When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Similarly, when visiting neighboring states in the U.S., do as their residents do, and that includes learning their lingo.
Words are a powerful thing, and using them in the right context can mean the difference between getting what you want or walking away empty handed, and maybe even a little red-faced.
If someone said the words “king’s ex” to me, I would assume that they were referring to the ex-wife of royalty, but in the Gulf States west of the Mississippi, it means “time out!” If you’re in Alaska and it’s time for a coffee break, you’re going to “mug up.” In New England, if you have a big test coming up and skip school, you’re actually going to “hook jack.”
We all know that this summer’s 100 degree heat included humidity, but if you’re visiting the mid or south Atlantic states, the weather would be “givey.” If you’re in need of “king’s ex,” “hook jack” and “mug up,” because the Jasper County Public Library has new fiction for you to stretch out on your “punee” (oh, that is a couch or sofa in Hawaii) and read, read, read! Check these out!
When her best friend passes away, Nicole-Marie Hardy decides to get out of the rut of her everyday life and travel to Paris. Arriving in the City of Lights, Nicole stumbles across a photo of her father, and on the back of the photo is a loving inscription penned by her father to a woman that Nicole has never heard of. Searching for the mystery woman, Nicole delves into her father’s past, looking for answers in “Passing Love” by Jacqueline E. Luckett, a story of love, loss, betrayal and unanswered questions.
In 1940’s London, times are troubled. With war raging across the Channel and air raid sirens sending hundreds underground, it is a deadly atmosphere for even those in the highest forms of government. Maggie Hope possesses all of the skills and then some that it would take to be a part of British Intelligence, but her gender holds her back. As the newest typist on 10 Downing Street, Maggie has direct contact with Prime Minister Winston Churchill, which affords her access to the War Rooms, exposing her to the menacing faction that is determined to change the course of history. Surrounded by spies, murder and intrigue, Maggie uses her gift for code-breaking, racing against time to unravel a mystery that means the difference between life and death for herself and those around her in “Mr. Churchill’s Secretary” by Susan Elia Macneal.
When schoolteacher, Olivia Kent goes missing without a trace, time is of the essence to find her. As the search heats up and gets more desperate with each passing day, Inspector Sarah Quinn must look for answers, turning to her old adversary, journalist Caroline King, for help in “Mother Love” by Maureen Carter.
A series of advertisements in New Orleans newspapers began with “Ran Away,” followed by descriptions of slaves who had fled their masters. When the two beautiful concubines of Turk, Huseyin Pasha disappear, he runs no such ad, but a witness swears that he had seen Pasha throw two dead bodies out of a window. Pegged a murderer, Pasha looks to Benjamin January for a defense, as only January knows the Turk well and is willing to seek the true culprit in “Ran Away” by Barbara Hambly.
Before the fall rain turns into “silver thaw” (freezing rain), go to your nearest bakery, pick up a “snail,” (cinnamon roll), and “mug up” with a hot cup of coffee, because before the “pinkletinks” (spring peeper frogs) return to Martha’s Vineyard, you’ll be cozy on your “punee”, enjoying stacks of fiction from your local branch of JCPL! By the way, these terms come courtesy of my favorite segment in Reader’s Digest: Word Power!