Folks have been recommending that I read Octavia E. Butler for some time. I’ve received recommendations from friends that know I like Ursula Le Guin and have told me that…his short novel, Butler introduces us to a post-apocalyptic world in which humans are divided into a complex system of social castes and warring factions based upon the powerful mental powers of some, and the disease induced mutations of others. The story, of a student who leaves school to find himself in conflict with his own power hungry brother, is relatively simple, but the detailed world in which it takes place makes it feel like part of some…
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The Sandman
Ten years ago a friend lent me The Sandman: Brief Lives. I had not read many comics, but I was hooked, and I quickly read each of the ten trade paperbacks that…ll always be. Despite this, Dream is moody, stubborn, and often remarkably human. The Sandman had its roots in horror, a genre I have never had much inclination to explore, but while it has fantastical and grotesque elements, it is too optimistic, too affirming, too delightful to be anything of the kind. The characters of Death and Delirium are particularly delightful—while both have their obvious dark sides they are depicted as being kind and car…
The Trip
This feature mockumentary, edited down from a BBC television series, stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as exaggerations of themselves in the entertaining fictional road movie, The Trip. The two…scha, his ex-wife, son and agent reveal the actor’s lonelier side and his frustration dealing with aging. The uncredited supporting role of this film are the beautiful hills and mountains and the elaborate dishes Rob and Steve are served. Most importantly however, the friendship seen on screen, though obscured by Coogan’s condescension and bitterness, is rather touching at times. Despite his best efforts to isolate himself, this is possibly a stor…
Forbes Library Appoints Two New Board Members
April 13, 2024 — Forbes Library Board of Trustees welcome Ann Michele “Shelly” Ruocco and Rebekah Anderson who were recently appointed to fill two vacancies that were created when a change in the board’s bylaws was…ary strong, connected, and relevant to all of the City’s citizens.” Shelly Ruocco is a human resources professional in higher education and the corporate world, and also served as the director of a non-profit school for adult literacy in Jamaica Plain. She has worked in the Valley since 2008 and lived in Northampton for over 10 years. “I look forward to bringing my energy, experience and support to the work of the Trustees. I decided to seek th…
Where We Live: Steve Alves’ Western Massachusetts Film Collection
Filmmaker Steve Alves has been making movies about Franklin County since 1997. These six short documentaries were produced over a period of several years and explore the cultural, economic…es: Beneath the River (about the Connecticut) — A Sweet Tradition (maple syrup production), Together in Time (contra dancing) — Everyone’s Business (local entrepreneurs and economic history) — Life After High School (jobs and education) — Talking To The Wall (Big Box sprawl vs. small town Main Street). If you live here it’s hard not to be fascinated by the lives going on around us, both human and environmental. Steve really gets it, and he’s a fin…
Out of the Silent Planet
In this early work of science fiction (Out of the Silent Planet was first published in 1938) C.S. Lewis tells the story of a philology professor, much reminiscent of Lewis’s…inhabitants, but even more about his own home, the Earth, and the place of human kind in the universe. This is an engaging tale, characterized by a sense of wonder and enthusiasm which is too often lacking in newer works of speculative fiction. It is as much a fantasy story as it is science fiction, and with its exploration of the nature of good and evil and its Christian inspired themes it has some resemblance to Lewis’s more familiar Chronicles…
Happy Birthday Lincoln!
February 12, 2009 — Happy birthday to Abraham Lincoln! Today marks his 200th birthday. Over 70 years ago, Calvin Coolidge remarked on the character of our 16th president: “He declared that right makes its…d on the character of our 16th president: “He declared that right makes its own might and he dared to act accordingly. Not only because he was a leader of those who saved the Union, but because of the man himself, his humanity, his sincerity, his devotion, the whole nation joins in observing his birthday and the whole world looks on him as a friend.” From “Calvin Coolidge Says” a syndicated newspaper column February 11, 1931…
History of the Edible Book
The Edible Book Event began in 1999, when co-founder Judith Holmberg, of Santa Monica, California, got the idea during a Thanksgiving dinner with book artists. Since that time it has…aly, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Morocco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, and Russia. In most cities where Edible Book events are held, the sponsors are art centers, academic institutions, restaurants, and book arts spaces. Northampton was one of the first places where a LIBRARY hosted the event! For more information, see http://www.books2eat.beatricecoron.com/. The Edible Book in Northampton Walking Dead, created by Cassidy Seaver: *Scariest* For ou…
The Alchemist’s Daughter : a novel
A student of Isaac Newton, John Selden believes he can turn his daughter into a brilliant natural philosopher and alchemist. Secluded in their ancient house, with only two servants for…e with knowledge and records her progress obsessively. After encounters with two strangers, Emilie discovers that for all her extraordinary education she has no insight into the workings of the human heart. When she tries to return to the world of books and study, she instead unravels a shocking secret that sets her on her true journey to enlightenment….
The Botany of Desire : A Plant’s-eye View of the World
Do we choose what to plant in our gardens? Or do the plants choose us? Learn about four common plants and the human desires they inspire: the apple and sweetness;…Do we choose what to plant in our gardens? Or do the plants choose us? Learn about four common plants and the human desires they inspire: the apple and sweetness; the tulip and beauty; marijuana and intoxication; and the potato and control. Pollan weaves an interesting tale with observations from philosophy, natural history, botany, and his own gardening experience….
With Malice Toward None
Oates brings to life both Lincoln’s deep humanity and personal struggles, and his genius in guiding the nation through the Civil War despite political pressures on all sides (not least…Oates brings to life both Lincoln’s deep humanity and personal struggles, and his genius in guiding the nation through the Civil War despite political pressures on all sides (not least from his own cabinet). If you don’t have a profound respect for Abraham Lincoln as our greatest president, you will after reading this book….
Three Bags Full
This entertaining mystery, in which a flock of Irish sheep search for their shepherd’s killer, delivers more than it promises. As you’d expect, it’s funny, charming, and imaginative… but it’s…t, it’s funny, charming, and imaginative… but it’s not just a lighthearted cozy. The sheep are real, fascinating characters with as much tragedy as comedy in their lives, and the author never forgets that they aren’t simply humans in woolly coats. By turns hilarious, mysterious, and lyrical, this fine debut novel transcends its genre and should appeal to a broad range of fiction readers. Beautifully translated from the German by Anthea Bell….
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