Back to School 

It’s late August which, aside from confusion because of how quickly the summer is slipping by, means back to school! For some of us that may mean packing lunches and figuring out morning routines. For others, we can just choose to read about school rather than live through it. And if that’s the case, here are some books to enjoy about school without having to step foot in one: 

The St. Ambrose School for Girls by Jessica Ward 

“Relentlessly bullied by St. Ambrose’s queen bee, Greta Stanhope, Sarah Taylor finds an ally in her roommate Ellen, a cigarette-huffing, devil-may-care athlete, and determined not to let Greta break her, finds her world unraveling in ways she could never have imagined when a scandal unfolds, resulting in murder.” 

Welcome to the School by the Sea by Jenny Colgan 

“At Downey House, a charming English boarding school on the sea, new teacher Maggie is determined to make her mark, which jeopardizes her relationship with her safe, dependable boyfriend, while new student Simone tries to fit in and fellow student Fliss tries to get out.” 

School Days: A Novel by Jonathan Galassi 

“When the Leverett School’s headmaster asks him to help investigate an abuse charge, English teacher Sam Brandt, a former student, embarks on a quest to get to the heart of Leverett where his assumptions about his own life are shaken.” 

The School for Good Mothers: A Novel by Jessamine Chan 

“After one moment of poor judgment involving her daughter Harriet, Frida Liu falls victim to a host of government officials who will determine if she is a candidate for a Big Brother-like institution that measures the success or failure of a mother’s devotion.” 

The Finishing School: A Novel by Joanna Goodman 

“When she is invited as a guest to her former finishing school, Lycee International Suisse, best-selling writer Kersti Kuusk—who is determined to, once and for all, find the truth surrounding her best friend Cressida’s death long ago—probes the cover-up, unearthing a frightening underbelly of lies and abuse at the prestigious establishment.” 

Promise Boys by Nick Brooks 

“Becoming prime suspects in the murder of their principal known for doling out extreme discipline, three Urban Promise Prep School students team up to catch the real killer and clear their names.” 

-Linnea 

National S’more Day

If you haven’t made s’mores yet, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy this quintessential summer treat. Whether you make a fire, use a microwave, burn your marshmallows, or get a slight singe, just make sure you indulge in one of summer’s simplest, yummiest pleasures. And what better way to enjoy a gooey s’more than being in the great outdoors?

While s’mores may be the best part of a camping trip, certainly there are many other aspects involved that can add to the enjoyment of one’s experience. Below are a few books to peruse before setting out for a night underneath the stars, from what to cook, where to go, and how to camp if you’ve never camped before. 

The Campout Cookbook: Inspired Recipes for Cooking Around the Fire and Under the Stars by Marnie Hanel 

Campfire Cooking: Wild Eats for Outdoor Adventures by B. A. Hoena 

Best Tent Camping Ohio: Your Car-Camping Guide to Scenic Beauty, the Sounds of Nature, and an Escape from Civilization by Robert Loewendick 

Cook It Wild: Sensational Prep-ahead Meals for Camping, Cabins, and the Great Outdoors by Chris Nuttall-Smith 

See You at the Campground: A Guide to Discovering Community, Connection, and a Happier Family in the Great Outdoors by Stephanie Puglisi 

50 States, 500 Campgrounds: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do by Joseph R. Yogerst 

-Linnea 

National Watermelon Day

When I think of summer, I think of picnics and patios, badminton and the beach, and, maybe above all else, watermelon. The quintessential summer fruit, nothing beats biting into a big triangle slice of watermelon after a day spent outdoors.  

A picnic with simple food, shared with good people, is one of the best ways to spend a day. If you’re looking for some inspiration for summer days spent outside, a fresh slice of watermelon in hand, we’ve got you covered! 

Life is a Party: Deliciously Doable Recipes to Make Every Day a Celebration by David Burtka 

The Forest Feast Gatherings: Simple Vegetarian Menus for Hosting Friends & Family by Erin Gleeson 

The Picnic: Recipes and Inspiration from Basket to Blanket by Marnie Hanel 

Good Day for a Picnic: Simple Food that Travels Well by Jeremy Jackson 

The CSA Cookbook: Thinking Inside the Box by Linda Ly 

Share: Delicious Sharing Boards for Social Dining by Theo A. Michaels 

Watermelon & Red Birds: A Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations by Nicole A. Taylor 

-Linnea 

What We’re Reading Now- Summer Edition

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt 

The story centers around Tova, a widow and night janitor at an aquarium; Cameron, a young man looking for his long-lost parents; and Marcellus, a wily octopus with a penchant for escaping his tank.  These characters paths cross suddenly and unexpectedly.  An interesting novel about finding closure and clarity after loss.  Bonus- full of interesting facts about octopi! Lisa 

A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher 

“After archaeoentomologist Sam Montgomery’s dig gets put on hold, she drives to her deceased grandmother’s house in rural North Carolina to spend some time with her mom. The vulture waiting for her on the mailbox doesn’t seem like a good omen, nor does the strange absence of insect life; her mother’s anxious, odd behavior; or Sam’s new, mysterious bouts of sleep paralysis. Sam digs into her family history in the hopes of discovering medical information and scientific explanations for the weirdness—but instead she finds deeply buried horrors that are out to destroy Sam and her mother.” Linnea 

All-Night Pharmacy by Ruth Madievsky 

Poet Madievsky’s debut novel follows an unnamed narrator’s meandering mishaps in the LA bar scene as she continually tries and fails to free herself from the toxic sisterhood and intergenerational trauma that, ironically, seem to be all she has.     Annelise 

Into the Riverlands by Nghi Vo 

Wandering cleric Chih returns in the third adventure in the Singing Hills Cycle, this time taking a journey into the wild riverlands. Accompanied by a motley crew of fellow travelers who may be more than they seem, Chih learns that there is always more than one side to a story. A feminist, wuxia-inspired fantasy from prolific author Nghi Vo. Shannon 

A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

Wes and Ivy were almost the picture-perfect couple in college, moved in together after graduation, and slowly small irritants became big issues causing them to part ways, so began their cycle of breaking up and making up. And then Ivy reported a stalker to the police, with Wes as the prime suspect. Considering their past relationship, could Ivy’s concerns be true, or did she just go too far in the troublesome game they like to play.  If you enjoyed Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and you don’t mind deeply narcissistic characters, this was a fabulously wild ride! Enjoy!! Stacey 

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue.  


Rachel and James become fast friends working at a bookstore in Cork during the Irish recession. Young and broke, they decide to move in together, chasing love and lust as you can only do in your early 20s. When James falls for Dr. Burns, Rachel’s English professor, hiding the secret threatens to ruin their dreams. Laugh out loud funny, touching, and really well-written, it’s a delight that you won’t want to end. Dori 

Spells for Forgetting by Adrienne Young

August Salt vowed never to return to Saorise Island off the coast of Washington state, but his mother’s last wishes changed that. He returned to the place where his first love, Emery, still lives, and where he is still suspected of the murder of a teenage girl and hated by most of the residents. He intends to spread his mother’s ashes and be on the ferry back to the mainland as soon as possible, but the island, an ancient place full of secrets and forces that some of the stronger women can tap into, has different ideas. August must face Emery, who he has never stopped loving, the murder, and the evil secrets that run deep in Saorise while fighting to survive. Sara

Quietly Hostile Essays by Samantha Irby 


The most recent collection of essays from writer Samantha Irby does not disappoint. Quietly Hostile. Irby shares her wide range of experiences; everything from writing for the HBO Just like That to challenges to adopting a dog during the pandemic. Another hilarious collection from Samantha Irby. Greg 

Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H (memoir) 

A queer, Muslim, coming of age story about never fully being accepted in any community until they find the strength to make their own community. Christine

Lucky Red by Claudia Cravens 

In this traditional Western, Bridget finds herself, her queer sexuality, and her destiny.  Christine 

National French Fry Day

Last week was National Fried Chicken Day, this week it’s National French Fry Day! What is it about July that makes us want to celebrate all the fried foods? Whatever the explanation is, I’m ready to celebrate! 

Let’s expand our celebration beyond just French fries and show some love to the potato. The potato, as we know, is extremely versatile. From fries to tots to baked to mashed, the potato can do it all. No matter how you choose to indulge in your potato love, we’ve got the cookbooks to help you achieve those goals: 

The Side Dish Bible: 1001 Perfect Recipes for Every Vegetable, Rice, Grain, and Bean Dish You’ll Ever Need by America’s Test Kitchen 

Dinner in an Instant: 75 Modern Recipes for Your Pressure Cooker, Multicooker, + Instant Pot® by Melissa Clark 

The Love and Lemons Cookbook: An Apple-to-Zucchini Celebration of Impromptu Cooking by Jeanine Donofrio 

The Vegetable Butcher: How to Select, Prep, Slice, Dice, and Masterfully Cook Vegetables from Artichokes to Zucchini by Cara Mangini 

Best Side Dishes Ever: Foolproof Recipes for Greens, Potatoes, Beans, Rice, and More by Monica Sweeney 

The New Midwestern Table: 200 Heartland Recipes by Amy Thielen 

Tots!: 50 Tot-ally Awesome Recipes from Totchos to Sweet Po-tot-o Pie by Dan Whalen 

-Linnea 

National Fried Chicken Day

What could be a more fun day to celebrate than National Fried Chicken Day? The United States may not have a shortage of incredible fried chicken restaurants to enjoy, but why not try making fried chicken in your own kitchen? From classic fry recipes to air fryer hacks, making fried chicken has never been easier. Fried chicken lovers, unite! 

Fried & True: More than 50 Recipes for America’s Best Fried Chicken and Sides by Lee Schrager 

Adventures in Chicken: 150 Amazing Recipes from the Creator of AdventuresInCooking.com by Eva Kosmas Flores 

Air Fry Everything! by Meredith Laurence 

Southern Snacks: 77 Recipes for Small Bites with Big Flavors by Perre Magness 

The Essential Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners: Easy, Foolproof Recipes for Your Air Fryer by Laurie Fleming 

The Unofficial Dollywood Cookbook: From Frannie’s Famous Fried Chicken Sandwich to Grist Mill Cinnamon Bread, 100 Delicious Dollywood-inspired Recipes! by Erin K. Browne 

The “I Love My Air Fryer” 5-ingredient Recipe Book by Robin Fields 

-Linnea 

Audiobook Appreciation Month 

If you’ve been staunchly anti-audiobooks…I get it. I love holding the physical book in my hands, turning the pages, being completely immersed in each written word. 

But then I tried an audiobook and while I’m not a full convert, I understand the appeal now. All those chores I didn’t want to do? I press play on a book and suddenly doing the dishes isn’t so bad. Taking walks alone is more enjoyable with a thriller playing in my ears (although I wouldn’t recommend this at night!). Long car trips don’t feel like a waste of time—they’re spent reading my current book! 

So, if you, like me, have been averse to trying an audiobook, find one by your favorite author, press play, and do some of your chores. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll have found a new way to enjoy reading! 

If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few recently well-reviewed audiobooks to try: 

Finding Me by Viola Davis, read by the author 

A noted actress’s memoir, in her own words, spans her incredible, inspiring life, from her coming-of-age in Rhode Island to her present day. 

Winner of the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording, Kirkus Reviews said, “This memoir by the Oscar winner is unforgettable thanks to the author’s fiery narration.” 

Place a hold on the audiobook here or on the e-audiobook here 

Greek Lessons by Han Kang, read by Greta Jung and Earl T. Kim 

A young Korean woman losing her ability to speak befriends a Greek language teacher who is losing his sight and discover they have even more in common. 

“Listeners may find themselves pausing the audio to ponder the book’s philosophical musings—or perhaps simply rewinding to re-immerse themselves in Han’s lyrical prose, delicate imagery, and the possibilities of the senses.” -Booklist 

Place a hold on the e-audiobook here 

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, read by the author 

The iCarly and Sam & Cat star, after her controlling mother dies, gets the help she needs to overcome eating disorders, addiction and unhealthy relationships–and finally decides what she really wants for the first time in her life. 

“Kirkus calls the memoir “heartbreaking,” and in many ways it is, but McCurdy displays a surprising dark sense of humor in both the writing and reading of this book, a sign that her healing has begun.”  

Place a hold on the audiobook here or on the e-audiobook here 

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid, read by Stacy Gonzalez 

A retired tennis champion comes out of retirement at age 37 after watching a young phenom beat her long-standing record at the 1994 US Open. 

“Stacy Gonzalez’s emotional performance as Carrie, including Spanish-sprinkled conversations with her Argentine father/coach, is excellent. The large supporting cast includes former tennis pros Patrick McEnroe and Mary Carillo, and all the news shows and pundit debates are cleverly produced with theme music.” -Kirkus Reviews 

Place a hold on the audiobook here or on the e-audiobook here 

You Could Make This Place Beautiful by Maggie Smith, read by the author 

The best-selling poet and author of Keep Moving offers a memoir that explores coming of age in the middle of life. 

“It’s right that the author should narrate her painfully personal work…Heartbreakingly beautiful, this audio will move listeners to reflect on their own lives with insight, and, possibly, gratitude.” -Booklist 

Place a hold on the audiobook here or on the e-audiobook here 

-Linnea

Honoring Cormac McCarthy

Cormac McCarthy passed away on June 13, 2023, at 89 years old. He is known for changing the landscape of American literature, eschewing conventional usage of punctuation, and having a generally bleak outlook on American life. He won numerous awards for his works, including the Pulitzer Prize for his novel, The Road; the National Book Award for All the Pretty Horses; and the film adaptation of his novel No Country for Old Men won four Academy Awards. McCarthy wrote twelve novels, multiple short stories, a few screenplays (some never published), and a couple plays.  

Maybe you haven’t read any of McCarthy’s work, maybe you’re interested in one of his works you haven’t read, or you’re ready to watch a film adaptation; whichever you choose, we’ve got the materials to help you honor him. 

The Orchard Keeper 1965 

“A young boy, an old man, and the outlaw who has unknowingly killed the boy’s father, all try to resist the changes brought about during the period between the wars.” 

Blood Meridian 1985 

“Based on incidents that took place in the southwestern United States and Mexico around 1850, this novel chronicles the crimes of a band of desperados, with a particular focus on one, “the kid,” a boy of fourteen.” 

All the Pretty Horses 1992 

“Cut off from the life of ranching he has come to love by his grandfather’s death, John Grady Cole flees to Mexico, where he and his two companions embark on a rugged and cruelly idyllic adventure.” 

No Country for Old Men 2005 

“Stumbling upon a bloody massacre, a cache of heroin, and more than $2 million in cash during a hunting trip, Llewelyn Moss removes the money, a decision that draws him and his young wife into the middle of a violent confrontation.” 

No Country for Old Men 

This film adaptation was released in 2007, directed by the Coen Brothers. It stars Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, and Javier Bardem, who won the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards and won four. 

The Road 2006 

“Apocalypse grips the earth; wildlife has disappeared; and starvation prevails. Amidst this bleak backdrop, a man and his young son slowly make their way toward the coast. Avoiding roves of marauding cannibals and fighting off starvation, they gain hope and stamina in knowing they are some of the remaining few virtuous people.” 

The Road 

Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall, and Charlize Theron star in this 2009 film adaptation. While it wasn’t nominated for any Academy Awards, it did win a couple film critics awards: Best Cinematography and Best Actor for Viggo Mortensen.  

The Passenger 2022 

“In 1980 Pass Christian, Mississippi, salvage diver Bobby Western, after a plane crash, discovers the pilot’s flight bag, the plane’s black box and the tenth passenger are missing, submerging him in a conspiracy beyond his understanding as he is shadowed in body and spirit by the past and present.” 

Stella Maris 2022 

“1972, Black River Falls, Wisconsin: Alicia Western, twenty years old, with forty thousand dollars in a plastic bag, admits herself to the hospital. A doctoral candidate in mathematics at the University of Chicago, Alicia has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, and she does not want to talk about her brother, Bobby. Instead, she contemplates the nature of madness; she surveys the intersection of physics and philosophy; and she introduces her cohorts, her chimeras, the hallucinations that only she can see. Told entirely through the transcripts of Alicia’s psychiatric sessions, Stella Maris is a philosophical inquiry that questions our notions of God, truth, and existence.” 

-Linnea 

Bookish Reads for Bibliophiles

Are you a…

Logophile?

Bibliognost?

Bookarazzi?

or Bookworm?

Books about books are always a hit, and it seems like every month there’s a new book in this category. If you’re a bonafide bookworm, a bright-eyed bibliophile, or a beaming booklover, here are some recent and upcoming bookish reads.

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa

Twenty-five-year-old Takako has enjoyed a relatively easy existence–until the day her boyfriend Hideaki, the man she expected to wed, casually announces he’s been cheating on her and is marrying the other woman. Suddenly, Takako’s life is in freefall. She loses her job, her friends, and her acquaintances, and spirals into a deep depression. In the depths of her despair, she receives a call from her distant uncle Satoru.

The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons

London, 1938: The bookstore just doesn’t feel the same to Gertie Bingham ever since the death of her beloved husband Harry. Bingham Books was a dream they shared together, and without Harry, Gertie wonders if it’s time to take her faithful old lab, Hemingway, and retire to the seaside. But fate has other plans for Gertie.

The Banned Bookshop of Maggie Banks by Shauna Robinson

When Maggie Banks arrives in Bell River to run her best friend’s struggling bookstore, she expects to sell bestsellers to her small-town clientele. But running a bookstore in a town with a famously bookish history isn’t easy. Bell River’s literary society insists on keeping the bookstore stuck in the past, and Maggie is banned from selling anything written this century. So, when a series of mishaps suddenly tip the bookstore toward ruin, Maggie will have to get creative to keep the shop afloat.

The Bookshop of Secrets by Mollie Rushmeyer

Hope Sparrow has mastered the art of outrunning her tragic past, learning never to stay anywhere too long and never to allow anyone control over her life again. Coming to Wanishin Falls in search of her family’s history already feels too risky. But somewhere in the towering stacks of this dusty old bookshop are the books that hold Hope’s last ties to her late mother–and to a rumored family treasure that could help her start over.

The Radcliffe Ladies’ Reading Club by Julia Bryan Thomas

The Cambridge Bookshop is a haven for Tess, Caroline, Evie, and Merritt, who are all navigating the struggles of being newly independent college women in a world that seems to want to keep them in the kitchen. But when a member of the group finds herself shattered, everything they know about themselves will be called into question. 

The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore

Sloane Parker lives a small, contained life as a librarian in her small, contained town. She never thinks of herself as lonely…but still she looks forward to that time every day when old curmudgeon Arthur McLachlan comes to browse the shelves and cheerfully insult her. Their sparring is such a highlight of Sloane’s day that when Arthur doesn’t show up one morning, she’s instantly concerned. And then another day passes, and another.

Happy reading, book buddies!

-Melinda

Great Outdoors Month

We’re starting to experience some beautiful, sunny days here in Northeast Ohio now that it’s June, so it is very fitting that June is Great Outdoors Month!  

There are plenty of ways to spend some extra time outdoors, but if you’re looking for some ideas, look no further! 

The Good Garden: How to Nurture Pollinators, Soil, Native Wildlife, and Healthy Food–All in Your Own Backyard by Chris McLaughlin 

Best Hikes Cleveland by Joe Baur 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Handbook by Carolyn V. Platt 

Pedaling on the North Coast: Biking the Streets of Cleveland by Stan Purdum 

50 States, 500 Campgrounds: Where to Go, When to Go, What to See, What to Do by Joseph R. Yogerst 

How to Grill Vegetables: The New Bible for Barbecuing Vegetables Over Live Fire by Steven Raichlen 

Chiles and Smoke: BBQ, Grilling, and Other Fire-Friendly Recipes with Spice and Flavor by Brad Prose 

How to Rock Climb! by John Long 

Dark Skies: A Practical Guide to Astrotourism by Valerie Stimac

-Linnea