Happy 200th Birthday Charles Dickens!

If you have no idea who Charles Dickens is, visit the Charles Dicken's Museum and learn all about the literary master. In Celebration of Charles Dickens 200th birthday pick-up one of his many novels and/or short stories and discover 19th century England. Need a list of great Dicken's novels, click here.

Happy Reading!

Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman

CATHERINE THE GREAT: PORTRAIT OF A WOMAN

By Robert K. Massie

Call Number: BIOG CATHERINE

Empress Catherine II of Russia was an enigma of her time. Although born Sophia of Anhalt-Zerbst, a minor German Princess of little importance to the massive empire of Empress Elizabeth, she rose through rebellion to become the most beloved ruler of Russia since Peter the Great. Massie brilliantly recounts the many trials, tribulations, and heartaches that eventually produce Catherine the Great. We are quickly drawn into the often sad and equally harsh life of Catherine, whose “good fortune” at being betrothed to the future ruler of Russia, was overshadowed by the failures of her marriage (most importantly, the inability to produce an heir) and the almost constant displeasure of Empress Elizabeth. However, Catherine is able to rise above these obstacles to grab the throne from her husband just months after he is pronounced Czar. The major strength of this work is Massie’s ability to focus on the humanity and complexity of the Russian court. No person is one dimensional, not even Catherine’s childish and inept husband Peter. Catherine’s inability to live up to her enlightenment ideals (specifically, her inability to end serfdom) is also not spared the author’s critical scrutiny. Despite its length, Massie has written a superb biographical work that is almost impossible to put down. Catherine the Great is highly recommended for anyone that enjoys historical nonfiction and biography.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The circus arrives without warning.

As children, Celia and Marco were unwittingly drawn into a competition between two masterful magicians, receiving very different forms of magical rearing. Events conspire to lead the two competitors to employment with Le Cirque des Reves, or The Circus of Dreams. The circus (which appears suddenly, only opens at night and closes at dawn) becomes the venue for their competition and their rebellion. As the rivals attempt to get the upper hand on one another, they come to realize they are actually expressing their love for one another with their magical feats. The stakes for the competition are high. There must be a clear winner and the loser must make the ultimate sacrifice. A delightful story of competition, sacrifice, magic and love

National Hispanic Heritage Month - Suggested Reading List

National Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 - October 15

The touching story of how four Dominican sisters assimilate into New York society and culture, much to the chagrin of their traditional parents.

Set in the near future, this provocative novel features Hispanic American "rebels" who are fighting for their life and liberty as an openly hostile American government discriminates against them.

Pulitzer Prize winning story of a young Dominican-American nerd who falls in love with a dangerous woman.

Antonia Felix chronicles the rise of the first Hispanic-American Supreme Court Justice, Sonia Sotomayor.

CNN anchor and special correspondent, Soledad O'Brien discussing growing up in a mixed race family (Black and Latino) and finding her passion for reporting on race in America.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez's epic masterpiece about love and loss.

September 11th - 10 Years Memorial

The 10 year anniversary of September 11th is this Sunday. As the date approaches, we have compiled a booklist of titles commemorating the tragic events of that day and celebrating the lives of those lost as well as the heroic actions of the first responders.

The touching story of a seeing eye dog leading her owner out of the World Trade Center.

The story of the heroic actions of the passengers on hijacked flights; American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 93

Personal narratives of people who where in New York City at the time of the attacks on the World Trade Center.

Graphic adaptation of the 9/11 Commission Report

The true story of 30 widows who created a support group after the September 11th attacks.

Middletown, New Jersey lost  more memebers of its community in the World Trade Center attacks than any other single town other than New York City. Gail Sheehy tells the story of the survivors.

Moving book about the heoric actions of  the Engine 40, Ladder 35 firemen.

A Passage to India - Dinner, Book, and Movie Discussion

A Passage to India
August 15th @ 5:00 PM

Before the event, read A Passage to India by E.M. Forster. On August 15th view 1984 classic film starring Judy Davis while enjoying a light dinner. Immediately following the movie there will be a lively discussion comparing the book and the film. This program is free and open to the public, but seating is LIMITED and registration is REQUIRED. Please call the Library at 973-226-5441 to register.

Good Earth - Book, Movie, Dinner & Discussion Event

The Good Earth
July 26 @ 5:00 PM

Before the event, read the Pearl S. Buck classic, The Good Earth. On July 26th view the classic and controversial 1937 film starring Paul Muni and Luise Rainer while enjoying a light dinner. Immediately following the movie there will be a lively discussion of the book and the film. This program is free and open to the public, but seating is LIMITED and registration is required. Please call the Reference Desk at 973-226-5441 to sign-up.