Author Spotlight: Lisa Spahr

Lisa Spahr is the author of World War II Radio Heroes: Letters of Compassion. This fascinating book is about strangers helping each other during a time of war. The book features more than 30 letters and postcards sent to the author's family in 1943, alerting them of her grandfather's capture and status as a prisoner of war. Upon discovering these letters, Ms. Spahr began researching and uncovered intriguing WWII history and a great humanitarian story.

Here are a few interesting facts about this Pittsburgh based author:

1. Ms. Spahr worked for the American Legion's Washington, D.C. office for several years as a researcher and advocate examining issues related to the Gulf and Vietnam conflicts.
2. She has lived in and visited cities around the world such as Rome, Liverpool, Side, Amsterdam, Glasgow and Heidelberg.
3. Ms. Spahr is a member of the Military Writers Society of America, Business Networks International, Pittsburgh Professional Women and several Chambers of Commerce.
4. She has two dogs - Syrah Jayne (an Airedale) and Louie B (an American Bulldog/Staffordshire mix.)
5. She is an investigative psychologist who owns a life coaching and consulting business in Pittsburgh.

To learn more about this author, please visit her website. Meet Lisa Spahr and hear about a little-known piece of WWII history on Thur., March 4th at 7 pm in the library. Reservations requested - 610-398-1361 Ext. 13.

Best in Show (and Fiction)

Today's post is a double-feature to celebrate the Westminster Kennel Club's 134th Annual Dog Show (Feb. 15th-16th.) First, enjoy some interesting info about the show's history and, then, peruse the reading list to find a great book for dog lovers!

Westminster Kennel Club Historical Highlights:
*The club was formed in 1876 (or earlier) by a group of sporting men who often met to discuss their hunting achievements and the skills of their dogs at a bar in a Manhattan hotel. They decided to form an official club called The Westminster Breeding Association, named after their favorite hotel.
*"The Czar of Russia" was noted as the breeder for a Siberian Wolfhound entered in the 1889 show.
*A German Shepherd named Filax of Lewanno was exhibited at the show in 1917. The dog was a hero of WWI, bringing 54 wounded soldiers to safety.
*The Westminster Kennel Foundation established an annual scholarship program for veterinary students in 1987.
*In 2009, a ten-year-old Sussex Spaniel called "Stump" (formally named Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee) became the oldest dog ever to win Best in Show. Stump was later featured on the cover of AARP Magazine.

Fiction for Dog Lovers:
*Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt
*The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
*Dog Lover's Mystery series by Susan Conant
*Dog on It by Spencer Quinn
*Melanie Travis series by Laurien Berenson
*Nose Down, Eyes Up by Merrill Markoe
*The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
*The Unscratchables by Cornelius Kane

All Westminster Kennel Club info found on the group's webpage.

Winter Works of Fiction

With snow in the air (and on the ground) now is the perfect time to read one of these exceptional books with winter-related titles:

Hard Winter by Johnny D. Boggs - a suspenseful western written by a Spur Award-winner

Ice by Linda Howard - a romantic thriller set in the woods during a harsh ice storm

Ice Land by Betsy Tobin - a winning fantasy based on Norse mythology

Last Snow by Eric Van Lustbader - a tale of international intrigue written by the best-selling author of many Jason Bourne novels

When Autumn Leaves by Amy S. Foster - an enchanting book that includes quirky residents of a charming town and a dash of magic

Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah - a pleasing family drama filled with laughter and tears

Winter of Secrets by Vicki Delany - a multifaceted mystery featuring Constable Molly Smith

What book(s) are you currently reading?

Happy Birthday, Norman Rockwell

Born on February 3, 1894, Norman Rockwell grew into one of the 20th century's most enduring and beloved artists. His paintings call to mind a sense of nostalgia, as this excerpt from a PBS biography of the artist affirms:

"'I paint life as I would like it to be,' Rockwell once said. Mythical, idealistic, innocent, his paintings evoke a longing for a time and place that existed only in the rarefied realm of his rich imagination and in the hopes and aspirations of the nation. According to filmaker Steven Spielberg, 'Rockwell painted the American dream - better than anyone.'"

Here is some interesting trivia, in honor of this American icon's birthday:
*Rockwell's first commission was for four Christmas cards, which he received before he turned sixteen.
*He painted 322 covers for The Saturday Evening Post.
*Rockwell, in collaboration with his son Thomas, published an autobiography, My Adventures as an Illustrator, in 1960.
*He was hired as art director of Boys' Life, the official publication of the Boy Scouts of America, while still in his teens.
*Rockwell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, in 1977.
*He is the official state artist of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

All information found on the Norman Rockwell Museum's website and the "About Norman Rockwell" section of PBS.org.