Comedy

Murder Will Out: Alexander McCall Smith

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith — Fans of Alexander McCall Smith, author of several series, including The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, 44 Scotland Street, and Isabel Dalhousie's novels will enjoy this recent interview by Connie Fletcher in BookList Online (12/01/2011).

Marcel the Shell with Shoes on: Things about me

Marcel the shell with shoes on : things about me by Jenny Slate & Dean Fleischer-Camp ; paintings by Amy Lind — Marcel is a shell. He also has shoes. And just how does that work? Check out this fun, new picture book created by writer, actress and SNL alum Jenny Slate and her partner Dean Fleischer-Camp. The book is based on a short film made by the duo in 2010 that went on to win the grand jury prize at the 2011 New York Int'l Children's Film Festival. Big accomplishments for such a little creature!

Murder Will Out: More Read-Alikes for Janet Evanovich

With the much anticipated movie release of Janet Evanovich's One For the Money in January, 2012 fans of Stephanie Plum may enjoy listening to these authors.

Agatha Raisin and the quiche of death [sound recording] by M.C. Beaton

Merry Wives of Maggody [sound recording] by Joan Hess

Murder on a girls' night out [sound recording] by Anne George

Library Jokes

Do you love jokes? How about jokes specifically related to libraries? Well, here's a great website that is full of library jokes and cartoons.

Rubber!

Do you enjoy keeping up with the films that play on the festival circuit? Do you like strange, art house thrillers? If so, you may just want to check out Rubber. Rubber, originating from France, featured prominently during 2010, playing Cannes, Fantastic Fest, AFI, and others, and is finally getting a U.S. release! The story centers around Robert, an inanimate tire, who discovers that he has destructive telepathic powers. He soon sets his sights on a desert town and a beautiful woman who becomes the focus of his obsession. Creating a path of destruction, Robert may just be the most interesting movie villain yet.

Funny and Fighting

Enjoy humor? Enjoy Action? If you've read 39 clues, Percy Jackson, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and you're looking for more books that will either make you gasp, or make you laugh, check these out:

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull; illustrated by Brandon Dorman

The day my butt went psycho by Andy Griffiths

Beyond the Deepwoods by Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell

Midnight for Charlie Bone by Jenny Nimmo

Zombiekins by Kevin Bolger; illustrated by Aaron Blecha

Louise Rennison Fans!

Are you a fan of Louise Rennison's book series that began with Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging? If you are, you may have been disappointed when she published her last book in the series in 2009. That is why I was so excited to hear that she is beginning a new series revolving around the misadventures of Georgia's younger cousin, Tallulah Casey! Withering Tights is due to be released on June 28, 2011 and promises to be just as fun and hilarious as the previous books. And if you haven't read any of the books, and want to feel good and laugh out loud, give them a try!

Book Club in a Bag Kit

Mennonite in a little black dress: a memoir of going home by Rhoda Janzen. Full of wit and humor, this book is a charming story of moving home to heal from both a broken marriage and an injury. An eccentric, Mennonite family welcomes the author.

Romance on Ice

Isn't it exciting when two perfectly unrelated, but equally beloved, things mash together? I love reading romances and I love watching ice hockey. Apparently, I am not the only one. Rachel Gibson and Deirdre Martin are just two of the authors who have written fiction with hockey players as the heroes. Grab one today and get in a little reading before the Wings take on the Blackhawks tomorrow.

Body check by Deirdre Martin

What Should I Read?

In what order should you read a series? Read everything written by Sue Grafton or Malcolm Gladwell and would like to try a similar author? Books & Authors, available in Canton Public Library's databases, allows you to search by title and/or author, subject, keyword, time period, geographic location, or character. Follow the series links for additional titles, or take advantage of the Expert Picks & Librarian's Favorites for recommendations based on some of your favorite titles or topics.

Mark Twain (1835-1910)

Mark Twain, one of America's best-known and well-loved authors, was born on November 30, 1835. His works have been translated into hundreds of languages, and Hollywood continues to produce film adaptations of his books. The following Special Collection focuses on his life and work.

30 Best Films You've Never Seen…

…but I have because co-workers and library patrons have recommended them.

Alphaville: une étrange adventure de Lemmy Caution by Chaumaine Production-Film-Studio

The band's visit by July August Productions; Bleiberg Entertainment; Sophie Dulac Productions

And Don't Call Me Shirley

Looking for a lighthearted comedy movie? If you're browsing our feature film section you don't have to get very far into the 'A's to find Airplane! This absurd classic, a near shot-for-shot parody of the 1957 not-meant-to-be-a-comedy film, Zero Hour!, has the big-punch appeal of hilarious lines along with elaborately-detailed gags.

Check it out today. And if you have the choice of steak or fish, spring for the lasagna.

Mark Twain

April 21 is the 100 year anniversary of the death of Mark Twain (November 24, 1832 - April 21, 1910). A keen observer of human nature, Twain's stories portray America as it became a nation. An American humorist, lecturer, essayist, and author, several of Twain's books have been adapted for the screen including The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Life on the Mississippi, and a present-day version of The Prince and the Pauper.

My All-Time Favorite Movies

Citizen Kane [videodisc] Directed, written by, and starring Orson Welles. Technically the most innovative movie ever made. Still looks fresh and striking today.

Singin' in the rain [videodisc] Starring and co-directed by Gene Kelly. Best musical ever! Cant conceive as to how it could be improved.




Christmas Memories Movie Night!

Looking for ways to unwind and enjoy a fun filled special evening? Why not reminience over some of your favorite childhood Christmas movies. We have a large selection that is sure to spark some joyous memories. My all time favorite is "A Christmas Carol"; any version and any kind I just love the story! So curl up with a hot cup of cocoa & popcorn and let the classics take you away...you deserve it!

Poetic Laughter

Hi friends! If you are looking for laughs that will shake your belly and tickle your toes, try our great selection of humorous poetry! We have gaggles of giggles from author Jeff Foxworthy, stacks of side splitting fun with Shel Silverstein, and barrels of buffoonery from Brod Bagert. Check out our charming selection by clicking here.

It's raining meatballs!

One of my kids' favorite books is Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett.  This amusing story takes place in the town of Chewandswallow where the townspeople get all of their food from the sky.  Everyone loves living in a town where they don't need to shop for groceries, until one day when things take a turn for the worse.  If you enjoy the book, a movie version is being made which opens on September 18th.