Mandel Public Library Staff Picks For September

West Palm Beach FL

23 September, 2020

4:45 PM

Description

From the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach: September 22, 2020 By Emily & the Mandel Public Library Staff Happy September! It's time to grab a pumpkin-spiced latte, wash your hands, and blast Earth, Wind & Fire with the windows rolled tightly up since it's 90 degrees in Florida and you need that sweet A/C with your hot pumpkin-flavored beverage in order to pretend it's the crisp, fall air. Just me? Ok. It's also time for our staff to share what they've been reading, watching, and listening to this month that we'd like to recommend to you. Enjoy these books, movies, and more with your favorite fall-themed beverage. Books Sarah's Pick: A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine This sprawling space opera deals with varied complex issues from cultural assimilation to scientific advancement, from economic policies to interplanetary politics while still managing to be an incredible piece of escapist literature. This book also recently won the Hugo Award for best novel. It is so easy and enjoyable to immerse yourself in the beauty and the horror that is the Teixcalaan civilization with A Memory Called Empire. Ionnie's Pick: Frances and Bernard by Carlene Bauer Who doesn't love a good love story? Or even wished someone would write them love letters? Well, this book feeds both of these needs and desires. As two young adults and recent college grads attend a writing workshop, they decide to keep in touch by writing letters...which happens to be my own favorite pastime. I love following their budding friendship, listening to their small revelations as they reveal themselves to each other over time and watch the natural evolution of them fall in love, even as it is unbeknownst to them. Watching their journey is deeply satisfying and innocently romantic. Faith's Pick: Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado-Perez This non-fiction book examines some of the ways society, consciously or unconsciously, holds a bias in favor of men by analyzing data patterns. From police bullet-proof vests not taking breasts into account causing dangerous gaps in coverage, to office temperatures being based on the warmer male average. It is fascinating. Leah's Pick: 127 Hours: Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston I've always wanted to read this because I love stories about people who overcome really difficult circumstances. Aron recounts his incredibly challenging experience trapped in a climbing accident, and he describes his surroundings so eloquently you can really tell how much he loves nature, even after what he's gone through. Beautifully written; no wonder a movie was made from the book! I'm so glad I've finally gotten around to reading it, and I highly recommend it! Kimi's Pick: The Language of Moths by Christopher Barzak This novelette tells the story a brother and sister who are dragged along on their father's research trip under the guise of a family vacation. Elliot discovers an identity outside the confines of his family. His older sister, Dawn, a nonverbal autistic teenager, discovers a way to finally be understood. The author seamlessly combines magical realism with the classic coming-of-age narrative. The audiobook is just over an hour long and is a perfect end to the summer. Tina's Pick: Big Sky by Kate Atkinson The most recent entry in her Jackson Brodie mystery series (after nine years!) – so you might want to read the preceding titles first. Kate Atkinson does an amazing job portraying characters in shades of gray rather than black and white. A fascinating case study in how ordinary people turn evil, a shattering narrative about sex trafficking, and a great portrait of middle-aged Brodie seeking justice while he ruminates about the modern world. A must-read for mystery lovers but also highly recommended for literary fiction fans. Sandra's Pick: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson This novel was inspired by the true blue-skinned people of Kentucky and the Pack Horse Library Project of the 1930s. This woman called Bluet believes that books can carry us anywhere—even back home. Even though she was met with prejudice and hostility, she carries on to instill literacy and joy to those who have nothing. I loved this book. It was very inspirational and informative. I did not know that blue-skinned actually existed except in Avatar! Movies & TV Shows Danielle's Pick: Star Trek: Discovery The story of Star Trek: Discovery begins roughly a decade before Captain Kirk's five-year mission -- as portrayed in the original Star Trek from the 1960s -- and a century before the events of Star Trek: Enterprise. I really enjoy watching all of the characters and stories and can't wait for Season 3 to start airing on October 15! Emily's Pick: Paris, Je T'aime With the drought of new films during COVID-19, it's been really nice to revisit old favorites. One of my old favorites was recently added to stream for free on Kanopy with your library card! Paris, Je T'aime ("Paris, I love you") is a French film that consists of a series of vignettes set in Paris, each with a different director. It is a wonderful love-letter to the city of lights that will take you away from your quarantine for a while. Each segment tells a story of love in some way or another: falling into it, falling out of it, being scorned by it, finding it in unlikely places, and so much more. You will love it. And more! Kathy's Pick: Make Me Smart (podcast) Make me Smart is a daily news podcast that breaks down the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. The hosts, Kai Ryssdal and Molly Wood, work to make sense of the news of the week and the world around us. It is a great 15 minutes. Antoinette's Pick: Critical Role (web series) The Critical Role stories of Vox Machnia and the Mighty Nein are amazing if you love tabletop gaming. It's a good introduction to Dungeons and Dragons with amazing voice actors. The story is all Matt Mercer's creation, and it dives deep into the world he built. He has even created items for the Dungeons and Dragons official books! The stories can take me away, and I get emotionally involved in everyone's story. This press release was produced by the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.