Reading Suggestion: Getting Personal

Helping people find great reads that match their interests is one of my favorite aspects of my job. As an assignment for school, I came up with recommendations for six close family members. (Pro-tip: never let them choose their own aliases.) Below are some of the questions I asked; not all of them were applicable in each circumstance, but I used them to help guide our conversation.

• What are some books or authors you enjoyed reading recently? 

• What kind of books are you in the mood for? 

• What kind of books do you like to read? What did you enjoy about them? 

• What kind of movies or TV shows do you like to watch? 

• Would you prefer something like these, or are you in the mood for something new? 

• What about these books/movies really appeals to you? Is it the way the plot moves, or how the characters are written, or the place and time it’s set in? 

• Does it bother you when a story meanders and takes its time to unfold? 

• Is there anything that really bothers you in a book? 

• Are you okay with a series? How about a larger book? 

• I’m getting a sense that you’d looking for... Am I on the right track, or am I missing the mark? 

• Is there anything I might have missed that you would like me to take into consideration as I find books to suggest for you? 

1. Jack R. (31M)

Jack R. has recently enjoyed reading book series like Percy Jackson, Odd Thomas, Jack Reacher, and Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children. He likes these books because of the descriptive and compelling writing style and the fast pacing. Jack is a fan of mystery and sci-fi genres, especially works that include paranormal elements. He enjoys reading series of books. Jack dislikes books with excessive profanity (in particular, the f-word) and works that are too simplistic or low-level, such as middle grade fiction.

My recommended reads for Jack R. are:

• 1632 by Eric Flint: “A West Virginia town is transported from the year 2000 to 1631 Germany at the height of the Thirty Years' War. Thrust into conflict, the town residents must also contend with moral issues such as who should be considered a citizen.” This gripping, fast-paced alternative history features an exciting, action-packed plot and well-researched period detail. First book in a series. 

• The Daughter of Sherlock Holmes by Leonard S. Goldberg: “A highly skilled nurse with unique mental talents is recruited into the investigative team of the elderly Dr. John Watson and his handsome son before being swept up in a Holmesian mystery with ties to the Second Afghan War, a hidden treasure and a murder at the highest levels of British society.” An intricately plotted, fast-paced historical mystery with an engaging writing style and a plot-driven storyline. First book in a series. 

• City of Broken Magic by Mirah Bolender: “Defending humans from a centuries-old magical weapon that consumes enemies and allies alike, a member of an elite team of magic diffusers becomes her city's only surviving protector in the wake of a massive attack.” This fast-paced fantasy fiction combines a suspenseful tone and an action-packed storyline in a compelling writing style. First book in a series. 

• Pulse by Michael T. Harvey: “Investigating the murder of a Harvard football star, a pair of veteran detectives are stunned when the victim's teen-runaway brother arrives at the scene, claiming to have metaphysical knowledge of the crime before it occurred.” A supernatural mystery that pairs a suspenseful tone with a compelling writing style.

• The Fury by John Farris: “The psychic powers that bind a young heiress and the son of a government assassin threaten the existence of humanity.” This suspenseful horror novel pairs a plot-driven storyline with a fast pace and a compelling writing style. First book in a series. 

Jack R. was most interested in Pulse and The Fury. He felt that these works met his reading interests quite well; he is waiting until the end of his semester to begin reading a new novel. Jack has no problem taking several months to slowly work through a good book a little at a time. Despite its suspenseful tone and elements of mystery fiction, Circle of Broken Magic was too far afield into the realm of fantasy fiction to align with Jack’s interests. He was excited to know how much gradation there is in the blending of genres: you can find books at virtually every point on the sliding scale between SFF and mystery. 

2. Jeremy S. (32M)

Jeremy S. has read books by Brandon Sanderson and J.K. Rowling, and he finds many elements of these works that he enjoys. He likes reading fantasy books, especially those that include werewolves and/or witches. Magic is a big appeal for Jeremy, and he likes reading about intricate magic systems and lush, well-described fantasy worlds. While he prefers a slower pace in his literature, Jeremy isn’t a big fan of drawn out, overly detailed battle scenes (think: Tolkien's Lord of the Rings), although gory details don’t bother him. He enjoys series of long books that he can invest in and get lost in. He also likes works that are LGBTQ diverse. 

My recommended reads for Jeremy S. are:

• A Discovery of Witches by Deborah E. Harkness: “Discovering a magical manuscript in Oxford's library, scholar Diana Bishop, a descendant of witches who has rejected her heritage, inadvertently unleashes a fantastical underworld of daemons, witches and vampires whose activities center around an enchanted treasure.” This intricately plotted fantasy series features a suspenseful tone and an engaging writing style. First book in a series. 

• The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefwater: “Blue Sargent's gift seems to be that she makes other people's talents stronger, and when she meets Gansey, one of the Raven Boys from the Aglionby Academy, she discovers that together their talents are a dangerous mix.” This leisurely paced urban fantasy features LGBTQ diverse characters and an intricately plotted storyline. First book in a series. 

• The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern: “Discovering a mysterious book of prisoner tales, a Vermont graduate student recognizes a story from his own life before following clues to a magical underground library that is being targeted for destruction.” This fantasy fiction with LGBTQ diverse characters features a compelling and lyrical writing style with a mystical and atmospheric tone. 

• The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare: “High Warlock Magnus Bane learns that a demon-worshipping cult, the Crimson Hand, is wreaking havoc across Europe, threatening more than just his romantic getaway with new boyfriend, Alec Lightwood.” The descriptive writing style of this LGBTQ-diverse fantasy pairs with an action-packed storyline. First book of a series. 

• The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon: “A queen who would survive assassination attempts to continue her ruling line is protected with forbidden magic by a court outsider, while a secret society works to prevent a dragon war.” This descriptive and lush epic fantasy features LGBTQ diverse characters and clocks in just above 800 pages. 

Jeremy S. felt that A Discovery of Witches was a good recommendation that aligned with his reading preferences. He’s also interested in The Red Scrolls of Magic, which might be influenced by the fact that he’s read other works by Cassandra Clare before. The Priory of the Orange Tree also seemed very interesting and similar to other works he has read. My two other suggestions might have missed the mark; it was difficult for Jeremy to articulate why certain books were more compelling, but I suppose that’s the nature of human preference in general. He was able to identify in our follow-up that the worldbuilding and the rules behind the system of magic are more important to his reading preferences than he had previously realized. 

3. Pearl F. (29F)

Pearl F. enjoys YA fiction like Hunger Games, The Maze Runner, and They Both Die at the End; however, she would prefer New Adult works with slightly older protagonists. She wants to avoid a big commitment with reading and prefers to read casually. Plot is a big appeal for Pearl: the characters aren’t as important to her as the storyline is. She also enjoys the feeling of the pieces falling into place towards the end of a fast-paced novel. 

My recommended reads for Pearl F. are:

• After by Anna Todd: “Tessa didn't plan on meeting H. during her freshman year of college. But now that she has, her life will never be the same.” This New Adult fiction features a plot-driven storyline and a fast pace. 

• Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman: “Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water.” A plot-driven storyline with a fast pace and a compelling writing style. 

• A Darker Shade of Magic by Victoria Schwab: “Prepare to be dazzled by a world of parallel Londons -- where magic thrives, starves, or lies forgotten, and where power can destroy just as quickly as it can create.” This gateway fantasy combines a fast pace with a plot-driven storyline and a descriptive writing style.  

• Peeps by Scott Westerfeld: “Cal Thompson is a carrier of a parasite that causes vampirism and must hunt down all of the girlfriends he has unknowingly infected.” This fast-paced and story-driven horror narrative features well-crafted dialogue and a suspenseful tone. 

Pearl F. was excited about Something in the Water and began reading it with a friend. She also expressed interest in A Darker Shade of Magic, but she had some trepidation about her inclination to compare it with Rowling’s Harry Potter series. She had not previously heard of the New Adult genre, and she is glad to know that there is a term to designate the group of books that she is most interested in. Pearl felt that my description of After was too vague to pique her interest, and that perhaps additional information about this book would interest her further. She rated her satisfaction with these recommendations an 8 out of 10; while she often enjoys a suspenseful tone, the horror aspects of Peeps may fall without her interest zone. 

4. Nerlinda B. (65F)

Nerlinda B. is a non-native English speaker. Her preferred language of literature is Spanish, but she is okay to read works in English as well. She prefers nonfiction works that describe historical events from various points of view. The subject of the work is important to Nerlinda, and she enjoys learning about interpersonal conflict and how individuals have influenced the world around them. She has particular interest in true crime and legal drama. She has read extensively about Argentina’s Dirty War, and she is now ready to read books about other historical events, whether in the United States, Latin America, or elsewhere. 

My recommended reads for Nerlinda B. are:

• Lincoln’s Last Trial by Dan Abrams: “This gripping true story recreates Abraham Lincoln’s last murder trial—a case during which he defended the son of a close friend and loyal supporter who was accused of killing Lincoln’s mentor, and was forced to form an unholy alliance with a longtime enemy to win.” Currently available only in English. 

• Midnight in Mexico: A Reporter’s Journey through a Country’s Descent into the Darkness by Alfredo Corchado: “A Mexican-American journalist traces his 2007, twenty-four-hour effort to end a threat against his own life by a paramilitary group that sought to prevent his investigations into Mexico's drug trafficking and government corruption.” Available in Spanish as Medianoche en México. 

• Dead Girls by Selva Almada: “In this brutal, gripping novel, Selva Almada narrates the case of three small-town teenage girls murdered in the 1980's in the interior of Argentina. Almada takes these and other tales of abused women to weave together a dry, straightforward portrait of gender violence that surpasses national borders and speaks to readers' consciousness all over the world.” Available in Spanish as Chicas muertas. 

• Querida Dra. Polo by Ana María Polo: “Acclaimed television jurist Dr. Polo presents letters – many of which were vetoed for airing on television due to their explicit content – that she received from troubled people who reached out to her in the hope that her common sense and unerring ability to find justice and forgiveness can help them find their way.” Title in Spanish. 

• Los dueños de América Latina: Cómo amasaron sus fortunas los personajes más ricos e influyentes de la región by Gerardo Reyes: “The entrepreneurs featured in this book are the wealthiest and most influential people in Latin America. They were chosen taking into account Forbes magazine's list of the richest in the world and the degree of political influence in each country.” Title in Spanish. 

Nerlinda B. was generally pleased with the reading recommendations. She said that most of these works met her reading preferences perfectly, and she was appreciative that most of them have available translations in her native language. She was somewhat disinclined to read Querida Dra. Polo; this is because she frequently watches Dr. Polo’s television program, and she worries that the book would not match Dr. Polo’s energy on the screen. Furthermore, Nerlinda is more interested in how Dr. Polo decides legal cases, and the book seems to focus more on Dr. Polo as a person. She was very excited to begin reading Dead Girls.  

5. Bingo S. (53M)

Bingo S. has not read any books recently, but he remembers reading An Inconvenient Book by Glenn Beck and enjoying the humor and light tone. A priority for him is learning something new from the nonfiction books he reads. In particular, Bingo is interested in cooking, travel, and European history, in addition to how to enjoy retirement financially (not how to prepare for retirement); the subject is more important to him than the writing style or the pacing. 

My recommended reads for Bingo S. are:

• The Spice Necklace: A Food-lover’s Caribbean Adventure by Ann Vanderhoof: “Vanderhoof and her husband navigate the Caribbean on a sailboat, discovering local culture in each tiny port, and collecting sumptuous original recipes along the way.” This nonfiction work combines food writing with travel writing and presents the reader with a new world of experiences. 

• Dirt: Adventures in Lyon as a Chef in Training, Father, and Sleuth Looking for the Secret of French Cooking by Bill Buford: “Buford turns his inimitable attention from Italian cuisine to the food of France. He begins what becomes a five-year odyssey by shadowing the esteemed French chef Michel Richard, in Washington, D.C. But when Buford realizes that a stage in France is necessary, he goes to Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, to prove that he is worthy of the gastronomic secrets he's learning.” This memoir combines elements of both travel writing and food writing while imparting a strong sense of place. 

• The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson: “The award-winning author presents an engaging head-to-toe tour of the human body that shares anecdotal insights into its functions, ability to heal and vulnerability to disease.” The humorous tone of this book pairs with a conversation writing style to make for an enjoyable reading experience. 

• The Time Traveler’s Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century by Ian Mortimer: “Profiles everyday life in fourteenth-century England, covering everything from period beliefs and styles to hygiene and medical practices, and also discusses the influence of warfare.” Combines a funny tone with well-researched historical facts in an accessible and engaging writing style. 

• The 4% Rule and Safe Withdrawal Rates in Retirement by Todd R. Tresidder: “Applying a simple rule to a complex financial situation is just asking for trouble. Author and financial coach Todd R. Tresidder dives deep into the subject to provide you with a definitive, one-stop solution.”  

• Keys to a Successful Retirement: Staying Happy, Active, and Productive in Your Retired Years by Fritz Gilbert: “Covering topics like finances, embracing your passions, and dealing with feelings of aimlessness, grief, and depression that may crop up, this in-depth guide to retired living answers all the burning questions you want to ask—as well as those you’re afraid to. Take a complete look at your newfound freedom and explore what it really means to have a successful retirement.”

Bingo S. began reading The Body, and (so far) he has found it quite enjoyable. He appreciates the combination of informative with entertaining. He also expressed interest in reading The Spice Necklace, The Time Traveler’s Guide, and Keys to a Successful Retirement. In Bingo’s opinion, these books seem like a good fit for his interests in the upcoming season of his life. He was less interested in Dirt and The 4% Rule, and it was somewhat difficult for him to pinpoint why this was the case. Bingo remarked that Dirt seems to be more focused on the drama of the author’s life (rather than travel and culinary experiences) and that The 4% Rule seemed too narrowly focused, as well as rudimentary for a reader who has a PhD in Economics.

6. Jane S. (31F)

Jane S. loves novels with a good plot twist. She recently read The Silent Patient and loved how the author kept her guessing until the very end. She also enjoys nonlinear storylines and the sensation of having pieces of the storyline missing until the end, including when that calls for an unreliable narrator. Dystopian universes are also entertaining, but they are not a requirement for her reading interests. While explicit language doesn’t bother her, Jane is not comfortable with sex scenes and usually skips over them. She doesn’t mind romantic overtones as long as it’s not the primary focus of the book. It’s hard for her to commit to a cast of characters for a series or a long book, but she’s found exceptions to that rule in the past.

My recommended reads for Jane S. are:

• The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Anna Todd: “Doomed to repeat the same day over and over, Aiden Bishop must solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle in order to escape the curse in a world filled with enemies where nothing and no one are quite what they seem. Stuart Turton presents a breathlessly addictive mystery with an astonishing twist that will leave readers guessing until the very last page.” 

• The Second Sister by Claire Kendal: “An obsessive quest to solve the mystery of her older sister’s disappearance puts a young woman in mortal jeopardy in this taut, sophisticated novel of psychological suspense. An intoxicating cocktail of loyalty and secrets, lies and betrayal.”  

• The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn: “An agoraphobic recluse languishes in her New York City home, drinking wine and spying on her neighbors, before witnessing a terrible crime through her window that exposes her secrets and raises questions about her perceptions of reality.” This compelling psychological suspense features an unreliable narrator, flawed characters, and several plot twists to keep the reader guessing. 

• The Push by Ashley Audrain: “A devoted mother with a painful past gradually realizes that something is very wrong with her daughter, a fear that is complicated by her husband's dismissive views and the birth of a healthy son.” This suspenseful and heart-wrenching work of psychological suspense has an unreliable narrator and a nonlinear storyline. 

• In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware: “Reluctantly accepting an old friend's invitation to spend a weekend on the English countryside, reclusive writer Leonora awakens in a hospital badly injured, unable to recall what happened and confronting a growing certainty that someone involved has died.” This intricately plotted, creepy thriller centers on a bachelorette party gone horribly wrong. Incorporates flashbacks that reveal characters’ secrets. 

Jane S. was probably the most content of the people I provided reading suggestions to. She has looked into each of the titles I recommended, and they have all made it onto her “To Be Read” list. She recognized that they each are different from each other, but she thinks they all were good recommendations according to her reading interests. Jane hasn’t had time to begin reading yet, and it might be a while until she has any free time.

If you'd like your own reading suggestion, let me know! I'd be happy to chat about what you like to read and try to find something that fits your preferences.

Reading Suggestion: New Year's Resolution

 If you're anything like me, you probably have a long list of books you've been meaning to read for👏ev👏er and just haven't gotten around to yet. The New Year is a great time to recommit to reading that book that's been on your mind (maybe on back burner). Tackle one (or more!) of those books this year and bask in the feeling of accomplishment!

If you need a few suggestions, here are twelve books I've read that you might like as well, organized into four categories: classics, best sellers, notable biographies, and top picks for kids.

Classics

The Witch of Blackbird Pond
by Elizabeth George Speare
(1958)

When she first gazes the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, Kit Tyler knows that her new home will never be like the shimmering Caribbean island she left behind. In her relatives' stern Puritan community, the only place where Kit feels free is in the meadows, where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond (and on occasion, her young sailor friend Nat.) When Kit's friendship with the "witch" is discovered, Kit faces suspicion, fear, and anger as she herself is accused of witchcraft! 

This book won the Newbery Medal of 1959, so it's been around the block. Despite being more than six decades old, the messages about xenophobia and mob mentality are still pertinent today for readers of all ages.

The Scarlet Letter
by Nathaniel Hawthorne
(1850)

In early colonial Massachusetts, a young woman named Hester Prynne endures the consequences of her sin of adultery and spends the rest of her life in atonement. The novel shows the impact this act had on not only Hester but also her vengeful husband Roger Chillingworth and the tortured Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. Hawthorne here explores humanity's unending struggle with sin, pride, and guilt. 

Even older than Speare's The Witch of Blackbird Pond, the English of Hawthorne can be difficult at times to understand. However, this adds to the richness of the experience in reading it (and you can always double-check SparkNotes to make sure you didn't miss any crucial details.) Even if you hated it in high school, give it another chance; it's sure to fascinate.

The Crucible
by Arthur Miller
(1953)

Based on historical figures and real events, this play is set during the witch trials of 17th century Salem, Massachusetts. In a rigid religious society, rumors fly that women are practicing witchcraft; when a young girl accuses Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch, self-righteous church leaders and townspeople insist on bringing Elizabeth to trial. The ruthlessness of the prosecutors and the eagerness of neighbor to testify against neighbor illuminates the destructive power of socially sanctioned violence.

I realize that all three of these classics I chose are set in colonial America. I promise I didn't do it on purpose! If that isn't your cup of tea, keep reading for more suggestions.

Best Sellers

The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
(2009)

In 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, there are lines that simply are not crossed. With the civil rights movement exploding all around them, three women start a movement of their own, forever changing a town and the way women--black and white, mothers and daughters--view one another. Some lines were meant to be crossed.

Portraying the racial injustices of the Southern United States, Stockett incorporates humor, beauty, and humanity into the story of Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minnie. This story has universal elements, applicable to every walk of life. This book is excellent for a book club, and it has a brilliant audiobook edition from Penguin Audio.

And Then There Were None
by Agatha Christie
(1939)

Ten strangers are summoned as weekend guests to a little private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal. When they realize that murders are occurring as described in a children's rhyme, terror mounts. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. Who has choreographed this dastardly scheme? And who will be left to tell the tale? Only the dead are above suspicion.

This work by the Queen of Mystery is the best-selling mystery book of all time. It wasn't until I started working in libraries that I learned that And Then There Were None is rather unlike the rest of Christie's works; her typical stories are cozy mysteries, where an amateur sleuth (like Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple) solves a crime that occurred off page. My first experience with this suspenseful thriller had me up reading late into the night.

Salt to the Sea
by Ruta Sepetys
(2016)

While the RMS Titanic and RMS Lusitania are well-documented disasters, the largest loss of life in a single ship sinking is the little-known 1945 sinking of the MV Wilhelm Gustloff, a German cruise liner that was supposed to ferry wartime personnel and refugees to safety from the advancing Red Army. The ship was overcrowded with more than 10,500 passengers: the intended capacity was only about 1,800. Sepetys crafts four fictionalized but historically accurate voices to convey the real-life tragedy.

This one is definitely a gut-wrenching roller coaster. Sepetys makes this story very accessible: you don't have to be a history buff or even know very much about World War II to appreciate this tragic story. The lyrical writing is simple enough to be completely understood without seeming overly simplistic. A beautiful and haunting gem of a novel.

Notable Biographies

Becoming
by Michelle Obama
(2018)

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States, she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and raising two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.

Obama is a magnificent storyteller, taking readers on her journey from the South Side of Chicago through her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. She honestly and wittily describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private. A truly inspirational memoir.

They Called Us Enemy
by George Takei
(2019)

This graphic novel recounts actor George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. At the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped hundreds or thousands of miles to one of ten "relocation centers" in 1942, where they would be held under armed guard for years. They Called Us Enemy is Takei's first-hand account as a child who grew up behind barbed wire and faced legalized racism.

Like much of the public, I was unaware of Takei's story before Star Trek. It is eye-opening to see the injustices America committed against its own citizens, and to view it through a child's eyes makes it all the more heart-rending. This is a tough read, but absolutely necessary.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave
by Frederick Douglass
(1845)

Born a slave in 1818 on a plantation in Maryland, Douglass taught himself to read and write. This book calmly but dramatically recounts the horrors and the accomplishments of his early years—the daily, casual brutality of the white masters; his painful efforts to educate himself; his decision to find freedom or die; and his harrowing but successful escape.

Douglass was a political activist and an eloquent spokesperson for the civil rights of African Americans. He lived through the Civil War, the end of slavery, and the beginning of segregation. He was celebrated internationally as the leading black intellectual of his day, and his story still resonates in ours.

Top Picks for Kids

Best Man
by Richard Peck
(2016)

Archer has four important role models in his life: his dad, his grandfather, his uncle Paul, and his favorite teacher, Mr. McLeod. When he's asked to serve as the best man at his uncle's wedding, Archer's sixth-grade year becomes one he'll never forget. As Archer contemplates the people in his life and the kind of person he wants to become, he helps his uncle become his best self as well.

This novel portrays real life through the eyes of a kid, which is refreshing and realistic. Through an honest look at various elements of life, Peck respectfully reveals the depths of these experiences for all individuals involved. He addresses hot-button issues like xenophobia and gay marriage from a matter-of-fact way that models how the world should be at a level that children can understand, free of political and social stigma.

Property of the Rebel Librarian
by Allison Varnes
(2018)

When twelve-year-old June Harper's parents discover an "inappropriate" library book, they take strict parenting to a whole new level. Her school's library is gutted, and all books on the premises must have administrative approval. As the rules become stricter at school and at home, June banned book library in an abandoned locker at school. The risks grow alongside her library's popularity, and a movement begins that could destroy June's reputation or save the freedom to read.

Maybe I'm a little biased as a librarian, but I thought this book was amazing. It explores the topics of censorship, activism, and freedom of speech without becoming preachy. Varnes paints June as a likeable and relatable character who doesn't like making waves, though she grows into leading a movement. We read about June's inner turmoil, and we get a taste of catharsis mixed with realism at the ending. Great for any kid who doesn’t believe one person can effect change.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
by Stacy McAnulty
(2018)

When Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning, she gained genius-level math skills and has been homeschooled ever since. Now, at 12 years old, she's technically ready for college. But Lucy's grandma insists on four prerequisites: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book. Lucy's not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy's life has already been solved. Unless there's been a miscalculation?

This smart and thoughtful novel reminds us all to get out of our comfort zones and embrace what makes us different. The writing is approachable without being too simplistic, and the plot is engrossing, making this book a page-turner. The authentic characters ring true to life, and you know I'm always going to advocate for women in STEM.

If you're craving a book to read and none of these whet your whiskers, please let me know! I'm happy to recommend a title: it's literally my job. And for you, I'd do it for free. 😘

Reading Suggestion: Diverse Reads 5

The native peoples of North America have made significant contributions to the history, culture, and growth of the United States, and they continue to do so today. Yet they continue to face threats to their sovereignty, economic well-being, and languages. Some of the works below shed light on activism, culture, and history. Others expose the challenges of life on reservations or of establishing of an identity in the modern world. Broaden your perspective and learn more about the rich heritage of our continent’s indigenous peoples with these recent releases.

This post is the fifth installment of Diverse Reads, a series that gathers books with diverse characters or authors: people who are LGBTQIA+, Native, people of color, gender diverse, people with disabilities, or ethnic, cultural, or religious minorities. I hope that these books help open a window for you into other worldviews.

There There

by Tommy Orange
(2018)

This novel follows twelve characters from Native communities: all travelling to the Big Oakland Powwow, and all of them connected in ways they may not yet realize. Their voices combine to tell the plight of the urban Native American, showing that indigenous peoples are not a monolith, not a stereotype, and not neatly gathered together under a single identity, showing an America that many have never seen before. 

Trail of Lightning

by Rebecca Roanhorse
(2018)

With most of the world drowned beneath the sudden rising waters of a climate apocalypse, the Navajo Nation is reborn as Dinétah. When a small-town girl goes missing, a supernaturally gifted monster hunter joins forces with an unconventional medicine man to find her. The pair unravels clues from ancient legends, trades favors with tricksters, and battles against dark witchcraft in a world of deteriorating technology.

Where the Dead Sit Talking

by Brandon Hobson
(2018)

Set in rural Oklahoma in the late 1980s, this coming-of-age story features a fifteen-year-old Cherokee boy names Sequoyah. With his single mother in jail, Sequoyah enters foster care, scarred by his unstable upbringing and keeping his emotions deep below the surface. He connects with another Native foster child, and they bond over their common pasts. But the precariousness of their lives and the pain of the past threatens to tear them both apart.

Whereas 
by Layli Long Soldier
(2017)

This strident, brilliant collection of poetry boldly confronts the almost threatening language that the United States government has used in its responses, treaties, and apologies to Native American peoples and tribes. As a citizen of both the United States and the Oglala Sioux Tribe of Oglala Lakota Nation, Long Soldier discusses the predicament of dual citizenship within her national affiliations and the immense strain this places on everyday life. 

Winter Counts 
by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

(2018)

On a South Dakota reservation, Virgil Wounded Horse delivers punishment when justice is denied by the American legal system or the tribal council. When heroin makes its way to the reservation and Virgil’s own family, his determination to put an end to it uncovers uncomfortable truths about money and power within the tribal council. Virgil must face his own demons and reclaim his Native identity, realizing the cost of being a Native American in the 21st century.

*A version of this blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library blog.*  

Reading Suggestion: Diverse Reads 4

The value of written language is immense in any culture. But what if your culture doesn’t have a written system? In fact, about half of the world’s languages have no written form today. Deaf culture uses sign languages as their primary means of communication, but many members of Deaf culture don’t know sign language.

No culture deserves to be neglected or underrepresented because of its written form (or lack thereof). It is especially important for children to learn about cultures different from their own, and to see their own minority cultures reflected back at them in literature. Below is a list of books that feature individuals from Deaf culture, with a focus on literature for children.

This post is the fourth installment of Diverse Reads, a series that gathers books with diverse characters or authors: people who are LGBTQIA+, Native, people of color, gender diverse, people with disabilities, or ethnic, cultural, or religious minorities. I hope that these books help open a window for you into other worldviews.

Hello Universe

by Erin Entrada Kelly
(2017)

Valencia finds herself thrown together with her classmates on a summer day in this Newbery Medal-winning novel. Like many deaf and Hard of Hearing kids, Valencia doesn’t know any sign language, and she wears hearing aids that don’t work well with loud background noise. Her self-confidence and perseverance give readers someone to root for. 

She Touched the World

by Sally Hobart Alexander and Robert Alexander
(2008)

At age two, Laura Bridgman lost her sight, hearing, smell, and taste. At the country’s first school for the blind, Bridgman paved the way for future generations of children with disabilities, making possible important advances in the way they would be educated long before the likes of Louis Braille and Helen Keller.

Song for a Whale

by Lynne Kelly
(2019)

An amazing Deaf character named Iris lives in a world where her intelligence isn’t recognized in her home nor at her school. Her loneliness is reflected in her attempts to reach Blue 55, a whale who cannot communicate with its own kind. Iris and her Deaf grandmother communicate via sign language, which is especially rare in children’s literature.

Wonderstruck 
by Brian Selznick
(2011)

The stories of two deaf children who were born 50 years apart: Ben’s story is told in words, while Rose’s in pictures. This work is a unique attempt to track the changes to Deaf culture in America through stunning illustrations.

You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P!
by Alex Gino
(2018)

When her new baby sister is born deaf, Jilly makes an online connection with a fellow fantasy fan, who happens to be black and Deaf, and begins to learn about the many obstacles that exist in the world for people who are different from her.

*A version of this blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library blog.*  

Reading Suggestion: Diverse Reads 3

Not all apples are the same.

Some are red, some are green, some are yellow, and some have multiple colors. Some are sweet, some are tart, some are juicy, some are snappy. Some are best for baking, others for juicing, and still others for salads or snacking. Different varieties bloom at different points in the year, and apples come in all sizes. It would be ridiculous to say that an apple is defective or abnormal just because it isn’t a Granny Smith; not all apples are the same.

And not all brains are the same.

We view the world from different points of view, influenced by our genetics and our environment. Some of the differences in human brains have special names like autism and dyslexia. But these differences aren’t abnormalities or defects. They’re simply variations of the human brain; not all brains are the same.

Representation in literature helps readers feel valued and appreciated in their community. It’s especially critical that we help our children learn this concept and embrace everyone. Below is a list of books that were written recently by or about neurodiverse individuals, with a special emphasis given to children’s literature.

This post is the third installment of Diverse Reads, a series that gathers books with diverse characters or authors: people who are LGBTQIA+, Native, people of color, gender diverse, people with disabilities, or ethnic, cultural, or religious minorities. I hope that these books help open a window for you into other worldviews.

A Friend for Henry
by Jenn Bailey
(2019)

Henry appreciates people who are quiet, share his sense of orderliness, and won’t invade his personal space. He would like to find a friend at school, but making friends can be difficult. Despite his efforts that are sometimes misinterpreted, Henry keeps trying and finds a friend he can play with.

Not If I Can Help It
by Carolyn Mackler
(2019)

Eleven-year-old Willa tries to keep her sensory processing disorder hidden from her friends at school. With her large network of adult support, she gradually gains the confidences to be unapologetically herself.

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle
by Leslie Connor
(2018)

Mason, a seventh-grade boy with severe dyslexia, survives bullying and finds a way to finally reveal the truth about what happened the day his best friend died.

The State of Grace
by Rachael Lucas
(2018)

Grace, a 15-year-old with Asperger’s, does her best to avoid attention of any kind. But when Gabe kisses her at a party, nothing is quite the same. Grace honestly articulates her meltdowns and gaffes in this first-person narrative.

The Bride Test
by Helen Hoang
(2019)

Khai Diep processes emotions differently because of his autism. When he steadfastly avoids relationships, his mother takes matters into her own hands and returns to Vietnam to find him the perfect bride.

*A version of this blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library blog.*  

Reading Suggestion: Diverse Reads for Kids!

Have you ever felt different? Like you didn’t fit in? I have! I think most people have felt different at some point. Different isn’t a bad thing. But sometimes being different is hard.

Sometimes people are mean to you if you’re different. Sometimes they say being different is bad. They might say things to make you wish you were like everyone else. You might feel ashamed or afraid of being different.

You should never feel ashamed of being different. Pride is the opposite of shame: you feel good about who you are and what makes you different -- and special. I hope that one day, everyone can feel pride about who they are, and no one has to live in fear.

Here are some books for kids about people who might be different from you. You should talk about your thoughts and feelings with a parent or trusted adult.

This post is a special children’s installment of Diverse Reads, a series that gathers books with diverse characters or authors: people who are LGBTQIA+, Native, people of color, gender diverse, people with disabilities, or ethnic, cultural, or religious minorities. I hope that these books help open a window for you into other worldviews.

Rainbow: A First Book of Pride
by Michael Genhart
(2019)

Children from different kinds of families show the original meanings of the colors in the rainbow flag. Then they come together at a parade to share in a day when we are all united.

Prince & Knight
by Daniel Haack
(2018)

Once upon a time, there was a prince in line to take the throne. His parents set out to find him a kind and worthy bride. While they were away, a terrible dragon threatened their land! The prince hurried to save his kingdom and was met by a brave knight in a suit of brightly shining armor. Together they fought the dragon and discovered that special something the prince was looking for all along.

Julián Is a Mermaid
by Jessica Love
(2018)

While riding the subway home from the pool with his abuela, Julián notices three women spectacularly dressed up. When he gets home, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Abuela think?

I’m Not a Girl
by Maddox Lyons
(2020)

Nobody seems to understand that Hannah is not a girl. His parents ask why he won't wear the cute outfits they pick out, his friend thinks he must be a tomboy, and his teacher insists he should be proud to be a girl. But a birthday wish, a new word, and a stroke of courage might be just what Hannah needs to finally show the world who he really is.

Plenty of Hugs
by Fran Manushkin
(2020)

Two mommies spend a sunny day with their toddler: on a bike ride, at the zoo, and finally back home. All along the way, there are “plenty of hugs for you and me.”

*A version of this blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library blog.*  

Reading Suggestion: Diverse Reads 2

Have you ever felt different?

I certainly have. I’m going out a limb here to say that I think most of us, if not all of us, have felt different at some point in our lives. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. They say that variety is the spice of life, and I firmly believe that can be true.

But sometimes being different is hard.

Imagine your difference from the norm resulted in insults and mean, unkind language. The society you live in teaches that your differences from everyone else are bad: shameful, unnatural, even disgusting. People will ask you to hide who you are so they don’t feel uncomfortable. Even if your family accepts you with your differences, there will almost certainly be relatives who don’t. You hear horrifying stories of people like you who have been physically attacked or even killed because of who they are.

How would you react? You might try to hide your differences, or wish them away. Your life could quite easily be filled with shame and fear.

There are countless LGBTQIA+ people who could tell their life story. While they are certainly not all the same, they do share a legacy of shame because of who we are. But many of us have learned pride and hope in the face of strife, and we have found a community that loves and accepts us.

Hearing those stories enriches all of us -- whether we are LGBTQIA+ or not -- on our journey to finding who we are and embracing the rich diversity of our world.

I long for the day where no one has to live in shame and fear and embarrassment like so many of us have. There is hope up ahead for all of us. Below is a list of books were written by or about LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

This post is the second installment of Diverse Reads, a series that gathers books with diverse characters or authors: people who are LGBTQIA+, Native, people of color, gender diverse, people with disabilities, or ethnic, cultural, or religious minorities. I hope that these books help open a window for you into other worldviews.

Bingo Love
by Tee Franklin
(2018)

When Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray met at church bingo in 1963, it was love at first sight. Forced apart by their families and society, Hazel and Mari both married young men and had families. Decades later, now in their mid-'60s, Hazel and Mari reunite again at a church bingo hall. Realizing their love for each other is still alive, what these grandmothers do next takes absolute strength and courage.

We Are Totally Normal
by Rahul Kanakia
(2020)

Nandan's got a plan to make his junior year perfect, but hooking up with his friend Dave isn't part of it: especially because Nandan has never been into guys. Still, Nandan's willing to give a relationship with him a shot. But the more his anxiety grows about what his sexuality means for himself, his friends, and his social life, the more he wonders whether he can just take it all back. Is breaking up with Dave -- the only person who's ever really gotten him -- worth feeling 'normal' again?

Let's Talk about Love
by Claire Kann
(2018)

Alice has given up on finding love until love finds her. Her last girlfriend, Margo, ended things when Alice confessed she's asexual. Now Alice is sure she's done with dating… until she meets Takumi. She can't stop thinking about him or the romantic feelings she did not ask for. When her blissful summer takes an unexpected turn, Alice has to decide if she's willing to risk their friendship for a love that might not be reciprocated -- or even understood.

Autoboyography
by Christina Lauren
(2017)

High school senior Tanner Scott has hidden his bisexuality since his family moved to Utah, but he falls hard for Sebastian, a Mormon mentoring students in a writing seminar Tanner's best friend convinced him to take.

Something Like Gravity
by Amber Smith
(2019)

After coming out as transgender, Chris is still processing a frightening assault he survived the year before. Maia, grieving the loss of her older sister, is trying to find her place in the world. Falling in love the furthest thing on their minds. But what if it happened anyway?

*A version of this blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library blog.*  

Reading Suggestion: Diverse Reads 1

What is your favorite book?

As a librarian, I get asked this all the time. It’s a tough question, I know. And it’s okay to have more than one answer! But indulge me for a moment, and think of a favorite book or two.

Why are these books our favorites? What is it about them that makes us like them?

Often, I enjoy books I can relate to. It doesn’t have to be an exact replica of my life -- in fact, that might be pretty boring. But there’s a special something when I can relate to the characters, locations, and events in a book. The similarities I have with Harry Potter, for example, help me enjoy his adventures in magic.

But some groups of people are not represented proportionately in literature. For example, the multicultural publisher Lee and Low Books released an infographic in May of 2018 based on statistics provided by the Cooperative Children’s Book Center. Despite the fact that 37% of the United States’ population are people of color (other races besides white), only 10% of children’s books published since 1994 have authors, characters, or content who are Native or people of color.

Why are so many voices silenced or ignored in literature? There may not be clear answers, but everyone deserves to have their voice heard and to see themselves in the pages of a book. Reluctant readers are more likely to become enthusiastic about reading when they can relate to the books they read.

In her 1980 article titled “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors,” Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop focuses on children of color who see the world through the “windows” of books they read; however, the world they see in literature is very different from the one they live in. Bishop said, “When children cannot find themselves reflected in the books they read, or when the images they see are distorted, negative, or laughable, they learn a powerful lesson about how they are devalued in the society of which they are a part.” †

On the flip side of the coin, white children also suffer when they are kept from the nature of the world they live in by the underrepresentation of other races in literature. All can benefit from the richness of human diversity; after all, variety is the spice of life. Below is a list of books I personally have read that were written by or about people of color or people from multicultural backgrounds.

This post is the first installment of Diverse Reads, a series that gathers books with diverse characters or authors: people who are LGBTQIA+, Native, people of color, gender diverse, people with disabilities, or ethnic, cultural, or religious minorities. I hope that these books help open a window for you into other worldviews.

Hoodoo
by Ronald L. Smith
(2015)

In 1930s Alabama, twelve-year-old Hoodoo Hatcher is the only member of his family who seems unable to practice folk magic, but when a mysterious man called the Stranger puts the entire town at risk from his black magic, Hoodoo must learn to conjure to defeat him. This book shows various elements of African-American culture that is often skimmed over or ignored, most notably folk magic.

The Proposal
by Jasmine Guillory
(2018)

When freelance writer Nikole Paterson is unexpectedly proposed to at a Dodgers game, stranger Carlos Ibarra and his sister rescue her from the awkward situation and the prying camera crews. Nikole hooks up with Carlos for a casual relationship, but finds herself falling harder for him than she ever imagined. A superb example of representation (with a black main character, a Latino love interest, a black lesbian side character, and a Korean side character), this book showcases the racial melting pot of modern-day Los Angeles.

Handa's Surprise
by Eileen Browne
(1994)

Handa carries seven delicious fruits to her friend Akeyo as a surprise. But thanks to some hungry animals she meets along the way, it's Handa who's in for a surprise! Giving an insight into Luo people of sub-Saharan Africa, this older work depicts the flora and fauna of an environment that may be foreign to many Western readers.

Mango, Abuela, and Me
by Meg Medina
(2015)

When Mia's abuela moves in with Mia and her parents in the city, Abuela can't read the English words in Mia's bedtime stories. While they cook, Mia helps her grandmother learn English. However, it is still hard for Abuela to learn the words she needs to tell Mia all her stories. But a colorful parrot named Mango might bring an unexpected solution to their communication problem. This book accurately portrays the cross-generational language barrier that often arises in Latinx immigrant families, like my own.

The Rent Collector
by Camron Wright
(2012)

Sang Ly struggles to survive by picking through garbage in Cambodia's largest municipal dump. Under threat of eviction by an embittered old drunk who is charged with collecting rents from the poor of Stung Meanchey, Sang Ly embarks on a desperate journey to save her ailing son from a life of ignorance and poverty. This book shows a rare view of the extreme poverty rampant in contemporary Southeast Asia.

Hair Love
by Matthew A. Cherry
(2019)

A little girl's daddy steps in to help her arrange her curly, coiling, wild hair into styles that allow her to be her natural, beautiful self. This book highlights and extolls elements of Black culture that are often ignored or even treated derisively in mainstream media.

† Bishop, R. (1990). “Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors.” Ohio State University. Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom, 6(3).

*A version of this blogpost first appeared on Provo City Library blog.*