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The Gentleman Recommends: Emily St. John Mandel (again)

Posted on Friday, June 17, 2022 by Chris

In the years since I first recommended Emily St. John Mandel’s work, her novel “Station Eleven” became the 2015 One Read for Daniel Boone Regional Library and later an acclaimed limited series on HBOMax. Was my recommendation the catalyst for these successes? I’m told the answer is no. Even if this library’s blog posts aren’t influencing television productions, perhaps an HBO executive would still like to arrange for some sort of gift basket to be sent our way. It would be a nice thing to do. In return, I offer a recommendation for adaptation into a future acclaimed limited series: “Sea of Tranquility” by Emily St. John Mandel.  Continue reading “The Gentleman Recommends: Emily St. John Mandel (again)”

Q&A With Gladys Swan, Author of “Ceremony of Innocence”

Posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 by Decimal Diver

Gladys Swan is a Columbia, MO author whose latest book is “Ceremony of Innocence.” The fictional book follows an American woman named Florrie as she faces many tribulations while living abroad in Copenhagen, Venice and Prague during the late 1980s. Swan is both a writer and a visual artist who has a background teaching literature and creative writing at many colleges, including Mizzou. She has published several novels and short story collections over the years including the Carnival Quintet series and a New Mexico trilogy. She currently has an art exhibit up at the Missouri River Regional Library until June 30, 2022. Gladys was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed via email. Continue reading “Q&A With Gladys Swan, Author of “Ceremony of Innocence””

Literary Links: One Read 2022 Finalists

Posted on Sunday, June 12, 2022 by Lauren

The Big Door Prize book coverIf you could trade two dollars and a little DNA to know your life’s true potential, would you do it? This year’s community-wide reading selection, “The Big Door Prize” by M.O. Walsh, explores this question and more. This offbeat and charming novel about small-town life, relationships and the power of dreams narrowly beat out the exuberant work of historical fiction “Deacon King Kong” by James McBride.

Before the public vote on the 2022 One Read title, a panel of community members considered a varied list of finalist books, from works of historical fiction to books exploring a range of marginalized identities. Continue reading “Literary Links: One Read 2022 Finalists”

Debut Author Spotlight: June 2022

Posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 by Katherine

Here are a few of the most notable adult fiction debuts for June. These titles have all received positive reviews in library journals. For a longer list, please visit our catalog.

A Proposal They Can't Refuse book cover“A Proposal They Can’t Refuse” by Natalie Caña

Kamilah Vega is desperate to convince her family to update their Puerto Rican restaurant and enter it into the Fall Foodie Tour. With the gentrification of their Chicago neighborhood, it’s the only way to save the place. The fly in her mofongo: her blackmailing abuelo says if she wants to change anything in his restaurant, she’ll have to marry the one man she can’t stand: his best friend’s grandson.

Liam Kane spent a decade working to turn his family’s distillery into a contender. But just as he and his grandfather are on the verge of winning a national competition, Granda hits him with a one-two punch: he has cancer and has his heart set on seeing Liam married before it’s too late. And Granda knows just the girl… Kamilah Vega.

If they refuse, their grandfathers will sell the building that houses both their businesses. With their futures on the line, Kamilah and Liam plan to outfox the devious duo, faking an engagement until they both get what they want. But soon, they find themselves tangled up in more than either of them bargained for.

Continue reading “Debut Author Spotlight: June 2022”

Nonfiction Roundup: June 2022

Posted on Monday, June 6, 2022 by Liz

Below I’m highlighting some nonfiction books coming out in June. 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. Continue reading “Nonfiction Roundup: June 2022”

First Thursday Book Discussion: Black History-Themed Picture Books

Posted on Monday, May 30, 2022 by cs

In this month’s virtual book discussion, we’ll depart from our usual format to discuss some picture books with Black history themes in honor of Juneteenth. Adults can find value in reading picture books, which provide an introduction to a subject and are often illustrated with beautiful artwork. This discussion will be held June 2 at 12 p.m. and is geared toward adults. Register for a Zoom link.

Here are the books to read for our discussion:

“The Undefeated” by Kwame Alexander

“Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre” by Carole Boston Weatherford

“Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks” by Suzanne Slade

“Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott” by Dee Romito

“Swish! The Slam-dunking, Alley-ooping, High-flying Harlem Globetrotters” by Suzanne Slade

“We Shall Overcome: The Story of a Song” by Debbie Levy

“Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race” by Margot Lee Shetterly

“Game Changers: The Story of Venus and Serena Williams” by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Read the Recipe! Vol. 9

Posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 by Jason Delpire

I am from Up Nort’. Well, Green Bay, Wisconsin, to be exact. (Technically, Green Bay is northeast Wisconsin, but relative to Missouri… The actual “Up Nort” is the northwoods of WI, and beyond. No, there is no “h” in the word north when spoken in my native ‘Sconnie dialect.) Therefore, I do not like the springs, the summers, or even most of the falls here in Missouri. Winter is nice, but I would prefer a bit more cold and snow. So, when I am again accosted by the oppressive humidity, I must look for all the ways to cool myself.

This month, I have begun preparations to fight the heat. My focus will be frozen treats, and this subject seemed like a great topic for a blog post! I made a list of books that looked interesting, though I focused on only a few. Some of these titles will be vegan, as I try to avoid dairy. Additionally, most are kid-friendly. Continue reading “Read the Recipe! Vol. 9”

Debut Author Spotlight: May 2022

Posted on Monday, May 9, 2022 by Katherine

Here are a few of the most notable adult fiction debuts coming out in May. These have all received positive reviews in library journals. For a longer list, please visit our catalog.

The Favor book cover“The Favor” by Nora Murphy

Leaving would be dangerous. Staying could be worse.

Leah and McKenna have never met, though they have parallel lives.

They don’t — ever — find themselves in the same train carriage or meet accidentally at the gym or the coffee shop.

They don’t — ever — discuss their problems and find common ground.

They don’t — ever — acknowledge to each other that although their lives have all the trappings of success, wealth and happiness, they are, in fact, trapped.

Leah understands that what’s inside a home can be far more dangerous than what’s outside. So when she notices someone else who may be starting down the same path she’s on, she pays attention. She watches over McKenna from afar. Until one night she sees more than she bargained for. Leah knows she can’t save herself, but perhaps she can save McKenna.

Leah and McKenna have never met. But they will.

Continue reading “Debut Author Spotlight: May 2022”

Literary Links: Summer Reading 2022

Posted on Sunday, May 8, 2022 by Jerilyn

Did you know that oceans cover over 70% of the surface of Earth? The Daniel Boone Regional Library will explore “Oceans of Possibilities” this summer, encouraging readers to learn more about the many animals and plants found in oceans and the impact oceans have on our lives. For instance, did you know that besides providing a means of trade and transport, oceans also help with climate regulation? Our Summer Reading program is free and includes versions for all ages, even adults! Sign-up begins June 1. Dive into these books about oceans and marine life.

For ages birth to five

I Want a Boat book coverOne of my favorite books is “I Want a Boat!” by Elizabeth Garton Scanlon. A girl uses her imagination to turn a box into a boat that sails out into the world. She and her stuffed animal friends encounter a storm, but find their way home in time for supper. Pair this with the classic “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak and you can have a conversation about traveling places in your imagination. The possibilities are endless.

“Somewhere in the Ocean” by Jennifer Ward is a variation on the classic children’s song “Over in the Meadow,” counting animals in the ocean. Learn about clownfish, hermit crabs, tiger sharks, jellyfish, manatees, sea turtles, octopi and more.

For ages five and older

Otis and Will Discover the Deep book coverTake a look at the beginning-to-read book “Sink or Float” by Kimberly Derting. Vivi and her classmates visit an aquarium where they see a variety of sea creatures and learn about an organ called a swim bladder. It helps a fish sink or float. Instructions for a science experiment that illustrates the concept are included.

“Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere” by Barb Rosenstock is a well-researched children’s picture book that could be of interest to all ages, even adults. Through this beautifully illustrated story, you learn about Otis Barton and Will Beebe who, in 1930, were the first humans to see live creatures in the ocean depths. The two men helped make further deep-sea exploration possible.

“Dive In: Swim With Sea Creatures at Their Actual Size” by Roxie Munro explores a coral reef and its inhabitants through vibrant life-sized illustrations and interesting facts. It includes a folded section that opens up to illustrate the size of a reef shark. This is another book that may interest all ages.

For preteens and teens

Science Comics: Sharks book coverFor those who prefer their reading in graphic novel format, I recommend “Sharks: Nature’s Perfect Hunter” by Joe Flood from the Science Comics series. It is filled with information about different types of sharks, their biology and behavior and their relationship to humans. The illustrations are comic book-style art.

“Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean” written by Patricia Newman includes photographs by Annie Crawley, a certified master scuba instructor. The book visits three different areas above and below the seas, profiling people and animals, and discussing environmental changes and their effects. There are QR codes printed in the book that take you to videos of student divers, sea creatures, pollution and more, adding information and bringing the sea to life.

For Adults

Ocean Anatomy book coverYou may want to check out “Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the World Under the Sea.” In easily accessible bites, with colorful, accurate drawings, Julia Rothman provides information about ocean food chains, the anatomy of various sea creatures, coral reefs and the ocean floor as well as how people affect the ocean. Because of its sketchbook-like format, this book also appeals to teens. It touches briefly on a wide variety of topics, so it may inspire you to learn more about a specific subject.

I’ve suggested mostly nonfiction books, but the topic “Oceans of Possibilities” can cover all kinds of fiction also. How about a romance on a cruise ship? A mystery on the sea? Or historical fiction about immigrants traveling to the United States on a boat. Or if pirates are of interest, you can check out these books about piracy. Whatever you enjoy, I’m sure we can help you find something to read this summer. Come in and see us!