Fun book; new author

I was browsing the shelves at Shorewood-Troy Public Library and saw a book with a fun title/cover. I know the old saying "never judge a book by its cover" but I went ahead and checked it out.

The book was called My heart may be broken but my hair still looks good by Dixie Cash. Fans of Janet Evanovich might enjoy this one. While it's not quite as laugh out loud funny as the Stephanie Plum novels but I still enjoyed the offbeat characters! This book is similiar to the Evanovich novels with crudeness so please be aware before you read it.

Mary S, Director

New book

I was working the circ desk one day when a patron returned a book with a Christmas sticker. The title of the book is I Saw Mommy Kicking Santa Claus by Ann Hodgman. I thought the book was a humorous story, possible a romance, about Christmas so I checked it out.

Well it's actually a non-fiction book about surviving the holidays. I am so glad I checked this book out! It has some great ideas in it about ways to make the holidays easier, more meaningful and last longer. My favorite idea from the book is to "thin out Christmas" by spreading out your traditions. 

If you're looking for a helpful book on surviving the holidays, check it out. I think the ideas in it will actually be applicable to other situations, such as planning a family vacation or enjoying summer break. I enjoyed Ann's writing style and have placed holds for the other two books we have by her. 

Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did!

Mary S.

"Why Moms Are Weird" by Pamela Ribon

I've been a fan of Pamela Ribon's writing for years, ever since I began reading her Gilmore Girls recaps on Television Without Pity in 2001 and her blog on pamie.com. Her writing style is smart, funny, and casual. Her first book Why Girls Are Weird is more laugh-out-loud funny, but I prefer the follow-up, Why Moms Are Weird. It's very funny, but has more heart than Girls. (Despite the similar titles, the books have completely unrelated characters and circumstances, so you don't have to worry that you're jumping into a series.)

The book follows the story of Belinda "Benny" Bernstein who flies home to Virginia (she currently lives in Los Angeles) to help out after her mother breaks her leg in a car accident. She deals with her sister's wild nightlife, her mother's active dating life, a house overrun with pets and clutter, and not one but two romances- the boyfriend she left in LA and the cute handyman she hires to help fix up her mother's place.

So, if you're looking for a funny, heartfelt book, I recommend Why Moms Are Weird. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and hopefully you'll thank me for turning you on to this writer.

--Miranda, Circ Assistant