Title: Aladdin: A New Translation
Author: Yasmine Seale (Translator)
Genre: Fantasy, Folklore, Translation
I thoroughly enjoyed this short, quick read! I had never read the original story of Aladdin, nor did I know anything about its origin in general. It was actually first recorded on paper in French, based on an oral story told by a Syrian in the 1700s. The story really isn't much like Disney's Aladdin at all; for one, it's actually set in China. And no, there aren't 3 wishes or a pet tiger. Or a flying carpet. But there is a lot of magic! I found the story to read very much like an old folk tale. At only 115 pages with modern, understandable language, it's easy to digest as well. I highly recommend this, especially if you're in a reading slump!
Also, if you're interested in more fascinating background knowledge, check out this interview from Publisher's Weekly with Yasmine Seale, the French-Syrian who translated this tale into English. Seale is in the process of translating all of The Arabian Nights, of which Aladdin is a part.
- Sarah P.
Check out Aladdin: A New Translation @ the library!
Title: Imaginary Friend
Author: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Horror
Kate Reese hasn't been fortunate in the men department since her husband committed suicide. She and her son, Christopher, are on the run from the latest gem, an abuser by the name of Jerry, when they end up in Mill Grove, PA.
Their luck seems to change in Mill Grove: Christopher overcomes his learning disability, they come into a windfall, and things seem to be going their way - until Christopher goes missing.
When he's discovered days later, he hears a voice that insists he build a tree house in the woods behind his house. This is no ordinary tree house, though, and what power it holds could lead to the salvation or destruction of mankind.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the Netflix series Stranger Things or those who enjoy stories by Stephen King. FYI: It does have some religious overtones, so if that is a turn-off, look elsewhere.
- Sarah R.
Check out Imaginary Friend @ the library!
Title: Bunny
Author: Mona Awad
Genre: Horror, Fantasy
MFA student Samantha Mackey is an offbeat outsider at Warren University, who spends all of her time with her wild imagination and her best friend Ava, and avoids the rest of her creative writing cohort at all costs—a quartet of rich, pastel-clad, like, totally spunky girls who all call each other “Bunny” and seem to be more of a creepy amalgamation rather than individual people. After being invited to one of the Bunnies’ get-togethers, curiosity gets the best of her and Samantha finds herself led into the sweet, sugary, ritualistic nightmare world of Bunny friendship.
Mix together Clueless, Mean Girls, The Craft, and Heathers, add in a dash of gruesome horror and a whole lot of “What did I just read?!”, and you get Bunny. I loved this one.
- Ashley
Check out Bunny @ the library!
Title: The Book Charmer
Author: Karen Hawkins
Genre: Fiction, Magical Realism
The Dove family has lived in Dove Pond for ages. The daughters are even said to have magical traits. Sarah is the librarian who can commune with books. The books tell her who they need to go to. Though she can't explain it, she takes it in stride. When a book tells her that newcomer Grace is going to save the town, Sarah listens.
Grace is only in Dove Pond long enough to see if it helps her mom battle her Alzheimer's Disease. The job she took to support her family as the city's clerk doesn't pay well, but if it makes Momma G regain some memory, it will be worth the year away from her corporate job. Grace has also just been made guardian of her niece and never being a mom before, has plenty to learn about raising a child. The last thing she needs is to get sucked into the town's drama. One year and done is her mantra.
Will Grace save the town? Read The Book Charmer to find out.
- Sarah R.
Check out The Book Charmer @ the library!
