Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

Title: Eligible

Author: Curtis Sittenfeld

Genre: Adaptation, Romantic Comedy

This modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice had me laughing out loud several times. In this version, writer Liz and yoga teacher Jane are nearing 40 and still haven't found marital bliss. But Chip Bingley, a bachelor famous for his stint on the reality show Eligible, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a dashing though arrogant doctor, could tempt the eldest Bennet sisters into lasting relationships. Sittenfeld makes interesting choices for a contemporary feel, yet Austen fans will clearly recognize the classic novel's beloved characters. Milwaukeeans might also appreciate the Midwestern setting of Cincinnati. Recommended for a delightful escape!

- Sarah L.

Check out Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld @ the library!

Books! Live with Katie 05.26.2021

Did you miss Books! Live with Katie on May 26th? No worries, here's the recording! Katie talks about summer reading, and what books she wants to read this summer. Don't forget to register over at westallislibrary.beanstack.org! Books shared today: Guncle by Stephen Rowley The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalia Harris The People We Meet on Vacation Yearbook by Seth Rogan The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green The Wreckage of My Presence by Casey Wilson Surviving the White Gaze by Rebecca Carroll Fat Chance Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Title: The Duke and I

Author: Julia Quinn

Genre: Historical Romance

If you have already enjoyed the Netflix series, Bridgerton, then this story will sound very familiar - but not exactly the same. This book is the first in the Bridgertons series.

The Duke is back in London after traveling abroad just in time to join the courting season in full bloom. Daphne is single and being pressured to find a husband. They find each other and start a scheme to keep unacceptable would-be mates from hurling themselves at the pair and in the process come to appreciate each other. Gossip, scandals, too much drink, and pistols at dawn make for a lively tale.

If you enjoy a good Regency romance, give this book a whirl.

- Sarah R.

Check out The Duke and I by Julia Quinn @ 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!

Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig

Title: Band of Sisters

Author: Lauren Willig

Genre: Historical Fiction

Lauren Willig’s latest covers a little known group of women who went to France to help the rural towns decimated by the Nazis during World War I. The Smith College Unit helped the French people become self-sufficient by providing chickens, cows, and supplies. Willig used letters written by the real women to create her story and these form the first part of every chapter. A love story is included along with a secret between long lost friends. This novel inspired by true events will have you rooting for these selfless women!

- Lisa

Check out Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig @ the library!

My Eyes Are Up Here by Laura Zimmermann

Title: My Eyes Are Up Here

Author: Laura Zimmermann

Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Young Adult 

Greer Walsh lives mostly in her head. She remembers a time where she was normal, and didn’t need to hide, safe with her friends and being the smart girl. There was a time her life was more than XXL men’s t-shirts and sweatshirts, and coming home from school didn’t mean lying flat on her back braless to enjoy a moment of relief from just standing and walking and trying to control something she didn’t want or ask for.

In fact, from meeting a cute new boy, to making the JV Volleyball team, everything seems to be marred by her desire to hide what is really there, two large breasts that seemingly came from nowhere.

My Eyes are Up Here by Laura Zimmermann is one of those light books that packs a punch when it comes to a strong message. Greer is a fun character who is truly living in her head. Her fear of people looking at her breasts and not noticing her brain or anything else about her does keep her from enjoying life.

This is a Young Adult book, and it is a book I wish was around when I was a teen. I don’t want to spoil it too much, but the struggle with body acceptance is very genuine, and the place Greer ends up at the end of the book is very inspiring, even for this adult reader.

My Eyes are Up Here is for anyone who wishes their body was different, and knows that people are always defined by more than one thing.

- Katie

Check out My Eyes Are Up Here by Laura Zimmermann @ the library!

Books! Live with Katie April 28th, 2021 Books for Mental Health Month

April’s Books! Live with Katie is all about Mental Health Books, and May’s Mental Health Community Read events. These events are organized by the West Allis Mental Health and Substance Abuse Task Force, and are intended to start discussions about mental health in our community. 

This year we are discussing Beautiful Boy by David Sheff, and we will be holding two book discussion sessions on May 11th and May 20th at 6:30 PM on Zoom. Register online or by calling the library and we will send you a link for the Zoom discussions: westallislibrary.org/events or 414-302-8500 

Books discussed on 4.28.2021

Beautiful Boy by David Sheff

Tweak by Nic Sheff 

High by David and Nic Sheff 

Broken by Jenny Lawson 

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh 

Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx 

Life Will Be the Death of Me by Chelsea Handler

Other Things for Mental Health: 

TikTok follow: KC Davis @domisticblisters 

Podcast: Busy Philipps is Doing Her Best, (March 24th episode with guest Dr. Harold Kopelwicz has a great discussion on mental health and kids) 

For more information on Mental Health resources in West Allis: westalliswi.gov/stopthestigma