Top Shelf with Russell Library

It's the perfect time of year to grab a spooky read, and if you enjoy atmospheric horror, you simply won't want to miss Japanese Gothic by Kylie Kee Baker. This novel touches upon several themes common to gothic literature; such as, the past haunting the present, buried secrets and hidden curses, mental instability and dreams, claustrophobia and isolation, and folklore and the supernatural. In today's conversation, Stephanie, Christy, and Briana explore all these themes and more as they share their experience with this captivating novel. Japanese Gothic is one of those books that keeps the reader thinking long after they finish the last page. You may even need to read it twice to fully grasp each twist and turn! 

Book Recommendations

Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker
Bat Eater by Kylie Lee Baker
Make Me a Monster by Kalynn Bayron
The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig
Fishbone Cinderella by Elizabeth Lim
Lone Women by Victor LaValle
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

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How well can you really know another person? Is it possible to live side by side for decades, sharing children, friends, and finances and yet still be strangers? In Belle Burden's bestselling memoir Strangers, she offers an honest account of the collapse of her 20-year marriage. Since the release, Burden's memoir has been met with both praise and backlash. In today's conversation, Christy, Shan, and Cate discuss their experience reading Belle's story. They'll explore how privilege, societal expectations, and the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic created a layered and moving memoir. 

Book Recommendations 

Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden 

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There's no denying that Sarah J. Maas has created a whole new generation of fantasy and romantasy lovers. Through atmospheric world-building, she has enticed readers to delve deeper and deeper into the mythical and magical. The Maasverse, a name given by fans to encompass the interconnected multiverse, is made up of three unique series; Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City. In today's conversation, Christy sits down with Briana, an avid reader of Maas's work, to discuss her experience engaging with these novels. Whether you're already a fan or simply considering the series, you won't want to miss this conversation! 

Book Recommendations 

by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass (8 Book Series)

A Court of Thorns and Roses (7 Book Series)

Crescent City (3 Book Series)

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There's a reason why generations of high schoolers have been tasked with reading the classics. These books endure, not only because they're well-written, but because they help us better understand the human condition. The classics force us to think for ourselves; they encourage empathy and connect us to the struggles of those that came before us, struggles that may not be so different from the challenges we face in present day. The characters in classic literature are flawed, multi-dimensional, and sometimes contradictory, their stories make us feel something. So why do so many people resist these novels? Has the "required reading" element tainted the classics for generations of readers? In today's conversation, Briana, Kim, and Shan explore these questions and more, while also sharing their reasons for returning to these timeless tales. 

Book Recommendations 

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain 

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad 

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy 

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There's something beautiful about a summer read. When you're lying on the beach or sitting by the pool, you want a novel that draws in you without asking too much of you. Summer reads require a perfect blend of vivid settings, steamy romance, and effortless pacing; the reader should feel like they're on their own mini-vacation with each turn of the page. In today's episode, Shan sits down with Kim, Steph, and Cate to discuss an author who has mastered the summer-read recipe, Carley Fortune. They'll dive into character development, the power of place, and challenging plot lines. Before the season comes to a close, pick up one of Carley Fortune's novels and escape into a summer romance you won't soon forget!

Book Recommendations 

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune 

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Choosing to engage with a book series is a personal decision every reader has to make. Some people easily commit to this type of reading experience because they value the guarantee of a next read. Many readers also appreciate the deeper character growth and world building that series reading provides. On the other hand, book series can frustrate readers when plots fall flat or drag on, not to mention, painfully long stretches between book releases. In today's conversation, Briana sits down with Dillon and Stephanie to discuss how they approach series reading. They'll explore topics; such as, pacing, character regression and growth, foreshadowing and more. By the end of this episode, you'll know what to look for before tackling your next series. 

Book Recommendations 

The Dungeon Crawler Carl Series by Matt Dinniman

Bleach (Manga Series) by Tite Kubo

The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn't a Guy at All (Manga Series) by Sumiko Arai

Wayward Children Series by Seanan McGuire

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The consumption of audiobooks continues to rise with each passing year. Originally created for visually impaired veterans, "talking books" are now enjoyed by a wide spectrum of readers. Tasks such as driving, cleaning, and exercising become significantly more engaging with the accompaniment of an audio book. In today's conversation, Cate sits down with Kim, Kate, and Dillon to discuss this growing trend among readers. They'll explore topics; such as, narrator quality, multi-tasking while listening, and stand-out audiobook experiences. They'll even answer the persistent question, "Do audiobooks really count as reading?". It's safe to say that librarians have strong feelings about this debate! 

Audio Book Recommendations 

 The Wizards of Once Series by Cressida Cowell narrated by David Tennant 

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (166 person cast of narrators) 

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien narrated by Rob Inglis and Andy Serkis 

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What price are you willing to pay for perfection? Who are you willing to sacrifice to create an enviable illusion? In the novel Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, "tradwife" influencer, Natalie Heller Mills, will stop at nothing to curate a flawless image for her millions of followers. But when Natalie mysteriously wakes up in the year 1855, she'll be forced to reckon with the life she claimed to be living. In today's conversation, Christy speaks with Shan, Briana, and Cate about this highly provocative read. They'll explore themes around misogyny, performative social media behavior, and societal expectations of motherhood. This is a story that will leave you pondering long after the last page is turned. 

Book Club Read

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

https://russelllibrary.lcicatalog.org/search/card?id=6497e564-8042-55e0-999c-54be543177e9&entityType=FormatGroup

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If you're looking for a read that makes you feel all the feelings, look no further. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans weaves a rich tapestry of one woman's life. Sybil Van Antwerp is a sharp-witted and sharp-tongued retired lawyer in her 70s who anchors her days through letter writing. Her correspondence reaches a wide array of recipients; including, family and friends, authors, and even total strangers. This daily ritual allows Sybil to process grief, connect with the world, and ultimately find healing. In today's conversation, Christy, Shan, Kim, and Briana sit down for a book-club style conversation about this deeply moving novel. This book will change the way you view aging and remind you to keep living every, single day. Be warned, upon finishing this read you will likely experience a "book hangover". Rest assured, it is worth every bit of pain! 

Book Club Read

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

https://russelllibrary.lcicatalog.org/search/card?id=1d43dafd-e07a-5898-aa85-7785cfa45203&entityType=FormatGroup

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Are you first in line to pick up the latest "buzzy" book or do you steer clear of the hype? Buzzy books are the titles people simply can't stop talking about. These stories manage to spark widespread conversation, allowing readers to participate in a shared social experience. Some readers crave this social connection, while others prefer to keep their reading a solo experience. In today's conversation, Kim speaks with Kate, Christy, and Stephanie about the buzzy books they've recently read. They'll discuss their personal relationship with high-interest titles and introduce you to reads you won't want to miss! Whether you love the hype or avoid the fanfare, buzzy books are usually trending for a reason. Which one will grab your attention?

Book Recommendations

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Yesteryear by Carol Claire Burke

The Green Kingdom by Cornelia Funke & Tammi Hartung

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