Posted in Uncategorized

Migratory Birds in Wisconsin: the hope of spring

Posted on by Corrina

Dear reader, have you ever been going for a walk and you hear either an entirely new bird singing, or it’s one you’re familiar with but you know is newly arrived in the area again? Is there any better sensation? I love going for a walk and hearing birds, especially ones I can identify, because it feels like I’m amongst old friends, like I’m not walking alone.

You may have guessed already, but I’m a certified bird nerd! I’m the crazy lady you will see standing in the middle of the sidewalk staring up at a tree. I can’t read a street sign until I’m almost past it, but I can sure spot a bird in a tree from a good ways away! Selective seeing? Perhaps! The camera roll on my phone consists mostly of birds and cats. Let me tell you, dear reader, it’s an art form to follow a bird as it flits from branch to branch and even tree to tree! If you can get at least one good picture you’ve done well for yourself. It’s the thrill of the chase, isn’t it? I bet you talk to the birds too, just like I do, telling them to stand still for a split second, turn this way, etc. I hope to one day run into somebody in the wild exhibiting bird nerd behavior just like I do. It hasn’t happened yet but I’m hopeful!

Anyway, it’s spring in Wisconsin, so you know what that means! No, I’m not talking about the wildly fluctuating weather – did I see a frost warning for overnight on my weather app! Let us not speak of it! – I’m talking about migratory birds! Let me tell you dear reader, there is no greater motivation to get me out of doors after another horrid winter has come and gone. Hearing the songs of migratory birds is akin to hearing your old favorites on the radio. Along with standing and staring at trees, I also stand with my phone pointed into the air, the Merlin ID app recording a new bird song, or one I’ve forgotten and am delighted when I guess it correctly. This past weekend I identified a new bird in a nearby park, the palm warbler! You can learn more about this bird here.

Birds & Blooms Beauty in the Backyard by Birds & Blooms

Create the yard of your dreams with more than 300 gardening and landscaping tips from the pros. Learn how to increase curbside appeal with seasonal flair, attract birds and butterflies to your backyard, landscape with color, keep houseplants healthy, and make the most of small and shady spaces.

  • 300+ tips, hints and ideas from experts to help transform your yard into a showplace all year long.
  • Hundreds of stunning full-color photos make this a keepsake book you’ll cherish for years to come.
  • Container arrangements, décor and other ideas to make your front porch pop.
  • Seasonal secrets that guarantee a lovely yard no matter the time of year.

Bring the outdoors inside with tips for houseplants, crafty ideas and more.

Relish nature’s beauty all year long when you create a yard that celebrates everything nature has to offer. From landscaping with color and texture to attracting favorite fliers in every season, the secrets to creating your own sanctuary are shared in Beauty in the Backyard from the team at Birds & Blooms magazine.

Learn how to enhance small yards, turn shady spots into stunning areas and get the most bang for your buck with oversized plants and blooms. You’ll even find expert advice on house plants, front-porch décor, crafty ideas using nature’s bounty and so much more. More than 300 no-fuss tips, hints and suggestions make it easy!

Best of all, hundreds of jaw-dropping photos make this book a joy to page through all year long. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or working on your first yard, whether you own acres of land or a tiny city plot, Beauty in the Backyard is a book you’ll reach for time and again.

This book was a treasure trove of information! Even if you are just starting out with feeding birds, you can learn so much. There is a seemingly infinite amount of different bird seed out there, and it can be intimidating to figure out what kind to buy, can’t it? Even I’m still learning and I’ve been feeding birds for several years! There are also so many different kinds of feeders, and they each attract certain kinds of birds. This book will even tell you what native plants and flowers to plant to attract birds to your yard.

Continue reading “Migratory Birds in Wisconsin: the hope of spring” →
Posted in Adult, Film, Horror

Horror Movies for Mother’s Day?

Posted on by Sydney Anderson

Hear me out.  There are a couple reasons why you might want to watch a scary movie on Mother’s Day.  Firstly, maybe your mom just likes horror movies!  But if I may put my film nerd hat on for a second, one of the most important tricks in the horror toolkit is taking something people typically think of as safe and comforting and making it frightening.  When a director or a screenwriter focuses on familial relationships alongside or within the scares, they can reliably create a memorably chilling cinematic experience.  The following films include scared moms, scary moms, and sometimes both, and all of them are excellent picks for any horror fan at any time of year.

Alien

The Xenomorph, the iconic creation of artist H.R. Giger, is technically only doing what comes naturally for the propagation of her species.  Unfortunately, that involves using the crew of the Nostromo as hosts.  Only Ellen Ripley may have the strength not only to survive, but to fight back.  In the forty-six years (!) since this film’s release, Alien has become the gold standard for sci-fi horror.  Anchored by Sigourney Weaver’s unforgettable protagonist, the film provides both spine-tingling suspense and heart-pounding adrenaline rushes. The Xenomorph may be one of the all-time feats of cinematic creature design.  As far as the film’s applicability to Mother’s Day, the sequel just so happens to contain one of the most iconic Mama Bear one-liners in all of cinema.  You know the one.

Continue reading “Horror Movies for Mother’s Day?” →
Posted in Adult, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Nonfiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thrillers

Library Reads May 2025

Posted on by Molly

There’s at least one thing I will never become tired of as a lover of books and libraries, and that’s learning what everyone has been reading lately. I also love to learn what everyone is excited to read in the future, which is why I find Library Reads so incredibly useful. This condensed ten-book list highlights some of the most unique and anticipated reading material for each month. The mission here is to promote inclusivity and diversity in a world that doesn’t always value these things. Amplifying emerging author voices via grassroots word-of-mouth is that pure library activism I signed up for in library school, so I am happy to be able to post the list here.

Below, I listed the top ten fiction books and non-fiction book of interest recommended by library workers and patrons all over the country. It’s early enough in the month that several titles have not reached their publication day at the time I am writing this blog, so keep checking back for their availability status.

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie (Tor Books)

In an alternative medieval Europe, a young monk is tasked to lead a disparate group of supernatural beings on a holy quest using very unholy methods. Abercrombie’s endlessly quotable wit, deft character work, crackling dialog, and gift for large cinematic action set pieces are on full display. This novel about found families will absolutely draw in new readers.

—Gregg Winsor, Johnson County Library, KS
NoveList read-alike: The Maleficent Seven by Cameron Johnson

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (Berkley) 

Alice is more comfortable behind a camera than living her life. When her Nan has surgery, Alice takes her for rest and relaxation at their favorite lake cottage. Alice falls for their handyman neighbor Charlie, who brings her out of her shell and lets her discover who she really is in this fun and flirty romance.

—Jacquie Daddato, Cherry Hill Public Library, NJ
NoveList read-alike: Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

Silver Elite by Dani Francis (Del Rey) 

In a grim future, a military dictator sends forces after modified humans with psychic powers. Most have a tell when they use their powers. Wren wants revenge on those who destroyed her family, but she has a secret: she has powers, but no tell. Nonstop action, great worldbuilding, and a blisteringly hot enemies-to-lovers romance make this a winner.

—Jayna McDaniel-Browning, Delaware Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

The Names: A Novel by Florence Knapp (Pamela Dorman Books) 

This debut novel is told in three alternating storylines based on three different names that the main character could have been given at birth. What results is a beautiful and nuanced story of a family attempting to survive and overcome domestic abuse and forge their own identities in the process. 

—Jessica Sweetland, Manchester Public Library, CT 

NoveList read-alike: The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller 

A Fate Forged In Fire: A Novel by Hazel McBride (Delacorte Press) 

Stakes are high for the kingdom of Tir Teine. A toxic influence looms in the form of the True Religion, a patriarchal group that condemns magic. Aemyra is fierce, headstrong, and unapologetically ambitious as she prepares to claim the throne. Fast action, romantic drama, mythical creatures, and the sinister allure of a dangerous cult will pull readers in. 

—Marcie Fitzherbert, Fort Myers Regional Library, FL
NoveList read-alike: Fever series by Karen Marie Moning

Maine Characters: A Novel by Hannah Orenstein (Dutton) 

Two half-sisters meet for the first time at their father’s lake house after his passing. Lucy and Vivian have led very different lives and knew very different versions of their dad. Readers will enjoy the characters, setting, and the twists and turns this story delivers.

—Shelby, Thomas B. Norton Public Library, AL
NoveList read-alike: If We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook

Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (Forever) 

Hendrix, a strong, intelligent Black woman, has big goals and no time for love. Then she meets billionaire Maverick, and everything changes. The characters are compelling and have strong chemistry. Ryan continues to excel at bringing big topics—in this case Alzheimer’s and racism—to her romances. 

—Laura, West Bloomfield Public Library, MI
NoveList read-alike: Forbidden Promises by Synithia Williams

The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson (Berkley) 

In this modern take on a classic small-town mystery, book club members get drawn into amateur sleuthing when money to repair the town’s community center goes missing. The characters are well drawn and likable, the setting is cozy, and the motives are plentiful. The mystery twists and turns with several reveals leading to a satisfying conclusion. 

—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: The Mystery of the Crooked Man by Tom Spencer

Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang (Tordotcom) 

The tale of Yeva, a masked dragon slayer who has never felt truly at home, is both mythic and achingly human. Her journey to Quanbao sets the stage for an exploration of identity, duty, and love. The world building, storytelling, and representation has made Yang an author to watch in the realm of queer fantasy. 

—Addy, Montrose Regional Library District, CO
NoveList read-alike: Singing Hills Cycle series by Nghi Vo

BONUS PICK:

A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love by Alice Murphy (Union Square & Co.)

NOTABLE NON-FICTION:

The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech’s Hype and Create the Future We Want by Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna (Harper)

PICK OF THE MONTH:

The Missing Half: A Novel by Ashley Flowers with Alex Kiester (Bantam) 

Nic has been messed up since her older sister went missing. Enter Jenna, who is searching for connections between her sister’s disappearance and Nic’s. They decide to work together to uncover what happened, but the deeper they get the harder it becomes. A twist ending completely turns the tables on this tightly written thriller. 

—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
NoveList read-alike: Night Will Find You by Julia Haberlin 

If this crop of Library Reads book picks is not causing you excitement, please consider using Your Next Five Books, Mead’s book recommendation tool. There is a team of voracious readers on staff who are at the ready. All we dream of is (metaphorically) hurling our favorite book picks at a receptive audience of readers. See you at the library, and happy reading.

Posted in Adult, Audience, Fantasy, Fiction, Genre, Horror, LGBTQI+, Science Fiction

But What If?

Posted on by Sydney Anderson

I’m going to be talking about a somewhat niche subgenre today, so bear with me – I think these books are really interesting!  Retellings are a huge deal in genre fiction right now, unfailingly popular with fans.  Retellings of myths and fairy tales tend to get the most hype, but there’s another kind of retelling that tends to go overlooked: retellings of literary works in the public domain.  I think these are particularly interesting when they add genre fiction elements, such as science fiction, fantasy, or horror. Sometimes, they even elaborate on a genre fiction element that was present in the original work.  Who doesn’t love an old story made new again?  I’m here today to talk about four new-ish books that offer fresh takes on older works of fiction.  I hope you’ll love them just as much as I do.  Let’s get started!

The Stars Undying by Emery Robin

What if Julius Caesar and Antony & Cleopatra were set in space?


In a faraway galaxy, the fate of the Ceiao Empire and its neighbor Szayet rests on the shoulders of three extraordinary people.  Ceian military superstar Matheus Ceirran and his loose-cannon right-hand woman Anita become entangled with Altagracia, the charming and ambitious princess of Szayet.  What begins as a political alliance blossoms into genuine affection, but the machinations of Ceirran’s enemies will soon interrupt their plans.  You probably already recognize this story, and this first volume of a planned trilogy takes its characters all the way to the fallout of the Ides of March.  Reading this book was the pure pleasure of a good story well told.  I really enjoyed some of the twists Robin put on their historical and literary inspirations.  The second book in the duology, The Sea Eternal, released just this past month, and while I haven’t had the opportunity to read it yet, I personally can’t wait to spend more time with these characters.

Continue reading “But What If?” →
Posted in Uncategorized

Abbie’s Recent Reads

Posted on by abbiebourelle

Dear Readers, welcome to another installment of Abbie’s Recent Reads! Over the last few months the main genres I have been reading have been Nonfiction and Horror. The Nonfiction reads have ranged from the true crime genre, ballet, to Polar exploration. Prepare for a wild ride through time, space, and the globe as I share some of my recommended books I have read recently!

The Stowaway by Laurie Gwen Shapiro

I will read any book I can find on Antarctic Exploration or North Pole Exploration. While awaiting my hold of Madhouse at the End of the Earth on Libby, The Stowaway was recommended to me as a similar read to enjoy while I waited. (I am still awaiting my hold of Madhouse at the End of the Earth to come in.) I am really glad I read this one. As I have read many books on Polar exploration, I have always wondered what it would be like to be along with the explorers on their grand adventures. Apparently a lot of other people at the time of these explorations were thinking the same thing! The Stowaway is the true story of Billy Gawronski, an ordinary teenage son of Polish immigrants living in New York. In the 1920’s Billy has grown up on adventure stories and dreams of going off on one of his own. He becomes obsessed with Captain Byrd and the expedition being planned to explore the Antarctic. Billy’s father and mother do not approve of their son’s dreams as Billy is expected to take over the family upholstery business. Billy feels he has no choice. If he wants any chance at adventure he is going to have to stowaway on Captain Byrd’s ship! The plot sounds like something out of a kid’s adventure novel, but this is a TRUE story! I took great delight in following Billy through his adventures and cheering him on along the way. As I followed Billy’s story I found myself asking on more than one occasion “could I be that brave and daring?” I greatly recommend this for anyone who loves reading about history, exploration, and scrappy underdog characters.

Click HERE to request The Stowaway!

Continue reading “Abbie’s Recent Reads” →
Posted in Uncategorized

Orchid Opulence

Posted on by Corrina

Dear reader, since my last blog post I have become the unwitting owner of not two, not three, but six orchids! It all started with the original three I brought home from my brother’s wedding, and just recently three more that my sister-in-law gave me. Apparently once orchids bloom you need to cut them back and wait for them to produce new shoots. Patience is something my sister-in-law does not excel at it, so after saying the magic phrase – I’m thinking of throwing them away – I once again donned my Plant Recuser Hat and swooped in!

You see, dear reader, I have an affinity for the discarded, the forgotten, and neglected. Be it plant or inanimate object. For instance, several years ago I rescued a sock snowman my mom had made at a women’s church retreat back in the 90’s. He has a hole in the back that is sealed with a piece of tape, it’s a small hole but one she deemed enough for him to be thrown away. The audacity! I simply replaced the piece of tape and he still sits atop my wardrobe, peaceably containing his birdseed and still sporting his black buttons.

This same attitude follows me into the plant world. A while back someone at work was giving away aloe vera plants. Day after day I saw them sitting in the staff break-room with no home to call their own. Frankly, dear reader, I felt bad for them, so that’s how I ended up with three aloe vera plants and two snake plants vying for space on my desk. You won’t find me complaining, though, I love having plants around, whether they flower or not. In fact, I’m accustomed to most of my plants not flowering. But more on that later. We’re here to talk about orchids aren’t we?

Understanding Orchids by William Cullina

Orchids are the largest family of plants in the world. With 30,000 known species, you could acquire a different orchid every day for eighty years and still not grow them all. Back in the realm of reality, readers of this beautiful book can quickly and easily find the orchids that are right for them — which ones will thrive on a windowsill, which prefer artificial lights, and which need a greenhouse; which are for beginners, which for experts. And you can pinpoint the species within a particular genus that are the best ones to start with. Once you select your orchid, William Cullina’s authoritative guide explains what to do to keep it alive and healthy.
Featuring more than two hundred color photographs, Understanding Orchids covers everything you need to know to grow orchids successfully, whatever your level of interest or experience. With improved tissue-culture techniques making orchids more affordable, and the Internet making them readily available to consumers, growing orchids is more popular than ever: membership in the American Orchid Society has more than doubled in the last fifteen years. This is the book orchid fans have been waiting for.

From a quick Google search I learned that the most common commercially sold orchid is the Phalaenopsis orchid. I have no idea what kind of orchids I have at home, but I can almost guess that they are this kind, since my sister-in-law bought them at Walmart.

Isn’t it interesting how there is always random facts circulating around that you’ve heard one way or another? This is the case with the fact that you can water orchids with ice cubes. Maybe you’re nodding your head right now, because you’ve heard that too. I always thought that was bizarre! And frankly it was one of the reasons why I vowed to never own orchids. Watering with ice cubes, it just seems so exotic and strange. Yet dear reader, here we are, I now have six orchids! Life is funny sometimes, isn’t it?

I’ve heard it both ways. I’ve heard that the ice cube method keeps orchids alive just long enough for them to bloom and then they die, but I’ve also heard that it was developed by orchid growers so the average person doesn’t accidentally overwater their orchid and kill it! Well, dear reader, I can tell you emphatically that I’ve been using the ice cube method exclusively and my orchids are still alive! Researchers at the Ohio State University of Georgia published a study on the impact of watering orchids with ice cubes and they found that it is completely safe. I will link the results of the study here, but to paraphrase, ice cube watering helps the orchids take in water more slowly, it did not adversely affect the temperature of the roots, and lastly it did not affect flower longevity or display.

While I love plants, I also know my weakness as a plant owner, which is I forget to water them! This is why I tend to gravitate toward succulents and other such forgiving plants. Also – shame! – I tend to gauge how long it’s been since I watered them by how wilted they are. I usually have a family watering day when this happens, everybody in the pool! Anyway, more books about orchid care! That’s why you’re here, right?

Continue reading “Orchid Opulence” →
Posted in Biography & Memoir, DIY & How To, Fantasy, Graphic Novels & Memoirs, Horror, LGBTQI+, Nonfiction, Science Fiction

Zachary’s Recent Reads

Posted on by Zachary

A couple of months ago, Abbie wrote a blog post about her recent reads. When I saw that post, I decided I would steal that idea for a future post of my own, so here we are. I have been reading more since I learned about BookCrossing this summer and because I made a New Year’s resolution to read 30 books in 2025. So far, I’ve been reading an eclectic mix of graphic novels, sci-fi, fantasy, self-help, and even a little bit of theology. There should be something in this week’s post for almost everyone!

Bloodborne Vol. 1: The Death of Sleep by Aleš Kot

Bloodborne is one of my favorite videogames. Unfortunately, Sony doesn’t seem to be in any hurry to release even a remaster of the game, much less a sequel; unless you count The Duskbloods as a spiritual sequel. While Elden Ring has definitely been a delight, it didn’t quite scratch that Lovecraftian itch the way Bloodborne did. For that reason, I decided to give the comic a shot. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the comic was able to strike that same ethereal, dreamlike vibe that the game did. The plot follows a nameless Hunter who’s protecting a child that might have magical blood. There’s even a reference to the “You Died” screen that any Fromsoft fan will recognize. The only negative I have is that one of the characters from the game didn’t seem quite how I remembered them.

Continue reading “Zachary’s Recent Reads” →
Posted in Uncategorized

Library Reads April 2025

Posted on by Molly

According to the five-second Google search I just conducted, one book is published about every eight seconds, which equates to roughly 11,000 books per day. PER DAY. With those kind of numbers to contend with it’s a wonder any of us can push past the choice paralysis and pick out a single solitary book. 

Once again, librarians have you covered. Below, I listed the top 10 adult fiction and nonfiction books hand picked by library workers and enthusiasts across the country, and roundly agreed upon to be worthy of our time and attention. 

Book descriptions are contributed to Library Reads by working librarians around the country. Scroll all the way to the bottom to reveal this month’s top pick.

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee (MIRA)
In the midst of the COVID pandemic of 2020, Cora’s haunted by her deceased sister and stalked by a serial killer as her chaotic life spirals further out of control. The journey to finding her way back to some semblance of normal won’t be easy. Readers seeking a book blending slasher and bio-horror need look no further.
—Jolie Hanlon, Girard Free Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones 

Cold Eternity by S.A. Barnes (Tor Nighfire)
Hiding out due to a political scandal, Halley decides to take a job in the most remote place she can find. That turns out to be a large space barge holding cryogenically frozen wealthy people. The horror begins as Halley starts hearing noises and notices a presence at the foot of her bed. Thrilling and downright scary, this is a must-read.
—Terri Smith, Cornelia Library, GA
NoveList read-alike: Crypt of the Moon Spider by Nathan Ballingrud

A Drop of Corruption: An Ana and Din Mystery by Robert Jackson Bennett (Del Rey)

Din and Ana return in a new sci-fi/fantasy mystery. This time an official in the Treasury delegation has gone missing from a locked room. Tense negotiations are ongoing between the Treasury and a small outpost kingdom. What Din and Ana find is a hidden hornet’s nest and extreme danger to the Empire. Can the two stop a terrorist from destroying everything?
—Michelle Ogden, Crawfordsville Dist Public Library, IN
NoveList read-alike: The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older

Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery by Rachel Ekstrom Courage (Hyperion)
Golden Girls plus cozy mystery equals match made in heaven! This novel is nostalgic fun for fans of the TV show and might even draw some new fans in with the atmospheric 80s Miami vibes. The story is over the-top silly at turns, but it’s all part of the fun. Readers will be left hoping the series continues with more mysteries for the ladies to solve.
—Elizabeth Motyka, Wheaton Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: The Excitements by C.J. Wray

The Correspondent: A Novel by Virginia Evans (Crown)
Sybil’s life has centered around her correspondence with both people she knows and with strangers. Why she finds writing easier than conversing soon becomes clear, and her sadness and remove are explained through the events of her past and in her encroaching blindness. The plot unfolds with wonderful character development.
—Mary Robinson, Vernon Area Public Library District, IL
NoveList read-alike: Olive Kittiredge by Elizabeth Strout 

I See You’ve Called in Dead: A Novel by John Kenney (Zibby Publishing)
In this sensational novel, Bud gets a new lease on life after he starts visiting wakes and funerals. With equal measures of laughter and tears along the way, this character-driven novel probes the psyche of the contemporary male mind and takes readers in unexpected directions, all leading to a very satisfying conclusion.
—Todd Krueger, Baltimore County Public Library, MD
NoveList read-alike: Keya Das’s Second Act by Sopan Deb 

Any Trope but You: A Novel by Victoria Lavine (Atria Books)
Margot and Forest are genuinely likeable, though flawed characters, and seeing through their perspective is a delight. The conflicts come from practical issues, and the couple is not kept apart by miscommunication, but by respect for each other’s priorities and values. A love letter to “romancelandia” and the tropes it celebrates.
—Katrina Dagenais, Bucks County Free Library, PA
NoveList read-alike: Unromance by Erin Connor 

How to Seal Your Own Fate: A Novel by Kristen Perrin (Dutton) 
This second book in the Castle Knoll series has Annie involved in another mystery of long past and current murders. Annie realizes she’s being set up when all of the clues point to her. Readers will love that this book builds so well on the last one, and wonder just how many secrets exist in this small rural town.
—Linda Quinn, LibraryReads Ambassador, CT
NoveList read-alike: Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Beaton 

The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (Del Rey)
Four friends are haunted when another climbs a mysterious staircase and never comes down. Years later, they decide to rescue the boy they lost. What they find is a haunted house preying on their personal nightmares. A coming-of-age story reminiscent of Stranger Things and It—plus all the perfect scary things that Wendig is known for.
—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
NoveList read-alike: The Children of Red Peak by Craig DiLouie 

BONUS PICK:

The Library of Lost Dollhouses: A Novel by Elise Hooper (William Morrow)

NOTABLE NONFICTION:

No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson by Gardiner Harris (Random House)

TOP PICK:

The Sirens by Emilia Hart (St. Martin’s Press)
In 1800s Ireland, twin sisters are taken from their father and put on a ship bound for Australia. During the voyage, they begin to change as they hear the call of the sea. In 2019, while Lucy looks for her missing sister, she reads her old diary full of strange stories of the sea. Spanning centuries, this novel casts its magic with the story it weaves. 
—Jennifer Winberry, LibraryReads Ambassador, NJ
NoveList read-alike: To The Sea by Christine Dibley

I am pausing to briefly note that all Wisconsin library users have access to the excellent reader’s advisory tool, NoveList, among dozens of other resources. We have these nice things provided to us from a variety of funding sources, including funding from the federal level. Learn more about the importance of these funds and how their distribution is changing by clicking HERE. To satisfy curiosity about NoveList click HERE and take a spin around the block.

The above titles I listed will start dropping throughout the month of April. Reserve your copy now, and avoid the wait. What to do if none of the library picks appeal? Consider using Mead’s Your Next Five Books service. Learn more by clicking HERE. Library staff are more than happy to connect our community with great books for any occasion, ritual, emergency, and ordeal. 

Posted in Adult, Award Winners, Cooking/Baking, DIY & How To, Kids 5-12, Nonfiction, Teen & Young Adult

Adventures Through Cookbooks

Posted on by abbiebourelle

One of my favorite sections in the whole entire library is the cookbook section. I get super excited whenever anyone stops by the desk and asks where the cookbooks are. At home I enjoy watching all the food shows on Discovery Plus and experimenting in my own kitchen. One of my favorite kind of cookbooks to play with in the kitchen are the themed cookbooks. In recent years there has been an uptick in cookbooks based off of TV shows or movies. There are even cookbooks based off of videogame worlds! I am only going to cover the ones I have actually cooked from in this post, but will include a bonus list of other titles we own at Mead Public Library at the end!

Tasting History by Max Miller

This themed cookbook is not based off of some fantastical made up world, but pulls recipes from our very own human history. Some readers may recognize Max Miller from his youtube show also titled Tasting History where he cooks up good eats from times long past. This book contains selected recipes all assembled in one volume. The cookbook is broken into chapters ranging from the ancient past to just a few decades ago. Max Miller takes you from recipes written on ancient Babylonian tablets to good old cafeteria pizza from the 90s. If you cannot get enough of the recipes in this book and are curious to embark on more culinary time travel-check out the website https://www.tastinghistory.com/ where there are many more recipes featured.

My featured recipe from this volume is straight off a Babylonian clay tablet and helpfully translated for us by Max Miller: Babylonian stew of lamb. I have always been a history buff. One of my bachelors degrees is in history. I feel like eating what the people of the past ate brings us a step closer to understanding who they were and how they lived. The author also includes a historical lesson with every recipe so that you can better understand the food you are eating. For this recipe I also found the video on his website so I could watch what he did before attempting as I was a bit nervous.

In addition to watching the video and reading through the history lesson (learning about the flat tailed sheep was interesting) I prepared by looking online as to where I could order Persian shallots. We do not have anything like them in America which is a shame. They have a very nice spicy taste as if they are a cross between a radish, garlic, and onion. I ended up ordering them from Amazon (a fellow reader of Tasting History left a review that made me feel confident in my choice of purchase.) I then went shopping to assemble the rest of my ingredients. I decided on a mix of beef and lamb even though the recipe calls for lamb. The author says you can substitute if you wish. Leeks also feature prominently in this recipe (I did unfortunately not take my husband on this shop so I missed out on his leek puns).

The cook. This stew is traditionally served with rinatsu (a crouton like cookie or bread prepared with olive oil). You are to serve this as a crouton over the stew and mix some of it in ground for texture. The crumbled portion is needed for the stew. However, it is optional if you want to eat your stew with the rinatsu croutons on top. (My husband liked them more than I). I was nervous about the taste as there is no seasoning in the recipe. Surprisingly, the Persian shallots more than made up for it! Their flavor sure packs a punch and hits all the right notes on your tongue. I wish they were available at my regular shops. All you need to do is soak them in water to rehydrate them for 30 minutes or so as they come dried. I then stuck them into the food processor to mince them down. The rest of the cook was rather straightforward and just a matter of following the directions. If you have made soup before the cook will seem a familiar dance. All in all this ancient recipe was a fun learning experience and a rather tasty meal. I can now say I have eaten like an ancient Babylonian! My husband also gave a thumbs up on this recipe which is saying a lot as he can be rather picky!

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Posted in Film, Uncategorized

From Stage to Screen

Posted on by Sydney Anderson

Movie musicals are having a bit of a moment right now, best illustrated by the smash success of Wicked.  Speaking as a theatrical aficionado, I couldn’t be happier.  That being said, I think it’s a bit of a shame that compared to movie musicals past and present, movies based on plays tend to fall by the wayside.  After all, where better to see capital-A Acting than with a script meant to be performed live?  If you’re interested in seeing world-class performers and great scripts, check out these movies based on plays, selected from Mead Public Library’s catalog.

Amadeus

First thing’s first: this movie’s depiction of the lives of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri isn’t remotely historically accurate.  That said, this movie’s version makes for an incredible story.  Based on a play by Peter Shaffer adapted from an even earlier play by Alexander Pushkin, this film imagines that Salieri was consumed by jealousy over Mozart’s genius.  Salieri, portrayed by F. Murray Abraham in an Oscar-winning performance, falls deeper into resentment and obsession until he finally begins to plot murder.  I have to lay all my cards on the table here: this is one of my favorite movies of all time.  It’s visually enchanting, and the performances from F. Murray Abraham and Tom Hulce deserve every bit of their acclaim.  I’m also a particular fan of how the soundtrack expertly weaves Mozart’s music into the intrigue.  In addition to Abraham’s Best Actor win, the film won Best Picture, Best Director, and much more at the 1985 Academy Awards.  I could go on all day, but ultimately, I simply adore this movie, and I hope you will too.

Continue reading “From Stage to Screen” →