Chevy Chase
Neighborhood Library

Listen Up!

Outstanding Audiobook Performances

I just began listening to audiobooks a couple of years ago and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed those early experiences with listening to fiction rather than reading it. I have listened to each of the titles on this list and they are among the best audio performances that I have encountered. This list is entirely subjective and gives no concern to the reputation of the individual who narrated these stories or whether or not these performances were nominated for awards. The titles on this list stood out among the audio books that I have listened to.

Chunky Books Need Love Too!

Voluminous books inspire dread and fear even among avowed book worms and other voracious readers because of their size. I am here to tell you, in the hands of a writer with a gift for storytelling, the reading of a “chunky” book can be pleasurable. This list includes no unfamiliar of obscure titles. Four of the five books I would say are in the back of the minds of many readers to make time to read Charles Dickens, Alexandre Dumas Pere, Victor Hugo, and of course Leo Tolstoy. I also added Ivanhoe as well by Sir Walter Scott as well.

Image of Don't Let My Baby Do Rodeo book cover

Speaking in Tongues

Exophonic Writers

The definition of exophony is the practice of (normally creative) writing in a language that is not one’s mother tongue. Allow this to be your introduction to writings such as Lolita by Russian émigré’ author, Vladimir Nabokov and my deep admiration for the quality of the writing sans astonishment that English was not the mother tongue of the author. Enjoy!

A. Cheney

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Home Improvement

for when you can't go anywhere else

If you are going to be stuck at home, you might as well make the best of it. Here are some books to help you organize, decorate and declutter your home office, home school and the various other places of business that now exist in your living room. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Mending Clothes & Ourselves

Inspirational and Instructional Books on Mending

As Elizabeth Cline explores in Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion, our overconsumption of textiles is ecologically disastrous, contributes to labor and human rights abuses, and is bad for our souls.

The Homesteader's Natural Chicken Keeping Handbook

Egg-cellent Backyard Chickens

Highly Recommended Books on Raising Chickens

Interest in chicken-keeping and sales of chicks have risen dramatically since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. If you too dream of raising chickens or just want to learn more about what is involved in such an endeavor, the books below can assist and inspire you. One day you may delight in freshly laid eggs, enjoy the company of feathered friends, and achieve greater self-sufficiency.

Fantasy by Female Authors (audiobooks)

Here's a short list of fantasy titles, all written by female authors. These audio books delve into fantasy worlds with unbelievable tests, heroism and clear references to aspects of the human experience. Adult titles

Strong Appeal

Books I Put on Recent Recommendation Lists for Both my Mom and Sister

I like to think there are many perks to having a librarian in the family. My arts and crafts skills are impeccable, I can organize like nobody’s business, and, provided I know you well, I can produce book recommendations at the drop of a hat. That is why, for the last few years, I have gotten into the habit of creating recommended reading lists for my immediate family members for birthdays and other holidays. With Mother’s Day having recently passed, and my sister’s birthday coming up soon, I thought I’d share some of the books I recently recommended to both of them.

On the Other Side of Freedom The Case for Hope

Perspectives on Black America

...challenging the status quo

Happy Juneteenth! A holiday to commemorate the end of slavery! Indeed, all lives matter. Presently, there is a resounding call echoing across the globe, declaring: "Black Lives Matter" in response to systemic oppression and racism that continue to thrive. This list of books challenges the status quo. A cohesive message exists urging readers to become aware, empowered and to stand for equity and lasting change.

Fun in the Kitchen!

Recipes and Tips

Here's a list of intriguing cookbooks with tons of tips and tricks for readers to try out!

Chevy Chase Neighborhood Library