Genre Sampler: Cookbooks

Get Cooking!

By Terrie Bickel

The Bremen Public Library has approximately 857 different kinds of cookbooks. For someone like me, who loves to cook, the extreme number of cookbooks is a veritable smorgasbord. I also love to bake, and, of course, love to eat!

Lucky for me, I can be taught how to perfect my hobby by the likes of Rachel Ray, Mr. Food, Sandra Lee, Giada, and of course, Betty Crocker. I can learn to cook Chinese, Italian, German, Mexican, and even American. I can make treats for a wedding, a baby shower, a birthday party, and just your run-of-the-mill potluck. I can slow cook, quick cook, fondue, toast, roast, and barbecue. I can sharpen my preserving skills, whip up a soup and a sandwich, fix a smoothie to go along, and even bake a dessert. I can do lunch, brunch, breakfast, and supper. I can cook my food fresh from the garden, sizzle it in a skillet, or grill it over hot coals. I can be a bacon freak as well as a beer lover.
And should all this loving go straight to my hips, waist, and thighs, as I’m sure it will, I can cook light, low-calorie, low-carb, and gluten-free. Yeah, that’s not going to happen. Those books I’m going to leave on the shelf. We don’t want to ruin my fun.

All that being said, I love the variety we have. (I might have mentioned that). I delight in taking home a new cookbook in hopes of finding a new recipe to try. Sometimes I hit the jackpot, other times I’m not so lucky. What even are saffron threads? But I’m trying to be more adventurous. This summer, I’m going to check out a different cookbook each week and try one new recipe from that book. My first book is Food Fest 365! By Yvan D. Lemoine. I already see "Blondies Have More Fun" and "Kentucky Trailer Taters." How could I go wrong?

To see if this book is currently available for check-out, click here.

Genre Sampler: TV Series

By Shelli Kauffman, Head of Adult Services at BPL

While summer is a great time for outdoor activities, television buffs often go into mourning over the sabbatical their favorite program takes for several months. This is a perfect opportunity to peruse the library's television series collection. Whether you're a fan of The Walking Dead or Downton Abbey, we have something for every fan. Here are some lesser known titles that I still consider worth a good series marathon while you're waiting for the next season of Blue Bloods to start in the fall.

For the Family-Friendly Fan:

When Calls the Heart: Set in a small Canadian coal mining town during the early 1900s, this is a clean view that is still packed with plenty of angst, romance, and drama. The viewer immediately feels invested in the lives of the townspeople who are recovering from a devastating coal mining explosion, killing most of the husbands in town. Lori Loughlin is charming as the matriarch of this little burg, and Erin Krakow and Daniel Lissing have great chemistry as the show's love story developes between the local school teacher and the Canadian Mountie assigned to keep the peace.
Check availability by clicking here.

For the Sentimental Fan:

Everwood: When a New York City doctor loses his wife, he moves his two children to a small Colorado town. The viewer quickly gets emotionally attached to this family and their new friends, but you should be aware that mature themes are addressed in this series. Episodes deal with teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and childhood illnesses. There are always lessons to be learned and the characters develop in a touching, thoughtful way. The series was cancelled with enough warning that the writers were able to wrap up the story arcs nicely. Treat Williams leads this cast, but the series was also a springboard for Emily VanCamp and Chris Pratt.
Check availability of Season 1 by clicking here.

For the Book-to-Screen Fan:

Cedar Cove: Fans of Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove bestselling novels will love this Hallmark Channel original series. The plot follows Judge Olivia Lockhart as she compassionately hands out justice to the townspeople, while balancing her newfound love life with Jack Griffith. The scenery of the beautiful coastal Washington setting is worth more than a passing glance in this series that stays true to the themes of the original novels.
Check availability of Season 1 by clicking here.

For the Deep-Thinking, Second-Guessing, Suspense-Loving Fan:

Lie to Me: Dr. Cal Lightman and his team specialize in reading people’s facial expressions to determine who is telling the truth and who is lying in this psychological drama. Tim Roth and Kelli Williams have an electrifying chemistry as the two lead actors, mixing just enough human emotion into a scientific show to make us really care about the characters. I will warn you, after watching a few of these episodes, you might become a little paranoid the next time you raise your left eyebrow or tug on your earlobe. There’s a lot to be learned from this series, that bases its premise on the actual work of Dr. Paul Ekman.
Check availability of Season 1 by clicking here.

For the Socially Conscious, Yet Sappy Fan:

Life Goes On: This was a television milestone in 1989 because the main character, Corky, and the actor who plays him, Chris Burke, has Down Syndrome. As Corky navigates his mainstream school, he makes friends who learn as much from his as they do from their teachers. The series follows the entire Thatcher family, chronicling the parents’ career struggles and the children’s teenage angst, wrapping it up in a heartfelt bow for the viewer who is looking for some feel-good television.
Check availability of Season 1 by clicking here.

Genre Sampler

Check Out Our Collection of Magazines

By Lisa Bixel, adult department assistant at Bremen Public Library

Do you have expensive magazine subscriptions that have left you feeling overwhelmed with clutter? Cut the cost and the clutter and come to the Bremen Public Library to check out our collection of fun, insightful and informative magazines. Our collection is quite extensive and covers everything from DIY projects to catching up on your favorite sports team to finding the perfect recipe! Our patrons can check out up to 15 magazines at a time and enjoy them for two weeks. It you want them longer, you can renew them for two more weeks if they are not on hold for another patron. And when you have picked out your favorite magazines, check out our new library bags to carry them home!

Great memories start here! Family Fun has lots of fun and creative crafts, games and food ideas that your family will love! What family would not enjoy reading about craft ideas to brighten any room and creating them together is the best part! Finding information on DIY projects, how to make the best snacks and learning about the best board games to play together are all  great ways to get the family laughing and interacting together! So, for ideas on how to have the best fun filled weekend ever, check out this magazine!

Want a fun fast makeover or easy decorating tips? Check out the HGTV Magazine!  Whether it is making over your decor with what you have, sprucing up on a budget, perking up a room with patterns, or adding a bold splash of paint, HGTV will give you lots of tips and suggestions to make your house feel like a new home!

Food. Home. Garden. Well Being. Organic Life is a handbook for happy and healthy living. Recipes, creative exercising, the benefits of the great outdoors, and eco-friendly articles are all a part of Organic Life!

Spring brings about many exciting things, like warmer weather, budding flowers, and the return of outdoor activities, such as walking, biking and of course, Chicago Cubs baseball! For all of your up to date sporting news on your favorite teams, check out Sports Illustrated at the Bremen Public Library!

Genre Sampler

A few music recommendations

By Chris O'Brien, adult department assistant at Bremen Public Library

I have just a few new music recommendations for you today. All of these titles are available through our library, either on CD or digitally through Hoopla. 

Hamilton, An American Musical and The Hamilton Mixtape

First, I admit I am a little late getting this one out. However, it took me a while to get caught up into the frenzy of it all. But, once I took the time to read the book “Hamilton, the Revolution” by Ron Chernow and  watch the 2-hour special on PBS, called “Hamilton’s America,”  let’s just say I caught the fever and I cannot tell you too many times, that it is, indeed, contagious. Listen to it, I beg you, you will not be sorry. You will be entertained, and you might just also pick up some new facts about our great country’s history. It’s a win-win!!

The Shack - Music from and Inspired by the Original Motion Picture

I read the book some time ago, and I probably will go see the movie. But, me being more of a music buff than a movie buff, the CD, obviously, caught my eye. With songs by the likes of Tim & Faith, Dan & Shay, Kelly Clarkson, Dierks Bentley and For King & Country, I couldn’t resist giving it a listen. Yes, all the songs are inspirational (to be expected), not in a churchy way, but more in a natural, common-sense way. And I must admit that closing any CD with a rousing rendition of Amazing Grace is a deal-closer, at least for me. I hope you give it a listen, I hope you enjoy.

The Breaker by Little Big Town

New release by one of country’s favorites! If you’ve heard any of their previous tunes and liked them, you won’t be disappointed with this one. My personal favorites are "Happy People" and "Free." Listen and get swept away with the peaceful easy feeling of some good melodies and even better lyrics.

Deep South by Josh Turner

We haven’t seen some new music from this country favorite for longer than I would have liked. But, finally, it has arrived. And, at least for me, that deep, Johnny Cash-like voice that won me over initially, still resounds nicely and strikes all the right chords! If your country tastes run a bit right down the middle, if you are a bit of a traditionalist, try a little trip Deep South. You will feel right at home.

     

Brett Young by Brett Young

He’s new. His music is quite mellow, he’s easy on the eyes, and, oh that voice! I found it slightly addictive, in a very good way! I would say it all points to a promising future for this young man. All he has to do is keep up the momentum he puts forth in this, his first CD. If this is what you call “Young Country,” I’m all for it.  

Happy listening to all! 

Genre Sampler

It Did Not End the Way I Expected

By Terrie Bickel, bookkeeper and YA assistant at Bremen Public Library

My son and I recently read Everyone Loves Bacon, by Kelly DiPucchio, a story about Bacon and how his popularity goes to his head. It is a book that has a dark surprise ending that made us chuckle. That got me thinking of all the other books we have read with endings that appeal to our twisted sense of humor.

A long-standing favorite in our house is Tadpole’s Promise, by Tony Ross. It is a story about a tadpole, obviously, and a caterpillar, whose friendship does not end well. We have also laughed over Mr. Wolf’s Pancakes, by Jan Fearnly, My Lucky Day, by Keiko Kasza, and That is NOT a Good Idea!, By Mo Willems. All have basically the same premise, each told a slightly different way, yet all funny. Wolves, by Emily Gravett and I Want my Hat Back, by Jon Klassen can also be added to this list.

Another book in this category we really enjoy is Carnivores, by Aaron Reynolds. This is a tale about a lion, a shark, and a wolf who wish to try and change the other animals’ perspectives of them. An added bonus to this book is that the illustrations are fantastic!

One last book I will put on the list is Barnacle is Bored, by Jonathan Fenske. This is a brand new addition to our twisted BPL collection that is sure to make you chuckle.

Genre Sampler

Cream of the Crop:  Give This New Music a Try

By Chris O'Brien, adult department assistant at Bremen Public Library

There’s a lot of new music out and about these days. I’d like to share some of the cream of the crop with all of you out there. Music is such a personal thing, and if you are like me, your tastes can change from one day to the next. It all depends on, well, just life in general, and your own life, in particular! My motto is "oh oh oh, listen to the music" all the time!

Have you heard any of these new CDs? Give them a try, and you just might be pleasantly surprised! They are all available to download free through the Hoopla app with your library card.

Ripcord 

by Keith Urban

He’s up for one or more Grammys, and with good reason. Maybe it’s just me, but I think his music has gotten even better since he became a husband and a dad! I’ve liked his music all along, but I think this is his best yet. (Available on Hoopla.)

Joanne

by Lady Gaga
Truthfully, I never really took GaGa seriously before. The woman has a great voice. She writes her own songs. Yes, they are quirky, but they go down real smooth like maple syrup on a stack of blueberry pancakes. Very catchy, makes you want to sing along. Before you know it, you’ll be dancing too! Open your mind, and enjoy it. (Available on Hoopla.)

Tattooed Heart 

by Ronnie Dunn

That’s right, he’s half of Brooks & Dunn, now gone solo. So put on your jeans, your hat, and your boots. Be the cowboy. Feel his pain. And get ready for that distinctive voice of his to take you along for one more trail ride! (Available on Hoopla.) 

Call Me Old-Fashioned

by Bradley Walker

Young man with an old soul. Very straight-shooter. His music is medicine, maybe better. If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration, and if there is still anything good in this world, you’ve come to the right place. (Available on Hoopla.)

Sing It Now 

by Reba McEntire

Songs of Faith and Hope. She’s one smart, classy lady, and she covers all the bases in this CD of traditional hymns and new songs that make you remember all your blessings. (Available on Hoopla.)

Genre Sampler

All Things Nocturnal: Vampires

By Kyle Burkett, director of Bremen Public Library

Despite a strong showing from the classic “what goes bump in the night” crowd—witches and ghosts and toilet-paper mummies hustling for chocolate—Halloween last year was dominated by revelers dressed in superhero attire. The most popular costumes in 2016, according to USA Today, included Harley Quinn and the Joker (despite the critical failure of the Suicide Squad film), Batman, Wonder Woman, and characters from Game of Thrones and the Star Wars universe. In the eight years since Stephanie Meyers brought her genre-defining Young Adult series, Twilight, to an end, it seems like some of the Cullen family sparkle has faded from one of horror’s most prolific and influential sub-genres: books about the vampyre.

Or, to phrase it differently: in with the Marvel universe, out with the bloodsucking fiends. But while classic gothic tales of vampirism might currently be out of vogue, the observation got me thinking: what brought on America’s obsession with the vampire in the first place? Are vampires still relevant to popular culture? What are some of the truly great works of literature that have brought vampirism to the foreground of American entertainment?

After dedicating several months to the exploration of all-things vampire, from spending mornings nestled comfortably in my newly acquired sarcophagus to exploring innovative ways to cook with garlic, I’m ready to answer at least one of those questions. Here are my picks for the best-of-the-best when it comes to notable works about our favorite transmogrific parasites:

1. Dracula by Bram Stoker—Stoker’s Dracula is easily the most famous book ever written about vampires, and in many ways it is responsible for establishing all of the genre tropes associated with vampirism in general. Composed as a collection of telegrams, memos, letters and journal entries written first-hand, the novel tells the story of Count Dracula’s dark affair with Mina Harker, the tragic death of Lucy Westenra, and the lengths to which a group of suitors will go to save the immortal souls of the women they love. The inclusion of Dr. Abraham Van Helsing established the “man of letters” archetype—a devotee of science who uses his knowledge to locate and combat the supernatural—as a fixture throughout the horror genre at large. Despite being published over a century ago, Dracula is a highly entertaining novel, and should be considered a “must read” by anyone even vaguely interested in vampirism. 

2. Salem’s Lot by Stephen King—One of Stephen King’s earliest, and best, novels. The follow-up to 1974’s Carrie, which put King on the map, dispelled the notion that King might suffer a “Sophomore slump” as many young author will. Centered around the young novelist and romantic, Ben Mears, Salem’s Lot takes many of the tropes defined in Dracula—tortured suitor, a “man of letters,” the power of Christian iconography to resist evil—and updates them for a modern audience. Salem’s Lot is also, arguably, one of King’s “softest” offerings, eschewing much of the vulgar language and “ick” factor that would permeate his future novels. Alternately engrossing and terrifying, Salem

3. Bloodsucking Fiends by Christopher Moore—The first book in Moore’s vampire trilogy, Bloodsucking Fiends, introduces the reader to Judy, a young woman living in San Francisco whose unfortunate late-night encounter with a vampire leaves her looking quite pale, and severely long-in-the-tooth. While adjusting to her new existence as a nocturnal leech in human skin, Judy begins a sordid affair with the stocking manager at her local Safeway, befriends an eccentric homeless man who calls himself “The Emperor,” and starts an investigation into a string of murders connected to her elusive and mysterious maker. Equal parts horror, comedy and mystery, Bloodsucking Fiends is both an excellent introduction to the sardonic humor of Christopher Moore and a fresh take on vampirism in literature. 

4. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova—What if Dracula was real? Therein lies the charm of Kostavo’s multi-generational tale of academics drawn into the ages old conflict between man and monster. The appearance of an ancient, vellum-bound book containing some rather morbid illustrations triggers our narrator’s increasingly obsessive interest in the lore associated with the historical figure, Vlad the Impaler, as well as the curious circumstances of her parents’ romance and her mother’s subsequent disappearance. When her father goes missing as well, events are set in motion that escalate into a final confrontation with the dark lord himself. Promising that, “only a cup of blood would be spilled,” Kostova’s novel is ideal for thriller fans and book clubs who aren’t particularly fond of the gore found in many modern horror novels. 

5. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson—While Matheson’s tale of a dystopian world full of psychologically conditioned vampires run amok is broadly considered one of the most influential novels in horror today, earning a special Vampire Novel of the Century Award from the Horror Writer’s Association in 2012, critical praise was hard to come by upon its release in 1954. Essentially the precursor to every “zombie apocalypse” story ever written—from Night of the Living Dead to The Walking Dead—I Am Legend is the story of Earth’s sole survivor, Robert Neville, struggling to survive after the spread of a worldwide pandemic of vampirism. What makes this novel unique is not the monsters lurking in the shadows, but rather, the deep sense of isolation and loneliness our protagonist experiences as he waits to meet his inevitable end. 

6. American Vampire by Stephen King and Scott Snyder, illustrated by Rafael Albuquerque—Alternately the story of an outlaw from the American West, Skinner Sweet, and a wannabe actress, Pearl Jones, looking for work at the turn of the century, Stephen King’s first foray into comics tells the story of the rise of a new breed of vampire—American Vampire—who are both immune to sunlight and hell-bent on burying their predecessors six-feet underground. An old-fashioned Western revenge tale at heart, American Vampires reinvents the early 20th Century Bonnie and Clyde narrative with a Gothic twist. Full of violent illustrations and dark humor, and definitely not for kids, Snyder and King’s collaboration ultimately yields something unique and enjoyable for comic book aficionados and horror fans alike.  

7. Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice—While many longtime Anne Rice fans might hesitate to call Interview with a Vampire her best work—an accolade most often reserved for The Vampire Lestat—it makes this list precisely because it is the novel that first introduces us to the aforementioned vampire Lestat. Rice’s first novel is the story of 200-year-old plantation owner turned vampire, Louis de Pointe du Lac, and his struggles to balance his new-found thirst for blood against his prevailing sense of human morality, all while cohabitating with his truly monstrous lover and maker, Lestat. Part horror, part Victorian romance, Interview with a Vampire introduces readers to many of the hallmarks of Anne Rice’s writing—including the bold portrayal of queer leads that have resonated so strongly with the LGBTQ community over the last 4 decades—and establishes the narrative for the following books in her Vampire Chronicles, which nearly all revolve around the nefarious vampire Lestat. 

Genre Sampler

Worth-Your-Time Biographies

By Chris O'Brien, adult department assistant at Bremen Public Library

Below are some recent biographies that have caught my eye, and I think they are worth your time and attention.

If you are an “oldie but goodie,” you might be interested in one of these books about some well-recognized names of days gone by:

• I Loved Her In The Movies: Memories of Hollywood’s Legendary Actresses by Robert Wagner: Some really old memories by one of Hollywood’s most dashing heartthrobs, and all the while he remains a true gentleman!
• Some Enchanted Evenings:   The Glittering Life and Times of Mary Martin by David Kaufman: She started out playing Peter Pan. She raised J. R. Ewing. You have to read the book to find out the rest of her tale!
• The Nine of Us – Growing Up Kennedy by Jean Kennedy Smith:  Again, those of us who are a bit “older” like myself, just eat up any and all books Kennedy, especially if it’s written by one of the family! 

The next three are chock-full of grit, glitz and lots of juicy details for those interested in personalities from the music world, the movie world, and/or TV leading ladies:

• The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher:  Timely, touching, especially now!
• Talking As Fast As I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls by Lauren Graham:  Fast, fun, funny, addictive.
• River of Time: My Descent Into Depression and How I Emerged With Hope by Naomi Judd: Informative, sad, eye-opening.

Finally, maybe these three don’t all necessarily belong in the same category, so I’ll just categorize them under “Miscellany Do Not Misses.”

• Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly:  The movie based on this book is in theaters now. An amazing true story. Read the book, see the movie, for sure!
• Lab Girl by Hope Jahren:  An illuminating memoir of a woman in science. A moving portrait of a longtime friendship and a stunningly fresh look at plants that will forever change how you see the natural world! Sounds quirky, but do give it a try. You might not want to put it down!
• Settle For More by Megyn Kelly:  I read it because I was curious. Turns out, I was pleasantly surprised. Well written, moving, eye-opening, maybe even a bit inspiring, all by that blonde from Fox News! Pretty, classy, down-to-earth, and gutsy.