Tag Archives: Valerie H.

National Dog Day

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Today is National Dog Day!  National Dog Day celebrates all dogs – mixed breed and pure. The day aims to bring attention the number of dogs that need rescued, as well as celebrate the family and working dogs throughout the country.  What better way to celebrate the day, then with a great book about man’s best friend?  Here are a few titles available at GPL, but we have SO many more as well!  We’d be happy to help you find your favorite dog book!

 

Dog Days
by Jon Katz

In Dog Days, Jon Katz, the squire of Bedlam Farm, allows us to live our dreams of leaving the city for the country, and shares the unpredictable adventure of farm life.

 

 

 

 

James Herriot’s Dog Stories
by James Herriot

James Herriot is one of the most beloved storytellers of our time. The warm and joyful memoirs of his life as a country vet in Yorkshire have endeared him to countless readers around the world, and many of his most memorable tales featured man’s best friend.

 

 

 

 

My Patients Like Treats
by Duncan MacVean

Physicians used to make house calls. Today, a few veterinarians still do. Duncan MacVean, DVM, is one such vet. His patients range from cats and dogs to pigs and lizards—each of them a unique personality.

 

 

 

 

DIY for Your Dog
by Rachelle Blondel

Full of handmade goodness meant to be chewed, rummaged in, chased around, and worn proudly, DIY for Your Dog is a treasury of delightful DIY projects to make for your furry companions.

 

 

 

Shaggy Dog Eats
by Christy Bright

In this cookbook, Bright offers 30 of her recipes, all researched and developed in her own kitchen. Try them at home and then look for some rewarding tail-wagging approval!

 

 

Underwater Dogs: Kids Edition
by Seth Casteel

Dive right into this kids edition of the New York Times bestseller! This delightful book features brand new photographs, as well as old favorites, of the cutest canines chasing after their toys.

 

 

Dogs
by Emily Gravett

Gorgeous canines of every shape and size are bounding through this book. Can you choose one dog to love best of all?

 

 

 

*descriptions from goodreads.com

Are You a Fan of Hamilton? Then Check These Out!

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I tend to be one of those people who often question when something is getting a lot of hype.  Is it really as good as everyone says?  The Broadway musical Hamilton was no exception for me.  A few years ago I saw that the soundtrack was available through hoopla for free (sadly it doesn’t seem to be anymore), so I decided to see what all the hype was about.  I have to say, I was blown away!  I’ve been a HUGE fan of the show ever since.

I’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of the recording of the original Broadway cast of Hamilton, and I’m so excited it’s being released today on Disney+!  The mix of American history with modern music, and references to issues such as immigration and racial equality are wonderfully done and make for a memorable show.  I highly recommend listening to the soundtrack if you haven’t already.  If you’re already a fan, like me, I’ve put together a list of nonfiction books, fiction books, and musical soundtracks that you may enjoy.

 

Nonfiction Books

Alexander Hamilton
by Ron Chernow

This is the book that inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda to write the musical, and definitely the one most recommended for fans of the show.

 

 

Washington’s Immortals
by Patrick K. O’Donnell

The little-known story of the Washington-led “Immortal 400” who found in several battles during the Revolutionary War.

 

 

Louisa: The Extraordinary Life of Mrs. Adams
by Louisa Thomas

A biography of Louisa Catherine Adams, the wife of John Quincy Adams.

 

 

 

Lafayette in the Somewhat United States
by Sarah Vowell

A humorous and insightful account of the Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette.

 

 

Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation
by Joseph Ellis

A look at the intertwined lives of the founding fathers – John Adams, Aaron Burr, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington.

 

 

Hamilton: The Revolution
by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter

A look into the creation of the musical, including emails, photographs, and notebook entries.

 

 

 

Fiction Books

America’ First Daughter
by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

A historical novel about Thomas Jefferson’s oldest daughter inspired by original letters.

 

 

The Hamilton Affair
by Elizabeth Cobbs

A fictional account of the love story of Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler.

 

 

Alex & Eliza
by Melissa de la Cruz

Young adult novel following the tale of Hamilton and Eliza.

 

 

 

The Traitor’s Wife
by Allison Pataki

An historical novel about Peggy Shippen Arnold, wife of treasonous Benedict Arnold.

 

 

New York
by Edward Rutherfurd

Spanning centuries, this novel explores the history of the city of New York.

 

 

 

Musical Soundtracks

In the Heights

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway debut.

 

 

 

 

Jesus Christ Superstar

A cultural icon of a show that has a controversial history while delivering some solid rock numbers.  Both Hamilton and Jesus Christ Superstar are narrated by the sympathetic antagonist.

 

 

Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812

While not rap, this show uses modern music to tell a historical tale, much like Hamilton.

 

 

 

Dear Evan Hansen

Like Hamilton, this show tells the story of an underdog who rises in success and fame only to make a big mistake.

 

 

 

The Last Five Years

Lin-Manuel Miranda actually directly quotes this show including the line “nobody needs to know.”  Both shows have a theme of infidelity.

 

 

 

Plus, if you haven’t already watched the documentary on the making of Hamilton, be sure to check out Hamilton, One Show to Broadway, which is available on hoopla.

 

 

 

Review: Good Omens

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Good Omens
by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman
4 stars

This book has been on my to-read list for years now.  When I heard Amazon Prime was coming out with a TV series, I knew now was the time to finally read Good Omens.  I’ve read other titles by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman and this one did not disappoint.

Good Omens follows an unlikely duo as an angel and a demon face the upcoming apocalypse.  The Anti-Christ has arrived on Earth and the four horseman have been summoned.  However, our protagonists would rather stop the foretold battle, and save Earth.   Filled with quirky characters and plenty of humor, this is a title I would definitely recommend.  Once you’ve finished reading the book, be sure to check out the TV series, which is also a lot of fun.

 

Read-alikes

Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde

Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore

Gil’s All Fright Diner by A. Lee  Martinez

Review: Beauty and the Clockwork Beast

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Beauty and the Clockwork Beast
by Nancy Campbell Allen
4 stars

When Lucy Pickett goes to stay at Blackwell Manor to care for her ill cousin Kate, she’s surprised to learn that her recently wed cousin may be cursed.  Women who marry into the Blackwell family tend to die mysterious deaths, including Kate’s brother-in-law’s late wife and sister.

Miles, the lord of the manor, is concerned for his new sister-in-law, but also has other issues to worry about.  Ghosts are haunting his guests, vampires have been reported nearby, and he has a dangerous secret of his own.  Not to mention his attraction to his most recent guest, Lucy.

Lucy and Miles work together to try to figure out what’s happening at Blackwell Manor and bring peace back to the family in this steampunk romance.  I haven’t read many steampunk titles before, and I really enjoyed this one.  There’s definitely a lot going on, which sounds a bit chaotic when describing the story, but Nancy Campbell Allen makes it all work together.  It doesn’t hurt that it’s a retelling of one of my favorite fairy tales.

Read-alikes

Arabella of Mars by David D. Levine

The Water Witch by Juliet Dark

The Kiss of the Spindle by Nancy Campbell Allen