5 things Halloween can teach us about reading

1.  Don't judge a book by its cover.  The gore-encrusted trick-or-treater who knocks at your door is just wearing a costume; similarly, unappealing cover art can disguise a gem of a book.
2.  People like to be scared - as long as they know they're safe.  R.L. Stine credits the popularity of his children's Goosebumps series with the principle of the "safe scare."  Admit it; there are probably a few scary books you've enjoyed reading while snug in your home, too.
3.  Free candy makes life sweeter.  With Winter Reading Club starting soon, you will soon get your own sweet treat in exchange for reading.
4.  It's okay to object to things. Maybe you disapprove of sexy Halloween costumes, or of the holiday in general.  Chances are, you have strong views on fiction, too.  Not to worry, your Community Library prides itself on having reading material for people from all idealogies.  Sign up for a NextReads email newsletter to get the inside scoop on favorites from all genres, including Christian Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror.
5.  Sometimes, you just have to get outside of yourself and pretend to be someone you're not.  Part of the joy of fiction is in escapism.  Escape with a good book from your Community Library!

Humorous Horror for Halloween

Enjoy your creepy stories on the light side?  Check out one of these humorous works of horror for perfectly amusing Halloween reading.

'Descendents' Author Counts Her Blessings

Few would-be novelists are able to get their books published, let alone get their debuts turned into movies starring George Clooney.  But, as reported in this issue of Shelf Awareness, that's exactly what happened to new author Kaui Hart Hemmings.  Set in Hawaii, her book The Descendents tells the story of wealthy landowner Matthew King, his two out-of-control daughters, and his comatose wife, whom they are about to remove from life support.  Now, the author of The Descendents is counting her blessings; the movie adaptation of her book is premiering November 18th, and you'll see plenty of the author's friends and family as extras in the background.  Reserve this book before the rush here at your Community Library!

Jackie Kennedy still has it

Jackie Kennedy still has it - the power to charm and enthrall America, that is.  The new book by the former First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy: Historical conversations on life with John F. Kennedy has jumped to the top of the New York Times nonfiction bestseller list.  The popular book is built around transcripts of a seven-part interview recorded in 1964.  Reserve a copy today!

2011's Top Ten Debut Novels

Enjoy sampling new literary talent?  Debut novels are almost always high-quality, because publishers will only gamble on an unknown author if they really believe in his or her book.  Plus, reading debuts allows you to discover a new author before anyone else does!  In this article from Booklist, the top ten debut novels of 2011 are highlighted.  Some, like The Family Fang, The Language of Flowers, and The Submission have been featured previously on this blog.  Other first novels on the list available from your Community Library include The Arriviste, The Art of Fielding, The Borrower, Swamplandia!, The Taker, When God was a Rabbit, and The World Beneath.  Are there any 2011 debuts you especially enjoyed?  Leave a comment!