Just a quick glance down the New York Time's Best Sellers list tells me that the library has most of the items listed. Why buy that best selling book, when all you have to do is visit the library? So, what is popular right now?
The number one best seller is "I Heard That Song Before" by perennially popular author Mary Higgins Clark. As the story begins, main character, Kay Lansing recalls her first visit to the Carrington estate where her father was employed as a landscaper. This time was shadowed by the disappearance of an eighteen-year-old neighbor. Years later Kay meets and falls in love with Peter Carrington the current owner of the Carrington home place who was a suspect in the decade old disappearance. New evidence implements Peter even more deeply in several murders. Guilty or innocent – read and find out for yourself as Clark, a master of mystery spins her web.
"Sisters" by Danielle Steel is another entry by one of the most popular authors around. This is the story of four very different sisters, each busily pursuing successful careers, who meet only on the holidays at their family home. During one of the reunions a car accident kills their mother and leaves one sister blind. This story of a family in crisis, struggling to make sense of the tragedy that has befallen them is sure to please Steel's many fans.
"Nineteen Minutes: A Novel" by Jodi Picoult is chilling in its very timeliness. Picoult is known for tackling controversial topics and in preparation for the writing this book, she interviewed families affected by the Columbine massacre. "Nineteen Minutes" is a fictional account of the consequences of a small-town high-school shooting. What would cause a seventeen year-old to go on a killing spree? As in most of Picoult's books, the answers are not black and white. In view of the Virginia Tech murders, this book is receiving much interest.
One of the most popular non-fiction books today is "The Audacity of Hope" by presidential hopeful Barack Obama. Senator Obama shares his personal views on faith and values and his vision for the future. Read and get to know more about one of the most interesting men of our day and the man who may be our next president.
Senator Obama's book is also available in audio format, as is "Sisters" by Danielle Steel. While I am mentioning items in AV format, I would like to let you know about some of the new DVDs available at the library.
We just received the video "The Queen" starring Academy Award winner Helen Mirren. "The Queen" gives a provocative look at the very private Queen Elizabeth II as she handles one of the most shocking tragedies of our time – the untimely death of Princess Diana. This fascinating, behind the scenes look at the royal family was nominated for numerous awards. Is it fact or fiction? Watch and decide for yourself.
Just in case you have read this far and had your fill of death, murder, and mayhem, I'll let you know about a couple of light hearted videos that are new at the library. The first is "Night at the Museum" starring Ben Stiller and featuring cameo appearances by Robin Williams and Owen Wilson. In this fun-filled adventure a newly hired security guard is astonished to find that an ancient curse causes the inhabitants of a museum to come to life at night. What's a night watchman to do? Check out this DVD and join in the fun.
One of my favorite TV series was recently released on DVD. Join Mr. Carlson, Venus Flytrap, Johnny Fever, Les Nessman and friends at "WKRP In Cincinnati." The library has the now classic first season available for checkout on DVD. This nostalgic video should bring a smile to your face!
These books and videos are just a sampling of the many popular items available at the Greensburg-Decatur County Public Library. The price is right – if you have a library card, there is no charge for checking out items. Hope to see you soon at the library!