May 2005—Welcome to Raynor Memorial Libraries' new series for readers. Our goal is to identify a broad range of contemporary fiction and nonfiction for the general reader. Staff from throughout the libraries contributed their recommendations for Summer Reading, Part 1 . Additionally, as the series develops we plan to cast a spotlight on special subjects, such as e-books, and prestigious prizewinners, such as this issue's Pulitzer Prizes.

Clicking on the title will take you to the book's MARQCAT record; please note locations carefully as items may be in the Browsing Collection (Raynor 1st level) or in the Memorial stacks. Books that are checked out may be reserved by clicking on the blue button at the top or bottom of the MARQCAT record.

Ramblin' Man , by Ed Cray (W. W. Norton, 2004)

Ed Cray has successfully mined the Woody Guthrie archives, preparing the first full-length biography of the legendary singer-songwriter in over twenty years. The author adroitly links Guthrie's personal history with the larger forces that shaped him, including the Great Depression, the dustbowl, and the radical political movements of his generation.  Ramblin' Man  also evaluates Guthrie's  extraordinary and wide-ranging influence, including his impact on artists such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Bragg. Recommended by Matt Blessing, Head of Special Collections and University Archives

Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone? The Carter Family and Their Legacy in American Music, by Mark Zwonitzer (Simon Schuster, 2002)

This is a must read for anyone interested in the history of American popular music.  Will You Miss Me When I'm Gone  examines the seminal influence that A.P., Sarah, and Maybelle Carter had on the history of the American recording industry and on several musical genres, including country, bluegrass, folk--and yes--rock and roll. If you enjoyed the blockbuster movie "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" I'm willing to wager that you'll enjoy "Will You Miss Me?" Recommended by Matt Blessing , Head of Special Collections and University Archives

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time , by Mark Haddon (Vintage, 2004)

Haddon's first novel is narrated wonderfully by Christopher Boone, a 15-year old autistic mathematical genius.  A fan of Sherlock Holmes, Christopher finds himself involved in solving a mystery of his own . When wrongly accused of killing his neighbor's dog, he begins an investigation to discover the guilty party himself.  Due to Christopher's condition he has a unique and compelling way of dealing with the situation, and we, as readers, are brought deep into his world as he discovers much more than he aimed to.  Almost impossible to put down, The Curious Incident … gives readers a stirring look into the life and mind of an autistic child. Recommended by Leslie Quade, Bindery Preparation Supervisor, Serials Department

The Kite Runner , by Khaled Hosseini (Riverhead Books, 2003)

Readers of The Kite Runner may want a box of Kleenex close at hand for this powerful and moving account of how an Afghani emigrant struggles to come to terms with his choices (and their resulting personal demons – guilt and shame) and to accept the possibility of personal redemption. This eloquently-written novel puts a face on life and changes in Afghanistan from the early 1970s through the Russian invasion and subsequent Taliban rule, poignantly addressing issues of class, ethnicity, and family relationships. Recommended by Michelle Sweetser, Archivist

Liberating Paris , by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason (William Morrow, 2004)

This intricately woven tale focuses on the lives of six friends. Life as they know it in Paris , Arkansas is being challenged by their own actions and by the megastore, Fedmart. Recognizing and embracing love helps them to endure. Humor, poignancy and vividly drawn characters make the novel memorable. Liberating Paris is perfect for a rainy weekend or a day at the beach. Recommended by Jean Zanoni, Head of Bibliographic Control

lost boy lost girl , by Peter Straub (Random House/Ballantine, 2003)

In Peter Straub's cerebral thriller, writer Tim Underhill returns to Millhaven (a thinly disguised Milwaukee ) for his sister-in-law's funeral. Shortly before her suicide, her son Mark had become obsessed with a mysterious house across the alley. When Mark disappears, everyone assumes he's fallen victim to the Sherman Park killer. Tim learns that Mark's fate is bound up in history, and in the secret of 3323 North Michigan Street . Straub's prose is scalpel-sharp in this deeply unsettling novel by the author of Ghost Story . Winner of the Bram Stoker Award , lost boy lost girl is relentless and superbly surreal. Recommended by Bill Gagliani, Stacks Supervisor

Maus: A Survivor's Tale , by Art Spiegelman (Pantheon Books, 1986)

It took Art Spiegelman thirteen years to write and illustrate Maus: A Survivor's Tale , while it may take you all of an afternoon to read.  But Spiegelman's 1992 Pulitzer Prize-winning, two-volume graphic novel is a glimpse into a remarkable life's journey.  Using simple captions and minimalist drawings, Spiegelman portrays his father's descent into the Holocaust alongside the honest humanity of his life after Auschwitz—his imperfections, his pettiness, his intolerance and bigotry, and his unending grief for the wife who survived the camp only to kill herself over twenty years later.  Recommended by Peter Kovochich, Circulation Supervisor, Access Services

Orchard: A Novel , by Larry Watson (Random House, 2003)

Prize-winning author of Montana 1948 (Washington Square,1995) and other novels and short stories, Watson joined Marquette 's English Department in 2003, where he teaches creative writing. His newest novel is set in rural Door County and focuses on two couples: a philandering and self-absorbed painter of international reputation, Ned Weaver, and his long-suffering wife; and apple farmer Henry House and his Norwegian immigrant wife, Sonja Skordahl. Adrift after an accident kills her young son, Sonja becomes the model, then muse, for Ned and the novel portrays the slow-motion buildup of tension, jealousy, and obsession. The relationships between the couples and between Ned and Sonja are explored from all the characters' viewpoints and from that of the other village inhabitants. The novel has been released in paperback and is a “must” take-along for summer reading. Recommended by Susan Hopwood, Outreach Librarian.

E-Book Spotlight

Educating the Net Generation , edited by Diana G. Oblinger and James L. Oblinger (EDUCAUSE, 2004)

  All involved in parenting and educating the so-called Millennial generation will want to read the 15 essays contributed by researchers and educators who explore interactive instruction and the integration of technology into curriculum. Especially interesting are chapters on programs to increase faculty fluency in information technology. There is discussion of learning styles and findings that the Net Generation prefers experiential and hands-on learning. A librarian weighs in with thoughts on the evolution of the library as place. The editors planned the collection for electronic format rather than printed book and the Web site is rich with additional examples, such as videos. Much of the publication and research focused on Millennials is written from a management or target marketing perspective; readers interested in educational aspects may want to explore some of these other recent books: Serving the Millennial Generation (Michael D. Coomes; Jossey-Bass, 2004); Millennials Go To College: Strategies for A New Generation on Campus (Neil Howe; American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, 2003); The Millennials: Americans Born 1977-1994 (Neil Howe, New Strategist Publications, 2004). Recommended by Susan Hopwood, Outreach Librarian

In addition to books recommended by staff of Raynor Memorial Libraries, here are the winners for the 89th annual Pulitzer Prizes , announced April 5, 2005 . Summaries taken from book jackets will be found with each book's MARQCAT record; click on the title.

For distinguished fiction by an American author:
Gilead , by Marilynne Robinson (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2004)

For distinguished work of general nonfiction by an American author
Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the CIA, Afghanistan, and bin Laden , from the Soviet invasion to September 10, 2001 , by Steve Coll (Penguin Press, 2004)

For distinguished biography by an American author
De Kooning: An American Master , by Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan (Alfred A. Knopf, 2004)

For a distinguished book upon the history of the United States
Washington's Crossing , by David Hackett Fischer ( Oxford University Press, 2004)

For a distinguished volume of original verse by an American author
Delights & Shadows , by Ted Kooser ( Copper Canyon Press, 2004)

For a distinguished play by an American author
Doubt, A Parable , by John Patrick Shanley (Theatre Communications Group, 2005)

Ex Libris is published online occasionally

Managing Editor:   Susan Hopwood
Co-Editors:    William D. Gagliani & Leslie A. Quade
Graphics & Layout: Jim Lowrey

Tell us what you think! Want to contribute your recommendation?

© 2005 Marquette University -- Last Update: May 9, 2005
Raynor Memorial Libraries - 1355 W Wisconsin Avenue - Milwaukee WI 53233