FDL Reads: Reviews - Fondulac District Library

FDL Reads: When the Moon is Low

When the Moon is Low by Nadia Hashimi

Reviewed by: Dawn Dickey

Genre: Fiction

Suggested Age: Adults, Teens

What is the book about?: Fereiba, a teacher, and her engineer husband, Mahmoud, are middle class parents in Afghanistan, raising their family of two amidst a quickly changing and dangerous political scene. After Mahmoud is murdered, things change drastically and for the worse for Fereiba. She plans a daring escape with her three children, the youngest of whom would never meet his father.

My Review: Opening this book, I was instantly drawn into Fereiba’s story. The characters and their experiences are true to life and could have been drawn from the news. Their story is compelling, containing both joy and tragedy and dangers I could never have imagined. I marveled at their courage, cried at their misfortunes, and was thankful for the help they received during their dangerous adventures. The tale alternated voices between Fereiba and her son, Saleem. This dual perspective made the audio book especially enjoyable. I highly recommend this book, in text or audio format!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Courageous, enlightening, hopeful

Give This a Try if You Like… We Are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls around the World by Malala Yousafzai or A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende or While the Earth Sleeps We Travel by Ahmed M. Badr

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

Susie Rivera2024-07-03T09:35:29-05:00July 3rd, 2024|

FDL Reads: I’m an American

I’m an American by Darshana Khiani

Reviewed By: Alice Mitchell, Youth Services Manager

Genre: Picture book

Suggested Age: Kids (4-8)

What is This Book About? A classroom of diverse children share bits of their family history and highlight ideals they value that make them American, each family working in their own way to make our country great. Some describe how their family fled hardships in their homelands, and others describe their lives in this country. Indigenous nations are also highlighted through the story of a Muscogee child. While each story describes challenges these families faced or continue to face, they each have a message of determination and hope that we can continue to improve our communities and country as a whole. For every group highlighted there is a note in the back about the impact these groups have had on our country, as well as factors effecting immigration and their lives once they arrived here.

My Review: I greatly enjoyed this story and learning more about the vast number of diverse experiences of people in this country. Presenting each story as it relates to an American ideal like determination and freedom of expression made them stories I could easily relate my own family to. The back matter taught me a great deal that I want to read more about, like how there were laws allowing Indian men but not Indian women from immigrating to the United States and how, despite immigration from other Asian countries being barred, exclusion laws didn’t apply to Filipinos because it was a U.S. territory. While not hiding the challenges and discrimination that people faced, this book still presents an optimistic outlook for the future.

Three Words that Describe this Book: patriotic, hopeful, historical

Give This A Try if You Like… Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus; The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander; America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Peoples-Riley; My Red, White, and Blue by Alana Tyson; I is for Immigrant by Selina Alko; A is for Asian-American by Virginia Loh-Hogan

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

FDL Reads

Susie Rivera2024-06-27T19:21:14-05:00June 27th, 2024|

FDL Reads: The Duke and I

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Adult Services Specialist

Genre: Fiction

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about? Julia Quinn’s first book in the Bridgerton series won’t disappoint as it follows the charming love story between Simon and Daphne. Simon, the Duke of Hastings has grown up estranged from his verbally and emotionally abusive father. He has no interest in marrying anyone until he meets beautiful and clever Daphne Bridgerton. The two strike a mutually beneficial deal–they will enter into a fake courtship that will keep the Duke safe from the rabid mothers of the town, and make Daphne appear highly desired. The fake relationship starts turning into a real one, and then more drama ensues!

My Review: I’m getting ready for FDL’s Bridgerton Tea program on June 26. I am a big fan of the Bridgerton show, but I haven’t read any of the books. Fans of the show will find that certain characters and subplots that are in the show are not in the book. But, the main story between Simon and Daphne is about exactly the same. So, if you are a fan of the Bridgerton show, check this out and you may delve deeper into Julia Quinn’s books. She has quite a few in the series now!

Three Words That Describe This Book: Charming, Spicy, Enjoyable

Give This a Try if You Like…books by Lisa Kleypas, Tessa Dare, or Jane Austen

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

FDL Reads

Susie Rivera2024-06-18T09:51:58-05:00June 15th, 2024|

FDL Reads: What You Are Looking for is in the Library

What You Are Looking for is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

Reviewer: Deb Alig, Circulation Assistant

Genre: Japanese fiction

Suggested Age: Adult

What is this book about? There are five chapters in this book, and each chapter is about a main character who desires change in his/her life. The characters vary in age and occupation. They all live in present time Hatori, a fictional ward in Tokyo. There is Tamoka, a 21-year-old girl who recently graduated from junior college and now works at a women’s clothing store, but who desires to do more with her life. Then there is Ryo, aged 35. He works in the accounts department of a furniture manufacturer, but he dreams of one day owning an antique shop. Natsumi, aged 40, works as an editor for a popular magazine but gets demoted when she returns from maternity leave. She does not regret having a baby, but she one day dreams of working in publishing again and creating books. There is also Hiroya, a 30-year-old man who still lives at home, reads manga, and does not have a job. He is very artistic and would like to be a designer. Mostly, he wants to feel accepted. Finally, there is Masao, a 65-year-old retiree who feels bored in his retirement. On his last day of work he asks himself, “What am I going to do now?”

The one thing all of these characters have in common, aside from wanting to make changes in their lives, is that they stumble upon the Hatori Community House library where they meet Mrs.Komachi, the enigmatic reference librarian who asks them all, “What are you looking for?” Based on their responses, Mrs. Komachi types up a list of book recommendations on her computer. Unique to each list is a book about some random topic that doesn’t seem to have anything to do with what the patrons are looking for in the library. Yet, these random books, I think, prove to be the most helpful to them. Mrs. Komachi also gives each character a sort of charm that she creates using a needle and a ball of wool, a free gift for visiting the library.

My Review: I really enjoyed reading this book about a community library and its patrons. The Hatori Community House library is a lot like ours. Its entryway is inviting, the shelves are packed with books, people who reside in the community can get a free card, and the staff, though small, is friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. I was especially touched when I read about Hiroya. He was the patron in the book who felt like he didn’t belong anywhere. But once he started visiting the library, he happily thought, “It’s okay. It’s okay for me to be in this place.” He finally felt accepted. That’s how I want all of our patrons to feel when they come through our doors—welcome, safe, and comfortable answering the question, “What are you looking for?”

Three Words That Describe This Book: charming, inspirational, inclusive, magical, heart warming

Give This a Try if You Like: Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, Everything in Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging by Pauline David-Sax

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

FDL Reads

Susie Rivera2024-06-10T09:03:37-05:00June 5th, 2024|

New Book Highlight: 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘘𝘶𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢 𝘎𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵 by Anne Ursu

Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu

Reviewed by: Alyssa Young, Youth Services Assistant

Genre: Horror; Realistic Fiction

Suggested Age: 5th-8th grade (or adults & teens!)

What is the book about?

This middle grade novel focuses on Violet, who is going through significant life changes (a new school, friend group problems, a new house, a mysterious illness) and includes a slightly spooky ghost story.

Ursu’s book discusses chronic or invisible illness, the effects it can have on your relationships, and the emotions that come from not being believed by doctors or friends.

Throughout the story, Violet learns about finding inner strength and advocating for yourself – whether that involves your health, your relationships with friends and family, or any other situation!

My Review:

This book is great for children in grades 5th-8th who love Horror and Realistic Fiction. Adults may also enjoy it, as it was inspired by the novella The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

Find it in the Youth Services Department or on the Boundless app!

Julie Nutt2024-06-04T09:29:23-05:00June 5th, 2024|

FDL Reads: Dogtown

Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko

Reviewed by: Reviewed By: Jacob Roberts, Youth Services Specialist

Genre: Fiction

Suggested Age: 8-11 years old

What is the book about? Dogtown follows a three-legged dog, named Chance, and her life at a local dog shelter that has recently added robot dogs to their adoption list. Many of the “real” dogs disapprove of the new dogs, but one robot dog soon proves to be able to learn and maybe even feel like the “real” dogs in the shelter. Soon the robot dog, named Metal Head, shares its plan to escape and return to its owner—but it will need the help of Chance and another unlikely friend, Mouse, to help it escape back to its old life. Throughout the book, Chance contemplates what it means to love, be a dog, and have hope in a world that seemingly is stacked against dogs like her.

My Review: This book really surprised me. I enjoy many of the books that Applegate writes; however, I did not expect to enjoy this story so much. I read this book with my daughter, and she and I spent many hours laughing at the quirkiness of the book together, along with just feeling the pain that comes along with being abandoned that many shelter dogs must feel. It even had some good tips at the end for the reader on how to best help local shelters and take care of their own pets. I thought the story was really well down, and is a must read for all those who have a soft spot for dogs in their own life.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Noble, heartfelt, contemplative

Give This a Try if You Like…The Good Dog by Cam Higgins, The Underneath by Kathi Appelt, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

FDL Reads

Susie Rivera2024-05-30T15:48:12-05:00May 30th, 2024|

FDL Reads: Junior High

Junior High by Tegan and Sara Quin

Reviewed By: Chelsea Bunton, library volunteer

Genre: Coming of age (graphic novel)

Suggested Age: Middle School (11-14)

What is This Book About? If junior high wasn’t hard enough- twins Tegan and Sara are entering with the caveat of a whole new school. Having just moved to a new neighborhood, they only have each other as they navigate the super confusing dynamics and politics that is being a junior high girl. As they make friends (and frenemies), they begin to discover more about themselves. Fitting in is a battle in itself- but they must also confront crushes, body changes, grades, and…chicken pox?! Tegan and Sara have written this graphic novel about their own encounters growing up, though set in a different era as they were actually tweens in the 90s. Times have changed…but the experiences of junior high can always relate- no matter the generation. Indie-pop artists turned graphic novel authors, the Quin sisters have bared themselves to show readers they are not alone in their circumstances and there ARE better days ahead!

My Review: When I learned that one of my favorite Indie groups had written a graphic novel- I had several thoughts. First…what??!? Second… I MUST read this! I assumed this would be a bit of a biopic about the Quin sisters’ experiences as tweens. I did not realize it would be more of a reimagining of their ordeals set in modern times. I think it would be so fun to reflect on my own past in a more current setting! Even though it’s been quite a few years since Tegan and Sara have been in Junior High (and, admittedly, me as well-), these types of experiences are timeless and so relatable to us all. Though much of the story is fiction, the authors sprinkle in easter eggs for readers who are aware of who they would grow up to become. I’m always drawn in to “coming of age” stories as they hit so close to home- there’s a reason this is such a big genre in media, it’s a pivotal time in our lives and makes such an impact that it deserves its own special story-telling. This was such a fun graphic novel and I can’t wait for the follow-up (Crush)!

Three Words that Describe this Book: Musical, Relatable, LGBTQ+

Give This A Try if You Like… Berrybrook Middle School series by Svetlana Chmakova, Drama by Raina Telgemeier, The Babysitters Club (Books, show, graphic novel)

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

FDL Reads

Susie Rivera2024-05-19T15:31:18-05:00May 22nd, 2024|

FDL Reads: Titanium Noir

Titanium Noir by Nick Harkaway

Reviewed By: Jeremy Zentner, Adult Services

Genre: Science Fiction/ Detective

Suggested Age: Adults

What is This Book About? Cal Sounder is a PI who does specialty investigations for the police department. His forte is Titan crimes. Titans are the new social elites of society. They’re obscenely wealthy, medically enhanced, and larger than the average person. Most importantly, Titans are immortal. That’s thanks to a new genetic treatment known as Titanium 7. It cures all ailments, makes the user young again, and you have to be really rich to afford it. So, when one of these Titans is murdered, Cal Sounder is given the biggest case of his life. And everyone is trying to stop him.

My Review: It’s been a while since I’ve read a gritty detective book, but Titanium Noir was a great novel for the genre. It’s definitely hardboiled and not too “techie” when it comes to the science fiction. It is set in the future as immortality is possible through Titanium 7, however, it reads more like a Raymond Chandler book with a lot of witty banter and ferocious brawling. What I also liked about this book is that I felt the obsession that the protagonist felt as he dug deeper and deeper into the investigation, the criminal underground, and the duplicity of the Titan lifestyle. More and more I wanted to figure out whodunit as Cal Sounder used any and all means necessary to discover the killer. In the end, this new book defines the genre of detective noir and sci-fi cyberpunk.

Three Words that Describe this Book: sci-fi, cyberpunk, noir

Give This A Try if You Like… Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep (Blade Runner), Neuromancer, Altered Carbon, The Children of Men, A Philosophical Investigation

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

FDL Reads

Susie Rivera2024-05-13T09:45:23-05:00May 15th, 2024|

FDL Reads: From Cradle to Stage

From Cradle to Stage: Stories from the Mothers Who Rocked and Raised Rock Stars by Virginia Hanlon Grohl

Reviewed by Julie Nutt, Communications Specialist

Genre: Biography; Memoir

Suggested age: Adult, Young Adult

What is this book about? Virginia Hanlon Grohl has a had a front seat on the long, strange trip of alternative rock music, thanks to her amazingly-talented and famous son (Dave Grohl, drummer for Nirvana and front man of the Foo Fighters). Virginia describes the early days of following Dave through his musical journey, and wondering where all of the other parents were, backstage at the live shows. It was then that she decided to find some of the other mothers of musical icons to hear their stories of raising musically-gifted kids, then watching with love and support as their babies turned into full-fledged rock stars. Between vignettes about Virginia’s adventure with Dave, the book includes stories from the mothers of Michael Stipe (R.E.M.), Dr. Dre, Mike D (the Beastie Boys), Kelly Clarkson, and many more.

My review: I was crying tears of emotion before I even got through the foreword! Virginia went above and beyond emails and phone interviews, instead traveling the country to meet rock star moms one-on-one. Just two mothers sipping coffee and chatting about their kids, making the conversations more intimate and telling. While hearing about the early live of the mothers themselves, they reveal the ups and downs of their children’s experiences in the music industry; the emotional and physical toll of fame and touring; and the struggles of family life and childhood as their little ones were on the road to becoming huge stars. These struggles aren’t so far removed from the experiences of any parent who must watch a child take a bumpy, uncertain flight from the nest that may not have been what the parent expected. (Who knew that Adam Levine was self-conscious because of acne? Who knew that Dr. Dre didn’t want any part of the “thug-life”?)

Each musician’s story had a common theme: a difficult, different, gifted kid who may not have always fit in; strong-willed, stand-out, march-to-the-beat of their own drummers (i.e. Dave Grohl, pun intended). They were not bad kids – just bored with what traditional school had to offer. Virginia ends the book with three pieces of advice that parents everywhere will appreciate.

I think what Dave’s quote in the foreword says it all: “But beyond any biological information, there is love, something that defies all science and reason. And that, I am most fortunate to have been given. It’s maybe the most defining factor in anyone’s life. Surely an artist’s greatest muse. And there is no love like a mother’s love. It is life’s greatest song. We are all indebted to the women who have given us life. For without them, there would be no music.”

Three words that describe this book: heartfelt, honest, touching

Give this a try if you like: Dave Grohl’s memoir, The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music; Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain by Charles R. Cross; alternative and pop music

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

Susie Rivera2024-05-13T09:34:15-05:00May 13th, 2024|

FDL Reads: The Art Thief

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Adult Services Specialist

Genre: Nonfiction

Suggested Age: Teen, Adult

What is the book about? Stéphane Breitwieser was perhaps the most prolific art thief in history, though he did not steal for money. Born in 1971, Stéphane’s story of collecting started as a boy hunting for buried trinkets in the woods with his grandfather. When his parents divorced, his father took all of the family’s art pieces when he left. With this dramatic loss, Stéphane’s urge to collect shifted, landing on museum pieces of art. From 1995 to 2001 he amassed a collection of nearly 250 pieces; a collection estimated to be worth nearly two billion dollars! Instead of selling anything, he surrounded himself with art in a small, attic apartment above his mother’s house in Eastern France. This account details how he was able to steal so many pieces, how he eventually was caught, and what made him different than any art thief before or since.

My Review: I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of this title very much. The eaudiobook is available for free on the Libby app. It was an interesting and engaging story. The story almost seemed to flow like a work of fiction, possibly because it is written in the present tense. This definitely kept it from becoming a dry recounting of facts and dates. Make sure you read the author’s note too. I liked those extra details at the end.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Fascinating, Riveting, and Memorable

Give This a Try if You Like…Master Thieves by Stephen Kurkjian, Stealing Rembrandts by Anthony Amore, and Museum of the Missing by Simon Houpt

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

FDL Reads

Susie Rivera2024-05-03T15:36:56-05:00May 3rd, 2024|