Unreadable

In this episode of Unreadable, Ross speaks with Shelby Van Pelt about her novel Remarkably Bright Creatures, this year's Forsyth Reads Together selection. Van Pelt's debut novel, published in 2022, remains a New York Times bestseller and features the unique perspective of Marcellus the octopus as a narrator. Van Pelt spoke with Ross about how she developed her characters, some based on true life and others based on people (and marine life) watching at the Georgia Aquarium, and she shared her excitement about the upcoming film adaptation. An Evening with Shelby Van Pelt is Mar 11, 2025 at the Forsyth Conference Center. The event is ticketed and currently full; however, there are a plethora of events related to the book taking place at all the Forsyth County Public Library branches. You can find out more in our event calendar.

A transcript of this episode is available on Bookmarked, the Forsyth County Public Library's blog for book recommendations and news .

It's that time again! Our Winter Reading Challenge is back. If you enjoyed the reading challenge last year, especially collecting those trading cards, we have good news for you: we have a whole new set of trading cards to collect this winter!

The Winter Reading Challenge is for all ages. Listen to find out how to participate and what grand prizes can be won this year.

Links Beanstack

Earlier this month, the Southeastern Institute of Paranormal Research conducted a paranormal investigation at the Hampton Park Library. In this episode, you'll hear an abridged version of investigation, including an equipment overview and sessions conducted in different parts of the library. Are there ghosts in the library? You'll have to listen to find out!

In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker about The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge, which celebrates Smokey Bear's 80th birthday. Listen to hear about prizes, deadlines, and an upcoming Smokey Bear Celebration taking place at the Cumming Library on October 26.

Also, in this episode, we include our first ever listener submitted book reviews. Thank you, Carolynn and Andrea!

If you'd like to submit a book review or library-related question, you can email the podcast at [email protected].

Are you ready for an adventure? FCPL's Summer Reading Fun begins May 23. In this episode, Kim Ottesen, Programming Manager at FCPL, previews what you can expect during our Summer Reading program, including prizes and performers. From lanyards to camping gear to magicians, listen to get a little taste of all the exciting adventures we have planned for you this summer!

Links Summer Reading Guide Episode Transcript

In this episode, Ross speaks with Benjamin Herold about his book Disillusioned: Five Families and the Unraveling of America's Suburbs, which follows five families in different areas of the United States, including Gwinnett County, and examines their experiences living in suburbia and their experiences with suburban school systems.

Benjamin Herold is a education journalist, who has reported for Education Week, PBS NewsHour, NPR, the Hechinger Report, Huffington Post, and the Public School Notebook. He has a master's degree in urban education from Temple University in Philadelphia.

Join us for an author talk with Benjamin Herold at the Sharon Forks Library on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM.

This year's Forsyth Reads Together book pick is Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. In this episode, Ross speaks with Lisa about her inspiration for the book and its characters, as well as the book's impact on the victims of the Tenneessee Children's Home Society.

Lisa also previews her new book, out this summer, called Shelterwood, which is about the women who fought to protect Choctaw children, who owned oil rich land in Oklahoma, from the land barons seeking power and wealth.

Lisa Wingate will be speaking on March 26, 2024 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Forsyth Conference Center. Please follow this link to researve your seat.

Read a transcript of this episode on our blog, Bookmarked.

In this episode, we revisit The Science of Love (2019) in which Ross interviews Dr. Larry J. Young, professor at Emory University, about his research on prairie voles and what their relationships can teach us about ourselves.

This episode was originally run in February 2019.

Read the transcript on our blog, Bookmarked.

Is your New Year's resolution to learn something new? This January, we are offering a series of programs for adults dedicated to learning a new hobby. In this episode, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker, Information Services Supervisor at the Cumming Library, about the Pastime Pursuits program series. From photography to cosplay, there is something for everyone. Let us help you achieve your New Year's goal and learn something new!

Events:Take a Hike! Prepare for Your Adventure Sunday, January 7 at 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Sharon Forks Library

Is Film Photography for You? Saturday, January 13 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Cumming Library

The Beginner's Guide to Cosplay Saturday, January 20 at 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Cumming Library

Craft Supply Swap Fair Saturday, January 27 at 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Hampton Park Library

Beautiful Bobbin Lace * Sunday, January 28 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Post Road Library *Registration Recommended

Additional Links: FCPL Programming Calendar Craft & Hobby Episode Transcript

In this episode, Ross talks to Kim Ottesen, Programming Manager at FCPL, for the inside scoop on our winter reading challenge and this year's unique, cool prizes. Winter Reading Fun starts on December 19, 2023 and runs through January 21, 2024. You can learn more about Winter Reading Fun on our website.