Blog Post
Staff Picks: Fresh Fiction from Black Authors
by SaraP
These relatively recent and always fresh fiction titles from some seriously talented African-American authors are the perfect antidote to a stale reading list. It’s a brand new year, so put your resolution to read a “classic” work of literature back on the shelf and try one of these modern marvels instead! It just so happens that three out of these four recs feature main characters who are writers, where their work plays a major role in the story. That wasn’t planned, but the result is a pick list perfect for those who love the self-aware novel, where authors play with their craft, and we readers are in on the fun.
Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor | Request Now
I wish you could request this book from the library and then remove the dust jacket to see how thoroughly the story-within-a-story concept is baked into this beautiful book. You can crack it open to find slick readability, style, and sharp wit. Okorafor’s latest afro-futuristic tale weaves, nay blurs, layers of storytelling while somehow juggling AI, robots, and the occasional Maine Coon cat. How does Okorafor do it? Enjoy this meta treat from one of the best literary talents of our time!
Colored Television by Danzy Senna | Request Now
We actually had Danzy Senna at the Downtown library for an author talk when this came out! In Colored Television, Jane, a biracial writer, is struggling to produce a successful next book, parent the kids, pay the bills, and save her marriage. Frustrated on all counts, she turns to a potential Hollywood deal writing a new TV show to turn things around. Relying on Hollywood is always a gamble, though, right? This darkly funny poke at the diversity industrial complex (and society at large) throws its weight in all the right places to deliver alternating gut punches and belly laughs about art, love, making it, and making ends meet.
Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell | Request Now
Suspend your disbelief, your need to tie up plot holes, to have everything make tidy sense, and you just might make it through one of the most interesting dystopian treks of the last few years. The premise? On the same day, every white person in America inexplicably drowns themselves. Yep. With that, Campbell’s tumultuous stage is set, and if the set piece is white people erasing themselves, the soundtrack is a big what-if? Fair warning: the main character has spent years in prison for a rape he did not commit. Now free, after the collapse of the old social/power structures, he agrees to help his biracial daughter travel south to the Kingdom of Alabama in search of her “missing” white family. It’s an explosive fiction debut à la fascinating thought experiment.
Love is an Open Book by Chandra Blumberg | Request Now
In the mood for something light, joyful, and just a tad spicy, but mostly sweet? Give Chandra Blumberg’s buoyant romance a try! It’s a lovely counter to some of the tougher—but still great!—picks on this list. It’s a fast little page-turner with perfectly tuned will-they-won’t-they tension. It follows Mia, stymied by writer’s block, and her bestie, Gavin, as they embark on a delightful “experiment” with romance novel tropes. But Mia’s writing fodder isn’t the only thing blossoming between them. To sweeten the deal, Blumberg is a Michigander!
Blog Post
Staff Picks: Zero Proof
by evelyn
Do you need a reset after New Year’s? Are you participating in Dry or Damp January? From the perfect cup of coffee to boba tea recipes to non-alcoholic cocktails, these zero-proof titles will give you more than enough recipes to make your next delicious drink. You can also find a whole range of books about drinks, alcoholic and non, here.
Mocktail Party: 75 Plant-Based, Non-Alcoholic Mocktail Recipes for Every Occasion by Kerry Benson & Diana Licalzi Request Now
First, I have an annoyance with this book: why specify plant-based? A White Russian or the occasional bacon-fat-washed cocktail aside, most drinks—and almost all spirits—are plant-based. However, if you can ignore this marketing scheme, you will be rewarded with a great list of mocktails. With a large frozen section, I think Mocktail Party is useful during the summer, but it also boasts a fun holiday section with some tasty fall and winter selections. This book is completely free of alcoholic options, and any dairy options use coconut or nut milk. Maybe that’s why they are plant-based? Okay, okay, I’m letting it go!
Boba: Classic, Fun, and Refreshing Bubble Teas to Make at Home by Stacey Kwong & Beyah del Mundo | Request Now
Are you burning through your money at too many of Ann Arbor’s excellent boba tea shops? Learn how to make your own at home! I admit that I personally am not a big fan of boba and always get my tea without it. However, if you want to take on the task of making it yourself, this book offers two recipes: one made from pre-purchased boba and one from tapioca flour. Even if you don’t like boba, this book’s many fruit syrups and jams would be useful for any drink! About half of Boba's recipes call for tea, and about half don’t. I’m most excited to try the adorable pink drink, “The Piglet,” which uses strawberry coconut milk.
How To Drink Coffee: Recipes for Java Brews and Café Treats by Sarah Ford | Request Now
Perhaps you're thinking to yourself, “But I already know how to drink coffee!” Okay, sure, but do you know how to make a great coffee drink? When I first picked up this book, I thought it would be more about the history of coffee or would be packed with specific brewing instructions. It does have short sections on both, but the bulk of the book is recipes. A few are alcoholic, but most are not. In addition to tasty recipes like gingerbread latte and cold-brew soda, this book also has several food options. If you’d like to learn how to bake with coffee or an easy way to make coffee ice cream, How to Drink Coffee is for you!
Zero Proof Drinks & More: 100 Recipes for Mocktails & Low-Alcohol Cocktails by Maureen Petrosky | Request Now
With a beautiful full-color photograph of every drink, this book will inspire you to bust out your ingredients and start mixing! First, learn how to make an array of syrups and shrubs, which feature vinegar-based flavors. Then, you can mix those with other easy-to-find ingredients to get your perfect drink! More than three-quarters of Zero Proof Drinks feature drinks that are non-alcoholic, but there are a few low-alcohol-by-volume options at the end. I like that the book also has a whole punch and pitcher section for inviting friends over! And although it might be hard to improve on a Shirley Temple, I’m excited to try the less sugary, more adult Shirley T., made with ginger and lime rather than Sprite.
Blog Post
Staff Picks: Cozy Night In
by ohheyitselle
Why go out when the library can provide everything needed for a cozy night in? Full disclosure: This entire list reflects my own bias of what cozy is—so you do you! That said, pajamas are mandatory. The more you look like the Sleepytime Tea bear, the better.
Soup & Comfort: A Cookbook of Homemade Recipes to Warm the Soul by Pamela Ellgen | Request Now
We’re starting our cozy evening with some dinner, and what is cozier than soup? Ellgen includes 135 recipes, using fresh and affordable ingredients that cater to a variety of dietary preferences and tastes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Along with the recipes are tips to make soup faster and easier with stock-making instructions, slow-cooker wisdom, and ways to liven up leftovers. The world of soup is here for you to enjoy one spoonful at a time. You can also enjoy other comfort food cookbook options in our catalog!
PHO by Victo Ngai | Request Now
You may be thinking, “Another soup-related idea?” Well, yes. WE'RE FOCUSING ON COZY. With that being said, this will be the last soup-themed item on this list, so enjoy it while it lasts! This 500-piece puzzle by Victo Ngai is perfect for an evening in. PHO? YES, PLEASE. Sit back, work on a cozy puzzle, and listen to some tunes. If 500 pieces are too many or too few for you, then you can browse our puzzle collection here!
The Art of Loving by Olivia Dean | Request Now
Speaking of tunes, Olivia Dean is taking the world of music by storm with her jazzy soul sound. This album is perfect for easy listening or solving puzzles. The song, “Man I Need,” has been blowing up lately as one of the poppier songs on the album, but I highly encourage you to listen to the whole album! The final song, “I've Seen It,” is especially lovely. Some alternate cozy listening includes Yazmin Lacey or Amber Mark.
When Harry Met Sally | Request Now
This is a classic friends-to-lovers rom-com that has stood the test of time! The film follows two best friends over the years as they fight their attraction to each other. It’s an absolute delight from start to finish. You may have seen When Harry Met Sally before, but hear me out. A cozy movie isn’t gonna throw twists at you. And no jump scares either! A rewatch of a classic movie is perfectly cozy, and a movie with twists can be cozy if you have already seen it. Plus, you have the added benefit of falling asleep during the movie and not having to worry about what you missed! Honorable mention cozy movies include Knives Out, My Neighbor Totoro, Little Women, and Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Blog Post
Staff Picks: New Year, New Hobby?
by eapearce
We all approach the new year with different interpretations of goals, resolutions, or the lack thereof! There’s certainly no one right way to enter a new year, but if you’re looking for something new to do in 2026, why not try picking up a new hobby? AADL is full of how-to books on crafts, activities, skills, and DIY projects. You might be surprised at what interests you or what you are good at! Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Crafting a Better World: Inspiration and DIY Projects for Craftivists by Diana Weymar | Request Now
Diana Weymar is a well-known “craftivist”—that is, a crafter who uses their work for activism. She knows that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the world these days, and sometimes difficult to find an outlet for worries and fears. This was her inspiration for Crafting a Better World—a book that encourages its readers to combat fatigue and frustration with the handmade. The book is chock-full of craft ideas related to activism that one can do alone or with their community. It also has essays, profiles of famous creatives, and contributions from other artists and activists, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Rosanne Cash, Roz Chast, and many more.
Block Prints: How to Make Them by William S. Rice | Request Now
Originally published in 1941, this updated edition of the classic block printing book includes a new introduction. Readers will be delighted to see the illustrations included amongst the pages that walk beginning block printers through the technique. An avid block printer, William S. Rice includes step-by-step directions for the process. This book is also helpful for those already familiar with and skilled at block printing. However, Rice discusses using more advanced techniques and designs, explores printing with more than one block, and highlights matting and framing block prints.
DIY: Repair, Renovate, and Decorate With Over 400 Step-by-Step Projects by Julian Cassell | Request Now
This hefty book covers a lot of ground for DIY home projects and home repairs. It’s a great one to pick up if you’re considering different projects or looking for some ideas of what to do around the home. While broad, there are step-by-step guides to a wide variety of projects, from fitting a shower cubicle to choosing the painting technique that best suits the room you are painting. Photographs are helpful in this book, too, allowing readers to visualize what Julian Cassell is talking about when describing parts, tools, equipment, and materials. There’s a large section on making your home more eco-conscious, too.
The Art of Whittling: A Woodcarver’s Guide to Making Things by Hand by Niklas Karlsson | Request Now
As the jacket of the book says, “Whittling is more than just a way of busying idle hands – it is a pastime for those who love the texture of wood and a way of life for those who feel a special connection between people and trees.” Whittling is also a fabulous way to quiet the mind. It takes focus and precision, but also allows for creativity and individual interpretation on each project. In this lovely book by Niklas Karlsson, you’ll learn about the history of whittling, including the ways that different people have used it as artistic expression. You’ll also learn about different woods and how they affect your project, various whittling techniques—from the simple to the more challenging—and all about the tools you’ll need to get started. Karlsson also emphasizes woodworking as a practice of the Danish art of hygge. It translates loosely into finding coziness and comfort in a warm atmosphere. Beginners may appreciate how this book offers a slightly more contemplative view of woodworking than other, more straightforward how-to guides.
Blog Post
Staff Picks: Cozy Fantasy
by lucroe
When life feels a bit too stressful, cozy fantasy books can be the perfect escape. Who couldn’t get behind being whisked away to enchanting worlds where quirky characters navigate delightful adventures? So grab a hot cup of cocoa, a tea, or your favorite beverage, and plan out your cozy fantasy reading list from these titles.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst | Request Now
Kiela is a librarian working at the Great Library of Alyssium with her assistant Caz, who happens to be a sentient spider plant. Each are dedicated to safeguarding the empire’s extensive knowledge of magic and spells. But when a revolution breaks out and rebels set the library on fire, they have no choice but to escape with a few crates of books. Keila seeks shelter in the only place she knows will be secure: her childhood home in Caltrey, a distant island removed from the empire’s reach and the chaos of the rebellion. Unfortunately, the island is struggling since the empire stopped sending sorcerers whose magic helped this once flourishing region. Kiela has the power to restore it with the spellbooks she possesses but it is illegal, and if the empire survives and she is caught, it could mean death. With such memorable characters as the nosy, handsome neighbor Larren who runs a merhorse farm and Bryn the antlered woman who loves to bake, Kiela knows she must do something so she opens up a secret spellshop. Get ready to wrap yourself in a comfy sweater, and enjoy a cuppa while reading this magical story.
Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy | Request Now
Leo Loveage is learning to be a scriver of minor spells at the Fount, a well-respected magical school. He really doesn’t want to be here, but his dad insisted. Leo is o.k. with being average, since bad things happen when he tries anything like grandmagic. But even an average spell can cause trouble, as he finds out when he accidentally gets tied to Sebastian Grimm, a rival and top student. Now, Leo has to follow Grimm’s every order and stick close to him. Neither are happy about this since they can’t stand each other. Teaming up to find a counterspell is their only option and they must do this in secret since control spells are a no-go on campus, even those that are accidental. So, they head to the Unquiet Wood, where a powerful witch is said to live. They just need to get past all the weird creatures and not end up killing each other along the way. An utterly delightful read with a perfect blend of sarcastic humor, dry wit, and sweetness (mostly from Leo’s character). The classic enemies to lovers’ arc is a big part of this story but with the occasional irreverence and emotional depth this rises above the rest. Now if Doocy will just finish the sequel!
Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher | Request Now
Mona is a wizard, but let’s be real, her magic isn’t exactly impressive or even very powerful. Her special ability is all about bread! Still, she loves spending her days baking in her aunt and uncle’s bakery. Or at least she did. Because out of nowhere, a body shows up on the kitchen floor, and she gets arrested and brought before the Duchess, plunging her into a mess that involves a serial killer, the discrimination against magical people, and an urgent need for the city to have twelve-foot-tall gingerbread guards. Now all she wants is to make it to her fifteenth birthday in one piece. A great read for teens and adults about growing up and becoming the magical girl that saves a kingdom! Kingfisher imbues the story with humor and heart with such lovable and memorable characters, including animal and inanimate objects. A fast-paced, entertaining read.
The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang | Request Now
Serin is a teen who lives with her mother after her father dies and sister runs away from home. With the family facing financial difficulties, Serin fears that her future appears bleak. She feels as though there is no place in the world where she fits in. Having abandoned her hopes to attend the university, her affordable and state-sponsored taekwondo class is her most cherished pastime. But not all hope is lost as there are whispers that during the monsoon season, the dokkaebi (Korean goblins) summon the unfortunate to the Rainfall Market. If she is selected and can make it there, the dokkaebi will fulfill her lifelong dreams. When she receives the ticket to the market, she begins to ponder: what does she truly desire? And will achieving that bring her genuine happiness? It is a simple fable following Serin’s quest to discover her perfect life while meeting a cast of characters that teach lessons along the way, including a magical cat companion Issha. A book for the old and young that reminds us that there is no such thing as a magical solution to our problems but we can create our own happiness by fostering hope and courage alongside those most dear to us.
Blog Post
Staff Picks: Happy 250th Birthday, Jane Austen!
by Sara W
Jane Austen, born December 16, 1775, celebrates her semiquincentennial birthday this year - happy 250th, Jane! Her novels have more than stood the test of time, inspiring mashups, parodies, homages, gender-swapped reinterpretations, alternative (sometimes intergalactic) settings, and of course, screen adaptations. Here are some highlights of Austen adaptations available from AADL's circulating and streaming video collection!
Sense & Sensibility (2008)
This 2008 miniseries invests time in character backstory in this Austen favorite, helping to round out and give more grounding to characters like Edward Ferrars and John Willoughby. This iteration of Dashwood girls, especially Hattie Morahan and Charity Wakefield, are just as easy to root for as the 1995 sibling duo. Which brings us to...Sense & Sensibility (1995)! This cast is incredible, but I think the real star of the production is the Emma Thompson's Oscar-winning screenplay adaptation. Add Ang Lee's direction, Kate Winslet glowing against Alan Rickman's glowering, and Hugh Laurie, whose minor character couldn't look more annoyed than if he were playing Dr. House for yet another season. Put it all together and you have a perfect storm of Jane Austen movie magic!
Emma (2009)
The BBC's 4-part miniseries features Romola Garai as Emma and includes Jonny Lee Miller as the steadfast Mr. Knightley and Michael Gambon as the fusspot Mr. Woodhouse. As a very faithful adaptation, it makes a great starting place for those whose may have only experienced this Austen work through Amy Heckerling's much looser 1995 adaptation, Clueless. For a newer adaptation, try Emma (2020), which stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Josh O'Connor, Mia Goth, and Bill Nighy, hypochondriacally sniffling his way through the entire production. Jane Austen famously said Emma Woodhouse was an unlikeable heroine but nowhere have I seen it depicted more heart-stoppingly than through Miranda Hart's performance in the picnic scene.
Persuasion (2007)
Sally Hawkins' portrayal of the admirable and steadfast Anne Elliot stands out among the fickle and faithless family around her. Persuasion is a slower-paced Austen story, where the drama is in the past and the story is unfolding around living with a decision made in one's youth. Sally Hawkins's delicate expressions are a perfect fit for this exceptional grown-up of an Austen heroine. This is a subtler and quieter Austen adaptation experience, but no less captivating.
Pride & Prejudice (1995) 
Available to bewitch you, body and soul, via AADL's streaming video collection forever! This 6-part miniseries features the delightful Jennifer Ehle as Elizabeth Bennett and Colin Firth as the aloof but sometimes also dripping wet Fitzwilliam Darcy. The casting is off the charts here, with Lydia and Mrs. Bennett chewing up all the scenery a parlor could possibly provide, but my hands-down favorite role here is David Bamber's Mr. Collins, who hits all the right ingratiating, pathetic notes as the least welcome cousin anywhere from Kent to Hertfordshire. But if a mini-series is just too long, and the 2005 Keira Knightley/Matthew MacFadyen adaptation is too traditional, then give Bride & Prejudice a spin! It's the familiar story of a fussing parent seeking good matches for her children, set in Amritsar, and featuring impossibly catchy Bollywood musical numbers, and only adding to the magic of the source material.
Blog Post
Staff Picks: Stream it on AADL.org!
by emjane
Great news! There’s a ton of great video to stream via your aadl.org catalog! You can browse the whole collection of more than 10,000 videos, or check out some recommended picks below:
Explore Our World
Tune into animals with David Attenborough. Travel Europe with Rick Steves. Dive deep into nature with Evolution Earth (or Planet Earth or Seven Worlds One Planet…follow that rabbit hole)!
History & Biography
Pull up Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr. for celebrities’ personal histories. Tuck in with Ann Arbor’s own Ken Burns. Catch up with episodes of A&E’s Biography or PBS’s American Experience! Or watch the two-part HBO documentary on Pee-Wee Herman!
Listen to the Music!
The Under Review music series takes deep dives into musicians, bands, and albums, using concert footage and interviews. Or you can do a search of streaming content for concert and get a wide-range of live performances ranging from Devo to Beethoven concertos to Woody Guthrie
Stuff for Kids
It’s not just for grownups! Watch animated classics like Arthur, Franklin, and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. Learn something from the History Kids or Kratts Creatures. Or curl up with a good book with Reading Rainbow or Storybook Classics
And there’s so much more! BBC Classics, HBO’s Chernobyl, , PBS’s NOVA, the Full Docuseek Catalog, and more just waiting for you to find it!
Blog Post
Staff Picks: Live Music Concerts on Video
by bunkleyj@aadl.org
There’s nothing like seeing the crowd’s reaction, feeling that electric exchange between the artist and the audience. The Last Dance gave us a glimpse of that magic, while Wattstax made us feel like we were right there in Watts in 1972. These selections are meant to do the same—to transport you to a moment when the lights were low, the groove was high, and the music brought everyone together. Here are four to help you on your journey.
The Complete Monterey Pop Festival : 3 Films | Request Now
The Complete Monterey Pop Festival brings together three landmark films that capture one of the most defining music events of the 1960s. Directed by D.A. Pennebaker, the collection includes Monterey Pop (1968), Jimi Plays Monterey, and Shake! Otis at Monterey. The set offers a vivid record of the 1967 festival that helped introduce major artists like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Otis Redding to a wider audience. Pennebaker’s documentary style gives viewers an authentic look at the performances and the atmosphere of the time—raw, spontaneous, and full of energy. Together, these films stand as both a historical document and a thrilling reminder of how live music can capture the spirit of a generation.
Urgh! A Music War | Request Now
Urgh! A Music War is a concert film that captures the raw energy and diversity of the post-punk and new wave scenes of the early 1980s. Filmed across several venues in Europe and the United States, it features performances from more than 30 artists, including The Police, Devo, The Go-Go’s, Echo & the Bunnymen, and XTC. Rather than relying on narration or backstage footage, the film focuses entirely on live performances, giving it a fast-paced, immersive feel. The result is a snapshot of an exciting musical era—restless, experimental, and bursting with creativity. Urgh! A Music War remains an essential document for anyone interested in the sound and spirit of early ’80s alternative music.
The T.A.M.I. Show The Big T.N.T. Show | Request Now
The T.A.M.I. Show (1964) and its follow-up The Big T.N.T. Show (1966) are landmark concert films that capture the excitement and evolution of mid-1960s pop, rock, and soul music. Filmed in front of live teenage audiences, The T.A.M.I. Show features unforgettable performances from artists like The Rolling Stones, The Supremes, Chuck Berry, and a show-stealing James Brown. The Big T.N.T. Show continues the momentum with appearances by Ray Charles, The Byrds, Ike & Tina Turner, and Petula Clark, among others. Both films are shot with a crisp, energetic style that reflects the youthful spirit of the era and the crossover energy between rock and soul. Together, they serve as time capsules of a moment when American popular music was bursting into a new, electrifying phase.
Summer of Soul | Request Now
Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) is a powerful documentary directed by Questlove that revisits the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, a series of concerts celebrating Black music, pride, and community. Long overshadowed by Woodstock, the festival featured extraordinary performances by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, Sly and the Family Stone, The 5th Dimension, and many others. Using newly restored footage and insightful interviews, the film brings this historic event to life while exploring its social and cultural significance. Summer of Soul is both an exhilarating concert film and a vital piece of American history, reminding viewers of the deep connection between music, identity, and the movement for change.
Blog Post
Staff Picks: Authentically Narrated Audiobooks
by erin
One of the best things about audiobooks is visiting other countries and places with a narrator who pronounces words and names as a member of the community represented in the book. The narration on these audiobooks pulls you into a setting that makes for an immersive and authentic experience.
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley | Request the BOCD or from Libby
Boulley’s debut novel, Firekeeper’s Daughter, takes place in the Upper Peninsula in Sault Ste Marie, and Sugar Island at the Canadian border, and the Soo Locks. In this page-turning thriller, told through the eyes of Daunis Fontaine, readers learn the language and culture of the Anishinaabe people as she goes undercover to help reveal crime and corruption in her community. In the audiobook, you will hear how to pronounce many words in Anishinaabemowin. Isabella Star LeBlanc is the narrator.
Big Girl, Small Town by Michelle Gallen | Request from Libby
Majella lives a seemingly predictable existence and never seeks the spotlight. She works at the local chip shop and cares for her alcoholic mother. She prefers a quiet life away from nosy, gossiping neighbors in her small Northern Ireland town.
Underneath this blank surface, she has no idea where her father is, and she struggles with knowing the lingering divide between Protestants and Catholics has irreparably changed her entire town. When Majella's grandmother dies, she comes to realize there may be more to life than the gossips of Aghybogey, the pub, and the chip shop - a huge world! Irish actress Nicola Coughlan, of Bridgerton and Derry Girls fame, imbues the narration with an Irish dialect and matches the comic energy of this darkly hilarious novel.
The Family Recipe by Carolyn Huynh | Request BOCD or from Libby
Duc Tran, the eccentric founder of the Vietnamese sandwich chain Duc's Sandwiches, has decided to retire. He informs his four daughters that to receive their inheritance, they must revitalize run-down shops in locations across America. But if the firstborn (and only) son, Jude, gets married first, everything will go to him. As Duc's children scramble to win their inheritance, they begin to learn the real intention behind the inheritance scheme.
The publisher writes: The Family Recipe is about rediscovering one’s roots, different types of fatherly love, legacy, and finding a place in a divided country where the only commonality among your neighbors is the universal love of sandwiches.
Narrators VyVy Nguyen & David Lee Huynh do a wonderful job.
Erotic Stories For Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal | Request from Libby
After her father's death, Nikki, who has spent most of her life distancing herself from the traditional Sikh community, takes a job teaching a creative writing course in the heart of the Punjabi community. The women have different ideas of what they want to write, and the classes take an erotic turn that causes some commotion and explodes in popularity, when word gets out and many women want to participate! The setting is London in 2017, so the narrator reads with a British English accent. This is a warm and, at times, funny book with serious social commentary about disturbing crimes impacting women in the community. Meera Syal's authentic pronunciation invites you into the Punjabi community living in London.
Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart | Request from Libby
Shuggie Bain is the not-to-be-forgotten story of young Hugh "Shuggie" Bain, a gentle and lonely boy who spends his 1980s childhood in public housing in Glasgow, Scotland. Shuggie's mother is a complicated woman with an intense alcohol problem that alienates her older children. The narrator, Angus King, and his strong Scottish accent welcome you into life in Glasgow, Scotland. This audiobook will captivate you and pull you into Shuggie's challenging world.
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Staff Picks: Ann Arbor Writes
by lucroe
There are many excellent writers from, or currently residing in Ann Arbor that to choose just a few is difficult. Below are some favorites from our collection with links to see more about their work. Enjoy a local writer today!
Destroy This House: a Memoir by Amanda Uhle | Request Now
The author tells her life story being raised by a mother who was a hoarder and a father who would cook up various money-making schemes just to see them fail. When one business scheme eventually pans out, they are suddenly living in luxury, then it comes crashing down. Throughout her childhood, they bounced from house to house, living in 10 houses in 5 states, never having stability. It was, to say the least, a dysfunctional childhood. Amanda chronicles her upbringing but this is just as much about her quest for independence. After marrying and becoming a mother, the author was still dealing with her parents’ messy life which included aging and illness. At times funny, and other times painful to read but never boring. For those who enjoyed the Glass Castle, this may be a read for you. Uhle lives in Ann Arbor and was the executive director of 826michigan for 11 years. A full interview and transcript with her for Pulp can be viewed here.
The Volcano Daughters by Gina Maria Balibrera | Request Now
This debut novel from Ann Arborite Balibrera is set against the backdrop of El Salvador’s turbulent political landscape in the 1920s under the brutal dictatorship of El Gran Pendejo or The General, as he is known here. Two sisters are the focal point to this magical realist story. They lived on a volcano where the indigenous people work as bonded laborers in the coffee fields. Graciela survives a massacre of her people by Salvadoran soldiers while her sister Consuelo is taken away by her father to live in the capital with his new wife. Graciela is eventually captured as well and taken to the dictator to be his oracle. Ghosts of the massacre follow these sisters to the capital, the diaspora, and throughout their lives. They whisper into Graciela’s ears to write their life story, the story of the volcano daughters while telling their own stories of what could have been if they survived. The sisters are the constant of the book even though other stories may interrupt the narrative. An excellent novel which enlightens the reader on this important part of El Salvador history within a compelling story of sisterhood. Read the Q & A with Pulp here
Number One Chinese Restaurant by Lillian Li | Request Now
Nominated for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2019 and named best book of the year by NPR, Li’s debut is set in Maryland’s Chinese immigrant community centering around a popular restaurant the Duck House. In this story, Jimmy Han, the owner of Duck House, seeks to escape his father's influence and establish his own legacy. As he nears the completion of a dubious plan to replace his father's traditional Chinese restaurant with his new venture, Beijing Glory, he attempts to withdraw from the scheme, resulting in negative consequences. Over time, he discovers that his decisions have impacted everyone associated with the original Duck House, and he realizes that these friends and family members hold greater significance in his life than he initially understood. With a vibrant cast of characters that grow throughout the story, a dynamic narrative exploring familial bonds as well as longstanding grievances, and a dollop of dark humor, this book definitely deserves the accolades. Read the Q & A with Pulp here.
Welsh Girl by Peter Ho Davies | Request Now
Michigan professor in the Zell Writers’ Program and award-winning author Davies’ debut novel from 2007 and still one of his best. The story takes place in rural Wales after D-Day with a young girl Esther Evans who lives near a German POW camp. She is drawn to a young soldier, Karsten Simmering, who struggles to maintain some dignity having decided to surrender. A third character Captain Rotheram, a German Jew working for British intelligence, is charged with interviewing Rudolph Hess in order to assess his sanity for trial. After some time, Rotheram gets orders to leave for the Welsh POW camp. These three are brought together in the tangle of wartime drama. Beautiful prose with equal parts humor and pathos make this a powerful and emotional charged novel. Davies’ most recent book is nonfiction, The Art of Revision which is well worth reading for both new and experienced writers for advice on revising ones work and when to know when the story is done.