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Check out the books and more that we're enjoying! (And some that we're not.)
Looking for some book suggestions? Use our "What's Next?" form and staff will recommend 4-5 titles for you to enjoy.
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What Are Cary Staff Reading? | | |
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Fortunate Sons by Liel Leibovitz and Matthew Miller / 幸運的孩子 : 中國第一批留美學生 里爾 莱博維茨, 馬修 米勒著 ; 賈士蘅譯
The book narrates the story of Zeng Guofan, Li Hongzhang, and Yung Wing (the first Chinese Graduate from an American university, Yale University), sending 120 young children to study in the United States between 1872 and 1875. The biggest impression this book gives me is that it views modern Chinese history events from a foreigner's perspective. Their sources of information are more prosperous compared
to other scholars. They possess a natural advantage in language, enabling them to find newspapers such as
The New York Times that were circulating in the area where the child resided at the time. They can even uncover descriptions from newspapers of the wedding of Yung Wing at that time, as well as some children's nicknames, which is refreshing. The result is sad and frustrating, but we still hold hope, as the book says, like a bird born in a cage that cannot appreciate the sweet fragrance of the forest; but as long as
this little bird can fly into the free sky, it will soar towards the direction guided by its nature.
Adult Nonfiction
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Wo zai Beijing song kuai di by Anyan Hu/ 我在北京送快递 胡安焉
This book recounts the author's more than twenty years of working experience. He has held 19 jobs, including roles as a security guard, apprentice in a bakery, convenience store clerk, bicycle shop, salesperson, clothing store sales assistant, online store staff, and delivery man. These jobs, although
seemingly distant from our own, represent various aspects of life that we may not fully understand.
What's most remarkable about the author is that amidst the intense pressure and time constraints of these
jobs, he managed to maintain his inner sensitivity and write such candid, genuine words. Not allowing work to erode one's inner self is something not everyone can achieve.
Adult Nonfiction
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Airplane Mode: An Irreverent History of Travel by Shahnaz Habib
A funny, personal, and eye-opening exploration of what it's like for a woman of color to travel--whether for pleasure or necessity. Habib is a refreshing voice who will make you think differently about who travel writing is usually written for and by.
Adult Nonfiction
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Mother, Nature: a 5,000-mile Journey to Discover if a Mother and Son Can Survive Their Differences by Jedidiah Jenkins
This is travel writing of a different kind. Jenkins' parents became famous in the 70's for walking thousands of miles on foot, as documented in his father Peter's "Walk Across America" books. Now Jedidiah and his mother Barbara retrace her path through the country and confront their irreconcilable beliefs. He is gay and she is a conservative Christian who cannot fully accept him, but they still want a relationship with one another. Their conversations are deep and fearless, and Jenkins's gorgeous writing conveys his deep hurt and love.
Adult Nonfiction
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Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman
If you're a fan of Percy Jackson, or other fantasy series involving mythical animals and adventures. Skandar is your next read! Epic sky battles, a shadowy villain who is more than they seem, and bloodthirsty unicorns - a fabulous adventure awaits you!
Children's Fantasy
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Picture Day by Sarah Sax
Viv hates picture day and the fact that her mom always makes her wear a mom approved outfit and her hair in the same boring braid and she doesn't stand out or feel like herself. This year, she's had enough and she decides to follow the advice of her idol, social media influencer Quinn Sparks, and be true to herself so that she will stand out. Viv, while live streaming, chops off her braid and smiles brightly for her photo. Now she suddenly finds herself the leading influencer at her middle school with everyone wanting advice on their big moment but chasing her newfound popularity doesn't leave her much time for her friends. A funny, yet heartfelt story about reinventing yourself, being true to who you are, and discovering who your real friends are along the way. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeir's books or Svetlana Chmakova's Berrybrook Middle School series.
Children's Graphic Novel
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Hood uses verse to tell the remarkable story of Henny Sindling and the Danish people's transformation from what Hitler deemed a "model protectorate" to fierce resistors to Nazi occupation and how the Nazis' treatment of the Danish Jews was central in that transformation for the people of Denmark. 22-year-old Sindling, daughter of a Royal Navy Commander, helped smuggle hundreds of Danish Jews in a supply boat across the strait from Denmark to Sweden, before ultimately having to flee herself. A story from history that everyone should know.
Children's Nonfiction
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Do You Know Them? by Shana Keller
"Do you know them? I would like to find my people. My mother's name was Charlotte King, and when I was sold, I had five brothers." After the Civil War, formerly enslaved people would try to locate their family - those who were sold and sent elsewhere before the war ended - by placing advertisements in the newspaper. This powerful picture book is a fictionalized story that follows a young girl seeking her family who is one of the few members of her church congregation who can read, so each week she reads the notices aloud at church for those who are not able to read themselves - all while she works to save money to place an add of her own trying to find her own family. Though fictionalized, the story includes real ads placed in the papers and includes a fabulous author's note that provides context to the background of the story and the research and the real advertisements. A beautiful story honoring a difficult time in American history that shouldn't be forgotten.
Children's Picture Book
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Here by Richard McGuire
Lovely, meditative graphic novel that plays with conventions of the genre to tell the story of a single room (including moments before and after it was ever a room) as it moves throughout time through centuries. This one's stuck with me for awhile now.
Adult Graphic Novel
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Feeding Ghosts by Tessa Hulls
Feeding Ghosts is a must read. A powerful exploration of family, mental illness, and generational trauma.
Adult Graphic Novel Memoir
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Airplane Mode: An Irreverent History of Travel by Shahnaz Habib
Jean recommends Airplane Mode: An Irreverent History of Travel by Shahnaz Habib. More a series of musing essays than a history, Habib's book offers a wry take on the latest object of European and American consumerism -- international travel.
Adult Nonfiction
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Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
There is a lot going on in in this book! If I put it all here, I will not be doing it justice. I will say that Kim uses the early Covid days setting well, in comparison to other books, films, and shows that take place during that time.
Adult Fiction
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Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of Rowell's upcoming adult book, coming out in July. It's already listed in the catalog so you can place your hold now!
Adult Fiction
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