The Fresno County Library’s Bookshelf column shares suggestions for books, music, and other items, and provides information about library programs.
75 Years of “Casablanca”
▪ “Casablanca.” Often found on great film lists, and sometimes acclaimed as the greatest movie ever made. Copies are available in different formats and editions, including standard DVD, Blu-Ray, full screen and 70th anniversary. Stars Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains and Peter Lorre; directed by Michael Curtiz.
▪ “We’ll Always Have Casablanca: The Life, Legend and Afterlife of America’s Most Beloved Movie,” by Noah William Eisenberg. Just in time for the film’s diamond anniversary, a detailed account of how it was made and why it remains a major cultural phenomenon.
▪ “Not to Be Missed: Fifty-Four Favorites from a Lifetime of Film,” by Kenneth Turan. “Casablanca” was an easy choice for this personal selection from the longtime Los Angeles Times film critic. It includes intriguing sidelights and little-known facts about many other cinematic landmarks.
Top 5 Most Requested Books
▪ “The Midnight Line: A Jack Reacher Novel,” by Lee Child.
▪ “The Rooster Bar,” by John Grisham.
▪ “Two Kinds of Truth,” by Michael Connelly.
▪ “Wonder,” by R.J. Palacio.
▪ “Deep Freeze,” by John Sandford.
New Arrivals
▪ “The Ghosts of Galway,” by Ken Bruen. Jack Taylor, a down-on-his-luck private investigator in Ireland, reluctantly takes on an assignment – stepping over human and animal corpses in an effort to find a rare book that might not even exist.
▪ “Quilt Petite: 18 Sweet and Modern Mini-Quilts and More,” by Sedef Imer. For those who don’t have the time, energy or interest to make a full-scale quilt, here are instructions for cushions, place mats, potholders and other practical projects.
▪ “Wonder Valley,” by Ivy Pochoda. A fictional portrait of contemporary Southern California, told from the vantage point of a lawyer, a faith healer, a pair of criminals, street people and others trying to fit into one of America’s most diverse locales.
Events
▪ Holiday Letters to the Military: Join us to say thanks and wish happy holidays to our military members serving overseas. Stationery and supplies for writing service members will be provided. 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, at the Betty Rodriguez Regional Library. Details: 559-600-9245.
▪ Annual Winter Craft: Create a melting snowman sugar cookie! Supplies are provided by the library. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Call the branch to register. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, at the Sunnyside Regional Library. Details: 559-600-6594; and noon-1 p.m. Saturday, at the Orange Cove Branch Library. Details: 559-600-9292.
▪ Color Theory: Come hear a fascinating (and often surprising) presentation on color theory by artist Kirk Cruz. 2-3 p.m. Saturday, at the Clovis Regional Library. Details: 559-600-9531.
This is a weekly column written by the Fresno County Public Library staff. Events are usually free. Visit fresnolibrary.org, or call 559-600-6227 for details.
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