These 4 books teach readers something new—September 26, 2008
Something I always look for in a book, even a work of fiction, is “aha.” I want to learn something new—come to know some one, some place or some time a little better than I did before. I want to be able to say “aha, now I understand.”
Here are four books with plenty of “ahas,” offering a new understanding, a new meaning or a new perspective. Find them located on the library’s “new non-fiction” shelves.
1. “The Fireman’s Wife,” a memoir, tells the story of the firefighting life from a new perspective - that of the families of the men and women who choose a life of high risk and reward. The author, Susan Farren, draws from her own life experiences as the wife of a firefighter. She talks not only about her struggles and fears, (wondering whenever a siren goes by, if Dan will make it home safely at the end of his shift), but also the unexpected joys and laughter: (“your kids think “ABC” stands for “Airway, Breathing, Circulation”).
Her words offer encouragement for anyone who has a loved one in harm’s way.
2. At Hastings Public Library there’s always a doctor in the house—hundreds in fact, of published doctors who are on call (via their books) for nearly whatever ails you! And if nothing ails you, there’s a doctor for that too…with a prescription for keeping well. Hastings’ own Dr. Richard French has just such a prescription for maintaining a well-balanced approach to life and good health, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Specializing in Internal Medicine, he brings his 25+ years of medical practice and experience to his book, “Dr. Richard’s Prescriptions for Better Health.” An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, he maintains: “…we (doctors) wish that patients could embrace the proper habits to achieve our common goals without the need for so much prescription medicine. It is possible.”
The book is interesting reading and a thoughtful mix of science, philosophy and theology. Dr. French says his book is “a compilation of thoughts, readings, writings and experiences…fitting neatly into a packet of prescriptions”—for healthy living.
3. Set your calendar back 33 years and visit “Rights in the Balance,” by attorney Mark Scherer. The book is a study of the legal battles set in motion by massive media attention to the brutal 1975 murder of a family in Sutherland, Nebraska. The case of the murderer, Erwin Simants, spawned a conflict between Nebraska’s legal community and the media. At odds were two of America’s constitutional rights, the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech and the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee of a criminal’s right to a fair trial. The argument eventually made its way to the U.S. Supreme Court (Nebraska Press Association v. Judge Hugh Stuart which issued a ruling that became one of the most closely followed in American constitutional history.
4. A 2008 bestseller by Sports Illustrated Books is “Brett Favre, the Tribute.” It’s a collection of 16 stories by renowned Sports Illustrated writers who chronicle Favre’s remarkable Green Bay Packer career. The book was published prior to Favre’s on-and-off-again retirement controversy. Brilliant photos—stunning action shots, portraits and off-the field candids illuminate this much-beloved athlete who was named Sports Illustrated’s 2007 Sportsman of the Year.
Find your own “ahas” at Hastings Public Library.
