Plymouth Librarians' Choice

BORN IN THE USA: HOW A BROKEN MATERNITY SYSTEM MUST BE FIXED TO PUT WOMEN AND CHILDREN FIRST by Marsden Wagner, M.D., M.S.
Adult Nonfiction-Upper Level 362.198 W

It’s a little-known fact that the maternal mortality rate in the United States has been rising for the past 25 years, and both our maternal mortality and infant mortality rates are among the worst in the industrialized world. Wagner uses both hard scientific evidence and lots of personal experience to wade through the tangles of modern obstetrical care. Doctors and scientists are in conflict, he says, because while a scientist must assume that everything is known, a doctor must assume that he or she knows what the problem is and how to treat it in order to get anywhere. A lack of oversight, love of technology, lack of knowledge of normal birth, and a fear of litigation combine to make hospital births increasingly dangerous for mother and child. After documenting these grim facts, Wagner goes on to paint a picture of an ideal maternity system, similar to those already existing in other countries, which have been established even without the approval of the obstetrical community. For the sake of the mothers in your life, read this book.

MOTHER GOOSE ROCKS from Boffomedia
Youth CD Bins – Music, General – MOTHER GOOSE

If you want children’s music for your children, but are tired of gentle voices accompanied by solo guitar, try this rockin’ take on classic Mother Goose Rhymes. This CD (first in a series of four or so) features “Rub-a-Dub-Dub” done to a tune that sounds suspiciously like the Spice Girls’ “Wanna” and “Pat-a-Cake” ala Alanis Morissette. You’ll have fun figuring out which artist is being parodied, and your kids will enjoy bouncing along to the music.

DON'T MENTION PIRATES by Sarah McConnell
Youth New Book Shelves Lower Level - MCC
Scarlet Silver may be the granddaughter of famous pirate Long Joan Silver. And she may live in a ship-shaped house. But she still has to conceal her talents for making people walk the plank and searching for treasure, because the only rule in the Silver family is, “Don’t mention pirates!” Then one day, she finds gold in her yard, and it looks like Scarlet might not be the only Silver with piratical leanings. This silly story with light-hearted watercolor and ink illustrations will delight the pirate lovers in your family.

CARMEN by Georges Bizet
CD’s – Opera – Main Level

If you are looking for a great introduction to opera, Bizet’s Carmen is it! The CD begins with a familiar and bouncy prelude which will immediately pique the interest of both children and adults. The CD continues by telling the story of Carmen, a beautiful gypsy, and Don Jose, her hopeful suitor. It is a classic soap opera tale of love and betrayal. The libretto included with the CD is written in four languages, including English, which makes the simple plot even easier to follow. It is not the story, though, that makes this opera a continued favorite. It is Bizet’s wonderful and stirring music which will make you come back to this opera again and again.

GETTING READY FOR COLLEGE by Polly Berent
YA non-fiction – 378.198 B – Main Level

In this book, Polly Berent answers questions the new college student or their parents may not even know to ask. It covers everything from money matters and studying to laundry tips and video games. Plans for building the essential dorm room loft are even included. The book is written in short, easy to read sections with lists, outlined tips, bold headings and an index for quick reference.

HEAT by Mike Lupica
Youth Fiction: LUPICA. Teen Zone Fiction: LUPICA

This heart-warming, come-from-behind sports story will have you cheering from the first chapter right through to the exciting conclusion. Michael and Carlos Arroyo came to New York from Cuba with their father to pursue a better life. When their father dies, the brothers must find a way to stay together until Carlos comes of age. Complications arise when Michael’s talent as a pitcher brings him some unwelcome notoriety and unfounded accusations from an opposing team. Michael is benched just when the team needs him most. The story ends with a baseball dream come true, it’s just a different one than Michael expected. (Journalist and sportswriter Mike Lupica, has written many novels about sports for adults and children.)

LONE STAR
DVD Collection – Main Level – L

When it was released in 1996, Lone Star received rave reviews from the critics and it snagged an Oscar nomination for writer/director John Sayles. The movie begins with the discovery of a skeleton and an unsolved murder. The intricately woven plot incorporates first loves, Mexican immigration, family secrets, border town corruption, Army discipline, fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, and the Alamo into a seamless and engrossing story. The ensemble cast includes: Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Pena, Kris Kristofferson, Mathew McConaughey, and Frances McDormand, all of whom give outstanding performances.