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Books & Literature

  1. New York Times Nonfiction Bestsellers at Richland Library, June 16, 2013

    June 18 , 2013 by Bland L.

    As you've probably noticed, the Richland Library website now features a nifty scrolling display of the covers of fiction bestsellers from the New York Times weekly list.  For nonfiction fans, we will continue to post the top ten nonfiction bestsellers here.

  2. Five Fresh Takes On Superheroes

    June 18 , 2013 by Game Genie

    In lieu of the "best of" this or that superhero or series, here are five original takes on superpowered beings that easily outclass most other comics for imagination and execution. In addition to being fresh takes on superheroes, these titles are also simply immense fun to read.

  3. Expert Reading Recommendations

    June 17 , 2013

    In lieu of the "best of" this or that superhero or series, here are five original takes on superpowered beings that easily outclass most other comics for imagination and execution. In addition to being fresh takes on superheroes, these titles are also simply immense fun to read.

  4. Summer with a Stack of Books: finding your next favorite book with Novelist Plus

    June 1 , 2013 by Melissa Thigpen

    When I was a student, long ago, my ideal summer vacation was spent reading my way through a stack of books. I loved big thick historical novels and nonfiction books about the intrigues of the Tudor court or the exploration and settlement of the new world. History is still one of my favorite topics for pleasure reading but sometimes finding a good book that I like can be a challenge. That's where Novelist Plus comes in handy.

  5. Power Customer

    May 13 , 2013

    When I was a student, long ago, my ideal summer vacation was spent reading my way through a stack of books. I loved big thick historical novels and nonfiction books about the intrigues of the Tudor court or the exploration and settlement of the new world. History is still one of my favorite topics for pleasure reading but sometimes finding a good book that I like can be a challenge. That's where Novelist Plus comes in handy.

  6. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald

    April 29 , 2013 by Carol S

    Zelda’s voice is clear in this fictional autobiography of her marriage to F. Scott Fitzgerald. With first person descriptions and dialogue the reader experiences the relationship’s conflict. Author Therese Anne Fowler says that in her research she felt “dropped into a raging argument between …Team Scott and Team Zelda”. The richest resources were the collections of their letters during their courtship, Zelda’s hospitalization, letters to friends and Scott in Hollywood. While Scott is writing The Great Gatsby she asks him for a divorce. This book presents an emotional journey of the couple and the author had a particular interest in the animosity between Zelda and Ernest Hemingway. Scott helped Ernest in the literary world. As the men’s friendship strengthened Zelda became estranged from both. She observed that “Hemingway had become Scott’s alter ego” and was terrified by that. When they returned to America and then Hollywood Zelda was relieved to be away from Ernest Hemingway. The success of The Great Gatsby cast a shadow over the marriage as Scott worked on his next novel for seven years, selling short stories while Hemingway’s star rose. Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald has the charm of nostalgia and sentimentality. A fascinating companion book is Dear Scott, Dearest Zelda: The Love Letters of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. It contains black and white photos, color plates and an introduction written by their granddaughter. The others listed below are fiction.

  7. Critical Insights: To Kill a Mockingbird

    April 17 , 2013

    A great starting point for students or casual readers looking for a introduction to the themes and discussions on Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird.

  8. Critical Insights: The Tales of Edgar Allan Poe

    April 17 , 2013

    A great starting point for students or casual readers looking for a introduction to the themes and discussions on the short stories of Edgar Allan Poe.

  9. Critical Insights: A Streetcar Named Desire

    April 17 , 2013

    A great starting point for students or casual readers looking for a introduction to the themes and discussions on Tennessee William's play, A Streetcare Named Desire. This overview also includes Elia Kazan's 1951 film version of the play.

  10. Critical Insights: Pride & Prejudice

    April 9 , 2013

    A great starting point for students or casual readers looking for a introduction to the themes and discussions on Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice.

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