February bookmarks

The bookmarks for February highlight 2 iconic holidays. The first is for all the romantics. That's right - Valentine's Day. "Isn't it Romantic?" features a list of books by well-known authors of all things romantic, including Mary Balogh, Julia Quinn, and James Patterson. (yes, that James Patterson, who writes best-selling thrillers). They're a nice, light way to get through a nasty, dark month.

More substantive are the titles on the nonfiction bookmark. As it's Black History Month, it focuses on black history, with a local emphasis. Many people don't know that the Massachusetts 53rd regiment, whose story was told in the movie Glory, was started right here in New Bedford. They went on to fight with distinction in the Civil War. A book telling this story is A Brave Black Regiment, by Russell Duncan.

Another book featuring New Bedford is The Fugitive's Gilbraltar: Escaping Slaves and Abolitionism in New Bedford, Massachusetts, by Kathryn Grover. With its strong Quaker traditions, New Bedford was a haven for escaped slaves in the years preceding the Civil War. Frederick Douglass was just one of the people who found sanctuary here.

The bookmarks, and more reading suggestions, are available in all the New Bedford libraries. And watch for March's bookmarks, which will feature two very different aspects of New England: New England Sports, and Mass(achusetts) Murder.

This and that

We're nearly two months into the 50 Book Challenge now, and things are moving along smoothly. More than 300 people registered for the challenge. Most of them are from the area, but there are also people from Cambridge, Auburn and Falmouth registered. Two people have actually completed it already. We expect within the next month to start seeing that number rise.

You've been promised goodies, and so goodies you shall receive. The prizes for meeting the challenge are a book light, and a book bag. The book bag is red with black handles, and is roomy enough to carry a good supply of reading material. The book light is small but bright, and folds flat for easy storage in the book bag's pocket. Both have been librarian tested. We think you'll be pleased.

Of course, meeting the challenge is reward enough. It's an accomplishment in itself. Even if you don't read 50 books, you've rewarded yourself with hours of reading time. This is why this is a challenge, not a contest. The process is the most important thing.

So keep on reading. That goal is getting closer all the time.

Seen the Movie? Read the Book!

Every year a number of books are adapted into movies, with mixed results. If you're a movie buff, treat yourself to the real thing. Read the books the movies are based on.

Some suggestions:

Shutter Island; Lehane, Dennis, Shutter Island

Charlie St. Cloud; Sherwood, Ben, The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud

Eat, Pray, Love; Gilbert, Elizabeth, Eat, Pray, Love

The Social Network; Mezrich, Ben, The Accidental Billionaires

True Grit; Portis, Charles, True Grit

The American; Booth, Martin, A Very Private Gentleman

Secretariat; Nack, William, Secretariat: the Making of a Champion

Dear John; Sparks, Nicholas, Dear John

So pull up the recliner, make some popcorn, and enjoy!