Are you as exhausted by 2024 as I am? How about a book to help soothe the soul, or make you laugh, or give you a reason to read more on a topic? Here are twenty options that made my list (and more available upon request- heh heh!):
Actual Facts (aka Nonfiction)
The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl
This is a beautifully crafted book, both the art work and the sharing of the author’s life experience in monthly chapters. If you’re looking for a gift for a nature loving friend -this might be worth checking out.
Generations by Jean Twenge
This book plus The Coddling of the American Mind have answered a lot of questions for me I didn’t know I had.
Something Cozy
Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy
Short in length, long on happiness impact. Take an afternoon and enjoy!
A New Lease On Death by Olivia Blacke
Looking for a cozy mystery? Here you go!
How to Age Disgracefully by Claire Pooley
Zesty characters and a cute dog. Do I need to say more?
The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
Welcome back to Patrick O’Hara -everyone’s favorite Guncle!
Something a Little Different
Tilda is Visible by Jane Tara
What if you felt invisible because you’re a woman who’s getting older, and then your physical body actually started disappearing? And the medical community even had a name for the phenomenon?!
The Voyage of the Damned by Frances White
If you’re willing to read a fantasy book in which charming characters have magical gifts, this is also a locked room mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
The Failures by Benjamin Liar
A chonky science fiction story with multiple storylines that come together in a pretty satisfying way to end the first in a trilogy.
After Annie by Anna Quindlen
When Annie unexpectedly passes away, we are given the opportunity to know her better through the lives she touched.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe
Margo is used to people thinking she makes bad choices, the current bad choice would be sleeping with her married college professor. When she discovers she’s pregnant and decides to keep the baby, Margo feels overwhelmed and determined to succeed.
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
When a woman on a plane starts predicting when and how other passengers will die, the first response was to brush it off. After the first prediction comes true, the rest of the group begins to bond and a search begins to find the mysterious lady.
Something a Little Dark
Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond
First in a new series, this is another short in length but long on impact book. You’ll be amazed at the world building the author is able to accomplish in only 167 pages!
The Haters by Robyn Harding
Camryn Hart went from celebrating her first published book to trying to figure out who’s making damaging false accusations about her online. The longer the attacks go on, the less trust Camryn has in the people surrounding her. What a wild ride!
Diavola by Jennifer Thorne
Creepy, creepy, creepy… So good!
Something Old (aka Historical)
Shelterwood by Lisa Wingate
Set in Oklahoma, with storylines in 1909 and 1990s, this book is filled with young women fighting for survival and for acceptance.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
I had no idea who Martha Ballard was before reading this book and now I know why her legend lives on. Fascinating details on midwifery and all the additional jobs that were attached to that title.
The Mesmerist by Caroline Woods
Using some factual happenings and some fictional characters, this is another story of women fighting to have control over their own lives.
The Wealth of Shadows by Graham Moore
Just when you think there’s nothing new to learn about World War II, you read a book like this. Also, I’m a little sorry I didn’t pay more attention in my Macro Economics course…
Hopefully one of these books is just what you were looking for, and I’m *always* interested in hearing what you thought after reading! []~(￣▽￣)~*
Enjoy!
Stacey
Science Fiction
Has Spring Sprung?
We’re two days into spring but it doesn’t quite feel like it yet. Daffodils had started to peek up, then were promptly covered by a dusting of snow. Sun warmed our faces, but now we’re back to grey.
If you’re eager for spring weather to come back and stick around, try some of these books to summon the season of renewal:
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eva Eger
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
-Linnea
Stacey says, “It’s time for the Top Ten of 2023!”
This year I’m really leaning into the popular saying, “So many books, so little time!” My list of possibilities for a Top Ten is longer than usual thanks to my participation on American Library Association’s The Reading List committee. The Reading List is focused on finding great reads in the genres of Adrenaline, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Relationship Fiction, Romance, and Science Fiction -some of these categories aren’t ones I naturally gravitate toward but I’ve enjoyed the entire experience! (Plus -now I have bonus books for this list!)
As always, the books are in alphabetical order in each genre. I’m attempting a three emoji description -🤞 I can make it work. The link will take you to our digital collection but there are print books as well, just give us a call!
General Fiction:
Half-Life of a Stolen Sister by Rachel Cantor 🤔 👀 🔎
Late Bloomers by Deepa Varadarajan 👪🏽 🤐 🎉
Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes 🏫 🕵🏼 👫🏽
Maame by Jessica George 👪🏾 🏠 🏋🏾♀️
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim 🏡 🤫 🔍
Adrenaline:
Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose 🤐 😮 🪤
A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing 🕵🏼♀️ 👩❤️👨☠️
Historical Fiction:
Ghost Girl, Banana by Wiz Wharton 🇭🇰 🏴 👨👩👧👧
The Beach at Summerly by Beatriz Williams ⚔️ 💘 🏡
The House is on Fire by Rachel Beanland 🎭 🔥 💔
Mystery:
The Appeal by Janice Hallett 🤫 🔍 🥸
Better the Blood by Michael Bennett ☠️ 😰 🇳🇿
Killing Me by Michelle Gogan 🙅 😳 🤥
The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann 👵 🐢 🪤
Horror:
The September House by Carissa Orlando 🔥 🫠 😵
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix 👻 😱 🥴
Fantasy or Science Fiction:
The Books of Babel series by Josiah Bancroft series ☠️ ⛓️💥
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett 🧚 ✨ 📚
The Meister of Decimen City by Brianna 🐉 🦸♀️ ⚡
The Road to Roswell by Connie Willis 🗺️ 🛸 😉
📚 💖 😊
– Stacey
World Space Week
The week of October 4-10 is World Space Week, an international celebration of science and technology, and how those have contributed to the betterment of humanity. The dates were chosen to commemorate the anniversary of the launch of the first human-made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1 on October 4, 1957, and the signing of the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies on October 10, 1967.
To celebrate, enjoy this list of space themed books, whether you like true accounts or imaginative tales, hopefully you find something that sparks a sense of wonder.
Nonfiction
Rocket Boys: A Memoir by Homer H. Hickam
Mission to Mars: My Vision for Space Exploration by Buzz Aldrin
Space 2069: After Apollo: Back to the Moon, to Mars, and Beyond by David Whitehouse
Off-Earth: Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space by Erika Nesvold
Fiction
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
-Linnea
Philip K. Dick
In 1982, Philip K. Dick passed away at the age of 53. He was a well-known author, publishing over 40 works, primarily science fiction. He influenced many authors and filmmakers, and some of his works provided the basis for films such as Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report. His fiction explored questions on identity, perception, and human nature. Characters often struggled against science fiction elements such as alternate realities, authoritarian governments, and simulacra.
If you’ve enjoyed films like Donnie Darko, Inception, or The Truman Show, you can thank Philip K. Dick for influencing those filmmakers. And that means you’re ready to dive into some of his own works!
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Richard Linklater adapted this novel into a film of the same name.
Selected Stories of Philip K. Dick
This collection includes the short stories that were the basis for the films Total Recall and Minority Report.
-Linnea
Happy Birthday, Neil Gaiman!
Prolific storyteller Neil Gaiman was born on this day 61 years ago. From short stories to graphic novels to nonfiction to screenplays, Gaiman has left no storytelling stone unturned. While a large swatch of his fan base are avid sci-fi and fantasy readers, Gaiman still has mass appeal. Children’s books, such as Coraline, have garnered an adult fan base. Films and television shows have been created based on his books and Gaiman has even written episodes for beloved series like Doctor Who.
Gaiman has written screeplays, produced films, and directed some too. He has an immense body of work with no signs of slowing down. The Sandman television series (based on Gaiman’s own DC Comics of the same name), a comic adaptation by Colleen Doran (from Gaiman’s Chivalry), and Miracleman comics were all released this year.
No need to be overwhelmed, though! Here’s a list of offerings in every area Gaiman has his hands.
Stories
Smoke and Mirrors: Short Fictions and Illusions
Short stories and poems make up this fantastical collection from 1998. Most of the works had been published in magazines, anthologies, or other places prior to being assembled in Smoke and Mirrors.
It may be considered a children’s book, but this creepy tale can be read at any age. Young Coraline and her parents move to a big, old house converted into apartments. Accompanied by an odd cast of characters, Coraline soon finds another world that is parallel to her own. While it seems perfect, it quickly becomes a nightmare Coraline must escape.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Gaiman, a master of dark fantasy and magical realism, has also proven his mastery of human connection. The narrator, returning to his town to attend a funeral, reminisces on a tragedy that he witnessed as a child. Sometimes recommended as a children’s book, this fares better for an adult reflecting on their childhood.
Nonfiction
This is a collection of Gaiman’s essays and introductions and includes the original weblog of American Gods, before it was written into a novel.
Don’t Panic: The Official Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Companion
Not just a companion guide into The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (a wonderfully absurd science fiction series), this nonfiction work is also a biography of the author Douglas Adams.
Comics
The DC Universe by Neil Gaiman
This comic collection contains Batman, Superman, and Metamorpho. Published in 2016, the comics span from 1989-2013.
This is a collection from DC that includes several hard-to-find works from Gaiman’s earlier days. It includes comics centered around the Sandman, John Constantine, and the Floronic Man.
Films and Television
In addition to providing the source material, Gaiman was a writer and executive producer for this television series adaptation.
As New Gods gain prominence, the Old Gods worry they are becoming irrelevant. Shadow Moon, recently released from prison, becomes embroiled in this world of magic and the mission of uniting the Old Gods to rebuild their status.
Originally released in Japan, this is a classic film from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Gaiman wrote the script when it was dubbed for English in 1999.
-Linnea
“Live long and prosper!”
Fifty six years ago, Star Trek made its television debut on NBC. Featuring William Shatner, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Leonard Nimoy, and a host of other formidable actors, the original show has spawned numerous iterations, including spin-off television series, films, magazines, exhibitions, and books. Love of Star Trek spans generations, creating communities with each new release. Even if you’re not a “Trekkie”, there’s no getting around the fact that Star Trek has had quite the impact on popular culture.
I’ve compiled a few books that are sure to interest any Trekkie, and hopefully reach the non-Trekkies too!
The Last Best Hope by Una McCormack
Interested in the newer generations of Star Trek but not sure how to get started? Try this prequel novel about Star Trek: Picard, from 2020. You’ll be introduced to Picard and a new cast of characters, bringing your Star Trek knowledge up to par.
Leonard: My Fifty-year Friendship with a Remarkable Man by William Shatner
William Shatner expounds upon his professional and personal relationship with Leonard Nimoy in this biography, published about a year after Nimoy’s death.
Live Long and …: What I Learned Along the Way by William Shatner
Shatner also wrote an autobiography that goes beyond just his experiences as Captain Kirk. From motorcycle trips to stage productions to grappling with the uncertainty of life, Shatner explores it all in reflections full of humor and vulnerability.
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
George Takei is well-known for his acting roles in Star Trek and as a fierce LGBTQ+ activist. Born to Japanese-American parents, their family was forcibly imprisoned in a Japanese interment camp during World War II. This graphic novel memoir depicts Takei’s experiences in the camp, as a young child trying to make the most of the situation and grappling with horrific atrocities. A must-read for anyone, Trekkie or otherwise.
Phasers on Stun!: How the Making (and Remaking) of Star Trek Changed the World by Ryan Britt
Whether you’ve been with Star Trek since the beginning or you’ve never seen a single episode, Ryan Britt’s in-depth look into the Star Trek phenomenon will provide insight into this illustrious franchise.
One of the most beloved episodes of Star Trek, with the original script by Harlan Ellison, adapted into a graphic novel. Fans will love being able to see how the script changed into what is seen on screen.
-Linnea
National Pinot Noir Day
Today may be National Pinot Noir Day but there are plenty of other wine-related topics to celebrate. If you drink wine, you know that a glass can elevate a dining experience. But between all the varietals and rules, it can be hard to know what exactly you’re drinking and which to drink with which food. Fortunately, there are plenty of books to teach us!
First off, there is no need to become an expert because as Victoria James’ autobiography Wine Girl explains, the journey to becoming a sommelier (not to mention America’s youngest sommelier!) is quite the intense journey. If that doesn’t scare you off, peruse Rosie Schaap’s book Becoming a Sommelier and really take your wine knowledge to the next level. But if you’d rather take a step back, there’s Aldo Sohm’s book Wine Simple. Sohm takes his expertise and makes it manageable for those of us that just want to know which wine goes best with pizza.
And maybe you don’t want to take it that far and just want to know what wines come from where, learn something, and impress your dinner guests. Around the World in Eighty Wines by Mike Veseth is an excellent resource, broken into continents, countries, and cities, delving into the history and making of their wines. Wine Isn’t Rocket Science by Ophélie Neiman breaks down how to buy and pair every type of wine, so you’re never left wondering if you should have a white or red with dinner.
And if you’d rather just read wine-themed books, have we got options for you!
-Linnea
RRPL Summer Reads: Sci Fi, Fantasy, and Fairy Tales
As I am the resident science fiction and fantasy nerd librarian, you probably figured that of course my TBR list for this summer would be heavy with the weirdest and most interesting books. And you’d be right! Below are the five books I am most excited to read this summer, in no particular order.
Click on any of the book covers below to be taken to our catalog, where you can put them on hold with your library card number and PIN.
Wendy, Darling by A. C. Wise
I love any retelling of classic fairy tale, but a feminist retelling? Gotta have it. In Wise’s version, Wendy has grown up and has had children of her own. When Peter Pan kidnaps her daughter, Wendy must follow him to Neverland to save her daughter from the clutches of the boy who wouldn’t grow up.
Published June 1, 2021.
The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo
Like fellow librarian Nicole, I also want to read this fantasy reimagining of The Great Gatsby! There’s magic, mystery, and Jordan, a side character in the original novel, reimagined as a queer Vietnamese girl. Sign me up!
Published June 1, 2021.
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
When a book is described as Mulan meets Song of Achilles, how could this not be on my TBR list? In this fantastical retelling of Chinese history, a queer female monk will rise to greatness against the Mongol army.
Published July 20, 2021.
A Master of Djinn by P. DJÈLÍ Clark
Another historical reimagining, this debut novel stars a female detective tasked with solving a mass murder set in an alternate history 1912 Cairo where both humans and supernatural creatures dwell.
Published May 11, 2021.
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
Last but not least, this novel features a princess and a priestess working together to save their homeland from the princess’ traitor brother.
Published June 8, 2021.
Fellow science fiction and fantasy readers: did I miss any books that you’re excited to read this summer? Let me know!
Review of The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley
An excellent speculative fiction alternate history set during the Napoleonic Wars featuring a time travelling LGBTQ+ love story. In The Kingdoms by Natasha Pulley, Joe Tournier wakes up on a train station platform with no memory of who he is. He’s in London, but everyone is speaking French. When he receives a postcard with his name on it, mailed a hundred years ago, Joe journeys to the lighthouse pictured on the card and is kidnapped through a portal into the past by a mysterious man.
Pulley’s novel is at once both a romantic love story across time and space and a well-researched alternate history that examines how the use of future technology would change events in the past, and how far nations would be willing to go for information from the future. This book is for anyone who has ever wondered what would have happened if the French won at Trafalgar, if the telegraph was invented fifty years earlier, or even what would happen if a sailing ship battled against a steam-powered battleship. The twisty, turny plot may be confusing or hard to follow at first, but the payoff in the end is well-earned. Pulley does not pull her punches, either in the story or the action, but her take on naval ship battles is visceral without being over the top with gore. For anyone who loved Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell or Naomi Novik’s Temeraire series.
Look for the Kingdoms on May 25!
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC (advance reader copy)!
Read it or Weep 