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“We came forth and once more beheld the stars”- Dante. Astronomy may be one of humankind’s oldest scientific endeavors; there’s something just so compelling about all the things that we can see in the night sky. Astronomer Emily Levesque’s book is a smorgasbord of stories about what it’s like to be a professional astronomer. During her career, she’s worked at some of Earth’s most prestigious observatories and operated some of the biggest telescopes yet made. In addition to explaining deep science concepts, such as gravitational waves, in non-scientific English, she also has amassed a number of unbelievably true tales about telescopes and observatories. There’s the story of the West Virginia telescope that just collapsed in a heap, and the one about the crazed graduate student who actually shot at a Texas telescope, or the one about the telescope that caught on fire. If that’s not enough, she’ll regale you with stories about tarantulas and scorpions who live in some observatories, or swarms of ladybugs that deter viewing, or sharing a Chilean sunset with a vicuna. Her brisk, witty and entertaining writing style will capture you from page one. 314 pages. 520 LEV
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In mid- seventeenth century England, midwife Alinor Reekie tries to eke out a meagre living on the Sussex. Though her husband is missing at sea and Alinor is struggling to raise her two children, she still dreams of a better life for all of them. But, she’s living in a time of dramatic change, King Charles I is in exile, the older Catholic religion is now forbidden, and Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans are in control of England. Alinor’s life takes an unexpected turn when she rescues an English priest who is also a spy. That act of kindness will dramatically change her life, the lives of her children, all those in her small seaside community, and especially the life of the priest whom she saved. Gregory’s novel is filled with fascinating details of daily life of poor women during this time period, and she’s also created a cast of strong, believable characters all of whom come to life in her narrative. Her surprise ending wraps up this really fine novel. (A sequel to this title is forthcoming). 455 pages. FIC GRE
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“… People long to go on pilgrimages…”- Geoffrey Chaucer. T The English town of Little Walsingham in Norfolk has been known for its religious sites and apparitions since medieval times. When a pair of brutal murders and a series of threatening letters sent to some visiting female priests, all bear ties to religious themes, local DCI Harry Nelson and his squad are suddenly rushing to find answers before the influx of Easter pilgrims clog the town’s streets. There’s no lack of suspects – from a defrocked ex-priest to some current clerics who may, or may not, be suspects. If that’s not enough, Nelson discovers that one of his officers has been having an affair with his wife. But, it’s Nelson’s former lover, anthropologist Ruth Galloway, who finds a key clue in a place no one would expect. With a possible third murder looming on Good Friday, the question is: Can Nelson piece together enough information to prevent tragedy from striking? If you haven’t read any of Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway mysteries do try this one; chances are you’ll be borrowing as many as you can find from the library. 356 pages. M FIC GRI
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