Below I’m highlighting some nonfiction books coming out in November. All of the mentioned titles are available to put on hold in our catalog and will also be made available via the library’s Overdrive website on the day of publication in eBook and downloadable audiobook format (as available). For a more extensive list of new nonfiction books coming out this month, check our online catalog.
Top Picks
“What the Chicken Knows: A New Appreciation of the World’s Most Familiar Bird” by Sy Montgomery (Nov 5)
For more than two decades, Sy Montgomery — whose “The Soul of an Octopus” was a National Book Award finalist — has kept a flock of chickens in her backyard. Each chicken has an individual personality (outgoing or shy, loud or quiet, reckless or cautious) and connects with Sy in her own way. In this short, delightful book, Sy takes us inside the flock and reveals all the things that make chickens such remarkable creatures: only hours after leaving the egg, they are able to walk, run, and peck; relationships are important to them and the average chicken can recognize more than one hundred other chickens; they remember the past and anticipate the future; and they communicate specific information through at least 24 distinct calls. Visitors to her home are astonished by all this, but for Sy what’s more astonishing is how little most people know about chickens, especially considering there are about 20% more chickens on earth than people. Continue reading “Nonfiction Round-up: November 2024”
Once a year, local volunteers involved in the international Human Library organization come to Columbia Public Library and become “books.” On Oct. 12, titles included “Muslim American,” “young caregiver,” “postpartum psychosis,” “morbidly obese,” “witch,” and more.
What does it mean to be a book? It means during thirty-minute conversations around small tables in the Friends Room, these volunteers open up their lived experiences (some titled crudely to reflect society’s normative labels) for reading. And what does it mean to attend as a reader? It means I take a seat across from someone labeled “convicted felon” and ask them everything I want to know.
First we all agree on some guidelines, because such vulnerability can be dangerous without a collective intention to prioritize curiosity and respect. So I sit with my fellow readers and try to imagine how the next hour is going to feel while a library manager reminds us that this is a brave space for conversation, that all “books” are in mint condition and should be returned the same, that your “book” is a resource for information and should be questioned carefully and freely, that these rules serve to create a safe framework for sharing. Then the books walk in to a soft rush of applause, and it is time to read. Continue reading “I Went to the Human Library”
The book “Little Rot” follows a couple’s relationship at the start of the book, but quickly separates as they break-up and start to act on their own desires outside of a monogamous relationship. I thought I wouldn’t like it at first because it seemed to jump to other characters and their desires, but it met back to our main people again within a few chapters. The descriptions were wonderfully written. It had a lot of exploration on the darker sides of our desires, too, and is not something I would recommend to everyone. I loved this book and think it was a strong piece of literature, but it is a more mature book with some difficult imagery.
Three words that describe this book: desires, relationships, humanity
You might want to pick this book up if: If you like work from this author already. If you are interested in drama. If you want something akin to thriller but focusing more on human connections and ethics.
-Sam
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
The graphic novel “The Girl from the Sea” retells the legend of the selkie with a gay young adult protagonist. Written and drawn by Molly Knox Ostertag, this book’s beachside setting and secret summer romance make it a perfect summertime read.
If graphic novels aren’t for you or if you just enjoy listening to your books, Hoopla has an audiobook adaptation. It’s only one and a half hours long and features music and sound effects. It is read by a full cast, who’s voices are overlaid on one track, like an old timey radio play.
In whichever format you choose to pick it up, “The Girl from the Sea” is a cute, fun, and quick read.
Three words that describe this book: Cute, light-hearted, & hopeful
You might want to pick this book up if: You enjoy Queer retellings of classic myths.
-Joe
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
“American Diva: Extraordinary, Unruly, Fabulous” is a collection of essays on divas, past and present. Author Deborah Paredez teaches a university course on the subject matter and I wish I could join to be in the class discussion.
I was introduced to divas I knew little about, i.e. Jomama Jones, and engaged with divas I’ve long worshiped, i.e. Tina Turner. Some chapters were too ethereal for me to connect with, but I enjoyed the author including personal elements in the book and introducing us to the divas in her life.
Three words that describe this book: Reflection. Celebration. Feminine.
You might want to pick this book up if: You admire divas!
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
Author Bill Bryson’s witty signature style is prevalent throughout his Australian travelogue, “In a Sunburned Country.” Although the publication date was 20 years ago, so much of his story traveling throughout the country remains a compelling read. In fact, part of the draw is the almost forgotten pre-technology travel means he uses — a somewhat sentimental throwback experience before the convenience of cell phones, internet and google maps that was standard operating procedure for traveling in that day. Even his note-taking and journaling of the trip is done with a pen and spiral notebook… imagine!
His entertaining reporting and meticulous research easily fulfill an inquisitive traveler’s desire to learn. He records in detail historical cases of lost explorers and discoveries of plants and animals unique only to Australia. All this detail is told within his descriptive narrative chronicling the vastness, beauty and danger of the many regions. He poignantly does NOT forget the Aboriginal Australians, in his writings; a people that have been forgotten, even made invisible, by so many. Every time I picked up the book to read further, I felt as though I was joining a friend, not to mention a highly engaging and educated guide, on an arm chair down under adventure.
Three words that describe this book: Fascinating, Educational; Humorous
You might want to pick this book up if: Your interested in the intriguingly singular Australian Down Under — it’s history, politics, peoples, culture, plant and animal life forms, land and water characteristics and a multitude of sometimes ironic almost unbelievable anecdotes shared in typical Bill Bryson style, this book offers an adventure you won’t quickly forget.
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
I genuinely don’t know how I feel about “Love Letters to a Serial Killer.” It’s a unique story where you are in the head of a person who is clearly not doing well in their personal life and tries to find meaning through other people. She then puts any excitement and “living her life” onto an alleged serial killer, writing letters to him in jail and during his trial.
The main character is unlikable, as are most of the characters are in this book, but I was fascinated by the story and her unreliability. At times her character is definitely satirical, like a hyped up unhinged version of stories you’ve heard about who idolize killers, but she also feels like someone you might know.
The lies she tells herself to rationalize and choices she makes… I just couldn’t stop listening because I had to know what hole she was going to dig herself into next. I agree with another reviewer who said it reminded them of “Yellowface” by R. F. Kuang because in both books you are in the main character’s mind and you see all the ways they justify what are clearly terrible and unethical decisions. “Love Letters to a Serial Killer” was overall fascinating and I would recommend it.
Three words that describe this book: Unhinged, Obsession, Binge-worthy
You might want to pick this book up if: You are interested in true crime, but more interested in the psyche of those people who are super obsessed with serial killers.
-Taira
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
October is a great time to start your holiday gift projects! Many people love getting handmade gifts created just for them, especially ones that match their personality or interests. These gifts show that you’re thinking of them. By starting now, you will experience a calmer holiday season as you wrap your presents in pretty paper, ready for December.
Your library offers resources like Creativebug and Universal Class for video tutorials, as well as physical and digital magazines for ideas. You can also browse through our collection for more inspiration. Continue reading “DIY Suggestions for Holiday Giving”
What I liked about “Different, Not Less”:
- Personal Stories: The book is filled with real-life stories that are both inspiring and relatable, offering a deep understanding of neurodiversity.
- Empowerment: It provides a positive and affirming perspective, encouraging readers to embrace their differences as strengths.
- Educational: The book is informative, helping to break down misconceptions about neurodiversity and promote greater acceptance and inclusion.
Continue reading “Reader Review: Different, Not Less”
“Second Time Around” is about Malloy Farrell, an interior designer, who inherits her grandmother’s run-down tourist shop in Seaport, Oregon. Her plan is to sell the shop. However, she quickly finds out her old childhood crush, Grayson Matthews, wants to buy the shop and redevelop the area into an outdoor mall. So Mallory changes her mind about selling and decides to renovate and open a home decor shop instead. There are many renovating mishaps, entertaining side stories and budding romances in the story until a happily ever after finds Mallory.
I liked this book because Carlson always does an exceptional job with creating relaxing romance reads with enough plot development and twists and turns to keep the story moving. Starting over is a strong theme throughout the book.
Three words that describe this book: Sweet, Romantic, and Enjoyable
You might want to pick this book up if: You might pick up this book if you enjoy reading romance novels and reading novels about characters who are starting over in life.
-Anonymous
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
