Ancient Spirit Modern Flair: The Art of Joan Lok is a full-color album containing 72 of Ms. Lok’s paintings from 1996-2008. Written in a bilingual format (English-Chinese), Joan shares her painting philosophies, her passion for the art of painting, and the source of her talent and inspirations. The album includes some of the prize-winning works that she has painted throughout the years.

Ms. Lok, a resident of Columbia, MD, is a wonderfully gifted artist. She is a dedicated scholar of the Lingnam School of Art, combining the techniques of "the East, the West, traditional and contemporary" into all her brush paintings. In addition to her expertise in this special school of art, she is also adept in the Sumi-e art form and enjoys working with rice paper and ink. One can certainly witness these techniques while perusing the paintings in this beautiful book. Her unique style of "bringing Chinese painting into the sunlight" makes her method attractive and pleasing to the eye. I am delighted that I can relish and revisit my appreciation of her spectacular pieces through Ancient Spirit Modern Flair: The Art of Joan Lok! 

Read more about Ms. Lok in the Baltimore Sun’s December 6 article, Stroke of a Brush.

Join us as Ms. Lok demonstrates Chinese brush painting on Wednesday, December 9, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Central Library. Register online, by phone, or at Central Library.

Mai-Leng Ong – Administration Office

Imagine Studs Terkel in coffee table book format with gorgeous photographs, and you have Patapsco: Life Along Maryland’s Historic River Valley.

Writer/folklorist Alison Kahn and photographer Peggy Fox have compiled and created a narrative documenting nearly one hundred years of history in five villages along the Patapsco River Valley. Through essays, photos, and fascinating oral history accounts, the two authors vividly render the life, cultures, and peoples of the villages of Oella, Ellicott City, Elkridge (whose original name, dating back to 1700s, was Elk Ridge Landing), Relay, and Daniels.

The book features reminiscences from people of all walks of life: mill workers born in the first quarter of the twentieth century, teachers, principals, dairy farmers, business owners, doctors, police chiefs, politicians, office workers, homemakers, and more. These village inhabitants of diverse ethnicities and religions include descendants of slaves, immigrants and children of immigrants, and a descendant of the founders of Ellicott City and Clarksville, former state senator James “Jim” Clark.

History buffs, fans of memoir or oral narratives, and anyone who lives or has lived in Central Maryland will find much to savor here.

Ali Kahn and Peggy Fox discuss their book at Elkridge Branch on Saturday, December 5 at 1:00 pm. Register online, by phone, or at the branch. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Lisa Bankman – Administration Office

Cory Doctorow’s fiction elegantly dissects the contemporary social systems and structures that we take for granted. Doctorow’s Little Brother takes place in the aftermath of the destruction of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. In the wrong place at the wrong time, Marcus, Darryl, Jolu, and Van are arrested and held without charge on suspicion of being involved in the attack.

Doctorow’s energetic and committed prose integrates speculative elements without pages of explanation. This creates a seamless “parallel San Francisco” in which the events discussed have occurred, and the technological inventions of the author exist. Marcus is highly tech-savvy, able to “go through firewalls like wet kleenex, spoof the gait-recognition software, and nuke the snitch chips they track us with.” Through Marcus, Doctorow introduces a wide range of real and imagined technology, placing his characters in an only slightly distorted version of the wired world inhabited by many teenagers. His depiction of high-tech contemporary youth culture and technology as one of the forces binding this group of friends is both persuasive and appealing.

Little Brother races along, immersing the reader in the youth culture of the near future, and drawing the reader into Marcus’ friendships. We follow Marcus’ principled and hi-tech resistance of what he sees as the improper application of government power, while the narrative builds towards a powerful conclusion. Forced to defend his decisions, Marcus develops axioms that guide his actions. In common with the best sci-fi, this speculative (yet very recognizable) reality has much to teach us about our own rights and obligations, as well as the expectations that we should have for our government. For a new and creative prompt to wrestle with these issues, take a look at Little Brother by Cory Doctorow, or listen to the audiobook!  

For more great Young Adult Literature recommendations from Howard County Library staff, come along to B³ – Boys. Books. Breakfast, at Elkridge Branch on Saturday, December 5, at 9:00 am. Enjoy all you can eat pancakes and learn about some exceptional books that will make you hungry to read! Dads are welcome, too. Register online today!

John Jewitt – Savage Branch

As I continue my exploration of the Library’s heavy metal collection, I want to focus on a few recent albums that demonstrate that metal is far from dead!

Metallica – Death Magnetic (2008)
I skipped the 1990s for two reasons: 1) the Library doesn’t own a lot of ’90s metal, but 2) there isn’t really a whole lot of ’90s metal to begin with. Well, not a lot of good metal, at least. Even Metallica and Anthrax succumbed to the grunge scene. Metallica’s long awaited 2008 release Death Magnetic, was a brilliant rediscovery of their metal roots. It’s loud. It’s fast. It’s long. It’s angry. It’s Metallica! \m/

Mastodon – Crack the Skye (2009)
When the first three songs on an album are titled "Oblivion," "Divinations," and "Quintessence," the odds are that you’re going to hear heavy metal when you push play. This album is awesome and otherworldly. I found that the best way to enjoy it was to turn off the lights, chill in my recliner, and close my eyes. Thematically, it’s about someone who has an out-of-body experience and then travels through the astral plane to warn a Russian czar of his impending assassination. Yeah! Like Queen’s epic song Bohemian Rhapsody, this entire album is one long build-up, reaching it’s climax during the last few minutes of the final song.

Dream Theater – Black Clouds and Silver Linings (2009)
Hot off the press, this is their 10th studio album, and it shreds. Drummer Mike Portnoy and company don’t waste any time getting to the meaty stuff. As its title may suggest, this album switches back and forth between (controlled) chaos and beauty, as only Dream Theater can do so elegantly. The end result is a blistering symphony of emotion grounded in technical prowess. Never mind that Dream Theater performed Metallica’s Master of Puppets and Iron Maiden’s Number of the Beast live in their entirety…these guys don’t need another band’s material to bring it.

I hope you are enjoying my little foray into our heavy metal collection. In case you missed them, here are links to the previous installments: Part 1 — Part 2 — Part 3

Dan Curry – Savage Branch

Back by popular demand, local author and psychiatrist Dr. Gordon Livingston returns to Howard County Library to discuss his latest book How to Love.

Dr. Livingston opens with the astute observation that although everyone has relationships, we typically only receive on-the-job training in this area of our lives. Since there is no formal training process for relationships, he urges people to use pattern recognition: "The object is to recognize what traits and behaviors get us more of what we want in life – happiness – and less of what we seek to avoid – emotional pain, especially loneliness." With his characteristic straightforward and humorous style, Dr. Livingston explores the types of people we should avoid, the ten character traits we should look for in people, and ways to improve existing relationships.

The chapters are broken into short, easily digested sections, with themes such as: “When all is said and done, more is said than done,” “The trouble with parents is by the time they are experienced they are unemployed,” and (my favorite) “If it weren’t for marriage, men and women would have to fight with total strangers.”

Register online and join us on December 3, 7:00 pm at the Central Library to learn "how to love."

Andrea Misner – Administration Office

Joss Whedon’s Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog introduces us, via the medium of song, to Billy a.k.a. Dr. Horrible (Neil Patrick Harris), a wannabe super-villain. Billy’s goal is to be admitted to the ultimate fraternity of criminals, the Evil League of Evil. Along with his henchman Moist, (Simon Helberg), Dr. Horrible is motivated to plan and perpetrate a large scale, newsworthy crime in order to gain the attention of the League and their leader Bad Horse.

Two things stand in Billy’s way. First, there’s his nemesis Captain Hammer (Nathan Fillion), an arrogant, pompous, and overblown superhero figure without even an ounce of modesty or tact. Secondly, Billy might not be quite as horrible as his title suggests, especially once he meets and falls for Penny (Felicia Day) –  the girl he’s seen around the neighborhood but has been too shy to approach. Of course, these two stories come together pretty quickly, as Hammer steps in to save Penny’s life, and turns her head in the process. Will Billy get into the Evil League of Evil? Is that what he really wants? Maybe, despite his protestations, he’s not as evil as we thought.

Look for trademark Whedon word play throughout the lyrics. “It’s not enough to bash in heads, you’ve got to bash in minds” sums up Hammer’s single-minded approach to crime fighting. The Hammer groupies (including co-writer Maurissa Tancharoen) pop up to steal the show with the best line in track 10, “So They Say.” I won’t spoil it for you.

While you have this DVD checked out, take a look at all the extras and easter eggs that are hidden on the disc. The musical takes a routine DVD extra to the next level and gives the cast an opportunity to sing about the making of the show. There are additional goodies to find and enjoy.

Based on his takeover of the Emmy telecast, we can assume that we haven’t heard the last of Dr. Horrible, so acquaint yourself with his effort to gain admission to the Evil League of Evil today!

John Jewitt – Savage Branch

When author Katherine Howe was studying for her doctoral exams in American and New England Studies at Boston University, a teaching research seminar on New England witchcraft was required. Two of her ancestors included Elizabeth Proctor, who survived the Salem Witch Trials, and Elizabeth Howe, who was hanged on July 19, 1692. As writers are often advised to cover topics they know, Howe’s rich historical family background became the inspiration for her debut novel The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane, a story about witches and witchcraft in the late 17th century.

The novel moves between contemporary times and the Salem Witch Trials. Harvard grad Connie Goodwin is spending the summer completing the research for her doctoral thesis. Connie’s studies are interrupted when she is asked to handle the sale of her grandmother’s house near Salem. She discovers a key containing a fragment of parchment with the name Deliverance Dane written upon it. Connie begins her quest to discover the identity of Deliverance Dane and in the process uncovers a rare and powerful artifact.

Toward the end of the book, I think the reader must suspend belief, but true devotees of psychic healing and Wicca may disagree with me. Transitioning well between 1692 and 1991, I thought the novel was well researched, and the blend of mystery, intrigue, romance and history kept me engrossed.

Eve Olsen – Central Library

I’ve always liked the Dave Matthews Band, particularly their older material. It’s never been a must-buy, obsessive sort of fan-girl thing though. That changed with their new album: Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. This one made my (very short) list of "listen to all weekend, memorize the lyrics, and play it until I dream about it" albums. Dave Matthews Band hit gold — it rocks, it swings, it soothes, and it shakes things up.

First and foremost: this work is a moving tribute to a dead friend. "GrooGrux King" refers to longtime DMB saxophonist Leroi Moor who died in an ATV accident about the same time the band started recording this CD. There’s an honesty about this album that I love — many of the tracks sound like a bunch of friends, who happen to be star musicians, just improvising and having a great time.

Second: this is a real, complete album…not just one or two single releases and a bunch of filler. I like it best in its entirety — spiritual and profane, joyous and grieving, big and blatant, quiet and profound.

That said: I do still have favorite songs.

Shake Me Like a Monkey: I defy you to sit still for this song. The rhythms just drive you to get up and DANCE!

Lying in the Hands of God: A quieter ballad, I kind of passed this one over the first few times through the album. It’s sneaky, though, and has become a favorite.

Alligator Pie:  A funny, jazzy answer to Dave’s daughter asking him (according to the lyrics), "Daddy, when you gonna put me in a song?" This track just sings of zydeco and New Orleans.

Time Bomb: This song’s power came along gradually, and is very timely for all those men and women who have served in harm’s way.

You and Me: A hymn to family and marriage — "You and me can do anything, baby."

Kristen Blount – Administration Office

I was initially bored with the descriptions of stylish clothing worn by the "beautiful girl" sisters — 21-year-old Pearl and 18-year-old May. However, as I persisted listening to the CD of Shanghai Girls by Lisa See, I became totally immersed in the imagery of the sights and sounds of 1930s Shanghai. The sisters were somewhat "modern" Chinese girls, living with traditional parents, while hiding their modeling job for a local commercial artist. The two also enjoyed late night dining and entertainment.

Here is what Pearl said about her relationship with her younger sister May: "Whenever you have two sisters – or siblings of any number or either sex – comparisons are made. May and I were born in Yin Bo Village, less than a half day’s walk from Canton. We’re only three years apart, but we couldn’t be more different. She’s funny; I’m criticized for being too somber. She’s tiny and has an adorable fleshiness to her; I’m tall and thin. May, who just graduated from high school, has no interest in reading anything beyond the gossip columns; I graduated from college five weeks ago. "

When their father’s financial circumstances decline, Pearl and May are shocked and dismayed to learn that he has arranged marriages for them in exchange for monetary assistance. 

With the onslaught of war, the family is torn apart and nothing is ever the same again. Pearl and May discover troubling family secrets, lies, and betrayals as they face the harsh realities of coming-of-age in a war-torn world.  Eventually they both endure the often tedious, humiliating immigration process into the United States via Angel Island — only to face even more difficult challenges in a new country.

The bonds of love, friendship, and sibling rivalry were brilliantly exposed in Shanghai Girls. Share this gem with your sisters! Chock-full of universal themes worth discussing, I would recommend See’s engaging, thought-provoking novel for most book clubs. 

A 2010 Adult Summer Reading Club recommendation

Elaine Johnson – Central Library

In 2004 at age 36, Kathleen Flinn sets out to fulfill her dream of attending Le Cordon Bleu, the famous cooking school in Paris. Having been fired from an executive position, Flinn is free to travel to Paris, the epicenter of the cooking world, and enroll in the Basic Cuisine class. In a few months, her boyfriend quits his own job and joins in the adventure. Together, in their small flat, they mount a map of Paris to plot their excursions around the city.

The aromas seem to waft off the page, as she prepares succulent chicken dishes, sea bass with coconut milk, or French onion soup (all recipes detailed at the end of chapters). Equally enticing are the visits to food venues around the city, such as the supermarket inside the Bon Marche department store — with its “81 brands of olive oil” and “214 types of cheese” or an outdoor market near the Eiffel Tower — where Flinn learns the art of selecting the freshest fish and meat.

But, in addition to relating the sensory pleasures of her experience, Flinn describes the fear of failure driving the Cordon Bleu students. She is instructed, upon arrival, to cut onions without crying, a skill which, according to one chef, requires a “coutreau tres pointu” (a very sharp knife). And it’s clear that all students must balance on a knife-like edge as they cope with complex menus and demanding chefs. Meanwhile, she suffers the distraction of moving to another apartment, the arrival of unexpected guests, and, later, more serious disruptions to her personal life.

In recounting her training in Paris, Kathleen Flinn serves up an appetizing, focused narrative of life at Le Cordon Bleu. No dilettante masquerading as chef in training, Flinn unveils the behind-the-scenes rigor in the classroom kitchens. And what I liked best? Her desire to become the best student without sacrificing her sense of humor or good nature. The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry is a fresh, contemporary look at this time-honored school and profession.

A 2010 Adult Summer Reading Club recommendation

Ginny Leslie – Miller Branch