Rethinking Book Selections

I'm starting to think that my stringent criteria for selecting books at the library needs to be revisited. I have given up on yet another book which fell into my careful book guidelines: 1) Needs to have an interesting cover, and 2) Needs to be in the new book section of the library. The Sicilian Tragedee was a dud. I couldn't get into it. The only character I was interested in was the spoiled daughter of the mobster and there wasn't enough of her to satisfy me.

My latest book selection is from the Number One Ladies' Detective series. I was getting pizza to take to the marathon orchestra rehearsal and I realized I had nothing to read. Now where can you get books and pizza? Duh! COSTCO!!! I picked up the newest book in the series, Tea Time for the Traditionally Built. If you haven't read any of this series, I recommend them. I love the characters, I find the setting strangely peaceful and I also enjoy the fact that the mysteries that Precious and Grace, her assistant end up solving are not complex and violent. Your heart doesn't skip any beats while you are reading. You can relax and enjoy yourself.

My favorite line in Tea Time comes when Precious is describing a conversation she had with a friend who is the Bishop in the local Anglican church. She was concerned that scientists had determined exactly when the earth would be destroyed by the sun and life would cease to exist. The Bishop answers, "Certainly not by next Tuesday when the Botswana Mothers Union meets. And, frankly, I don't think we should worry too much about that. Our concern should be what is happening right now. There is plenty of work for love to do, you know."

If you need a book that has women who are fragile, yet strong, and enjoy tea and cake, these are the books for you. Sadly, they are very quick reads. I was hoping to get a paperback but there were none. I expect to find an ample supply at the library the next time I go.

I still do have a book from the library that I am certain I will finish. It's called "The Samaritan's Secret" by Matt Beynon Rees. It centers around the murder of a Samaritan man in the Palestinian Territory who was the President's financial advisor. The author is Welsh and he was Time Magazine's Middle East Bureau Chief from 2000-2006. I'm enjoying the differing philosophies of the many Palestinian characters.

More Music?
As unbelievable as it may be, my oldest has another instrument to add to his arsenal. Today, he purchased a baritone ukulele from a local music store called Mike's Music. If you live in Howard County, and have any music needs go to Mike's. You walk in the door and Mike's wife greets you and shows you around. She helps you find music, answers any and all questions, can engage people of all ages in conversation. She is fabulous. Mike is also wonderful. His staff of teachers is wonderful. The parking is a little tricky, but worth the effort. Go visit them. And stay tuned for videos of a baritone ukulele in action! http://www.myspace.com/mikesmusicmd

Enjoy your day!