Talk to the Frackville Library

     Angel's Flight by Michael Connelly. In my efforts to entice more people to try some of our audio books, I sampled one of America's most popular authors of police detective fiction to tell you about. Connelly's Detective Harry Bosch finds himself pulled from his regular Hollywood beat in order to investigate the murder of  influential civil rights attorney, Howard Elias. Almost at once, Bosch realizes that something isn't quite right, and that he and his team are being put into the middle of a tense situation pitting police against mobs of angry citizens. Harry is an irresistible guy-tough, rough around the edges, but loyal to his friends and capable of great depth of feeling. He is surround by a wealth of interesting characters, and placed into a plot which keeps you guessing to the end. This particular novel is available in hardcover as well as on tape, but Dick Hill's reading on the audio version is superb. Other Bosch adventures, some on CD, are also in the library's collection. 

     Sondheim and Lloyd-Webber: The New Musical by Stephen Citron. I happened to be watching a concert celebrating the 80th birthday of Stephen Sondheim, one of America's most accomplished composer/lyricists, when I was reminded of this book. I had come across it several times as we were weeding(removing books no longer in demand) or rearranging shelves. The concert was a real treat if you are any kind of Broadway musical fan. Elaine Stritch doing a number from Follies, Patti LuPone singing 'The Ladies Who Lunch' from Company, Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters reprising their roles from Sunday in the Park with George.  This biography tells the story of not only Sondheim, but also of his rival of sorts from the UK, Andrew Lloyd-Webber. By chronologically alternating between these two musical icons, he follows their careers, the great musicals they created, and the ways in which their music has changed over the years. Fans of A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd. The Phantom of the Opera, or Jesus Christ Superstar-read this book!  

      Seeing the trailer for the new film, a remake of True Grit, I was reminded of a vivid literary memory. I read the 1968 novel, True Grit, by Charles Portis when it first came out, and have long considered it one of my favorites reading experiences, even though I am not a big fan of the western in general. I was encouraged to pick up this little gem again, and I was not disappointed. It definitely deserves to be considered a classic of its genre. The adventures of Mattie Ross and her protectors, Rooster Cogburn and Ranger LeBoef, serve as a delectable little tidbit of Americana, mixed with true originality on the part of Portis. If you prefer, try the 1969 film version with John Wayne, Kim Darby, and Glen Campbell. Both book and DVD are available for loan at the library. As for the new film just released, I for one can't wait to see it!   

Tickets are now available for our annual Golden Ticket fundraiser. We'll meet at the Fountain Springs Country Inn on Sunday, January 30 at 3 PM to enjoy a delicious prime rib dinner with wine or beer and take our chances on the exciting lucky ticket drawing. Tickets, now on sale for $125, qualfies the holder to two dinners with drinks and one chance to win the fabulous $2500 prize! Other prizes from local merchants will also be awarded. Test your luck and help our library to move into its next decade of service to the community. Tickets can be purchased at the library or from any trustee.