"Be a man!" This is what I think right before I fearfully write the copy for these book reviews. But what does it really mean to "be a man?" The Book A Better Man is a memoir / advice-book / letter from the author to his son. It discusses masculinity and the best way for young men to be a part of the solution, not the problem. I also hope it helps me feel less stage fright in regards to sending out this copy. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

The Source of Self-Regard is a collection of essays, speeches and meditations by the prolific writer Toni Morrison. Morrison's many famous novels and writings have captivated millions and earned her high recognition (including a Nobel Prize). The Source of Self-Regard is no exception to her powerful use of language. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Gosh , I wish poems had pictures! Ever think that? Well, guess what, poems can have pictures. Poems to See By is a collection of 24 classic poems with fantastic illustrations to accompany them. In honor of National Poetry Month, West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Do you know much about Guinea? No not the Papua version, but the small country on the Western coast of Africa? No? Well, you have a lot to learn. In You Can't Always Get Where You Want, Nicholas DeMassi discusses the interesting culture he experienced during his time with the Peace Corps in Guinea. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

The American Agent is a mystery that mixes history with fiction. It's set in 1940s London, England - a period driven by fear. This is right at the cusp of what is referred to as "the Blitz" where Nazi Germany unleashed bombs upon the British Isles. This is all happening as our female protagonist Maisie Dobbs is working to solve the mystery of an American correspondent's sudden death. Want to learn more? West Lafayette Public Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Some of the most interesting stories in the world come from ancient mythological beliefs. Popol Vuh is one such treasure which retells the Maya myth of creation. 2600 B.C may seem like a long time ago, but at the end of the day we haven't changed much from our Mayan ancestors. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Do you want to take a "deep-dive" into studying the ocean? Tired of "fishing" through oceanic books for fun facts? Hate ocean-related puns? Well, Ocean Anatomy by Julia Rothman may feed your oceanic curiosity, but will it have any bad puns? Maybe West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel will enlighten us with his review.

What is your relationship to the periodic table? Were you one of the many unlucky ones who had to tediously memorize its contents? Has this strained your relationship with the table? Consider this book couple's counseling. Sam Kean's The Disappearing Spoon gives fascinating stories for many of the elements in the table. It's not too late to heal your relationship 3. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

History is full of moments where the mobility of African Americans was limited. Whether it be the shackles on their feet or the Jim Crow laws for public transport, they have lacked the complete freedom of travel. In Driving While Black, esteemed historian Gretchen Sorin shows us that the introduction of the automobile helped to bring more independence to the lives of African Americans. Not only did it give African Americans the freedom of the open road, but it also presented an escape from the

Adult books with pictures. A rare breed. This book is one unlike any other. It's a humorous book filled with deep topics and great artwork. Allie Brosh is a pretty famous author at this point. Is the hype overblown? West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.