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Homebody book cover
Homebody book cover

Homebody

Theo Parish

GRAPHIC NOVEL Parish
Diverse Characters, Graphic Novels, LGBTQ+, Memoir

"In this intimate and defiantly hopeful graphic novel memoir, the author shares their journey to find a home within themself, taking readers through the experiences and everyday moments that all led up to them finding the term "nonbinary," which finally struck a chord.

Mari's picture

"We are all just trying to find a place to call our own." A beautiful, poetic and visually stunning memoir by artist Theo Parish as they discover their true identity as trans and nonbinary. The analogy of feeling at home in your body is an eloquent explanation for all ages to better understand the way it might feel to not feel like the gender assigned at birth... ‘They say that ‘your body is a temple,’’ Theo writes, ‘but mine has felt more like a rental.’ The flow of the story of Theo's life is seamless, and I devoured this uplifting memoir in one short sitting...but don't forget to admire the lovely drawings in all their calming hues of purple! -Mari

The taste of things book cover
The taste of things book cover

The taste of things

DVD MOVIE WORLD FRENCH Taste
Romance, Historical, Drama

"Set in France in 1889, the film follows the life of Dodin Bouffant as a chef living with his personal cook and lover Eugénie. They share a long history of gastronomy and love, but Eugénie refuses to marry Dodin, so the food lover decides to do something he has never done before: cook for her."--Container.

Annie's picture

A must-watch for "Ratatouille" fans or anyone who loves food—eating it, cooking it, expressing it, sharing it with others. I love movies that explore food as an expression of language and love. If you're going through a cooking lull, maybe this movie will renew your passion for the kitchen. -Annie

Viewfinder book cover
Viewfinder book cover

Viewfinder

Christine D. U. Chung

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Chung
Graphic Novels, Picture Books, Science Fiction, Adventure

"Arriving on an Earth devoid of people, a young space traveler discovers a viewfinder that reveals how the planet used to be, in this wordless, adventure-filled graphic novel about resilience and the extraordinary place we call home"--

Casey's picture

This debut wordless graphic novel from Christine D.U. Chung and Salwa Majoka is a stunner! It has just the right amount of suspense and world-building to keep younger readers turning pages quickly. Keen-eyed and repeat readers will notice ample opportunities for a sequel as well. Fans of The Wild Robot and adult viewers of Scavengers Reign will feel right at home. -Casey

Chilean poet : a novel book cover
Chilean poet : a novel book cover

Chilean poet : a novel

Alejandro Zambra

FICTION Zambra Alejandr
Fiction

"The internationally acclaimed author, heralded as one of the most important writers of his generation, returns with the most substantial work of his career: an emotionally captivating, very funny novel about fathers and sons, ambition and failure, and the many forms of family"--

Alex's picture

Added by Alex

The boys book cover
The boys book cover

The boys

Garth Ennis

COMIC Boys
Graphic Novels

Mykle's picture

This is in my top 5 comics of all time. Gritty/dark and entertaining. -Mykle

A botanist's guide to parties and poisons book cover
A botanist's guide to parties and poisons book cover

A botanist's guide to parties and poisons

Kate Khavari

MYSTERY Khavari Kate
Mystery, Suspense, Adventure, Science

London, 1923. Newly minted research assistant Saffron Everleigh attends a dinner party for the University College of London. While she expects to engage in conversations about the university's large expedition to the Amazon, she doesn't expect Mrs. Henry, one of the professors' wives to drop to the floor, poisoned by an unknown toxin. Dr. Maxwell, Saffron's mentor, is the main suspect, having had an explosive argument with Dr. Henry a few days prior. As evidence mounts against Dr. Maxwell and the expedition's departure draws nearer, Saffron realizes if she wants her mentor's name cleared, she'll have to do it herself.

Casey's picture

I devoured the first two Botanist's Guide books last summer and was pleasantly surprised to find that the latest installment is here! It did not disappoint. If you have yet to try any of the Saffron Everleigh series and enjoy dark academia or murder mysteries, now might be the time to start at the beginning! -Casey

Enlightenment : a novel book cover
Enlightenment : a novel book cover

Enlightenment : a novel

Sarah Perry

FICTION Perry Sarah
Fiction

"Thomas Hart and Grace Macaulay have lived all their lives in the small Essex town of Aldleigh. Though separated in age by three decades, the pair are kindred spirits--torn between their commitment to religion and their desire to explore the world beyond their small Baptist community. It is two romantic relationships that will rend their friendship, and in the wake of this rupture, Thomas develops an obsession with a vanished nineteenth-century astronomer said to haunt a nearby manor, and Grace flees Aldleigh entirely for London. Over the course of twenty years, by coincidence and design, Thomas and Grace will find their lives brought back into orbit as the mystery of the vanished astronomer unfolds into a devastating tale of love and scientific pursuit. Thomas and Grace will ask themselves what it means to love and be loved, what is fixed and what is mutable, how much of our fate is predestined and written in the stars, and whether they can find their way back to each other"--

Anne M's picture

In Sarah Perry’s “Enlightenment,” the past is a circle. In her latest novel, we meet Thomas Hart and Grace Macaulay. Steeped in a shared unshakeable faith, they both don’t belong to their small English village or their small Baptist church—or at least they don’t feel that way. While the decades that span between their ages makes their friendship unlikely, they bond through turning their eyes to the past, and more importantly the cosmos. It’s 1997 and Hart, a newspaper columnist for the “Essex Chronicle,” is told by his editor to write about Hale-Bopp, the great comet visible to the eye that year. This assignment leads Hart down a rabbit hole. He develops a new love of physics, and more importantly, an obsession with a local astronomer who vanished a century before. This need to solve the mystery of Maria Vaduva alters the course of thirty years (or was this always the course?), stretching and straining the relationship of Thomas and Grace—two people in orbit. You can argue with yourself about what is the gravitational pull. It is a splendid book. -Anne M

Desert song book cover
Desert song book cover

Desert song

Laekan Zea Kemp

jE Kemp

"A family sings and plays music on a desert evening, in harmony with the nearby wildlife and the ancestors above."--

Victoria's picture

This is an incredible symphony of intergenerational family members at one with the desert summoning their ancestors in a ceremonial feast for the ears. The illustrations are gorgeous and I could not help poring over each page. The language is sumptuous, "I see the moon, giant and watchful. A memory of the sun," "and the rain on our tin roof sounds like applause". A treat for the young and the young at heart! -Victoria

Ancillary mercy book cover
Ancillary mercy book cover

Ancillary mercy

Ann Leckie

SCIENCE FICTION Leckie Ann
Science Fiction

For a moment, things seemed to be under control for Breq, the soldier who used to be a warship. Then a search of Athoek Station's slums turns up someone who shouldn't exist and a messenger from the mysterious Presger empire arrives, as does Breq's old enemy, the divided, heavily armed, and possibly insane Anaander Mianaai—ruler of an empire at war with itself...

Brian's picture

This is an amazing end to the science fiction trilogy that is a new classic. I highly recommend it to all sci-fi readers! -Brian

The future : a novel book cover
The future : a novel book cover

The future : a novel

Naomi Alderman

FICTION Alderman Naomi
Science Fiction

"The bestselling, award-winning author of The Power delivers a dazzling tour de force where a handful of friends plot a daring heist to save the world from the tech giants whose greed threatens life as we know it. When Martha Einkorn fled her father's isolated compound in Oregon, she never expected to find herself working for a powerful social media mogul hell-bent on controlling everything. Now, she's surrounded by mega-rich companies designing private weather, predictive analytics, and covert weaponry, while spouting technological prophecy. Martha may have left the cult, but if the apocalyptic warnings in her father's fox and rabbit sermon--once a parable to her--are starting to come true, how much future is actually left? Across the world, in a mall in Singapore, Lai Zhen, an internet-famous survivalist, flees from an assassin. She's cornered, desperate and--worst of all--might die without ever knowing what's going on. Suddenly, a remarkable piece of software appears on her phone telling her exactly how to escape. Who made it? What is it really for? And if those behind it can save her from danger, what do they want from her, and what else do they know about the future? Martha and Zhen's worlds are about to collide. An explosive chain of events is set in motion. While a few billionaires assured of their own safety lead the world to destruction, Martha's relentless drive and Zhen's insatiable curiosity could lead to something beautiful or the cataclysmic end of civilization. By turns thrilling, hilarious, tender, and always piercingly brilliant, The Future unfolds at a breakneck speed, highlighting how power corrupts the few who have it and what it means to stand up to them. The future is coming. The Future is here."--provided by publisher.

Brian's picture

What would you do if you knew the world was ending? That question is answered from multiple viewpoints in Alderman's fantastic near-future novel. It's a surprisingly hopeful novel, and one that I recommend to just about everyone. -Brian

Red seas under red skies book cover
Red seas under red skies book cover

Red seas under red skies

Scott Lynch

SCIENCE FICTION Lynch, Scott
Fantasy

After a brutal battle with the underworld that nearly destroyed him, Locke Lamora and his trusted sidekick, Jean, fled the island city of their birth and landed on the exotic shores of Tal Verrar to nurse their wounds. But even at this westernmost edge of civilization, they can't rest for long---and they are soon back doing what they do best: stealing from the undeserving rich and pocketing the proceeds for themselves.

Brian's picture

So, I've seen numerous people online say that this book is superior to "The Lies of Locke Lamora" in every way. I don't think I agree, but this is an extremely satisfying sequel. The midway switch up was fantastic as well--another con-caper? How about full-blown pirate adventure! A very fun and clever book. -Brian

Knife : meditations after an attempted murder book cover
Knife : meditations after an attempted murder book cover

Knife : meditations after an attempted murder

Salman Rushdie

BIOGRAPHY Rushdie, Salman

From internationally renowned writer and Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie, a searing, deeply personal account of enduring--and surviving--an attempt on his life thirty years after the fatwa that was ordered against him. Speaking out for the first time, and in unforgettable detail, about the traumatic events of August 12, 2022, Salman Rushdie answers violence with art, and reminds us of the power of words to make sense of the unthinkable. Knife is a gripping, intimate, and ultimately life-affirming meditation on life, loss, love, art--and finding the strength to stand up again.

Victoria's picture

Rushdie has been one of my favorite authors from an early age and, though I understand the severity of the death threats he received after the fatwa was ordered, did not much think of it as he had survived unscathed for decades. After hearing of the attack, like many around the world, I was completely shocked. I knew this would not be an easy read, but as a librarian, I have always been so impressed by Rushdie's steadfast advocacy for freedom of speech and upholding the values of intellectual freedom is an integral part of what we stand for. There are constant battles throughout the book: the malign attacker and those who rushed to save the 75-year-old author, the loss of functionality of sight and movement, and the new appreciation of life. Perhaps most important is what becomes paramount when death is at your door; being surrounded by light and love and focusing on the hope of what is still possible. -Victoria

Haru book cover
Haru book cover

Haru

Joe Latham

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Latham Haru

"In The Valley, best friends Haru and Yama both dream of leaving as they're bullied at school, frustrated at home, and struggling to figure out who they are. One day, a powerful artifact connects itself to Yama, and they discover that they'll have to journey to The Beacon in search of answers. Created by artist Joe Latham, this beautifully illustrated graphic novel series is a coming-of-age tale that spans the changing of seasons. Beginning in spring and ending in spring--the cycle complete. A story of heart, growing up, and the sacrifices we make for those we love, Haru is perfect for middle-grade readers."--Amazon.

Victoria's picture

This was a beautiful read for reluctant readers, as well of those of us who just love a little adventure. A Goodreads review describes this graphic novel as reading "like Sam and Frodo on a Studio Ghibli adventure," and after just re-watching the Fellowship of the Ring, I can't help but agree. I absolutely love the illustrations in this book, as well as the message. It's funny, tender and themes are sure to resonate with both middle and high school readers. -Victoria

The backyard bird chronicles book cover
The backyard bird chronicles book cover

The backyard bird chronicles

Amy Tan

598.07234 /Tan
Nonfiction

"In 2016, author Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds flocking to the feeders in her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater--an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired. Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time--from before the pandemic to the days of quarantine--through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world"--

Victoria's picture

As an avid now daily fan of watching the world of chipmunks, squirrels and birds at my feeders outside, I was fascinated by Tan's book. She describes the solace nature can provide when everything else in the world seems to be barreling out of control, yet she does not shy away from highlighting how environmental factors negatively impact our avian friends. Her sketches are delicate and prolific at times and her curiosity and wit is quite wonderful. I would recommend this for young adults and adults as well as anyone who wants a more intimate foray into the world of West Coast bound and transiting-through birds. -Victoria

The wild robot escapes book cover
The wild robot escapes book cover

The wild robot escapes

Peter Brown

jFICTION Brown Peter
Fiction, Adventure, Nature, Classics

After being captured by the Recons and returned to civilization for reprogramming, Roz is sent to Hilltop Farm where she befriends her owner's family and animals, but pines for her son, Brightbill.

Casey's picture

This is a family summer book club read and I am having a hard time following the pacing rules. Seriously, I do not want to put it down! I'm excited to get all caught up with this series now that the Wild Robot Protects is out and the movie is forthcoming in September! -Casey

All you need is love : the Beatles in their own words book cover
All you need is love : the Beatles in their own words book cover

All you need is love : the Beatles in their own words

Peter Brown

781.66092 /Beatles
Music

"An oral history of The Beatles from never-before-seen interviews. All You Need Is Love is a groundbreaking oral history of the one of the most enduring musical acts of all time. The material is comprised of intimate interviews with Paul McCartney, Yoko Ono, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, their families, friends and business associates that were conducted by Beatles intimate Peter Brown and author Steven Gaines in 1980-1981 during the preparation of their international bestseller, The Love You Make, which spent four months on the New York Times bestseller list in 1983 and remains the biggest selling biography worldwide about the Beatles Only a small portion of the contents of these transcribed interviews have ever been revealed. The interviews are unique and candid. The information, stories, and experiences, and the authority of the people who relate to them, have historic value. No collection like this can ever be assembled again. In addition to interviews with Paul, Yoko, Ringo and George, Brown and Gaines also include interviews from ex-wives Cynthia Lennon, Pattie Harrison Clapton, and Maureen Starkey, as well as the major social and business figures of the Beatles' inner circle. Among other sought-after information the interviews contribute definitively as to why the Beatles broke up"--

Amanda's picture

While not for the average Beatles fan, it's for sure fun for the hardcore fan. I find transcripts are generally a little more difficult to read, and since these are from 1980-81, from interviews used to create another book a few decades ago, it does seem a little disjointed at times. However, if you're interested in the business aspects of the Beatles, more theories about why the band broke up, and loads of random little trivia, you'll get something out of this. -Amanda

Why we read : on bookworms, libraries and just one more page before lights out book cover
Why we read : on bookworms, libraries and just one more page before lights out book cover

Why we read : on bookworms, libraries and just one more page before lights out

Shannon Reed

028.9 /Reed
Literary Nonfiction

In this uproarious exploration of the joys of reading, a long-time teacher, lifelong reader and The New Yorker contributor shares surprising stories from her life and the poignant ways in which books have impacted her students and shows us how literature can transform us for the better.

Amanda's picture

This was a joyful tribute to the reader and reader life, with funny academic life anecdotes from the author and an extensive reading list in the back of all the works mentioned. It's light reading, easy to pick up and put down, and a warm and fuzzy read on reading. -Amanda

Hall of smoke. book cover
Hall of smoke. book cover

Hall of smoke.

H. M. (Hannah M.) Long

SCIENCE FICTION Long, H. M.
Fantasy, Adventure

Epic fantasy featuring warrior priestesses and fickle gods at war, for readers of Brian Staveley's Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne. Hessa is an Eangi: a warrior priestess of the Goddess of War, with the power to turn an enemy's bones to dust with a scream. Banished for disobeying her goddess's command to murder a traveller, she prays for forgiveness alone on a mountainside. While she is gone, raiders raze her village and obliterate the Eangi priesthood. Grieving and alone, Hessa - the last Eangi - must find the traveller and atone for her weakness and secure her place with her loved ones in the High Halls. As clans from the north and legionaries from the south tear through her homeland, slaughtering everyone in their path Hessa strives to win back her goddess' favour. Beset by zealot soldiers, deceitful gods, and newly-awakened demons at every turn, Hessa burns her path towards redemption and revenge. But her journey reveals a harrowing truth: the gods are dying and the High Halls of the afterlife are fading. Soon Hessa's trust in her goddess weakens with every unheeded prayer. Thrust into a battle between the gods of the Old World and the New, Hessa realizes there is far more on the line than securing a life beyond her own death. Bigger, older powers slumber beneath the surface of her world. And they're about to wake up.

Mykle's picture

This is my favorite book of the last several years. Very descriptive and compelling writing style. Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. -Mykle

In the garden book cover
In the garden book cover

In the garden

Emma Giuliani

j635 Giuliani
Gardening, Kids

"From season to season, children follow the life of a garden as each page reveals new treasures hiding under lift-up flaps. Peek inside the curious tulip bulb and discover the peas inside a peapod. Watch a ladybug help with pesky aphids and search for ripe strawberries under the leaves"--Publisher marketing.

Mari's picture

I happened upon this giant book on a cart to be shelved, and was drawn in by its bold colors and the word "garden," which has quickly become an obsessive hobby of mine. I leisurely read through the gardening tips and fruit, vegetable and flower vocabulary, particularly tickled by the cute lift-the-flap moments revealing the secret, inside petals or what a seed will look like as it grows into fruition. Every once in a while I have an older kid at the children's desk asking for a lift-the-flap book, and this nonfiction, yet whimsical, read is the perfect answer. -Mari

Lunar New Year love story book cover
Lunar New Year love story book cover

Lunar New Year love story

Gene Luen Yang

GRAPHIC NOVEL Yang
Romance, Diverse Characters, Graphic Novels

Graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham join forces in this heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, and falling in love. Val is ready to give up on love. It's led to nothing but secrets and heartbreak, and she's pretty sure she's cursed--no one in her family, for generations, has ever had any luck with love. But then a chance encounter with a pair of cute lion dancers sparks something in Val. Is it real love? Could this be her chance to break the family curse? Or is she destined to live with a broken heart forever?

Mari's picture

Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham are some of best in the business when it comes to graphic novels and illustrations in the children's lit world, so I was excited to see a graphic romance novel for (young) adults! I thought the love story was interesting and was blown away by the illustrations. I love a thick graphic novel, and this story has a lot of cool elements--memorable characters, deep family secrets, celebration of Chinese and Korean culture, and of course a long-game romance with a romantic comedy of the 90's-type ending! Would be a great winter read around Valentine's Day and Lunar New Year of course, but a fun summer romance too! -Mari

Moomin : the complete Tove Jansson comic strip book cover
Moomin : the complete Tove Jansson comic strip book cover

Moomin : the complete Tove Jansson comic strip

Tove Jansson

COMIC Moomin
Graphic Novels, Adventure, Kids

Annie's picture

A cute and quaint comic series that's not just for kids! I loved accompanying the Moomin family on their hilarious adventures through Moominvalley. Also a good Pride Month read from the artist and writer Tove Jansson, a queer icon! -Annie

Ruined book cover
Ruined book cover

Ruined

Sarah Vaughn

GRAPHIC NOVEL Vaughn
Fiction, Romance

For fans of Bridgerton comes a Regency-era romance graphic novel about the unexpected passion that blooms from a marriage of convenience. The whole town is whispering about how Catherine Benson lost her virtue, though they can never agree on the details. Was it in the public garden? Or a moving carriage? Only a truly desperate man would want her now -- and that's exactly what Andrew Davener is. His family's estate is in disrepair, but Catherine's sizeable dowry could set it to rights. After the two wed, Catherine finds herself inexplicably drawn to Andrew. But could falling in love with her husband tear her marriage apart? In this richly detailed Regency romance, duty and passion collide in a slow-burn tale of intertwined fates.

Melody's picture

tl;dr: Great book for Bridgerton lovers. I picked up this book because I haven't read a graphic novel romance and was very intrigued when I saw it on the shelf. I didn't like the illustration at first but it grew on me as the story went deeper into the characters' lives and motivations. I tend not to read historical fiction but I thought this might be a nice entry into the Bridgerton-influenced historical romance. There's no narration text, just illustrations and dialogue. The clean-line and uncluttered drawings communicated so much on their own. Novels require descriptive writing to detail the setting, but this graphic novel used sparseness to get me into the headspace of Regency England. FYI--some scenes are mature in nature. -Melody

The pelican can book cover
The pelican can book cover

The pelican can

Toni Yuly

jE Yuly
Picture Books, Nature

"An exuberant celebration of the remarkable things that a pelican can do"--

Casey's picture

This is my new favorite storytime read! Toni Yuly's latest combines beautiful illustrations, perfect pacing, and a predictable call-and-response structure. Adaptations for storyJAM are forthcoming already! -Casey

Five stories book cover
Five stories book cover

Five stories

Ellen Weinstein

j813.54 Weinstein
Picture Books, History, Kids, Nonfiction

"Five children, from five different cultures and in five different decades, grow up in the same building on the Lower East Side of New York City"--

Anne W's picture

Fascinating look at the generations who arrive and make New York their own - the neighborhood businesses changes, cultures ebb and flow and blend, but the vibrancy and character remain and build year after year! -Anne W

The book proposal book cover
The book proposal book cover

The book proposal

K. J. Micciche

FICTION Micciche K
Fiction, Romance, Humor

Broke up with, broke, and with a vicious case of writer's block, romance writer Gracie Landing is a hot mess. She can hardly be blamed for drinking one (or a few) too many cocktails when out with her besties in an attempt to cheer herself up. Sometime in the foggy wee hours, she recklessly emails her unrequited high-school crush, Colin Yarmouth, who is now a successful attorney harboring regrets of his own. When she receives an intriguingly friendly (not to say flirty) response, her acute embarrassment is overcome only by her fervent curiosity―what would a hottie like Colin be like as a grown up? The two forge an unlikely friendship that's unmistakably headed for more. Colin's tales of his own woeful break-up become fodder for Gracie's fertile imagination and her current work-in-progress takes off. With the deadline looming and her checking account dwindling, Gracie has no idea that borrowing Colin's story could wreak havoc on her life, her career, and her own chance at happily-ever-after...

Melody's picture

I picked up this book from our "Books about Book People" display that was up in May. That theme is right up my alley. I just know it's going to be a creative read when the hero is a struggling author. BUT THIS BOOK! I binged the last half of the book in one afternoon. The characters are (of course) likeable and relatable, for me anyway. I've read my fair share of books where the protagonist is a hot mess and I personally enjoy the comedic opportunity that kind of character provides. But my favorite comedic bits were in the interactions between Gracie and her friend's Eastern European immigrant mother. She treats Gracie as if she were her own, offering borscht to her anytime she is down on her luck. I just love the tenderness felt among the characters. I read some negative reviews on Goodreads so the book might not be for everyone. But for me, I didn't want the story to be over at "The End." I want more of these characters and hope the author considers featuring them in a future book. -Melody

The bullet swallower : a novel book cover
The bullet swallower : a novel book cover

The bullet swallower : a novel

Elizabeth Gonzalez James

FICTION Gonzalez Elizabet
Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure

In 1895, Antonio Sonoro is the latest in a long line of ruthless men. He’s good with his gun and is drawn to trouble but he’s also out of money and out of options. A drought has ravaged the town of Dorado, Mexico, where he lives with his wife and children, and so when he hears about a train laden with gold and other treasures, he sets off for Houston to rob it—with his younger brother Hugo in tow. But when the heist goes awry and Hugo is killed by the Texas Rangers, Antonio finds himself launched into a quest for revenge that endangers not only his life and his family, but his eternal soul. In 1964, Jaime Sonoro is Mexico’s most renowned actor and singer. But his comfortable life is disrupted when he discovers a book that purports to tell the entire history of his family beginning with Cain and Abel. In its ancient pages, Jaime learns about the multitude of horrific crimes committed by his ancestors. And when the same mysterious figure from Antonio’s timeline shows up in Mexico City, Jaime realizes that he may be the one who has to pay for his ancestors’ crimes, unless he can discover the true story of his grandfather Antonio, the legendary bandido El Tragabalas, The Bullet Swallower.

Anne M's picture

Looking for an action-packed read that will keep you turning the pages? Look no further. -Anne M

Swimming in Paris : a life in three stories book cover
Swimming in Paris : a life in three stories book cover

Swimming in Paris : a life in three stories

Colombe Schneck

FICTION Schneck Colombe
Literary Fiction, Short Story

In Seventeen, Friendship, and Swimming, Colombe Schneck orchestrates a coming-of-age in three movements. Beautiful, masterfully controlled, yet filled with pathos, they invite the reader into a decades-long evolution of sexuality, bodily autonomy, friendship, and loss. Schneck’s prose maintains an unwavering intimacy, whether conjuring a teenage abortion in the midst of a privileged Parisian upbringing, the nuance of a long friendship, or a midlife romance. Swimming in Paris is an immersive, propulsive triptych—fundamentally human in its tender concern for every messy and glorious reality of the body, and deeply wise in its understanding of both desire and of letting go.

Anne M's picture

Colombe Schneck is dabbling with biographical fiction here—each novella (there are three) from a different stage in her life (?) or her alter-ego's life (?). I’m not going to speculate on how closely these events follow Schneck’s life—because the focus should be on how good these stories are. In the first story, she discusses the shock of an unplanned pregnancy. The second story explores a lifelong friendship, grappling with the loss of a friend and how formative a friend’s influence can be. Schneck really shows how a single friendship can ebb and flow, change, and move throughout a lifetime. The last story is about having an affair after ending a marriage--the adjustment, excitement, and anxiety of starting a new romance. The overarching theme is growth and self-awareness and Schneck works with this theme through subtlety in language and narrative. But she is also direct in how she discusses complex issues, which is refreshing. This is the first time Schneck’s work has been translated into English—and I guess there is more to come. -Anne M

Mermaids' song to the sea book cover
Mermaids' song to the sea book cover

Mermaids' song to the sea

Dianna Hutts Aston

jE Aston
Picture Books

"Three mermaid troubadours, draped with leis and strumming harps, sing their blessings to sea creatures everywhere, traveling the ocean to deliver a benediction to their beloved community of fish, whales, sharks, sea snails and many others"--

Casey's picture

This picture book is adorable, fun, and great to read (or sing) aloud! Seek and find minded littles will delight in the endsheets and repeated reads. -Casey

Roy is not a dog book cover
Roy is not a dog book cover

Roy is not a dog

Esmé Shapiro

jE Shapiro
Picture Books, Mystery, Animals

"On Lilypod Lane, everyone knows everything about everybody . . . or so they believe! When curious paperboy Weasel encounters his mysterious neighbor Roy on his route, he becomes convinced that Roy is actually a dog!"--

Casey's picture

Dogs are people too! Wonderful storytelling and adorable illustrations abound in this latest from Esme Shapiro and Daniel Newell Kaufman. -Casey

This is not my lunch box! book cover
This is not my lunch box! book cover

This is not my lunch box!

Jennifer Dupuis

j591.73 Dupuis
Nonfiction, Kids, Animals, Picture Books

"Join in on a surprising camping trip and discover the favorite meals of your favorite forest creatures--from the wood frog to the moose. Rich art illustrates the beautiful biodiversity found in our forests and expressive, repetitive text helps even the youngest naturalists learn all about herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores"--

Anne W's picture

A cute book about animal diets that keeps kids guessing from page to page! -Anne W

The art thief : a true story of love, crime, and a dangerous obsession book cover
The art thief : a true story of love, crime, and a dangerous obsession book cover

The art thief : a true story of love, crime, and a dangerous obsession

Finkel, Michael, author.

364.16287 /Finkel
Nonfiction, True Crime, Art / Art History

"For centuries, works of art have been stolen in countless ways from all over the world, but no one has been quite as successful at it as the master thief Stéphane Breitwieser. Carrying out more than two hundred heists over nearly ten years-in museums and cathedrals all over Europe-Breitwieser, along with his girlfriend who worked as his lookout, stole more than three hundred objects, until it all fell apart in spectacular fashion. In The Art Thief, Michael Finkel brings us into Breitwieser's strange and fascinating world. Unlike most thieves, he never stole for money, keeping all his treasures in a single room where he could admire them to his heart's content. Possessed of a remarkable athleticism and an innate ability to assess practically any security system, Breitwieser managed to pull off a breathtakingly number of audacious thefts. Yet these strange talents bred a growing disregard for risk and an addict's need to score, leading Breitwieser to ignore his girlfriend's pleas to stop-until one final act of hubris brought everything crashing down"--

Candice's picture

This book got rave reviews and has been very popular, but I had to give it mention...You'll be left wondering just what kind of person steals pieces of art on a weekly basis, from churches and small museums, in order to basically create their own collection of hundreds of priceless items. That they then store in their room. In their mother's house. For real. -Candice

Worry : a novel book cover
Worry : a novel book cover

Worry : a novel

Alexandra Tanner

FICTION Tanner Alexandr
Literary Fiction

"Frances Ha meets No One Is Talking About This in a debut that follows two twenty-something siblings-turned-roommates navigating an absurd world about to suffer great change-a Seinfeldian novel of existentialism and sisterhood. It's March of 2019, and twenty-eight-year-old Jules Gold-anxious, artistically frustrated, and internet-obsessed-has been living alone in the apartment she once shared with the man she thought she'd marry when her younger sister Poppy comes to crash. Indefinitely. Poppy is a year out from a suicide attempt only Jules knows about, and as she searches for work and meaning in Brooklyn, Jules spends her days hate-scrolling the feeds of Mormon mommy bloggers and waiting for life to happen. Then the hives that've plagued Poppy since childhood flare up. Jules's uterus turns against her. Poppy brings home a maladjusted rescue dog named Amy Klobuchar. The girls' mother-a newly devout Messianic Jew-starts falling for the same deep-state conspiracy theories as Jules's online mommies. A trip home to Florida ends in disaster. Amy Klobuchar may or may not have rabies. And Jules struggles halfheartedly to scrape her way to the source of her ennui, slowly and cruelly coming to blame Poppy for her own insufficiencies as a friend, a writer, and a sister. As the year shambles on and a new decade looms near, Jules and Poppy-comrades, competitors, permanent fixtures in each other's lives-must ask themselves what they want their futures to look like, and whether they'll spend them together or apart. Deadpan, dark, and brutally funny, Worry is a sharp portrait of two sisters enduring a dread-filled American moment from a nervy new voice in contemporary fiction"--

Amanda's picture

I found much relatable about this, even if the characters are a little younger than me. It's a bittersweet and still funny exploration of being siblings and dealing with your weird parents, all while navigating your 20s and figuring out what you want from life. It's quirky with dry humor throughout. -Amanda

Math, 100 ideas in 100 words : a whistle-stop tour of key concepts book cover
Math, 100 ideas in 100 words : a whistle-stop tour of key concepts book cover

Math, 100 ideas in 100 words : a whistle-stop tour of key concepts

Sam Hartburn

510 /Hartburn
Nonfiction, Science

One of the first titles in a cutting-edge new series created in partnership with The Science Museum, this book introduces 100 key areas of math such as geometry, algebra, probability and pure math, and explains each topic in just 100 words. Perfect for getting your head around big ideas clearly and quickly, or refreshing your memory of the fundamentals of math, this book covers the most up-to-date terms and theories and inspires a heightened level of understanding and enjoyment to the core areas of math.

Melody's picture

Having a grade-schooler allows me to remember all the fun I had in school (yes, I was a schoolie). Particularly in math, where games like "Around the World" allowed me to relish in competitive arithmetic. Weird, I know! For me, high school was the last time I studied any math, having chosen a creative/literary path instead, and so I'm enjoying reading these blurbs about all the theories and philosophies I used to know. Favorite quote so far? "...It is beyond doubt that many things became easier once people became comfortable with the concept of nothing..." -Melody

Attachments book cover
Attachments book cover

Attachments

Rainbow Rowell

FICTION Rowell, Rainbow
Romance

Beth and Jennifer know their company monitors their office e-mail, but they still spend all day sending each other messages, gossiping about their coworkers at the newspaper and baring their personal lives like an open book. When Lincoln applied to be an Internet security officer, he hardly imagined he'd be sifting through other people's inboxes like some sort of electronic Peeping Tom. Lincoln is supposed to turn people in for misusing company e-mail, but he can't bring himself to crack down on Beth and Jennifer. He can't help but be entertained and captivated by their stories. But by the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late for him to ever introduce himself. After a series of close encounters and missed connections, Lincoln decides it's time to muster the courage to follow his heart, even if he can't see exactly where it's leading him.

Amanda's picture

I love these characters, I love the setup, I love how Rowell makes things just messy enough to be real and relatable. Could not recommend it enough! -Amanda

More dung! : a beetle's tale book cover
More dung! : a beetle's tale book cover

More dung! : a beetle's tale

Frank Weber

jE Weber
Picture Books

"A dung beetle sets off on a quest for more and more dung"--

Anne W's picture

A hilarious fable about the perils of greed! A cute dung beetle is happy living in nature, collecting enough dung to have a simple yet comfortable life, and no more. But when a leopard suggests he go to a farm where there is an abundance of dung free for the taking, the beetle finds himself amassing more and more dung, to the point that it is a health hazard, he's paranoid that the beetles he's enlisted as "workers" are stealing from him, he's stressed out, exhausted, and unhappy. Will the dung beetle be able to slough off the dung and find balance in his life again? -Anne W

I was : the stories of animal skulls book cover
I was : the stories of animal skulls book cover

I was : the stories of animal skulls

Katherine M. Hocker

j573.7616 Hocker
Picture Books, Animals, Nonfiction, Science

"Strong, smooth domes, skulls are more than remnants of creatures that used to be. They are artifacts that allow us to travel back through time. Every ridge, hollow, and crevice of a skull reveals something about an animal's habitat, food source, and skill set. By observing the characteristics of six different animal skulls, readers can learn about the lives once led by a lynx, a deer, a beaver, a hummingbird, a wolf, and an owl. Katherine Hocker's lyrical text and Natasha Donovan's fluid artwork, paired with sound scientific data and back matter resources, will ignite a child's native curiosity and encourage mindful observation of the wonders hidden in nature-and ourselves"--

Anne W's picture

A simple, satisfying juvenile nonfiction picture book that examines several animal skulls and connects them to characteristics and behavior the animal in question utilized while they were alive. The narrative, while based firmly in scientific knowledge, uses lyrical storytelling - it's not dry facts, but a poignant, beautiful celebration of perfectly-adapted animal behavior as evidenced by bone structure. A great first examination of how our physical selves have evolved to allow us to do specific survival tasks! -Anne W

The warm hands of ghosts : a novel book cover
The warm hands of ghosts : a novel book cover

The warm hands of ghosts : a novel

Katherine Arden

SCIENCE FICTION Arden Katherin
Historical Fiction, Fantasy

January 1918. Laura Iven was a revered field nurse until she was wounded and discharged from the medical corps, leaving behind a brother still fighting in Flanders. Now home in Halifax, Canada, Laura receives word of Freddie’s death in combat, along with his personal effects—but something doesn’t make sense. Determined to uncover the truth, Laura returns to Belgium as a volunteer at a private hospital, where she soon hears whispers about haunted trenches and a strange hotelier whose wine gives soldiers the gift of oblivion. Could Freddie have escaped the battlefield, only to fall prey to something—or someone—else? November 1917. Freddie Iven awakens after an explosion to find himself trapped in an overturned pillbox with a wounded enemy soldier, a German by the name of Hans Winter. Against all odds, the two form an alliance and succeed in clawing their way out. Unable to bear the thought of returning to the killing fields, especially on opposite sides, they take refuge with a mysterious man who seems to have the power to make the hellscape of the trenches disappear. As shells rain down on Flanders and ghosts move among those yet living, Laura’s and Freddie’s deepest traumas are reawakened. Now they must decide whether their world is worth salvaging—or better left behind entirely.

Anne M's picture

I really enjoyed this book. Of course, I would--it's set during World War I. I’m intrigued by this time period: the world was going through such drastic changes. Arden explores this “brave new world” theme well. This book is pretty clever, but it is also riveting. -Anne M

The sea hides a seahorse book cover
The sea hides a seahorse book cover

The sea hides a seahorse

Sara T. Behrman

jE Behrman
Nonfiction, Picture Books, Nature

"The Sea Hides a Seahorse is a subtle seek-and-find story that journeys underwater to provide a glimpse into the secrets of seahorses as they swim, hide, hunt, court, mate, and more. Included at the back is more information about seahorses and how to support their protection and conservation"--

Casey's picture

The Sea Hides a Seahorse is a beautiful pairing of seek and find and nonfiction. Littles will love looking for and learning about the various types of seahorses and seadragons presented. Add this to the picture book nonfiction 2024 shelf! -Casey

Bride book cover
Bride book cover

Bride

Ali Hazelwood

FICTION Hazelwoo Ali

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again... Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was…. Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

Melody's picture

Being an Ali Hazelwood fan, I had to try out her first attempt at romantasy (romance + fantasy). I used to exclusively read romance in the urban fantasy genre--gritty city settings featuring powerful tribes of fantasy character classes--so picking up this book was an easy Yes for me. It's a far cry from her STEM-based romances, but has the same humor and relationship building as her others. Another forbidden love/opposites attract win! -Melody

I Hear a Búho book cover
I Hear a Búho book cover

I Hear a Búho

RAQUEL MACKAY

ON ORDER BOOK
Kids, Picture Books

As a child and adult caregiver snuggle together in a hammock at night, it’s a chance to share various animal sounds, introduced throughout MacKay’s effectively rhyming bilingual phrases. In English and Spanish, a repeated pattern of exchange unfolds between the companions: “Meow/ meow/ meow/ I hear a gato/ Could it be?// Sí, mamita/ That gato is me.” Fonseca’s mixed-media art employs contrasting colors, and incorporates textures of stamping and etching. Minimally detailed figures, cast in black and white, are captured busily engaging in creaturely pursuits until the call and response game, which has ranged from ducks to frogs and beyond, gives way to the actual sound of an animal that “is NOT me!” The result is a vibrantly artsy wind-down book. A pronunciation guide and glossary conclude. Ages 5–7. Publishers Weekly

Angie's picture

This book is perfect for storytime with your little one! The rhyme, rhythm, and flow of the story are crafted by an author who knows what they are doing when it comes to storytelling. Raquel was a children's librarian at ICPL, leading our weekly Spanish Bilingual Storytime and now teaches ELL classes here in Iowa City. The story also mixes in a perfect amount of Spanish and includes a pronunciation guide in the back. Illustrations are engaging and striking, sure to keep everyone's attention! -Angie

The mindful body : thinking our way to chronic health book cover
The mindful body : thinking our way to chronic health book cover

The mindful body : thinking our way to chronic health

Ellen J. Langer

158.13 /Langer
Nonfiction, Health

"A groundbreaking account of the power of our thoughts to improve our health-by the "mother of mindfulness" and first female tenured professor of psychology at Harvard When it comes to our health, too many of us think that a medical diagnosis describes a static or worsening condition. We then live our lives as though our ailments-our stiff knees or frayed nerves or failing eyesight-can only change in one direction: for the worse. Ellen J. Langer's life's work proves the fault in that logic. She has spent more than forty years testing the limiting effects of our negative assumptions as well as the healing power of being mindful-present in the moment and not distracted by memories or projections into the future. In The Mindful Body she unpacks her findings and boldly demonstrates how our thoughts and perspectives have the potential to shape our well-being for the better. Taking us into Langer's trailblazing Harvard lab, The Mindful Body recounts many of her colorful experiments to illustrate the influence of expectation and belief on how our bodies function, how we heal, and even how we age. In one study, Langer rigged eye charts so that participants would get some of the smaller letters correct right away, giving them the expectation that they could improve their overall eye test scores. And they did. In another, she showed that wounds heal faster when subjects are placed in rooms with accelerated clocks; when you think that time is passing faster, your body heals faster! On the other hand, her work reveals that discouraging health news can lead to a worsening physical state: she showed that learning you are pre-diabetic-even when only a fraction separates your blood sugar from a "normal" categorization-may actually play a part in the development of the disease. A paradigm-shifting book by one of the great psychologists of the twenty-first century, The Mindful Body returns the control over our bodies back to us and reveals that a true understanding of health begins with our mindset" --

Melody's picture

I checked this book out after being drawn in by its title. A "mindful" body sounds much better to have than a mindless one! There's a lot of new science out there about how conditions of the body affect the brain, like the mind-gut connection, and this book is a great companion to those studies. I appreciated learning about the placebo affect and enjoyed listening to stories about how people experienced less pain when they were able to ignore it more. I love exploring ideas that promote the mind-over-matter concept. If you've ever wondered, "but how sick am I *really*?" this book is for you! -Melody

Threads of treasure : how to make, mend, and find meaning through thread book cover
Threads of treasure : how to make, mend, and find meaning through thread book cover

Threads of treasure : how to make, mend, and find meaning through thread

Sara Barnes

746.44 /Barnes
Crafts

"Learn to make embroidery a way to treasure your life as you create three personal projects supported by the guidance, stories, and advice of fourteen modern crafters"--

Mari's picture

I follow the author's online presence "Brown Paper Bag," which is a curated appreciation of artists. We seem to have similar tastes when it comes to fiber arts, particularly, and I really enjoyed this anthology of unique embroidery artists. Usually I just flip through the photos in art books, but I really enjoyed reading the artist profiles as well in this one. All of the thread styles are so different from each other, sewers and stitchers will truly appreciate the variety of art showcased in this book. -Mari

Funny story book cover
Funny story book cover

Funny story

Emily Henry

FICTION Henry Emily
Romance, Humor

", Daphne always loved the way Peter told their story. How they met, fell in love, and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. Too bad it turned out to be more of a prequel, a complication to Peter's actual love story, the one that ends with him dumping Daphne before their wedding to begin a relationship with his lifelong best friend, Petra. And so that's how Daphne's story really begins: stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children's librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only other non-Peter-related person she knows: Petra's heartbroken ex, Miles Nowak. Just until she can get a new dream job literally anywhere else. Scruffy and chaotic, Miles is entirely the opposite of buttoned-up Daphne, and they mainly avoid one another until one night, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship. Miles decides he will convince Daphne to give Waning Bay a real shot. He'll show her why he loves this idyllic town and its residents, and if they happen to post deliberately misleading photos of their adventures together-for a particular audience of two-who could blame them? Miles believes Daphne deserves the chance to build a life here, her own life. As she begins to fall for the town, Daphne wonders what this summer is supposed to mean. Is it just for fun? An interlude to her own love story? Or maybe it was never meant to be a love story? Maybe it was just an anecdote to share at future dinner parties: that time she fell in love with her ex-fiancé's new fiancée's ex-boyfriend. Who's to say?"--

Melody's picture

This book needs no recommendations, but, yes! I must recommend it. Hugely popular contemporary romance author Emily Henry published Funny Story on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. I was one of the lucky few who fulfilled my audiobook hold the day it came out. Being sick all week and lying in bed, it was no feat to have narrator Julia Whelan read me this story through my illness. Such real characters, such tender affection, it just might be my new favorite. Sorry, 2022's Book Lovers! Funny Story now wears the crown. My one regret is that I finished it too fast. Time to put the print copy on hold! -Melody

Reckless girls book cover
Reckless girls book cover

Reckless girls

Rachel Hawkins

FICTION Hawkins Rachel
Fiction, Thriller, Suspense

When Lux McAllister and her boyfriend, Nico, are hired to sail two women to a remote island in the South Pacific, it seems like the opportunity of a lifetime. Stuck in a dead-end job in Hawaii, and longing to travel the world after a family tragedy, Lux is eager to climb on board The Susannah and set out on an adventure. She's also quick to bond with their passengers, college best friends Brittany and Amma. The two women say they want to travel off the beaten path. But like Lux, they may have other reasons to be seeking an escape. Shimmering on the horizon after days at sea, Meroe Island is every bit the paradise the foursome expects, despite a mysterious history of shipwrecks, cannibalism, and even rumors of murder. But what they don't expect is to discover another boat already anchored off Meroe's sandy beaches. The owners of the Azure Sky, Jake and Eliza, are a true golden couple: gorgeous, laidback, and if their sleek catamaran and well-stocked bar are any indication, rich. Now a party of six, the new friends settle in to experience life on an exotic island, and the serenity of being completely off the grid. Lux hasn't felt like she truly belonged anywhere in years, yet here on Meroe, with these fellow free spirits, she finally has a sense of peace. But with the arrival of a skeevy stranger sailing alone in pursuit of a darker kind of good time, the balance of the group is disrupted. Soon, cracks begin to emerge: it seems that Brittany and Amma haven't been completely honest with Lux about their pasts--and perhaps not even with each other. And though Jake and Eliza seem like the perfect pair, the rocky history of their relationship begins to resurface, and their reasons for sailing to Meroe might not be as innocent as they first appeared. When it becomes clear that the group is even more cut off from civilization than they initially thought, it starts to feel like the island itself is closing in on them. And when one person goes missing, and another turns up dead, Lux begins to wonder if any of them are going to make it off the island alive"--

Candice's picture

I really enjoyed Hawkins' novel The Villa, so I picked this up to take on vacation...it turned out to be a perfectly good beach-read! A group of twenty- to thirty-somethings find themselves on a small, uninhabited island for a spot of remote relaxation, but of course, things go awry when an uninvited guest gets their guard up and their imaginations going. That's not all, though--there are some weird dynamics going on in the background for each of our islanders, personal traumas and fears, that make for unique interactions and hidden motives. There's nothing ground-breaking going on here, but if you want a solid thriller with a great location, and some better-than-average thinking about what it means to live in the aftermath of major change and life interruptions, this book will do nicely! -Candice

A guest in the house book cover
A guest in the house book cover

A guest in the house

Emily Carroll

GRAPHIC NOVEL Carroll
Graphic Novels, Horror

"After many lonely years, Abby's just gotten married. She met her new husband--a recently widowed dentist--when he arrived in town with his young daughter, seeking a new start. Although it's strange living in the shadow of her predecessor, Abby does her best to be a good wife and mother. But the more she learns about her new husband's first wife, the more things don't add up. And Abby starts to wonder ... was Sheila's death really by natural causes? As Abby sinks deeper into confusion, Sheila's memory seems to become a force all its own, ensnaring Abby in a mystery that leaves her obsessed, fascinated, and desperately in love for the first time in her life"--Page [2] of cover.

Mari's picture

Another truly engaging story from the master of graphic horror, Emily Carroll. Gorgeous, creepy illustrations will keep you quickly turning the pages, and the twist at the end will have you wondering "what did I just read?" Fans of "Rebecca" and "The Yellow Wallpaper" will enjoy this gothic, gruesome ghost story. -Mari

La casa en Mango Street book cover
La casa en Mango Street book cover

La casa en Mango Street

Cisneros, Sandra.

SPANISH FICTION Cisneros

Alex's picture

Sandra Cisneros es una escritora Chicana, y este libro trata sobre las experiencias de una adolescente (Esperanza) de padres mexicanos, y que viven en Chicago. Es un libro compuesto por viñetas, relatos breves con prosa poética. Lo recomiendo especialmente porque nos ofrece una mirada sobre la cultura americana ylatina a través de los ojos de una joven adolescente que está aprendiendo a encontrar su espacio e identidad en este enorme y complejo país. -Alex

Cicada symphony book cover
Cicada symphony book cover

Cicada symphony

Sue Fliess

j595.752 Fliess
Animals

"There are about three thousand different kinds of cicadas but only the males make the sound we know. Some cicadas appear every year but other kinds only show up every seventeen years, but no one knows why. And there can be trillions of them! Interesting facts and a rhythmic, rhyming verse combine with colorful illustrations to portray one of the most fascinating insects in the world"--

Heidi K's picture

I recommend sharing this book with a young friend or family member. I love cicadas, and this book provided neat tidbits to expand my knowledge. The illustrations and narration are both engaging and colorful. This year, there are two different broods of cicadas coemerging, so now is the perfect time to brush up on your cicada facts! -Heidi K

The diamond eye : a novel book cover
The diamond eye : a novel book cover

The diamond eye : a novel

Kate Quinn

FICTION Quinn Kate
Historical Fiction

"The New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code returns with an unforgettable World War II tale of a quiet bookworm who becomes history's deadliest female sniper. Based on a true story. In 1937 in the snowbound city of Kiev (now known as Kyiv), wry and bookish history student Mila Pavlichenko organizes her life around her library job and her young son--but Hitler's invasion of Ukraine and Russia sends her on a different path. Given a rifle and sent to join the fight, Mila must forge herself from studious girl to deadly sniper--a lethal hunter of Nazis known as Lady Death. When news of her three hundredth kill makes her a national heroine, Mila finds herself torn from the bloody battlefields of the eastern front and sent to America on a goodwill tour. Still reeling from war wounds and devastated by loss, Mila finds herself isolated and lonely in the glittering world of Washington, DC--until an unexpected friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and an even more unexpected connection with a silent fellow sniper offer the possibility of happiness. But when an old enemy from Mila's past joins forces with a deadly new foe lurking in the shadows, Lady Death finds herself battling her own demons and enemy bullets in the deadliest duel of her life. Based on a true story, The Diamond Eye is a haunting novel of heroism born of desperation, of a mother who became a soldier, of a woman who found her place in the world and changed the course of history forever." --

Heidi K's picture

This was my first time reading Kate Quinn. If her other books are as good as The Diamond Eye, I may have found a new go-to recommendation. I couldn't be more pleased to be able to go back and read her older titles. Also, it looks like Kate Quinn has a new book coming out soon! Mila, the lead character in The Diamond Eye, is both tough and sensitive at the same time. Her growth as the book goes on is stunning. It's been a while since I read a book where I cared this much about the protagonist. Don't miss this book if you love historical fiction! -Heidi K

Cibola burn book cover
Cibola burn book cover

Cibola burn

James S. A Corey

SCIENCE FICTION Corey James
Science Fiction

"The gates have opened the way to thousands of habitable planets, and the land rush has begun. Settlers stream out from humanity's home planets in a vast, poorly controlled flood, landing on a new world. Among them, the Rocinante, haunted by the vast, posthuman network of the protomolecule as they investigate what destroyed the great intergalactic society that built the gates and the protomolecule. But Holden and his crew must also contend with the growing tensions between the settlers and the company which owns the official claim to the planet. Both sides will stop at nothing to defend what's theirs, but soon a terrible disease strikes and only Holden - with help from the ghostly Detective Miller - can find the cure"--

Brian's picture

I'm officially at the halfway point of this fan favorite series. It still entertains, and I'm always impressed by the scope of the story. If I had to criticize one thing--it's odd how one dude, James Holden, is at the center of so many important things to happen to humanity. Maybe it gets addressed later in the series? Also, the authors love the phrases "a darker darkness" and "companionable silence." -Brian

James : a novel book cover
James : a novel book cover

James : a novel

Percival Everett

FICTION Everett Percival
Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction

" When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond. While many narrative set pieces of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remain in place (floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure in the myriad stopping points along the river's banks, encountering the scam artists posing as the Duke and Dauphin...), Jim's agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light. Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a "cult literary icon" (Oprah Daily), and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime, James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature"--

Anne M's picture

While I'm writing this in April of 2024, I can attest that "James" is one of the best books of the year. It doesn't matter that there are eight more months of books coming out in 2024. It's very good. As a book, it is smart and funny, yet tragic where it needs to be. It is an homage to Twain, yet stands on its own. -Anne M

Dark circles : a novel book cover
Dark circles : a novel book cover

Dark circles : a novel

Caite Dolan-Leach

FICTION Dolan-Leach, Caite
Mystery

"Olivia Reed needed a break. She doesn't want to think about her name plastered on tabloids or be reminded of her recent meltdown on a Manhattan street. Her micromanaging publicist has just the thing in mind: A remote retreat in Upstate New York-the House of Light. It's not rehab; it's a spiritual center, a site for seeking realignment and personal growth. There will be yoga and morning meditation, soft bamboo-blend fabrics and crystals to snuggle. But Liv will soon find that the House of Light is filled with darkness. She is approached by a prickly local, Ava, who informs her that something twisted is lurking beneath the the Light's veneer. There have been a series of mysterious suicides committed by women caught in the Light's web, and no matter who Ava talks to, no one believes her. To get the truth out and put her celebrity to good use, Liv starts a podcast, dodging flashlight beams to record at Ava's home and seeking to connect the dots and expose the Light's true intentions, if she and Ava can find them. Beneath the glowing skin of the Light's inhabitants are rotten souls, and Liv learns that she can trust no one-except herself."--

Candice's picture

I read this while on vacation recently, and while there is only a small beach in the book, and the only person to use the beach is also dead, this book made for a great beach read! A small town with a fancy retreat center that might or might not double as a home base for a cult with sinister vibes. a string of dead people showing up on auspicious dates, and a burnt-out starlet looking to restart her life come together nicely in this atmospheric, fast thriller. There's a true-crime podcast aspect that makes this one very up-to-date, and that combined with our heroine's out-of-control tendencies, gives us a nice opportunity to question our obsession with things that aren't good for us, often at the expense of others. -Candice

Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One More Page Before Lights Out book cover
Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One More Page Before Lights Out book cover

Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One More Page Before Lights Out

Shannon Reed

OverDrive eBook
Nonfiction, Memoir, Humor

*NATIONAL BESTSELLER**A Good Housekeeping Reads pick*A hilarious and incisive exploration of the joys of reading from a "beloved and wonderful writer" (George Saunders), teacher, bibliophile, and Thurber Prize SemifinalistWe read to escape, to learn, to find love, to feel seen. We read to encounter new worlds, to discover new recipes, to find connection across difference, or simply to pass a rainy afternoon. No matter the reason, books have the power to keep us safe, to challenge us, and perhaps most importantly, to make us more fully human.Shannon Reed, a longtime teacher, lifelong reader, and New Yorker contributor, gets it. With one simple goal in mind, she makes the case that we should read for pleasure above all else. In this whip-smart, laugh-out-loud-funny collection, Reed shares surprising stories from her life as a reader and the poignant ways in which books have impacted her students. From the varied novels she cherishes (Gone Girl, Their Eyes Were Watching God) to the ones she didn't (Tess of the d'Urbervilles), Reed takes us on a rollicking tour through the comforting world of literature, celebrating the books we love, the readers who love them, and the ways in which literature can transform us for the better.

Annie's picture

Perfect for those that love reading about other people reading in order to inspire you to read more. -Annie

High conflict : why we get trapped and how we get out book cover
High conflict : why we get trapped and how we get out book cover

High conflict : why we get trapped and how we get out

Amanda Ripley

303.6 /Ripley
Self Help

High conflict is what happens when discord distills into a good-versus-evil kind of feud, the kind with an us and a them. The normal rules of engagement no longer apply: we feel increasingly certain of our own superiority and, at the same time, more and more mystified by the other side. Ripley investigates how good people get captured by high conflict-- and how they break free. She interviews people who were drawn into high conflict, and shows how they found ways to rehumanize and recategorize their opponents, even as they continued to fight for what they knew was right. -- adapted from jacket

Amanda's picture

This was really hopeful and inspiring to read - seeing how high conflict plays out in everyday life, and how that leads to the larger conflicts that cause even greater pain. Gave me many things to ponder. -Amanda

Only and Forever book cover
Only and Forever book cover

Only and Forever

Chloe Liese

OverDrive Audiobook
Fiction, Romance

A tender, steamy story about unexpectedly finding love and being brave enough to let it revise life's narrative in the final book in the beloved Bergman Brothers series. Viggo Bergman, hopeless romantic, is thoroughly weary of waiting for his happily ever after. But between opening a romance bookstore, running a romance book club, coaching kids' soccer, and adopting a household of pets-just maybe, he's overcommitted himself?-Viggo's chaotic life has made finding his forever love seem downright improbable. Enter Tallulah Clarke, chilly cynic with a massive case of writer's block. Tallulah needs help with her thriller's romantic subplot. Viggo needs another pair of hands to keep his store afloat. So they agree to swap skills and cohabitate for convenience-his romance expertise to revive her book, her organizational prowess to salvage his store. They hardly get along, and they couldn't be more different, but who says roommate-coworkers need to be friends? As they share a home and life, Tallulah and Viggo discover a connection that challenges everything they believe about love, and reveals the plot twist they never saw coming: happily ever after is here already, right under their roof.

Melody's picture

This is Book 7 in the Bergman Brothers series by Chloes Liese, sadly the last in the series. I read them out of order, starting with Book 2, Always Only You. I would call this series a cozy romance: everyone is honest, open-hearted, well-behaved, and many scenes take place in a historic A-frame house in the secluded woods of Washington State. I had been wanting to try out some sports romances, and I was drawn to Always Only You because of its ability-diverse characters. Each book touches on serious themes while not going too deep to break the fantasy of perfect and easy answers. Some love scenes in the series are open door, earning maybe 4 out of 5 red hot chili peppers for steaminess. -Melody

Family is family book cover
Family is family book cover

Family is family

Melissa Marr

jE Marr
Picture Books, Kids, LGBTQ+

When Little Chick starts school, he discovers that there are lots of different kinds of families, all of them full of love.

Angie's picture

Delightful and whimsical illustrations fill the pages along with wonderful text from a child's point of view about how a family is a family no matter what yours may look like. -Angie

Batman/Superman, world's finest book cover
Batman/Superman, world's finest book cover

Batman/Superman, world's finest

Mark Waid

COMIC Batman Superman 2022
Graphic Novels

"In the not-too-distant past, Superman's powers are super-charged from a devastating chemical attack by the villain Metallo...and the only ally that the ultra-powerful Man of Tomorrow can turn to in this turbulent hour is Gotham's own dark vengeance: dynamic duo: Batman and Robin! A nearly fatal burst of power drives Bruce Wayne to his own extreme measures to help his friend...enlisting none other than the Doom Patrol for aid."-- Back cover of Volume 1.

Brian's picture

After Ultimate Invasion got me excited about comics again, I picked up Volume One of "Batman/Superman, World's Finest." Mark Waid is one of my favorite comic book writers, and, in this title, he creates a Silver-Age world with a modern sensibility. It's just fun. Dan Mora does an amazing job with the art. This is a title that I can easily recommend to any comic book fan. -Brian

A simple wish book cover
A simple wish book cover

A simple wish

jDVD Simple
Comedy, Kids

When Anabel wished for a fairy-godmother, she never dreamed his name would be Murray. They have until midnight to rescue her dad, battle a wicked witch, and recover stolen magic wands to restore the world to a place where wishes really can come true.

Annie's picture

I don't care that this movie has 2.8 stars on Letterboxd. As a kid, I used to watch this movie on VHS, put it in the rewinder, and watch it again. I got a sudden craving for it and was delighted to learn that we had it on DVD. Watching it now as an adult, I'm not sure this would be a hit with adults who didn't grow up watching it, but it's still iconic to me. A 90's family-friendly flick with a runtime of just an hour and a half and, in my opinion, stellar performances from Mara Wilson and Marty Short... What more could you ask for in a kids' film? -Annie

Spotlight book cover
Spotlight book cover

Spotlight

DVD MOVIE DRAMA Spotlight
Drama, Crime, Historical

The riveting true story of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe investigation that would rock the city and cause a crisis in one of the world's oldest and most trusted institutions. When the newspaper's tenacious 'Spotlight' team of reporters delve into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church, their year-long investigation uncovers a decades-long cover-up at the highest levels of Boston's religious, legal, and government establishment.

Annie's picture

I remember seeing this in theaters in 2015 when it first came out. It's almost 10 years later, and this movie is still a tour de force. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend doing so. -Annie

Remainders of the day : a bookshop diary book cover
Remainders of the day : a bookshop diary book cover

Remainders of the day : a bookshop diary

Shaun Bythell

BIOGRAPHY Bythell, Shaun
Biographies

"The Bookshop in Wigtown, Scotland is a book lover's paradise, with thousands of books across nearly a mile of shelves, a real log fire, and Captain, the portly bookshop cat. You'd think that after twenty years, owner Shaun Bythell would be used to his quirky customers by now. Don't get him wrong, there are some good ones among the antiquarian porn-hunters, die-hard train book lovers, people who confuse bookshops for libraries, and the toddlers just looking for a nice cozy corner in which to wee. He's sure there are some good ones. There must be . . . Filled with the pernickety warmth and humor that has touched readers around the world, stuffed with literary treasures, hidden gems, and incunabula, Remainders of the Day is a warm and welcome memoir of a life in books"--Book jacket flap.

Amanda's picture

Another superb and fantastic dry-wit addition to Bythell's bookshop diaries. For anyone who has worked in a bookstore or library (or really most retail jobs) you'll get a kick out of his small-town observations of the funny and annoying customers, and the glimpses of delight in the every day. -Amanda

Ultimate invasion book cover
Ultimate invasion book cover

Ultimate invasion

Jonathan Hickman

COMIC Ultimate 2023
Graphic Novels

The Illuminati must gather once again to stop the Maker! One of the last survivors of the original Ultimate Universe, the Maker plans to ensure that Earth's Mightiest Heroes never become heroes at all - and then he can reshape a defenseless universe into exactly what he wants it to be! Timelines and dimensions collide - and at the end of it all, the world outside your window will be forever changed! But how does Miles Morales factor into the Maker's plans?

Brian's picture

Before reading this, I'd been on a break from reading comic books for roughly a year and a half. It was for no real reason other than there not being anything that caught my interest. Ultimate Invasion definitely caught my interest. Short version--an alternative version of Reed Richards--Mister Fantastic--calling himself "The Maker" escapes from the regular Marvel Universe into a different one and stops a wide variety of superheroes from gaining their powers. He then controls that world--with the help of other super powered folk--until the past and future catch up with him. This volume is wild--incredible world building and art--and it got me very excited for this new Ultimate Universe. -Brian

Planet Earth III book cover
Planet Earth III book cover

Planet Earth III

DVD 508 Planet
Documentary

Completing the Planet Earth trilogy, Planet Earth III explores the greatest habitats on our planet and the extraordinary animals that live in them. Filled with wonder and insight, Planet Earth III celebrates places and animals beyond our imagination. From the depths of the ocean to the most remote jungle, discover the planet's last great wild places and the astonishing strategies animals have evolved to survive. Each episode focuses on a distinct and dazzling habitat, including grasslands and deserts, forests, freshwater habitats, and coasts. This contemporary chapter of Planet Earth also reveals the new challenges that wildlife faces in our modern and crowded world.

Annie's picture

Animals are so cool! And some of these shots are truly mind-blowing. If you loved the previous Planet Earth installments, this one won't disappoint. -Annie

Madness : race and insanity in a Jim Crow asylum book cover
Madness : race and insanity in a Jim Crow asylum book cover

Madness : race and insanity in a Jim Crow asylum

Antonia Hylton

362.21 /Hylton

"On a cold day in March of 1911, officials marched twelve Black men into the heart of a forest in Maryland. Under the supervision of a doctor, the men were forced to clear the land, pour cement, lay bricks, and harvest tobacco. When construction finished, they became the first twelve patients of the state's Hospital for the Negro Insane. For centuries, Black patients have been absent from our history books. Madness transports readers behind the brick walls of a Jim Crow asylum. In Madness, Peabody and Emmy award-winning journalist Antonia Hylton tells the 93-year-old history of Crownsville Hospital, one of the last segregated asylums with surviving records and a campus that still stands to this day in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. She blends the intimate tales of patients and employees whose lives were shaped by Crownsville with a decade-worth of investigative research and archival documents. Madness chronicles the stories of Black families whose mental health suffered as they tried, and sometimes failed, to find safety and dignity. Hylton also grapples with her own family's experiences with mental illness, and the secrecy and shame that it reproduced for generations. As Crownsville Hospital grew from an antebellum-style work camp to a tiny city sitting on 1,500 acres, the institution became a microcosm of America's evolving battles over slavery, racial integration, and civil rights. During its peak years, the hospital's wards were overflowing with almost 2,700 patients. By the end of the 20th-century, the asylum faded from view as prisons and jails became America's new focus. In Madness, Hylton traces the legacy of slavery to the treatment of Black people's bodies and minds in our current mental healthcare system. It is a captivating and heartbreaking meditation on how America decides who is sick or criminal, and who is worthy of our care or irredeemable"--

Victoria's picture

This book was thoroughly researched and the personal stories added detailed layers to a legacy of the inequitable history of mental health care in the US. The author highlights generational trauma in a very real way that tells the story of the stigma attached to mental illness today that directly correlates back to institutions like Crownsville. It is precisely in this type of reckoning, however, that healing can happen. Fans of Michelle Alexander will find this mandatory reading. -Victoria

Flooded book cover
Flooded book cover

Flooded

Mariajo Ilustrajo

jE Ilustraj

"Flooded is the funny and beautifully illustrated tale of animals who live in a city that is ever so slowly flooding. The flood comes gradually at first. A business lion reads about it in the paper over his breakfast and absent-mindedly says 'hmm!', but does nothing about it. All the animals ignore the obvious and go about their busy lives, disjointed from one another and preoccupied by their own problems. Eventually, the flood water reaches a height that they can no longer ignore and they have to work together to save their city. All the animals join together in a line and pull out the plug that is drowning the city. This is an exceptionally illustrated story that teaches a message not to let problems fester and with a little team work and community spirit, no problem is insurmountable."--Provided by publisher.

Victoria's picture

This book was put on my lap from one of our superstar Children's Librarians and it's lovely. Children will adore scouring the pages for a wonderfully illustrated variety of animals in often funny predicaments, and adults will be reminded of the very real problems going on around us, despite how distracted we might be with our own. Overall, it's a shining testament that celebrates the fact that we can solve most of our problems successfully when we work together. -Victoria

The last zookeeper book cover
The last zookeeper book cover

The last zookeeper

Aaron Becker

jE Becker
Picture Books, Animals, Nature, Science Fiction

A master of the wordless form imagines a futuristic Noah's Ark in a luminous sci-fi parable for our changing world.

Casey's picture

Masterful! Aaron Becker's latest title is wordless picture-book perfection. -Casey

Three kinds of lucky book cover
Three kinds of lucky book cover

Three kinds of lucky

Kim Harrison

SCIENCE FICTION Harrison Kim
Fantasy

"Petra Grady has known since adolescence that she has no talent for magic-and that's never going to change. But as a sweeper first-class, she's parlayed her rare ability to handle dross--the damaging, magical waste generated by her more talented kin's spellwork--into a decent life working at the mages' university. Except Grady's relatively predictable life is about to be upended. When the oblivious, sexy, and oh-so-out-of-reach Benedict Strom needs someone with her abilities for a research project studying dross and how to render it harmless, she's stuck working on his team-whether she wants to or not. Only Benedict doesn't understand the characteristics of dross like Grady does. After an unthinkable accident, she and Benedict are forced to go on the run to seek out the one person who might be able to help: an outcast exiled ten years ago for the crime of using dross to cast spells. Now Grady must decide whether to stick with the magical status quo or embrace her own hidden talents . . . and risk shattering their entire world."--

Mykle's picture

The author's writing style was so good. It made this an easy read. I really enjoyed the idea that there's a waste byproduct from magic that has to be handled by specialists. -Mykle

Comet chaser : the true Cinderella story of Caroline Herschel, the first professional woman astronomer book cover
Comet chaser : the true Cinderella story of Caroline Herschel, the first professional woman astronomer book cover

Comet chaser : the true Cinderella story of Caroline Herschel, the first professional woman astronomer

Pamela S. Turner

j520.92 Herschel
Science, Picture Books, Nonfiction

"Once upon a time there lived a girl who swept floors and washed dishes, and was little more than a servant to her family. Until, one day, an invitation arrived. It was an invitation to a new country and a new beginning--a place where Caroline's dreams, her fascination with the night sky, and her extraordinary talent would open up a world of beauty and renown, and make her the belle of the scientific ball. From humble beginnings and in spite of many obstacles, Caroline Herschel and her brother William developed and built the best telescope in the world--in their back yard! Together they went on to discover a new planet, new moons, and vast arrays of unknown nebulae and comets. From a child who seemed doomed to a life of servitude, Caroline grew into a woman recognized by kings and queens-and a scientist whose work and discoveries continue to shine today. Pamela S. Turner and Vivien Mildenberger invite readers into Caroline Herschel's true Cinderella story in this inspiring account of the transformative power of curiosity and the magic-better than any fairytale-of science"--

Anne W's picture

Long-overdue recognition for Caroline Herschel, a European female astronomer working in the late 1700s who did not receive a formal education and seemed destined to be the unpaid servant for her family, until she left home and moved in with an adult sibling, who discovered a latent talent for advanced mathematics. The brother-sister duo built what was then the world's most advanced telescope and Caroline used her mathematical ability to calculate the position of stars and other celestial bodies, leading to precise and detailed catalogs and maps of the solar system that are still used to this day. She discovered and mathematically mapped over 2,000 comets, a feat that was truly mind-blowing at the time. Also, she and her brother literally discovered Uranus. -Anne W

Glenn Burke, game changer : the man who invented the high five book cover
Glenn Burke, game changer : the man who invented the high five book cover

Glenn Burke, game changer : the man who invented the high five

Phil Bildner

j796.357092 Burke
Sports, LGBTQ+, Kids, Nonfiction

"An inspiring picture book biography about Glenn Burke, the first Major League Baseball player to come out as gay, and the story of how he created the high five, the world's most recognizable handshake. Playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Glenn Burke could do it all--hit, throw, run, field. He was the heart of the clubhouse who energized his teammates with his enthusiasm and love for the game. It was that energy that led Glenn to invent the high five one October day back in 1977--a spontaneous gesture after a home run that has since evolved into our universal celebratory greeting. But despite creating this joyful symbol, Glenn Burke, a gay Black man, wasn't always given support and shown acceptance in return. This moving picture book biography recognizes the challenges Burke faced while celebrating how his bravery and now-famous handshake made him a true pioneer"--

Anne W's picture

Ever thought about who might have invented the high five? It was 1970s pro baseball player Glenn Burke! This biographical picture book follows Glenn Burke's brief but illustrious career in the major leagues, including the moment he and fellow player Dusty Baker spontaneously invented the high five. For Burke, a unique individual who was always joking, cheering, and dancing in the dugout, it was a natural progression. Burke also happened to be a Black gay man in the 1970s, and, heartbreakingly, he was pushed out of the league and later struggled with homelessness and substance abuse, dying of AIDS-related illness at only 42. These topics are dealt with sensitively but honestly in this picture book biography. I hope readers think of Burke every time they high-five someone after reading this story - a man who only now is being recognized for his legacy, not only in inventing such an iconic gesture, but in paving the way for LGBT+ athletes. If you want more on Burke, there is a middle-grade fiction title also by Phil Bildner that ties together the stories of Burke and a modern-day LGBT+ young male baseball player, also an excellent book. -Anne W

A friend for Eddy book cover
A friend for Eddy book cover

A friend for Eddy

Ann Kim Ha

jE Kimha
Picture Books

"Eddy the goldfish makes a leap of faith to become closer to new friends"--

Casey's picture

A Friend for Eddy is wonderful! No spoilers, check out the cover under the jacket! -Casey

The big Lebowski book cover
The big Lebowski book cover

The big Lebowski

DVD MOVIE COMEDY Big
Comedy

A lazy, unemployed Southern Californian stoner who loves bowling gets mistaken for a millionaire with the same name. He's beaten up by men looking for money from the rich man's wife and gets drawn into the kidnapping of the millionaire's wife.

Mykle's picture

This movie is so weird and funny. A classic worth re-watching semi-regularly. Great performances from Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and John Tuturro. 10/10 -Mykle

The best of world SF. book cover
The best of world SF. book cover

The best of world SF.

various

SCIENCE FICTION Best
Science Fiction

A great collection of Sci-Fi stories from authors all over the world. I really enjoy the perspectives coming from different parts of the world. Sci-Fi stories just haven't been published unless they were from the US or Europe.

Mykle's picture

Added by Mykle

Rumi : poet of joy and love book cover
Rumi : poet of joy and love book cover

Rumi : poet of joy and love

Rashin Kheiriyeh

jBIOGRAPHY Rumi
Picture Books

Even the greatest poet was once a child. And so it was with Rumi. When he was young he was enchanted by birds and books. He later became a scholar, but it was the loss of his best friend, Shams, that inspired Rumi to his most important realization: Love is in us and everywhere. The Persian mystic and poet Rumi is one of the best known and most widely read poets in the world. The renowned illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh herself comes from Iran. With this picture book she creates a touching memorial to Rumi's wisdom and warmth. The strong colors and ornamental details transport us to the Persian Empire in the 13th century. Yet Rumi's story and his poetry are timeless. The Persian mystic and poet Rumi is one of the best known and most widely read poets in the world. The renowned illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh herself comes from Iran. With this picture book she creates a touching memorial to Rumi's wisdom and warmth. The strong colors and ornamental details transport us to the Persian Empire in the 13th century. Yet Rumi's story and his poetry are timeless. Written by award-winning Iranian-American artist Rashin Kheiriyeh,this narrative nonfiction picture book has been published to honor his life and the 750th anniversary of his death. -- Publisher's website

Victoria's picture

What a beautiful introduction to the timeless Persian poet for young children. Illustrations are rich, details about his life are interesting, and hopefully this book will inspire another generation of Rumi lovers! -Victoria

Buzzing book cover
Buzzing book cover

Buzzing

Samuel Sattin

jGRAPHIC NOVEL Sattin
Graphic Novels, Health

"Isaac is a shy boy with OCD, but one day at school he meets new friends who introduce him to role-playing games, which lead him on a journey of self-discovery and growth"--

Mari's picture

I came across this graphic novel on the bookmobile shelf and was interested to see a book with a neurodivergent character navigating life with, at times, overwhelming OCD symptoms. I found the bees buzzing in your ear with intrusive thoughts to be a very good analogy and the way that Isaac interacts in social situations and his family dynamic to be a relatable depiction. It's wonderful for kids to see mirrors in the books they read, especially a graphic novel that will appeal to many! -Mari