Monthly Archives: June 2014

From out of the Midwest are two tales of America’s changing fortunes. “Sons of Witchita” by Daniel Shulman profiles the brothers Koch, the energy magnates who have become pivotal figures in the debate over campaign finance laws. Charles and David … Continue reading →

“A Big Fat Surprise” by Nina Teicholz and “Dueling Neurosurgeons” by Sam Kean offer science reporting that sizzles. In “Big Fat Surprise,” Tehchilz argues that that everything we thought we knew about dietary fat is wrong. She argues that the … Continue reading →

Two recent novels offer snapshots of a Europe on the brink of world war.  “Lovers at the Chameleon Club” by Francine Prose  is a ”tour de force” which takes place in Paris  between the 1920s and the World War.  The … Continue reading →

This month’s fiction selection was The Snow Queen by Michael Cunningham.   A middle-aged retail worker with boyfriend troubles is walking through Central Park one evening when he notices a mysterious light in the sky.  Uncertain what to make of his … Continue reading →

Taking part in CH’s annual 4th of July footrace?  You can register online here.   Participants can use our library’s computer workstations to register  (live help from our friendly staff  as needed) needed.  Online registration ends at noon on July 3rd … Continue reading →

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the final abolition of slavery in the United States. Celebrated on June 19, the term is a portmanteau of June and nineteenth; it is recognized as a state holiday or … Continue reading →

Last month,  Nichols Library received a record single day delivery of  14 books and materials via the State Library’s interlibrary van service.  Last  Friday (June 13th), we surpassed that total and set a new record of sixteen deliveries!  Again, the … Continue reading →

Summer means beach reading. Here is the first installment. “Vienna Nocturne” by Vivien Shotwell  is a “sweeping historical love story” involving Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, then at the height of this fame,  and his muse, Anna Storace, a rising diva for … Continue reading →

Summer is here, and with it, the latest in suspense and crime fiction. “Summer House with Swimming pool”  by Herman Koch is an “addictive”  and “devious”  follow-up to  2013’s “The Dinner.” When actor Ralph Meier ends up dead at his summer house, his … Continue reading →

Biographies and memoirs make for good reading because they can frame important events and issues in life through the framework of an intriguing personality. These 10 lives shine a little on events in the news, the arts, spirituality and medicine.  … Continue reading →