By Carole Howard and the Library Staff

The Giving Tree is up at the library for the second year, and every ornament on its branches represents the request by a child or young adult in Archuleta County for a book for Christmas. Your donation of an unwrapped book or cash gift towards a book will be combined with Christmas packages put together by Operation Helping Hand for families over the holidays. Between now and December 10, we hope you will sponsor an ornament that will buy books for needy local youngsters who love to read.

New bestselling novels

The townspeople involved with the cathedral and priory are again the focus of “WorldWithout End” by Ken Follett, a follow-up novel about events two centuries after the author’s sweeping epic “The Pillars of the Earth” set in 12 th century England. “ Bridge of Sighs” is a novel set in Italy by Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Russo.

New non-fiction

“The Day of Battle: The War in Sicily and Italy 1943-1944” is volume two of “The Liberation Trilogy” by Pulitzer-Prize winner Rick Atkinson. “Thunderstruck” is the true story of two men whose lives intersect during one of the greatest criminal chases of all time by Erik Larson, author of “The Devil in the White City.” “The Wilderness Reader” is a collection of the writings of 26 conservationists edited by Frank Bergon.

Mysteries, suspense and crime

“The Secret Servant” by Daniel Silva is the latest novel of international intrigue featuring Israeli intelligence officer Gabriel Allon. “Dark of the Moon” is newest thriller by master crime writer John Sandford. “The Almost Moon” by Alice Sebold is a searing portrait of a mother-daughter bond that descends into murder by the author of the bestseller “The Lovely Bones.”

More cookbooks

“Simple Japanese with East/West Flavors” by Silla Bjerrum offers recipes for dishes like sushi, noodles, salads and tempura that are easy to shop for and cook. “Raw: The Uncook Book” by Juliano with Erika Lenkert is a guide to preparing gourmet raw cuisine fusing ancient culinary techniques with a modern, practical touch. “Vegetarian Cooking For Everyone” by Deborah Madison features 1,400 recipes suitable for vegetarians and anyone else who enjoys healthy food.

How-to

“Local and Regional Government Information: How to Find It, How to Use It” by Mary Martin is a reference guide providing strategies for locating difficult to find information that you need. “iPod and iTunes for Dummies” by Tony Bove and Cheryl Rhodes has what you need to know to access music for your iPod, with coverage for both Mac and Windows users. “Doing the Right Thing: Taking Care of Your Elderly Parents Even If They Didn’t Take Care of You” by Roberta Satow focuses on caring for aging parents while working out unsolved issues from childhood. “Getting Free” by Ginny NiCarthy is a flexible, practical handbook for women facing domestic violence.

Biography and autiobiography

“My Grandfather’s Son” is the autobiography by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas that has been making headlines because of the candor (and anger) of its author. “Nordenskiold of Mesa Verde” by Judith and David Reynolds is the biography of the Swedish scientist who became famous because of his monumental study of the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings. In his autobiography “Clapton,” superstar Eric Clapton tells of his personal and professional journeys to the top of the rock music world. “The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star” by Nikki Sixx tells what this horrific drug did to the life of this Motley Crue singer.

Romance

“The Parting” by Beverly Lewis is set in the Pennsylvania Amish country. “The Marriage Game” by Fern Michaels is the latest by this popular bestselling author.

Books for teens

“Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood” is an autobiography by Alexandra Fuller aimed at seventh grade and older that has drawn rave reviews and multiple awards since its publication. “The Looking Glass Wars” by Frank Beddor is the book that launched the series by that name. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian” is another in the popular Indian series by Sherman Alexie.

Thanks to our donors

For early contributions to The Giving Tree, we express appreciation to Ben Bagwell, Jennifer Hedrick, Dahrl Henley, Scottie Gibson, Kay Grams, Susie Long, Lynne Stinchfield, the Women’s Civic Club of Pagosa Springs plus generous anonymous donors.

For books and materials this week we thank Jennifer Barter, Diane Bower, Marilyn Falvey, Ray Finney, A.R. Fisher, Scottie Gibson, Ron Graydon, April Holtaus, Ellen Jackson, Barbara Lindley, Bonnita Lynne, April Owens, Rodney Potter, Martha Suarez and Christine Trout.

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