The camel bookmobile

       ‘The camel bookmobile’ by Masha Hamilton

This book is a behind-the-scenes glimpse of traditional Africa colliding with the modern world. The customs, beliefs, and superstitions of village life and the attitude of the locals to the bookmobile make for more than interesting reading!

Recommended,

Pat

New books on display at Hurunui District Library from 31 January-7 February

  “The art of war” by Jennifer Haworth

In the first book of its kind, author Jenny Haworth shows World War II through the eyes of five of New Zealand’s commissioned war artists – Peter McIntyre, Austen Deans, Russell Clark, Allan Barns-Graham and John McIndoe. Stationed to the areas where New Zealand soldiers were fighting in the Mediterranean, North Africa, the Middle East, the Pacific and Europe, these five men saw it as their duty to depict the war in line with the government’s attempt to reassure those at home. Beautifully illustrated throughout with large full-colour reproductions of each artist’s work, as well as numerous drawings and photos.

  “She’ll be right” by Rachel Goodchild

This book is a series of profiles of outstanding New Zealand women of the land. There are around 20 of them. In the past few decades there’s been a social revolution on New Zealand farms as farming women throw off their traditional roles as cooks, wives and domestic providers, and join the men in working on the land. Author Rachel Goodchild even goes so far as to suggest that today’s rural living has ignited the pioneer spirit among rural women. As she says, ‘forget about the scones fresh from the oven.’

  “Name to a face” by Robert Goddard

This work presents the sequence of extraordinary events over the past 300 years. It is a chain of intrigue, deceit, greed and murder. It covers: the loss of H.M.S. Association with all hands in 1707; an Admiralty clerk’s secret mission thirty years after; a fatal accident during a dive to the wreck in 1996; and an expatriate’s reluctant return home ten years later. The simple task he has come to accomplish, shown to be anything but. A woman he recognises but cannot identify. A conspiracy of circumstances that is about to unravel his life. And with it, the past.

  “Sword song” by Bernard Cornwell

The fourth in the bestselling Alfred series from number one historical novelist, Bernard Cornwell. Our hero, Uhtred, has been made Governor of London. This fourth book in the series is set in London and will cover Alfred’s building of fortified towns to hold Wessex and his push into Mercia.

  “The boby shape bible” by Trinny & Susannah

Style experts Trinny Woodall & Susannah Constantine define the 12 classic women’s body shapes and advise on the key garments and best (and worst) looks for each shape.

To reserve any of these items contact your local library or email info@hurunuilibrary.govt.nz

Then we came to the end by Joshua Ferris 2007

Having been on display for a week, this book had picked up not a single request so Cliff was persuaded to take it home. His review follows.

No wonder no-one wanted to read this book – apart from the cover….  Have you ever realised that good books give off a “vibe”?That is why when you are drifting along a row of books, for no reason at all, you suddenly reach out and pick one up. This book is about coming to an end. It is like the life of a 99 year-old person. You know it is going to end but it takes such a ****** long long time to get there. Not badly written, but tedious. The worst type of book.

Cliff

for another point of view see http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/18/books/review/Poniewozik.t.html

Polymer Clay Techniques

Encyclopedia of Polymer Clay Techniques by Sue Heaser is one of the most popular and versatile mediums available to crafters, lending itself to a variety of applications ranging from decorative boxs, mosaics and miniature models to beads, buttons and jewellery. This comprehensive book features step-by-step instruction in more than 50 techniques, including exciting ways to work with new materials such as liquid and metal clays. 

This book will became popular with people wanting to try a new craft.

We hope people read this and start a new craft. 

Anne / JJ

New books on display at Hurunui District Library from 24 January-31 January

 

 

“Love walked in” by Marisa de los Santos  

When Martin Grace enters the hip Philadelphia coffee shop Cornelia Brown manages, her life changes forever. Charming and debonair, the spitting image of Cary Grant, Martin sweeps Cornelia off her feet, but, as it turns out, Martin Grace is more the harbinger of change than the change itself. Meanwhile, on the other side of town, eleven-year-old Clare must learn to fend for herself after her increasingly unstable mother has a breakdown and disappears.

 

 “Convicted” by Michael Guerin”

“Convicted” examines the forensic science behind six notorious, high-profile murder cases from New Zealand and Australia, and unearths for the reader clear and logical insights into how investigators used modern science to apprehend and convict the killers.

 

 “The uncommon reader” by Alan Bennett

The Uncommon Reader is none other than HM the Queen who drifts accidentally into reading when her corgis stray into a mobile library parked at Buckingham Palace. She reads widely and intelligently. Her reading naturally changes her world view and her relationship with people such as the oleaginous prime minister and his repellent advisers.

 “The search for the great kiwi yarn” edited by Martin Crump

Martin Crump, with the help of the “Great New Zealand Public” has put together a collection of tried-and-true  favourites. The perfect read for anyone with a sense of humour who enjoys laughing at life and it’s wonderful absurdities.

 

 ” Haka A living tradition” by Wira Gardiner

The haka has always been a vital part of Maori culture and tradition. Today it has a growing influence on the lives of all New Zealanders. It provides a powerful and dramatic vehicle for welcoming visitors, challenging opponents, rejoicing in victory and for celebrating culture and a way of life. This story of the haka begins with its origins in the mists of time and looks at its place in legend and in the early Maori world, and the observations of the first European explorers, missionaries and settlers. It discusses the various haka types, the roles of men and women, the origins and importance of the well-known Ka Mate! haka, and how this special dance has been used in war, sport and politics. The book covers recent developments in haka, such as the rising popularity of haka competitions and the new All Black haka.

Avril

The Door by Margaret Atwood

This pale blue book of poems has hooked me right in. Some of the writing is personal and other pieces much broader but all feel accessible and relevant. Margaret Atwood’s interest focuses on contemporary life. She is frequently hard hitting and at other times sly in the delivery of her concerns. She is conscious of ’self’ in her writing and addresses the reader directly when it suits.

These are not flashy poems but as Jay Parini of The Guardian writes,”each poem is a well that slowly fills”.  http://books.guardian.co.nz/reviews/poetry0,,2160062,00.html 

 

This book has renewed my interest in poetry.

Suzie

New books on display at the Hurunui District Library 17-24 January

        ‘Dreams from my father’ by Barack Obama

Before Barack Obama became a politician he was, among other things, a writer. In this book he traces his black African and white American roots starting in a small town in Kansas, retracing to his mother’s family in Hawaii, then to his childhood home in Indonesia and finally to confront the bitter truth of his father’s life in Kenya.

      ‘Daughter of the East’ by Benazir Bhutto

This riveting autobiography, first published twenty years ago has been updated in 2007 and shows how Pakistan has been thrust into international limelight since 9/11. Daughter of the East gives the reader an overall picture of the chaos and tyrannies that overshadowed Pakistan during the seventies and eighties and under the reign of Zia ul-Huq.

      ‘The divinity code’ by Ian Wishart

Investigative journalist Ian Wishart presents evidence that is turning both science and religion on their heads. With chapters on How did life arise? Did Jesus Christ even exist? this is written in a easy-to -read style.

     ‘Nathan Astle’ – autobiography

Speculation and rumour has been rampant ever since Nathan Astle retired from international cricket. Here is the truth from Astle himself, coach John Bracewell and captain Stephen Fleming.

    ‘New Zealand shipwrecks: over 200 years of disasters at sea’

This is the eight edition of this book and covers from 1795 to 2007. For those keen on history, diving, genealogy or who just enjoy a tale well told, New Zealand shipwrecks is an indispensable record of a fascinating aspect of new Zealand’s maritime history. 

To reserve any of these items contact your local library or email info@hurunuilibrary.govt.nz

Avril

Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts is a prolific writer writing under a number names, not only as JD Robb but also as: Mary Blayney, Ruth Ryan Langan, Mary Kay McComas plus many others. Several new titles are released each year. Her recent title Blood Brothers is the first in a new trilogy with the other titles due to be released over the year.  Nora Roberts is also well known for her Eve Dallas mystery stories, but she has a repetoire of genres including romance.

                 Creation in Death by Nora Roberts/JD Robb

 Once again Nora Roberts captures my undivided attention in her latest Eve Dallas novel.  A fast paced mystery/thriller which sees Eve hunting down the killer with her usual head on approach. As with previous novels two themes run through the story; one where Eve solves the mystery and the other is the development of her character. Another unputdownable novel, well worth reading. 

 Click here  to check out the website for more details on Nora Roberts works.

Ngaire

Sir Edmund Hillary

One of the most admired and loved New Zealanders, Sir Edmund Hillary, has passed away at the age of 88. His life and adventurous exploits will continue to fascinate for many generations to come. Christchurch City Libraries have published a web page with extensive information on Sir Edmund’s achievements.

       Click here to visit the Christchurch City Libraries site on Sir Edmund

The book ‘Sir Edmund Hillary: an extraordinary life’ by Alexa Johnson, one of the most comprehensive biographies available, can now be reserved and will be on display at the District Library from Friday 18 January.

Sylvia

William Wilberforce and the story of ‘Amazing Grace’.

Sometimes a film comes up that connects with a whole bunch of people no matter what their approach to life might be – and this is one such movie.

Ioan Gruffudd takes on the role of Wilberforce with absolute integrity – his articulate passion is so brilliantly portrayed that it is almost like we are stepping into the argument ourselves.  All the supporting actors are great but the other stand out for me was Albert Finney playing the part of John Newton, a former slave trader and now a pastor, who wrote a number of well known hymns, not the least of which was ‘Amazing Grace’.  You can see clips from the film as well as comments and more information about the film at  http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/

The movie was great and stands several times of watching but the aspect of the film that really impacted on me was the singing of the song Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin – not part of the movie but one of the additional DVD tracks.  His rendition of the orginal song coupled with ‘My chains are gone’ was nothing short of incredible.  The full lyrics are at  http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/christomlin/amazinggracemychainsaregone.html

This is a must see movie about a less than proud British activity and a man whose social conscience was equalled by his drive and ability to make a difference.

 Margaret