Story Tags

Theroux's Deep Sout

United States of Complexity

Red, White, and Who?

We certainly live in times of great divisiveness: politically, economically and racially. We live in a very complex country varying from region to region in its political persuasions, cultural backgrounds, and systems of belief. The following books take aim by their respective authors of truly seeking to understand a group of “other” Americans and why they believe what they do and why they pursue the things they do.

Book cover

Modern Iran

Illuminating Fiction and Non-Fiction

How well is post-Revolution Iran understood in the West? Today this ancient society is known primarily for the activities of its theocratic government. The following collection of ebooks and audiobooks includes two novels, two memoirs and two analyses. Many of the authors selected were either born in Iran or spent several years in the country. My hope is to offer the reader an insider's perspective on this enigmatic land.    

My Sister the Serial Killer

Best Books I've Read This Year

The anniversary of my first year of being with DC Public Library was a few weeks ago, and I thought that a great way to commemorate this occasion would be with a book list! Since joining the Library I’ve been exposed to so many great books -- from board books that I use for my story time to graphic novels recommended by my coworker -- and I have a new favorite genre!

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.

Stranger

Life and Living

Philosophical Texts Centered on Existence

We've all asked ourselves the pivotal questions at some point in our lives: Why are we here? What is my purpose in life? Is their a true meaning of life? Existentialism is a philosophy that helps us begin to understand these things. Existentialism is the analysis of existence. It is a philosophy concerned with finding self and the meaning of life through free will, choice and personal responsibility. These books' philosophies have helped me develop a better understanding of myself and life. 

StrangerintheWoods

Solitude

A Life Apart From The World

Everyone, at some point or another, seeks out some alone time—to get away from the noise, to escape the pressures and stress of everyday life. Solitude has a healing quality that renews, strengthens and fortifies. There are some people that choose a life of solitude for any number of reasons and others that find themselves alone through no choice of their own. The following are some recent and classic accounts of the solitary life.

The Way

Walking The Way

The Allure of the Camino to Santiago de Compostela

For centuries pilgrims have walked the Camino to Santiago de Compostela (The Way) in northwestern Spain. The cathedral in Santiago is believed to be the resting place of St. James the Apostle, one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. During the Middle Ages making a pilgrimage was a popular form of piety. Pilgrimage to Santiago became one of the three main pilgrimage destinations after Rome and Jerusalem.

Cover of the book Going Postal

It's Not Funny if I Have to Explain It

"Always remember that the crowd that applauds your coronation is the same crowd that will applaud your beheading. People like a show." -  Going Postal

Egypt-omania

From the Banks of the Nile

Egypt Revisited

It doesn’t take a riddle of the Sphinx to understand why the world has been so fascinated with Egypt - the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, King Tutankhamen, Cleopatra, the Library of Alexandria, and the the mighty Nile just to name a few things. There is something epic about this country in the northeast corner of Africa. Here, for your perusal, is a taste of a few things Egyptian.  

book cover image

Islam and Muslim Cultures in America and Around the World

Resources from the Library Collection and D.C. Community

Starting with the Muslim Journeys series in 2013, the library has compiled a list of materials from across the collection in the service of learning about and celebrating Islam and Muslim cultures. You can learn more about the Muslim Journeys events, narratives, sponsors, and partners at the link above.

Pages