Committed by Adam Stern

Title: Committed: Dispatches from a Psychiatrist in Training 

Author: Adam Stern 

Genre: Non-fiction

I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir of the author's residency in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He writes compassionately and honestly about his patients, his experiences feeling lost and unworthy of being at Harvard, and how he learns so much about our need for human connection. If you enjoy getting an insider's view of the medical world, and are even vaguely interested in psychiatry, this is one for you!

- Elizabeth

Check out Committed by Adam Stern @ the library!

Gory Details by Erika Engelhaupt

Title: Gory Details

Author: Erika Engelhaupt

Genre: Non-fiction, Science

Do you love science? If you do, Gory Details is for you. It‘s a collection of essays exploring questions that the author, a science editor, has wondered about. Written in an easy to read style with plenty of humor, this book will fascinate anyone curious about our bodies and the natural world. It definitely has some pretty gross parts but those can be skipped over if needed. It can be read straight through or you can jump around reading what interests you.

- Lisa

Check out Gory Details by Erika Engelhaupt @ the library!

Caste by Isabel Wilkerson

Title: Caste: The Origin of Our Discontents

Author: Isabel Wilkerson

Genre: Non-fiction, History, Race Relations

Wow. This is a thoroughly researched, thought-inducing look at how the treatment of race is similar to the caste system of India. Wilkerson walks you through history, and takes you through political, economical, social, and other aspects of race. It is not a short read or an easy one, but a soul-searching look at how stacked the deck has been, and without question still is, against people of color. Highly recommended.

- Sarah R.

Check out Caste by Isabel Wilkerson @ the library!

Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou

Title: Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup
Author: John Carreyrou

Genre: Non-fiction, True Crime

Have you ever heard of Elizabeth Holmes? How about Theranos? They both were poised to revolutionize the healthcare world with blood diagnostic machines that could run lots of tests on just a drop or two of blood. The idea was that they could provide quick and accurate results to help people manage their health and thereby avoid serious illness or at least catch it in time. Sounds almost too good to be true...
Follow the meteoric rise of this silicon valley startup, its big-name investors, its cloak and dagger treatment of employees, and its eventual exposure at the hands of a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter.
-Sarah R.

Check out Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou @ the library!

I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara

Title: I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer
Author: Michelle McNamara
Genre: Nonfiction/True Crime

This one is for all the Murderinos out there! In the 1970s and early 1980s, California was terrorized by a serial rapist and murderer. For more than ten years, a mysterious and violent predator committed fifty sexual assaults in Northern California before moving south, where he perpetrated ten sadistic murders. Then he disappeared, eluding capture by multiple police forces and some of the best detectives in the area. Over 30 years later, investigative journalist Michelle McNamara began her obsessive search to find the killer. Unfortunately, she suddenly died before a discovery could be made.This book chronicles her search for the Golden State Killer and elaborates on the crimes he committed during his reign of terror. Now a HBO mini-series, this book is a must read for any true crime lover.

- Megan

Check out I'll Be Gone in the Dark : One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara @ the library!

The End of the Perfect 10: The Making and Breaking of Gymnastics' Top Score ―from Nadia to Now by Dvora Meyers

Title: The End of the Perfect 10: The Making and Breaking of Gymnastics' Top Score ―from Nadia to Now
Author: Dvora Meyers
Genre: Non-fiction (sports)

A great book highlighting the difference in scores for international elite gymnastics competitions now that they have removed the 10.00 based scoring system. I have been searching out more books about the sports that I love as a way to lead up to my celebration of the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan this July and August, and this book truly fit this goal!
A brief history of the sport at the top levels, the politics behind the scenes that helped to lead to the scoring changes, and some wonderful chances to relive some of the most amazing moments in Olympic gymnastics history, entwine to make for a wonderful read!
It's not perfect, and the book doesn't avoid dealing with some of the negative aspects of the sport as well, but as it was published just before the Rio Olympics, in July 2016, it does not touch the more recent scandals that the sport has faced.

- Katrina

Check out The End of the Perfect 10 @ the library!

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life

Title: Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life
Author: Steve Martin
Genre: Autobiography, Memoir, Non-Fiction

Did you know that Steve Martin performed stand-up comedy before he was in such films as The Jerk, Parenthood, and Father of the Bride? This autobiography of his stand-up years will share the path that Steve took to stardom that include stops at Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, The Smother's Brothers Comedy Hour, and later, Saturday Night Live. Between these big names, he played a lot of small venues, worked on honing his craft, and endeavored to be an original voice on stage. 

Included are some of his jokes, but really this is more about his journey, so if you're hoping for a comedy album, look for "Let's Get Small" or "Wild and Crazy Guy." This recount is more serious including topics such as difficulties connecting with his father, the loneliness of a life on the road, and the pressure to be "on" all the time.

- Sarah R.

Check out Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life @ the library!

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Title: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Author: Susan Cain
Genre: General Non-Fiction

Living in a society that clearly promotes being outgoing and extroverted, it can be hard for us to see the value of an introverted nature. Susan Cain and her extensively researched book make a point to demonstrate that though there are differences between the two styles, there isn't necessarily a better one to be. Knowing which you are, and yes, you can have elements of both, can help you to a better, healthier life and more fulfilled relationships with others.

I appreciated the many accessible examples provided in this book and the occasional self-tests to help determine where I fell on the spectrum of introversion-extroversion. Additionally, this book helped me comprehend the basis for various sensitivities and the reasons for some behaviors. I think this is a good book for anyone looking to better understand themselves and those around them. 

- Sarah R.

Check out Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking @ the library!

The 13th Gift: A True Story of the Christmas Miracle by Joanne Huist Smith

Title: The 13th Gift: A True Story of the Christmas Miracle
Author: Joanne Huist Smith
Genre: Non-Fiction, Christmas

The perfect story for any looking for hope and inspiration during the Christmas season, this is a true story about a family dealing with an intense grief, after the head of the family dies shortly before holiday season. The wife and mother, grieving the loss of her husband, struggles with how to keep the Christmas spirit alive for her three children - but the wonder and excitement comes easily when they discover a new present waiting for them each of the twelve days leading up to Christmas, with notes signed simply "Your True Friends."

- Katrina

Check out The 13th Gift @ the library!

Heads in Beds by Jacob Tomsky

Title: Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality
Author: Jacob Tomsky
Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Humor

Jacob Tomsky lets you look through the peephole of the hotel industry from the point of view of an employee. He has worked in various positions: parking valet, head of housekeeping, and behind the front desk. He offers up salacious stories, travel tips, and life lessons. He also sprinkles in a little of his personal story and drops a few names to keep things interesting.

I never suspected how carefully orchestrated the hustles are, and I know the next time I find myself in a home away from home, I will have a whole new understanding and appreciation for all that goes into the hospitality business.

- Sarah R.

Check out Heads in Beds @ the library! 

Three Women by Lisa Taddeo

Title: Three Women
Author: Lisa Taddeo

Genre: Non-Fiction

This book isn't going to be for everyone, and it's definitely not the feel-good book of the year. Lisa Taddeo follows the sex lives of three women (hence the title): one in a loveless marriage who turns to a high-school boyfriend; one who was groomed, courted, and dropped by her high school teacher; and one who participates in menage a trois to please her husband. These three tales of desperation, desire, and dissatisfaction are shared, but not glorified. It is an unvarnished and introspective look at fidelity, morals, and family/couple dynamics.

- Sarah R.

Check out Three Women @ the library.

A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life by Brian Grazy and Charles Fishman

Title: A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life
Author: Brian Grazer and Charles Fishman

Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Motivational

Movie producer Brian Grazer (A Beautiful Mind, Splash, Backdraft, Apollo 13) talks about the many times that curiosity has propelled him along in both finding his career and furthering it. The names dropped, and there are many, are some of the tippy top of lists everywhere: Oprah, Jonas Salk, Isaac Asimov, and more. 

Grazer also talks about different types of curiosity, when to engage them, and when to turn it off. In this Golden Age of Curiosity, he feels that those who ask have a better-than-ever opportunity to find their answers. 

While I didn't end up in love with this book, I did find it a good reminder that simple curiosity can take you places that maybe you never anticipated going. 

- Sarah R.

Check out A Curious Mind: The Secret to a Bigger Life @ the library.

Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language by Gretchen McCulloch

Title: Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language
Author: Gretchen McCulloch

Genre: Linguistics, Language, Internet Culture, Non-Fiction

Because Internet takes a fascinating look at language and internet culture. Author Gretchen McCulloch discusses everything from the various meanings of lol (such as the difference between LOL and lol - because yes, there is one), to how using emoji is our way of expressing gestures in online conversations, to the various "generations" of internet users and how when they first came online influences their internet use and online communication style. This last one was definitely my favorite chapter. It was so fascinating to me to see these generations of Internet People laid out and to not only be able to identify myself with one, but also to see the characteristics of other generations in my family, friends, and those I come in contact with on a daily basis. The author also answers questions like why young people use so many exclamation points, why older people use so many ellipses, and how sarcasm is expressed through text.

Side note: Gretchen McCulloch is one of the co-host of the podcast Lingthusiam, "a podcast that's enthusiastic about linguistics." I'd highly recommend it, especially if you are a language nerd like me!

- Sarah P.

Check out Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language @ the library.

Simple Cake: All You Need to Keep Your Friends and Family in Cake by Odette Williams

Title: Simple Cake: All You Need to Keep Your Friends and Family in Cake
Author: Odette Williams

Genre: Cookbooks, Non-Fiction

Australian by birth, New Yorker by marriage, Odette Williams set out to create a cookbook for making cakes that would pay homage to one that every household seemed to have when she was growing up, the Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake Book. Williams was inspired by the simplicity of the book from her childhood and has produced one similarly streamlined in which there are just ten cake recipes and fifteen cake toppings. Using these building blocks, the baker can combine their favorite cake with their chosen topping, or choose to follow one of the recipe variations on either, to create their own masterpiece. Simple Cake encourages a return to baking simplicity and the author advocates for including children in the baking process and baking cakes to nurture important relationships in our lives. The well-tested recipes and the attention to making the baking process easy make this a solid start to any cake baking that you might try.

- Elizabeth

Check out Simple Cake: All You Need to Keep Your Friends and Family in Cake @ the library.

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson

Title: 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

Author: Jordan B. Peterson

Genre: Non-Fiction, Psychology, Philosophy

Back in 2012, psychologist Jordan B. Peterson was browsing through Quora, answering questions that interested him. When he came upon the question "What are the most valuable things everyone should know?", he answered with a list of short adages that he thought to be true and worth sharing. His answer quickly gained popularity on the website, and many others shared that his answers resonated with them. "12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos" includes a dozen of the adages originally shared on Quora, along with an extensive and thought-provoking discussion as to how he finds each truth to be evident. A major theme in all the rules is the idea that our world is full of chaos and part of living and thriving in this world is learning how to bring order to this chaos. He also discusses the importance of taking responsibility and charge of your life, raising children to be people that other people like to be around, and taking time to stop and appreciate the good things of your life (even if they're small).

Each page had something that made me stop and think, and it does takes a while to digest all the information packed into each sentence. Don't let this deter you from reading the book, though! While it was definitely a heavy read, it was a worthwhile one nevertheless! You'll no doubt leave having learned something about yourself, or at least having thought more deeply about your life and the reality of the world we live in.

- Sarah P.

Check out 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos @ the library.

Anatomy of a Song by Marc Myers

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a great song? What does it take to write, record and produce a song that defines a year or genera of music? Then check out Marc Myers Anatomy of A Song, where he has collected 45 songs and interviewed the writers, performers and producers responsible for them. From 1952's Lawdy Miss Clawdy to 1991's Losing My Religion, Anatomy of a Song is not so much a direct pop music history, but a back track to how a song gets made, the people who could have made the music, and the songs that are surprise successes.

Personal drama, musicians trying new things, and surprising facts about musician's will keep you reading. Skip a head to your favorite songs, or read straight through to follow a line of music history. These essays first appeared in the Wall Street Journal, but make a great collection for fans of popular music and how it gets made.

Check out Anatomy of a Song by Marc Myers @ the library!

New Halloween Reads!

With Halloween falling on a Tuesday this year, this weekend is sure to be filled with pre-Halloween fun. Whether you are heading out to a fall-fest, getting ready for the trick-or-treaters, or just planning on staying at home with the porch lights out, here are some new Halloween books:

From Here to Eternity by Caitlin Doughty:  Author and mortician Caitlin Doughty travels around the world to research different culture's death customs. For the reader wondering what happens after death, here on Earth.

All I Want for Halloween by Marie Hart: Here's a romance novel about a spin the bottle game at a masquerade ball, and the hunt for the man she kissed. For the reader who likes holiday driven romance.

Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King and Owen King: In a world where women are encased as they sleep, and become violent if the casing is disturbed, one woman is immune to this. Fans of Stephen King, and horror area probably already of the wait list, so why not join them!

The Apparitionists by Peter Manseau: I think the sub-title tells you what you need to know about this book, "a tale of phantoms, fraud, photography, and the man who captured Lincoln's ghost". For the historian or paranormal fan.

Basic Witches by Jaya Saxena: Looking for a self-empowering read, that might make mention of magic and spells? More of a self help book than actual witchcraft, this is for the reader looking to be a better more confident person.

If there isn't something on this list for you, check out this list of New Creepy Books for Halloween from the Book Bub blog!

The Card Catalog: Books, Cards, and Literary Treasures by the Library of Congress

As librarians, we are quite often asked about the card catalogs our older patrons remember from their youth. While technology has completely changed the way one finds the books they're looking, the card catalog still lives on, just in a different format. The Card Catalog: Books, Cards, and Literary Treasures pays homage to those 3x5 manila-colored cards that we all love. Authored by the Library of Congress, with a foreword from new Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, this book explains the origins of the card catalog, the information contained on those little cards, and just how important those cards were in the early days of libraries. The chapter entitled "The Rise and Fall of the Card Catalog" discusses the beginning of the demise of the card catalog following the use of punched cards following the 1890 census and how IBM revolutionized the way librarians cataloged books.

While the background information about the card catalog is interesting, perhaps the best part of this book is the rare photos the reader gets to see. Images of book cover art from Gone With the Wind, The Sound and the Fury, Snowy Day, and many others from the Library of Congress' collection are included. The original card is also included alongside the title. So just what happened to all of those cards? As this book notes, many of the cards have been used as art, jewelry, or collectibles. And those gorgeous wood card catalog drawers? Ask a librarian, chances are they can only dream of ever affording one.

This book, particularly of interest to librarians, would also be of interest to historians, bibliophiles, and avid library users. It's an interesting look at the roots of librarianship and provides a fascinating glimpse at what technology has provided us with.

I Hate Everyone, Except You by Clinton Kelly

Clinton Kelly perhaps best known for all things fashion on What Not to Wear and co-host of the The Chew, is back with an all new book filled with candid, hilarious, and often snarky essays on nearly everything under the sun. From his somewhat awkward childhood to his feud with Paula Deen over whether or not it's acceptable to eat a chicken wing with a fork on TV to what was supposed to a relaxing spa day with his best friend that turned into a muddy fiasco, Kelly isn't afraid to tell it like it is. While known for his TV persona, I Hate Everyone, Except You is an unapologetic, honest, humorous look at Kelly's life; one that we don't always see on TV.

Weddiculous: An Unfiltered Guide to Being a Bride by Jamie Lee

As a bride-to-be, the exciting yet daunting task of planning a wedding is before me. Jamie Lee's book Weddiculous: An Unfiltered Guide to Being a Bride has made that task a little bit more entertaining. Her book, part wedding memoir, part checklist/timeline, part comedy paints wedding planning in a completely different light. While the timelines and checklists are helpful when it comes to planning, perhaps it's Lee's comedic insights that make this book an entertaining read. Lee's not afraid to say it like it is when it comes to nosy parents, how expensive everything is, and the wedding traditions that new generations of brides could live without. Though sometimes Lee's humor is a bit much, the best advice to take away from reading Weddiculous is that the most important things about your wedding day is that "it's just the first day in a long and happy marriage."