Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast

In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Linda, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, ancestral travel, organizing her research, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.

The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.

This week Hannah recommends George Saunders's Vigil, a compact, emotionally explosive work of magical realism that follows Jill "Doll" Blaine, the spirit guide tasked with ushering a dying oil executive into the afterlife.

Check out George Saunders's Vigil from the Library.

Additional titles mentioned in this episode:

• The Apology by Jimin Han
• The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka

This week Jenny recommends Ashley Elston's Anatomy of an Alibi, a precisely written thriller told from the perspective of two women entangled in the fallout of a murder.

Check out Ashley Elston's Anatomy of an Alibi from the Library.

Additional titles mentioned in this episode:

• First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
• Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
• The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
• The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

This week Marianne recommends Ashley Winstead's The Future Saints, a novel following Hannah Cortland and her band The Future Saints after the sudden passing of her sister and band manager, Ginny.

Check out Ashley Winstead's The Future Saints from the Library.

Additional titles mentioned in this episode:

• Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
• The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner

This week Hannah recommends Emily Austin's Is This A Cry For Help?, a novel following Darcy, a rule-bound librarian who returns to work after a mental breakdown.

Check out Emily Austin's Is This A Cry For Help? from the Library.

Additional titles mentioned in this episode:

• Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly
• Getting Clean with Stevie Green by Swan Huntley

In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, George, a local genealogist, shares about ancestral travel, archival research, genealogy books, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.

The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.

Titles mentioned in this episode:

• She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity by Carl Zimmer
• Redlined: A Memoir of Race, Change, and Fractured Community in 1960s Chicago by Linda Gartz
• Futureface: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging by Alex Wagner
• What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848 by Daniel Walker Howe
• American Republics: A Continental History of the United States 1783-1850 by Alan Taylor

This week Hannah recommends Olivia Laing's The Silver Book, a gripping love story and thriller steeped in the vibrant world of 1970s Italian cinema.

Check out Olivia Laing's The Silver Book from the Library.

Readers' Advisor Hannah shares three 2025 titles to enjoy during the holidays.

Titles mentioned in this episode:

• The Gingerbread Bakery (Dream Harbor, #5) by Laurie Gilmore
• A Case of Life and Limb: The Trials of Gabriel Ward by Sally Smith
• Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

This week Hannah recommends Bryan Washington's Palaver, the story of an expat who faces a surprise visit from his estranged mother. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo during the holiday season, this tender novel explores fractured family ties, found connections, and the quiet longing to be known and loved.

Check out Bryan Washington's "Palaver" from the Library.

How might our ancestors have connected with their ancestors? Join Daniel Smith as he explores the possibilities and their connections to genealogy! In the middle of the nineteenth century, a movement known as Spiritualism captured the attention of millions, with large groupings in the Northeast and Midwest. This movement was predominantly led by women, and it gave them a voice to fight for progressive causes like suffrage, emancipation, and temperance. As leaders, they served as mediums who worked to connect folks with their recently deceased relatives and ancestors. Their followers included many famous folks, like Mary Todd Lincoln. As the movement grew, it became more formalized with leaders like Andrew Jackson Davis and camps throughout the country. They also published newspapers, magazines, journals, and directories, and their communities kept records as well. These can be helpful if you think or know you may have a Spiritualist ancestor. If you are unsure, there are sometimes clues on gravestones, in their obituaries, and within census records.