Librarian's Bookshelf: 7 Books I'm Reading Right Now
We Had A Little Real Estate Problem by Kliph Nesteroff
A pastiche of stories and history of the nation’s first residents emerging to become the first stand-up comedians in their communities. A glimpse into the lives and struggles of comedians and entertainers, and into the past, present, and future of native comedy. Candid, informative, and entertaining. Published: Simon & Schuster, February 2021
Rad American History A-Z by Kate Schatz
A highly browsable dive into the people, places, moments, and movements that have defined American history from the grassroots up, in areas from civil rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, native rights, and worker’s rights to arts, crafts, and music. Ideal for teens, emerging adults, and activists of all ages. Published: Ten Speed Press, March 2020
An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole
When Elle Burns and Malcolm McCall meet on a large plantation in the Civil War-era South, they appear to be from two different worlds. As their fates intertwine, they must go beyond appearances to discover what truly lies beneath, leaving a lasting mark on their lives and on history. An intimate, adventurous, and passionate first installation in Cole’s Loyal League romantic series. Published: Kensington, March 2017
Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey
Esther has escaped an unbearable situation at home, seeking the refuge of traveling strangers (who just happen to be librarians). This future-set, LGBTQ-centered Western is a spare, action-packed, and introspective read about carving out one’s own place in the world, and knowing that it exists. Published: Tordotcom, February 2020
Culture Warlords by Talia Lavin
What makes a white supremacist tick? Talia Lavin unearths the mangled and sordid roots of modern hate movements, bringing to light a twisted world beyond the pale, and what the average person can do about it. Well-researched with personal, engaging, dynamic prose. Content warning: anti-semitism, misogyny, racism, self harm. Published: Hachette Books, October 2020
Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac
An immersive, well-researched and deeply touching young adult historical fiction. Follow 16-year old Ned Begay as he faces cultural erasure at an Indian boarding school, and finds redemption while serving as a secret Navajo code talker for the U.S. Marines during World War II. Published: Dial Books, 2005
Only Love is Real by Dr. Brian Weiss
Do you believe in love after life? Psychiatrist Dr. Brian Weiss leads his patients on journeys through time and space through hypnosis, revealing detailed glimpses into what lies beyond life as we know it. A gripping, poignant, and spiritual story of soul power. Published: Grand Central Publishing, 1996
