libirary

In December I typically reflect upon the books I read during the year, determine my favorites, and map out a plan for the types of books I hope to read in the ensuing year. One of my goals last year was to diversify my reading selection, by choosing a more comprehensive amalgamation of genres. I tried to include classics, historical fiction and non-fiction, poetry, science fiction, German language books and business books. What follows is a list and brief synopsis of my top ten books of the year. I read two more Eric Larson books this year, "Thunderstruck" and "In the Garden of Beasts". As with all the Larson books I've read, this work contains great detail, rich characterizations, and the integration of multiple story lines within an interesting historical context. Though I preferred "Devil in the White City", both "Thunderstruck" and "In the Garden of Beasts" are worthwhile reads, containing important hist...

The international trendsetting publication Vogue was launched in the year 1892. For over a decade, the magazine was a weekly social publication, earning its fame only well into 1906 after the ownership switched hands. The new acquirer, Conde Nast, acted swiftly; taking the magazine overseas, making it available in 9 different countries. He subsequently turned the magazine into a bi-weekly publication that featured articles with a woman-centric thought along with a focus on fashion. Popularity over the years Vogue magazine has successfully held its own for over a century and has grown with the civilization. The magazine's prime success relies on pitching the right information at the right time. During the World War, women in the United States became more reliant on Vogue for their fashion trends because of the wars overseas. It was at this time, the magazine caught the fancy of readers that would turn out to be their most trusted followers. During the Gr...

The Great Gatsby is one the greatest novels of all time written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This book is about one of the most powerful characters of American literature. Yes, I am talking about Jay Gatsby. Before I start, let me give you a short introduction of this book. Written in the 1920s, we are reading this book from the perspective of Nick Caraway who moves to Long Island. He rents a small house and ends up living next to Jay Gatsby. People do not seem to know a lot about Gatsby. He is quiet and mysterious but is very rich and throws fabulous parties. Other characters involved in the story are Daisy and Tom Buchanan. Daisy is Nick's cousin and is very rich. The locations of this story are partly in New York, partly in Gatsby's house during some of his marvelous parties and in some of the other character's houses. Read the book to know more. I had a mixed reading experience. There are parts that I liked and there are parts that I did not real...

Al Jazeera and the Global Media Landscape: The South Is Talking Back by Tine Ustad Figenschou Publisher: Routledge (218 pages) "... being a global journalistic presence is not always popular... " Mention the news company, Al Jazeera, and it's likely the response will not be without a strong opinion of the Qatar-based news network. Americans are deeply suspicious of the Arab government-owned news network, particularly since the events of 911. Regardless that Al Jazeera is aggressively trying to reach the U.S. audience and supply a balanced product, many Americans remain convinced that the news agency is biased against Israel. The network came to the main stage during the Arab protests in 2011 known as the "Arab Spring." Broadcasting in English, the network was able to bring news of the unfolding events from regions no other network could access. This became the "Al Jazeera Moment" in recognition of its remarkable editoria...

Mobile technology is growing increasingly sophisticated, making it so that you only need a laptop and an internet connection and you can work anywhere and everywhere. That means to start a business or to keep a company growing, you don't actually need a physical office, because you've practically got a virtual office set up on your couch, right? But the truth is, a physical address is still important in the business world. It can help your business feel more credible and permanent in the eyes of potential clients, who can still be pretty traditional when it comes to a business's image. But instead of signing up for a long-term lease and paying out the money every month for a space you have to set up and maintain, including janitorial services and utilities and staff to keep it running, you can sign up for a virtual office service. A virtual office service goes a step beyond you working from home: it gives you the services and physical address you ne...

Life is a big game. If you want to win the game you must know the exciting ways to live. The author of the book, '365 Exciting Ways to live', Mr. N.C.Sridharan has explained in detail the exciting ways in 365 small chapters. It is designed to read one chapter per day. Time is an invisible resource. You should know where and how you spend your time. Set a time frame for every activity and stick to it. You may be a talented writer, music composer, an artist, a doctor or an engineer. Give the best to the society. Lack of training is an important reason for a slow pace of work. The secret to speed is: Practice, Practice. Review your list of goals and identify the gaps in your skill set. Identify your training requirements. Planning is very important to achieve your goal. Put your plan on a piece of paper. Keep a small notebook. Jot down all the important points. If necessary approach experts and get their opinion on important matters. What are you produc...

The genre of fantasy fiction has proved quite a popular one over the past few years. J.R.R. Tolkien's " Lord of the Rings " and " The Hobbit " and J.K. Rowling's " Harry Potter " series received a very good response from the audience. Readers' engagement with these novels was such that it compelled authors to write sequel after sequel in order to satiate their curiosity and imaginative pleasures. The credit definitely goes to these legendary authors who with their superior skills of writing have made fantastical elements and mythical creatures appear real. As most of us, fans of fantasy fiction, sit preoccupied with the fictional diminutive humanoid race, the Hobbits, the next breathtaking saga is already on its way to becoming world-famous. There is a new book in the market titled Strump - A World of Shadows . Strump: A World of Shadows - Snippet of its Storyline The novel is a fantasy fiction packed with humans, Merme...

Over the years, I've found a number of books that got me motivated, thrust me into action, or helped me resolve some of the many stumbling blocks artists are prone to. I discovered them mostly in random fashion. Here is an aggregated list (about 5 at a time, so you'll have time to investigate them) of all the ones I found useful, and usually entertaining. (Disclaimer: I am not financially involved in any of these. Just appreciative.) Sheila Davis has long been a respected writer and teacher of songwriting skills. The Craft of Lyric Writing is in use on the University level, and has been required reading for years. In it, she analyzes the lyrics of skilled professionals like Don Henley, Jimmy Webb, Stephen Sondheim and many others. Successful Lyric Writing is an intensive workbook based on the principals of songwriting that Davis set forth in the former. It takes awhile to get through it, and is one of those workbooks you go back to periodically, but i...

When The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis was first released all the way in 2009, I was super excited. By that time I'd read the first 2 novels in The 39 Clues series, the latest one being One False Note by Gordon Korman, and the series was moving along at an exciting pace. Great storyline, amazing mystery, and outstanding characters. What more could a young reader want? The 39 Clues is a multi-author book series written by extremely well-liked, bestselling writers regarding orphans known as Amy and Dan Cahill. When their grandmother Grace dies, they learn that they happen to be members of the most powerful family in human history. The source of their families power is hidden all through the earth in the form of thirty-nine special clues. The person who finds all the clues will become the most powerful person in the history of mankind. Dan and Amy Cahill, needless to say, are definitely not alone in wanting the prize. Their shifty, back-stabbing family will ...

In William S. Burrough's "Junky", a newly graduated English major scraps his middle class life in favor of the opiate addict lifestyle. Published in 1952, this semi-autobiography shows insight into the drug culture and underworld at the time. The main character, William Lee (nicknamed "Bill"), comes into possession of some morphine, and wondering about the allure of the substance to his buyers, decides to try his first "shot". William Lee quickly learns that opium consumes your life, giving junkies their own sense of time and distorted priorities. After becoming a self-proclaimed "junkie," William Lee's life is ever changing, quickly consumed by opiates. William Lee's life is an ode to his mantra: "Junk is not, like alcohol or weed, a means of increased enjoyment of life. Junk is not a kick. It is a way of life." (Burroughs 3) The book shows a contrast of users stemming from all sociopolitical ...

Publishing? As far as I'm concerned, is on the way out. 'Publishing' as we know it, that is. Yes, I sincerely believe that the movement that created a publishing industry in the 18th century has ground to a halt, and despite trying to find a new purpose in life, is about to fade away. It's had a good run: the business we call 'publishing' grew up when the novel was invented, after 1720. It would be ironic if it collapsed on the three hundredth anniversary, but that seems increasingly likely. What might seem less obvious, as a further consequence of the rise of the internet, is that all the ancillary trades will disappear too. By that I don't just mean the roles of Literary Agent, publicist and roadie - but these are almost certainly doomed - and I don't mean the roles of manuscript editor and book cover designer, which may continue. I specifically refer to the 'jobs' of reviewer and critic. Perhaps publishing would never ...

In The Sixth Extinction, An Unnatural History , author Elizabeth Kolbert paints a frightening future for our planet. Man, she predicts, may become the sixth extinction following five major extinctions over the last half billion years. This isn't Kolbert's first venture into the science of the fate of our species and planet. A staff writer at The New Yorker , in her earlier book , Field Notes from a Catastrophe: Man, Nature, and Climate Change (Bloomsbury, 2006), she waves a red flag about the dangers of climate change. In the Sixth Extinction , she furthers her theory. The body of the book is devoted to the fates of various creatures on land and sea as well as the health of our planet. She takes the reader through various extinctions of critters, large and small, from the Mastodon's from 11,000 years ago to as recent as the Golden Toad not seen since 1989. Each subject is examined, analyzed and measured for the success or failure of an or...

Reading is, for many people, a fundamental part of their lives. They have all different options these days for selecting their literary material. Various types of books exist, and you can also purchase a novel for an electronic reader. However, one form of book still holds its high-ranking place in society over the rest. What exactly is it about hardcover books that make them stand out from the rest? More Durable Some people do borrow books from the library, but you might be a person who likes to own the stories you read. Starting up a formidable library in your own home may very well be a goal of yours. In general, hardcover books are more durable than other times. A paperback book could become ruined if it gets a little sprinkle of rain on it, or the cover might tear off. These hardcover books are with you for the long haul. While they do need to be taken care of, they are just not as fragile as others. For Students and Youngsters Purchasing hardcover bo...

The popularity of purchasing used books seems to be rising with more people opting for cheap books still in good condition. Some say there's nothing like the smell of new prints and stepping into an upscale store that carries expensive titles. But another half sticks by previously owned books, stating that the amazing deals you can get are enough to fill a small library. It's true that purchasing new prints has an appeal but they're sometimes practically unsound. The amount of wood needed to manufacture paper is staggering even if trees are sourced from sustainable forests. Not every buyer decides to retain every purchased book either which amounts to a waste of money and resources if discarded. The same can't be said of previously owned books. It's a form of recycling that makes a big impact on how much money and resources can be saved. Textbooks, in particular, are valuable for students unable to afford new and expensive books. An added invaluable benefit i...

Reading books in a series helps to develop the equivalent of friendships that can cause a degree of separation anxiety when the books are finished. Many authors write their books to stand independently, yet reference previous books in order to build relationships with their readers. Series with twenty or so books that take a longer period of time to read cause the characters to become more real to the reader. The Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters has just accomplished this in my life. I have just finished listening to the series in audio book format read by Barbara Rosenblat, and almost feel like I had finished watching a movie. Years ago, I had read one or two of this series and had enjoyed them so when I found the entire series and could listen to them in order I jumped at the opportunity. Listening to Amelia and Emerson meeting and falling in love was great. However, the real treat was listening to them develop and grow old together in their pursuits as archeologist...

I, like a number of other people, accustomed to dislike Harry Potter. I'd never really browse the books, but for whatever reason looked lower on Potter fans, thinking these to be a little off color. I had been sure that the entire factor was highly overrated which it absolutely was blown way to avoid it of proportion (like Twilight). I possibly could not have access to been more mistaken. I finally browse the books in the continuous advocating of the friend within my junior year of senior high school, and they've become my personal favorite books ever. I've already reread all seven books and was lined up for hrs to determine the night time premiere from the latest movie. Just when was the final time you've read a magazine and instantly desired to get it and browse it again? It doesn't happen frequently. I can't even begin to let you know how incredible these books are. They are not only very entertaining, but they're full of the key styles of excell...

Are you looking for easy, delicious and healthy recipes? Well, I was looking for cookbook that contains delicious recipes, and what I found was really amazing! Gwyneth Paltrow's new cookbook My Father's Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family & Togetherness came up in a search on Amazon and I was amazed. The reviews were all pretty glowing and what I found was that as well as being able to get a cookbook containing delicious recipes I got a recipes that all written in an easy to follow and easy to understand way. Once I received it I couldn't wait to start cooking. I was a little bit skeptical in the beginning, but when I began to read the book I realized Paltrow gives genuine advice about alternative ingredients and healthy eating. It is extremely impressive. This cookbook is a posthumous tribute to Gwyneth's late father. In her 272-paged cookbook, filled with full-color inspiring photos Gwyneth Paltrow describes recipes from breakfast, sandwich...

Hungry Girl 300 Under 300: 300 Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Dishes Under 300 Calories by Lisa Lillien provides three-hundred recipes for full-sized meals that are healthy as they are delicious. Recipes include breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes plus appetizers and sides. And here's the kicker: each easy recipe only contains three-hundred calories or less! These recipes allow you to use supplies already in your kitchen such as crock-pots and foil packs. Look forward to guilt-free Creamy Crab Cakes Benedict, Buffalo Chicken Wing Macaroni & Cheese, and Big Apple Butternut Squash Soup. Academy-Award Actress, avid foodie, and mother of two Gwyneth Paltrow shares a delicious collection of recipes and beautiful photographs celebrating cooking for family in a tribute to her father entitled My Father's Daughter: Delicious, Easy Recipes Celebrating Family & Togetherness. As a young girl, Gwyneth cooked and ate with her father, Bruce Paltrow, and she developed a passion f...

Don't Panic - Dinner's in the Freezer by Susie Martinez, Bonnie Garcia, and Vanda Howell is a great recipe book that shows you how to make great tasting meals ahead of time. This cookbook is perfect for your hectic lifestyle. Overstuffed schedules make traditional cooking methods impossible to use in many families. The result is poor nutrition and strained budgets from resorting to fast food or prepared meals. This book offers simple and economically friendly alternatives, featuring dozens of recipes that can be prepared and then frozen for future use. You get practical tips for planning and organizing and shopping for meals as well as ways to freeze and reheat prepared foods. Don't Panic - More Dinner's in the Freezer by the same authors is a second helping of tasty meals you can make ahead. This book will fit perfectly into your hectic lifestyle. While traditional methods often become obsolete in your busy schedule, this book can help you make nutrition go ha...