South of Broad by Pat Conroy

In Pat Conroy’s latest book, South of Broad, he writes in first person as the character, Leopold Bloom King. The story begins in 1969 when Leo, a junior in high school, is asked by his mother, the principal, to befriend some new students that will begin the new school year with him. They include a set of twins who move in across the street, a pair of brother and sister orphans, an aristocratic brother and sister (and his girlfriend), and an African American teen who will be one of the first to be integrated into public school. All of these teens become quite a group and we follow them into adulthood. This friendship begins at a time when Leo is just beginning to feel like a “real person” again after going through years of treatment for mental illness that he suffered after finding his older, athletic, popular and handsome brother dead in the bathtub from suicide.

Conroy, as always, gives wonderful details of his surroundings (Charleston, SC), his characters and their feelings. There are numerous twists and turns throughout the novel with plenty of opportunities for Kleenex! It is a novel that keeps you on the edge and waiting for the next thing to happen.  It was a very enjoyable read. 

By Randy Rowell

Alice I have been

by Melanie Benjamin

For someone who has always loved the Alice in Wonderland stories, this was a must read for me. I think I did know that Alice was based on a really person, Alice Liddell, before I picked up this book, but I had no idea of the rumour and speculation that surrounded her and Rev. Charles Dodgeson who wrote under the literary pen name of Lewis Caroll. This fictionalization of Alice Liddell's life delves deep into all those rumours around her, assuming the worst and best of characters.

All through her life, Wonderland follows Alice, beginning with her as a carefree, rambunctious yet serious child of seven, unable to keep her clothes clean and with a child's love for the family friend, Dodgeson; her romance with Prince Leopold; her easy marriage to Reginald Hargreaves and her heartache and loss as her sons go off to war. But it isn't until she is old that Alice finally reads the book and finds her own Wonderland.

Thursday March BCB - Schindler's List

Based on the book "Schindler's Ark" by Thomas-Keneally, Schindler's List tells the story of one man's defiance in the face of evil and his sacrifices to save Jewish people during Hitler's reign. It was made into a movie in 1993. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring well known actors Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley the film won 7 Oscars and more than 60 other awards.

Valentines!

It’s not too late!

Hurry in and get some great Valentine's Day ideas from our books.
52 fantastic dates for you and your mate by David & Claudia Arp 306.87 ArpD 2004 10 Great Dates for Empty Nesters by David & Claudia Arp
306.8 ArpD 2004
Be sure to check out the 306’s for lots of other relationship books you might like.





Or check out a Romantic Movie!
Love, Actually
When Harry Met Sally
The Notebook
Must Love Dogs
Fireproof




Or visit a website for some fantastic ideas
http://www.theromantic.com/
Visit The Nests Valentines section


Cook for your beloved!
Best of the Best from Alabama Cookbook 641.59 Best 2006
Food and Love by Gary Smalley 641.3 SmalG 2001
Love Bites: A Cookbook for Romantic Encounters 641.812 PrudJ
Fondue 641.81 CarmR
The Ultimate Candy Book 641.85 WeinB 2000

And lastly, don’t forget local attractions. You don’t have to go far to have a good time.
Alabama Off the Beaten Path 917.61 MartG
Alabama Curiosities 917.61 DuncA 2005
AAA Tourbook for Alabama, Louisiana & Mississippi 917.6 Tour 2004
Birmingham Dining Guide 917.61 Birmi 2005
Seeing Historic Alabama 917.61 HamiV
Alabama Trails 796.51 SharP 1993