Friends of the Library Book Recommendations: Historical Fiction with Social Commentary

One Sunday morning while enjoying a warm cup of tea, I beamed over the variety of books that I devoured this spring and summer. The following books stood out to me as part historical fiction and part social commentary about how words shape and define the way the world views women. 

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

If you have ever owned a physical dictionary you will be in awe of the behind the scenes view this book offers on what went into the process of publishing the very first Oxford English Dictionary. Set in the late 1800s, the story unfolds the coming of age journey of Esme, who is motherless and grows up with a lexicographer father surrounded by words and dictionary men. As she spends time in the Oxford shed, she realizes that not all of the public word submissions are considered and recorded by the team - especially ones based on the experiences of women and common folk. I found myself enjoying the audiobook version as I accompanied Esme in her pursuit of building her own dictionary of such lost words.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

When I first got hold of this popular book club pick (which is also a recent TV show adaptation), I was not expecting to be delighted by the cute but weird observations of a pet (a very important character) and his perspective of the humans surrounding him. All non central characters provide their peculiar thoughts and opinions on what it means to be a woman (working or not) in the 1960s. The book tells a vivid story of Elizabeth Zott whose path to becoming a scientist proves to be quite an obstacle course including plenty of twists of fate including emotional ups and downs. I enjoyed how the story sheds light on the importance of having role models that inspire people to think beyond their sense of self and allies that provide much needed support.

Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

I categorize this book as half historical fiction partly because of its small paperback size and mostly because it is more contemporary while still being informed by history. Despite its petiteness, this personal letter style response to Adhichie's friend, packs quite a punch. If you have ever been skeptic of whether or not to call yourself a feminist and its titular perception, you are more than likely to enjoy it. The book presents exceptional ideas and food for thought to discuss feminism without being preachy or over the top.

Smriti

Friends of the Library Volunteer

Staff Picks: The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

 

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill is a real treat for bibliophiles and mystery fans. This clever literary mystery revolves around four strangers who meet by chance in the Reading Room at the Boston Public Library. Friendships develop when a body is discovered at the library and the four new friends decide to investigate further. 

The novel’s first twist is that Cain, Marigold, Freddie, and Whit exist only as characters in an Australian author’s work in progress. Each chapter of Hannah Tigone’s story about the amateur sleuths is followed by a thoughtful response from an earnest beta reader living in Boston. Along with his personal observations about the emerging pandemic, fanboy Leo offers unique insights into American customs and Boston geography. As the story progresses, uncanny similarities begin to develop between Leo's correspondence with Hannah and the mystery within the story.

Just like her character Hannah, Sulari Gentil is an Australian author whose books are finding fans around the globe. The Woman in the Library is a masterfully crafted example of metafiction, a novel that emphasizes its narrative structure to remind readers they're reading a fictional work. 

Other works of metafiction include Slaughterhouse-five by Kurt Vonnegut, Hell of a Book by Jason Mott, Beatlebone by Kevin Barry, and Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth. 

Visit your local library to find your next read and maybe discover a mystery of your own. 

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist

Boston Public Libary Reading Room
Monica Volpin image via Canva

Staff Picks: Realistic Teen Fiction

The Best Man by Richard Peck

Archer Magill navigates making new friends, thwarting school bullies, serving in wedding parties, and dealing with family emergencies in a story that chronicles a young man's event-filled transition from elementary to middle school. The Best Man is a relatable book that emphasizes positive male role models of various generations.  

Richard Peck was a Newbery Award winning author, former teacher, and the first children's book author to receive the National Humanities Medal.

Find more realistic teen fiction and great teen reads in all genres at forsythpl.org/teens or ask a staff member for book recommendations. You can also use this form for personalized reading suggestions. 

Alicia Cavitt

Information Specialist. 

Unreadable: Podcast Transcript - September 2024

Smokey Bear turns 80 this year, and to celebrate you can participate in the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge. What's that? In this episode of Unreadable, Ross speaks with Sarah Brubaker, Programming Manager at FCPL, about the challenge, including how to sign up and how to earn prizes. 

This episode also includes listener submitted reviews! 

Meet FCPL's September Library Limelight: Board Member Flo Valdes!

This month, we are so pleased to welcome Flo Valdes as FCPL’s new Board member representing District 2!

Originally from Miami, Florida, Flo offers a fresh perspective and a passion for community service to FCPL. Despite being new to the Library Board, Flo is already bringing lots of enthusiasm and is ready to make an impact. 

Flo's decision to join FCPL as a Board member comes from her deep-rooted commitment to community engagement. "Community service is a passion of mine," she explains. "I enjoy connecting with my fellow community members in meaningful ways." Flo views her position as an opportunity to support literacy, education, and access to information while influencing positive changes in the library system. She looks forward to getting to know the patrons and staff that make our system so exceptional.

Picture Books about Native American Culture

Some books are mirrors, reflecting characters that readers can relate to, while others are windows, offering a view of someone else's world. These picture books highlight Native American culture. 

We Are Grateful Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell; illustrated by Frané Lessac

We Are Grateful chronicles seasonal celebrations and traditions of the Cherokee Nation. The picture book is filled with colorful and interesting illustrations by award-winning illustrator Franė Lessac that portray Cherokee customs and traditions like gathering wild onions, singing lullabies, making corn husk dolls, and sewing moccasins. Illustrations also include a Cherokee family welcoming their new baby, grieving for an uncle who has passed on, and serving in the armed forces. 

Traci Sorell is a member of the Cherokee Nation who writes books to show young people that Native Nations and their citizens still exist and thrive today.

Picture Books about Families Sharing Traditions

Some books are mirrors, reflecting characters that readers can relate to, while others are windows, offering a view of someone else's world. These picture books artistically illustrate the ways that immigrant families from different parts of the world observe traditions from their homelands. 

A Different Pond by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui

A boy and his father go fishing in the early morning hours and then make a meal of the fresh carp they catch.

A Different Pond is a Caldecott Honor Book inspired by author Bao Phi’s childhood in Minneapolis. Phi’s simple story realistically portrays a Vietnamese family making a new home in the United States while thoughtful illustrations by Thi Bui convey some of the complexities of life for immigrants and refugees.

Picture Books about Living Your Dream

 

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed; illustrated by Stasia Burrington

What is your dream? 

An elementary school assignment sparked one Alabama student’s desire to view earth from space. But when young Mae Jemison first voiced her dream of being an astronaut, her teacher, suggested nursing would be a better fit for the bright African American girl. Mae’s parents strongly encouraged her to follow her own dream. In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison became the first African American woman in space. Onboard the space shuttle Endeavour, Mae took a moment to wave to her proud parents back on Earth.