February 1999 RETURN TO HOME PAGE FEEDBACK

In this month's list of new books at the Noe Valley ­ Sally Brunn Library, Branch Librarian Roberta Greifer offers two that explore alternative ways of treating pain and depression. Children's expert Carol Small highlights several stories that show how music can lift your spirits. To check them out, stop by the branch at 451 Jersey St. (near Castro). You also might want to look over the library's collection of magazines, CDs, and past issues of the Noe Valley Voice. Branch hours are Tuesdays, 10 to 9; Wednesdays, 1 to 9; Thursdays, 10 to 6; Fridays,
1 to 6; and Saturdays, noon to 6. To find out the availability of a book, call 695-5095.

Adult Fiction

- Located in settings that range from the crowded bazaars of New Delhi to New York's Upper East Side, East into Upper East presents us with 14 new stories by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala.

- Tim Park's latest novel, Europa, is set in Italy, and features Jerry Marlow undergoing a midlife crisis.

- In The Ventriloquist's Tale, author Pauline Melville conjures up vivid pictures of life, love, and disaster in South America.

- Pam Houston's latest novel, Waltzing the Cat, is a collection of 11 linked fictions, featuring the struggles, relationships, and adventures of photographer Lucy O'Rourke.

Adult Nonfiction

- Fully illustrated, The Complete Book of Natural Pain Relief, by Richard Thomas, contains safe and effective self-help for common aches and pains.

- Fearless Girls, Wise Women and Beloved Sisters, by Kathleen Ragan, is a multicultural presentation of 100 folk tales showcasing women who are heroic, bright, and delightful.

- Note Found in a Bottle, by Susan Cheever, the daughter of John Cheever, is a moving memoir of her recovery from her life as a drinker.

- In The Wisdom of Depression, holistic physician Dr. Jonathan Zuess uses gentle, alternative therapies to help, understand, and cure depression.

Annotations by Roberta Greifer

Children's Fiction

- Kate Banks and Georg Hallensleben collaborate to produce a soothing view of the nighttime world for young children in And If the Moon Could Talk. Ages 2 to 4.

- In Miss Mary Mack, a traditional hand-clapping rhyme is expanded into a humorous tale by Mary Ann Hoberman and illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott. Ages 3 to 5.

- A young girl growing up on a farm discovers she has a talent for nurturing in Raising Dragons, by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by Elise Primavera. Ages 4 to 6.

- Amanda seems to understand that kindness can help overcome shyness in Amanda Pig and Her Best Friend Lollipop, by Jean Van Leeuwen. Ages 5 to 8.

- A family camping trip includes hiking, gazing at stars, and listening to "sappy love songs" in Henry and Mudge and the Starry Night, by Cynthia Rylant. Ages 5 to 7.

- Eileen finds that playing music and talking to friends can provide some relief from the pain she feels about her parents' divorce in Changing Tunes, by Donna Jo Napoli. Ages 9 and up.

- Because he tells so many tall tales, Joey isn't believed at first when he describes some frightening deeds he has actually seen in The Kidnappers, by Willo Davis Roberts. Ages 9 and up.

Children's Nonfiction

- Well-preserved corpses, also known as Bodies from the Bog, provide important information about Europe during the Iron Age, as explained by author James M. Deem. Ages 8 to 12.

Annotations by Carol Small

Infant and Toddler Lapsit

- Children's Librarian Carol Small leads the finger play and lullabies at the Wednesday evening lapsits, Feb. 3, 10, 17, and 24. The laps start filling up at 7 p.m.

Preschool Story Time

- Parents and kids 3 to 5 are invited to the library's preschool story time, at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays Feb. 2, 9, and 16.

Films for Kids

- The library will show films for kids 3 to 5 on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at both 10 and 11 a.m.