Thursday, November 30, 2017

New Non-fiction

The Peter White Public Library offers these recently added new non-fiction titles.

Haunted Marquette: Ghost Stories from the Queen City by Tyler R. Tichelaar.
The latest work from this local author has a wide variety of spooky stories from Marquette. Even if some of the tales are familiar, author Tichelaar gives detail and perspective on these local legends and folklore, lending some logical reasoning to the phenomena. He is able to do so without diminishing the fun and mystery. Is the Peter White Public Library haunted? Even if it isn’t, you still have a fun new way to learn all the historical tidbits that have been packed in.
New adult nonfiction 133.1097 TI

Somewhere We'll Leave the World by Russell Thorburn.
Surreal poetry from NMU English instructor and first Poet Laureate of the Upper Peninsula. The material draws upon his own experiences, whether it be on Woodward Avenue in Detroit, the backwoods of the UP, or in the Mojave Desert. “Celebrate journeys through sand and snow,” says the poet. See also his other recently added title, Many Names Have Never Been Spoken Here, which features the photography of his son Gabriel to accompany his poetry.
Both may be found in new adult nonfiction 811.54 TH

Al Capone's Beer Wars: A Complete History of Organized Crime in Chicago during Prohibition by John J. Binder.
An attempt to give a complete picture of organized crime in Chicago during the years of national prohibition (1920-1933). Gives clarity to the historical happenings of the times, revealing the interconnection of the organizations and events that defined the era, without relying on the crutch of speculation. The author’s first concern is presenting an accurate depiction of events and relationships, while also refuting myths and misconceptions.
New adult nonfiction 364.106 BI

The Show That Never Ends: The Rise and Fall of Prog Rock by David Weigel.
The start of the book puts you on a nostalgic prog-rock theme-cruise in the Caribbean, full of music and reminiscing. Decades before, these artists were more likely to be found traveling on a Lear Jet, bringing elaborate stage shows to massive audiences around the world. Prog rock has since fallen under the weight of a thousand intricate keyboard solos. A general history of prog rock is presented, followed by the stories of bands that epitomized the genre, Pink Floyd, ELP, Rush, Yes, Genesis, and many others. Journalist Weigel (Bloomberg, Esquire, Rolling Stone) embraces the absurdity and excesses of the genre’s heyday, providing a well-researched history.
New adult nonfiction 781.66 WE

Against the Grain: A Deep History of the Earliest States by James C. Scott.
We tend to think of prehistory in sharp lines, with civilizations turning corners of social and technological progress that made humanity leap ahead for the better. Here, the author makes a case that many of the touchstones that define early civilization might not have been quite so rewarding in the context of what came before. When we fully committed to agriculture, stayed in one place, and domesticated animals, those advancements allowed for increases in population, but also created more opportunity for conflict, disease, and other pitfalls of civilization. Written by a professor of anthropology and political science at Yale, it focuses on the grain states of Mesopotamia and eastern China.
New adult nonfiction 930 SC

-Bruce MacDonald, Technical Services Librarian

Titles to Promote Understanding



Here is a list of books available at Peter White Public Library to help guide, teach, and inspire you for a more understanding and thoughtful tomorrow.

On Tyranny: Twenty Lesson from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder
This short and concise book will only ask for about an hour of your time but will deliver countless history lessons many Americans have forgotten. Overflowing with historical vignettes and commentary by the author, On Tyranny offers guidance on how to identify fascism and anti-democratic movements for today’s reader while also providing suggestions on how to resist and survive what seems to be a global shift toward authoritarianism. Though the pages and chapters are short, you will feel the cold chill of real reality as Snyder plainly explores current political trends and historical parallels without wasting a single word. This quick book is smart and timely. On Tyranny is essential reading for anyone interested in government or leadership and issues facing democracy today.
Adult Nonfiction, 321.9 SN

Eisenhower: In War and Peace by Jean Edward Smith
The first third of Smith's biography describes Eisenhower's early life and the many seemingly interminable assignments he held as a major in the peacetime army. This biography begins with a perceptive look at Eisenhower's humble beginnings in Texas and Kansas; a military career and attendance at West Point were something of a surprise choice in his life. Eisenhower showed a talent for hard work and for impressing his superiors. He developed an ability to advance himself subtly with the help of key contacts he made. When the United States entered WW II, Eisenhower's rise was meteoric, but it had been prepared over a long period. Jean Smith presents Dwight D. Eisenhower’s military and political history in a way that is not at all daunting, but instead shows Eisenhower as a virtuous leader deserving of his place in American history.
Adult Nonfiction, 921 Eisenhow


Payoff: The Hidden Logic That Shapes Our Motivations by Dan Ariely
If you are looking for an introductory yet thorough book that explores key factors and the total strangeness of human motivation, Payoff may be just the book for you. Though brief, this little book is surprisingly rich with detail and powerful imagery, which makes Ariely’s sometimes-serious exposition exciting and easy to understand. With the help of a little science and a dash of whimsy, this book offers guidance and numerous philosophies on how to motivate yourself or your team and how to keep that momentum going, especially in times of difficulty.
New Adult Nonfiction 658.314 AR

The Heart of the Revolution by Noah Levine
While remaining true to original texts and ideas, Noah Levine is able to take “the Buddha’s radical teachings on forgiveness, compassion, and kindness” and make them easy to grasp for the practical contemporary Western reader. Not at all religious nor dogmatic, The Heart of the Revolution highlights the tenants of Buddhism and allows the reader to practice in their own way. One of the best features of this book are the guided meditations provided by Levine to help those new to the practice or those searching for deeper insights on an already established practice. The Heart of the Revolution is a book that you simply will not read once and forget. The pages will call out to you repeatedly, encouraging you on your journey to discover all that you might be when the noise of everyday life quiets.
New Adult Nonfiction, 294.3567 LE

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
A spellbinding tale about a young shepherd boy named Santiago and his journey to discover the greatest treasure on Earth. The Alchemist is one of those few books that has the potential to change your life! The narrative is engrossing, the lessons learned are universal, and the perspective is profoundly human. This magical little story may prompt you to reflect on your “personal legend” and inspire you to follow your dreams. With loads of spiritual and philosophical insight, The Alchemist is a true page-turner you will not want to put down. Do not be fooled by the simple language and seemingly obvious plot – you may just find yourself weeping by the end.
Adult Fiction, Coelho

Vegetarian titles


Food connects people and communities.  World Vegetarian Day is observed annually around the world on October 1st.  If you are looking for ways to learn and consume a healthier eating plan, these books are for you.

The Vegetarian Meat & Potatoes Cookbook by Robin Robertson.  2002.  641.5636 Ro Robertson is out to seduce unrepentant carnivores with vegetarian dishes that satisfy those essential animal-fat qualities: intense flavor, luxurious texture and the comforting sensation of a full stomach.  Robertson tries to keep things simple with instructions and ingredients which can be found in any grocery store.


Mediterranean Vegetarian Feasts by Aglaia Kremezi. 2014.  641.5636 Kr. 
Mediterranean Feasts is a collection of simple fresh vegetarian dishes which were created in Kremezi’s own kitchen on the Greek island of Kea.  Kremezi provides detailed ingredient descriptions and preparation techniques that will make the most of your garden or farmers’ market fare so there will be as little waste as possible. She also provides wonderful head notes with stories about each recipe and alternative variations for several. There are even menus to help you plan seasonal dishes.       

Easy Vegetarian: Simple recipes for Brunch, Lunch & Dinner by Tess Bramley.  641.5636 EA
Whether you are a dedicated vegetarian or just love your greens, Easy Vegetarian will surprise you with its simple recipes that are packed with flavor.  Scrumptious Appetizers and Snacks include Pesto-stuffed Portobello Mushrooms and Toasted Turkish Bread. A host of simple Soups will have you reaching for the blender, while the Cheese and Eggs chapter offers fabulous fondue ideas and delicious egg dishes. All types of salads appear in Salads and Sides as well as Pizza, Savory Tarts, and Breads. 
        
The Vegetarian Bistro by Marlena Spieler. 2010. 641.5636 Sp.   
The Vegetarian Bistro reveals a wonderfully healthful and decidedly delicious new side of traditional French bistro cookery. Bistro cooking captures the gastronomic esprit of France, conjuring memories of the perfect lunch or cozy dinner in a charming little restaurant in Paris, or perhaps Provence or Normandy. But true bistro cooking can be a bit tricky for a vegetarian. Marlena Spieler has traveled across France collecting favorite recipes from street cafe and corner restaurants and developing her own adaptations of beloved bistro fare. She brings fresh flavor and zest to the best-selling tradition of bistro cookbooks, presenting an enticing array of authentic dishes without meat.

--Diana Menhennic, Reference Department Staff                                                                                      

New additions, Rock and Roll all over the World

Recent additions to the library’s collection enable us to journey through the revival of near-extinct rock and roll styles from halfway around the world. We get acquainted with possibly the best Grateful Dead biography yet published.  A PBS series takes us through the history of music technology. A superbly funny Zen memoir rounds out the list.
   
The Deepest Lake, by Dengue Fever (music on CD)
Sounding like a late-Sixties spy movie soundtrack with exotic Asian vocal harmonies, Dengue Fever’s latest album continues the revival of a music style that was wiped out by unimaginable circumstances in the post-Vietnam War chaos of Southeast Asia. Dengue Fever, from Long Beach, California (home to the largest Cambodian-émigré community in the world), is centered by a groovy guitar twang backed by bass-drum-keyboard-sax group of Americans. At the forefront of the ensemble is the angelic voice of Phnom Penh native Nimol Chom, singing in her native Khmer language, with occasional English lyrics. These are absolutely timeless compositions—at times frenetic, funky, exotic—never devolving into retro kitsch. This is simply the most fun album in years. These guys should be the headliners of a revived Northern Nights concert series at NMU. Those music events are so desperately absent in the UP!    

The Rough Guide to Psychedelic Cambodia (music on CD)
From the same excellent label whose Rough Guide to the Music of Afghanistan and Rough Guide to Reggae we have at Peter White, comes this introduction to the masters of Cambodian rock and roll from the brief golden age before the communists took over the country in 1975, and musicians in particular were targeted by the Pol Pot regime. This compilation showcases the masters of the genre Sinn Sisamouth “the Elvis of Cambodia,” as well as golden-voiced divas Ros Sereysothea and Pan Ron. To round out this disc are three contemporary groups, featuring mixed lineups of Cambodians and Westerners, including Dub Addiction, Dengue Fever, and the most extraordinary Cambodian Space Project. The latter group flew to Michigan to record their last album in Detroit. The guitar riffs here are killer, with hypnotic vocal harmonies.
     
So Many Roads: the Life and Times of the Grateful Dead (adult non-fiction, 780.92 GRATEFUL)
David Browne of Rolling Stone magazine authored this tribute to one of the paramount legacies of the psychedelic Sixties: the Grateful Dead. So Many Roads is filled with interviews with surviving band members and known associates. This work was published to coincide with the band’s 50th anniversary in 2016, which also saw the four original members reunite and tour, which proved to be one of the most talked-about tours of last year. Reading about drug busts, band in-fighting, is always entertaining, but with the Dead it is the music first and foremost and forever. How did this group of hippies, forged during turbulent times, driven by discipline and chaos, survive for decades? Work ethic, brotherhood, and a ton of talent.

Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music (New DVD 338.4778 SO)
If you’re like me, you got real excited by this music series which aired so briefly on PBS last year. If you’re like me you never got to finish all of the episodes due to the restrictive and confusing PBS schedule (I literally tried to watch the seventh episode on the night after it premiered, only to discover it to be unavailable one second after midnight!) The library now has the entire series for binge-viewing purposes. Soundbreaking is cutting-edge examination of recording technology from the beginnings of rock music to the computer era. Highlights include interviews with Sir George Martin on the secrets behind the creation the Beatles 1960s masterpieces, the “one single person can do it all in the studio” approach of Stevie Wonder, and the rise of hip-hop and its parallel with sampling technology. Soundbreaking is a nice companion piece to the 2013 Dave Grohl documentary Sound City.

Hardcore Zen (Adult non-fiction 294.3927 WA)
In the early 80s Brad Warner was a young Akron, Ohio, bass player in the hardcore punk band Zero Defex, expressing nihilistic rage with lighting fast tempos and an unpolished punk rock style. Eventually, the dissatisfied attitude of punk gave way to a fascination with Soto Zen Buddhism. Warner ended up living in Tokyo for a decade and a half, eventually becoming the appointed lineage holder by Zen master Gudo Nishijima. With a distinct humor Warner explains the basis of Soto Zen, its founder Dogen, and the Zazen meditation form. He describes the necessity for the Zen practitioner to be able to endure the extreme boredom inherent to meditation, while describing the psychological and emotional benefits of the practice.
     
--Jeremy Morelock, Reference Department