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.

A Nod to Barbara Parker

For those of you who don't know, mystery author Barbara Parker passed away on Saturday, March 7th at the too young age of 62. She wrote about a world very familiar to her- warm and sunny southern Florida. Having spent most of her life in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Parker used the knowledge from her law career and her observations of Floridian societies to create her Suspicion series.

Featuring attorneys Gail Connor and Anthony Quintana, the series begins with Suspicion of Innocence. The body of Gail's sister Renee turns up in the Everglades, and Gail becomes a key suspect of the possible murder. It turns out that Renee was involved in some rather questionable activities and has two important connections to the Miami Cuban community. One of whom is Quintana.

Although it's probably best to start with Suspicion of Innocence, I ended up reading Suspicion of Betrayal first and was not terribly confused. For more information about Barbara Parker, including a nicely written piece in the Sun-Sentinel, go to BarbaraParker.com.

Saint Patrick's Day is March 17th!

Me grandmother's maiden name was O'Malley, so I have a touch o' the Irish blood in me. I lived out in Portland, Oregon for a while and had the great fortune to hear a fun band called Darby O'Gill (yes, just like the Disney movie, without the Little People) on numerous occasions. Check out their music at Darby O'Gill: Rollickin' Irish Stage Show. You can preview songs, download MP3s, or buy an album.

But let me tell you about my favorite Irish book. Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy begins with two young girls, Benny and Eve, who bond as friends growing up in the tiny village of Knockglen. When they attend the university in Dublin, they meet beautiful Nan Mahon, who seems to have the perfect answer for everything, and handsome Jack Foley, a doctor's son who wants to practice law. Benny is certain Jack would never be interested in a plump girl like herself, but it turns out he likes her for her humor, gentle nature and earnestness . However, lovely Nan is always plotting how she will get out of her lower-class home existence. She plans to marry well, and will take any steps necessary to make it happen, no matter who gets in the way.

Binchy's charming, well developed characters and their interactions are what have me reading this book over and over again. If you like the female friendship aspect of the book, you might also try Binchy's Light a Penny Candle, or London Transports for short, interrelated stories.

There is also an enjoyable film version Circle of Friends featuring Minnie Driver and Chris O'Donnell, but it differs quite a bit from the book.

It's a Bully of a Good Read!

"I know I was writing stories when I was five. I don't know what I did before that. Just loafed I suppose."
-P. G. Wodehouse

My first introduction to the world of Bertie Wooster and his "gentleman's gentleman" Jeeves was through the PBS television series. Appropriately titled Jeeves & Wooster, it stars Hugh Laurie (AKA Dr. House, MD) and Stephen Fry,and the first time I watched it, I laughed so hard I fell over! Fortunately, I was sitting on the floor at the time.

Wodehouse's books have also tickled my fancy. The first book featuring the dynamic duo is My Man Jeeves, but you can read them in any order. Try The Inimitable Jeeves, a series of humorous vignettes involving Bertie, Jeeves, the lovesick Bingo Little, and the strong-willed, rather scary Aunt Agatha. Or you can't go wrong with Right Ho, Jeeves, which highlights Bertie's friends Augustus "Gussie" Fink-Nottle, a fancier of newts, and the tactlessly funny Hildebrande "Tuppy" Glossop. There are 18 in the series, and Wodehouse has written a number of other books as well. Each book bottles dry humor, wry wit, and tons of fun!