NONFICTION -- Words to Live By

The Last Lecture
by Randy Pausch
Carnegie-Mellon professor Pausch delivered a “last lecture” after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Built around the theme of “fulfilling your childhood dreams” the filmed lecture became a YouTube sensation, and was expanded into this book. Far from being depressing, this book is uplifting and inspirational as the author talks about dreams fulfilled and lays out his hopes for his children.
ISBN: 1401323251; Audiobook:1401391443
–Macaire Hill


What Now?
by Anne Patchett
Based on a commencement address the award-winning author delivered at her alma mater, Sarah Lawrence College, What Now? speaks of the benefits of not having a definitive “life plan” the minute your graduate from college. Patchett recounts some of her own struggles when facing life’s crossroads, and generally makes it clear that sometimes it’s okay to just wing it. Great for new grads, soon-to-be grads, or anyone else at a turning point in their lives.
ISBN: 0061340650; Audiobook: 0061556793
–Macaire Hill and Gail Sacco

NONFICTION -- History

The Great Upheaval: America and the Birth of the Modern World 1788-1800
By Jay Winik
Did you know that Napoleon cheated at cards, or that he read The Koran while en route to Egypt with his army? Were you aware that George Washington’s false teeth were made of hippopotamus ivory? Colorful details about people and events in the history of the United States, Russia and France of this period make this an engrossing book. Lurid accounts of the French Revolution and the bloody Russo-Turkish war provide a view of history at the ground level. ISBN: 006008314X
–Suzanne Fisher

A Magnificent Catastrophe: The Tumultuous Election of 1800
By Edward J. Larson
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams faced off in the campaign of 1800 which, according to historian Larson, was the first contested presidential election. Both the Republican and the Federalist parties indulged in bitter partisan wrangling and mud-slinging and invented lies about their opponents. “Politics are such a torment that I would advise every one I love not to mix with them,” Thomas Jefferson wrote to his daughter Martha during the campaign. ISBN: 0743293177
–Suzanne Fisher

NONFICTION -- Home Ec. Grows Up

How to Cook Everything – The Basics
by Mark Bittman
This is a great cookbook for beginners or for those who want to expand their knowledge of simple, quick recipes. The author includes a section on “must have” kitchen tools (with explanations of what they are and what they are used for) as well as a list of basic pantry items to have on hand. The book is well organized and the recipes are simple and easy to follow without being dull or plain. Perfect for those most kindly described as “kitchen challenged.” ISBN: 076456756X
–Macaire Hill


Perfect Recipe for Losing Weight and Eating Great
by Pam Anderson
Perfect for either getting through the holidays with a clear conscience and trim waistline, or for getting back to healthy eating in the New Year. The author provides basic recipes with a number of variations on each, and includes approximate calorie counts. There is a nice variety, including appetizers and desserts. If you want healthy, simple food that isn’t dull, this is a good resource. ISBN: 0618835962
–Macaire Hill


Divine Kosher Cuisine: Catering to Family and Friends
by Risé Routenberg and Barbara Wasser
I love this book and use it all the time. I have given it to friends, who have in turn given it to their friends. The recipes are easy and straightforward and combine the traditional with the contemporary. A joint effort of the authors and Congregation Agudat Achim in Niskayuna, New York, it includes signature recipes of the synagogue’s award-winning catering service. Recipes cover all holidays and all occasions for creative home cooking and gracious entertaining. Even more helpful is a section itemizing the quantities you need to feed groups of 10, 20, 50 or more. Kosher cooking separates dairy dishes from meat dishes as well as those which are both dairy and meat free, so those who are lactose intolerant or have an allergy to gluten will also find it useful. ISBN: 0977017206
–Gail Sacco


Hand Mending Made Easy: Save Time and Money Repairing Your Own Clothes
By Nan L. Ides
This little book is perfect for a new sewer, a college student, or the person who has never sewn a stitch! An unassuming (and not at all intimidating) paperback, it starts with the basics: supplies and knots. Then it reviews tasks like sewing on a button or doing a hem. Easy to understand and follow and a life saver in a pinch. Recommended for someone who is at the basic level or someone who has not sewn anything for a long time. ISBN: 0935278745
–Gail Sacco


Dream Landscapes: Artful Quilts with Fast-Piece Appliqué
by Rose Hughes
This book is due to be published in October 2008 so I haven’t seen a copy but looking at Rose Hughes website (http://www.rosehughes.com/) definitely makes me want to read the book. Her designs are beautiful and look relatively easy so it should be fun to learn her technique. ISBN: 1564778592
–Julie Stump

MUSIC AND MOVIES

Magic
Bruce Springsteen
Reminiscent of “Born in the USA” with its muscular rock beat and soaring saxophone. Fans of the Boss will enjoy his reunion with the E Street Band as the group puts forth anthems on everything from the current state of radio (Radio Nowhere) to blue collar love stories (I’ll Work for Your Love). Includes a bonus track ballad in which a solo Springsteen laments the death of a long time friend. This one’s a keeper. (CD)
–Macaire Hill


Linus and Lucy: The Music of Vince Guaraldi
George Winston
Pianist Winston interprets favorites from Guaraldi, highlighting the work he did for the Peanuts cartoons as well as some of his other popular compositions. This is a lovely collection that provides a great soundtrack to everything from a quiet afternoon at home to a gathering with friends. (CD) –Macaire Hill


Moonstruck (1987)
Directed by Norman Jewison
The entire cast is pitch perfect in this story of a young widow who decides to make a sensible marriage only to have her plans derailed by her fiancé’s younger brother. The ensuing mayhem is aided and abetted by her eccentric family. A timeless story with a wonderful ensemble cast and beautiful soundtrack; you will find yourself laughing out loud.(PG, DVD, Romantic Comedy) –Macaire Hill


O Brother Where Art Thou? (2000)
Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen
The Coen brothers meet Homer in this farcical retelling of the classic Odyssey. Set in the Deep South during the Depression, it chronicles the misadventures of three escaped convicts. They encounter prophets, sirens, villains, buried treasure, and a long-suffering wife on their journey. A great cast and a wonderful, blues-based soundtrack. (PG-13, DVD, Comedy)
–Macaire Hill


Babette’s Feast (1987)
Directed by Gabriel Axel
Two women, the last leaders of a restrictive religious group, find themselves with a French maid. The maid asks to prepare a French meal for them and the group doesn’t know how to deal with this kind of earthly pleasure. This is a wonderful film. It is simple yet deep; full of restraint yet overflowing with riches. It is guaranteed to make you smile with joy and satisfaction. (G, DVD, Drama)
–Julie Stump


The Big Sleep (1946)
Directed by Howard Hawks
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall star in one of the very best of the noir mysteries. The writing is so good – William Faulkner authored the script – that there are numerous memorable quotes. And of course, Bogart is the quintessential detective. This is definitely a desert island film! (NR, DVD, Mystery)
–Julie Stump


The Commitments (1991)
Directed by Alan Parker.
Jimmy Rabbitte decides to form the “World’s Hardest Working Band,” The Commitments, and bring soul music to the people of Dublin, Ireland. This film has lots of heart, soul and laughs. From a novel by Roddy Doyle, this is one great film!
(R, DVD, Comedy)
–Julie Stump


Day for Night (1973)
Directed by François Truffaut
Winner of the best foreign film Oscar in 1974, this is director Truffaut’s homage to filmmaking. It is about all aspects of moviemaking; about the technical problems, the boredom between takes and about the romances and intrigues. Not only does it offer an accurate behind-the-scenes picture of filmmaking, but it is wonderfully entertaining as well. (PG, DVD, Drama)
–Julie Stump


The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
Directed by Orson Welles
Another noir mystery classic, this may not be Orson Welles’ greatest film, but it’s one of his most fun. Welles plays the patsy and Rita Hayworth the femme fatale. The shootout scene is outstanding! (NR, DVD, Drama)
–Julie Stump



Laura (1944)
Directed by Otto Preminger
There’s nothing like a good mystery film and this is a great one! Again, this is a noir story of a detective who falls in love with the portrait of the murder victim. With haunting atmosphere and music, and tremendous fashions of the time, this is truly a winner! Features performances by Gene Tierney, Dana Andrews, Clifton Webb and Vincent Price. (NR, DVD, Mystery)
–Julie Stump


A Night at the Opera (1935)
Directed by Edmund Golding and Sam Wood
Has there ever been a comedy team as funny as the Marx Brothers? In this film the Marx Brothers take on high society. With tremendous cinematography, this film is possibly artier and less silly than their others, but it will still tickle your funny bone! (NR, DVD, Comedy)
–Julie Stump


Still Crazy (1998)
Directed by Brian Gibson
A small British film about rock ‘n’ roll, this is the story of a former hit band, “Strange Fruit” that decides to reunite after 20 years and go on tour. Be sure to watch the credits in this one or you’ll miss some of the best jokes. Hilarious! With Stephen Rea, Billy Connolly, Timothy Spall and Bill Nighy. (R, DVD, Comedy)
–Julie Stump


Zorba the Greek (1964)
Directed by Mihalis Kakogiannis
An English writer traveling to Crete on business finds his life changed forever when he meets the Dionysian Alexis Zorba. Anthony Quinn is unforgettable in the title role. Isn’t this the movie, and the music that evokes Greece in all of our minds? This is a great film to watch when your life needs a little lift. (NR, DVD, Musical)
–Julie Stump