Manhunt!

In honor of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, our key book for discussion groups has been Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson. Now, most of what I remember about Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth I learned in my high school history classes. Booth shot Lincoln, they caught him, the end.

But that's not the end at all! Swanson vividly describes not only the events on the day of Lincoln's assassination (I thought he died at Ford's Theatre), but also details the attempts of his co-conspirators to murder Vice President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William H. Seward; pieces together Booth's escape route; provides insight into who assisted Booth, who didn't, and why; and builds to the dramatic capture of Booth in a burning barn. Manhunt is meticulously researched, but never dull. It's something I like to call "faction"- a non-fiction book that reads like fiction.

And there's still a chance to come to the library for our final Lincoln events:

Lincoln and His Beliefs: Thursday, March 26 from 7-8:45pm at the William E. Durr Branch

Lincoln shaped his beliefs from the people he met and from his understanding of what he considered to be morally correct. Examine how Lincoln matured in his relationship with Fredrick Douglas and explore Lincoln’s frame of mind. Join NKU’s Phil Resnick and discover how these beliefs may have influenced his presidency. Please register online.

Story Cafe: Civil War: Friday, March 27, 7PM at the Erlanger Branch

Sit back and enjoy the show as great actors read great short fiction from Mr. Lincoln's Wars. It's "storytime" for grownups in a cafe atmosphere. This month, in honor of the Lincoln Bicentennial our theme is "civil war" wherein we examine conflicts and resolutions in the most intimate relationships.