New author: Patrick Balester

On Saturday November 15th at 1:00 mystery author Patrick Balester will be at the Hiawatha Public Library. Patrick is from Kansas City and has written one book: In the Dismal Swamp. In July I was the lucky winner of a signed copy of his book. I'm always looking for new authors, and Patrick did not disapppoint. When I first started the book I was afraid I wasn't going to like it, but I was hooked early on and soon didn't want to put it down. I didn't know "who dun it" until it was revealed in the book. I totally missed the outcome! There is an actual place called the Great Dismal Swamp and Patrick will talk more about that location when he's here. It should be a really interesting time. We plan to have copies of the book available for purchase at the event. If you can't wait you can check out In the Dismal Swamp from the Hiawatha Library.

Hope to see you there!

Cancer really sucks!

When I started this blog I intended it to be more for readers advisory and to keep While Others Sleep members informed about what we're reading and mystery/suspense news. It's turned out to be as much about my journey with cancer as anything! While Others Sleep and my mystery books help me get through this journey.

My family has something like a mantra "Cancer Really Sucks". We have buttons, car decals, wrist bands, and book bags with that statement on it. Cancer does really suck -- in many ways. From a medical stand point cancer and its treatment sucks your energy from you, and eventually it sucks your life away. It sucks on a daily level -- fatigue, weekly labs, shots, chemo every three weeks, CT scans. And always in the back of your mind is the concern about what is the cancer doing now.

My cancer is not curable, but my Dr. says I am doing well and I'm tolerating the chemo better than a lot of people, so I'm clinging to that. I'm not afraid to die, but I'm going to put it off as long as I can! I have so much support from family, friends, and co-workers! I may have cancer, but I am so lucky in so many ways!

Next post will be about a new mystery author I've discovered. No sense in letter cancer suck away some of the things I like most.!

August releases by authors we've read in While Others Sleep

Several authors we've discussed in the book club have new books coming out in August:

Mary Jane Clark -- It only takes a moment (Aug. 5th)
Harlan Coben -- Fade away (Aug. 26th)
Tess Gerritsen -- The keepsake (Aug. 26th)
Stuart Kaminsky -- People who walk in darkness (Aug. 5th)
Margaret Maron -- Death's half acre (Aug. 20th)
Kathy Reichs -- Devil bones (Aug. 26th)

Most, but not all, are in the Metro system so call us to reserve them!

I'm baaack!

I haven't written anything for a long time. Actually it's been since the flood. What devastation! We used to live in Czech Village and our homes there, although far from the river (we thought) were hit by the flood. It's so sad to see now, 6 weeks later, the area looks like a ghost town or a battle ground. And then there's the loss of most of the Cedar Rapids Public Library adult collection and the closing of the main library for probably a year. Such a terrible loss! On the bright side, Cedar Rapids is sharing some of their staff with Hiawatha, Marion, and West. How would we have survived this summer without their help? More importantly, it has been so good to work with Cedar Rapids staff, most of whom I'd never met. That's one bright side of the Flood -- an enhanced working relationship with our counterparts at Cedar Rapids. They have all been so wonderful to work with and although I look forward to Main being back to "normal" I will really miss working daily with our Cedar Rapids friends!

HIAWATHA LIBRARY STAFF -- IS THERE ANY BETTER?

When you are given a grim prognosis it changes how you view things. You no longer have "forever" to let people know how you feel about them. You can't wait until tomorrow, because tomorrow might not come. Of course, we are all in that position but we can ignore it because as far as we know everything is OK. When you are told everything is not OK, you approach things differently. I've always tried to be thankful for the people I have in my life. Now I need to express it publicly. Those of you who know me and my family know we're very close. Somehow Rick and I have raised three loving caring children and the cutest grandsons on the earth. That closeness and love makes the diagnosis both harder and easier. The potential loss is overwhelming, but the overriding love and support only humbles me. What did I deserve to get such a wonderful family? I was raised in a loving home and so were my kids. Many people search their entire lives for that. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

And then there is my work family: the staff of the Hiawatha Library. I have put them through so much -- MS, cancer, blood infections, disability, cancer again. They don't have to stay with me, but they do. They are there for me, caring and supportive, They are my legs when I need them to be and THEY make it possible for me to keep working. I have probably a sick need to work. I love working at the library even after 21 years. I love the Hiawatha Library. I'm so proud of what we've become. I've seen the transformation from a small mostly children's library to being an important component of the Metro Library Network. As a small library we can provide a homey feel, while still providing incredible services. We don't have the most books, or the best reference, but we provide the best service. Our staff cares about the people who enter our doors and for us those people become like family -- they make us sad, mad, proud, and happy. Our staff, like most families, is dysfunctional. We don't always agree, we pout, we get mad BUT when the shit hits the fan we are there for each other. I know because I experience it everyday. I'm not going to name names, because I don't want to forget anyone, but there is almost never a day someone from our staff doesn't do something for me and make me feel like struggling with chemo is worth it, just to be around these wonderful people a little longer. I usually don't express my emotions too much. I like to be in control, but emotions are taking over. Watch out, I may become a blubbering idiot with my feelings clearly on my sleeve.

Then there's The While Others Sleep book club. Where did that wonderful group come from? What a really really cool group of people, who make my life fuller. And not just because of the books.

CANCER IS A BUMMER, BUT LOVE ABOUNDS

It is amazing how when something bad happens, something good comes with it. Getting a diagnosis of terminal cancer is a bummer, a BIG bummer, but the outpouring of love and concern is overwhelming. All the people who have expressed their love and sent their prayers and good thoughts is so comforting. People I don't know personally have sent their prayers and good thoughts. People of all faiths are praying: Christian (conservative, liberal, mainstream), Muslims, agnostics. It is overwhelming, but in a positive sense. I hope I can get through this journey without losing site of all that's good here. I've taught my kids that we live in a friendly universe, that there's a lot more love than hate. We just have to try to give and receive love and not let hate prevail.
Enough of this cancer crap. I may not live to an old age, but the time I have will be filled with the things and people I love, and who love me. My heart felt thanks to all of you who have touched my life so far!

CANCER -- THE BIGGEST MYSTERY OF ALL?

I haven't blogged for about a month. There have been other things more important to deal with. Among those things is cancer. In 2003 I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. For over four years there was no sign of the cancer after I underwent radiation and chemotherapy. Then In March I had some "suspicious" masses on a semi-routine CAT scan. That was followed by a PET scan and a lung biopsy. The cervical cancer has metastisized and moved to the lung. There is no cure. It is terminal. Without treatment the doctors think I would probably have a year. With chemotherapy I'd have a little longer. It is so hard to tell your husband, kids, mother and co-workers that you are dying! I'm not that old. I'm not ready to leave the people and things I love, but it is what it is. Five year survival for this type of cancer is small 3-10%. But that means there are 3 people in every 100 that survive 5 years. Why can't I be one of those? I'm going to start chemotherapy and do everything medically I can and I'm going to try to be a survivor -- no matter what the odds. My son put it well: we will let the doctors take care of the medical side of things and we will take care of the faith and positive thinking. It is what it is and I need to make the most of the time I have. Funny thing is I feel ok. I have no symptoms. Why does cancer strike when it does? No one really seems to know. I just know I will live my life as I have for as long as I can. Your prayers and good thoughts are always welcome!

JOHN SANDFORD IS THE "OUT LOUD AUTHOR SERIES" AUTHOR IN JUNE 2008

The Out Loud author series brings well known authors to the Cedar Rapids metro area and John Sandford will be here on June 19th. He will appear at Theatre Cedar Rapids at 7 PM on June 19, 2008. Tickets are not necessary. Barnes & Noble will have books for sale at the event. I was disappointed to find out that he will not be visiting individual libraries, like I thought. You'll get to see and hear him, but probably not interact with him. My understanding is that he will be reading from his newest book, Phantom Prey.

John Sandford is the While Others Sleep author for June

We will be reading books by John Sandford and discussing them on June 5th. John Sandford was born John Camp and was raised in Cedar Rapids, graduating from Washington High School in 1962. He received a B.A. in American Studies and an M.A. in journalism from the University of Iowa. He has written both fiction and nonfiction books. He is probably best known for his Prey series. He is a very popular author and I have read several of his books. I find his books sometimes a little too graphic for me, but over all I enjoy them. They are written in chronological order, but may be read out of order. You'll miss what happens in between the books you read, but you'll catch up with the story. There are 18 titles in the Prey Series, so if you're just starting you have a lot of reading to do! Here is a list of his titles. Most, if not all, of them are available through the Metro Library Network.

The Prey Series: 1. Rules of Prey (1989) 2. Shadow Prey (1990) 3. Eyes of Prey (1991) 4. Silent Prey (1992) 5. Winter Prey (1993) 6. Night Prey (1994) 7. Mind Prey (1995) 8. Sudden Prey (1996) 9. Secret Prey (1998) 10. Certain Prey (1999) 11. Easy Prey (2000) 12. Chosen Prey (2001) 13. Mortal Prey (2002) 14. Naked Prey (2003) 15. Hidden Prey (2004) 16. Broken Prey (2005) 17. Invisible Prey (2007) 18. Phantom Prey (forthcoming, May 2008)

The Kidd Series: 1. The Fool's Run (1989) 2. The Empress File (1991) 3. The Devil's Code (2000) 4. The Hanged Man's Song (2003)

Other Novels: The Night Crew (1997) Dead Watch (2006) Dark of the Moon (2007)

MAY'S AUTHOR: MARIAN BABSON

Marian Babson is the author whose books we will discuss at our May 1st meeting of While Others Sleep. Marian Babson is a pseudonym for Ruth Stenstreem. She was born on Dec. 15, 1929 in Salem, Mass., but has spent most of her life in London, England. I haven't been able to find a picture of her or a lot about her life. She is a prolific author: she has written more than forty books. Most of them are stand alones, but she has two series; Douglas Perkins Mysteries and Trixie and Evangeline Mysteries. Her books are short so you should be able to read more than one before our next meeting!

LAURA LIPPMAN APPEARING IN IOWA

LAURA LIPPMAN will be at Prairie Lights In Iowa City on Mar. 31st at 7:00 p.m. She will also be in Des Moines at the Des Moines Public Library on Apr. 1st at 6:30 p.m. She will be discussing her latest book Another Thing to Fall. It would be worth a trip to meet her.

News about authors we've read in While Others Sleep

Many of "our" authors have been busy! Here are just a few:

VAL MACDERMID has been nominated for the British Book Award 2008 along with Lee Child, Patricia Cornwell, James Lee Burke, and Ian Rankin.

SUSAN WITTIG ALBERT has a new China Bayles mystery: Nightshade. Reserve your copy soon!

ANNE PERRY has a new Thomas Pitt novel: Buckingham Palace Gardens. I really enjoy her books and I'm sure this one won't disappoint.

MICHAEL CONNELLY The Blue Religion comes out in April and he edits it and has written one of the short stories. Michael also has a new book coming out Oct. 14th. The title is: The Brass Verdict

Grandsons will be readers too

Usually I just write about books or authors, but today I'm going to share my grandsons with you. They are so special. Michael is 2 years old and Christopher is 1. Their home library is huge! Their mom, grandma, and Aunt Jamie are always finding new books for them. Fortunately they love books and I'm sure they will be big readers. They have so much to look forward to!

John Sandford

We just got the news! John Sandford will be at the Hiawatha Public Library on June 19th, 2008. Time and details to be announced. Mark your calendar! He is coming here through a grant to the Metro Libraries and he will appear at each of the libraries. I don't know when the other times will be , but we get him on June 19th! If you want a more intimate, personal meeting with an author the Hiawatha Public Library is a good place to come. We're small enough you won't get lost in the crowd, unless you decide to.

Upcoming mystery books

I'm always looking for new books by my favorite authors and like to know when their coming out in advance. This is a list of upcoming titles, with release dates that I have compiled. Get ready for some good books!

Kellerman, Jonathan - Compulsion Mar 08
Lippman, Laura - Another thing to fall Mar 08
Albert, Susan Wittig - Nightshade Apr 08
Baldacci, David - Whole truth Apr 08
Braun, Lilian Jackson - Cat who smelled smoke Apr 08
Hart, Carolyn - Death walked in Apr 08
McCall Smith, Alexander - Miracle at Speedy Motors Apr 08
Cornwell, Patricia - Front: a Win Garano novel May 08
Sandford, John - Phantom prey May 08
Deaver, Jeffrey - Broken window (Lincoln rhyme) Jun 08
Evanovich, Janet - Fearless fourteen Jun 08
Parker, Robert B - Resolution Jun 08
Barnes, Linda - Lie down with the devil Jul 08
Daheim, Mary - Vi Agra Falls Aug 08
Jance, Judith A - Damage control Aug 08
Kellerman, Faye - Mercedes coffin Aug 08
Reichs, Kathy - Devil bones Aug 08
Krueger, William Kent- Red knife Sep 08
Maron, Margaret - Death's half acre Sep 08
McCall Smith, Alexander- Isabel Dalhousie no. 5 Sep 08
Sandford, John - Heat lightning Sep 08
Albert, Susan Wittig - Tale of Briar Bank Oct 08
Cornwell, Patricia - Scarpetta Oct 08
Kellerman, Jonathan - Bones Oct 08
Parker, Robert B - Rough weather Oct 08
Perry, Anne - Christmas Grace Oct 08
Truman, Margaret- Murder inside the Beltway Oct 08
Hart, Carolyn- Ghost at work Nov 08
McCall Smith, Alexander- World according to Bertie Nov 08
Ferris, Monica- Thai Die Dec 08
Jance, Judith A- Cruel intent Dec 08
O'Shaughnessy, Perri - Show no fear Dec 08

Denise Hamilton

While Others Sleep read books by Denise Hamilton for our March meeting. I had never read Denise Hamilton before and I did enjoy her books. Her background as a reporter makes the her plots real and believable. The only drawback I found was her love interest, Silvio. Their romance was not believable and he comes across as a real jerk. He makes brief appearances in her books, but enough that he bothered me! She needs to find someone better for Eve Diamond and get rid of Silvio!

I really enjoyed Prisoner of Memory, in which Eve's Russian heritage is revealed and intertwined with murder, the Cold War, and spies. I never understood why the last "r" in prisoner was backwards on the cover of the hardbound book. Is it a typo or has it some significance?