Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Like Nicholas Sparks? Try Jeffrey Stepakoff

A mix between Nicholas Sparks and Robert Waller, Jeffrey Stepakoff is an essential read for any lover of southern fiction. Born and raised in Atlanta, Stepakoff illustrates perfectly the nuances of southern culture.  From the dialect and southern cooking to the mason jars, readers will enjoy this tap into their southern roots. His two most popular works, Fireworks Over Toccoa and The Orchard illustrate a picturesque view of life in the rural outskirts of Atlanta. 

Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff

The little town of Toccoa is planning a big celebration for it's returning soldiers. And Lily Davis Woodward is a little pensive and anxious about reestablishing a relationship with her husband, a man she married just days before leaving for the war. Especially now that she has met Jake Russo, the Italian immigrant who has been hired to put on the fireworks display for the festivities. Now Lily must now decide, does she honor the commitment she made so many years ago or be with the man who stole her heart.


The Orchard by Jeffrey Stepakoff

Set in Atlanta, Grace Lyndon is a taste and scent developer constantly in search of unique and distinct aromas. As a work-a-holic focused on her career and landing the next big account, Grace has little time for family or friends. However, while pursuing on her newest creation Grace stumbles upon a North Georgia apple orchard that could change her life and fast paced Atlanta ways forever.


To request these books click the titles or covers above. 

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Book on CD Review: A Way with Words II: Approaches to Literature by Michael D.C Drout Renowned Literary scholar Michael D.C. Drout presents 14 lectures on the big questions about literature. What is literature? Is Literature truth? Why do we read? Insight is provided on these and other questions through an exploration of the following topics: “genres,” “language,” “Identity Politics,” “Culture Cultural Production,” the “Literary Canon,” and “What do we talk about When We Talk about Literature”? Throughout, examples underscore the relevance of literature as a force for understanding the human heart. The listener is taken on a journey through the building blocks of literature, the big questions about literature and emerges with a keener awareness of the influence of literature on culture and community. Listening to this series of lectures is an absorbing and beneficial experience. Unarticulated questions are answered in a seamless narrative fashion. Lectures in A Way with Words are designed for all who desire to further their understanding of language, speech, reading and the power of words.

Karen J. Harris, Librarian, Norcross Branch, Gwinnett County Public Library

Monday, July 14, 2014

Tolkien's Beowulf a mixed bag

Beowulf
A Translation and Commentary
by J.R.R. Tolkien

There is a famous quote about poetry translations that says if a translation is faithful then it is not beautiful and if it is beautiful then it is not faithful. Tolkien's translation of Beowulf is extremely faithful.

Tolkien was a scholar of Old English and wrote a paper titled "Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics" which is considered one of the most significant works in Beowulf scholarship. He was of course also the grandfather of all modern Fantasy fiction. These two factors taken together make his translation of Beowulf all the more disappointing.

The translation was completed in 1926, decades before his famous Fantasy works, and he did not attempt to publish it during his lifetime. The work is a very literal translation that is sometimes an awkward read. Of much more interest is the 200 pages of commentary Tolkien provides, explaining in great detail his translation process and word choices.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Zinio Now Available at Gwinnett County Public Library


What is Zinio? Zinio offers free full-issue popular magazines that you can check out and read on a variety of devices. Worried about overdue fees? Zinio is digital, so there are no overdue charges.


How does it work?

You need two accounts. One is an account for the library Zinio page and the other is a Zinio.com account. You must use the same email address for both accounts. 
To create your Library Zinio account:
You will check out magazines on the Library's Zinio page. 
  1. Click on the Create New Account link in the top right corner of the page.
  2. Enter your library card barcode and email address.
  3. Enter and confirm a password. Entering your name is optional.
  4. You will receive a confirmation notice via email from Gwinnett County Public Library RBDigital Gateway. Click on the link in the email to confirm your account.
Browse and checkout your magazines on the Library Zino page. 
  1. Click on the Log In link in the top right corner of the page.
  2. Enter your email and password.
  3. You will be directed to browse the magazines available for download.
  4. Click on the cover of the magazine to select an issue and send the issue to your Zinio.com account.
Once you checkout your magazine, you will be prompted to create a Zinio.com account. 

To create a Zinio.com account:
  1. Enter your name, email and password when registering. Use the same email address as your Library Zinio account.
  2. Click on “My Library” to view the magazines you’ve selected from the GCPL's Zinio collection.
Start browsing available magazines today!