MADL Staff Suggests
Adult Fiction
reviewed by Sam
by Yaa Gyasi
Audiobook
An Asante woman from the Gold Coast of Africa has two daughters that do not know of one another. She gives them each a precious stone. The book follows seven generations of the sisters, separated by continents, and enslaved by either physical circumstance - slavery, racism, drugs - or by their own mind/choices. An astonishingly good read, with incredible depth (especially considering the mere 300 pages!), Yaa Gyasi places every word like a jewel. Storytelling at its finest and most vital.
Available on Libby.
reviewed by Sam
by Justina Ireland
Audiobook
The Civil War came to a quick end when the dead started to rise on the battlefield. Years later zombies roam the land and people of color are used as zombie defense agents. Told through the eyes of a black girl who was taken from her home and forced to train, it shows a lot of the racial tensions that didn't go away just because blacks were considered free. Jane McKeene was trained at one of the best schools, but when she is sent out West she lands in a town that seems too good to be true. There is something lurking under the surface in Summerland and it is up to Jane to figure it out and save the day.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Cathleen
by Elizabeth Letts
Book and Audiobook
This biographical and historical fiction takes you back to the Land of Oz. If you grew up on the Wizard of Oz, this will be a delightful read for you. This novel tells the story behind the Wizard of Oz, through the eyes of the author’s wife: Maud Baum. When she hears that M-G-M has set out to make a movie of her husband’s book, she sets out to make her presence known on the movie set. She wants to make sure they get the spirit of the book correct and she is the only one who knows what her husband would have wanted.
Listening to Judy Garland sing “Over the Rainbow” reminds her of events of the past. With Judy “under pressure from the studio as well as her ambitious stage mother, Maud resolves to protect her - the way she tried so hard to protect the real Dorothy.” Provided by publisher.
Available on Libby and cloudlibrary.
reviewed by Rachel
by Kristen Hannah
Audiobook
Alaska – 1974. A Vietnam Vet and his wife and daughter make the move to living off of the grid. Living on the edge of small community with little knowledge and planning requires them to need help, physically and mentally. During their dark lonely days, the daughter and mother must make terrible, life changing decisions. Any time people are isolated, by their choice or others, the dread is whether the worst fears are inside or out.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Rachel
by Phaedra Patrick
Audiobook
Every family member has secrets. Their own and others. In this story a seemly simple family is caught in a whirlwind as secrets are suspected and revealed. Great sorrow and joy is found with the revelations. A very good book club choice. Reading lovers may recognize some of their neighbors in the characters.
Available on Libby.
reviewed by Cathleen
by William Goldman
Book
This classic fairy tale is a story within a story. While the main story of Buttercup and Wesley is being told, you have the underlying story of William Goldberg and S. Morgenstern taking place. This is a classic love story as true love triumphs over evil. There are interesting characters in this story from Inigo Montoya, the Spaniard in search of his father’s killer to Fezzik, the giant who doesn’t like to be alone. There is also the bad guy: Prince Humperdinck. He wants Buttercup, although his intent is evil.
Yes, you probably already know the outcome of this book. But, it is an interesting read. It is laced with humor throughout the book.
reviewed by Gina
by Margaret Mizushima
Book and Audiobook
This Mystery series is set in Colorado where the main character's are a tough and sometimes troubled young cop, Mattie, and her best friend and K-9 partner, Robo. This series offers readers a unique window into the life of a girl and her dog and how their strong partnership helps Mattie heal from her rough past. There are many twists, turns, and mysteries throughout these 5 books but Robo provides a steady presence of humor and comfort through it all.
Available on cloudLibrary.
reviewed by Gina
by C.S. Lewis
Audiobook
C. S. Lewis writes a science fiction book where a man named Ransom is stolen and brought to a strange planet. While Ransom's captors find the beasts on this planet appalling, those "beasts" are observing the humans as well. What they witness in these invaders is an astonishingly revealing account of human nature and will cause you to see yourself in a whole new way and you may not like what you see.
Available on cloudLibrary.
reviewed by Gina
by Blake Crouch
Book and Audiobook
This is a thrilling book about an epidemic that seems to involve communities of people having two sets of memories for their lives all of a sudden and out of nowhere. As it turns out this so called new illness of false memories is actually the terrible side effect of millionaires and scientists playing with time. This book will have you confused and surprised and wondering how anything could ever be mended so that life can go back to normal.
Available on cloudLibrary.
reviewed by Gina
by Blake Crouch
Book and Audiobook
Have you ever made a decision that you knew would ultimately define the rest of your life? Do you wonder, if you had chosen a different road twenty years ago, how would your life be different? Would it be better? Unfortunately in this book, in order to experience an alternate reality for yourself, it comes with some terrible consequences.
Available on Libby.
reviewed by Diana
by Jess Walter
Book
When you watch a movie, do you think about the lives of the actors in the movie? This book tells the stories of an actress whose life changes with a child, a publicist turned director who changed the course of many lives, and an inn keeper. The stories span a multiple generations and around the world.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Karen
by Meng Jin
Book
I have been very interested in finding debut novels written by new, aspiring authors this year. This one looked interesting and it did not disappoint. It is the story of Su Lan and Liya, daughter of Su Lan, a Chinese immigrants living in America. It explores grief, memory, time, physics, history and the immigrant experience by taking us into their lives past and present. It also explores the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters. The story lets us get to know Su Lan and learn about her life in China and America. We are introduced to Yongzong, Liya's father and Zhu Wen, the last person to know Su Lan before she left China for America. Su Lan is a brilliant physicist who gives birth to Liya alone in a Beijing hospital. She tries to erase her past fighting what she calls the mind's arrow of time. Su Lan immigrates to America with Liya while Liya is still very young. Su Lan dies 17 years later. Liya inherits the silences and contradictions of her mother's life. She has grown up in America and has virtually no memory of China. Liya takes her mother's ashes to China and begins a quest to learn about her mother and the father she never knew. She learns about her mother's life and ultimately comes to understand her own life.
We learn about Su Lan's and Liya's lives through their voices and also through the voices of Yongzong and Zhu Wen. I really liked this style of storytelling. The different voices gave me a better perspective on both women's lives, who they are and why. The question of what is time and what if it is not as we think it is; is an underlying theme throughout the book. It made me think a lot about the concept of time. I enjoyed learned about Chinese culture as well. I found this book to be enjoyable and captivating. I really wanted to know how Liya would evolve as she learned more about who her parents were and where she came from. I gave this book a 4 star out of 5 stars.
Available on Libby.
reviewed by Kristina
by Alex Michaelides
Book and Audiobook
What a stunning debut with a great twist. The Silent Patient is Alicia Berenson, she is the wife of a very in demand fashion photographer, Gabriel Berenson, Alicia is also an amazing artist in here own right as well. She loves her husband more than anything else, until one evening shots are heard and the police arrive and find her standing over his body with a gun and his arms and legs bound to a chair. She refuses to speak to anyone from that moment on, not the police, not therapists, not even at her own trial. At her trial she is found incompetent and she is sent to The Grove, a secure psychiatric hospital. It is at The Grove that she meets Theo Faber is a criminal psychotherapist, who has been obsessed with her case and will not rest until he gets her to speak. So what really happened on that night, did she do it, didn't she, and why? And why is Theo so obsessed with this case? There is a nice twist at the end that will have you going back over the book to see if you can spot all of the clues that were peppered in. Download this book and be prepared to swipe through the pages at fast as you can!
Available on Libby.
reviewed by Diana
by Greer Macallister
Book
How do you support yourself if your a woman living in Chicago 1856? Kate Warne decides to take a chance and applies for a job at the Pinkerton Detective Agency. She has to convince Allen Pinkerton to hire her but she wins him over along with her many other co-workers. Kate works as an operative on cases around the country including the railroad, protecting President Lincoln during his trip through Baltimore, and following spies for the south during the Civil War. Kate also recruits and trains more female detectives during her time as a Pinkerton.
Available on Libby.
reviewed by Diana
by Ann Patchett
Book
Danny and Maeve Conroy grew up in the Dutch House, a large house in the suburbs outside of Philadelphia with their father Cyril. Cyril bought the house for his wife as a surprise, she hated the house. Their mother has left the family when Danny young and he doesn't remember her. As Danny narrates the story, their father dies without a will and the stepmother doesn't want to take care of Danny anymore. Danny and Maeve continue a new path away from the Dutch House. No matter what life throws at them, Danny and Maeve come back to look at the Dutch House from afar.
Available on Libby.
reviewed by Diana
All Manner of Things
by Susie Finkbeiner
Book
Annie's world changes after her brother Mike enlists as in the Army in 1967 during Vietnam. Mike sends Annie a letter with their father's contact information so she can contact her father if Mike dies. Their father left the family when Mike and Annie were young after coming back from Korea. As Annie navigates life as an adult, learns a lot about herself and others. This book takes place in Michigan and is written by a local author.
Available on Libby.
reviewed by Diana
by Linda Holmes
Book
Evvie was just leaving her husband. She gets a call from the hospital that her husband has been in a car accident. He dies before she can get to the hospital. Now Evvie has to put her life back together but no one knows that she was going to leave her husband. Evvie gets an unexpected roommate when a baseball pitcher needs a place to stay to get out of the news. As Evvie tries to start living again, secrets come out and Evvie starts her second act.
Available on Libby.
reviewed by Rachel
by Jack London
Book
The author spent a year in the Yukon just as the Gold Rush was coming to an end. During this desperate time, men were doing whatever they could to get the last of the gold. Buck, a dog, is taken from his family to become a part of this despairing time, becoming more wild and wolf-like as he tries to survive. I highly recommend reading the book before you see the movie.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Peter
by Gregory Maguire
Book
A phenomenal look at the classic story, through the eyes of the villain we all thought we knew. The inspiration for the award winning musical, this story takes a long look at the world of Oz, and shows us the story behind one of the most famous villains' in literature. This was one of the first in this genre and is well worth the read. Maguire takes many of the ideas of the L. Frank Baum books and develops them in a mature and fascinating tale.
Available on cloudLibrary.
reviewed by Diana
The Premonition Code: The Science of Precognition
by Louise Miller
Book
Olivia Rawlings is an amazing pastry chef who leaves Boston after she starts a building on fire with her flambeed dessert. As she travels to a little town in Vermont to visit her best friend, she finds a job at the Sugar Maple Inn. Her job to make all the desserts and breads needed. Olivia finds out the real reason she was hired is to help reclaim the inn's blue ribbon status at the annual country fair apple pie contest. Olivia sees the best and worst of small town life as she bakes and plays in a band at contra dances.
Available on Libby
reviewed by Karen
by Megan Angelo
Book
Followers traces the lives of Orla Cadden, a budding novelist and blogger and Floss, a striving wannabe A-lister who comes up with a plan for launching them both into the high profile lives that they dream about. Their methods of getting there are a little shady, yet they continue to acquire millions of followers on social media launching them into fame.
Thirty five years later, we meet Marlow. Marlow lives in a closed California village where government appointed celebrities live every moment on camera. She discovers a life changing secret about her past. She discovers her family history is based on a lie. This causes her to summon the courage to run in search of the truth, no matter what the cost. Followers traces the paths Orla, Floss and Marlow as they wind through time toward each other, and toward a catastrophe that is life changing sending America into a lasting upheaval. This story is tender, bleak, hopeful and at times, darkly funny. It reminds us that even as we obsess about famous people, what we really crave is human connection.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Holly
by Diane Setterfield
Book
I loved Diane Setterfield's first book and was a bit disappointed by her 2nd. I also have not had much luck with magical-realism books but I really enjoyed this one. The story centers around a little girl who was pulled from a river dead and somehow magically comes back to life. Three families claim to know the little girl and want to claim her. The story of the little girl and her mysterious origins felt like I was reading a fairytale. Even though this one started a bit slow for me I thought the characters were fascinating and loved how each had their own tragedy/circumstances where this little girl could be their solace. I'll definitely be recommending this to patrons, especially those who like books that are a little bit quirky.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Holly
by Kristy Cambron
Book
I really enjoyed this one as I have Kristy Cambron's previous novel The Butterfly and the Violin. The book follows Houdini's former apprentice Wren Lockhart who gets roped into a murder investigation. This book had plenty of mystery, romance and a sad emotional undercurrent. I really liked it. The Christian undertones in the other book I read by this author was more overt which is the only thing that put me off from it because the religious aspect seemed misplaced in relation to the rest of the book. This novel revolves around the fraud of mysticism but there were no parts that segued too far into the religious realm. I felt this was a good thing since it will appeal to Christian fiction readers and those who just like a good historical mystery.
Available on Libby by Overdrive and Hoopla.
reviewed by Holly
by Sofia Lundberg
Book
Although I was a wee bit confused in the beginning of which characters the chapter was talking about (because they read like names in an address book), once I got into the rhythm of the book I really enjoyed it. 96 year old Doris knows she is dying and decides to go through her address book she had kept all her life making note of all her friends and acquaintances, and leave behind a history for her great niece who is the only family she has left. Doris leads an interesting life full of glamour, a passionate love, as well as moments of total despair as the war rages on and she faces personal tragedies. While sad, I really liked how the author wrapped the story up. She has a very engaging writing style and I found myself totally absorbed in this story. I read it all in one sitting.
Available on cloudLibrary.
reviewed by Karen
by Andrew David MacDonald
Book
This is the story of Zelda, a 21 year old Viking fan, who lives with her older brother, Gert. Zelda lives by several basic rules which include:
1. A smile means thank you for doing something I liked.
2. Fist bumps and dabs = respect
3. Strange people are not appreciated in her home.
4. Tomatoes go in the middle of the sandwich so the bread will not get wet.
5 Sometimes the most important things don't fit on lists.
Zelda believes in the Viking philosophy and aspires to live her life as a Viking. She launches herself on a quest to become legendary. This quest leads to her to discover that Gert has become involved in some questionable and dangerous methods to make enough money to support the two of them. She finds herself in a battle that tests the depths of her heroism and her Viking strength. Along the way, she learns many life lessons and discovers that with a little help, she can take care of herself and fulfill her Viking legacy.
This is a story filled with laughter, sadness, excitement, danger and personal growth. Told by Zelda, we are allowed into her world and allowed to feel her feelings. I wasn't sure I would like this book in the beginning since it is a somewhat different from my usual choices. I found it to captivating as well as enlightening.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Kristina
by Mary Kubica
Book
This psychological thriller focuses on Sadie, a respected doctor who is forced to uproot her family from Chicago and move to a small island after the death of her husband, Will's, sister. Will thinks this is the perfect opportunity for them since things weren't going so well in Chicago, especially once Sadie found out Will was having an affair. Another reason for the move is so they can care for Will's niece Imogen, who is a moody and often foul teenager, and wants nothing to do with Sadie. Shortly after the move a neighbor is murdered and suspicion quickly falls on the new family in town. Sadie becomes obsessed with clearing their name but she is unprepared for what she uncovers in the process. This book had a lot of twists in it, especially at the end. I definitely thought that I had it all figured out, but as readers of Mary know there is always one more twist. There are a lot of psychological issues presented in this book, including gaslighting, child abuse, animal cruelty and bullying so it isn't for the faint of heart.
Available on Libby by Overdrive and cloudLibrary.
reviewed by Amy
by Jim Stovall
Book
Red is a hard working, self-made man with a privileged family. He learned life lessons through hard work and loyalty, and he teaches his grandson, Jason, these lessons after his death. Every month, for 12 months, Red gives Jason a "gift," and through these gifts, Jason is transformed into a man of compassion, empathy, and charity. At the one year anniversary of Red's death, Jason receives the Ultimate Gift...
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Holly
by Emily St. John Mandel
Book
I absolutely loved Station Eleven which is why I was very eager to read this book. The author's writing style is very engaging and she has an interesting way of pulling all of the characters together. I didn't love this as much as Station Eleven. This one had a more literary feel with ghosts thrown in for good measure. The book shifts points of view between many characters and revolves around a Ponzi Scheme which ends up impacting them in various ways. The character of Vincent (unique name for a female character) was by far the most interesting. The book did have some intriguing themes like how someone can know something and not know something at the same time. This is a reflection on greed and how much people are willing to turn a blind eye to for personal gain. I had a little trouble connecting with the first half of the book and found the latter half much easier to navigate. This is more a "butterfly effect" type book than one that has a concise plot. I think whether one enjoys this book or not will come down to personal preference. The author writes beautifully so if you are someone that doesn't mind a more fragmented story as opposed to a plot driven one I would give it a go.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Holly
by Stuart Turton
Book
Evelyn Hardcastle is murdered...and murdered...and murdered again. Aiden Bishop is invited to attend a party at the Blackheath estate. Little does he know he'll be trapped in a vicious cycle where he is doomed to wake up in the body of a different guest every day until he solves who murdered Evelyn Hardcastle. I thought the beginning of the book was a little abrupt but this is such a fantastic story. The premise of a man waking up in the body of another and tasked to solve a murder while shifting between eight hosts linked to the victim was genius. The author does a great job of building the suspense (supplied in part by the main characters being pursued by an insane man called the Footman). The story weaves back and forth at a blistering pace as crucial parts fall in to place one by one. I was up til 3 am finishing this book and I was not able to guess the outcome at all. The only downside to the book at all is that there are so many characters involved it takes quite the effort on the part of the reader to keep them all straight. I really liked this book. It invoked the same feelings I had when reading The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Holly
by Marie Benedict
Book
Lady Clementine introduces us to Clementine Hozier, a strong minded young woman who has already broken two engagements but falls in love with Winston Churchill as his political career is just starting out. Unlike many women in her time, Clementine does not take a back seat but becomes a partner to Winston and together they weather the ups and downs of his career. What I really loved about this is even though the story features a prominent man, the focus is squarely on Clementine and her struggles to not lose her voice as she supports her husband. I felt like Benedict portrayed her in a very real way-someone who was smart, who wouldn't take a back seat to her husband or anyone else but also who gives so much of herself to Winston she reaches the point of mental exhaustion. She battles her inadequacies as a mother as being on this journey with her husband doesn't leave much time children. She was a fascinating lady who I really knew nothing about prior to picking this up. I have already ordered all the rest of Marie Benedict's books from my library and can't wait to read them.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Cathleen
by Alexander McCall Smith
Book
Author McCall Smith delights the reader with a humorous story that goes from bad to worse and yet has you smiling with the absurdity of it all.
Enter Paul Stewart. He is a writer by trade. He has traveled to Montalcino, Italy to finish a book that is late. His thinking is that he will be able to finish it away from the stress of normal life. That this time is not stress free is noted almost from the beginning when the car he rented is not to be found. Through some twists and turns an alternate mode of travel is made available to him: a bulldozer. Follow Paul in his travels with this bulldozer. Life is not always what you expect, so enjoy what you have!
Available on cloudLibrary and Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Cathleen
by Alexander McCall Smith
Book
In this second book about Paul Stewart, we find him heading to Tuscany France. He is striving to work on a new book about the Philosophy of Food in Six Easy Chapters. The starting of this book is proving difficult as he is not sure what his philosophy of food is. He is also uncertain about his relationship with his editor/girlfriend. When an invitation from his cousin comes to visit her in France he jumps at the chance to escape. While in France he learns about “the second-worst restaurant in France”. Is it really as bad as everyone says?
Sometimes we are headed one way in life, but then circumstances take place that point us in an entirely new direction.
Available on cloudLibrary and Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Karen
by Abi Dare
Book
The Girl with the Louding Voice is a powerful and emotional story told in the voice of a young Nigerian woman who is trapped in a life of servitude. She is determined to fight for her dreams and choose her own future. Adunni is a 14 year old girl who knows what she wants: an education. Her mother told her that getting an education is the only way to be able to speak for herself and decide her own future, but she faces many obstacles along the way. Readers follow her life as she is sold to a local man to be his third wife, runs away to the big city, and becomes a servant to a wealthy family. She meets people along the way that make a difference in her life as she strives to achieve her dream. This is an emotional and captivating tale of courage.
Available on cloudLibrary.
reviewed by Sheila
by Ruth Ware
Book
This is a suspense/thriller that will get you hooked right from the beginning. The story unfolds with a letter to a lawyer claiming the writer is innocent. The writer is from a women who takes an idealistic high paying job as a Nanny for a family in Scotland. She soon finds out why so many other nanny's left the job. Everything, including the house, children, and parents, is not what it seems. She is accused of the murder of one of the children in her care but she maintains her innocence.
Available on cloudLibrary.
reviewed by Alison
by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Book
Looking for a great mystery series to get lost in? Julia Spencer-Fleming's Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne series has been wowing mystery buffs since the first title, In the Bleak Midwinter, was published in 2002. Clare Fergusson, 30-something former army helicopter pilot turned Episcopal priest, finds herself assigned to St. Alban's Church in small town Miller's Kill in upstate New York. Clare's willingness to follow her instincts in regarding an abandoned newborn at her church connect her with Vietnam vet and local police chief Russ Van Alstyne. The two bond over the search for the baby's parents; will that lead to future emotional issues for the marries chief and single priest as the series continues?
Available on Libby by Overdrive and cloudLibrary
reviewed by Cathleen
by Betty MacDonald
Book
This true story is set in the Pacific Northwest during the 1940’s. Betty MacDonald, her two daughters and husband live and work in the Seattle area. They have outgrown their small apartment. With the war going on and places to live at a premium they eventually turn their attention to living on an island. Island living conjures up visions of paradise. But this is not the case on Vashon Island, located in Puget Sound. Although just a ferry ride from Seattle, it is far removed from the civilized norms of city living. Examples of this include getting to their house by choice of the beach, if the tide is out, or walking a muddy trail. Dependency on the ferry is essential to getting to the mainland, but that ferry often becomes unavailable at the most inconvenient of times. This delightful book covers all the highs and lows of their life on this island.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Paul
by David Eddings
Book
The Belgariad is a five part fantasy series for teens and adults looking for an alternative to Game of Thrones or Wheel of Time series. In order to fulfill an ancient prophecy and return the world to its proper course, a sorcerer assembles a group of individuals including a young boy named Garion. Follow Garion and his friends as they unravel the mystery of how to save their world.
Available on Libby by Overdrive
reviewed by Peter
by Jim Butcher
Book
A new fantasy series from the author of the Dresden Files. This series takes place in a unique setting with humanity living in giant spires, literally miles high. The surface is a nightmare infested wasteland, thus the only thing connecting the various spires are the airships. Among the sky are pirates, monsters, and war fleets. Even in the spires, we soon see that not all is as it seems. A great read for those who love fantasy, steampunk, or just plain adventure in the sky.
Available on cloudLibrary.
reviewed by Peter
by Erik Larson
Book
An utterly fascinating look at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, mostly through the perspective of two men who helped define this moment in history. One is Daniel Burnham, who helped forge the World's Fair into one of the most spectacular events in American history. The other, using the name H.H. Holmes, is the man who would one day be known as the country's first serial killer. This novel does a fine job describing the time period and bringing it to life for the reader.
Available on cloudLibrary.
reviewed by Peter
by Isaac Asimov
Book
A classic sci-fi novel that arguably helped to define much of the genre. Despite being written more than 70 years ago, this book offers a wonderful, speculative look at the far future. This is the first novel in the Foundation Series, which was the recipient of the Hugo award for Best All Time Series - an award that has only been issued once. It is well worth a look into where our modern science fiction really came from.
Available on cloudLibrary
Adult Non-Fiction
reviewed by Cathleen
by Malala Yousafzai
Book and Audiobook
This true story takes you on a journey of Malala’s life. From her earliest years up to the day her world changed forever, you see how the history of her people and the events of the world shaped this young lady into the crusader she is today for education.
We take for granted the right for all children: boys and girls to an education. This was not the case for Malala and the people of that part of the world. She saw how the lack of education was crippling the people. They were illiterate and could not fight back. Not with a sword, but with a pen. Malala was a tireless crusader for this cause. But, it almost cost her life.
She miraculously survived the attack on her and went on an “extraordinary journey from a remote valley in northern Pakistan to the halls of the United Nations in New York. At sixteen, she has become a global symbol of peaceful protest and the youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize.”
Available on Libby and cloudlibrary.
reviewed by Rachel
by Rachel Hollis
Book and Audiobook
The author shares the lies that she believes keep us from having a happy life. She discusses ways to deal with our real problems, about how we can live with them. I thought this book would be only for millennial young women, but I found some of the information insightful for all ages. It may help for you to become more aware, and help find joy and laughter in the life you could and should be living.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Pam
by Theresa Cheung and Dr Julia Mossbridge
Audiobook
I am interested in the growing study bridging two seemingly disparate subjects, that of scientific study such as physics, astrophysics, biology, neuroscience and the intuitive/spiritual human experience. So, I was drawn to this book authored by a best-selling author Theresa Cheung who joins forces with cognitive neuroscientist Julia Mossbridge, PhD, Director of the Innovation Lab at The Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS). Combining science and practice they reveal revolutionary new research showing that sensing the future, precognition or premonition, is possible. They also provide practical tools and techniques you can use to develop your own powers of precognition. Although this book may only appeal to a certain few people, it opens ones eyes to some of the interesting scientific research being conducted in this area.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Amy
by Peter Matera
Audiobook
After the 16 minute introduction, the author takes us through the history of the Stock Markets throughout the world. He explains terminology that is common when dealing with the stock markets and tells us which of terms to pay particular attention. We then learn the steps to take to set up an account, things to look for when deciding on which stock to buy and how to determine a cost basis for stock. If you know nothing about stock markets this will help you get familiar with the terminology of the stock market. It will also help you understand some of the things your stock broker is looking for when picking stocks for you.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Diana
by David McCullough
Book
Looking for good biography to read or listen to? Check out "The Wright Brothers" by David McCullough. Orville and Wilbur Wright are known for their flight, but did you know that they once ran a bicycle shop? Part of their learning to fly including shipping their planes to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, from Dayton, Ohio. David McCullough does a great job making their story come alive with all the research that was done to right this book.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Heidi
by Katie Parker
Book
Well-designed cookbook with easy to follow recipes which are all vegetarian, but include larger amount of protein. Favorite recipes include Cheesy Egg Bake Muffins, Roasted Red Pepper, Corn and Couscous Bisque and Black Bean and Goat Cheese Quesadillas. Nutrition information is included for every recipe.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Nick
by Thomas J. Stanley & William D. Danko
Audiobook
Have you ever wondered how to become a millionaire? Do you think it's hopeless and you have to have the right opportunity or be fortunate enough to be born into a wealthy family? Well 25 years of research and thousands and thousands of interviews with millionaires, business owners, and big company CEO's will prove otherwise. This audiobook is enlightening and builds hope in its listeners. You will be blown away by the results Dr. Stanely and Dr. Danko uncover and the results are NOT what you would expect. There is no secret of gaining wealth. There is only behavior and hard work. I recommend listening to this audiobook because it is based off of fact, not theory. It is a paradigm of financial books everywhere.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Holly
by Kate Moore
Book
This is the fascinating story of the women who worked at watch factories painting radium dials during World War I and the struggles they faced once they realized how toxic radium was. Even though at times it felt the pace of the book got bogged down in details, it was a very compelling story that I could not stop reading. Before picking this book up I had never heard of the plight of the Radium girls or the huge impact they made on laws which now keep workers safe. The determination of these women in the face of almost insurmountable opposition by unscrupulous companies was truly inspiring. Great book for history lovers.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Cathleen
by Giulia Enders
Book
Ever have a “gut feeling” about something? This book gives a better understanding of just how complex and important our gut is to our well-being. This fairly undiscovered “world” within us is vital to so many aspects of our lives. It goes in-depth and discusses topics not usually meant for “polite” conversation. Although some of it is difficult to understand due to the medical language, it is highly informative. Definitely gives food for thought regarding ailments we face today. This quote is from the author: “We live in an era in which we are just beginning to understand just how complex the connections are between us, our food, our pets and the microscopic world in, on, and around us.”
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Nick
by Dave Ramsey
Audiobook
The principals taught by Dave Ramsey will benefit anyone and everyone from any walk of life. He lays out a "Baby Step" program that anyone can begin at any point of their life. He further teaches on "Debt Myths," "Loan Myths," "Lease Myths," and "Mortgage Myths" that people have been taught growing up.
Available on Hoopla.
Teen Fiction
by Brandon Sanderson
Book
Spensa (Spin to her few friends) has always wanted to be a pilot for the Defiant Defense Force like her father, protecting humans on the planet Detritus from the mysterious Krell, aliens who chased their fleet to the derelict planet a generation ago. Pilots are treated with respect and considered powerful warriors, like the heroes of Old Earth from her Gram-Gram's tales. But becoming a pilot is unlikely for the daughter of an accused traitor - Spensa knows everyone is wrong about her father but can't keep her temper in check to be taken seriously. The commander doesn't even want her to take the test. Even if she passes the test, most pilots die or wash out during training. The Krell, slowly but surely, seem to be winning the war against humans. And whenever she catches a glimpse of the stars beyond the debris belt around Detritus, Spin can hear...singing?
Sanderon's skill for unique world-building shines and while parts of the story feel uneven, that may be due to the upcoming sequel Starsight. Spin is angry, impulsive, and prone to shouting out heroic exaggerated boasts a la Beowulf - surprisingly relatable in spite of herself. The descriptions of starship battle are worthy of the big screen.
Available on cloudLibrary.
reviewed by Diana
by Kerri Maniscalco
Book
Audrey Rose Wadsworth wants to study forensics. Too bad she is lives in 1888. She disguises herself as a boy to attend medical school. Audrey helps with her uncle with his investigation of serial killer Jack the Ripper. The more Audrey looks at the clues, could Jack the Ripper be someone she knows and loves?
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Kristina
by Holly Black
Book
A wonderful YA fantasy series to get hooked on! This book left me eager to continue and finish the trilogy, I was quite pleased that I made myself wait to read this one until the final book was released. Holly Black once again takes us to a fantasy land that she brings to life with her beautiful prose, set in the High Court of Faerie this book revolves around Jude and her twin Taryn who were taken to Faerie 10 years ago by the man who killed their parents, he also happens to be their older sister Vivi's father, and the general for the Faerie army. Jude wants nothing more than to belong in Faerie, but Prince Cardan, the youngest prince and his fellow fey, hate humans. This is a well written story that made me laugh, had me on the edge of my seat and also made me want to scream. What is Jude willing to risk to belong? Where does her loyalty really lie? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this rich and atmospheric tale of revenge, redemption and betrayal.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Paul
by Stephanie Garber
Book
In the second book of the Caravel Trilogy, Scarlett and her sister deal with the fallout of the deals they made in book one. They must travel to the world of Caravel and face the mysteries and dangers there. This YA fantasy has romance, thrills, and enough mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Paul
by Neil Shusterman
Book
Scythe is set in a near future where science has finally conquered death. If someone dies, they can be brought back to life just like a video game. Humanity flourishes, but overpopulation drives the creation of the Scythe system. Scythes, following a strict system of rules, are trained to take lives. This book follows Citra and Ryan as they apprentice as Scythes, an "honor" neither of them wanted. They struggle with killing while knowing disobeying means their own death.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Paul
by Neil Shusterman
Book
Thunderhead is part two of the Scythe trilogy, and an even better book than the first. Citra and Rowan return from book one, but they are now facing each other from opposite sides of struggle occurring within the Scythe order. The organization in charge of issuing kill orders has gone silent, there is a rogue Scythe agent killing indiscriminately, and it seems doubtful both Citra and Rowan will survive to the next book.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
Youth Fiction
reviewed by Rachel
by Rosanne Parry
Book
Follow his trail from Oregon to California, and the start of his own family. Learn about the people who have been a part of his life. For readers of Old Yeller and Call of the Wild. Why do we love wolves and fear them at the same time?
Available on Libby.
reviewed by Diana
by P.L. Travers
Book and Audiobook
Looking for a fun light read? Check out "Mary Poppins" for a great family read. Mary Poppins works for the Banks family as a nanny for Jane, Michael and the twins. Each day is an adventure with Mary Poppins. Jane and Michael experience great adventures with Mary Poppins. This book is a great fast read.
reviewed by Gillian
by Nathan Hale
Book
In his signature blend of comedy and history, author Nathan Hale tells the story of the first (well, possibly the third) expedition through the Grand Canyon by Major John Wesley Powell in May 1869. The expedition faced starvation, rapids, and trauma from the recently ended American Civil War. The art is cartoony and style is kept mostly light, but make no mistake that this is well-researched (there's an illustrated bibliography for readers who want to learn more about the Powell Geographic Expedition). Hale also addresses some story format changes, introducing readers to flashbacks by having his characters (the Provost, the Hangman, and Bill Richardson) complain to the storyteller, Revolutionary War spy Nathan Hale (no relation). As funny and engaging as Hale's art and style are, it may require a longer attention span. Worthwhile read, recommended for history and disaster buffs alike.
Available on cloudLibrary and Hoopla.
reviewed by Rachel
by Tui Sutherland
Book
Five young dragons are raised in the hope of winning the endless dragon war. But when they escape from their captors and try to find their original tribes and homes, the dragonets discover many secrets. What happens next will decide all of the dragons futures.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Heidi
by Catherine Doyle
Book
The first book in this new series is centered around 11-year-old Fionn Boyle as he visits the island of Arranmore for the first time. He comes from a long line of seafarers, but be is afraid of the water. During the course of the book he must overcome his fear in order to save himself, his family and the island. Fans of Percy Jackson will enjoy this new hero.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Heidi
by J.K. Rowling
Book and Audiobook
Now is the perfect time to read the first book in the Harry Potter series. Whether you are reading it for the first time or the hundredth, it is a great story to read with the whole family. For a limited time, everyone has access to the first book through Libby by Overdrive, where normally there is a long hold list. Take advantage of the chance to read, or listen to, the first part in the epic story that is Harry Potter.
Available on Libby by Overdrive.
reviewed by Heidi
by Sarah Prineas
Book
The Magic Thief series (including the books The Magic Thief, Lost, Found and Home) follows the life of a young pick-pocket who discovers that he is a wizard. Conn must adjust to a new life learning to use his new skills for good and help to save the world from evil forces. Wizards, witches, dragons and more create an adventurous journey into a magical land. Perfect for children ages 9-11 to read alone or for a family to read together. Hoopla offers the ebook and audiobook version of the entire series.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Heidi
by Lewis Carroll
Audiobook
Listen to a classic without using a credit! For a limited time, Hoopla is offering access to thousands of titles without you having to use one of your monthly credits. In this audiobook collection, not only do you get Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, but also the lesser known stories, The Hunting of the Snark and Alice’s Adventures Under Ground. Whether you’ve read them before, or are trying them for the first time, these quirky stories will have you smiling.
Available on Hoopla.
Music
reviewed by Heidi
Various Artists
Music
If you liked Frozen II the movie, you will LOVE the soundtrack. This album, available to stream or download, includes favorite songs from the movie like “Into the Unknown” and “Lost in the Woods”, but also version of these songs by artists like Panic! At The Disco and Weezer. All of the beautiful instrumental music is also included. A must listen for any Frozen fan.
Available on Hoopla.
Movies
reviewed by Sheila
Movie
A movie portrayal of a rock opera from 1973 that portrays' Christ's last few weeks before the crucifixion. The music for the rock opera was written Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice and had won many awards. This play originally was started on Broadway. The movie has no spoke lines but is entirely sung. If you love musicals this would be a great movie to watch.
Available on Hoopla.
reviewed by Heidi
TV show
Call the Midwife is a drama series based on the life of Jennifer Worth, a nurse and mid-wife living in the London’s East End in the 1950s. The show is very well done with interesting characters and the viewer gets a realistic view into what life was like in this time period. It’s full of humor, relationships, sadness and strength that make up the lives of everyday people.
Seasons 1-7 are available to download or stream on Hoopla, as well as a few related movies. This series was based on Worth’s memoirs (a trilogy) which can also be borrowed as audiobooks through Hoopla.
reviewed by Cathleen
TV Show
A wonderful television series about a young detective, Mattie, and her three aunts in Wildemarsh, England. While the young detective tries to solve who-dun-its, her aunts are right there with her, helping to solve the case. Conflict arrives in the form of Mattie's boss who wants no involvement from her aunts. The aunts, in turn, are determined to keep Mattie from solving her greatest mystery: what happened to her mother.
Available on Hoopla
reviewed by Sheila
Movie
Mel Gibson and Sean Penn co-star in this movie about friendship, mental illness and the drive to control their destiny. The characters portrayed come from two different worlds but Words bring them together.
The Oxford English Dictionary is brought to life in this drama. An intriguing movie.
Available on Hoopla.