Dog Lover's Companion to Chicago by Margaret Littman
917.7311 LIT Show Lassie where all the dog-friendly beaches, paths, and motels are in the Chicago area. A comprehensive guide with indexes to restaurants and accommodations. Maps, too!
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (author unknown) translated by Simon Armitage
821.1 GAW Sir Gawain was one of King Arthur’s knights who was challenged to find a strange green knight who lurked in the shadows of the English countryside. This new translation has received rave reviews and translator Armitage describes this epic as “a ghost story, a thriller, a romance, an adventure story, and a morality tale.” Critics say that Armitage’s translation has made this epic poem accessible to the general reading public. Good thing, too. Try it. It’s a wonderful read!
Best Poems of the English Language: From Chaucer through Frost edited by Harold Bloom
821.008 BES Despite Bloom’s preference for male poets (103 men; 10 women), this edition includes academic commentaries on each poet. Bloom offers interesting snapshot biographies and critiques of each poets’ work. A highly personal selection with emphasis on the metaphysical and romantic poets of England.
Book of Sketches by Jack Kerouac
818.54 KER It was suggested to Jack Kerouac that “he sketch in the streets like a painter but with words.” This small book is the result. With an introduction by George Condo, this book includes poems, diary entries, and lists. It’s a wonderful example of Kerouac’s brilliance and originality.
Chicago Works: A New Collection of Chicago Authors' Best Stories edited by Laurie Levy
813.0108 CHI A new collection of best short stories by well known Chicago authors. Included are Rosellen Brown and James McManus.
Best American Short Stories edited by Stephen King
808.83 BESThese stories are selected from 2007 American and Canadian periodicals by acclaimed story teller, Stephen King. The stories’ themes “examine the various turning points of life that we experience as children and adults.” Favorite authors include Alice Munro, Richard Russo, and Louis Auchincloss. Kate Walbert and Stellar Kim are some of the newcomers. If you are too busy to read a novel, try these very readable short stories.
Magic Tricks for Grown-Ups by Jon Tremaine
793.8 TRE Are you longing for diversion? Do you have the winter blues? Liven up your winter world by learning adult magic tricks! Be the life of the office by executing The Flying Paper Clip trick. Amaze your bar hopping friends by effortlessly performing the cool Napkin Kidnap stunt. Each magic trick is illustrated and the directions are clear and easy to understand. A pleasant diversion for the winter months.
La Nilsson: My Life in Opera by Birgit Nilsson
782.1092 NILLa diva Nilsson shares her childhood, operatic beginnings, and recalls her major roles in various Wagnerian operas. Black and white illustrations compliment the text.
Kitchens by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
747.797 SWE Do you think you have a boring kitchen? Country Living has some ideas and solutions. Consider adding a strong color to the walls or decorate with colorful pottery. If your kitchen ceiling is low, paint the floor white to make the room seem brighter and higher. Put vintage kitchen utensils in a colorful container. Or, you could place an easy chair in the corner of your kitchen. The decorating suggestions are easy and color illustrations compliment the text.