Story Tags

Prince Albert cover

Staff Picks: "Prince Albert" & "The Spice King"

A German prince who influenced his adopted nation. A junior botanist is asked to spy. Here are two well-written titles, non-fiction and fiction, I enjoyed reading this month. Copies of the books are available to check out from the library system.

The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas

Parklands-Turner Teen Readers' Corner - YA Book Club Recommendations

The Hate You Give

The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas Teen Book Review by Antionette Robinson   “I can't change where I come from or what I've been through, so why should I be ashamed of what makes me, me?” - Angie Thomas  

Travels with Charley

In a Different Place

Travelogues both real and imagined

As the weather finally begins to cool in D.C. and the rhythm of the school year finally settles in, it can be a great time to think back (or forward) about the summer. If I can't be on the road myself, reading books of journeys both real and imagined help me evoke those feelings of adventure once more.

The Crunk Feminist

Who run the world?!.......GIRLS!!!

Women have found power in a variety of ways though out history in their struggle towards justice and equality. The narrative on girl power and the strength we carry is complicated but oh so beautiful. Women have always shown up to participate in many processes of the world that encourages liberation of self. We are strong, enduring childbirth and in many cases carry whole families on our shoulders, we are responsible for so much but despite the struggles, women have extreme strength and the capacity to achieve much more just like men in society.

Uncle Tom's Journey cover

Staff Picks: Forgotten Maryland History

Check out these local history books about the forgotten people and events in 19th century Maryland that shaped American history.  Copies are available to check out from the library system. Uncle Tom's Journey from Maryland to Canada by Edna M. Troiano

Wishes Fulfilled

Leaps of Faith

Titles to inspire personal growth

The books in this compilation are for the most part biographical. Spirituality played a deep and transformative role in the lives of each of the subjects. It catalyzed their lives and moved them from anonymity to influence. It got them over fears, hurdles, tragedies, insufficiencies and other types of adversity. Self-realization is a major theme in this list. These books explore the question of what we can become if our beliefs about who we are change.

Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys by Viv Albertine

Girls to the Front: Women, Punk, and Memoir

It's time to read n' rock.

Come into the studio, on tour, and to the afterparty with some of the most intriguing and commanding women of punk. Historically, music biographies place men center stage while women have been relegated to the margins.

Little Book of Witchcraft

A Coven of Witch Books

Exploring your inner witch has been quite vogue in popular culture, from “basic witch” memes to #witchesofinstagram. What does it really mean, and are you interested in learning more? These books might be able to help you get started, or take a deep dive into developing an active practice.

Still Alice

Go Purple

Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

My Struggle

Autofiction...

...or autobiographical fiction. It’s sometimes about the author; sometimes about the author’s re-perception of their past; sometimes an account of true events with an altered timeline; sometimes an entirely made up story with deep emotional truths. It’s not all factual, but you’d best believe everything.

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