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 coverThe 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’teveracknowledge 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!

Your Ticket to a Horror Trope

Posted on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 by Alyssa

Sometimes, your coworkers are so brilliant that you just have to steal their ideas. This post is a shameless ripoff of Dana’s “Your Ticket to a Love Trope” post on our Teen Blog (which, if you’re not reading, you’re missing out).

Horror and romance are very parallel genres. They both follow familiar storylines. They both have a specific feeling they are aiming to invoke. And, of course, they both have common tropes that pop up again and again. I’m going to play a little fast and loose with what counts as a “trope” and what counts as a “subgenre.” Just go with it. Continue reading “Your Ticket to a Horror Trope”

Nonfiction Roundup: May 2022

Posted on Monday, May 2, 2022 by Liz

Below I’m highlighting some nonfiction books coming out in May. 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

Out of the Corner book coverOut of the Corner: A Memoir” by Jennifer Grey (May 3)
In this beautiful, close-to-the bone account, Jennifer Grey takes readers on a vivid tour of the experiences that have shaped her, from her childhood as the daughter of Broadway and film legend Joel Grey, to the surprise hit with Patrick Swayze that made her America’s sweetheart, to her inspiring season 11 win on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Throughout this intimate narrative, Grey richly evokes places and times that were defining for a generation — from her preteen days in 1970s Malibu and wild child nights in New York’s club scene, to her roles in quintessential movies of the 1980s, including “The Cotton Club,” “Red Dawn,” and her breakout performance in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” With self-deprecating humor and frankness, she looks back on her unbridled, romantic adventures in Hollywood. And with enormous bravery, she shares the devastating fallout from a plastic surgery procedure that caused the sudden and stunning loss of her professional identity and career. Grey inspires with her hard-won battle back, reclaiming her sense of self from a culture and business that can impose a narrow and unforgiving definition of female worth. She finds, at last, her own true north and starts a family of her own, just in the nick of time. Continue reading “Nonfiction Roundup: May 2022”

The Gentleman Recommends: Charlotte McConaghy

Posted on Monday, April 25, 2022 by Chris

Like a reasonable response to climate change, Charlotte McConaghy’s two adult literary fiction novels are a blend of cataclysmic sadness and rage garnished with a dash of hope.

The first, “Migrations,” is about an emotionally devastated woman going to extravagant lengths to track the last birds on the planet on what may be their final migration. To follow the Arctic tern from Greenland to Antarctica, she talks her way aboard a commercial fishing vessel just before such vessels are outlawed. (The vessels are outlawed because the ocean is almost dead.) Having persuaded the crew that fish-eating birds will lead them to fish, they embark on their epic quest. Slowly and satisfyingly, the mysteries in her past are solved. Among other things, you’ll learn why she’s sad and why she was in prison.  Continue reading “The Gentleman Recommends: Charlotte McConaghy”

Q&A With Lynn Rossy, Author of “Savor Every Bite”

Posted on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 by Decimal Diver

on left, a photo of a smiling woman with brown hair, and on the right, her book titled "Savor every bite"

Lynn Rossy is a Columbia, MO author whose latest book is “Savor Every Bite.” The book provides daily tips and tools for whole-body healing — including how to eat mindfully, move your body in ways that feel delicious, and live with greater ease and joy. She gave an author talk about the book through our library last year. Rossy is a health psychologist who has developed Eat for Life, a research-based mindful eating program. She is the author of one previous book, “The Mindfulness-Based Eating Solution.” Lynn was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed via email. Continue reading “Q&A With Lynn Rossy, Author of “Savor Every Bite””

First Thursday Book Discussion: “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett

Posted on Monday, April 11, 2022 by cs

The Dutch House book coverJoin us on May 5 at 12 p.m. for “The Dutch House” by Anne Patchett. Patchett, the New York Times bestselling author of “Commonwealth” and “State of Wonder,” returns with her most powerful novel to date: a richly moving story that explores the indelible bond between two siblings, the house of their childhood and a past that will not let them go. “The Dutch House” is the story of a paradise lost, a tour de force that digs deeply into questions of inheritance, love and forgiveness, of how we want to see ourselves and who we really are. For a list of similarly themed books, try this list.

This zoom discussion is for adults: register here.