Since it’s Valentine’s Day, we usually pull out our more dating/love themed titles to get you in the mood for the holiday. This year we have some titles for the teens. Unfortunately, most of the titles are directed toward the teens of yesteryear. They are probably getting ready to retire now.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Mary and Holly
How do you lose those 9th grade blues
DeClements
1984
Today’s selection is definitely dated and for extra giggles, a bit creepy. This book is the second in the Elsie series by DeClements. The first book is Nothing’s Fair in Fifth Grade, where we meet Elsie Edwards. Elsie is the proverbial “fat girl” and is struggling with weight.
In this sequel, Elsie is a girl who has lost the weight and now is deemed pretty by her peers. But wait, she is still not happy! Elsie can’t believe boys are interested in her. But wait! A senior boy named Craddoc (what is with this name?) starts asking Elsie out and eventually they start dating.
Craddoc is a football player and kind of the “it” guy at high school. Elsie initially thinks this is weird since she is a freshman and he is a senior. I got ick vibes from the get go. Then I read read Craddoc’s line to Elsie: “maybe it’s lucky I got you so young so I can train you.” (Run Elsie, this guy is no good!)
Unleash the lioness: A Women’s Guide to Fighting Off Violent Attack
Houseman
1993
Submitter: I am submitting this 90’s scare style book for women. The book lets the reader know that because you’re a woman you WILL be a victim of crime. So buy this book and take down an attacker with an umbrella. Oddly, this is a UK book that was found on a shelf here in this American library. I am sure those numbers at the back are no good.
Holly: Our girl on the cover has an umbrella and she’s not afraid to use it! I mean, that’s pretty good resourcefulness.
Garnishing
A Feast for Your Eyes
Lynch
1987
I know there is a whole bunch of people that like artistic looking food. I also know that food can be just another medium for the artist inside you. I am just one of those people who wants food to look like food. I shouldn’t have to guess what the food actually is.
This book has a few lovely decorations. See the first image after the break. The raspberry tart thing looks pretty. However, as we go through the book, it becomes more outrageous. A carrot curl or a sprig of parsley is actually a nice touch. But I am going to stop at the shaped potato salad. But wait there is more!
Country Crafts and Food
Better Homes and Gardens
1983
This is one of those craft books around a theme. It’s less about craft instruction and more about style. The pictures are carefully composed to create a look as opposed to focusing on a particular item. This runs the gamut from decor to clothing to cooking. This probably runs closer to design or home decor rather than straight up crafting. Soooo what Dewey number do we give this item? Most were in the 745 range but a significant percentage went with 641. This kind book really bugs me, because I do want to stick it in both 745 and 641. I did a lot of buying of craft books a few years ago and whenever the books mixed and matched topics like this, it made me a bit twitchy. To be totally honest, I really avoided this type of book since it really didn’t do either topic justice. But I digress.
My Mother’s Boyfriend and Me
Jacoby
1987
This title gave me the creeps. Evidently Laurie’s mom (widowed when Laurie was a baby) went off the rails and starting dating a very cool dude named “Blue” (cuz of his eyes!). Two week after meeting this dude, Mom invites Blue to move in. Laurie notices that the guy is creeping on her and tries to tell Mom, but she defends Blue. Seriously, the guy’s nickname is Blue and he wears a gold chain and his shirt partially unbuttoned-even in the 1980s that was a creepy kind of look.
Little Women
Hughes (adaptation)
Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
1994
This version of Little Women was weeded recently from the picture book collection. Spoiler alert! Beth doesn’t die. Evidently, Beth’s illness is too much for the average 2-6 year old.
This movie tie-in adaptation is terrible. Little Women is not something that can be condensed into a few pages and be appropriate for preschoolers.
300 Ways to Serve Eggs: From Appetizers to Zabaglione
Culinary Arts Institute
1941
Submitter: I was eggstatic to find this book sitting on the shelf in our cookbook section. Marvel in the wonders of what egg dishes you could make in 1941. I love how staining on the pages adds to the ambiance of this classic.
Holly: I like a good egg as much as the next gal, but 80 years of egg splatter is a bit much.
(Curious about what zabaglione is? Alton Brown to the rescue!)
