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Fabulous Fiction Firsts #834, Celebrating Women’s History Month

by muffy

city_of_laughter

City of Laughter, * * a debut novel (also in downloadable eBook and audiobook) by a Rona Jaffe Foundation Writers Award winner Temin Fruchter is “a wondrous intergenerational story of queerness and Jewish folklore.” (Publishers Weekly)

Called “brainy and richly textured (The New York Times) the novel opens in 18th century Ropshitz, Poland where a holy jester whose job is to make wedding guests laugh, receives a visitation from a mysterious stranger. In present day New York, 32-year old Shiva Margolin, reeling from the recent death of her father and the breakup with her girlfriend, Dani found among her father’s things, photos of her enigmatic maternal grandmother, Syl, and great-grandmother Mira. But her mother Hannah refuses to talk about them. 

Frustrated with the generational silence, Shiva starts studying the work of Jewish folklorist S. Ansky, and enrolls in a master's program which presents her with an opportunity to visit Warsaw, only hours away from Mira's small town of Ropshitz. She hopes her family's mysteries will make more sense if she walks in their footsteps.

“This novel, like Shiva’s work, is a collection of beautiful scraps—scraps of folktales and memory, hidden family histories, love letters, accounts of strange happenings in the past and present—all tangled together and rewoven into a whole that’s strange, lush, imaginative and pulsing with life…As Shiva becomes more deeply immersed in the lives of her foremothers, those foremothers become more vibrant and detailed, in prose that moves from shimmering and dreamlike to sharply funny to wonderfully contemplative.” (BookPage)

Readers might also enjoy The Thirty Names of Night * * * * by Zeyn Joukhadar (2020), and The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh (2022).

* * * * = 4 starred reviews

* * = 2 starred reviews

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Staff Picks: Recommendation Potpourri: Seven Books in Seven Days

by emjane

At the end of February, I took one of those wonderful, restorative vacations where you fly somewhere warm and don’t do much of anything for a week. When I find myself lucky enough to have these “gift of time” trips, I still can’t help but set up a little structure and challenge myself to read a book a day. I have the benefit of being a fast reader, and I also stack the deck a bit by leaving the giant tomes at home (you can only pack so many books!), but on the trips where I manage to achieve that silly benchmark, I return home bubbling about the reading even more than about the sunshine! Here are my reading highlights from that trip!

 

No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood | Request Now

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Staff Picks: Graphic Novels Series to Start

by nicole

If you're sick of standalone reads or need something to keep you hooked for a while, here are some great graphic novel series from AADL's collection. These titles are perfect if you're looking to start a new series.

Saga by Brian K. Vaughan | Request Now

The cover of Saga by Brain K. VaughnBlending sci-fi and romance, Saga is a sweeping tale about star-crossed lovers from enemy worlds fighting to find their place in the universe. When Alana first meets Marko, they're two soldiers fighting on opposite sides of a never-ending galactic war. Against all odds, they fall in love and risk everything to escape and bring a fragile new life into their dangerous old universe. This story is a wild, intergalactic ride that follows new parents Marko and Alana as they try to raise their child in a war-torn galaxy. This epic space opera is both heartfelt and hilarious, and is intended for mature readers only. Readers who love the first book can find the others in the series in AADL's catalog.

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Staff Picks: A Bit of Romantasy

by lucroe

For readers craving that overlap between romance and fantasy, check out these titles that have it all: magic, creatures, and love! 

Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna | Request Now
The cover of Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu MandannaA cozy romantasy about Mika Moon, who happens to be a witch but no one knows except her coven, who don't understand how lonely she has felt throughout the years. When a mysterious message arrives asking her to come to Nowhere House to train three young witches how to control their magic, she knows it's a bad idea to go. Who knows, maybe there she'll find something worth taking a chance on like the house librarian Jamie Kelly who she is immediately attracted to but who gives her the cold shoulder. Could she melt that icy heart of his?

 

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Staff Picks: New Historical Fiction at AADL

by eapearce

Historical fiction remains one of the most popular genres for local readers! Titles in the genre offer readers the opportunity to learn more about past events, especially ones you’re not familiar with, often in a less-dense manner than non-fiction books about the same events might provide. If you’re looking for your next historical fiction read, check out one of these newly added titles to the library collection and add yourself to the holds list.

The Berlin Letters, by Katherine Reay | Request Now

The cover of The Berlin Letters by Katherine ReayThe Cold War is coming to a close and CIA codebreaker Luisa Voekler is frustrated. Since a young girl, she’s always enjoyed using her logical, quick mind to solve puzzles and crack codes. She expected to move up quickly in the CIA, but while her colleagues are working hard to complete assignments that will hopefully finally bring the Cold War to an end, Luisa is stuck still cracking leftover codes from back during World War II. When she analyzes a letter with symbols she recognizes from her childhood, though, something clicks into place and she begins to wonder if her long-lost father is not, in fact, dead after all, as she’s always thought. Determined to figure out the truth, Luisa travels East Germany, determined to get her father out–if he’s still alive. As the book races toward the climactic fall of the Berlin Wall, readers journey with Luisa to the heart of Berlin to experience the monumental moment with her, and to hopefully share in her discovery of answers to questions she has had her whole life. This book includes book discussion questions at the end, making it a good fit for book clubs!

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Staff Picks: Fabulous Fiction from U-M Alum

by emjane

The Helen Zell Writers Program, University of Michigan’s MFA program, has an impressive alumni list, who—would you believe it—have written some impressively good books! Here are a few of my favorites.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett | Request Now

The cover of The Vanishing Half, by Brit BennettTwin sisters Desiree and Stella both leave home at 16 and their lives, which up until that point had been lived in tandem, dramatically diverge. Told from shifting perspectives between Desiree, Stella, and their daughters, The Vanishing Half spans generations to tell an engaging story of identity, family, and connection.

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Staff Picks: Teen Books on TV

by nicole

Several Teen books have been adapted into shows in the past few years. If you like to read the book before you see it on TV, check out these YA stories that have been recreated for the small screen.

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman | Request Now

The cover of Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil GaimanAccording to the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just after tea. Which means that Armageddon will happen on Saturday night. So the armies of Good and Evil are gathering, the Four Bikers of the Apocalypse are revving up their mighty hogs and hitting the road, and the world's last two remaining witch-finders are getting ready to fight the good fight, awkwardly armed with antiquated instructions and stick pins. Armageddon is in the air. Which is a major problem for Crowley, a fast-living demon, and his opposite and old friend Aziraphale, a fussy angel. They like it down here, and they're not particularly looking forward to the end of it all. So they've got no choice but to defeat the marching ranks of the Witchfinder's army and - somehow - stop the Rapture from happening. Above all, they've got to find and kill the most powerful being on earth, the Antichrist (which is a shame, as he's a really nice kid). There's just one glitch: someone seems to have misplaced him. This over-the-top story is equal parts humor and fantasy, and the TV series is also available in our catalog.

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Staff Picks: Breakfast Bonanza: Cookbooks for the Start of Your Day

by eapearce

Whether or not you believe that the most important meal of the day is breakfast, as the old adage goes, there is something to be said about having a delicious beginning to your morning. In the following cookbooks, you’ll get ideas for how to make breakfast unique, yummy, easy, and all three!

Breakfast: The Cookbook, by Emily Miller | Request Now

The cover of Breakfast: The Cookbook, by Emily MillerThis delightful and comprehensive book shares recipes for home-cooking breakfasts from all over the world. Hundreds of recipes are compiled here with straightforward and simple instructions, so that you can prepare a dish that you’ve perhaps never even heard of before (a good thing, if you’re cooking at 7am!). Culinary notes and backgrounds on the origins of the recipes add a nice touch and provide the reader with interesting insight as to where the recipe they are preparing comes from and how people in that region might enjoy it. Conveniently, the index is organized by both food and country, so you can search for what you’re looking for by either categorization. Recipes are divided by food type as well as dietary restriction, such as gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan, quick and easy, under five ingredients and more. Lovely photographs accompany the recipes. This is a great book for any breakfast-lover, or even for anyone who is breakfast-curious and looking to up their morning meal routine.

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Staff Picks: Motown Turns 65

by lucroe

Berry Gordy founded Tamla Records on January 12, 1959, later adding the Motown Records label. We celebrate the immense contribution to music with some books, CDs, and a movie. To learn more about Motown go to Detroit’s own Motown Museum.

Where Did Our Love Go? : the Rise and Fall of the Motown Sound by Nelson George | Request Now
Where did our Love go?Originally written in the 1980s, this is a well-researched and straightforward account of Motown’s history. George traces Berry Gordy’s career as well as the vocalists, songwriters and musicians who made the Motown sound synonymous with the 1960’s. In the end, according to accounts, Gordy lost touch with his artists and Motown became “…just another record company…”. George has written a book that shows great appreciation for the Motown that was once a powerhouse of the music industry.

 

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Staff Picks: New Music by Black Artists in Celebration of Black History Month

by eapearce

AADL is always adding new music to our collection in the form of both CDs and LP records! This month we’ve got a feature on newly added titles by Black artists, in celebration of February being Black History Month. Enjoy!

Afro Futuristic Dreams, by Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids | Request Now

Afro Futuristic DreamsThis new jazz album, the first by Idris Ackamoore since 2020, draws influences from a wide variety of artists: you’ll hear elements of Parliament Funkadelic, Sun Ra and Fela Kuti along with more traditional jazz sounds and combinations. The smoothness of Afro Futuristic Dreams doesn’t take away from its politically charged message, aided by Ackamoor delivering straightforward lyrics about current events. Ackamoor, who came of age in the 1960s, has always felt that making music is about “making change happen,” and it’s clear on this new record that he’s pushing for change in the United States in lots of ways. The Pyramids were founded in the early 1970s in Ohio, and became known for combining African rhythms with the psychedelic jazz that was particularly popular in the U.S. at the time. Known for being one of the few bands who actually spent time traveling and playing in Africa to best capture the authentic sounds they were seeking, they’re just as strong as ever accompanying Ackamoor on this record (he was a founding member of the band back in the day). This record is well worth a listen.

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Staff Picks: A Library Card: Your Ticket to Free Streaming!

by emjane

Peeved that your streaming service is adding commercials? Luckily there is a whole slew of commercial-free streaming content available to you via your aadl.org catalog. You can browse the whole collection of more than 10,000 videos, or check out some recommended picks below:

Travel Documentaries

Seven Worlds One PlanetTravel the world without leaving your couch! BBC’s Emmy-winning Seven Worlds One Planet is a beautiful look at all of the continents. Don’t Forget Your Passport is more causal viewing, but its charming host and highlight of tours across the world is a great way to add future trips to your bucket list. And, of course, you can’t forget the King of Travel, Rick Steves – we have quite a few titles from his Rick Steves’ Europe series!

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Staff Picks: Into The Woods - Middle-Grade Wilderness Comics

by nicole

Looking for adventure, but stuck at home in the snow? Travel to magical jungles and frontier forests with these wild wilderness graphic novels.
 

Mighty Jack, Book 1 by Ben Hatke | Request Now

Mighty JackJack might be the only kid in the world dreading summer. But he's got a good reason: summer is when his single mom takes a second job and leaves him at home to watch his autistic kid sister, Maddy. It's a lot of responsibility. And it's boring, too, because Maddy never talks. Not ever. But then, one day at the flea market, Maddy does talk: she tells Jack to trade their mom's car for a box of mysterious seeds. It's the best mistake Jack has ever made. Soon Jack finds himself planting a very unusual garden, one that produces a crop of strange and bizarre creatures. What starts as a normal little garden out back behind the house quickly grows up into a wild, magical jungle with tiny onion babies running amok, huge, pink pumpkins that bite, and, on one moonlit night that changes everything…a dragon. If you love Ben Hatke's great storytelling or want more Mighty Jack, check out the rest of his books in the AADL Catalog.

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Fabulous Fiction Firsts #833, She investigates...

by muffy

murder_by_degreesMurder by Degrees * * * by Ritu Mukerji

Philadelphia, 1875. Dr. Lydia Weston teaches at the Woman's Medical College and attends to working-class patients at the city's Spruce Street Clinic where she first meets Anna Ward.  Hardworking, highly motivated and an eager learner, Anna works as a chambermaid for the wealthy Curtis family but shares Lydia’s love of literature.  During an appointment with Lydia, Anna is visibly troubled by something she won't explain, and abruptly disappears.  Soon her body is dredged out of the Schuylkill River, bloated beyond recognition, she is identified by her diary and clothes neatly folded by the river.

When the police rules Anna’s death as suicide, Lydia is suspicious, especially when her autopsy confirms otherwise. “Mukerji, like Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs, pulls the reader into fascinating and richly detailed forensic autopsies and blesses Weston with the instincts and determination to carry out a murder investigation as effectively as--or even better than--the police.” (Kirkus Reviews) 

“This well-researched, historical-mystery debut by a practicing physician will appeal to readers who enjoy strong female characters and graphic clinical details.” (Booklist)   For fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Charles Todd

dexpectant_detectivesThe Expectant Detectivesby Kat Ailes is the first in a new cozy mystery series, set in the sleepy village of Penton. Finding themselves unexpectedly expecting, Alice and her partner Joe move out of pricy London to embrace country life in the Cotswolds. With the baby coming in 2 weeks, they sign up for a prenatal class. When one of the women goes into labor during class, frenzy ensues until someone notices Mr. Oliver, owner of the herb shop downstairs, keels over dead, and they find themselves all suspects in the murder investigation. 

Together with her band of pregnant sleuths, Alice manages to suss out Mr. Oliver's many secrets, his connection to the hippie commune in the woods and the mysterious death in the village some years ago.  What’s most disturbing for Alice is how Joe has been acting strangely and someone tries to poison her goofy canine companion Helen.

In this The Thursday Murder Club meets Midsomer Murders, “readers of Darci Hannah will enjoy Helen’s spotlight in this series. The humor is akin to Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan series, and the relationship between Joe and Alice is reminiscent of Jules Capshaw’s romantic endeavors in Ellie Alexander’s “Bakeshop Mysteries.(Publishers Weekly) 

* * * = 3 starred reviews

* = Starred review

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AADL Weather Hours Update: January 12-13, 2024

by richretyi

Due to the impending snowstorm, all AADL locations will close at 3 pm Friday (Jan. 12) and reopen at noon on Saturday (Jan. 13). Items on the hold shelf will be held through Tuesday (Jan. 16).

If you have questions, please text or call 734-327-4200 or email ask@aadl.org. 

Thank you for your understanding!

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Staff Picks: Imagining the Future

by lucroe

Cli-Fi or Climate-focused fiction is a subgenre that is concerned with what might become of our world and our future if climate change continues. These authors have imagined what might be in store for us in the decades to come. Some spell doom and gloom while others take a more moderate approach. These stories offer a lot to think about and appreciate.

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood | Request Now

Failure to halt climate change has created an out of control weather system where fierce storms and tornadoes are all too common. The coastlines are flooded, and there’s no seasons anymore: just one long, sticky, miserable summer. Those few who survived the plague scrounge for food while dodging genetically modified creatures gone feral, like “wolvogs” and “pigoons”.Bottom of Form Potentially the last human on earth, "Snowman" tours the remnants of his destroyed world, reminiscing and mourning the loss of his best friend, Crake; the woman they both loved, Oryx; and the rise of genetic experimentation that destroyed the world.

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Staff Picks: Further Reading Related to the 2024 Washtenaw Read

by eapearce

You may have heard that the selection for the 2024 Washtenaw Read is How the Word is Passed, by Clint Smith. The keynote event for the Read will take place this spring, with a variety of related events leading up to it. If you’ve read the book and would like to participate in a discussion of it with AADL staff and fellow community members, we have one coming up on January 23 at 6pm on Zoom. And if you’re interested in further reading related to the topics Smith discusses in his book, you may want to check out one of these titles!

On Juneteenth, by Annette Gordon-Reed | Request Now

Gordon-Reed, an esteemed historian, Pulitzer Prize-winner, and Black Texas native explores the history of Texas, shares what it was like growing up as a Black girl and young woman in the state and ponders the creation of Juneteenth and its significance to her communities in Texas and beyond. Gordon-Reed is the descendent of enslaved people who were brought against their will to Texas prior to the Civil War and has spent a great deal of time studying the origins of Juneteenth and the legacies of the holiday. Though this book is fairly slim, it is packed with fascinating historical information and deeply personal stories. Readers will learn much.

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Staff Picks: Good Cooks for Cold Days!

by emjane

A great way to warm your home (and your spirit) in these drearier days of the year is to cook! Here are some great cookbooks to use to build a cozy, comforting meal!

 

The Soup Club Cookbook by Courtney Allison, Tina Carr, Caroline Laskow, and Julie Peacock | Request Now

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Staff Picks: Comical Cats for Kids

by nicole

If you're looking for comics for cat lovers, look no further! Find your new favorite feline in one of these comical kids graphic novels about cats.
 

Catwad, Volume 1: It's Me, by Jim Benton | Request Now

Meet Catwad. He's blue, he's a bit of a grouch, and his best friend is a happy-go-lucky cat named Blurmp who can see the bright side of anything! From pizza and computers to love and happiness, this furball has a funny take on just about everything - and he's not afraid to share it. This laugh-out-loud series will make even the grumpiest of grumblers smile! If you like the first book, make sure to check out the whole series in the AADL Catalog.

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AADL's Most Requested Items of 2023

by richretyi

most requested 2023

What were the most requested items in the AADL collection in 2023? We've got the full list. From the most requested fiction and non-fiction titles to portable CD players, The Starry Night, and our 500-piece Lake Michigan vintage poster puzzle—AADL presents our top-20 most requested everything of 2023!

Fiction

1. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

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Staff Picks: Books by Comedians that are More Than Bits

by emjane

Many stand-up comedians are halfway-decent writers, their trade is words, after all! But there’s a difference between being able to successfully translate your act to written form (I’m looking at you, Jerry Seinfeld) and creating something new – something funny, yes, but with more depth to it. Luckily, we’re living in the golden age of comedian writers – or at least, I declare that we are! Here are four of my favorites.

Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult by Maria Bamford | Request Now

The cover of Sure, I'll Join Your CultAlt-comic Maria Bamford has found success despite working through struggles with debt, mental health, and the ethics of taking certain jobs; she credits some of this success to the role that multiple 12-step groups have played in her life, even while acknowledging their flaws.  In addition to her comedic chops, a major piece of Bamford’s appeal is how deeply willing she is to be entirely honest, even about things that most people keep under their hat: mental health, personal finance, and blatantly ignoring parking protocol. She speaks openly about her challenges and, in doing so, empowers her readers to also experience personal growth, or at least not feel so alone. Bamford has a distinct voice – both metaphorically and literally – if you’re an audiobook person, you might want to listen to this one!

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Staff Picks: Mindfulness Meditation

by lucroe

Research shows that even a few minutes of meditation a day can reduce anxiety and negative thoughts. Here are just a few beginner-friendly books that might help to nurture your meditation practice.

Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana‌ | Request Now
The cover of Mindfulness in Plain EnglishFirst published in 1994, now in this 20th anniversary edition, this is a classic guide by Sri Lankan Buddhist monk, Bhante G. As the title says, it is an easy to follow guide to the understand the benefits of mindfulness meditation, and provides an explanation of what meditation really is, as well as the kind of attitude that you should adopt for best results. Whether you are brand new to the subject, have tried meditating before on your own but come unstuck, or would simply like a fresh perspective that can help you to improve and deepen your practice, this book is an excellent guide for all levels.

 

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Staff Picks: Keep it Cozy This Winter with DIY Titles

by eapearce

From knitting clothing and accessories of all types, to felting cute animals, to making your own wintry wreaths, our collection of titles about cozy hands-on projects will keep you busy all winter long. We have ideas for beginners looking to knit their very first hat to books for folks looking for a challenge and crocheting amigurumi gifts for the holidays or embarking on a detailed cookie-decorating journey. Our selection of DIY crafty books features way more than we can highlight here, so browse our catalog or the shelves at one of our locations next time you’re in to find what piques your interest, and stay warm this winter!

The Year of Cozy: 125 Recipes, Crafts, and Other Homemade Adventures, by Adrianna Adarme | Request Now

​​The cover of Year of CozyThis book is separated into months of the year and divided by things you can “do,” things you can “make,” and things you can “live,” which makes it a great starting off point for people looking for a new project but not sure exactly where to begin. With recipes, crafts, and outdoor activities ranging from the simple, which can be completed in an hour or two, to the more complex which might take days or weeks, Adrianna really offers something for everyone in this charming book. Readers who are dog lovers will also enjoy her adorable corgi, who is often featured in the background (and sometimes the foreground!) of her photos of the things she makes and does.

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AADL Board of Trustee Applicants Sought

by richretyi

The AADL Board of Trustees seeks applicants interested in being appointed to the AADL Board for a partial term. A resignation has resulted in a vacant seat on the Board through December 2024. Interested residents of the AADL District should send an email to board@aadl.org no later than December 31st, 2023, expressing their interest and qualifications for the role.

The Board will review the responses, and vote to appoint a new trustee at their January 22 meeting. The appointed trustee will be seated in February, and the appointed term will end December 31, 2024.

Feel free to contact Library Director Eli Neiburger at eli@aadl.org or 734-327-4263 if you have any questions.

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Staff Picks: Speculative Fiction in Translation

by lucroe

Setting your New Year’s reading agenda? Consider including works translated into English. Although not nearly enough is translated, there are still plenty to choose from even within the speculative fiction subgenres like science fiction, fantasy, dystopian, and horror. Translating is definitely an art form and represents a small portion within these genres. In highlighting these books, we hope that translated works get more reading exposure. If you are interested in more translated speculative fiction, visit the Speculative Fiction in Translation site for further suggested readings.

 

Tower of Fools by Andrzej Sapkowski, translated from Polish by David French | Request Now
The cover of Tower of FoolsPenned by the author known for the legendary Witcher series, the first in his epic fantasy Hussite trilogy is brimming with rich European history and magic. Originally written in Polish, The Tower of Fools follows a doctor-magician-nobleman who lands himself in the Narrenturm, a notorious asylum in which he must fight to keep his own sanity.

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Staff Picks: IndigiLit Book Club

by maddiefancett

The IndigiLit Book Club is a discussion series that celebrates Native American authors and books, across genres, across time, and across the continent. Here's a selection of IndigiLit titles explored by AADL staff throughout the discussion series.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid To Ask by Anton Treuer | Request Now

The cover of Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid To AskWhat's it like for natives who don't look native?" to "Why are Indians so often imagined rather than understood?", and beyond, Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask does exactly what its title says for young readers, in a style consistently thoughtful, personal, and engaging. Updated and expanded to include: dozens of new questions and new sections, including a social activism section that explores the Dakota Access Pipeline, racism, identity, politics, and more.

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Staff Picks: Reading for Native American History Month

by lucroe

November is National Native American Heritage Month. To celebrate the culture, heritage, & resiliency of Native Americans below you will find books from Native American writers of different genres and formats including Fantasy, Non-fiction, Graphic Novels, Horror, & Historical Fiction. These are just a few of the many Native American authors to enjoy at your library.  

 

To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose | Request Now
The cover of To Shape a Dragon's BreathThe Indigenous population of Masquapaug was greatly reduced by the devastating event known as the great dying. Over time, the dragons known as Nampeshiwe disappeared from the island. However, when a young teenager named Anequs discovers a dragon egg and forms a bond with the hatchling, she is hailed as Nampeshiweisit, a member of her people connected to a dragon. In the past, dragons used to coexist with the islanders, helping them ward off autumn storms and bringing prosperity to the land. The Anglish, who have conquered the territory, have their own strict methods of raising dragons and managing their bonded relationships. In order to save her dragon Kasaqua from being killed, Anequs reluctantly agrees to attend an Anglish dragon school. In this unfamiliar environment, surrounded by individuals who believe they are superior to her, Anequs must not only demonstrate that she and Kasaqua can acquire the necessary skills to control their powers, but also prove that they can do so while remaining true to themselves.

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Staff Picks: Washtenaw Reads Shortlist

by nicole

The 2024 Washtenaw Read has been announced! Pick up a copy of this year's chosen read, How the Word Is Passed, then check out these honorable mentions from the list of titles considered for the Washtenaw Read this year.

The Seed Keeper, by Diane Wilson | Request Now

The cover of The Seed KeeperRosalie Iron Wing has grown up in the woods with her father, Ray, a former science teacher who tells her stories of plants, of the stars, of the origins of the Dakota people. Until, one morning, Ray doesn't return from checking his traps. Told she has no family, Rosalie is sent to live with a foster family in nearby Mankato - where the reserved, bookish teenager meets rebellious Gaby Makespeace, in a friendship that transcends the damaged legacies they've inherited. On a winter's day many years later, Rosalie returns to her childhood home. A widow and mother, she has spent the previous two decades on her white husband's farm, finding solace in her garden even as the farm is threatened first by drought and then by a predatory chemical company. Now, grieving, Rosalie begins to confront the past, on a search for family, identity, and a community where she can finally belong. In the process, she learns what it means to be descended from women with souls of iron - women who have protected their families, their traditions, and a precious cache of seeds through generations of hardship and loss, through war and the insidious trauma of boarding schools.

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Staff Picks: Ace Stories

by nicole

Explore identities all across the asexual (or "ace" for short) spectrum, and check out these stories for teens and adults about the lives and relationships of ace people.

Let's Talk About Love, by Claire Kann | Request Now

The cover of Let's Talk About LoveIn this young adult novel, Alice, afraid of explaining her asexuality, has given up on finding love until love finds her. Alice's last girlfriend, Margo, ended things when Alice confessed she's asexual. Now Alice is sure she's done with dating... and then she meets Takumi. She can't stop thinking about him or the rom-com-grade romance feelings she did not ask for. When her blissful summer takes an unexpected turn and Takumi becomes her knight with a shiny library-employee badge, Alice has to decide if she's willing to risk their friendship for a love that might not be reciprocated-- or understood.
 

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Staff Picks: You’ve Got Me Under Your Spell: Paranormal Romances to Cozy Up With!

by eapearce

Fun paranormal romances have had an upsurge in popularity lately and it’s easy to see why! With all the juiciness of a standard romance plus maybe some vampires, werewolves or witches added in, or a unique fantastical setting, they’re transportive reading! Here are a few new additions to the genre that you might want to check out.

A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon, by Sarah Hawley | Request Now

The cover of A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a DemonMariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch in centuries in her famous family, but she’s not particularly interested in brewing potions or casting spells. She prefers baking and gardening to anything magical. When she accidentally summons a demon while baking a cake one day, she finds herself in a bit of a pickle. Formerly known as a ruthless and powerful collector of mortal souls, Ozroth the demon has lost a bit of his fearsomeness ever since a soul bargain went wrong. Despite unrelated goals, can the two work together to get what they both want out of life? And if so, might they just fall in love while going about it? This is a quirky and unique story that will leave readers smiling.