Category: Readers’ Cafe
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Hummingbird Salamander by Jeff Vandermeer
Review by Elizabeth, Public Services One dull morning as security consultant “Jane Smith” leaves the coffee shop in Jeff Vandermeer’s Hummingbird Salamander, a barista hands her an envelope. No one knows who left it for Jane the night before, but Jane takes it anyway, welcoming the turn away from her routines of work and husband […]
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Librarian’s Choice: Merciful Crow by Margaret Owen
Shortly before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, I discovered one of those books you want to share from the rooftops. It captured me, engaged me, and made me really think about how we engage with other people. I was ready to review it – when you find those books you can’t put down, of […]
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Books to Commemorate and Understand Juneteenth
Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas in 1865, and more generally, the emancipation of African Americans throughout the United States. These books available at our libraries and on our e-book and audiobook apps, Libby and Hoopla, explore the origins and […]
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What If? Three Books About Big Decisions.
By Lisa Navidi, Davis Library Three women make life changing decisions. Was it worth it? The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab Addie LaRue, born in a village in France, was 23 years old in 1714 and was determined to live a free life. But her parents were more determined to marry her to […]
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Between Dreams and Reality
The Heavens by Sandra Newman Reviewed by Elizabeth L., Public Services In the year 2000, life in Manhattan feels like a utopia: the UN is eradicating global poverty, carbon emissions are falling worldwide, and with President Chen in office, the United States is at peace. Sedate Ben is busy with his job and PhD studies, […]
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Leonard and Hungry Paul, and More Books About People Finding Their Way
Review by Mark Santoro, Aspen Hill LibraryLeonard and Hungry Paul by Ronan Hession is a gentle story about two thirty-something, single men who are somewhat lost and late in finding their way in the world. It’s a debut novel for Hession, a popular Irish musician. In an era of discord and increasing public bitterness, the story is a welcome dose of tenderness and hope as it studies the ordinary lives […]
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Read 2020 Award-Winners on Hoopla!
Looking for something new to read? Check out some “best of” and award-winning titles on Hoopla–available with NO holds, NO waits, with your MCPL card! Learn more at mcpl.link/hoopla. Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart: 2020 Booker Prize Winner. Writers & Lovers by Lily King: Washington Post’s Best Books of 2020 Black Sunday by Tola Rotimi Abraham: […]
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Librarian’s Choice – Friendship in a Time of Tragedy
By Lisa Navidi, Davis Library Every year the Maryland Humanities Commission, through The One Maryland One Book program chooses a book that promotes discussion in the community and sponsors book discussions throughout Maryland. For 2020 they chose The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See, one of the most memorable books I have read this […]
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We Recommend — Books to Help You See Big Picture
These are challenging times, and these titles might help, whether you’re anxious about the future, or just want to benefit from the wisdom of others. These books are all available on our shelves, on the Libby App or Hoopla. Look out for a few current or former locals among the authors, too! Everything Beautiful in […]
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Family Fun Thanksgiving Books for Kids
Thanksgiving is the ultimate family holiday, and there’s no better time to share Thanksgiving books together with our closest people! This list of picture books and juvenile fiction titles with a family and fun theme are perfect for sharing with kids, siblings, caregivers–in person or over Zoom! And best of all, they’re all available at […]