Summer Reading Staff Picks

Summer Reading Staff Picks

Summer Reading Staff PicksLooking for a great summer read? Ask an AAPLD staff member! We love books—reading them, talking about them, and recommending them!  Since summer is prime reading season, members of the Adult Services staff would like to share some of our favorite recent reads, and audiobook listens.

If you haven't signed up for 2022 Summer Reading yet, learn more here, or stop by the Adult Services desk.

Mystery

I enjoyed The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James, It was an intriguing mix of psychological thriller and haunting mystery. The main character's interest in writing about true crime and cold cases leads her to a close, and uncomfortably chilling, involvement with a manipulative murder suspect. Recommended by Anne Kunzen, Information Services & Genealogy Librarian

Young Adult/Historical Fiction

The Silent Unseen by Amanda McCrina  Poland, July 1944. Sixteen-year-old Maria is making her way home after years of forced labor in Nazi Germany, only to find her village destroyed and her parents killed in a war between the Polish Resistance and Ukrainian nationalists. To Maria’s shock, the local Resistance unit is commanded by her older brother, Tomek―who she thought was dead. He is now a “Silent Unseen,” a special-operations agent with an audacious plan to resist a new and even more dangerous enemy sweeping in from the East. When Tomek disappears, Maria is determined to find him, but the only person who might be able to help is a young Ukrainian prisoner and the last person Maria trusts―even as she feels a growing connection to him that she can’t resist. Recommended by Holly Eberle, Teen Librarian

Non-Fiction

Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. With Gladwell, you can’t go wrong. This book is about the importance of both talking and listening, and how communication is a two way process, a really relevant lesson for our time. What’s more, the audiobook uses actual clips of the people being quoted, so you can hear why their words are so insightful. Recommended by Henry Sadowski, Adult Services Librarian

Horror

Beneath The Stairs by Jennifer Fawcett. In a small upstate New York town, teens dare one another to enter an abandoned house with a sinister history, hidden deep in the woods. In the summer of 1994, best friends Clare and Abby take the dare, and are never the same. Fawcett takes familiar horror elements--haunted houses, creepy dolls, dark basements-- and gives them a fresh twist, weaving a scary page-turner I couldn’t put down. Recommended by Elizabeth Harmon, Adult Services Library Associate

Literary Fiction

The Lioness by Chris Bohjalian Tanzania, 1964. When Katie Barstow, A-list actress, and her new husband, David Hill, decide to bring their Hollywood friends to the Serengeti for their honeymoon, they expect civilized adventure: Fresh ice from the kerosene-powered ice maker, dinners of cooked gazelle meat, and plenty of stories to tell over lunch back on Rodeo Drive.

What Katie and her glittering entourage do not expect is this: A kidnapping gone wrong, their guides bleeding out in the dirt, and a team of Russian mercenaries herding them into Land Rovers, guns to their heads. As the powerful sun gives way to night, the gunmen shove them into abandoned huts and Katie Barstow, Hollywood royalty, prays for a simple thing: To see the sun rise one more time. A fast paced, well written literary thriller with interesting characters and a strong sense of place. Recommended by Meghan O'Keefe, Adult Services Librarian

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle - A perfect read for summer. Katy was supposed to go with her mom on a trip to spectacular Positano, Italy, where her mother lived as a young woman, but tragically, she passes away before they go. Katy decides to take the trip anyway, to heal and feel closer to her mom. While she is there enjoying the town -- Mom appears in the flesh as her 30 years old self, and the two become friends! The magical quality of this story is what I love the most -- the food, the view, and the ambiance of the coastal setting, all brought to life by the author's gorgeous writing. It sweeps you up and away to another world! Recommended by Wendy Theehs, Adult Services Library Associate

Romance

Glitterland by Alexis Hall. This British novel brings together two unlikely lovers; Ash, an upper class author, whose severe anxiety and depression have derailed his life and career, and Darian, a big-hearted male model from working-class Essex, England. Hall’s depictions of mental illness are gripping, and he wisely avoids an unrealistic “healed by love” trope. Yet the story is touching, funny and hopeful. Told with wit and tenderness, it’s a great read for Pride Month, or any month. Available in ebook on Hoopla. Recommended by Elizabeth Harmon, Adult Services Library Associate

Relationship Fiction

The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews This author is my go to summer read. Her books are set in a sunny locale and they usually have a touch of whimsy. This book was all that and more. The main plot was a mystery that really keeps you guessing. I liked its emphasis on the power of trusting people and letting love come in to your heart. Recommended by Karin Litwin, Adult Services Library Associate

 

 

 

 

 

The Guncle by Steven Rowley - This is a funny, heartwarming story about a gay uncle who takes care of his niece and nephew for the summer, after they lose their mom to a long illness, and their dad goes to rehab for painkiller addiction. I listened to this audiobook as well. The author was the narrator and did an excellent job. Recommended by Lisa Mayoras, Adult Services Library Associate

Discover Our Digital Library!

(Re) Discover Digital Reading!

(Re) Discover Digital Reading! Did you know that AAPLD cardholders can check out and enjoy books, audiobooks, music, and video, anytime, anyplace? Using our digital library collections means that you never have to go without something to read or watch.

While our digital collections have plenty of fans, there are still lots of myths and misconceptions that might have discouraged you from trying Libby, Hoopla, Axis360 or Biblioboard.

In honor of the upcoming travel and road trip season-- which digital content is perfect for, by the way-- please join us for a bit of digital library myth-busting!

Myth #1- "I don't have an ereader."

You don't need one! Our Libby, Hoopla, Biblioboard and Axis360 digital library apps can be easily installed on a Smartphone or tablet. The apps are free. Our website has links and video tutorials to get you started. Just download, install, enter your library card number and you're good to go!

Prefer in-person assistance? Stop by the Adult Services Reference desk or Technology desk, and ask a staff member for help.

Myth #2- "I'd rather read print books."

Hey, we get it. We love print books, too. But sometimes, it's just not convenient to carry one around. Ebooks can go anywhere your phone can go.

And reading doesn't have to be an either/or experience. Consider checking out the digital version of whatever you're reading in print, so you can enjoy your book on the go. Sure beats mindless scrolling while you're waiting at the dentist's office.

Myth #3- "Who has time to read?"

And speaking of mindless scrolling, we spend roughly 3 hours or more per day on our phones. What if we used just a little of that time for reading? Now, those empty minutes in the waiting room can be spent devouring the latest must-read thriller, steamy romance, or this month's celebrity reading pick.

Myth #4- "Digital reading is hard on your eyes."

Love Your Tech in 2022!Our digital apps include options to customize your reading experience. Dark backgrounds, larger fonts and downloadable audiobooks help give your eyes a rest.

Downloadable audiobooks have the added benefit of being travel- friendly. Listen in the car, or on a plane, and watch the trip fly by!

 

Love Your Tech in 2022!

Love Your Tech in 2022!

Did you receive a new device as a holiday gift, or upgrade with a great year-end deal? Maybe you've resolved to get more comfortable with technology in 2022. Your library is here to help!

In January, we're offering classes to help you get the most out of your technology, whether you're a beginner who wants to master the basics, or you want access to thousands of books, videos, music and more, 24/7 with your library card! Classes are taught by Digital Literacy Librarian Kenny Duray, and you can attend in-person or online. Click the class link to register, or call the Adult Services department.

 

Beginner Basics

Don't know how to use a computer, tablet or smartphone? Have questions about your device, or another tech-related topic? Our Tech With Kenny classes are for you! Classes are held Wednesday mornings from 10-11 a.m. Each session includes a half-hour lesson, followed by a half hour for Q&A and practice time.

January 5: Using The Mouse and Keyboard - learn basic mouse controls and keyboard keys

January 12: The Internet - learn about browsers, how to search, create a bookmark, and tips for online safety

January 19: Email - Learn to create an email account, send an email, and attach to an email

January 26: File Management - Learn to organize your files for easy access later

 

 

Your Library On The Go!

Love Your Tech in 2022!Check out and download books, video, music and more, any time, any place, with your library card! Learn about our digital library apps and discover the fun and convenience of ebooks, eaudiobooks, digital video, magazines and newspapers. Classes are held Monday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m., in person or online.

January 10: AAPLD Library Apps - Learn about the services you can access through our apps, plus how to install and use them.

January 17: Downloading Ebooks and Audiobooks - Ebooks and eaudiobooks are convenient, portable, and perfect for travel, commuting, or enjoying from the comfort of home.

January 24: Downloading Movies and TV Shows -  Stream movies and TV shows, documentaries, indie hits, and selections from around the world, including shows from the popular BBC and Acorn TV networks.

January 31: Downloading Magazines and Newspapers -  Find your favorite magazines and newspapers, including international publications, in multiple languages.

 

Celebrate Free Comic Book Day and Star Wars with Your Library!!!

Celebrate Free Comic Book Day and Star Wars with Your Library!!!

Sad news everyone.  The Library’s Geek Out event (May 2nd) has been canceled, Free Comic Book Day has been postponed, new comics aren’t being shipped.  And Star Wars day, May the 4th?  Well, I guess Star Wars day is OK, but you can’t celebrate it with everyone you’d probably like to.  Luckily, the Library’s got a way to get you through this.  We have lots of resources that allow you to celebrate the things you geek out about.  

Now is a great time to catch up on some comics and graphic novels you’ve been meaning to read and you can do that digitally through Hoopla on your computer or laptop, your tablet, or even your smartphone.  Hoopla has tons of graphic novels and comics from many different publishers including Marvel, DC, Image, Darkhorse, and Boom.  Follow the links below to check them out!

Hoopla comics

Did you know that Marvel made audiobook versions of graphic novels?  They are more like voice acted versions of the graphic novels with pretty awesome sound effects.  You can check those out here:

There are plenty of resources you can find through the Library to help you can celebrate Star Wars Day on Monday, May 4th.  Below is a list of Star Wars related material that you can find through our online library.

Hoopla

Overdrive / Libby

RBdigital Magazine

Kanopy

Did you know that several Star Wars languages were inspired from or just using different Earth languages?  Below are a couple of examples and how you could also learn those languages.  Maybe after learning a few languages you can create your own Star Wars universe language!!!

Mango Languages

  • Indonesian language inspired Kanjiklubber, a new language that appears in Star Wars, The Force Awakens
  • In The Phantom Menace’s pod-racing scene,  Anakin’s owner Watto and competitor Sebulba inexplicably speak back and forth in Finnish, saying “Kiitos!” (Thank you!) and “Ole hyvä!” (You’re welcome!)

Here is a short list of some websites that you can also use to celebrate Star Wars not only on May 4th, but throughout the year.

I hope this list gives you a way to celebrate comics and Star Wars this weekend and in the future. The Library is looking forward to celebrating these awesome days with you in the future, but for now, you can Geek Out on your own.

Keep on reading – and – May the Force Be With You

Kenny D.

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