The Power of Nice

Now here's a book that' practical for anyone no matter what their career. And that's exactly the idea. The Power of Nice by Linda Kaplan has as its premise that conquering, especially the business world, is done much more effectively with 'niceness' than with any thing else. The authors argue that despite the general cutthroat rules of the business world, true niceness has much greater rewards Kindness, appreciation, and just being friendly play a big part in reaching one's goal ,than anything. Not content to tell about niceness, the authors also offer practical suggestions and case studies. Nice guys finish last? This book turns that philosophy completely upside down. Niceness in companies means they have lower employee turnover rates, and higher productivity. Nice people live longer, are happier and make more money! Wow! Read this book, even if you don't own a business but just want some great ideas about succeeding in business, or at whatever your career is!

Best Sellers at the LeMars Library

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shafer is not only on lots of best seller lists, it's popular here too. I have my name on it and will have to wait patiently. You would think the librarian might get a break here, but I came in too late to lay claim. None-the-less plenty have been reading and enjoying it, so I had to encourage you to check it out too. Here's a review from a reader: "I read this book off a recommendation of a friend and had no idea what to expect. I really didn't even know what the book was about! However, it's one of the best books I've read in a while. "

The Story, set just as the second World War ends is about a writer who discovers the citizens of the Isle of Guernsey quite by accident. She begins a remarkable correspondence with the Potato Peel Pie society's members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

Cabinet of Curiosities

I'm not a big horror fan. I have trouble reading things that tend to stay in my memory and my dreams.Stephen King, Dean Koontz... these authors are well known and quite popular. And I stay away from them But here is another author that you might try: Douglas Preston/Lincoln Child. I have just finished Cabinet of Curiosities and realized after I was well hooked by the story that these could easily be classified as horror. The story revolves around a grisly discovery at a construction site of several dozen long dead bodies, a curator at the New York Museum of Natural History, and special FBI agent Pendergast. The story is about a serial killer who is seeking the 'fountain of everlasting life' through his bizzare experiments. There is some great history woven into the stories as well as cool tours into the archives of a natural history museum. Cabinet is actually book 3 of the Pendergast series so if you're a stickler about starting at the beginning read Relic, then Reliquary before you pick this one up. But beware, these books will keep you reaching for more!