This is the culminating stop on the historic Made in Michigan Writers Bus Tour.

Saturday, May 18, 2013
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Grand Rapids Public Museum – Meijer Theater and Lobby
272 Pearl St NW
Grand Rapids MI

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In this program, Hodges will trace the evolution of the train station and the styles architects employed to both tame and exalt rail transportation.  Touching on news accounts, literature and film, Hodges will also consider the central role the depot once played as the nation’s principal crossroads – a much-used, much-loved public space that has no real analog in American life today.

The 2013 Michigan Notable Books program and tour are made possible thanks to generous support of the the Library of Michigan, the Library of Michigan Foundation, Michigan Department of Education, the Michigan Humanities Council, Meijer, and the Michigan Center for the Book. Media sponsors are City Pulse, WKAR Public Broadcasting from East Lansing, Mittenlit.com, Gennara Photography, Kolt Communications, Inc., and Queue Advertising.

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Pirate Alley by Stephen Coonts

A Step of Faith by Richard Paul Evans

Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

The Innocence Game by Michael Harvey

A Delicate Truth by John Le Carre

The Ophelia Cut by John Lescroart

A House Divided by Kimberla Lawson Roby

Silken Prey by John Sandford

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It’s a terrible thing to admit but I discriminate against books. I don’t want to read books from the bestseller list (with a very, very few exceptions). I don’t want to read romance or chick lit or urban fiction. I can live with all these self-imposed limits, except one: I especially don’t want to read classics.  Because classics aren’t good, just old.

I am embarrassed to admit that. I have a degree in English (focus on creative writing) but I’ve read almost no classic novels. The few classics I have read, I have not enjoyed at all. I’m looking at you, Robinson Crusoe. I’ve recently decided that perhaps my attitude on classics is skewed by the books I read for classes and not by the failure of all classic books to be fun to read. So, this summer I am going to try to read one classic each month. I’ve pick Pride and Prejudice for the month of May.

Do you have any suggestions for me?  Is there a classics must-read on your list? Or a classics avoid-at-all-costs?

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Happy Star Wars Day!Come to the main library and check out our collection of Star Wars books, movies, and music on display. We have the originals, we have the dreaded prequels, we have cartoons, we have comics.  There may also be an R2D2 coming out of our new book shelves so keep an eye out, he’ll be there all month long.

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Verdi’s opera tells the tale of Parisian courtesan Violetta who lives a life of grandeur, filled with parties and high society thrills. That is until she falls for Alfredo and leaves the city for a quiet romance in the countryside. Alas, heartbreak lurks on the horizon for Violetta and Alfredo in this tragic Verdi classic.

Grand Rapids Public Library cardholders can check out a pair of tickets to see this powerful show as a part of GRPL’s Check It Out: Circulating Membership Program.

Have you ever used the Check It Out program to experience the art and culture in Grand Rapids? We’d love to hear your story!

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The Hit by David Baldacci

Decadence by Eric Jerome Dickey

Fly Away by Kristin Hannah

Wedding Night by Sophia Kinsella

The Mystery Woman by Amanda Quick

Paris by Edward Rutherfurd

Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls by David Sedaris

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Children’s books are a unique blend of pictures and art.  This 75th anniversary of the Caldecott Medal celebrates the most distinguished picture book of the year.   The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott.  A committee from the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association , awards the Caldecott Medal to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.   The members, usually librarians or professors, are elected and chosen to be on the committee.  These members have passion, knowledge, and love for picture books.  The committee reads all picture books published in the year.  The Association for Library Service to Children has developed procedures and rules throughout the years to aid and facilitate the choosing  of the award winner.   These structures do there best to produce a sincere and educated choice.

Here are some winners that may be favorites or considered a classic:

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“Tuesday has a personality that shines. I am not kidding when I say it is common for people to pull out their cell phones and take pictures of and with him. Tuesday is that kind of dog. And then, in passing, they notice me, the big man with the tight haircut. There is nothing about me–even the straight, stiff way I carry myself–that signals disabled. Until people notice the cane in my left hand, that is, and the way I lean on it every few steps. Then they realize my stiff walk and straight posture aren’t just pride, and that Tuesday isn’t just an ordinary dog. He walks directly beside me, for instance, so that my right leg always bisects his body. He nuzzles me when my breathing changes, and he moves immediately between me and the object–a cat, an overeager child, a suspiciously closed door–any time I feel apprehensive. Because beautiful, happy-go-lucky, favorite-of-the-neighborhood Tuesday isn’t my pet; he’s my service dog.”

Join us at the Main Library to hear Captain Montalvan discuss his book Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him and educate the public about the trauma and real experiences of veterans and people with disabilities. He will discuss issues relating to service members, veterans and their families. Montalvan is a 17-year veteran of the U.S. Army, including multiple tours in Iraq, and an advocate for persons with disabilities. He and his service dog Tuesday will be available for a book signing and photos after the presentation. Copies of his book will also be available for purchase.

A special thanks to the Friends of the Grand Rapids Public Library for providing funding for this event.

Wednesday, May 1 — 7 pm — Main Library

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Tris Prior from Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Katniss Everdeen from The Hunger Games by Suzann Collins

Dr. Temperance Brennan from Kathy Reich’s series of the same name

Tess Monaghan from Laura Lippman’s series of the same name

Rachel Morgan from Kim Harrison’s Hollows series

Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (think about all she accomplished!)

Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (who else could handle Mr. Darcy like Elizabeth?)

Hazel Lancaster from John Green’s The Fault in our Stars

Who are some of your favorite strong female characters?

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