(Combined fiction and nonfiction list from various sources, in no particular order, compiled by E-Connect staff. Blurbs are from the publishers' advance PR materials.)
All the following titles are due to be issued in December 2004. In some cases, the library hasn't yet ordered the title. If you would like to ask that any of the not-yet-ordered titles be ordered, please use this link: http://marinet.lib.ca.us/acquire. Thanks!
Whiteout by Ken Follett
It's Christmas Eve, the snow is thickening, and samples of a deadly virus have disappeared from a research lab. As the lab director soothes his greedy family (they were all hoping to make a fortune from the antidote), security director Toni Gallo—a disgraced policewoman—hopes for a little redemption.
The Stupidest Angel: A Heartwarming Tale of Christmas Terror by Christopher Moore
If you've read Fluke,, you'll know that this is no heartwarming Christmas tale. Instead, Lena Marquez of Pagan Vegetarians for Peace arranges to have mean (and fat) ex-husband Dale dispatched with a shovel. But young Josh thinks that Dale was Santa, and the efforts of the angel Raziel to raise him from the dead bring a host of problems.
The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin
On an unseasonably warm winter day in the Great Plains, a ferocious blizzard suddenly blew up out of nowhere, and soon 500 people (mostly children) were dead. A harrowing story from the author of Braving the Elements; with an eight-city author tour.
In His Own Words by Nelson Mandela
Ranging over nearly three decades, the 100+ addresses in this collection are organized by themes ranging from religion to nation building.
The Girl Who Married a Lion and Other Tales from Africa by Alexander McCall Smith
A girl whose husband might be a lion. A boy made of wax whose siblings mold him in the form of a bird when he melts in the sun. These are some of the tales heard by Smith (author of the "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series) while growing up in Zimbabwe.
Life Expectancy by Dean Koontz
Jim Tock is an ordinary guy, but since this is a Koontz novel, he's about to experience something very strange indeed.
Loop Group by Larry McMurtry
McMurtry is not in true Western mode here. But his characters—two women of a certain age named Maggie and Connie—do find themselves heading for the Texas ranch of Maggie's aunt, frantic for one last adventure.
The Facts Behind the Helsinki Roccamatios by Yann Martel
The author of the enduring Life of Pi offers a quartet of unusual tales—like the title novella, an account of the past century's highs and lows as seen through the experiences of one family and related by a young man dying of AIDS. With an eight-city author tour.
Mantrapped by Fay Weldon
Gender- and genre-bending from the wicked Weldon. When Trisha and Peter pass on the stairs, their souls somehow switch bodies—which is very hard to explain to Peter's wife. Meanwhile, Weldon drops in reflections on her own life.
East Side Story by Louis Auchincloss
For his 60th novel (the first having appeared in 1947), Auchincloss follows the fortunes of the Scottish Carnochans, who prospered— where else?—on New York's Upper East Side in the 19th century. A BOMC alternate.
Have a suggestion for a title that you think the library should purchase? You can offer your suggestion via the new form on the MARINet website at http://marinet.lib.ca.us/acquire.
At the branches
Computer Tutorials
Explore the Internet.
Use electronic information resources available through the library for finding magazine and newspaper articles, books to match individual reading interests, and business resources.
Get help with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
Access library information from the Web-based catalog.
Ask a reference librarian or call 507-4049 for more information.
The Brown Bag Book Club
To accommodate club members’ plans for the holidays in November and December, the Book Club will meet December 8, 12 noon to 1 p.m. The Club will discuss Stones for Ibarra by Harriet Doerr. New members are always welcome!
For more information, call Becky or Livia at 499.6058 or e-mail to ldimare@co.marin.ca.us.
In the Display Case
In November, the display case features a return engagement of colorful paintings by local artist, Rick Schooley.
Under the Dome Photography
Also in November, the Dome Gallery exhibits vibrant images by local photographer, Edgar Angelone. Samples of Mr. Angelone’s work may be viewed at Edgar Angelone Photography.
Corte Madera Book Clubs
Two book clubs for different age groups will meet at the Library on November 17. The Morning Book Club for adults will hold the third of its fall series of discussions at 10 a.m. The book to be discussed is Daisy Miller, by Henry James. Anyone is welcome to attend the meeting; the only requirement is that you read the book!
In the afternoon of November 17, the Kids' Book Club will meet to discuss Bunnicula, by James Howe. Children in the fourth or fifth grade are invited to join Chester the cat on the trail of a vampire bunny in a rabbit-tale of mystery. To sign up, please call 924-6382.
Book Club
The Fairfax Library Book Club meets the first Thursday of each month, 7-9 p.m. Our theme for this quarter is the modern American West and Native Americans.
November 4th we will discuss Watermelon Nights by Greg Sarris (a Santa Rosa author). It's a compelling multi-generational novel about the love and forgiveness that keep a Native American family together.
December 2nd we will discuss Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven, a book of extremely fine short stories, all set on or around the Spokane reservation in Washington State by Sherman Alexie.
All books are available through the Fairfax Library. Click on the title for each book to access the library catalog for reviews of the book or to place a hold using your Marin County Free Library card. If you'd like to purchase your book, BookBeat in Fairfax offers our members a 15% discount.
Internet Tutoring
Free training with experienced computer professionals who will individualize the training to meet your skill level. Call 457-5629 to set up an appointment for a one-hour session.
Friends of the Fairfax Library
Next meeting, Thursday, November 18, 7-9 p.m.
Marin City Library has Wireless Access
The Marin City Library is excited to announce it now offers wireless access to the Internet. Please bring in your own laptop and surf the web in comfort. Please call the reference desk at 332-6157 if you have questions.
Phil Franks Speaks in Marin City
Syndicated cartoonist and Marin County resident, Phil Franks, will appear at the St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Marin City on Tuesday, November 9, at 7 PM. He will discuss his book, Don't Parade on my Reign! This program is sponsored by The Friends of the Marin City Library. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call 332-6157.
Author Talk
Retired police detective Bill Palmini, a Novato resident, discusses his new book Murder On The Rails: The True Story Of The Detective Who Unlocked The Shocking Secrets Of The Boxcar Serial Killer. Thursday, November 18, 7pm.
Introduction to the Internet
In this free class, beginners will learn how to use a Web browser and search engines and will be introduced to some useful Web sites. Tuesday, November 9, 1:00-3:15pm. Stop by the reference desk or call 897-1142 to reserve a space.
On Display
Look near the reference desk for a display in honor of National Native American Heritage Month and books to help you get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Master Gardener program
A Closer Look at Butterflies in Marin with Charlotte Torgovitsky will be on November 6 at 11am.
South Novato Library Reading Club's book for November is Forbidden Journey by Barbara and Michael Foster - meeting moved to November 18th due to the holiday.
Internet classes resume this month. Please call 506-3168 for times and to reserve a space.
Preschool storytimes continue Wednesdays at 11am for ages 3-5.
Point Reyes Station Library will host a bilingual storytime with Ana Maria Ramirez on Thursday, November 18th from 6:30-8:30. The story that she and a guest will read is The Spirit of Tio Fernando. Ana Maria will also offer crafts and refreshments.
The preschool storytimes scheduled for November are:
Bolinas Library--Thu Nov 4 & 18 at 11am
Inverness Library--Wed Nov 3 & 17 at 11am
Pt Reyes Station Lib--Fri Nov 5 & 19 at 11am
San Geronimo Valley--Mon Nov 1 & 15 at 2pm
Stinson Beach Library--Mon Nov 1 & 15 at 11am
Currently on display at the Point Reyes Station Library are photographs of wildlife by Elaine Straub.
Currently on display at the Bolinas Library is artwork by William Saroyan & books by and about Saroyan.
Exhibit of Artwork by West Marin Library Staff
The new exhibit at the Stinson Beach Library for October- November features artwork by West Marin Library staff and volunteers. Work by two dozen different artists will be featured. Come see what your friendly library folks are up to in their spare time!
Andrew Lost by J.C. Greenburg
Combining comic adventure with a dose of science, this exciting new series takes you up close to the things not seen by the naked eye. Andrew and his cousin Judy accidentally shrink themselves down to miniscule size, the action begins!
Jigsaw Jones by James Preller
With his Top Secret Detective Journal, and eye for detail, Jigsaw and his ace partner Mila, is always reading to take on a new case. If you like these try the A to Z Mysteries by Ron Roy.
Fairy Realm by Emily Rodda
When Jessica searches for her grandmother’s missing charm bracelet, she is led to a magic world and meets a talking pony, a nervous elf, and two cats, one good and the other evil. An exciting fantasy series featuring a strong female character.
Older Readers
History Mysteries (various authors)
Follow these adventurous heroines as they solve mysteries at important points in America’s past. Each volume concludes with a section called, “Looking Back” that describes the cultural and political climate of that time period. (American Girl publication)
The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud
Nathaniel, a magician’s apprentice, summons up the djinni Bartimaeus and instructs him to steal the Amulet of Samarkand from the powerful magician Simon Lovelace. There is plenty of action, mystery, and humor to keep readers turning the pages. Makes a great holiday gift!
Book One: The Amulet of Samarkand
Book Two: The Golem’s Eye
Construction Sale!
The Grant Avenue construction has finally reached our block. The street is closed, and work progresses. For the duration of the construction, everything in The Book Place will be 10% off! And most items in the Clearance Room are only 25¢! We want to encourage you to come in and peruse our wonderful selection of books despite the slight inconvenience. There is a large parking lot in the rear of the store (entrance from 7th Street), and other parking is available in the neighborhood.
Bargain Sunday is November 7, noon-4 pm.
- Fiction and Mystery paperbacks: 3 for $1
- Children's, History/Politics, Military, and Psychology/Sociology,
50% off
- Biography, 1/3 off
The holidays are coming, too, so think about finding some beautiful gift books at The Book Place. We have an especially nice collection of children's books right now, and we also have lots of lovely coffee-table books. We look forward to seeing you soon at The Book Place!
1608 Grant Avenue, Novato
415-878-0212
Ask us a question--that's what we're here for! There are three ways to ask your local librarians a question without even entering a library: by phone, by e-mail, or by live online chat. You can ask us questions like:
Where can I get information on the upcoming election?
Where can I get a good biography on Ghandi?
I'm looking for a Joe Smith who lives in Sacramento. Can you help me find his phone number and address?
Do you have any vegan cookbooks? Can you send them to my local branch for pickup?
Can you help me find pro and con arguments on gun control?
Where can I get information about public & private schools in Marin?
I'm looking for an e-book about weight loss. Do you have any?
There's this funny leaf from a tree in my backyard--can you help me identify it?
Do you have anything about the history of the Mission in San Rafael?
As you can see--ask us just about anything! We're here to help?
