Best Video Games of 2009

Since the holidays are upon us and the year is moving toward its close, it's time for some obligitory "Best Of 2009" lists. The library introduced video games for Wii and PlayStation 3 to the collection this year, so it only seems right to kick things off with a "Best Video Games of 2009" list. Here are the video games that have been the most popular at PCL this year:

*Animal Crossing: City Folk (Wii)

*Little Big Planet (PS3)

*Shaun White Snowboarding: Road Trip (Wii)

*Soul Calibur IV (PS3)

*Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Wii, PS3)

*Civilization Revolution (PS3)

*NASCAR Kart Racing (Wii)

*Cooking Mama: World Kitchen (Wii)

*MLB 09: The Show (PS3)

*Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)

Which video games made your list of favorites? Check back again soon for more on the best of 2009!

Author Spotlight: Andrew Gross

Andrew Gross, PCL's 2008 "Annual Summer Celebrity," specializes in thrillers. He has co-written several books with James Patterson, including 3rd Degree and The Lifeguard, and penned three solo best-sellers, including his latest Don't Look Twice. Here are five fun facts about this popular author:

1. The Jester is his personal favorite of the books he has written with James Patterson.
2. At one time, he was president of HEAD Ski and Tennis, a manufacturer and marketer of premium sports equipment, and then Le Coq Sportif, a French sports fashion line.
3. One of his favorite quotes is "Some people think they can and some think they can't and they're probably both right!" - Henry Ford.
4. He owns two dogs - Westies, to be exact.
5. Some of his favorite books include Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates, The Wind-Chill Factor by Thomas Gifford and Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy.

All information found at Andrew Gross' website: http://www.andrewgrossbooks.com. Photo credited to Jan Cobb.

Fictional Book, Fictional Author

It's not every day that a book written by a fictional character on a television show is published. Especially not a book based on said television show. If that's not enough to peak your interest, here's a brief synopsis of the new book Heat Wave, written by Richard Castle:

NYPD Homicide Detective Nikki Heat is faced with an unusual challenge when the commissioner allows Pulitzer Prize-winning magazine journalist Jameson Rook to tag along with her while he researches an article. Sparks fly as they race to uncover the secrets behind the murder of a New York real-estate tycoon.

Fans of the popular TV show Castle, along with readers of popular mystery/romance fiction, may want to give this unique book a try.

Author Fest

Meeting the mastermind behind a great book is a one of a kind experience. It allows readers to come face-to-face with beloved authors and get behind the scenes insight into thought-provoking books. Whether you've never been to a book discussion and signing before or have been to many, you won't want to miss PCL's first ever "Author Fest"! This community celebration of authors and readers is sure to be a special event.

Featured authors include:

*Julie Longacre - The Dirty Old Ladies' Cookbook

*Diane McKinney-Whetstone - Trading Dreams at Midnight, Leaving Cecil Street and Blues Dancing

*Maria V. Snyder - Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study, Storm Glass and Sea Glass

*Dr. Gene Witiak - True Confessions of a Veterinarian and The Hug: A Veterinarian's Secret Potion

*Evan Burian - Football Legends of Pennsylvania and Ancient Rivals and Thanksgiving Day Football

*Members of the Bethlehem Writers Group - A Christmas Sampler: Sweet, Funny, and Strange Holiday Tales

This event is free and open to the public. It will be held Thursday, November 12th at 7pm in the South Whitehall Township building. For more information, please call the library at 610-398-1361 x13.

Which authors, if any, have you met at book discussions/signings?