The Gilman Library is pleased to suggest to you the Book of the Month. We have chosen something that we think you will enjoy and will want to check out and read as soon as possible.
See our display by the fireplace at the entrance to the John D. and Anna L. Williams Room, also known as the Adult Wing.
Since the nineteenth century, the distinct tones of Kīkā Kila, the Hawaiian steel guitar, have defined the island sound. Here historian and steel guitarist John W. Troutman offers the instrument's definitive history, from its discovery by a young Hawaiian royalist named Joseph Kekuku to its revolutionary influence on American and world music. During the early twentieth century, Hawaiian musicians traveled the globe, from tent shows in the Mississippi Delta, where they shaped the new sounds of country and the blues, to regal theaters and vaudeville stages in New York, Berlin, Kolkata, and beyond. In the process, Hawaiian guitarists recast the role of the guitar in modern life. But as Troutman explains, by the 1970s the instrument's embrace and adoption overseas also worked to challenge its cultural legitimacy in the eyes of a new generation of Hawaiian musicians. As a consequence, the indigenous instrument nearly disappeared in its homeland.
Kīkā Kila : How the Hawaiian steel guitar changed the sound of modern music
by John W. Troutman
Using rich musical and historical sources, including interviews with musicians and their descendants, Troutman provides the complete story of how this Native Hawaiian instrument transformed not only American music but the sounds of modern music throughout the world.
image and description from amazon.com
image and description from amazon.com
Join us at the Gilman Library on Wednesday, August 16th, at 7:00 pm, when this author will bring an audio/visual presentation, followed by a Q&A session, to his book signing, in the Agnes Thompson Meeting Room on the lower level of the library.
Quetico Connection
by John Doelman
John Doelman's Quetico Connection brings the personal experience of wilderness canoe tripping to you through introspective poetry and connecting photography. Beauty and perfection abound in the symmetry of pristine wilderness. Quetico Connection uses that catalyst in discovering the spiritual relationship that innately lives within nature.
Quetico Connection is personal and deep, yet easy to read and easy on the eyes. If you have been there you will be able to personally relate to most of the poems/photos. If you haven't, you will either want to go or will look for ways to create the same experience in your own life. In either case, it will be an evocative piece for everyone who picks it up.
image and description from amazon.com
Our BOOK OF THE MONTH FOR JULY is also the ALTON BOOK CHAT discussion title for August 8th, when author Karen Coulters joins the book club for an author visit. The public is invited.
Hope From Daffodils
by Karen Coulters
A novel of loss, intrigue, friendship, romance, and a fight for justice. Still reeling from her husband’s unexpected death, Sophie Anderson throws herself into her bridal bouquet business. With her best friend as her partner and emotional support, she’s well on her way to turning Proposals into the most sought-after wedding venue on the New England coast. When Sophie encounters Brady Owens, a burnt-out attorney from New York, Sophie enlists his help with her expansion project. As their romance blossoms, Brady discovers they’re bonded by a painful past of deception. With the truth coming to the surface, Sophie’s vulnerability increases. Determined to protect Sophie’s heart, Brady begins a personal fight for justice. But, is Sophie’s hope for the future already withered and wilted?
image and description from amazon.com
See our display by the fireplace at the entrance to the John D. and Anna L. Williams Room, also known as the Adult Wing.
Modern Watercolor Botanicals: A Creative Workshop in Watercolor, Gouache, & Ink
by Sarah Simon
Unwind and get creative as you learn all about watercolor painting--one of the fastest-growing activities for everyday adults who are looking for a hobby to easily relax and relieve stress!
Modern Watercolor Botanicals is a comprehensive guide for all skill levels--beginner to advanced--that teaches everything you need to know about watercolor using easy-to-follow diagrams, pictures, and instructions. Learn how to paint and advance your skills using pieces of beautiful, traceable artwork, including detailed wildflowers, shade tropical leaves, eucalyptus wreaths, and more.
Lessons in Modern Watercolor Botanicals include:
• Instructions for every skill level: beginner, intermediate, and advanced
• Easy-to-follow diagrams, pictures, and instructions
• Each lesson builds upon skills learned in the previous lessons
• 15 pieces of traceable artwork to paint, no drawing experience required!
• Lessons that promote focus and mindfulness and help you reduce stress through the enjoyment of the artistic process
• All you need to know to create frame-worthy masterpieces and thoughtful gifts
• Prompts, challenges, and ideas to take your creativity to the next level
Author Sarah Simon (@themintgardener), a Seattle-based artist who leads sold-out watercolor workshops across the U.S., shares everything she teaches her students in this book. She also answers some of the most common questions from watercolor artists at all levels:
• What tools do I need?
• How do I mix interesting colors?
• How do I create shape, movement, and definition in my piece?
• How do I find my own creative style?
Delve into Modern Watercolor Botanicals to develop your skills and form your own unique artistic approach to the world of modern watercolor!