Self-Defense Classes at the Pinckney Library

On October 12 and October 26, instructor Mike Di Giuseppe demonstrated some very practical techniques in personal security and minimizing the risks of becoming a victim. Mike is a sensei (teacher) of the Ancient Martial Arts Organization Okinawa Karate and Kobudo, and has studied the ancient art of Aikido, Iaido Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsus since he was 15 years old.

On Thursday, October 12 at 5:00pm, Mike presented “Self-Defense for All Ages”. He spoke to participants about how to be more aware of everything around them, how to protect themselves, and were shown some alternative ways to deal with difficult people (bullies) and other real life situations.

1. Instructor Mike Di Giuseppe talks with kids during the “Self-Defense for All Ages” workshop on Thursday afternoon, October 12, 2006.

2. Easton Turner learns a few tips on self-defense from sensei Mike Di Giuseppe.

For the Thursday, October 26 presentation at 6:30pm, during the “Self-Defense for Women” Mike spoke to participants about scenarios that might put them in harm’s way and how to minimize becoming a victim of an attack. He also demonstrated some simple techniques to prevent attacks such as hand-grabbing, how to deal with being taken to the ground, and being able to get away safely and effectively should such situations arise.

3. Judi Paul learns some moves to help in self-defense from instructor Mike Di Giuseppe.

4. Self-Defense for Women, Oct 26, 2006—attendees learned some important moves to help minimize becoming a victim during an attack. The workshop was presented by sensei Mike Di Giuseppe and was assisted by Jeff Castle.

Both presentations were informative and well-received by the participants. If you missed either or both of these presentations and would be interested in attending a future presentation, please contact the library at 734-878-3888 or e-mail us at pincill@tln.lib.mi.us or visit us at 350 Mower Rd. in Pinckney, MI so we could set up another workshop opportunity.

Congratulations and Thanks for the 2006 ASRP

Aleta Dillehay & Marla Doersch pose with their prizes from the 2006 Adult Summer Reading Program.

Nikki Briggs of Pinckney, MI was one of the grand prize winners for the 2006 Adult Summer Reading Program.

The Warior Heir

TITLE: The Warrior Heir

AUTHOR: Chima, Cinda Williams

CALL NO.: TEEN FIC CHI

I have to admit to really enjoying this book despite the rather confusing world it is set in. It took me awhile to figure out her system of wizards, warriors and magic, but once I did, I was completely hooked. The story follows a teenaged boy who goes through a series of trials after discovering that he is a warrior and all that that implies. A good science fiction/fantasy novel that had a really different plot.

Reviewed by: Maryn Mishler

Possible Side Effects - Staff Favorite

Title: Possible Side Effects

Author: Augusten Burroughs

First of all let me say that I am a huge fan of Augusten and when I heard he had a new book coming out, I first requested it for the library and then I went out and bought my own copy. Augusten Burroughs is sometimes unbelievable and sometimes appalling and sometimes sad, but always hilarious—laugh out loud hilarious. His neurosis, his twisted point of view and his sense of humor are unparallel. The fact that his writings are autobiographical is always amazing and unbelievable. So many times you are left with the thoughts of “How can someone live like this?”, “Is he serious?”, and “OH MY GOD!” If you were appalled and offended by “Running with Scissors” then “Possible Side Effects” may be just right for you. Augusten has certainly mellowed through the years—perhaps through sobriety, love, stability and growing up. Possible Side Effects lacks most of the shock factor Augusten shared in his earlier novels, but still has a lot of his “I can’t believe he wrote that” qualities.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading it(of course) and I think it would be a good “summer reading” book because it has a lot of qualities that make you want to do something a little crazy, wild (like skinny dipping, running through your neighbors sprinklers, etc) some thing out of the ordinary—after all it is summer time!

Donna Aschenbrenner

Captain Alatriste - Staff Favorites

TITLE: Captain Alatriste

AUTHOR: Perez-Reverte, Arturo

CALL NO.: CD PER

If you are looking for a book along the lines of The Count of Monte Cristo, only shorter, this book is for you. Captain Alatriste features a swordsman-for-hire with a sense of honor that stops him from completing a job given him by masked men. This move turns out to be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, he gains a powerful friend, on the other, he incurs the wrath of some very dangerous men that he spends the rest of the book fighting and escaping. All in all, this book was entertaining as well as interesting because of its blend of history and adventure. A very nice read by a popular Spanish author.

Reviewed by: Maryn Mishler

Eat, Pray, Love - Staff Favorite

TITLE: Eat, Pray, Love

AUTHOR: Elizabeth Gilbert

CALL NO.: Interlibrary Loan

Being the youth librarian I typically read about one adult book a year and the rest of my time is spent reading juvenile and teen literature. But if Eat, Pray, Love is the only adult novel I read this year it was the best choice I could make. It was a long stretch from my typical reading choice – non-fiction, adult, and spiritual, not any of my normal venues for fun reading. But I loved it! Thank you to my friend who recommended it, she knows who she is.

Liz, the author and subject of the book is a 34 year old woman in crisis. Her life is not taking the path she thought it would. So following a messy divorce she decides to follow her heart to do some world traveling to discover who she is and what she wants. What follows is her emotional and spiritual self discovery. A very interesting, well written biography.

Reviewed by: Sara Castle

Congratulations to Pinckney Library’s Adult Summer Reading Program Grand Prize Winners!

Congratulations to Pinckney Library’s Adult Summer Reading Program Grand Prize Winners!

Summer may be coming to a close, but the reading doesn’t end, especially if readers had fun participating in the program. Now, adults at the Pinckney Community Public Library enjoyed the same fun as their children when they participated in the library’s second annual Adult Summer Reading Program. The program ended on Tuesday, September 5, and grand prizes were drawn from the 155 entries submitted.

As with last year, this year’s adult summer reading program looked to be a hit with participant. Kate Pratt, a resident of Pinckney and one of the grand prize winners, thought the program was great. “I don’t remember when I enjoyed a program more,” she said. “It’s new for me as an adult…I haven’t done any summer reading programs except as a kid. It’s nice to know there’s one for adults to participate in.” And the prizes were an added bonus for this prolific reader.

But what she thoroughly enjoyed most about the program was to be able to share her opinions on the books she’d read with others in the community. New this year to the program was the posting of shared reviews on the library’s Adult Services Blog (http://pcpladultserviceslibrarian.blogspot.com). The blog seems a popular and convenient way for community members to see what others had also read over the summer. “I liked the whole sharing of my opinion with others. I usually just talk to [the library staff] about the titles I’ve read, but this was great to share with others in the community,” Kate Pratt added. “I thought this was a really good program, and I liked the prizes, too. I’d definitely do it again.”

The Pinckney Library would like to thank all the area and local businesses who donated prizes to this year’s summer reading program—including Rush Lake Golf Club, PTs Fresh Mex, Jennifer’s Quilts Shop, Carousel Gifts and Floral, Pinckney Pharmacy, China House Restaurant, Mainly Chocolate, Riverside Pizza, Salon on Main, Towne Square Pizza, Pinckney True Value and Dairy Queen in Hamburg.

Marley and Me - Staff Favorite

TITLE: Marley and Me

AUTHOR: Grogan, John

CALL NO.: 636.752 GRO

Marley was by far my favorite character in this book. He had so much personality. I was rooting for him from the moment the author and his wife picked him out. This book follows the life of a huge dog full of energy and the effect he has on his family. It is humorously written and just a good book overall.

Reviewed by: Maryn Mishler

Our Endangered Values - Staff Favorite

TITLE: Our Endangered Values

AUTHOR: Jimmy Carter

(Performed by: Jimmy Carter)

CALL NUMBER: LP 306.097 CAR (Large Print Edition)

This is a book I wish everyone could read. Carter provides a lot of facts and figures we should know. Some of them are very disturbing, for example, the dangers of lobbying.

I listened to this on tape, read by the author. His familiar voice makes it all the more convincing.

Reviewed by: Martha Lavey