I have the pleasure of working with a fantastic group of young adults at the Starkweather Alternative High School. The Canton Public Library in cooperation with Starkweather was awarded an ALA Great Stories Club Grant a couple years ago. The book club was such a success we decided to continue meeting.

The Burn Journals by Brent Runyon — Presents the true story of Brent Runyon who at fourteen set himself on fire and sustained burns over eighty percent of his body, and describes the months of physical and mental rehabilitation that followed as he attempted to pull his life together.

Seeing trees: discover the extraordinary secrets of everyday trees by Nancy Ross Hugo ; photography by Robert Llewellyn

Trees are all around us, but how often do we really look at them? This book takes a VERY close look and includes stunningly detailed photographs of trees and their constituent parts. Once you've looked through this book, every walk through your neighborhood will be an opportunity to notice these incredible details. Check out the video preview for a sneak peek.

A good man is hard to find and other stories by Flannery O'Connor

The house of the seven gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne; edited with an introduction by Milton R. Stern

A prayer for Owen Meany: a novel by John Irving

To the lighthouse by Woolf, Virginia, 1882-1941

The immortal life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Heaven awaits the bride by Anna Rountree

A monster calls: a novel by Patrick Ness ; inspired from an idea by Siobhan Dowd ; illustrations by Jim Kay

Destiny of the republic [sound recording]: a tale of madness, medicine and the murder of a president by Candice Millard

The complete history of American film criticism by Jerry Roberts

A natural history of the piano: the instrument, the music, the musicians—from Mozart to modern jazz, and everything in between by Stuart Isacoff

The rise and fall of the Bible: the unexpected history of an accidental book by Timothy Beal

The Bodhisattva's Brain: Buddhism Naturalized by Owen Flanagan — Having authored several books and article on the philosophy of mind and cognitive science, Owen Flanagan's perspective on the intersection of Buddhism, psychology and Western philosophy is well informed and generally unbiased. Bracketing supernatural elements that are inconsistent with science, this treatise emphasizes the practical potential of Buddhist spirituality for attaining a philosophically informed state of happiness. Buddhist principles are examined in light of Aristotle's emphasis on reason and virtue, with added focus on compassion.

Are you looking for something new? Short Story collections are the perfect way for Mystery fans to try new authors.

A study in Sherlock: stories inspired by the Holmes Canon edited by Laurie R. King and Leslie S. Klinger

The best American mystery stories 2011 edited and with an introduction by Harlan Coben

Hook, line & sinister edited by T. Jefferson Parker

Concrete garden projects: easy & inexpensive containers, furniture, water features & more by Malin Nilsson, Camilla Arvidsson — Concrete may not be one of the first materials that comes to mind for DIY projects, but there are a lot of things you can make from it and it's not difficult to do yourself. This book includes instructions and ideas for lots of items you can use in the garden, such as stepping stones, water features, benches, accent pieces, and more.

Are you looking for some new books to read at bedtime? Look no further! We have many, many wonderful stories to get those little ones in the sleeping mood.

Jammy dance by Rebecca Janni; pictures by Tracy Dockray

Hide-and-squeak by Heather Vogel Frederick; illustrated by C.F. Payne

Good night, Chickie by Emile Jadoul

Bouquet of blooms: 15 quilts, wall hangings, and pillows

What better reminder that spring is on the way than a book filled with images of floral designs? This book offers instructions for quilts and quilted accessories with new designs that have a classic feel.

This program has been canceled.

Internationally best-selling author Colleen Gleason will discuss her books and her writing process. Gleason's books include the popular Gardella Vampire Chronicles and the Regency Draculia Series that starts with The Vampire Voss. She also penned a short story, Northanger Castle, for the anthology Bespelling Jane Austen.

In addition to her works under her own name, she writes an exciting post-apocalyptic romance series under the pseudonym of Joss Ware. Gleason's publishing plans include a steampunk young adult series. Please join us on Thursday, April 26th at 7:00 PM for a great evening about reading and writing.

Everyone's Reading promotes community dialogue through the shared experience of reading the same great book… and we do have a great one for everyone this year. Sandra Brown's Lethal will have you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last. Brown, the author of over 60 best sellers, certainly has a way with words and your emotions. She is making two personal appearances in the Metro Detroit area: Thursday, March 22 at 2:00 PM at the Rochester Church of Christ and at 7:00 PM that same evening at Adel Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills. We have free tickets to both events available at the information desk beginning March 12 to Canton cardholders in good standing. It promises to be fun and informative events. Also watch for Lethal to be featured at our Lunch and a Book discussion on April 12 and at the Canton Senior Book Discussion Group on May 23.

On February 18, 2012, the Archbishop of New York, Timothy Dolan, was elevated to the position of Cardinal by Pope Pius XVI. There are currently 181 Cardinals in the Catholic Church worldwide, of which only 108 are under 80 years of age and eligible to vote for a new pope in conclave. For more information on Cardinals (Catholicism) or Timothy Dolan, click on the subject links.

Some of our most-loved picture books at the library are about our canine friends. Check out some dog tales today and discover a new favorite!

Sally goes to the vet by written and illustrated by Stephen Huneck

10 little hot dogs by John Himmelman

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer

The knitter's book of socks: the yarn lover's ultimate guide to creating socks that fit well, feel great, and last a lifetime by Clara Parkes

Socks! Now that I've got your attention, take a look at this book. It contains everything you've ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask about handknit socks. From the qualities you need in the yarn you choose to the different types of fibers available to the types of ply you can select, this book's got it all. It also includes patterns for twenty different pairs of socks as well as tips and tricks that may come in handy during sock knitting.

With the mild winter we've been having, it feels more like spring outside! We've seen more rain lately than snow. Why not curl up with an easy-to-read book about a rainy day? Listed below are some fun titles about rainy day adventures. Happy reading!

Olivia and the rain dance by adapted by Maggie Testa; illustrated by Guy Wolek

Rain [kit] by written by Marion Dane Bauer; illustrated by John Wallace

Simplicity simply the best sewing book: the essential reference for all home sewers by [illustrations by Kuo Kang Chen]

This book is a terrific place to start for those wishing to begin sewing with commercial patterns. It also includes a lot of general sewing information that will be useful whether you're using patterns or not. If you're wondering how to achieve a particular technique or need to know how to decipher some sewing instructions, this book will likely have the information you're looking for.

Closet monsters: stitch creatures you'll love from clothing you don't by written & illustrated by John Murphy

We all know that closets are havens for scary monsters that come out after dark, but did you know that your closet can also be the source for making your own terrifying creatures? These critters are all made from clothing, so you can re-use your old stuff, or maybe drop by our local Goodwill to find some monster fodder. This book gives step by step instructions for 13 unique creatures, and from there you can customize them to make them as scary or cute as you'd like.

Good bug, bad bug: who's who, what they do, and how to manage them organically (all you need to know about the insects in your garden) by Jessica Walliser

They may be creepy crawly, but bugs can be your best friends when it comes to gardening. This book offers details on both pests and beneficial insects, many of which can be used to control the pests. With color photos, this book provides a clear illustration of both the insect itself and, for pests, the type of damage it does to plants.

If you love finely drawn characters and deep dramatic works, but don't want the ending to be too very bleak, try these titles: