TitleTales

Blog: Best Translated Fiction: by Kim Stack

Adult Special Topics—04/16/10
I have a personal fascination for the book in translation, an idea that I was finally able to articulate with the publication of Out by Natsuo Kirino. This was a wonderful winner of the Grand Prix (Mystery Writers of Japan) Award. As well as a gripping plot, the book contains a gritty depiction of contemporary Japan rarely seen outside the country. Many of us have been reading Stieg Larsson’s books—the series that began with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo—also mysteries with a contemporary look at Sweden. Book groups have pushed into awareness the wonderful read, The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. Set in an exclusive Parisian apartment building, it is a glimpse of a lifestyle that hides from the view of outsiders. Carlos Ruiz Zafon’s Shadow of the Wind is another book group favorite which invites the reader not only to Spain, but to a precarious time post-World War II.

The difficulty with translated books is that not only must the original book be wonderful writing, but it must be translated to a high standard as well. In 2009, Gunter Grass was interviewed about the new translation of The Tin Drum, which was in part a result of Grass’ dissatisfaction with the original translation. How do you know what’s well done? May I suggest that you seek the annual announcement of the Best Translated Book Awards? Given for the best translated fiction and poetry, you may find titles such as this year’s fiction winner, The Confessions of Noa Weber, by Gail Hareven, translated from the Hebrew by Dalya Bilu, to tempt you and your patrons.

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Music, Weddings & Receptions: by Trisha Rigsby

A/V Special Topics—04/16/10
Whether I have been a participant or guest, I have compiled numerous playlists and made countless song suggestions for weddings over the years. I’ve seen first dances to Yo La Tengo, Frank Sinatra, Danzig, Eva Cassidy, Mama Cass, and Barry Manilow’s “Copa Cabana.” I’ve been to ceremonies accompanied by Johnny Cash songs, string quartets, Kenyan folk music, and the bride’s opera-singing cousin. All of these musical settings began with a couple saying, “we have no idea where to begin.” LJ’s “Going to the Chapel” collection development piece about wedding resources from December 2009 highlighted the growing number of people planning their own weddings and turning to their local libraries as a starting point. Planning a wedding can be intimidating and a library’s collection can be an excellent source of ideas and information. Inspiration can come from not only a library’s print and online resources, but from its music collection as well. Music can help set the tone of the ceremony and the reception. A library’s music collection generally represents a wide array of tastes, providing access to more music than most people can personally afford to own. Patrons can listen to anything before making decisions about what the soundtrack to their day should be.

• Browse our Music:Weddings & Receptions list

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