"Thus you might be a person who never had such-and-such family member; who never fancied such-and-such a relationship; who never did the things which today you'd swear are your most treasured experiences. Those things are not gone – they never were. And never-weres leave no trace." Scott Alexander Howard, The Other Valley, pg. 81 …
Greek Mythology is in the air this season. Perhaps you have heard of the new TV show adaptation of the Percy Jackson book series? Turns out, it’s pretty good! Fiction books retelling ancient tales are not just for kids. Read on below for adult novels with heroes, legends, gods, and monsters. Herc by Phoenicia Rogerson…
When you’re forced into a dark place, you spend the rest of your life on the way back.” Janice Hallett The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels. I like to mix it up. Stories that are told in different formats challenge and excited me. While reading The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice…
Erica and Marianne are sticking to their reading resolutions by digging into great historical fiction featuring real-life banditos and midwives. Then, Marianne gives us the inside scoop on this year's One Book, One Community series. Titles discussed in this episode: The Bullet Swallower, by Elizabeth Gonzalez James The Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhon The Violin…
Like many of us, I usually come up with a reading resolution each year. This time around, I told myself I’d read more short stories and Jewel Box: Stories, by E. Lily Yu is the perfect collection to start with. By turns sweet, funny and devastating, Yu chronicles many adventures and while it’s pretty…
The newest episode of Nonfiction Book Report is available on the Library’s YouTube Channel. This month Michelle and I talk about two Newish Noteworthy Nonfiction books to inspire your New Years' Resolutions. https://youtu.be/bRbLH4cMrFE Michelle shared A pity party is still a party : a feel-good guide to feeling bad by Chelsea Harvey Garner. Shunning the standard, "look…
"A crowd of whales simmers and swirls, their chorus of whistles and clicks resounding through the sea. In the center a rusty cloud of blood disrupts the jewel-blue ocean. A tail emerges, disappears, reappears; a slack, supple body follows. A baby is born. The granddaughter." Tara Karr Roberts, Wild and Distant Seas, pg. 166…
We often inherit much from our families: traditions, skills, responsibilities. I assume, though, that neither you nor I have inherited the family tradition of turning into a leopard to fight injustice. Nor have we bargained with floating spirits so our family could eat or to save our parent from eternal suffering. This is what two…
It's 2024 already! Do you have a reading resolution for this year? If you're interested in reading something new, come join our 2024 Adult Winter Reading Club, running from January 1 to March 31. Complete three reading challenges and receive a free book; you'll also be placed into a drawing for an $100 Amazon gift…
In July 2020, author Ariel Lawhon appeared on the library’s podcast to discuss Code Name Hélène, her novel about WWII socialite-spy Nancy Wake. She mentioned that her next project was based on the diary of a New England midwife from the late 18th century. More than three years later, The Frozen River has finally arrived. The…
