Story Tags

Spanish Cookbook cover

Cooking: Spain and Latin America

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, check out these cookbooks celebrating the culinary diversity of the Spanish speaking world. The Spanish, Middle Eastern, and African Cookbook by Pepita Aris et al.

Crazy Rich Asians cover

Novel to Screen: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Staff Recommendation

When Rachel Chu goes to Singapore for the summer, her boyfriend Nick doesn't tell her a few important details about himself. Find out what happens next in the best selling novel, Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. The novel is the basis for the movie by the same name.

A black man wearing a black superhero suit

Book Recommendations for Fans of Quirky Recent TV

Many would argue that there’s never been a better variety of storytelling available on TV. With a wider variety of platforms, shows can flourish without having to appeal to absolutely everyone. And it can be great, as a fan, to discover that someone else loves a show that’s more of a niche than a giant watercooler hit.  So, as a reader who also loves good TV, here are some quirky recommendations based on my favorite recent, or in some cases recently cancelled, TV shows.

Saving Red

Books In Verse

YA Titles With Impact Using Fewer Words

Using different styles of writing can be a great tool for authors who want to mix up the young adult reading scene. In the titles below, each author uses the in verse writing style that delivers less words to arrive at deep emotion, character flaws and pivotal plot points. A reader could interpret this writing style as similar to poetry or symbolic to user interpretation. Do you agree?  

The Vine of Desire

Caught Between Two Cultures

It's difficult to be caught between two cultures. In these novels, women from India or women of Indian descent are coping with the challenges and opportunities that come with living in America. Is arranged marriage still a viable option? One character struggles to accept her daughter's biracial marriage. Another character must not only deal with the loss of her father, but also the proper way to scatter his ashes in India.

The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker

Add a Little Magic

Novels with a pinch (and sometimes a cup) of magic

Much like the rich tradition of magical realism across the Caribbean and the Americas, the literary use of magic of all forms in everyday settings is alive and well across the world.

Cover for Jamestowne: The Buried Truth

The New World

Different perspectives on American history!

Your Maryland cover

Maryland Lore

Like the District, Maryland has a rich, fascinating history and plenty of regional lore. Many important events in American history occurred in the Old Free State. A number of prominent men and women lived and worked in Maryland, making their mark in history. Below are a selection of titles worth reading about Maryland.

Sweetbitter

Delicious Fiction

Novels Set Around Kitchens and Food

Novels that feature food often make us put down the book and get in the kitchen...or at least grab a bag of chips. Likewise, these same novels are often hard to put down as they stimulate not only our imaginations, but our appetites as well. Here’s a list of delicious novels to celebrate the brand new Starz series Sweetbitter.

John Campbell photo

Author Talk: John Campbell

In May 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the new president of South Africa. This historic occasion was the beginning of a new chapter for the country and an end to apartheid.

Pages