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Ed Gabrielse and Mike Holinka
That's What I Call Commuting: Real Stories from Conductors on Chicago's Metra Lines
a favorite of Rashmi's, Information Services
In the past, when I used to ride the Metra train back and forth from Hyde Park to downtown Chicago, I never imagined that so many interesting incidents took place on the Chicago Metra lines! Mike Holinka has been working in the Chicago Metra trains for almost 30 years. Co-author Ed Gabrielse has been a rider on the Chicago Metra trains for the last 25 years. This book contains about 40 incidents. Some of the stories are funny, and some may paint your heart with a tint of sadness. For example, one year, just before Christmas, when a woman absent mindedly stepped in front of his Metra train, the engineer, in a state of shock, uttered these words, "That was someone's wife and mother and now they won't ever have her home for Christmas." In contrast, the humorous incidents will make you smile. For example, a kid from the upper level of the train throws up on the trainman's hat while he is collecting the tickets on the lower level of the train. Another funny story is about a lady who had "the ability to empty an entire half of a train car" because of her body odor. After reading this book, I had a greater appreciation for the many different forms of human interaction on the commuter trains. 5/1/06
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Neil Gaiman
Stardust
a favorite of Bryan's, Information Services
After years of hearing his name bounced around with those such as Douglas Adams and Tori Amos, I finally decided to sample the work of Neil Gaiman. I started with Stardust, the story of Tristan Thorn, a young person of both human and faerie. After promising to find a fallen star for the woman he loves, Tristan sets out on an adventure into a new world. Though the story fits primarily into the genre of fantasy, Stardust seemed to me to be more of a detailed fairy tale. All kinds of surprises and adventures are locked inside this novel. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good fairy tale. 8/2/04
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Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch
a favorite of Anne's, Fiction and Audiovisual Services
This is the funniest book about the apocalypse you'll ever read! It is eleven days before the somewhat obtuse 15th century prophecies of Anges Nutter will be fulfilled by the coming of the Antichrist, and a war between Heaven and Hell. The antichrist (named Adam) was born eleven years ago-but was misplaced by the Satanist nurses at the hospital. Now, Crowley, a cosmopolitan demon, and Aziraphale, a book-collecting angel, are working together to find Adam so they can prevent Armageddon and continue their enjoyable lives on earth. Meanwhile, the events of Armageddon are set into motion, centering on the little English village of Tadfield, where Adam and his friends are causing their usual mischief. But strange things are happening-Atlantis is rising out of the sea, frog-like aliens are dropping out of the sky in UFO's, and computers seem to be developing minds of their own. Crowley, Aziraphale, a local witch, a motivated witch hunter, and the four bikers of the apocalypse converge on the village as the fabric of the world starts to tear apart. Can Armageddon be stopped? Beelzebub and the voice of God make cameos as the fate of the world is decided. The eccentric characters, brilliant satire, and masterful language from two iconic authors make this book a riot from start to finish. Even if science fiction isn't usually your thing, Good Omens is worth a trip to the Science Fiction / Fantasy shelves at the Library! 12/3/07
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Neil Gaiman and Michael Reaves
Interworld
a favorite of Ed's, Fiction and Audiovisual Services
Neil Gaiman (American Gods) and Michael Reaves (Star Trek: The Next Generation) have partnered together to bring a long dreamed-about project to a teen audience hungry for quality science fiction. Interworld tells the story of Joey Harker, an ordinary red-haired boy with freckles who discovers that he has an extraordinary gift: the ability to travel to alternate worlds where an interdemensional war is taking place with Joey and others like him (a lot like him) struggling to keep a balance between the two warring factions. This story will be of interest to both fans of Gaiman and good fast paced science fiction. The sophisticated concepts of alternate universes sometime made my head swim, but otherwise I think teens are going to love a good story about an ordinary boy with extraordinary abilities. 5/6/08

Gregory Galloway
As Simple As Snow
a favorite of Mandy's, Fiction and Audiovisual Services
I can't seem to stop thinking and talking about this book. Perhaps if the author had chosen to neatly wrap up this mysterious tale at the end, I would be able to move on. Unfortunately for me, and many others who have read it, he does not and now we are forced to sift through the myriad of clues he provides both within the novel itself and on the book's website (www.assimpleassnow.com) to solve the mystery ourselves. As Simple As Snow details the events before and after the disappearance of young Anastasia Cayne. Before she disappears Anna is quirky, enigmatic, and overwhelmingly intellectual for her age. She loves to send cryptic letters and packages to her boyfriend and is obsessed with writing obituaries for everyone in their town. Our unnamed narrator is her boyfriend and he pleads with the readers to help him figure out what actually happened to Anna, since everyone else seems to have lost interest in her case. Its hard not take him up on his offer. 2/1/07
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Lisa Gardner
Survivors Club
a favorite of Irene's, Information Services
Serial rapist Eddie Como has been gunned down on his way to trial in the courthouse parking lot. A car bomb then obliterates the professional hit man. Tough career woman Jillian, neglected socialite wife Carol, and flaky college student Meg are the rapist’s victims and prime suspects in the case. The three women have banded together in the “Survivors Club,” where they share confidences and pain. Returning to the force after a breakdown caused by the death of his wife, handsome Sergeant Roan Griffin is assigned to take over the case. He works with rumpled, sarcastic Tums-popping detective Fitz. The case could be closed except that another rape takes place after Eddie’s demise. His DNA is found on the dead girl’s body. How can that be? Nerve-rattling suspense, engaging characters, and crisp dialogue make for a gripping read. 11/1/02
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Elizabeth George
Payment in Blood
a favorite of Irene's, Information Services
Like Martha Grimes, George is an American who writes mysteries set in England. Aristocratic (eighth Earl of Asherton) Scotland Yard inspector Thomas Lynley and his rough, proletarian partner Sergeant Barbara Havers are a formidable, yet at times contentious, team while solving brutal murders. The author of a new play is found stabbed through the throat at a Scottish country estate where an acting troupe has gathered. Then a boy of sixteen is viciously killed. Lady Helen, whom Linley secretly loves, and her current lover are among the prime suspects. This mystery will sweep you along from page to page. 3/4/02

Charlotte Perkins Gilman
The Yellow Wallpaper
a favorite of Janet's, Dole Branch Library
This autobiographical novella vividly portrays one woman's descent into madness at the turn of the twentieth century. We follow the spiraling course of her post-partum depression, which worsens due to the oppressive "rest cure" prescribed for her. Based on the author's own horrific experience. Enthralling and very Poe-like. 10/15/07
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Stan Goff
Full Spectrum Disorder: The Military in the New American Century
a favorite of Jim's, Administration
With the prospects of continued war stretching ahead in Afghanistan and Iraq, and increasing military budgets, Full Spectrum Disorder illuminates the past and posits a bleak future. Goff retired from Army Special Operations in 1996 after a military career that took him through Vietnam, Grenada, Haiti, Columbia, Panama, and Somalia. He taught military science at West Point and pulls no punches in this critique of US foreign policy and the economic system it serves. 8/1/05
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Francisco Goldman
The Ordinary Seaman
a favorite of Irene's, Information Services
Fifteen hapless Central American sailors, brought to New York under false pretenses to rehabilitate an aging cargo ship, are stuck on this hulk without plumbing, heat, or electricity. Rats and roaches are their only companions. Placated by the despicably unscrupulous owner that they will eventually be paid, the crew works for six months under horrific conditions. Goldman focuses on Esteban, at 19 an ex-Sandinista fighter in the war in Guatamala, who is the only one to have courage to leave the ship and explore the surrounding area. The story based on an actual incident found in the New York Daily News is laced with ribald Spanish vernacular which might make it difficult listening for some, but it is well worth the try. This is a modern parable of America's hidden and often abused immigrant culture that shows its human vulnerability and courage at the same time. 11/1/05
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Doris Kearns Goodwin
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
a favorite of Donna's, Maze Branch
There are more books written in the United States about the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln than almost any other topic. This is one title you should not pass up. In 1860 there were four stronger candidates for the Republican nomination for president, all much more experienced than Lincoln. When he won the nomination and election, rather than taking revenge on his rivals, he invited them all to be in his cabinet. While each thought he should be president and tried to take power from Lincoln, they eventually came to recognize Lincoln for the leader he was. Lincoln's sheer brilliance in working with his rivals is an excellent lesson in leadership. Highly recommended. 8/6/07
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edited by Linda Gordon and Gary Y. Okihiro
Dorothea Lange and the Censored Images of Japanese American Internment Impounded
a favorite of Irene's, Information Services
After the December 7, 1941 bombing of Pear Harbor, the US government started looking at every American of Japanese ancestry as dangerous. They could be a 5th column of spies and saboteurs. The government gave Dorothea Lange the task of recording the process of internment of 110,000 West coast Japanese Americans, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. Many lost farms, small businesses, and professional careers. The 780 photographs, mainly from the camp called Manzanar, that Lange took were censored by the US Army and tucked away in National Archives. Many have not been seen before. These photographs are a devastating indictment of what happened to these Japanese Americans. Two essays are included in this very important book. 1/28/08
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Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas
You Can Do It! The Merit Badge Handbook for Grown-up Girls
a favorite of Mandy's, Fiction and Audiovisual Services
Do you have a laundry list of things you want to do, but haven't tried yet? Then this is the book for you. You Can Do It! provides step-by-step instructions for how to tackle 60 different activities, as well as testimonials from women who've accomplished the task at hand and lists of organizations, books, and websites to help you out along the way. Start your own business, learn a new language, fix the car, paint a portrait, join a band - whatever your dream is, this book will provide all the necessary tools and motivation to accomplish it. So grab a friend and start earning some badges! 2/1/06
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Temple Grandin
Animals in Translation
a favorite of Linda's, Dole Branch Library
Starts slow, but has many unique points to make about how our technology and engineering have shaped animals' personalities. Ms. Grandin is also an amazing person (though not a great writer) who has found her niche in the world in spite of autism. My neighborhood book group had a lively discussion about this book, and I recommend it for groups. 10/15/07
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Stephen Green-Armytage
Extraordinary Pigeons
a favorite of Nancy's, Information Services
The pigeons photographed for this book are truly extraordinary. The book contains only pigeons, but these aren't the city-dwelling "ratbirds" with which we're all too familiar. There's much to read and learn about pigeons in the minimal text of this book . . . for example most pigeons are monogamous, they are prodigious and enthusiastic breeders, pigeons have been used to deliver messages in wars all over the world for centuries, some are natural aerial tumblers, the extinct Dodo is a pigeon species, etc. But the photos are the real reason to pick up this book - the startling, laughable, amazing photos of birds one could barely imagine: the Curly Frill Back (page 55), the wing-footed German Beak-Crested Trumpeter (page 41), and my favorite, the white Pigmy Pouter (page 45) exhibiting unbelievable pride (and preposterousness) of posture. A fun book to share with family and friends. 5/2/05
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Bob Greene
Duty: A Father, His Son, and the Man Who Won the War
a favorite of Debby's, Administration
While Bob Greene's father was still healthy, he created a gift for his children: a recorded tape message that told the story of his life. A World War II infantryman who married the love of his life and raised three children in Columbus, Ohio, he had never really talked face-to-face to his children about his wartime experiences. Through the years, he would report at the dinner table of seeing Paul Tibbets, the pilot of the Enola Gay who dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, causing thousands of deaths, yet saving countless others by bringing the end of the war. As the father of successful syndicated columnist Bob Greene lay slowly dying, the son had a real desire to meet and interview Tibbets. In numerous meetings, Tibbets shared his recollections of his own experiences as a U.S. pilot in World War II and his top-secret assignment. Through the taped remembrances of a relatively unknown foot soldier and the stories of Tibbets, Greene gained huge respect for the generation who gave up so much of their own youth to save the world for their children - and said so little about what they did once they got home. As a baby boomer who has already lost her parents, aunts and uncles of that unselfish generation, I hungrily read Greene's book as representative of the stories and feelings my own family members might have shared had I had the courage and thought to ask. This is a wonderful book, one which should be required reading for my own generation and that of our children. 7/2/01

Graham Greene
Travels with my Aunt
a favorite of Irene's, Information Services
Henry Pulling, retired former bank manager, leads a most comfortable but quite boring life, fussing over his many dahlias. At his mother's funeral, he meets his Aunt Augusta, who draws him in to her crazy yet wildly exciting world. Soon Henry finds himself traveling with her, hauling a red suitcase filled with money through Europe, Turkey, and finally Paraguay. On their travels, he meets some unsavory, some likable, and some totally bizarre characters. We meet Wordsworth, Augusta's valet from Sierra Leone, who loves the 75 year old aunt and calls her his "bebe-gel." Mr. Curran, was a former lover and the founder of a doggies' church. Another former lover, Mr. Visconti, has been hunted by Interpol for twenty years. Then there is Mr. O'Toole, a CIA man, obsessed with a most extraordinary statistic. Greene blends wit and intrigue in this most successful jeue d'esprit. 1/2/03
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James Grippando
The Informant
a favorite of Irene's, Information Services
Blood, guts, tongues, a python and a shark make for a very messy brew, but if you like gruesome serial killer mysteries, then this one is for you. FBI agent, Victoria Santos, is working with journalist Mike Posten to catch a killer who vows to outdo John Wayne Gacy's count of 33 bodies. The killer is looking for the person who saw him after he committed a rape. It is this informant who turned him in, and he spent the next ten years in jail. Since he is not sure who this person is, already ten people have met a ghastly end. Time is running out and the list of victims is getting longer. A sizzling read. 12/13/01

Joan Dye Gussow
This Organic Life: Confessions of a Suburban Homesteader
a favorite of Sharon's, Administration
In her opening chapters Gussow conveys how she and her husband aimed for self-sufficiency by constructing their gardens and home along the Hudson River in downstate New York. While these chapters familiarize the reader with Gussow's way of life, the real gem of this book is the second half. Here Gussow discusses in depth the values and insights that define her life. Readers who are already buying organic foods will find another step in adopting eating habits to support a living planet. Gussow answers the question - why eat locally - with very convincing answers, all the while maintaining her conversational style that keeps the reader's interest. This powerful book should provide the slap in the face that will wake us up from our self-indulgences. Read it and encourage your extended family and friends to read it as well. 11/1/02
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