The Spymaster of Baghdad: A True Story of Bravery, Family, and Patriotism in the Battle Against ISIS by Margaret Coker “…my aim with this book is to recalibrate Iraq’s history away from one that until now has centered on the American’s sins, suffering, and victories, and to illuminate the admirable role that Iraqis have played […]
Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber An enchanting tale about grief, forgiveness, and healing, Anna Kate and Natalie are the protagonists. After her grandmother, Zee, dies, Anna Kate journeys to the rural town of Wicklow, Alabama, where her mom grew up. Zee, owner of the Blackbird Cafe, left Anna Kate her cafe in her will […]
Children’s non-fiction is an area which is often ignored. When children go to the library, their focus naturally tends towards picture books, juvenile fiction, and graphic novels. As a result, we have attempted to make our non-fiction shelves in the Pearl Children’s Room a bit more enticing. Instead of simply labeling the shelves with Dewey […]
Northern Spy by Flynn Berry Despite the 1998 Good Friday Agreement regarding “the Troubles” in Ireland, “The basic argument of the Troubles hadn’t been resolved: most Catholics still wanted a united Ireland, most Protestants wanted to remain part of the UK. The schools were still segregated. You still knew, in every town, which was the […]
When You Trap a Tiger, written by Tae Keller (Winner of the 2021 Newbery Medal) Suggested ages: 8-12 years The magic of stories and the bonds of family intertwine in this beautifully crafted story by Tae Keller. Lily and her older sister, Sam, along with their mother, have moved to Washington from California to be […]
32 Yolks From My Mother’s Table to Working on the Line by Eric Ripert “My father died when I was young. That is the central tragedy of my life. But his spirit never left me, and that may be the defining miracle of my life.” In his heartwarming memoir, renowned chef Eric Ripert recounts his […]
2034: A Novel of the Next World War by Elliot Ackerman & Admiral James Stavridis Speculative fiction is not one of my favorite genres but this phenomenal read had me glued to my chair until I finished it in one very late evening. A character-driven page-turner, it offers several viewpoints about the potential of the […]
The coming of June brings on our library’s Summer Reading Program. Though it will come to you virtually, it will involve frequent live interactions with children and performers. I have highlighted the June programs with a book representing each. For further book suggestions, check out the book lists at the end of the reviews. And […]
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro Nobel Laureate Sir Kazuo Ishiguro’s moving new novel of speculative fiction explores what it means to be human. Beautifully written in his usual oblique and subtle manner, he examines relationships, how life can be purchased, and ethical issues about genetic manipulations that provide educational advantages that can result […]