sobczakd's Blog
It Sucked and Then I Cried
Another book featured on Monday's Oprah was blogger Heather Armstrong's memoir of why committing herself to a mental hospital to overcome her postpartum depression was the best decision for her and her family. It Sucked and Then I Cried is a brave cautionary tale about crossing over that invisible line where everything changes and it only gets worse. But most of all, it's a celebration of a love so big it can break your heart into a million pieces.- Login to comment
Sippy Cups Are Not For Chardonnay
On Monday April 6th, comedian and tv writer/producer Stephanie Wilder-Taylor is scheduled to appear on the Oprah show. Her memoir, Sippy Cups Are Not For Chardonnay describes the author's transformation into the perils of parenting. From sharing parental responsibilities to the science of the Diaper Genie, this book combines laugh-out-loud humor with sassy wit and is a refreshing, honest look at modern motherhood.- Login to comment
Hurry...Reading Month is Ending Soon!
Donalyn Miller, Teacher Magazine blogger and author, couldn't find a book that demonstrated her love for reading to her students so she decided to write one herself. It's a shame we aren't born with the desire to love books. We have to discover the world of books on our own, or from parents and teachers. Many of us have cherished childhood memories of visiting the library and happily leaving with an armful of books.- Login to comment
Fifteen Miles on the Erie Canal
This was chorus of a song titled Low Bridge, Everyone Down written in 1905. Constructed between 1817 to 1825, the Erie Canal was the first transportation route between New York City and the Great Lakes. Before modern-day construction equipment, "The Ditch That Made New York Rich," was mostly made on the backs of Irish immigrants. Bond of Union, is a fascinating account of how one of the greatest achievements in U.S. History was built.- Login to comment
Top Test-Taking Tips
In Sunday's USA Weekend Magazine, ParentSmart writer, Reyhaneh Fathieh, listed tips parents can teach their kids before they take the big test. The Library has a huge selection of study guides for all students.- Login to comment
Longer School Year?
Education Secretary Arne Duncan is interested in many ideas to boost student performance. Keeping kids in school longer is one option under consideration by the former chief of Chicago Public Schools. Not an easy task given the uncertainty of the tough economic times and the drastic budget cuts many states are facing. Read more on Secretary Duncan's interview with CNN.
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You're Either In or Out
Colleges are tweaking their methods of informing students of whether or not they'll be coming to their campus that fall. In today's U.S.- Login to comment
Feminine Mystique
On this day (February 19) in 1963, Betty Friedan published The Feminine Mystique, a call for women to achieve their full potential. Her book generated an enormous response and revitalized the women's movement in the U.S.- Login to comment
3 New Books in Social Science Make Top 10
#10: The Next 100 Years presents a fascinating picture of what lies ahead. George Friedman turns his eye on the future by offering a lucid, highly readable forecast of the changes we can expect around the world during the 21st century.- Login to comment
He's Just Not That Into You
This same-titled-book-turned-movie is based on a line delivered by one of the characters in a Sex and the City episode, "Pick-A-Little, Talk-A-Little," from 2003. It makes a single-woman wonder: if I like the guy, why is he sending me mixed messages?- Login to comment
Our Animal Friends
While dogs are still the most popular pets in the United States, these days people are befriending everything from turtles to mice. Whether you currently have an animal friend or are just thinking about adopting one, we have compiled a list of resources of interest to pet lovers of all types.
Pet Care
Aquariums for dummies by Maddy Hargrove and Mic Hargrove
An essential guide to choosing your marine tropical fish by Dick Mills
Getting to know your hamster by Gill Page
College Survival
Whew! You've been accepted into a college, but you wonder what it's going to be like. Or maybe you have a few worries about making it away from home? How will you study? What will you eat? The College Survival Special Collection offers a few good books and a few good links to help you make the best of your college experience.
Getting Adjusted
A few books and sites with a little of everything — good general guides to read if you want to know what to expect.
Books
The college dorm survival guide: how to survive and thrive in your new home away from home by Julia DeVillers — From avoiding the dreaded Freshman 15 to decorating your space, this informative and funny guide gives experts' advice on everything you need to know to enjoy dorm living to the fullest.