Staff Pick - Marvin Gaye's "Number Ones"

Marvin Gaye helped to shape the sound of Motown Records in the 1960s with a string of hits, including "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine".

In 1970, Gaye recorded his new composition "What's Going On" after he witnessed an act of police brutality at an anti-war rally in Berkeley.  Upon hearing the song, Motown’s Berry Gordy refused its release thinking the song "too political" for radio.   Finally released in 1971, it reached number one on the R&B charts within a month, staying there for five weeks, selling over two million copies. 

-Wikipedia

"What's Going On" is the song I think of when the TV news reports on the continuing problems in our society today. The CD “Number Ones” is a good way to introduce yourself to this man’s music, and if you already know him, a good way to revisit the hits that made him famous.

If you'd like to check out Marvin Gaye's "Number Ones," you can find it in our catalog by clicking here.

-Nancy J.

Staff Pick - The Happy Room

In The Happy Room by Catherine Palmer, the Mossman children believed their parents had abandoned them after being sent to a boarding school at a young age. Peter turned from God in anger, while Julia embraced her faith. 

They are drawn together by their sister's tragic illness, and they must face the truth of their past. They make peace with each other and their parents and discover God has never left them. 

I found this to be a very interesting read. The characters are children of missionary parents to Kenya, and this book includes description of the culture and language of its people. 

One thing I took away from this book is that despite anger and bitterness toward family, there is room for forgiveness and peace!  I would love to read more books by this author!

If you'd like to check out The Happy Room, you can find it in our catalog by clicking here.

-Staci

Blue Zones Power 9: Loved Ones First

This is the eighth post in a nine-part series in which we are sharing resources available at the library to help you get on track with the Blue Zones Project.

Sometimes maintaining a positive relationship with family can be a challenge, especially during the stressful holiday season. According to the Blue Zones website, "centurions put their family first." Healthy relationships with grandparents, life partners and children can lead to happier, less stressful lives. But how do we achieve that? Here are a few items in the library's collection that may help:

Putting Family First
by William Doherty and Barbara Carlson

Successful strategies for reclaiming family life in a hurry-up world. The authors outline realistic ways in which to regain family connections and enable more meaningful home relationships, presenting tips for time-crunched parents on such topics as family meals, outings, conflicts, and making time for a marriage.

The Five Languages of Apology
by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas

In this book, you will learn how to recognize your own primary apology language while speaking the languages to those you love. Understanding and applying the five languages of apology will greatly enhance all of your relationships.

The Relationship Cure
by John Mordechai Gottman and Joan DeClaire

A five-step guide for building better connections with family, friends, and lovers. One of the nation's top relationship doctors outlines his program for repairing damaged relationships between spouses, lovers, co-workers, and family members.

12 Simple Secrets of Happiness
by Glenn Van Ekeren

Finding joy in everyday relationships. The author's 12 secrets involve generosity, hope, kindness, friendship, empathy, love, forgiveness, acceptance, understanding, encouragement, communication and gratitude.

The 5 Love Languages of Children
by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell

Kids desperately need to know how much you love them. But if you don't know their special "love languages," you might as well be speaking gibberish.

All book descriptions adapted from worldcat.org