Not sure what to read? Try these books!
GRAPHICS FOR THE FAMILY
They Called Us Enemy
George Takei (Expanded Ed.)
On February 19, 1942 FDR issued an executive order that sent 127,000 Japanese American citizens to concentration camps for four years. Actor George Takei reveals how profoundly it affected him (age 4) and his family, and how his father still retained a steadfast belief in democracy. He also examines whether the US is repeating history with its immigrant internment centers. (224 pages)
DETECTIVES
Deception by Gaslight
Kate Belli
A young persistent news reporter is chasing the story of a jewel thief in 1880’s NY City. But that trail quickly leads her from glittering Astor 400 society balls and the secret business deals of their rich participants into the shadowy dangers of 5 Points, the Lower East Side, corruption, gangs, and murder. A complex plot, appealing characters, and smoothly paced writing. (327 pages)
THRILLER
The Devil and the Dark Water
Stuart Turton
Aboard a 1634 merchant ship full of deadly secrets, condemned British spy, Samuel Pipps, finds his cell surrounded by frightening omens, revenge, slit throats, and mutiny – all pursued by a fierce storm. Marked for death and with only his bodyguard to help him, Pipps struggles to resolve the crimes before he is killed (or the ship sinks). A very unique twisting mystery. (448 pages
SOCIAL ISSUES
The Violence Inside Us
Chris Murphy
In 2012 a new senator began to research the causes of gun violence after the murder of 20 school children and 6 staff within 30 miles of his own home. From its roots in brain chemistry to its complex social history, Senator Murphy reveals the lessons he learned about our capacity for violence, and asks for balanced and common sense protections. (384 pages)
FAITH
Parable Of The Brown Girl
Kate Belli
Through her encounters with young girls, a Baptist minister lets us hear their voices on dealing with social pressures, racial stereotypes, assault, and many common misperceptions about their lives. Rev. Adams talks about counseling these girls to show them they are not alone, and how to find guidance in their faith. (200 pages)
HUMOR
Act Like A Lady
Keltie Knight
From the Ladygang podcast, the 3 hosts (Keltie, Jac, and Becca) dish out their most amusing advice and often heartfelt commentary on their own lives in dealing with love, loss, work, family, friends, self esteem, and much more. A very easy and quick read that any woman (and some men) can appreciate. (288 pages)
DID YOU MISS THIS ONE?
Trust : America’s best chance
Pete Buttigieg
The former presidential candidate gives an insightful look into the essential role of social, civic, and political trust in American democracy. Using his own experiences of building trust while serving in Afghanistan and later political campaigns, he offers a positive outlook on how using transparency and credibility can rebuild our future. (223 pages)
Books and their film versions often differ. Compare the book to the film, and find out which you like most – maybe both?
Hidden Figures
Margot Lee Shetterly
It’s amazing that four NASA mathematicians calculated the trajectory of space travel before the use of computers. But even more incredible is that these were Black women succeeding when Jim Crow and sexism were still common in surrounding Virginia. Here are details of their careers, personal trials, and their calculations over three decades. (346 pages)
Hidden Figures
Production: Fox 2000 Pictures
This film was nominated for 3 Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Octavia Spencer. The film grossed $236 million worldwide. (127 minutes)