Norman Public Library

Books of April

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There are so many interesting books out there to read, but why limit yourself to one genre when you can explore them all? Check out the following collection of ecclectic books, which is sure to have something that peaks your interest!

Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal by Mary Roach

The alimentary canal is classic Mary Roach terrain: the questions explored in Gulp are as taboo, in their way, as the cadavers in Stiff and every bit as surreal as the universe of zero gravity explored in Packing for Mars. Why is crunchy food so appealing? Why is it so hard to find words for flavors and smells? Why doesn't the stomach digest itself? How much can you eat before your stomach bursts? Can constipation kill you? Did it kill Elvis? In Gulp we meet scientists who tackle the questions no one else thinks of-or has the courage to ask. We go on location to a pet-food taste-test lab, a fecal transplant, and into a live stomach to observe the fate of a meal. With Roach at our side, we travel the world, meeting murderers and mad scientists, Eskimos and exorcists (who have occasionally administered holy water rectally), rabbis and terrorists-who, it turns out, for practical reasons do not conceal bombs in their digestive tract.

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Barbara Kingsolver's Birthday

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Last Updated on Friday, 15 March 2013 13:52

Barbara Kingsolver, an American writer, was born on April 8, 1955. She is best known for The Poisonwood Bible but has writen many other brilliant pieces. In celebration of her 58th birthday, check out some of her books! Here is a list of a few titles to help you get started:

The Poisonwood Bible: a novel

The drama of a U.S. missionary family in Africa during a war of decolonization. At its center is Nathan Price, a self-righteous Baptist minister who establishes a mission in a village in 1959 Belgian Congo. The resulting clash of cultures is seen through the eyes of his wife and his four daughters.

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Various 2013 Book Awards

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Last Updated on Friday, 15 March 2013 13:51

Mildred L. Batchelder Award

Winner:

My Family for the War by Anne C. Voorhoeve

Before the start of World War II, ten-year-old Ziska Mangold, who has Jewish ancestors but has been raised as a Protestant, is taken out of Nazi Germany on one of the Kindertransport trains, to live in London with a Jewish family, where she learns about Judaism and endures the hardships of war while attempting to keep in touch with her parents, who are trying to survive in Holland.

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Selection of the Bestselling Books of All Time

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Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 March 2013 15:25

Crack open a book this spring and curl up with the classics! Take a look at the selection of books below to explore some of the best-selling books of all time. Maybe you'll read a new book or perhaps sink back into an oldie by a goodie.

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Dickens's classic tale of the French Revolution brings to life a time of terror and treason, and chronicles a starving people who rise in frenzy and hate to overthrow a corrupt and decadent regime. Two men who look alike love Lucie Manette, and during the French Revolution one of them goes to the guillotine in place of the other for Lucie's happiness.

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Tell a Fairy Tale Day

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Last Updated on Friday, 08 February 2013 12:28

February 26th is Tell a Fairy Tale Day! This day is all about exploring myths and stories, old and new. Take a look through our fairy tale collection or try one of the following books on for size:

Waking Rose: a fairy tale retold by Regina Doman

Nineteen- year old Rose Brier is in love with Fish Denniston: but Fish, struggling with abuse issues in his past, holds her at arms' length until an old danger and tragic accident threatens Rose's life. A modern retelling of the story "Sleeping Beauty", and the third novel in the Fairy Tale Novel series.

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President's Day

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Last Updated on Thursday, 21 February 2013 09:07

President's Day, otherwise known as Washington's Birthday, falls on February 18 this year. This special federal holiday is meant to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States. Join us in exploring our nation's presidents and their histories by curling up with a good presidential book. Here are a few titles to help you get started!

George Washington's Birthday: a mostly true tale by Margaret McNamara and Barry Blitt

From award-winning author Margaret McNamara and New Yorker artist Barry Blitt comes this partly true and completely funny story of George Washington's 7th birthday. In this clever approach to history, readers will discover the truths and myths about George Washington. Did George Washington wear a wig? No. Did George Washington cut down a cherry tree? Probably not. Readers young and old who are used to seeing George Washington as an old man, will get a new look at the first president--as a kid. Perfect for classrooms, Presidents' Day, or as a birthday gift.

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