Algonquin Area Public Library notes
New Books:
The New Book Section of the Algonquin Area Public Library encourages readers to take a look at American history through different angles.
• Corporate Chicago sought to lift itself out of the Depression and impress the world with industrial and technological innovation in the "1933 Chicago World's Fair: A Century Of Progress" by Cheryl R. Ganz. Social progress was not supposed to be featured but a persistent few managed to gain a voice for ethnic and gender progress at the Fair. Readers will learn about the entire fair from the organizers to the Midway entertainers.
• Jay Parini shares American books which defined our identity as a nation. He offers book lovers the "Promised Land: Thirteen Books That Changed America" as an opportunity to reread, rethink and reinvent our country.
• All Cub Fans know about the horrible "Hoodoo: Unraveling The Mystery Of The Chicago Cubs" and Grant DePorter, Elliott Harris and Mark Vancil provide us with the historical cartoons to highlight and remove the bad karma, goats, black cats and other superstitions, making way for next year.
• Loved and loathed, fierce Andrew Jackson changed the emphasis of the presidency through his vision of the popular power of the people. Jon Meacham recounts the story of Jackson's presidency in "American Lion."
- Visit the New Book Section of the Algonquin Area Public Library for special gift giving titles for your friends and family.
• For the son, brother or uncle in your life Michael Powell's eclectic "Guide For Guys" is worth examining. He includes advice and humor for every occasion from decorating a bachelor pad to throwing a curve ball or impressing the boss.
• For political junkies Stephen Hess provides a delicious combination of humor and information in "What Do We Do Now?: A Workbook For The President-Elect." This is a must read if you need to write an inaugural speech, staff a cabinet or outfit the Oval Office.
• Families will find opportunities to have fun in the kitchen with the "Gingerbread Architect" by Susan Matheson and Lauren Chattman. Unleash your inner designer chef and develop your dream house using their recipes and wide variety of imaginative component building materials.
• Help pet owners seek the best care for their four footed friends with the "Vet Confidential: An Insider's Guide To Protecting Your Pet's Health" by Louise Murray, DVM. This guide offers practical work sheets to help you learn what to expect from a normal vet visit, how to choose the best veterinary practice and when to visit a specialist.
- If you are still looking for gift book ideas for friends and family try the New Book Section of the Algonquin Area Public Library. Those in need of inspiration might want to have "Breakfast At Sally's" with Richard LeMieux and his friends. Going from successful businessman to homeless person almost overnight, he began to write about the people he met and about Sally's, the Salvation Army's kitchen; his observations will change you.
• History buffs will want "Tried By War: Abraham Lincoln As Commander In Chief" by James M. McPherson in preparation for Lincoln's 200th birthday celebration next year. McPherson's thoughtful, well-written book offers a chance to delve into the mind of an amazing, self-educated man who helped define the role of wartime president.
• If you have a sweet tooth but are tired of ordinary desserts "Sweet!" by Mani Niall is a baker's delight of recipes using a variety of natural sweeteners not usually found in American kitchens.
• You might want to send Julie Morgenstern's "When Organizing Isn't Enough Shed Your Stuff, Change Your Life" to someone who is attempting to make a major life alteration. She helps you reclaim your life by helping you relinquish events, activities, stuff, and emotional clutter which deplete your energy.