I am always on the lookout for an enthralling historical fiction novel to transport me to another time and another place.   Recently, a friend recommended The Invisible Bridge, by Julie Orringer.  This novel takes place in Budapest, Hungary and Paris, France during the late 1930’s when Europe was in the grip of the rising Nazi threat.    The story begins in Budapest, Hungary as a young Hungarian Jew, Andras Levi, leaves for Paris to begin his studies at Ecole Speciale d’Architecture.  While in Paris, Andras meets and falls in love with Klara, a Hungarian ballet instructor.   Their love story is the centerpiece of this riveting novel that immerses the reader in the terrifying life that Hungarian Jews endured during the Second World War.  I could not put this book down.  Warning: it is about 600 pages in length, but every page is beautifully written and absolutely captivating.   Vivid details, excellent characterization, and impeccable historical research make this book a memorable read.   If you love historical fiction and are looking for a long, satisfying summer read, try The Invisible Bridge. ( Also available as a downloadable audio book or ebook ).

I have not interviewed for a job in several years, but recently find myself in that process again. As such, I thought it wise to consult books on interviewing. Of the many books I skimmed through, two books were undeniable standouts and have provided me with a wealth of practical information. They were, The Essential Book of Interviewing by Arnold B. Kanter, and 201 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, by John Kador. I highly recommend these books for any readers interested in learning more about the interview process.

One idea from The Essential Book of Interviewing that really appealed to me was to create a commercial that sells oneself as a product. The author reasoned that creating a commercial gets one to be creative, to tell something personal while using simple and easy to understand language, to be positive, upbeat, and direct, and to have a theme. This exercise struck me as a great way to develop an opening or closing elevator speech. And, I can attest that envisioning myself as a product sold through a commercial advertisement was a real help as I prepared myself for upcoming interviews.

In closing, I’d like to include some ideas I’ve picked up from most interview skills books. For example, it’s very important for the interviewee to take their time, listen fully to the questions being asked, and answer each part of the question fully, without rambling. Every book mentioned this point. Additionally, the interviewer needs to learn if the candidate can think and solve problems, plan projects and meet deadlines, and interact well with others while taking the leadership role, when needed. It is the candidate’s job to ensure they address these key areas.

Best of luck to everyone reading this blog! Ciao.

Show off your unique talent and win prizes, too!

Do you sing, love to dance, do stand-up comedy or have a unique talent??? Compete in our first round of Teen Talent Show competitions to win prizes and a spot at our final talent show event on Saturday, August 11^th @ 2pm at at the Almaden Branch Library. 

Visit a participating library to sign-up!

Registration packets will be available at participating San José Public Library locations. Participants must submit their registration form at the location where they want to compete.

Check out pictures of past Teen Talent Show Competitions

Regional Competitions: Prizes 1st place $50, 2nd place $25, 3rd $10 

Tully Community Branch, July 5^th @ 2pm

Edenvale Branch, July 18^th @ 6pm

Hillview Branch, July 19^th @ 3pm

Santa Teresa Branch, July 21^st @ 3pm

Cambrian Branch, July 25^th @ 6:00pm

Evergreen Branch, July 26^th @ 4pm

Final Competition: Prizes 1st place $100, 2nd place $75, 3rd place $50   

Saturday, August 11^th @ 2pm

Join us for the grand finale of Teen Talent Show 2012 at the Almaden Branch Library.

The first and second place winners from our local contests will compete for the honor of becoming the San José Teen Talent 2012.  Come early and bring your family and friends to cheer on your favorite talent!

Monkey Business, which can be found in Link+, is a hilarious movie starring Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers, and Marilyn Monroe.  Cary Grant, who is so great in screwball comedies, partners with the dancing legend, Ginger Rogers, in this irrepressible comedy.  Ginger Rogers gets to shine as a comedian in this movie about chemistry and the fountain of youth.

Though Monroe has a very minor role, she does have a side-splitting scene with Grant in a very fast car.  Acting as a staid scientist, Grant becomes a teenager when he takes the magic potion.  Rogers seems to regress even further as she cries and tattletales on anyone who stands in her way.

If you are getting tired of seeing the repetitive plots of today's romantic comedies, take a stroll down memory lane in this black and white gem!