August Staff Picks
Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, 9:18 a.m.Takoma Park Library
August Staff Picks
Encountering Russian royalty. Suffragists arrive in the District to be heard. Uncovering a plot. What makes readers do strange and amusing things with books. Below are titles I enjoyed. Copies can be checked out and downloaded from the library system.
The Women's March by Jennifer Chiaverini
In 1912, a competitive presidential campaign is underway. A few questions of national interest are on the ballot but not voting rights for women. However three women are determined to make that change. Alice Paul has returned home to New Jersey from Great Britain, actively working with the British suffrage movement for several years. Maud Malone is a New York public librarian who has been arrested for asking uncomfortable questions from well known politicians in public. Ida Wells-Barnett is a Black academic and journalist active in her community. The novel follows each of the women in the events leading up to the famous 1913 march in the District. I enjoyed reading about the fascinating and diverse backgrounds of the three women and what it took to make the march happen. An author's note follows the text.
Also recommended: Suffragists in Washington, D.C. by Rebecca Boggs Roberts.
The Fiancee's Guide to First Wives and Murder by Dianne Freeman
Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, is preparing for her upcoming wedding to George Hazelton. A member of the Russian royal family is visiting London, attracting attention from high society and the press. One day, a woman named Irena arrives at Frances's home, claiming to be George's first wife. George says it's not true but he can confirm Irena's royal birth. Who is Irena really? When Irena is found dead, Frances and George must clear their names and find out who stood to gain from Irena's death. This novel is the latest installment in the "Countess of Harleigh Mystery" series.
The Betrayed by Kiera Cass
Following events in The Betrothed, Lady Hollis is living with the Eastoffes in Isolte. Her new family is affectionate and welcoming as Hollis grieves for lost family members. However, Etan is suspicious of Hollis because she's from Coroa. All hasn't been well in Isolte either; the king is over-reaching in his power. When Etan and Hollis discover damaging evidence against the king, it has implications for both Isolte and Coroa.
Reading Quirks by Javier Garcia del Moral, illustrated by Laura Pacheco
Admit it: you've peeked at other people's reads, brought more books than you should've on your last vacation (I've done this too many times!), complained to friends and family that the movie or TV series wasn't as good as the book, the list goes on. This funny graphic novel is illustrated in full color and features four panels on each page. The book originally began as a social media campaign by a Texas bookstore.
The Women's March by Jennifer Chiaverini
In 1912, a competitive presidential campaign is underway. A few questions of national interest are on the ballot but not voting rights for women. However three women are determined to make that change. Alice Paul has returned home to New Jersey from Great Britain, actively working with the British suffrage movement for several years. Maud Malone is a New York public librarian who has been arrested for asking uncomfortable questions from well known politicians in public. Ida Wells-Barnett is a Black academic and journalist active in her community. The novel follows each of the women in the events leading up to the famous 1913 march in the District. I enjoyed reading about the fascinating and diverse backgrounds of the three women and what it took to make the march happen. An author's note follows the text.
Also recommended: Suffragists in Washington, D.C. by Rebecca Boggs Roberts.
The Fiancee's Guide to First Wives and Murder by Dianne Freeman
Frances Wynn, Countess of Harleigh, is preparing for her upcoming wedding to George Hazelton. A member of the Russian royal family is visiting London, attracting attention from high society and the press. One day, a woman named Irena arrives at Frances's home, claiming to be George's first wife. George says it's not true but he can confirm Irena's royal birth. Who is Irena really? When Irena is found dead, Frances and George must clear their names and find out who stood to gain from Irena's death. This novel is the latest installment in the "Countess of Harleigh Mystery" series.
The Betrayed by Kiera Cass
Following events in The Betrothed, Lady Hollis is living with the Eastoffes in Isolte. Her new family is affectionate and welcoming as Hollis grieves for lost family members. However, Etan is suspicious of Hollis because she's from Coroa. All hasn't been well in Isolte either; the king is over-reaching in his power. When Etan and Hollis discover damaging evidence against the king, it has implications for both Isolte and Coroa.
Reading Quirks by Javier Garcia del Moral, illustrated by Laura Pacheco
Admit it: you've peeked at other people's reads, brought more books than you should've on your last vacation (I've done this too many times!), complained to friends and family that the movie or TV series wasn't as good as the book, the list goes on. This funny graphic novel is illustrated in full color and features four panels on each page. The book originally began as a social media campaign by a Texas bookstore.
~Elisa Babel, Adult Librarian
