What's New

The beginning of the New Year is usually filled with resolutions of diets and exercise, but here at A.K. Smiley Public Library the only resolution we made is to make sure that our shelves are filled with the latest and greatest titles. Here are some buzz-worthy new titles whose authors are making their fictional debut.

Fiona and Jane is Jean Chen Ho’s debut novel, and it has already been named one of the most anticipated books for 2022. Fiona and Jane is about the experiences of two young Taiwanese American women and the power of their friendship that transcends distance and time. This novel is a reminder of what it feels like to be young and alive.

Frida Liu thought she was a good mother to her only daughter, Harriet, until one day, she wasn’t. The School for Good Mothers is Jessamine Chan’s unsettling debut novel where Frida is at risk of having her daughter taken away from her. She now has to prove to the government that she is indeed a good mother by attending a government-run school where mothers like her will learn to be ‘good.’

How High We Go in the Dark is Sequoia Nagamatsu’s breathtaking debut novel about an ancient deadly virus that has swept Earth and the survivors left behind in its wake. The chapters are told from the perspective of characters that are trying to find beauty, hope, and love even when the world seems like it is at its bleakest.

A.K. Smiley Public Library is closed for in-person services until January 31, so make sure to use our Books-to-Go program to check out these titles and more.

Laughter has been shown to have health benefits such as releasing serotonin and endorphins, decreasing stress and boosting the immune system. A hearty laugh can make us feel more positive and resilient. The act of laughing can even burn a few calories, although personally, I would have to be in a constant state of hysterics in order to attain the desired results.

Importantly, humor helps us cope during tough times. With that in mind, take a look at the following books and DVDs. I hope they offer a bright spot in your day.

Comedian, actress, and best-selling author Phoebe Robinson is back with her third book “Please Don’t Sit On My Bed in Your Outside Clothes.” Her personal essays encompass a wide array of subjects including race, her decision to be child-free, and her seriously comedic interactions with her British boyfriend. Written in a conversational style, her book covers important topics with a comic wit.

Known for her popular Instagram series, “The Girl Who’s Never Been on a Nice Date,” Quinta Brunson has gone on to produce and act in BuzzFeed videos and work on “A Black Lady Sketch Show.” In her first book, “She Memes Well,” she shares her early years in Philadelphia, her love of comedy, and her move to Los Angeles. Enjoy her personal stories, the role social media plays in her life, and her rise to celebrity in the comedy world.

Many people became acquainted with the accomplished playwright and actor, Leslie Jordan, from his recurring role on the sitcom, “Will and Grace.” In his new book, “How Y’all Doing?: Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived,” he reflects on life growing up in a southern Baptist family in Tennessee, shares encounters with celebrities like Lady Gaga and Debbie Reynolds, and expresses his surprise at going viral on Instagram at 64. A fun, sweet, and short collection of stories.

Other book titles to consider:

“All About Me!: My Remarkable Life in Show Business” by Mel Brooks; “Broken (in the best possible way)” by Jenny Lawson; “Mixed Plate: Chronicles of an All-American Combo” by Jo Koy; “Where the Deer and the Antelope Play: The Pastoral Observations of One Ignorant American Who Loves to Walk Outside” by Nick Offerman; “The Wreckage of My Presence: Essays” by Casey Wilson, and “Yearbook” by Seth Rogen.

We also have an extensive collection of funny movies on DVD available for checkout like “Forrest Gump,” “Young Frankenstein,” “My Cousin Vinny,” “Shaun of the Dead,” “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” “Office Space,” “Duck Soup,” and “Airplane.” I’m certain you’ll find more than one that will put a smile on your face.

Editor’s note: The Library has temporarily suspended in-person services beginning January 18th. All of these great books–and more–can be checked out through our Books-to-Go program by calling, emailing, or using your on-line account. There is no cost to place a book hold.

Welcome to 2022! New Year’s is a time for appreciating the past and looking forward to the future. This year, my resolution is to begin the year by reading the six novels on the 2021 Booker Prize short list. Every year, the Booker Prize selects six contenders for the best novel of the year, with the winning author taking a place in history alongside such greats as Margaret Atwood, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. 2021’s list features tales that take the reader across the world, back in time, into the tangled web of the internet, and even to other planets.

A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam takes on the topic of Sri Lanka’s 30-year Civil War. Protagonist Krishan, having heard of the mysterious death of a beloved family caretaker, leaves the safety of Colombo for the dangerous, war-torn Northern Province to pay his respects while absorbing the violence and devastation of war. This novel is unique in that it contains no dialogue. It takes place entirely in Krishan’s mind as he sifts through his memories, regrets, and grief. It’s a risky concept, but Arudpragasam pulls it off with the skill of a master storyteller.

Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead tells the epic story of Marian Graves, a fearless aviator who attempts to circle the earth from pole to pole. Orphaned in a shipwreck along with her twin brother, Marian becomes fascinated by airplanes while being raised by her uncle in Montana. Marian lives life on her own terms, consistently challenging gender norms and pushing her limits. Marian becomes a legend after she disappears in 1950. One hundred years after her birth, in 2014, Hadley Baxter, an unhappy actress, prepares to play the role of Marian in a Hollywood movie. This is a sweeping adventure story in every sense, and it will have you turning the 600+ pages in anticipation of what will come next for both Marian and Hadley in their seemingly polar-opposite lives.

Patricia Lockwood’s No One is Talking About This introduces the reader to a nameless woman who lives her entire life online, existing in what she deems “The Portal.” Failing to see the absurdity of her reality, she receives two urgent texts from her mother and is suddenly jolted her out of the endless scroll of The Portal and into the real world. Unable to discern between being disconnected from The Portal and being disconnected from reality, she must learn to live a completely different life – one that, as the title suggests, nobody talks about online.

The Fortune Men by Nadia Mohamed centers around Mahmood, a Somalian man in 1950s Cardiff, Wales. Mahmood is a gambler and small-time thief whose antics land him in and out of debt, while his charm endears him to his neighbors. When a Jewish shopkeeper is found murdered, the townspeople begin to whisper about Mahmood, and soon a witch hunt is underway. Mahmood is admittedly a criminal, but he’s no murderer, and he’s confident that his neighbors will help him prove his innocence. Based on a true story about the last man to be hanged in Cardiff, this book explores prejudice, false assumptions, and mob mentality.

Richard Powers’ Bewilderment is a difficult book to categorize. Elements of science fiction, philosophy, and neuroscience converge in this tale of a father/son relationship. Set in a dystopian future, widowed astrobiologist Theo is raising his loving yet volatile nine-year-old son, Robin, while exploring the possibility – or perhaps the reality – of life on other planets. Determined not to put Robin on psychotropic medication, Theo explores otherworldly options. No spoilers – you’ll have to read this one yourself to find out how far Theo will go to save both his son and the planet.

And the winner is…South African writer Damon Galgut’s The Promise. This novel examines a family slowly falling apart outside Pretoria over the course of four funerals. The titular promise of a house of her own is made by the family’s white matriarch on her deathbed to her Black maid, Salome. What follows is a reflection of the social issues facing post-apartheid South Africa – broken promises, devastating decisions, intergenerational confusion, and post-colonial culpability. Readers of J.M. Coetzee and Nadine Gordimer will appreciate Galgut’s powerful writing.

Did the judges make the right choice? Come on down and check out these and other noteworthy books and reach your own conclusion.

From Smiley Library to your home, we wish you a happy new year of reading!

Can you believe 2021 is over? I am so excited to start a fresh, New Year as well as gearing up to read some amazing, new books! Please consider these titles to begin your New Year with the subject of…”Kindness.” Just think, if we all did one, two, or even three acts of kindness each day…what would our city be like?!

“Chicken Soup for Little Souls, The Goodness Gorillas,” written by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen and illustrated by Pat Grant Porter, will have your kids eager to start their own guerrilla goodness club at school, or even just in the neighborhood! Join in on the fun of doing an act of kindness, just like the students in Mrs. King’s class. This book can be found in our “Oversize Picture Book” area under JE McCourt.

Many students know something about being a “Peacekeeper.” Check out “Being a Peacekeeper” by Pam Scheunemann and learn a new, fun way to engage others at being a peacemaker! You can find this title in our non-fiction area at J 177.44 Sch29b.

Todd Parr is an excellent writer and illustrator who has been gracing our library shelves for years with phenomenal stories. May I suggest to you: “The Kindness Book” that he wrote in 2019 which can be found in the picture book section. Filled with his colorful depiction of characters, both four-legged and two, this vibrant book of kindness can get the wheels turning on new ideas you can engage in, right now!

“Pay It Forward: Young Readers Edition” by Catherine Ryan Hyde is a chapter book for fourth – sixth graders that will inspire not only the reader, but also the folks to whom the reader reaches out! Trevor, a 12-year old student accepts the challenge from one of his teachers to ‘design a plan to make his world a better place.’ You will find this title in the chapter book area. Hmmm, I would love to hear your ideas too! Please email, write a letter, give us a call, or just come in and tell our Youth Services Crew what your “Pay It Forward” plan will be! We are anxiously awaiting!!

The last title for this article is (we do have sooooo many more ‘kindness’ type books) “Kindness is a Kite String – The Uplifting Power of Empathy” written by Michelle Schaub and illustrated by Claire LaForte. You can find this title in the picture book area under the author’s last name. This special story will give the reader so many new ideas and help to nurture a kindness plan that could have a trickle effect on your family, neighbors, friends, and, perhaps our entire city! Check this one out right away and let’s get to doing some extra kind things together!

It has been a privilege and an honor to be your Youth Services Librarian for so many years! You have all been so kind to my staff and me by checking out books, attending our programs, and bringing us great suggestions for new titles! I’m excited to begin 2022 with an act of kindness and to continue the path for the entire year! Happy New Year from the Youth Services Crew to you!

In June of 2018, the world was shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of Anthony Bourdain. For those interested in learning more about him, be sure to check out these two books.

As Tony Bourdain’s longtime director and producer for No Reservations and Parts Unknown, Tom Vitale shares insider details and memorable stories of traveling the world with Tony and crew in his new book, “In the Weeds.” Tom cautions us that, “Incidents included in this book are not intended to glamorize or endorse acts of cannibalism, drug use, smuggling, torture, extortion, bribery, wire fraud, attempted vehicular manslaughter, or the poaching of endangered species.”

“Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography” by Laurie Woolever is a thought-provoking collection of interviews to help us see the many facets of this complicated man. Those interviewed include his mother and brother, Gladys and Christopher Bourdain, well-known chefs Eric Ripert and Jose Andres, writers, producers, editors, kitchen colleagues, friends and his daughter, Ariane Busia-Bourdain.

Truffles are not beautiful to behold. However, they are an expensive delicacy that can easily fetch $3,000 a pound. Why are they so expensive and how could something so unattractive be worth all that excitement? Food writer Rowan Jacobsen travels to Europe in search of answers. He meets Matteo and his dogs Artu and Miro in Italy, Zack and his black lab Stanley in England, and Ban with dogs Candy, Betty and Lela in Istria as they hunt for culinary gold. Find out what Rowan discovers in his latest book “Truffle Hound.”

Nestled in the little town of Freedom, Maine stands a restored nineteenth-century gristmill. Housed within its walls is one of the country’s most sought-after restaurants called The Lost Kitchen. Reservations are accepted by postcard only and lucky diners are drawn from a pool that can average 20,000 requests a year! Erin French is the talented owner and chef of this amazing establishment. “Finding Freedom” is Erin’s memoir of survival, perseverance, and the life-changing purpose found in cooking meals for others.

If the above books have whetted your appetite for more food-related memoirs, you may be interested in reading these recent titles: “Eat a Peach” by David Chang, “Dirt: Adventures in Lyon as a chef in training, father, and sleuth looking for the secret of French cooking” by Bill Buford, “Rebel Chef: In search of what matters” by Dominique Crenn and “Save Me the Plums: My Gourmet memoir” by Ruth Reichl.