Brenda reverted back to the gender that she always felt at her core: boy. Narrowly evading suicide, Brenda became David, and went on to face corrective surgery, get married and raise three children.

The experiment that inspired generations of medical professionals was suddenly a failure. David, determined to save other children from the same fate, was finally able to face the world and share his sad story and his indomitable will to survive.

My Thoughts:
Fascinating topic for a book! You might remember David Reimer’s amazing story from a late 1990s episode of Oprah. Reimer’s life will make you think twice about gender identity politics. Following the debate surrounding nature vs. nurture, David’s case and others like him reveal that boys and girls are not always “made.”

Colapinto’s novel is at times less of a biography of Reimer, and more of a broader ethical discussion of infant sex-reassignment surgery. His journalism is painstakingly detailed and his stance is clear. At times, Colapinto’s portrayal of Money can be a little one-dimensional. Money is vilified as a staunchly stubborn and even perverse doctor. But after all the facts are revealed, you can’t help but feel that Colapinto is quite justified in his conclusions.

Borrow As Nature Made Him: The Boy Who Was Raised as a Girl from your local Vaughan library today!

I am only going to say this once – I like comics.  There.   Now it’s out there.  I enjoy sequential art, graphic storytelling, that “kid stuff.”  And I know I have said this before, but I will say it again (and continue to say it until I am in the grave) – there is a lot more to comics than just superheroes and “kid stuff.”  I can guarantee you that no matter what you like, no matter what you don’t like, there is a comic or graphic novel out there that will appeal to you.

Perusing the shelves not too long ago, I ran across a set of titles that appeals to me!  Vertigo is the “mature” arm of DC Comics, and they have a series called “Vertigo Crime.”  In this series, writers who are well known in other arenas (Ian Rankin anybody?) are called in to write crime stories that are then drawn by famous comics artists.  I scooped up the four I found on the shelf and read them all, one after the other.

I am not going to make you suffer through a summary and comments on all four of them!  Suffice it to say, if you like your crime dark and gritty, if violence doesn’t offend you, and if you are interested in a non-traditional look at the world we live in, then you could do worse than reading some “Vertigo Crime.” 

I will say that of the four, Ian Rankin’s Dark Entriesand Peter Milligan’s The Bronx Kill were my favourites.  The first because Rankin so easily constructs so layered a story.  The second because it is not a “traditional” murder mystery, even though it is chock-full of NYC Irish cops.  But Area 10 and The Chill were also good.

I’ve said it before, and I am sure I will say it again: give graphic a chance!

A note: I will be taking a short break from weekly posts at the start of the new year.  I am taking this break in an attempt to put together a structured sequence of murderous reading for 2012 – so please bear with me, and I hope it will all be worth it!