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Month: November 2023

Winter Winnings

It’s your mandatory holiday must-read list for the year. Tis the season for family and miracles as we look at these titles that encapsulate these feelings. Enjoy!  

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Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich

When Megan Murphy discovered a floppy-eared rabbit gnawing on the hem of her skirt, she meant to give its careless owner a piece of her mind, but Dr. Patrick Hunter was too attractive to stay mad at for long. Soon the two are making Thanksgiving dinner for their families. 

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Thanksgiving : the holiday at the heart of the American experience

While the rites and rituals have evolved, the essence of Thanksgiving remains the same: family and friends feasting together in a spirit of hospitality and gratitude. Kirkpatrick’s exploration of America’s oldest tradition offers a fascinating look into the meaning of the holiday we celebrate on the fourth Thursday of November. 

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Christmas : a biography

Christmas is all things to all people: a religious festival, a family celebration, a period of eating and drinking. In Christmas, bestselling author and acclaimed social historian Judith Flanders casts a sharp eye on its myths, legends and history, deftly moving from the origins of the holiday in the Roman empire, through the first appearance of Christmas trees in Central Europe, to what might be the origins of Santa Claus – in Switzerland – to draw a picture of the season as it has never been seen before. 

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The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas by James Patterson and Tad Safran

At Christmastime, a family of three are missing someone dear to them. Until unexpected guests begin to arrive at their empty house, filling it with Christmas memories in the making.   

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The Christmas Boutique by Jennifer Chiaverini

Just weeks before Christmas, severe wintry weather damages the church hall hosting the Christmas Boutique–an annual sale of handcrafted gifts and baked goods that supports the county food pantry. Determined to save the fundraiser, Sylvia Bergstrom Compson offers to hold the event at Elm Creek Manor, her ancestral family estate and summertime home to Elm Creek Quilt Camp.  

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Native American and Indigenous Authors

November is Native American Heritage Month! Take part by enjoying these books by Native American and Indigenous authors. Lovers of all genres will find something to enjoy from this list! 

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Earthdivers by Steven Graham Jones

Steven Graham Jones gained popularity with The Only Good Indians. Delve into this creative and terrifying writing with his debut into the graphic novel genre. This story follows a group of Indigenous survivors of an apocalypse and their attempt to rewrite history. 

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Rediscovery of America: native peoples and the unmaking of US history by Ned Blackhawk

Curious about how Native American history differs from the history we learned in public school? This book is for you! Blackhawk is a professor of history at Yale and in this book he details 5 centuries of history between Native Americans and early settlers. 

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Never Whistle at Night: an Indigenous dark fiction anthology edited by Shane Hawk & Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.

There are countless mythological Indigenous stories, and this book explores many of them. Written by various different Indigenous authors, these short stories come to life and share some of the best myths that haven’t been picked up by mainstream media. 

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VenCo by Cherie Dimaline

If you want a warm, fuzzy, witchy tale, this is the book for you. This book combines Métis heritage, capitalism, sisterhood, and witchiness into a laugh-out-loud road trip novel. The perfect combination you never knew you needed! 

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The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

This historical fiction and mystery novel will immerse you in Maine in the 1960’s. It follows a family when their daughter goes missing. Fans of The Vanishing Half and Woman of Light will enjoy this book. 

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Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom

This historical fiction follows the accounts of Goes First (later renamed Mary) and the Cypress Hills Massacre. Grissom did extensive research for this novel and it shows in how immersive the novel is! 

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Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina

If you want to read some Indigenous folklore mixed with mystery and thriller aspects, this is the book for you! There’s an ancient monster stalking the town and women going missing—find out why by picking up this book! 

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Glamour and Scandal: Old Hollywood Booklist

The Golden Age of Hollywood holds a unique and beloved place in cinema history due to its unparalleled contribution to classic films, legendary stars, technological innovations, and an unmistakable sense of glamor and extravagance. This era introduced enduring classics and iconic actors, while also pushing the boundaries of filmmaking technology and storytelling. It remains cherished for its ability to provide an escape from the challenges of its time, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and continuing to captivate audiences with its timeless allure. Dive into the glamor, and scandal, of a bygone era with these nonfiction, fiction, and biographic picks.

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This Was Hollywood: Forgotten Stars and Stories by Carla Valderrama

This compelling and visually stunning nonfiction read reveals the forgotten past of the film world in a dazzling visual package modeled on the classic fan magazines of yesteryear. From former screen legends who have faded into obscurity to new revelations about the movies’ biggest stars, this quick read unearths the most fascinating little-known tales from the birth of Hollywood through its Golden Age. Stories include the scandal of Clark Gable’s secret love child, the film that nearly ended Paul Newman’s career, and a former child star who, at 93, reveals her #metoo story for the first time. 

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Scandals of classic Hollywood: sex, deviance, and drama from the golden age of American cinema by Anne Helen Petersen

Craving a heavy dose of gossip? Look no further! Part biography, part cultural history, these stories cover the stuff that films are made of: love, sex, drugs, illegitimate children, illicit affairs, and botched cover-ups. But it’s not all just tawdry gossip in the pages of this book. The stories are all contextualized within the boundaries of film, cultural, political, and gender history, making for a read that will inform as it entertains.  

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All the Stars In the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani

In this novel, go back in time to Tinsel Town’s golden age -a complex, brutal, yet glamorous world. Sister Alda Ducci is forced to leave her convent, only to end up in Hollywood as the assistant to actress Loretta Young. Over the course of decades, Alda and Loretta encounter scandal and adventure, choose love and passion, and forge an enduring bond of love and loyalty that will be put to the test when they eventually face the greatest obstacle of their lives.

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I Loved Her in the Movies: memories of Hollywood's legendary actresses by Robert Wagner

In a career that has spanned more than sixty years Robert Wagner has witnessed the twilight of the Golden Age of Hollywood. During that time he became acquainted, both professionally and socially, with the remarkable women who were the greatest screen personalities of their day. I Loved Her in the Movies is his intimate and revealing account of the charisma of these women on film, why they became stars, and how their specific emotional and dramatic chemistries affected the choices they made as actresses as well as the choices they made as women. Among Wagner’s subjects include  two actresses whom he ultimately married, Natalie Wood and Jill St. John, in addition to Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, Gloria Swanson, Norma Shearer,Irene Dunne, Rosalind Russell, Dorothy Lamour, and more. 

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The Sun and Her Stars: Salka Viertel and Hitler's exiles in the golden age of Hollywood by Donna Rifkind

This book gives Salka Vierte long overdue credit for her influence on old Hollywood. She was the screenwriter for five of Greta Garbo’s movies and also her most intimate friend. At one point during the Irving Thalberg years, Viertel was the highest-paid writer on the MGM lot. Meanwhile, at her house in Santa Monica she opened her door on Sunday afternoons to scores of European immigrants who had fled from Hitler. Dozens of distinguished writers, artists, actors found a home in her home and countless cinematic, theatrical, and musical partnerships were born. 

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A Touch of Stardust by Kate Alcott

Julie Crawford left Fort Wayne, Indiana with dreams of being a Hollywood screenwriter. Unfortunately, her new life is off to a rocky start. Fired by the notoriously demanding director of Gone With the Wind , she’s lucky to be rescued by Carole Lombard, whose scandalous affair with the still-married Clark Gable is just heating up. As Carole’s assistant, Julie suddenly has a front-row seat to two of the world’s greatest love affairs. Julie is caught up in a whirlwind of outsized personalities and overheated behind-the-scenes drama … not to mention a budding romance of her own. 

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Hedy's Folly: the life and breakthrough inventions of Hedy Lamarr, the most beautiful woman in the world by Richard Rhodes

She was considered the most beautiful woman in the world and was a major star, yet few know her for the brilliant scientist she was. Read how Hedy Lamarr, a ravishing film star, and an avant-garde composer invented spread-spectrum radio, the technology that made wireless phones, GPS systems, and many other devices possible. This book weaves together Hollywood’s golden era, the history of Vienna, 1920s Paris, weapons design, music, a tutorial on patent law and a brief treatise on transmission technology. This work of nonfiction  is a remarkable narrative adventure about spread-spectrum radio’s genesis and unlikely amateur inventors collaborating to change the world. 

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Myrna Loy: the only good girl in Hollywood by Emily Wortis Leider

This first ever biography of the wry and sophisticated actress best known for her role as Nora Charles, wife to dapper detective William Powell in The Thin Man, offers an unprecedented picture of her life and an extraordinary movie career that spanned six decades. This highly engaging biography offers a fascinating slice of studio era history and gives us the first full picture of a very private woman who has often been overlooked despite her tremendous star power.

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The Glamorous Dead by Suzanne Gates

Set in the dream factory of the 1940s, this glittering novel follows a young Hollywood hopeful into a star-studded web of scandal, celebrity, and murder . . . Beautiful and talented Rosemary, the girl who stood out from all the other extras on the Paramount lot is found murdered near a Hollywood nightclub. It isn’t long before her best friend Penny Harp is a suspect. Determined to prove her innocence, Penny finds support from none other than her famous co-star Barbara Stanwyck. But there’s something Penny isn’t telling her famous partner in crime solving: a not-so-glamorous secret that could lead them to Rosemary’s killer–or send Penny to the electric chair . . . 

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Me: stories of my life by Katharine Hepburn

Admired and beloved by movie audiences for more than sixty years, four-time Academy Award winner Katharine Hepburn is an American classic and an extraordinary, enduring presence on the international cultural scene. Yet her private life has been obscured by mystery. Now Miss Hepburn breaks her long-kept silence in this absorbing and provocative memoir. With characteristic gusto and candor, Katharine Hepburn reflects on the events, people, and places that have shaped her life. She talks about the ups and downs of her career, her long friendship with Spencer Tracy, and of course, her close collaborations with several of the leading actors, directors, and producers of the past half century. Illustrated with 165 photographs from family archives, many of which have never been published, it is an unforgettable portrait of Katharine Hepburn as we have not seen her before.  

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The Western Front: World War I

Immerse yourself in the gripping and poignant world of World War I with this book list that explores the Great War from various perspectives.

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The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong

A dual timeline historical fiction illustrating the never-ending fight for intellectual freedom, women’s rights, and antiracism. Emmaline Balakin becomes a volunteer librarian in 1918 and Kathleen Carre is accepted into the first coed class of the United States Naval Academy in 1976. Fans of The Flight Girls and The Paris Library will enjoy Addison Armstrong’s intricately plotted and thought-provoking story of two brave and determined women.  

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Kopp Sisters on the March by Amy Stewart

Fans of Jaqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs historical mystery series will want to dive into Amy Stewart’s Kopp Sisters novels. Stewart’s series is charming, often based in fact and full of strong female characters. Constance Kopp joins her sisters Norma and Fleurette at a National Service School for women as the country enters World War I. 

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Meet Me in Bombay by Jenny Ashcroft

Meet Me in Bombay is a story of falling in love, being separated by war and the journey to reunite. Maddy Brite new to India from England meets Luke Devereaux who shows Maddy the wonders of Bombay. Soon the war starts and the two are separated, not knowing when or if they will see each other again. 

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Stella Bain by Anita Shreve

Fans of the atmosphere and drama of Downton Abbey and Call the Midwife will enjoy this story set in World War I London. Stella Bain, having no idea who she is or how she came to be where she is, must search for answers. She befriends a wealthy couple who take her in and help to set her on the path Stella must take to find answers. 

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The Winter Soldier by Daniel Mason

A lyrical and moving story set during World War I in Vienna and the Eastern Front mountains depicts almost no fighting but rather the aftermath, scarred soldiers, and traumatized caregivers. Lucius, a medical student, enlists and is sent deep into the Carpathian Mountains where Sister Margarete struggles to help the soldiers in her care. 

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Wake by Anna Hope

This is a story of the social and emotional fall-out of World War I on three women and the tortured men in their lives. Set as the city of London prepares for the 2nd anniversary of Armistice Day remembrance and renewal become an overarching theme. 

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Microhistories

Microhistories are popular nonfiction books that allow readers to engage with the world by focusing on a very specific subject. There is something for everyone – whether you like sports, food, fonts, or…cadavers?! Here are some examples: 

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The Core of an Onion: Peeling the Rarest Common Food—Featuring More Than 100 Historical Recipes by Mark Kurlansky

The king of the microhistory, this is Kurlansky’s newest. He includes historical images and his own drawings – and unpeels the layers of a food you didn’t realize could be so interesting! History, stories, and recipes all come together in his talented writing. 

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Ice: From Mixed Drinks to Skating Rinks—A Cool History of a Hot Commodity by Amy Brady

This new book explores how ice is everywhere and has shaped many aspects of our daily lives. From the sports we play – to the foods we eat – to the drinks we chill – ice is nice. How did it become so prevalent in our lives and, more importantly, what is its future? 

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Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

Popular and bestselling author, Mary Roach, will make you think *and* laugh out loud with this creative deep dive into what happens to our bodies postmortem. As one critic expressed, “Delightful, though never disrespectful.”  

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Just My Type: A Book About Fonts by Simon Garfield

With humor and charm, Simon Garfield will change the way you look at every typed word. Whether it is the power of Helvetica, the controversy of Comic Sans, or how a humble font like Gotham helped shape a political campaign, typeface has personality! What does your favorite font say about you? 

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A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage

This engaging book makes world history less intimidating by focusing on six important beverages: beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and cola. Cheers!  

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A History of Basketball in 15 Sneakers by Russ Bengtson

If you are a hoop fan or obsessed with sneakers (or both!) this informative book shines a spotlight on iconic brands such as Converse, Reebok Pumps, Air Jordan, and others. Sneaker tech will make you jump!  

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Coal: A Human History by Barbara Freese

Coal has been around for a loooong time. This mineral helped build our modern world and still makes headlines. Yet how much do we know about this black substance? This book will enlighten. 

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I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us and a Grander View of Life by Ed Yong

Bestselling and award-winning book that puts the “micro” in microhistory. With humor and keen science, Yong helps readers understand the complexity and beauty of life on the cellular level. Mind blown. 

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Meet Me by the Fountain: An Inside History of the Mall by Alexandra Lange

Okay, a shopping mall is considerably bigger than a microbe…but no less fascinating. In this cultural history we learn of the birth of Malls in the 1950s and their potential demise. Consumerism, socializing, merchants, and shoppers. Check out a copy of this book and read it … at the Mall. (Please, really do that!) 

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Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World by Henry Grabar

Parking lots. Parking structures. Parking spots. They take a lot of planning and prime real estate for empty cars. Yet so much is determined by this necessity: building design, housing affordability, shaping the economy, and more. Go park at your local library and check–out this book!  

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