1. Midwives by Chris Bohjalian (199 
A movie starring Sissy Spacek as the midwife in Vermont is also worth watching.
3. Missy Violet & Me by Barbara Hathaway (2004) (juvenile fiction) A good read and introduction to homebirth during the depression.
There are several non-fiction books about the history of Hershey,M&M Mars Companies and companies abroad. Worth salivating and eating while reading! The woman in the photo is climbing a Chocolate Mountain! Yes, I love and endorse all Pepperidge Farms goodies ; especially their new line of gourmet chocolate cookies!
1. Chocolate Emperor’s by Joel Glenn Brenner (1999) (fascinating)
2. Hershey: Milton S. Hershey’s extraordinary life of Wealth, Example and Utopian Dreams by Michael D’Antonio (2006) (amazing and his middle initial stands for Snavely)
3. Candyfreak: a journey through the chocolate belly of America by Steve Almond (2004) ( vicarious field trips and vintage collecting and tastings!= FUN!)
Here are a few authors I can usually rely on for a good read!
Adriana Trigiani (Southwest VA stories), Elizabeth Berg, Lee Smith, Jennifer Chiaverini (Quilt stories), Irene Allen (Quaker mysteries set in Boston), Jan Karon and Debbie Macomber (always!)
1. The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron. It is this years’ Newbery winner. Find out what the controversy is about and then tell me what your opinion is. (2006)
2. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson Do you want to know what life is really like in Pakistan? Read about this modern day American hero on a mission and his noble effort to repay a community for saving his life and to build schools for girls. Inspiring! (2006)
3. Friendly Persuasion by Jessamyn West A Quaker story takes place in Indiana many years ago. Movie available also. (1945)
4. Love & Hate in Jamestown by David Price Not my usual choice, but in light of the 400 year anniversary, I decided to take the plunge and read this very interesting, short and true account of what it was really like. John Smith is underrated! (2005)
5. The Day The World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede (2002) Great read!
6. If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name Life in Small Town Alaska by Heather Lende (NPR) (2005) Another great read!
7. Wish You Well by David Baldacci (2000 & 2007) Not his usual crime thriller-;semi-biographical of his Mom.
8. Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd (2001) Intriquing and set in South Carolina.
What a concept!? You can go into the “zone” or “flow” without actually doing what you are reading about…such as knitting, or looking at colorful cookbook photographs and then going out to dinner!
On Saturday June 23, I traveled to DC with my daughter and her college roommate. We parted ways as they went to visit the memorials and GWU, while I went to the ALA convention as a “Vendor Visitor”. I was given a “badge” after paying for entry to 1200 vendors. It was mobbed! I was on total overload!
Many technology companies, publishers, organizations, and authors were stationed around this huge convention hall “basement”. No Windows. A few t-shirt companies and librarians morphed into jewelers were also selling their goods.
As a Vendor Visitor, you receive many freebies and tote bags to put posters, books, bookmarks and brochures in. I had two bags full when I decided my shoulders hurt and it was time to meet the girls in the main subway station. Thank goodness for the Metro; as I refuse to drive and park in DC anymore.
