Awesome August Staff Picks
To begin, this book feels like it was written for polyglots and those who thoroughly enjoy the study of language. Taking place in 1830s Oxford, Babel is the story of Robin Swift, a young Cantonese boy orphaned by a cholera outbreak. He was whisked away by an imposing British man he had never seen before in his life to become a part of the Translator’s Guild of Oxford. What follows is a life of dedication to linguistics and the enigmatic study of silver-working, an arcane art that had become the lifeblood of the British Empire. Heavily focused on the intricacies of the languages we humans have stammered, jabbered, and muttered our ways through, Babel is simultaneously a love letter to the noble efforts of faithful and honest translation and a searing indictment of the atrocities committed by the British Empire at the peak of its power. Personally, as a lover of language, I cannot overstate how much I loved every single word of this book.
-Bryce
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Deep River Promise is a simple story about a small town in Alaska and a forbidden and steamy love between two strong individuals. The book is a quick and easy read. Jackie Ashenden includes themes about death and trauma. She fluidly communicates the characters and their pasts. A story that is full of lust and life.
-Liesel
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This novel is based on historical events that took place in 1887 New York, and it helps one understand with better clarity the unbelievable injustices imposed on women. Nellie Bly was born a girl in a man’s world and did not take well to the notion that the only place for a woman is in the domestic home. In order to secure her dream of a journalist, Nellie agreed to enter the Blackwells Lunatic Asylum, faking madness in order to expose the myths about the treatment at Blackwells and bring about reform. During her ten days in Blackwells, Nellie was torn between horror and pity, and was on the brink of becoming insane herself. Were the women in this institution really insane to begin with, or was it the place that caused them to become insane? It makes one wonder if sanity is merely the ability to contain the madness within you. The inhumanity described in this story is inconceivable, but such a poignant read! Nellie Bly, a woman in a man’s world, was able to change the way women were treated, something a man could not do!
-Virgie
This book took me completely by surprise! An incredible debut novel written both in verse and prose; this artistic masterpiece made me take a breath and fully appreciate the blessing and wonder this life gives us. Maps of Our Spectacular Bodies follows Lia, a woman struggling with a terminal illness, and explores through multiple viewpoints the importance and complications of relationships, grief, and acceptance, all wrapped together in a wild and intimate portrayal of a woman's life. Parts of this book are written from the perspective of the creeping, malevolent illness itself, which adds a whole other level of creativity to this story. I can’t wait to see what this author will write next!
-Annali
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Author Ruth Ware certainly knows how to capture a reader’s attention through suspense, and she’s done it again! Told in the “before” and “after,” this story explores the dynamics of a group of college friends who have grieved the death of their classmate friend, the “it girl”, named so because she had everything; brains, looks, money! The friend hook-ups and relationships get messy through time, yet they are all connected by the “It girl’s” murder. When the murder event is re-visited ten years later, one friend is determined to find out what really happened! Then the story gets real dicey, and there is no obvious answer! If you’re looking for suspense, or if you’re seeking to re-live the nostalgic “good old college days,” then I think you’ll enjoy this read!
-Virgie
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This beautiful retelling of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” is as creepy as it is fun…gi (fungi)! Alex, a retired soldier, is visiting their dying childhood friend, Madeline when they notice something might be off. Strange fungal grows, possessed animals, and a dark pulsing lake are some not-so-subtle hints that something is amiss. Madeline is acting strange and so is her brother.
I would recommend this creepy, fungal horror to fans of Mexican Gothic and horror fans in general!
-Hallie
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Family is a word that can conjure many ideas, but who gets to say what it means to be a family? This story, about a quite unique family, causes one to ponder the whole idea of family, and whether it should be conceived of as a shared load, or a burden! This unusual family is formed by three sets of parents who adopt children from the same group of biological siblings. Although the children are adopted at different times and live in their own family units, they are still raised as siblings. It takes true grit and commitment from the adoptive parents, and the idea of such an arrangement, with its benefits and downfalls, is mesmerizing! It’s certainly got me thinking!
-Virgie
Set in the 1920s, The Foundling follows eighteen-year-old Mary Engle who works at the Nettleton State Village for Feebleminded Women of Childbearing Age. She is in awe of her brilliant, independent female boss and innocently believes the institution is an asset to society. Soon, however, she recognizes an old friend among the patients and begins to question her employer, the institution, and the greater society. Ultimately this is about friendship and resilience during a time when women could be imprisoned for being anything from “feebleminded” to promiscuous and strong-willed.
-Danielle
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While this book is ostensibly about fishing, it’s really about pursuing happiness and maturing to appreciate the importance of human interaction. By giving in to his sole passion – fishing – Gus, the protagonist, comes to see the world through a more complete, transparent lens, which likely couldn’t happen without his single-minded pursuit to do nothing but fish.
Duncan’s writing and style beautifully combines the spiritual, political, and environmental. His recollection of The Garden World, a fantastical world Gus conceived as a child to better understand the circle of life, is awesome. Also, consider Duncan’s The Brothers K.
-Mike
This enjoyable step-by-step book is full of fun watercolor projects ranging from creating bookmarks to cards. Davis makes it so easy to pick up a brush and jump right into painting magical space scenes no matter your prior experience! I absolutely love this book and can’t wait to complete every single project detailed on its pages.
-Isabella
As both a yoga-lover and mythology-lover, this book took my yoga practice to another level. Dr. Raj Balkran, tells the stories behind 50 different yoga poses to allow yogis to connect deeper with the origins of yoga and each pose. I try to read at least one story before my yoga practices, and the story then resonates with me as I focus on that pose throughout my session. I am very grateful to have found this book and am excited to keep using it and grow as a yogi!
-Lark
Tom Segura is one of my favorite comedians, and his first book is full of the same no-holds-barred wit and hilarity that makes his stand-up so good! Segura shares stories from his childhood visiting his maternal family in Peru and brushing off terrorist bombs, his high school misadventures trying (and failing) to achieve pro-football fame and his many tales from being on-the-road. If you haven’t seen Segura’s stand-up, you’ll definitely want to binge it after reading this book!
-Megan
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This is easily one of the most comprehensive and prolific sources of information, eyewitness accounts, and critical theory from both the past and the present. Taking place on the frontlines of radical activism for revolutionary action. Being one of the most misunderstood, demonized, and propagated against ideology movements of the past century what is now known and labeled as “ANTIFA” has been catapulted into the mainstream media and limelight of social media whether you like it or not. We are here. We always have been. And, always will be. So you might as well get to know the “boogie-man” Trump, FOX News, and Alex Jones have told you all about for the past half-decade. In fact, it may surprise you what the truth actually is. From the cult American heroes of Captain America, Indiana Jones, and Luke Skywalker to the actual historical legends of Patrick Henry, George Orwell, and Fred Hampton; Antifascism (i.e. standing up against oppressive authoritarian forces that threaten the very existence of freedom and equality for us and our entire community) is steeped into every fundamental ACTUAL American idol, belief, and foundation. It is what this country was supposedly founded on, is it not? So this book is vital for times such as these. Not only if you agree or despise it, but if you truly want to learn how we have been fighting for a century to stave off the authoritarianism waves of dictatorship and to keep hold tight to every sacred right we have shred blood, sweat, and tears for.
-Squirrelly
In a time and world where every American woman’s reproductive and health rights were ripped away and completely flipped on its head, there are few words powerful enough to express how important this book is. Being so much more than just a comprehensive compilation of the history of women’s health rights and all the twists and turns along the road, but also strategies and processes that have both worked and failed but have been what taught us priceless lessons on how to fight the ever ongoing battle against the oppression against women.
-Squirrelly
This little book of poetry is the perfect place to look for yourself, but also your sister, and the woman across the street. These poems explore the experiences of Muslim girlhood and womanhood, and the joy, pain, and sometimes violence that are inflicted on female bodies. Poems of love and identity flow through these pages like a river, sometimes brutal but always beautiful. If you want poetry that transcends any languages and experiences, this is where I’d start. For readers of Rupi Kaur and Joy Harjo.
-Liesel
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This tenderhearted story for early readers calls to attention welcoming a new baby into a family. All 9-year-old Jacob wants is a puppy, but instead, he is given a baby sister, actually three new sisters! The triplets become Jacob’s school project, as he observes and reports on the growth of his new family. This gentle story includes a lot of humor, as well as compassionate feelings. It’s certainly a testament that siblings don’t always need to involve RIVALRY!
-Virgie
Faisa and Abena have two things in common; they’re both 14 and natives of Ghana, but in all kinds of ways, they are far different from each other. Abena is a privileged young lady, while Faesa lives on the street and carries shoppers’ wares in a basket on her head. When these girls become friends, Abena realizes how frivolous her life is when compared to the meaningful, but difficult life of Faesa. This story presents an opportunity for teens/advanced juvenile readers to ponder whether conveniences and wealth make you happy, or do they merely stand in the way of true contentment?
-Virgie
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I love this book so dearly! The perfect read-aloud, this wonderful book is a perfect way to introduce inclusivity and tolerance as it celebrates love in all forms! When worm and worm want to be married, their friends cricket, bees, spider and beetle have lots of questions. Who will wear the dress? Who will wear the tux? Read along as through teamwork and friendship, they discover that none of it really matters because Worm loves Worm.
-Annali
This book encapsulates my childhood. As a kid, I read this book most nights. The unique poems expanded my imagination and encouraged my creativity. A book for all ages and audiences. I highly recommend that you read to your kids. I think this book inspires original thinking and is the pinnacle of children's poetry. Shel Silverstein understands how to both entertain and teach young minds. This book belongs on your shelf.
-Liesel
This book has been a favorite of mine since I was little! Angelina wants nothing more than to dance and dance and dance all day long. When her mother asks her to tidy her room, Angelina dances. When she is asked to get ready for school, Angelina practices curtsies. Finally, her parents surprise Angelina with her dream: ballet lessons! Now she can twirl and jump and curtsy to her heart's desire! Follow Angelina as she dances right into your heart. The illustrations by Helen Craig are delicate, detailed, dreamy, and oh so aesthetic. It makes me want to live in a country cottage and dance my cares away! If you love this book, there are so many Angelina adventures to choose from. This is a perfect book for young ones who love to dream.
-Annali
