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Monday, January 30, 2023

Bucket Lists: "Before You Die" Titled Books

 

The new year, or at least January, tends to be all about goal-setting, making resolutions, and mantras of "new year new you".   It becomes a time when we can evaluate, who we are, who we want to be, what we could do, what we want to do, what interests we want to pursue, and what new things we want to experience.  When considering these things, one could end up compiling a "bucket list".   It doesn't have to be a long list, and what you put on it doesn't have to be anything risky or extravagant.  As of right now, my list has one thing: To see an Ocean.  Maybe not actually be in the water, but close enough to get what people are talking about when they talk about how an ocean smells.    




Tourists, nature lovers, and even armchair travelers will discover hours of pleasurable reading in this huge compendium of world-famous sites. They will also find a wealth of ideas for their next vacation trip. It is a guide to the most spectacular natural sites and sights around the world, from the magnificent Angel Falls in the Venezuelan rain forest to the fiery volcanic Mediterranean island of Stromboli, off the coast of Sicily. Other natural wonders include Glacier Bay, and Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska; Death Valley and Yosemite Park, California; the Rhine Valley in Germany; Mount Blanc in France; Mount Olympus in Greece; Mount Fuji in Japan; Easter Island; and for divers, spectacular places like the Mariana Trench in the Pacific. Here is a virtual circumnavigation of the globe, with each natural wonder, chosen for its grandeur and sheer beauty. Each location is profiled with a color photo, a description of its origin and present-day features, a thumbnail-size locator map, and a succinct table of statistics.



"This brand-new edition of 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die covers more than a century of movie history. Every film profile is packed with details including the director and cast, a plot summary and production notes, and little-known facts relating to the film's history, "--Amazon.com.




From Ancient Egyptian frescoes to the Renaissance masters, from French Impressionists to American Abstract Expressionists, this highly browsable guide embraces all cultures and every style of painting from 4,000 BC to the present. A visually arresting reference for art lovers and students, it provides a truly comprehensive worldwide gazeteer of paintings organized chronologically by date of completion. Each entry includes the history of the painting, information about the artist or artistic movement, the current location of the painting (all are on view to the public), as well as other details. The works are also indexed by artist and by title, making for easy cross-referencing. Included are popular paintings, key works that are the most breathtaking for their extraordinary power and beauty, paintings that were turning points in the history of art, and rediscovered masterpieces, making 1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die an art museum in its own right.



The world is full of wines. So why waste your time drinking something mediocre?

Award-winning author Margaret Rand has selected the 101 wines you should taste in your lifetime. Some will definitely challenge your bank balance - but are so worth it; some are classics that any serious wine lover should experience; others are secret inexpensive gems that you will be delighted to discover. Together they form a fabulous selection of must-drink wines.

From the prestigious vineyards of France and California to lesser-known wine makers in Hungary and Greece, discover the best wines from across the globe. Complete with tasting notes, advice on the best vintages and dishes to pair with the wines, this is the perfect gift for both wine aficionados and wine novices alike.



Soaring skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and improv comedy may be what the city is best known for, but they are only the beginning of Chicago's story. It could take a lifetime to experience everything this one-of-a-kind town has to offer. But what if you only have a few days to explore? You're in luck! The one hundred adventures in this candid insider's guide promise an authentic taste of the Windy City whether you're taking a weekend-sized bite or sticking around for the buffet of a lifetime. You'll find seasonal and themed itineraries to make planning your explorations easier. Discover which blues club locals swear by, pay a visit to a quiet green space hidden in plain sight, or dig in to an ice cream cone piled high with five different flavors! If you're visiting for the first time, or you're lucky enough to call Chicago home, these one hundred iconic experiences should top your to-do list. No matter when you visit or how long you stay, as you cross off each item, you're certain to learn something new and have fun in the process.



A graphic novel in the form of Ricardo Cavolo's personal diary, which follows the story of music through 101 essential artists; from Bach to Radiohead, to Amy Winehouse, Nirvana and Daft Punk. With over one hundred uniquely colorful illustrations and handwritten text, lists, notes, and personal anecdotes this is a book to delight in.



1001 Historic Sites makes a great book for browsing, an idea-packed source for vacation planning, a handy reference volume for students of history, and a sheer pleasure for the general reader.



Visually amazing, this critical history of comic books, manga, and graphic novels is a must-have for any comic buff or collector. Over the centuries, comic books and their offshoots, such as graphic novels, manga, and bandes dessinées, have evolved into a phenomenally popular, influential, and unique art form through which we can express our opinions, our fantasies, our nightmares, and our dreams. In short: comics are emphatically no longer just for kids. This volume is the perfect introduction to a dynamic and globally popular medium, embracing every graphic genre worldwide to assess the very best works of sequential art, graphic literature, comics, and comic strips, past and present. Packed with fantastic reproductions of classic front covers and groundbreaking panels, this book is visually stunning as well as a trove of information-- perfect for the passionate collector and casual fan alike.



"There may be a Springfield in many states, but only one of them is a capital: Springfield, Illinois. Within the pages of 100 Things to Do in Springfield, IL, Before You Die, however, you'll find out that Springfield is much more than Abraham Lincoln's hometown and Illinois's capital. Those highlights may have put Springfield on the map in a way few other cities of its size can match, but this book reveals hidden gems that even locals might not know about. Explore the parks and nature preserves, war memorials, and museums. Visit one of Frank Lloyd Wright's greatest designs at the Dana Thomas House, or hear the beautiful melodies of one of the world's largest carillons at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. Tourists and residents alike will find insider tips on where to find the best horseshoe (Springfield's signature sandwich), the best canoeing (down the Sangamon River), pick fresh blueberries, and see live theater under the stars." -- P. [4] of Cover.



The book is organized by region, and subject-specific indices in the back sort the book by interest--wilderness, great dining, best beaches, world-class museums, sports and adventures, road trips, and more. There's also an index that breaks out the best destinations for families with children. Following each entry is the nuts and bolts: addresses, websites, phone numbers, costs, best times to visit.



Encompassing fiction, poetry, science and science fiction, memoir, travel writing, biography, children's books, history, and more, 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die moves across cultures and through time to present an eclectic collection of titles, each described with the special enthusiasm readers summon when recommending a book to a friend.





Do you enjoy looking at the night sky but aren't sure how to keep track of what you've seen? Maybe you're looking to take your night watching to another level and find more incredible sights? Bob King's bucket list collection of 57 must-see night sky wonders and dark sky destinations will fill your nights with adventure and the ability to see some of the incredible phenomenon of the sky.

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Thorns

 


When searching for a book to read do try not to get pricked by any of the thorns on our shelves.




Hunted meets The Wrath and the Dawn in this bold fairytale retelling--where court intrigue, false identities, and dark secrets will thrill fans of classic and contemporary fantasy alike.

Princess Alyrra has always longed to escape the confines of her royal life, but when her mother betroths her to a powerful prince in a distant kingdom, she has little hope for a better future.

Until Alyrra arrives at her new kingdom, where a mysterious sorceress robs her of both her identity and her role as princess--and Alyrra seizes on the opportunity to start a new life for herself as a goose girl.

But as Alyrra uncovers dangerous secrets about her new world, including a threat to the prince himself, she knows she can't remain silent forever. With the fate of the kingdom at stake, Alyrra is caught between two worlds, and ultimately must decide who she is and what she stands for.

Originally self-published as an ebook and now brought to life in hardcover with a refreshed design and completely revised text, Thorn also features an additional short story set in-world, The Bone Knife.



A lush and twisted dark fairy tale suffused with witchcraft, dark secrets and bitter revenge from the award-winning author. Exquisite, haunting and at times brutal, readers of Naomi Novik and Erin Morgenstern will be entranced. Asher Todd comes to live with the mysterious Morwood family as a governess to their children. Asher knows little about being a governess but she is skilled in botany and herbcraft, and perhaps more than that. And she has secrets of her own, dark and terrible -- and Morwood is a house that eats secrets. With a monstrous revenge in mind, Asher plans to make it choke. However, she becomes fond of her charges, of the people of the Tarn, and she begins to wonder if she will be able to execute her plan -- and who will suffer most if she does. But as the ghosts of her past become harder to control, Asher realizes she has no choice. From the award-winning author of All the Murmuring Bones, dark magic, retribution and twisted family secrets combine to weave a bewitching and addictive tale.



"All sorcerers are evil. Elisabeth has known that as long as she has known anything. Raised as a foundling in one of Austermeer's Great Libraries, Elisabeth has grown up among the tools of sorcery -- magical grimoires that whisper on shelves and rattle beneath iron chains. If provoked, they transform into grotesque monsters of ink and leather. She hopes to become a warden, charged with protecting the kingdom from their power. Then an act of sabotage releases the library's most dangerous grimoire. Elisabeth's desperate intervention implicates her in the crime, and she is torn from her home to face justice in the capital. With no one to turn to but her sworn enemy, the sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn, and his mysterious demonic servant, she finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conspiracy. Not only could the Great Libraries go up in flames, but the world along with them. As her alliance with Nathaniel grows stronger, Elisabeth starts to question everything she's been taught -- about sorcerers, about the libraries she loves, even about herself. For Elisabeth has a power she has never guessed, and a future she could never have imagined." -- Provided by publisher.



"Violet is a prophet and a liar, influencing the royal court with her cleverly phrased--and not always true--divinations. Honesty is for suckers, like the oh-so-not charming Prince Cyrus, who plans to strip Violet of her official role once he's crowned at the end of the summer--unless Violet does something about it. But when the king asks her to falsely prophesy Cyrus's love story for an upcoming ball, Violet awakens a dreaded curse, one that will end in either damnation or salvation for the kingdom--all depending on the prince's choice of future bride. Violet faces her own choice: Seize an opportunity to gain control of her own destiny, no matter the cost, or give in to the ill-fated attraction that's growing between her and Cyrus. Violet's wits may protect her in the cutthroat court, but they can't change her fate. And as the boundary between hatred and love grows ever thinner with the prince, Violet must untangle a wicked web of deceit in order to save herself and the kingdom--or doom them all"--. Amazon.com.



There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it's not just a story.

As the day of her twin brother's wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she's willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn't afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.

Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming...human or demon. Princess or monster.



In the ancient river kingdom, where touch is a battlefield and bodies the instruments of war, Mia Rose has pledged her life to hunting Gwyrach: women who can manipulate flesh, bones, breath, and blood. The same women who killed her mother without a single scratch. But when Mia's father announces an alliance with the royal family, she is forced to trade in her knives and trousers for a sumptuous silk gown. Determined to forge her own path forward, Mia plots a daring escape, but could never predict the greatest betrayal of all: her own body. Mia possesses the very magic she has sworn to destroy. Now, as she untangles the secrets of her past, Mia must learn to trust her heart even if it kills her.



There's something unusual about Pamela Isley--the girl who hides behind her bright red hair. The girl who won't let anyone inside to see what's lurking behind the curtains. The girl who goes to extreme lengths to care for a few plants. Pamela Isley doesn't trust other people, especially men. They always want something from her that she's not willing to give.

When cute goth girl Alice Oh comes into Pamela's life after an accident at the local park, she makes her feel like pulling back the curtains and letting the sunshine in. But there are dark secrets deep within the Isley house. Secrets Pamela's father has warned must remain hidden. Secrets that could turn deadly and destroy the one person who ever cared about Pamela, or as her mom preferred to call her...Ivy.

Will Pamela open herself up to the possibilities of love, or will she forever be transformed by the thorny vines of revenge?





Violet Sterling has spent the last seven years in exile, longing to return to Burleigh House. One of the six great houses of England, Burleigh's magic kept both the countryside and Violet happy.

That is until her father's treason destroyed everything.

Now she's been given a chance to return home. But Burleigh isn't what she remembered. Wild with grief, Burleigh's very soul is crying out in pain. As its tormented magic ravages the countryside, Vi must decide how far she's willing to go to save her house--before her house destroys everything she's ever known.

A house left unchecked will lead to ruin.

But I will not let it ruin me.



"Travel to Grishnaverse, a world of dark bargains struck by moonlight, of haunted towns and hungry woods, of talking beasts and gingerbread golems, where a young mermaid's voice can summon deadly storms and where a river might do a lovestruck boy's bidding but only for a terrible price. Inspired by myth, fairy tale, and folklore, author Leigh Bardugo has crafted a deliciously atmospheric collection of short stories filled with betrayals, revenge, sacrifice, and love." -- from the publisher.



"In this beautifully written and powerful debut novel, Ella Joy Olsen traces the stories of five fascinating women who inhabit the same historic home over the course of a century--braided stories of love, heartbreak and courage connect the women, even across generations. Ivy Baygren has two great loves in her life: her husband, Adam, and the bungalow they buy together in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Salt Lake City, Utah. From the moment she and Adam lay eyes on the home, Ivy is captivated by its quaint details--the old porch swing, ornate tiles, and especially an heirloom rose bush bursting with snowy white blossoms. Called the Emmeline Rose for the home's original owner, it seems yet another sign that this place will be Ivy's happily-ever-after... Until her dreams are shattered by Adam's unexpected death. Striving to be strong for her two children, Ivy decides to tackle the home-improvement projects she and Adam once planned. Day by day, as she attempts to rebuild her house and her resolve, she uncovers clues about previous inhabitants, from a half-embroidered sampler to buried wine bottles. And as Ivy learns about the women who came before her--the young Mormon torn between her heart and anti-polygamist beliefs, the Greek immigrant during World War II, a troubled single mother in the 1960s--she begins to uncover the lessons of her own journey. For every story has its sadness, but there is also the possibility of blooming again, even stronger and more resilient than before..."--Page 4 of cover.

Monday, January 23, 2023

Chinese New Year: Rabbit



Chinese New Year celebrations traditionally last for 16 days, beginning on Chinese New Year's Eve (which falls on January 21st in 2023),  and ending with the Lantern Festival, (February 5th in 2023), with each day in between having a name and a meaning. (Chinese New Year 2023: Date Jan. 22, Year of the Rabbit Written by CindyUpdated Dec. 15, 2022). 

The Chinese Zodiac is comprised of 12 animals, each getting a whole year to itself in a 12-year cycle.  The story goes that the Jade Emperor invited all the animals to race across a river, and the order in which they completed the race, would be the order of their appearance in the calendar.  There are many variations of the myth.  To begin with we have the Cat and the Rat; both being terrible swimmers, they opted to ride across the river on the back of the Ox.  This allowed them a great lead on the other animals.  It was as they approached the shore, in an act of what cats to this day consider a great act of treachery,  the Rat to shoved the cat off of the Ox, before leaping off the Ox's head and winning the race.  And so the order in which the animals arrived on the shore begins with the Rat, followed by the  Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.   

Now, for 2023, we consider the 4th animal in this cycle: The Rabbit.  The Rabbit being a creature after my own heart, wanted to avoid swimming.  Having noticed a series of stepping stones across the river, the Rabbit opted to us their natural talents and hopped from stone to stone, until coming across a floating log to ride on.  Now, in the race, the Dragon could have easily won, far ahead of any of the other animals, but being a benevolent creature, he opted instead to help the other animals to cross.  So, it was with a giant puff of air, from the dragon, the Rabbit's log was able to quickly sail across the River thus, allowing the Rabbit to arrive ashore. Now, a part of the legend also tells that the Rabbit being overly cocksure of his great speed, opted to take a nap before starting the race, but when he woke up not only was he not first but, he was shocked that his neighbor, the Ox, whom he frequently mocked for his lack of speed had arrived before him. 






Celebrating Chinese New Year by Heinrichs, Ann

The Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate renewal and fresh beginnings. In America, this holiday has become an important and exciting cultural tradition. Lively illustrations and informative text teach readers about the history and pastimes associated with the Chinese New Year, as well as what they can do to commemorate the day. Additional features to aid comprehension include activities and poetry, informative sidebars, a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, sources for further research, an index, and an introduction to the author and illustrator.




Snow is coming, coming soon, so Rabbit needs to find food fast. Just in time, a turnip turns up, and a second one, too. Who in the woods wouldn't want to tuck away an extra turnip for the long winter? Not Rabbit. He chooses a different path--and starts a wave of generosity that spreads among all his forest friends.

Admired picture-book team George Shannon and Laura Dronzek have created a heartwarming tale about the true meaning of friendship.

Includes an author's note and a chart that translates the Chinese calligraphy in the book.







This vibrant, simple, and highly graphic bilingual book is the perfect introduction to Chinese and English words for colors as it honors one of the biggest holidays around the world.



The Chinese Myths: A Guide to the Gods and Legends by Liu, Tao Tao  "This is a concise and entertaining guide to the complex tradition of Chinese mythology. While many around the world are familiar with some aspects of Chinese myth - through Chinese New Year festivities or the classic adventures of the Monkey King in Journey to the West - few outside of China understand the richness of Chinese mythology, influenced by Daoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Offering much more than any competing overview of Chinese mythology, The Chinese Myths not only retells the ancient stories but also considers their place within the patterns of Chinese religions, culture and history. Tao Tao Liu introduces us to an intriguing cast of gods, goddesses, dragons and monks, including: the ancient hero, Yi the Archer, who shot suns out of the sky to save humanity from a drought; Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion, to whom there are temples dedicated all over East Asia; and Madame White Snake, a water snake spirit in the guise of a mysterious widow, her story adapted into countless films and operas. This book is for anyone interested in China, as knowing its myths allows readers to understand and appreciate its culture in a new light."--. Publisher's description.




This book presents 22 classic Chinese proverbs and the traditional tales behind them. The stories are bilingual, with the Chinese and English versions presented on facing pages. Each includes an explanation of how the proverb is used today, cultural notes, vocabulary and discussion questions. Audio recordings of the tales read by native speakers are included--giving students a chance to improve their pronunciation and comprehension.




Star-crossed lovers, meddling immortals, feigned identities, battles of wits, and dire warnings: these are the stuff of fairy tale, myth, and folklore that have drawn us in for centuries.

Sixteen bestselling and acclaimed authors reimagine the folklore and mythology of East and South Asia in short stories that are by turns enchanting, heartbreaking, romantic, and passionate.

Compiled by We Need Diverse Books's Ellen Oh and Elsie Chapman--who both contributed stories to this edition, as well--the authors included in this exquisite collection are: Renée Ahdieh, Sona Charaipotra, Preeti Chhibber, Roshani Chokshi, Aliette de Bodard, Melissa de la Cruz, Julie Kagawa, Rahul Kanakia, Lori M. Lee, E. C. Myers, Cindy Pon, Aisha Saeed, Shveta Thakrar, and Alyssa Wong.

A mountain loses her heart. Two sisters transform into birds to escape captivity. A young man learns the true meaning of sacrifice. A young woman takes up her mother's mantle and leads the dead to their final resting place.

From fantasy to science fiction to contemporary, from romance to tales of revenge, these stories will beguile readers from start to finish. For fans of Neil Gaiman's Unnatural Creatures and Ameriie's New York Times-bestselling Because You Love to Hate Me.



"Daiyu never wanted to be like the tragic heroine for whom she was named, revered for her beauty and cursed with heartbreak. But when she is kidnapped and smuggled across an ocean from China to America, Daiyu must relinquish the home and future she imagined for herself. Over the years that follow, she is forced to keep reinventing herself to survive. From a calligraphy school, to a San Francisco brothel, to a shop tucked into the Idaho mountains, we follow Daiyu on a desperate quest to outrun the tragedy that chases her. As anti-Chinese sentiment sweeps across the country in a wave of unimaginable violence, Daiyu must draw on each of the selves she has been-including the ones she most wants to leave behind-in order to finally claim her own name and story. At once a literary tour de force and a groundbreaking work of historical fiction, Four Treasures of the Sky announces Jenny Tinghui Zhang as an indelible new voice. Steeped in untold history and Chinese folklore, this novel is a spellbinding feat"--. Provided by publisher.




"China, 1937: When Japanese bombs begin falling on the city of Nanking, nineteen-year-old Hu Lian and her classmates at Minghua University are ordered to flee. Lian and a convoy of more than a hundred students, faculty, and staff must walk a thousand miles to the safety of China's western provinces, a journey marred by hunger, cold, and the constant threat of aerial attack. And it is not just the student refugees who are at risk: Lian and her classmates have been entrusted with a priceless treasure, a 500-year-old collection of myths and folklore known as the Library of Legends. Her family's past has made Lian wary of forming attachments, but the students' common duty to safeguard the Library of Legends forms unexpected bonds. Lian finds friendship and a cautious romance with the handsome and wealthy Liu Shaoming. But after one classmate is murdered and another arrested, Lian realizes she must escape from the convoy before a family secret puts her in danger. Accompanied by Shao and the enigmatic maidservant Sparrow, Lian makes her way to Shanghai, hoping to reunite with her mother. On the journey, Lian learns of the connection between her two companions and a tale from the Library of Legends, The Willow Star and the Prince. Learning Shao and Sparrow's true identities compels Lian to confront her feelings for Shao. But there are broader consequences too, for as the ancient books travel across China, they awaken immortals and guardian spirits to embark on an exodus of their own, one that changes the country's fate forever. Based on true events, rich in Chinese history and lore, The Library of Legends is both an illuminating exploration of China's recent past and an evocative tale of love, sacrifice, and the extraordinary power of storytelling."--Publisher.



"And they lived happily ever after . . . I assume."Vengeful spirits, flying ogres, helpful teapots, ghost pepper ghosts, and trickster tigers? That's just the start of this lively collection of Asian folktales, reimagined and retold in comics!This second volume of the "Cautionary Fables and Fairy Tales" graphic novel series is a thrilling, funny, and totally unexpected take on stories spanning the entirety of the Asian continent, with loads of lesser-known myths and legends from Tibet, India, Indonesia, and beyond. Featuring the work of GENE LUEN YANG, NICK DRAGOTTA, BLUE DELLIQUANTI, CARLA SPEED MCNEIL, NINA MATSUMOTO, and many more!




This breathtaking, full-color illustrated fantasy is inspired by Chinese folklore, and is a companion to the Newbery Honor winner Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.

Pinmei's gentle, loving grandmother always has the most thrilling tales for her granddaughter and the other villagers. However, the peace is shattered one night when soldiers of the Emperor arrive and kidnap the storyteller.

Everyone knows that the Emperor wants something called the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night. Determined to have her grandmother returned, Pinmei embarks on a journey to find the Luminous Stone alongside her friend Yishan, a mysterious boy who seems to have his own secrets to hide. Together, the two must face obstacles usually found only in legends to find the Luminous Stone and save Pinmei's grandmother--before it's too late.

A fast-paced adventure that is extraordinarily written and beautifully illustrated, When the Sea Turned to Silver is a masterpiece companion novel to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky.



This beautiful retelling of Chinese folktales highlights the relationships between humans and non-humans. Whether fantastical, like the love story of the Dragon King's Daughter, or intense, like the bond between hunter and beast, this stunning collection of five stories delves into traditional Chinese lore and myth.



Thursday, January 19, 2023

Dolly Parton

 


You know those movies that you have watched a thousand times but will still watch it every time you see it playing somewhere in tv-land?  I've got a varied list and that list would be incredibly bereft without Dolly Parton.  It started with 9 to 5, the movie came out the year I was born and at some point, we acquired a copy, not beta, not VHS, but a selectavision videodisc.  I'm fairly certain I wore that disc out.   Steel Magnolias is a given as it is on the 'when-I-really-need-a-good-cry list', (for some reason A League of Their Own is also on this list),  And of course Straight Talk.

My parents in no way were or are purveyors of country music, nor am I. Still, Dolly was there. I tend to consider that some people just transcend music genres and are just MUSIC.  So among the Olympians of music (Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, David Bowie, etc...) is Dolly Parton.

And then there is "The Book Lady".


"Everywhere I go, the kids call me 'the book lady.' The older I get, the more appreciative I seem to be. of the 'book lady' title.  It makes me feel more like a legitimate person, not just a singer or and entertainer, But it makes me feel like I've done something good with my life and with my success."

-Dolly Parton.
In 1995, Dolly Parton started the Imagination Library, in honor of her father.  The goal was to ensure children were given access to books.  The Imagination library provides free books to children from birth through age five.  The hopes are that with an early introduction to books, children will not only succeed in learning but will fall in love with reading.  Beginning in Dolly's own stomping grounds of Sevier County, TN, the Imagination Library now serves children across the US and in Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United. Kingdom.  "As of September 2022, The Imagination Library will mail close to 2 million age-appropriate books per month to children from birth to the age of five, no matter their family’s income." - Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Now Serves Over 10% of Children Under 5 in the U.S.



dollyparton.com

https://www.marieclaire.com/culture/a34875550/dolly-parton-shelf-portrait/




When asked in an interview with Southern Living about her favorite book, Dolly replied: "It's The Little Engine That Could. Because I'm the little engine that did. I always say that "I thought I could, I thought I could" and "I think I can, I think I can, and I still think I can." So I think that's a great little inspirational book. It really kinda sums me up pretty good." Dolly Parton: The Southern Living Interview By Southern Living Editors Updated on May 4, 2018


"I have a favorite Southern writer named Lee Smith. She writes all these great stories about country people, mountain people. So I'm really drawn to Southern writers as well."  https://www.oprahdaily.com/entertainment/a28134640/dolly-parton-favorite-books/




On a beautiful June day in 1965, a dozen girls-classmates at a picturesque Blue Ridge women's college-launched their homemade raft (inspired by Huck Finn's) on a trip down the Mississippi. It's Girls A-Go-Go Down the Mississippi read the headline in the Paducah, Kentucky, paper.

Thirty-five years later, four of those "girls" reunite to cruise the river again. This time it's on the luxury steamboat, The Belle of Natchez, and there's no publicity. This time, when they reach New Orleans, they'll give the river the ashes of a fifth rafter-beautiful Margaret ("Baby") Ballou.

Revered for her powerful female characters, here Lee Smith tells a brilliantly authoritative story of how college pals who grew up in an era when they were still called "girls" have negotiated life as "women." Harriet Holding is a hesitant teacher who has never married (she can't explain why, even to herself). Courtney Gray struggles to step away from her Southern Living-style life. Catherine Wilson, a sculptor, is suffocating in her happy third marriage. Anna Todd is a world-famous romance novelist escaping her own tragedies through her fiction. And finally there is Baby, the girl they come to bury-along with their memories of her rebellions and betrayals.

THE LAST GIRLS is wonderful reading. It's also wonderfully revealing of women's lives-of the idea of romance, of the relevance of past to present, of memory and desire.



"For the first time ever, legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton brings you behind the lyrics of 175 of her songs to reveal the personal stories and vibrant memories that have inspired sixty years of songwriting. Lushly illustrated and told in Dolly's inimitable voice, this rich collection offers an intimate, exclusive look at the colorful life, prolific career, and rags-to-rhinestones journey of one of the most revered entertainers of our time"-- Provided by publisher.



Dolly Parton lends the lyrics of her classic song "Coat of Many Colors" to this heartfelt picture book for young readers.

Country music legend Dolly Parton's rural upbringing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee provides the backdrop for this special picture book. Using lyrics from her classic song "Coat of Many Colors," the book tells the story of a young girl in need of a warm winter coat. When her mother sews her a coat made of rags, the girl is mocked by classmates for being poor. But Parton's trademark positivity carries through to the end as the girl realizes that her coat was made with love "in every stitch." Beautiful illustrations pair with Parton's poetic lyrics in this heartfelt picture book sure to speak to all young readers.


From America's most beloved superstar and its greatest storyteller--a thriller about a young singer-songwriter on the rise and on the run, and determined to do whatever it takes to survive. Every song tells a story. She's a star on the rise, singing about the hard life behind her. She's also on the run. Find a future, lose a past. Nashville is where she's come to claim her destiny. It's also where the darkness she's fled might find her. And destroy her. Run, Rose, Run is a novel glittering with danger and desire--a story that only America's #1 beloved entertainer and its #1 bestselling author could have created.


Explores how the music of Dolly Parton and other prominent women country artists has both reflected and validated the harsh realities of rural working-class American women.



Ten faith lessons as evidenced in Dolly Parton's life, music, interviews, and attitude.



"A picture book biography of music icon and philanthropist Dolly Parton celebrating resilience, confidence, and unfailing kindness"--. Provided by publisher.


Dolly is a little girl with a BIG voice. Music fills Dolly's heart so plumb full she has to let it out! She'll even sing to her cornhusk dolls or a pen full of pigs. She makes her own drum from a pot and her own guitar from a broken mandolin. But what Dolly dreams of is performing for a real audience--people who would hear her sing, and applaud!


Little Dolly grew up in Tennessee in a family "as poor as dirt." She started performing at an early age, singing on local radio and television. After graduating high school, she moved to Nashville to pursue her singing dreams. Her managers wanted her to sing pop, but she followed her heart to sing and write country songs. Her heart was right--Dolly became a musical superstar, but she never forgot where she came from. She now uses her wealth to give back to people, children, and animals in need. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the singer's life."--Amazon.

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