Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library. Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available. If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently. We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!
Children’s Book Highlight: Rose Wolves by Natalie Warner
Rose Wolves by Natalie Warner
Reviewed by: Alice Mitchell, Youth Services Manager
Genre: graphic novels, fantasy
Suggested Age: 4th-7th grade
What is the book about?
One day, a little girl picks an unusual flower from an unusual bush in the forest. Overnight, the flower blooms and turns into a magical creature: a rose wolf, missing a leg just like she is missing an arm. Together, the new friends must go on a journey to find where they belong. (From Amazon)
My Review:
The parallels between the little girl and the rose wolf make the story incredibly meaningful. They both begin their story a little growly and with missing limbs, and wind up finding where they belong together.
The entire concept of the rose wolf is wonderful, from the non-threatening design to the actual rose tail. I was sad to see the petals on the tail falling off and what that could possibly mean for the story, but it all worked out okay in the end.
What fantastic illustrations! I’ve seen a bunch of wordless picture books, but this is the first wordless graphic novel that I’ve read. This story has a lot of depth and doesn’t need words to get its message across.
Find it in the Youth Services Department or on the hoopla app!
FDL Reads: Malice Aforethought
Malice Aforethought: A True Story of the Shocking Double Crime That Horrified Nineteenth-Century New England by Avree Kelly Clark
Reviewed by Julie Nutt, Communications Specialist
Genre: True crime
Suggested age: Adult, Young Adult
What is this book about? In the summer of 1874, a beloved schoolteacher mysteriously goes missing upon closing up school. After a frantic search, the young woman is discovered horribly mutilated in the woods, and authorities question everyone in the small railroad village of St. Albans, Vermont. With the case turning cold, news arrives of an eerily similar crime committed in peaceful Pembroke, New Hampshire, in the autumn of 1875. This one, even more gruesome. Everyone questions whether the two beauties were intended victims or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Amid mounting fear, dedicated detectives and a persistent populace will stop at nothing to ensure the murderous fiend is brought to justice. For the first time, the true crime story that inspired dozens of podcasts and blogposts is now a novel, and the author shares an exciting theory never before explored. –From the publisher
My review: Malice Aforethought focuses on the death of seventeen-year-old Josie Langmaid, just one of the victims of a 19th century serial killer. The details of the investigation are very well documented. It was incredible to me how advanced investigation skills were during the late 1800’s – quite similar to modern techniques. Law enforcement agencies, albeit a little slower than today, communicated across jurisdictions hundreds of miles apart. They even called on help from psychics. The knowledge of medical and forensic science was more advanced than I imagined as well. One interaction between characters I found to be a little humorous, that does indicate the lack of gender equity: Male detective: Women and their gossiping theories…This is why there are no lady detectives. Female witness: Perhaps there should be. A woman’s intuition is quite astute. (Tell him, girl!)
The heinous, gruesome nature of the crimes were also shocking to me. The novel describes domestic violence, torture and murder of young women and girls, the term “serial killer” before it had ever been coined – things we may imagine could never have happened 150 years ago. In the 21st century, we learn about some of the most depraved acts imaginable, some of us blaming the violence on modern factors such as exposure to violence in movies, TV, and social media. Unfortunately, monsters have existed for millennia.
The only reason I give this book a 4 out of 5 is the confusing cast of characters. The stories and testimony of so many dozens of people were difficult to keep track of. It reads like fiction because of the imagined conversations between characters. The last chapters, though, do focus more on the facts of the case, and less on fictional dialogue.
Monuments to Josie Langmaid stand in Pembroke, New Hampshire to this day, proving the indelible mark that tragedy leaves on a community after the loss of one of its own.
*In an author’s note, Avree Kelly Clark presents her own theories about an alternate outcome of the criminal case.
Three words that describe this book: shocking, eye-opening, tragic
Give this a try if you like: historical non-fiction; true crime podcasts, TV shows, or documentaries
Rating: 4/5
FDL Reads: Annie Bot
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
Reviewed By: Jeremy Zentner, Adult Services Assistant
Genre: Science Fiction/Speculative
Suggested Age: Adults
What is This Book About? Annie is a robot designed to be a love-bot for Doug. A model they call a cuddle-bunny. The two enjoy a near human relationship, though there is no misunderstanding that Annie is beholden to Doug’s every command. Her independence and sense of self are only trusted as far as Doug’s willing to concede. But Annie is also growing as a sentient machine. With new visitors and new experiences, Annie’s mind evolves to be more and more “human.” This is especially apparent when she learns how to lie.
My Review: This is an engrossing book, taken from the perspective of a robot that was designed to be an alternative choice to a romantic relationship. This book offers some pretty clear allegories for toxic relationships and abuse when Annie unlocks newer experiences that affect her personality. What I also appreciated about this book is that it depicted the cruel paradox of two people growing in a relationship that is still rife with toxicity. There may be ups and downs, but at the end of the day, Annie Bot is still owned by her human boyfriend and that is no true relationship. It’s a very mesmerizing read that is all too human in a potential future full of artificial intelligence. Check it out on Libby or put it on hold!
Three Words that Describe this Book: speculative, engrossing, haunting
Give This A Try if You Like… He, She, and It, Sea of Rust, The First Sister, The Handmaid’s Tale
Rating: 5/5
FDL Reads: The Bangalore Detectives Club
The Bangalore Detectives Club
By: Harini Nagendra
Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Adult Services Specialist
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Historical Fiction
Suggested Age: Teen/Adult
What is the book about? Young wife, Kaveri, moved to Bangalore a few months ago to live with her new husband, Ramu, a doctor at the local hospital. As she has slowly been acclimating to the social setting in Bangalore, she has been attending more and more outings, including a party at the Century Club. It is here where a stunning murder occurs sending ripples of fear and anxiety through the community. Kaveri’s curiosity takes hold and she can’t seem to stop herself from investigating. Her new friendship with Deputy Inspector Ismail of the local police department only encourages her onward. People continue to be attacked while Kaveri is relentlessly hunting the killer. Can she stay safe while closing in on the violent offender? Or will she be the next victim?
My Review: I found this book to be an enjoyable cozy mystery. The main character, Kaveri, is charming and likable. She has some progressive ideas about how she wants to live her life that clash with the culture of 1920’s British India. However, her supportive husband begrudgingly allows her the freedom to indulge her curiosity and investigate the murder like it’s a new hobby. That may be a bit fanciful, but the story wouldn’t work if Kaveri were held to firm caste and gender rules. I listened to the audiobook on hoopla and thought the voice actor’s performance enhanced the experience with authentic pronunciation and accents.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Whimsical, Enchanting, Endearing
Give This a Try if You Like…The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey, and A Disappearance in Fiji by Nilima Rao
Rating: 4/5
FDL Reads: Folktales for a Better World
Folktales for a Better World: Stories of Peace and Kindness by Elizabeth Laird, illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
Reviewed By: Chelsea Bunton, library volunteer
Genre: Folklore
Suggested Age: Children (7-10)
What is This Book About? Folktales for a Better World is a short anthology collection of myths and folklore from seven countries who have all experienced strife due to conflict. Most of these stories hale from the Middle East, but all stories are connected by a central theme of humanitarian kindness. Through these tales, the reader can witness how a deeply human thing it is to experience forgiveness, inner peace, and gratitude. Though the stories may be old, the thematic experience is timeless and personal to us all.
My Review: I always enjoy reading folklore from various origins. I very much enjoyed this particular set as they were stories I had never encountered before. It was very humbling to see stories like these that are rooted in such a very mortal desire for peace, yet they come from countries that we often generalize with dissension today. I think these stories are a testament to what could be in this world if we only look within for that brotherly nature we have lost to instinctually forgive and love our fellow man.
Three Words that Describe this Book: Hopeful, charming, mythical
Give This A Try if You Like…Myths or other folklore, The Librarian of Basra by Jeannette Winter, One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights)
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