Library Picks w/Gabriel Bray: Music, Mystery & Monty Python
(Jeff Milo, FPL Circulation Specialist, Aug. 1, 2014)
Hello and welcome to another edition of the Ferndale Library’s exclusive staff recommendations here on the OC 115. This is the ideal article to scope and share for those feeling stumped on what to read (or watch) next… We work in a building FILLED with books, (and we’re constantly fielding queries on genres, styles and which authors are the best) so who better to ask in town than us?
Gabriel Bray is a local youth who serves as a Library Page (meaning he manages the order of the shelves and checks books back in at the end of the day). His tastes and sensibilities are beyond his years, with an eclectic 
appreciation for a stimulating range of topics, titles and altogether culturally-enriching experiences. (We should also note that he was recently named Employee Of The Month; cheers, Gabe!)
Gabriel’s Picks
The English Orpheus. John Dowland.
CD CLASSICAL DOWLAND
Look it up: http://bit.ly/1ldZ5o0
John Dowland is considered one of the towering figures of Elizabethan music, and while listening to this excellent collection, featuring the talents of noted soprano Emma Kirby and lutenist Anthony Rooley, you will begin to see why. It features a selection of some of his most well-known songs, such as “Can She Excuse My Wrongs” and “Awake, Sweet Love” alongside instrumental pieces such as “Semper Dowland, semper dolens.” He is probably best known for his tendency towards melancholy, but his strength lies in his ability to evoke any mood attractively, effectively, and succinctly.
Look it up: http://bit.ly/1ldZ5o0
Let’s face it: most of us did not have the opportunity to see the recent Monty Python reunion in London. But what’s to stop us from enjoying their classic material, including this hilarious send-up of Arthurian lore? Many readers will have already seen this film, but, in my opinion, it gets better with each viewing. So make sure to brush up on the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow (African or European?) and steer clear of the Knights Who Say Ni as you enjoy this comedy masterpiece.
Jewels of Paradise. Donna Leon.
MYS LEON
Look it up: http://bit.ly/WNyIjq
When a musicologist leaves her dead-end job in Germany to take an assignment in her native Venice, she is 
instantly confronted with a mystery involving two suspicious clients, a Baroque-era Italian composer, and a centuries-old mystery that ties it all together. I found this book to be entertaining, with an interesting central character and a somewhat unorthodox story. I would certainly recommend giving it a read, perhaps while listening to some of the music discussed in the book.
Colonel Roosevelt. Edmund Morris.
BIO ROOSEVELT
Look it up: http://bit.ly/1oMv43r
In light of Ken Burns’s upcoming Roosevelts documentary, I have started rereading Edmund Morris’s books, and they are even better than I remember. This is the third volume in the series that also contains The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt and Theodore Rex, focusing on the events after his presidency. Whereas many presidents have simply gone into retirement, Teddy Roosevelt being who he was, would never have even allowed the thought to cross his mind. Join the “Colonel” as he goes on adventures in Africa and Brazil, attempts to win back the presidency, and lives through one of the most catastrophic events in world history, the First World War.
Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types. David Keirsey.
(non fiction)155.26 K
Look it up: http://bit.ly/1AzQBS1
This book attempts to create general categories for personality types, analyzing four key characteristics and dividing these into sixteen major types, which are augmented by various temperamental categories. Keirsey bases his work on the ideas of Isabel Myers and Katharine Briggs, who in turn derived inspiration 
from Swiss psychoanalyst Carl Jung. It is full of advice on inter-type relationships and contains a handy personality quiz to help identify your type. Whether or not it proves useful, I found it quite interesting and a surprisingly easy read free from any scientific jargon.
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While you’re here, we’d like to recommend checking out a new program for families and kids: Music and Classic Tales with Ms. Lisa of Nature’s Playhouse – August 9th at 2:00 PM
Join Ms. Lisa from Nature’s Playhouse for some classic tuneful tales at the library!
All ages welcome.
No registration required.
http://www.ferndalepubliclibrary.org/index.php/youth/220-music-and-classic-tales-with-ms-lisa-of-nature-s-playhouse
For previous Library Picks see…
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/07/15/ferndale-library-picks-with-board-president-pat-dengate/
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/07/01/ferndale-library-picks-with-kelly-bennett/
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/06/18/ferndale-library-roundup-best-of-summer-for-youth/
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/06/03/ferndale-library-roundup-who-needs-hogwarts/
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/05/15/ferndale-library-roundup-bff-roadtrip-edition/
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/05/01/ferndale-public-library-round-up-best-in-books-and-more-2/
http://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/04/15/ferndale-public-library-round-up-best-in-books-and-more/