American Duchess: A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt

American Duchess: A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt
by Karen Harper

American Duchess is based on the life and marriage of Consuelo Vanderbilt, an American heiress forced into a marriage with the ninth Duke of Marlborough. Though she was only 18 and in love with another man, her mother forced her to marry, trading Vanderbilt money for a title. Despite her youth and strict (and sometimes harsh) upbringing, she manages to make a difference in the lives of those around her with her charity work and good will. The book spans her adult life and includes her friendship with Winston Churchill as well as her experiences during the onset of the second World War. Karen Harper writes in a first person narrative, giving the book the feel of a memoir. This book is a new title in the library, and can be found in the Adult Fiction section.

360 Degrees Longitude

360 Degrees Longitude: One Family's Journey Around the World

by

John Higham

The Higham family saved for many years to take a year long journey around the world on tandem bikes. They are a family of four, John, September and their children; Katrina age 11, and Jordan age 8.  The book tells of their experience of getting to know people and costumes along the way.  Not everything went as planned, however, they were able to find ways to overcome difficulties.  At the end of the book the author gives a list of the costs and places to look for more information for those interested in a similar adventure.

You can find this book on Utah's Online Library.

The Pianist From Syria

The Pianist From Syria: A Memoir

By

Aeham Ahmad

The Ahmad family had to flee Israel to seek refuge from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and settled in a refugee camp in Damascus, Syria.  Syria became an area of conflict as well.  The family did the best they could under the circumstances.  Young Aeham had a talent for music and his father encouraged him for years, traveling with him on buses across the city to take lessons.  When the conflict became so great they couldn't get around, Aeham found refuge in his music.  He would take his piano into the streets for concerts to help give the people a little peace and hope.  Aeham and his family eventually made it to Europe to live.

This book can be found in the non-fiction section of the library, 786.2092 Ahmad.

Finding Dorothy

Finding Dorothy

by

Elizabeth Letts

This book is historical fiction based on the life of L. Frank Baum, the author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  It tells a lot of the daily life of Frank and his wife and children.  He loved the theater, but had to earn a living for his family and had many different jobs, he was always a storyteller.  He was not alive to witness the filming of the movie, but his wife Maud felt it her duty to make sure his dream was kept alive and accurate.  She was very impressed by the young Judy Garland and offered her support and advice.

The author did a great deal of research to make this book as authentic as possible.  She has written other books which have been very informative as well.

This book can be found in the Adult Fiction section of our library.