By Carole Howard and the Library Staff

New on our shelves are two new series in the juvenile fiction category, which means they are aimed at students in the third through seventh grades.

• One is a three-book fantasy series by Chris D’Lacey. “The Fire Within” tells of David’s discovery of a collection of clay dragons that come to life after he moves in with Liz and her 11-year-old daughter Lucy. In “Icefire,” David’s clay dragon helps him uncover a startling connection between dragons, the Arctic and a mysterious teardrop of fire. “Fire star” takes David on a research trip to the Arctic.
• The second is also a three-book series, this one by Gordon Korman, called “Dive.” Book one is called “The Discovery,” about four kids on a summer diving adventure who are about to make the discovery of their lives. Book two, “The Deep,” takes the four on a deep-sea search for sunken treasure. In book three, “The Danger,” the kids are trying to raise the treasure from a British vessel that sunk in 1665.

For teens, we have “Soul Eater” by Michelle Paver, the third book in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness adventure series that began with “Wolf Brother” and “Spirit Walker.” These first two books are also available at the library, if you want to read the series in order. The books are aimed at students in the seventh grade and older.

Free Lifelong Learning lecture

The sixth and last free spring Lifelong Learning lecture takes place this Saturday, April 26 at 3 p.m. at the library when Ross Park speaks on “Electronic Voting: A Source of Insecurity.” This talk is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Archuleta County. As this latest library lecture series draws to a close, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to its creator and organizer Biz Greene, for her time and effort in bringing these exceptional speakers to Pagosa.

Wedding advice

Just in time for the wedding season, we have two new books with practical tips and comprehensive advice – “Bridal Style” by Nancy Davis and “The New American Wedding” by Diane Meier Delaney.

Novels for women

“Honor Thyself” is the latest novel by Danielle Steel, this one about a world-renowned actress who falls victim to a terrifying explosion in Paris. “Remember Me?” by Sophie Kinsella explores the life of 28-year-old who loses three years of memory after a car accident in London and wakes up appearing to be a rich and glamorous corporate mogul. “Deep Dish” by Southern author Mary Kay Andrews tells the story of a local food TV host who gets fired and tries to land another job on the Cooking Channel. “Change of Heart” by Jodi Picoult is a novel about a mother’s tragic loss and a man’s last chance at gaining salvation.

Non-fiction

“Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions” by MIT behavioral economist Dan Ariely explains how expectations, emotions, social norms and other seemingly illogical forces skew our reasoning abilities.

Mysteries and thrillers

“Betrayal” by John Lescroart is the latest in the highly popular series featuring defense attorney Dismas Hardy and detective Abe Glitsky, this one moving from the treacherous streets of Iraq to the courtrooms of California. “Wolves of the Calla” is the fifth installment of Stephen King’s current “ Dark Tower” series. We have the entire series in the library, and Stephen King fans would advise you to read the books in order. “The Socorro Blast” and “The Belen Hitch” by Albuquerque writer Pari Noskin Taichert feature public relations consultant Sasha Soloman and are mysteries set in New Mexico.

Fantasy

“The Outlaw Demon Wails” is the latest fantasy adventure featuring Rachel Morgan, witch and bounty hunter.

Quotable quote

“The pleasure of all reading is doubled when one lives with another who shares the same books.” New Zealand writer Katherine Mansfield.

Thanks to our donors

For books and materials this week we thank Charlene Baumgardner, Jeanette Bean, Kathy Bonn, Lynn Constan, Wayne Cosby, Julie Creech, Bryan Crutchley, Ed Crutchley, Betsy Gill, Warren and Kay Grams, Ron Halverson, Judy James, Debbie Jennings, Jess Ketchum, Thomas Kimble, Bamma Laizure, Rosa Layne, Barbara Lindley, Kathie Marchand, Pat Miller, Joseph Onello, Anna O’Reilly, Gloria Petsch, Sarra Rexroad, Dearle Ricker, Patty Stoppleman and Margaret Wilson. We are grateful for everyone’s generosity.

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