Sunday June 22nd, 2008 Read 'Em and Eat

The first official day of summer! Or is it the second? Either way, summer is officially here. After the cold and rainy spring we’ve had, I’m glad to hear the forecast is for a hotter than normal summer. Summer is the perfect time to get caught up on your reading. We, at the library, would like you to have a little fun while you do that, so make sure you pick up the Adult Summer Reading Game Menu at any branch or print it off our website – www.tbpl.ca – what’s on – contests – summer reading game. Reading with the Summer Reading Game could get you a dinner of two at the Valhalla – books and food, what a great combination.

Here’s how it works. You get a menu and read a title of your choice that fits into the menu plan. Like a fine chef, the library strongly encourages you to expand your tastebuds and venture out into new genres. The menu will help with some suggestions. Each course offers you something different, and again, like fine dinning, the dinner conversation contributes greatly to the dining experience. We would love to hear your thoughts on your course selections. You can do that right on the menu, or to expand your dinner party, try our new blog at http://readem2008.blogspot.com.

What is a BLOG you ask?

According to Wikipedia, the online Free encyclopedia, a “Blog (an abridgment of the term web log) is a website, usually maintained by an individual, with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.” It’s a great way to discuss books. We look forward to your contributions.

Here are some suggestions to help get you started:

For the Wine selection, I recommend A YEAR IN PROVENCE by Peter Mayle.

“An amusing account of an English couple's first year as residents of rural Provence, from the unpleasantness of the winter mistral to the transgressions of summer tourists. Since the old farmhouse they purchased needed repairs, they were immediately beset with problems in dealing with the foibles of local craftspeople and officialdom, not to mention the neighbors--human and animal. Nowhere in France is the consumption of food and drink taken more seriously, and food preparation, dining, and wining anecdotes are prominent in virtually every chapter. “ (Library Journal) This title is the first in a series of Provence books and was very popular when it first came out in 1990. Well worth revisiting!

My Appetizer recommendation is THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger.

“Audrey Niffenegger's innovative debut, is the story of Clare, a beautiful art student, and Henry, an adventuresome librarian, who have known each other since Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six, and were married when Clare was twenty-three and Henry thirty-one. Impossible but true, because Henry finds himself periodically displaced in time, pulled to moments of emotional gravity from his life, past and future. His disappearances are spontaneous, his experiences unpredictable, alternately harrowing and amusing.” I thoroughly enjoyed this read, and not because Henry is a librarian!

The Salad I recommend is a Magazine.

Many people forget that we loan more than just books! I recommend Canadian Living magazine. No matter what month you get, there are always great recipes to try and interesting “factoids” to read. PS, do you know what else we loan? Pedometers ! You can work off all the calories you have consumed over the summer holidays!



The Entrée I suggest is THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES by Sue Monk Kidd.

It “tells the tale of a 14-year-old white girl named Lily Owen who is raised by the elderly African American Rosaleen . Lily and Rosaleen find shelter in a distant town with three black bee-keeping sisters. The sisters and their close-knit community of women live within the confines of racial and gender bondage. In a series of unforgettable events, Lily discovers the truth about her mother's past and the certainty that ‘the hardest thing on earth is choosing what matters.’ The stunning metaphors and realistic characters are so poignant that they will bring tears to your eyes.” (Library Journal)

My dessert selection would be anything in the “Chick Lit” genre.

Humour is a hallmark characteristic of a Chick Lit read. Think of Bridget Jones’ Diary, and you’ve got the idea of what a Chick Lit read entails. Some names to look for are Sophia Kinsella, Emily Giffin, or Carly Phillips. If you pick up one of their works, you are bound to have a laugh or two - A nice way to end a dinner party. Well, I hope you can join the library on this culinary/literary game and have some fun while you are at it. Good luck and happy reading!
Barbara Philp, Head of Adult Services




The library is always a perfect temperature, so escape the heat and visit your local branch, or log on to www.tbpl.ca from the air-conditioned comfort of your own home – you’ll be amazed at what you’ll find @ Your Library.


Barb Philp, Head of Adult Services