Christmas Traditions: Amahl and the Night Visitors

Every holiday has its traditions.  Some are unique to a particular community, like the Easter Egg fights at Peters Hollow, while others, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, are national.  Families have their own traditions as well, so this year we thought we’d list some of the staff’s favorite holiday traditions.   Feel free to join with your favorite book, video, recipe, event or memory! This one is from Jeanne:

“Amahl and the Night Visitors”

Some traditions fall by the wayside.  When I was a child, my mother always looked forward to the then-annual showing of “Amahl.”  This was, believe it or not, an opera that was run in prime time on a national network.  No, my mother was not an opera aficionado—her musical tastes ran more to Big Band and folk, and as far as I know she never watched or listened to another opera in her life—but there was something about “Amahl” that she dearly loved.  For those unfamiliar with the opera, it’s the story of the lame boy Amahl and his impoverished mother who meet the Wise Men on their way to Bethlehem.  Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti wrote the opera as a commission from NBC and it was first televised as a live performance in 1951. (It was also the debut of another tradition:  it was the first production of the Hallmark Hall of Fame.) The program was performed live for over a decade, then in 1963 it was taped and rerun until 1966. Of course, this is all from hindsight and Wikipedia.  At the time we weren't keeping track.

I do have a hazy memory of my mother’s disappointment when “Amahl” didn’t come on one year.  At first she thought we must have just missed it, but several years went by without a sign of it. This is a time before DVDs, even before VCRs, when there were few channels and holiday specials were just that:  they were only shown at the holidays and were special. If you missed “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” then you had to wait until next year and hope it was shown again. Still, on any occasion in which someone asked about a box, Mom would chant, “This is my box, this is my box, I never travel without my box” as Kaspar sings in “Amahl.”

Some seven or eight years ago I found a copy on video and bought it. My first surprise was to find out that it was an opera.  I thought it was just a musical, like "West Side Story" which I knew not from the theaters but from ""NBC Monday Night at the Movies." This video was from a later version—from the 1970s, I think—but it was pretty much as I remembered.   The biggest difference is that it was in color. My mother was delighted!  On Christmas Eve, she insisted that we all sit down and watch “Amahl.”  My older brother seemed vaguely puzzled at first, and then all at once he remembered it too.  If I’d remembered more about it, I would have had tissues at the ready.

Even if you don't like opera, give "Amahl" a try if you come across a copy.  If you're curious there are excerpts of various performances on youtube. There’s a book adaptation in the Children’s Department in the fiction section under Menotti.

Just keep some tissues handy.

Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher

Reviewed by Nancy W.

In Wishful Drinking Carrie Fisher tells some really wild tales. She assures the reader, however, that even though many of the stories she’s telling are “way over the top,” she is leaving out plenty that are even farther past “way over the top.” This makes me want to sit down and have a conversation with her just to see if I could get her to tell me some of the parts she left out.

Carrie Fisher is the daughter of Eddie Fisher (famous crooner) and Debbie Reynolds (iconic actress). As Ms. Fisher puts it, her parents were “the Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston of the late 50s." And like Brad and Jen, they did not stay married. 

So, here’s what happened: Eddie and Debbie were close, close friends with Mike Todd and Elizabeth Taylor. About a year after Mike Todd married Elizabeth Taylor, he was killed in a plane crash. 

Carrie Fisher’s father, Eddie, flew to Elizabeth Taylor’s side to console her, “gradually making his way slowly to her front.” In short order Eddie’s involvement with Elizabeth Taylor made his marriage to Debbie Reynolds “awkward.” Divorce followed. Ms. Fisher makes this simple for the reader to grasp by offering these instructions, “think of Eddie as Brad Pitt and Debbie as Jennifer Aniston and Elizabeth as Angelina Jolie. Ms. Fisher provides us with a chart (including pictures) of her parent’s marriages, divorces and children.

Of course, there are two ways to approach this. One can be horrified at the sad shenanigans of the rich and famous, or one can turn it into some really dark humor and laugh it off as Carrie Fisher does. I must say I have enjoyed Ms. Fisher's approach.

If you can't quite place Carrie Fisher, think of the young woman in the movie "Star Wars" who had the funny hair. Ms. Fisher offers a few comments on the hair style in her book.  She also opines that the star wars movie gave her an identity that will follow her to her grave "like a vague, exotic smell."

 Ms. Fisher's book is chock full of tasty informational tidbits. I especially savored the one regarding a special talent of former president George W. Bush that is revealed on pages twenty-one and twenty-two.

You might not expect a philosophical observation about immortality to have a punch line, but Ms. Fisher's does. It is put forth in the last two paragraphs of page twenty-two.

Come to think of it, page twenty which covers the period long ago when she dated Senator Chris Dodd is pretty interesting, too.

If you think you don't have any time to fritter away reading a celebrity memoir, just drop by the library and read pages twenty-one and twenty-two. I would hate for you to miss them. Of course, you'll probably get hooked and want to read the book in its entirety.

Genetics, Prodigal Summer, Flavia, Birds, Ex Libris and The Hogfather

The November 22 Nevermore Book Club readers were enthusiastic about their selections, which were fairly evenly balanced between fiction and non-fiction.

Genetics for Dummies by Tara Rodden Robinson was the first book discussed.  Our reader was thoroughly enjoying it.  The author explains a complex subject in relatively simply fashion.  If you want to feel a bit less important, just note the number of genes in corn (maize) verses the number in a human being.  Along the way one learns about the history of corn, information about European royalty, gene therapy, gene splicing and how DNA is revolutionizing crime solving. 

Barbara Kingsolver’s Prodigal Summer was next up.  This novel weaves three storylines together as a female forest ranger, a young widow, and two elderly neighbors redefine the concepts of home and family.  One aspect that everyone enjoyed was the amount of information about the environment, ecology, culture and wildlife was woven into the story.  The setting is local, which made it all the more appealing. 

Ex Libris: Reflections of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman enchanted our next member.  The book is a collection of essays by a woman who is passionate about reading and books.  Witty and thoughtful, Fadiman covers language, books and the moment she finally felt married: when she and her husband merged book collections.

Eleven year old chemist and sleuth Flavia de Luce has acquired a devoted following since her debut in The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.  In I Am Half-Sick of Shadows, the delightful fourth entry in the series, Flavia’s father has rented out the family home during the Christmas holidays to a movie company in hopes of raising some badly needed cash to keep the family solvent.  Flavia had been quite involved in her latest project—capturing Father Christmas—but finds the newcomers to be a bit of an intriguing distraction.  Series fans will be glad to know that the sisters are as spiteful as ever and that Dogger has a good role.  You don’t have to read the series in order.

Another holiday title of sorts is The Hogfather by Terry Prachett.  In Discworld, presents are delivered by The Hogfather, a jolly man in a red suit who rides in a sled pulled by pigs.  Due to some unfortunate meddling, the Hogfather is not in a state to do his job in that he is. . . um, sort of dead. Since there must be a Hogfather, the role is assumed by another immortal of sorts, only this one usually carries a scythe.  Let’s just say that Death is not the life of the Christmas party, though his grasp of the concept of a commercial Christmas is one to celebrate. If you like satiric British humor and word play, by all means put The Hogfather  on your holiday reading list.

January 1^st is not only New Year’s Day, it’s the kick-off date for an annual bird-watching competition. On that day, a number of bird-watching enthusiasts will decide to embark on a “Big Year” which when a birder spends an entire year trying to see as many bird species as he can throughout North America.  The Big Year:  A Tale of Man, Nature, and Fowl Obsession by Mark Obmascik chronicles the year 1999 when three highly competitive men set out to beat the record.  Even non-birders will enjoy this entertaining and true story, and come away with a bit more interest in what goes on at the backyard feeder.

New Books in Favorite Series!

There are several popular series authors who have new books out in November.  Many of these will be on reserve, so if you want to read these you may need to get your name on the list!

Sue Grafton fans, rejoice!  Kinsey Millhone is back, though she ‘s a little worse for wear after a punch in the face leaves her with two black eyes and a broken nose.  That’s just the start of the complications in V is for Vengeance, the long awaited new entry in the series that started with A is for Alibi.  Reserve it today!

Before Catherine Coulter became famous for her FBI thrillers, she wrote some wonderful historical romances.   The Prince of Ravenscar is her newest book and a sequel to the Sherbrooke Twins. In fact, the author suggests you reread the latter before reading the new book.  Where can you find a copy of The Sherbrooke Twins?  Why, your local library! We have copies in large print, paperback and on CD!

Did you love Wicked?    Out of Oz is the fourth and final book in Gregory Maguire’s inspired re-imagining of the Land of Oz.  Maguire brings back some  of his beloved characters and gives us a good look at that Kansas girl, Dorothy Gale.

When ships suddenly begin exploding, Kurt Austin is called to investigate and uncovers a dictator’s plan to use an incredible weapon to extort tribute from the world’s governments.  Devil’s Gate by Clive Cussler is another thrilling chapter in the Numa Files series!

For Harry Bosch, time is ticking down.  He only has three years before he’ll have to retire from the force, and he’s anxious to solve as many cases as he can before then.  Harry should know to be careful what he wishes for, when two cases suddenly show up on the same day, both with horrifying implications. Best-selling author Michael Connelly is in top form with The Drop.  Reserve it today!

Fall means it’s time for a new Margaret Maron book! In Three Day Town,  Judge Deborah Knott and her deputy sheriff husband are visiting the Big Apple,  but their hopes for their long delayed honeymoon are dashed when their doorman is murdered and a box is missing.  Maron fans will be delighted to know that the investigating officer is none other than Sigrid Harald, who was featured in Maron’s first mystery series.

Flavia is back!  Everyone’s favorite eleven year old chemist /sleuth has an ingenious plan to ensnare Father Christmas, but first she has another murder to solve.  Alan Bradley has concocted another winning tale with I Am Half Sick of Shadows  A Flavia de Luce Novel.

James Patterson’s new book is Kill Alex Cross.  Need we say more?

Eragon fans, the wait is over!  Inheritance, the fourth and final book in the saga, is out this month.  Christopher Paolini became a media sensation as a nineteen year old best-selling author.  Now 27, his books have been licensed into 49 different languages!

If you like off-beat—and we mean really offbeat—mysteries, then Tim Dorsey may be the author for you.  His protagonist is Serge Storms, a psychopathic serial killer with a strong sense of justice, sort of like a gregarious and outgoing Dexter.  The new book in the series is When Elves Attack, A Joyous Christmas Greeting from the Criminal Nutbars of the Sunshine State.

Old Hollywood: Lady Blue Eyes & Rin Tin Tin

Lady Blue Eyes: My Life with Frank by Barbara Sinatra

Reviewed by Nancy P.

Barbara Sinatra gives us a fabulous account of her life with icon Frank Sinatra.  It is full of surprises.  She relates the good and the bad of their lives during and after the Golden Age of movies and entertainment in the Fifties and Sixties and beyond.  Her stories of other popular entertainers of yesteryear are very interesting and make you want to keep the pages turning.  She isn’t “dishing dirt” in that her stories aren’t malicious or mean-spirited, but she does give some eye-opening moments. 

Of course, most of the book is about Frank Sinatra.  He had so many facets to his personality.  She deals with that in depth as well as with his legacy. She says he was the most romantic man she ever met, but admits that he had a temper, especially when he was drinking. His loyalty to his friends was legendary.   He touched so many lives.

If you’re a fan of “Old Hollywood,” the Rat Pack, the movie stars and entertainers, you’ll want to read Lady Blue Eyes.

Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend by Susan Orlean

Review by Jeanne

Before Lassie, there was Rin Tin Tin.  If ever there was a canine Cinderella story, this was it.

It all began during World War I in France.  American serviceman Lee Duncan was patrolling a bombed-out German encampment when he spotted a concrete building.  When he investigated, he found it was a kennel where the German canine corps had been housed.  It had been hit by shells; dead dogs were everywhere.  As he picked his way through the debris, he heard a whimper and discovered a German shepherd dog with five puppies who had survived.  An orphan himself, Lee was drawn to these shell-shocked dogs.  He found a home for the mother and three of the puppies, keeping two for himself.  He became their devoted guardian.  He named the puppies after doll good luck charms that the French children sold to the troops:  Nadine and Rin Tin Tin.

Lee didn’t know just how much of a good luck charm he had.  He soon found out.

Even if you don’t remember watching Rinty himself, his influence on the way dogs were portrayed in movies was immense.  The dog himself was a charmer, and some reviewers felt he was a better actor than his human co-stars.  In fact, at one point Rin Tin Tin was the number one box office star.  He’s often been credited with saving Warner Brothers Studios from bankruptcy and later inspired the 1976 comedy  “Won Ton Ton:  The Dog Who Saved Hollywood.”

Dog lovers and movie buffs alike will enjoy this wonderful book. It’s a loving and fascinating look at a man and his dog, the early movie industry, and the bond between humans and animals.

 

What's Hot!

The New York Times Bestseller List is compiled by the news department of that newspaper.  Exactly how they reach their list is a trade secret, but apparently they contact various chain and independent booksellers to determine what books individuals are buying as opposed to bulk buying.  (At least once, it's believed, someone discovered which stores were polled and skewered the results by going to the stores and buying copies of specific books to up their standing on the list.)


Why should New York have all the fun?  We decided to check the reserve list for books and create our own list to reflect local interest.  What follows is the Bristol Public Library's  Top Twelve Books on Reserve.  (Please imagine a drum roll here.) Counting down we have:

12. Unwritten Laws by Greg Iles

11. Killing Lincoln:  The Shocking Assassination That Changed America Forever by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

10. Kill Shot by Vince Flynn

9. I Am Half Sick of Shadows:  a Flavia de Luce Novel by C. Alan Bradley

8. 11/22/63 by Stephen King

7. Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

6. The Drop by Michael Connelly

5. Bonnie by Iris Johansen

4.Shock Wave by John Sandford

3. V is for Vengence by Sue Grafton

2. Explosive Eighteen by Janet Evanovich

And the number one book on reserve is:

1. Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson!

We have multiple copies of most of these titles so the wait shouldn't be too long.  You can reserve books online, by phone or in person on your next trip to the library!

New Novels for November!

David Baldacci has a new book out, Zero Day!  Army combat veteran and special investigator John Puller is called to the scene of a brutal murder in rural West Virginia, where nothing is what it seems to be and a local homicide might have international implications.

Anthony Horowitz has made quite a name for himself as an award-winning screenwriter as well as a novelist writing thrillers for both adults and children.  Now he takes on a rather unusual assignment for the estate of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. . . writing the first authorized Sherlock Holmes novel  for 106 years. If you’re a Sherlock Holmes fan, you’ll want to reserve House of Silk.

What if you could go back in time and change an event? That’s been the hook for many a novel, some good and some very, very bad.  This time, however, the question is asked by Stephen King—and the event is the Kennedy assassination.  This could be very, very, very good indeed! The title is  11/22/63 and the time to reserve it is today!

Danielle Steel‘s newest book is Hotel Vendome, a behind the scenes look at a five star hotel in New York.  Expect glamour, glitz, secrets, celebrities, romance—in short, all the ingredients that have made Danielle Steel a best-selling and beloved author.