|
|
Biography and Memoir July 2025 |
|
|
|
|
| Dreaming of Home: How We Turn Fear into Pride, Power, and Belonging by Cristina JiménezIn her moving debut, MacArthur Fellow and community organizer Cristina Jiménez recounts her family's fraught immigration journey from Ecuador to the United States in the 1990s, detailing her fears of living undocumented, her commitment to social justice activism, and her role in helping enact Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Try this next: Children of the Land by Marcelo Hernandez Castillo. |
|
| How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter's Memoir by Molly Jong-FastMolly Jong-Fast, the daughter of Fear of Flying author Erica Jong, chronicles her "wildly conflicted" relationship with her mother, whose neglect spurred Jong-Fast's battles with addiction and whose dementia diagnosis in 2023 helped the two reconnect. For fans of: Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden. |
|
| Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America by Sam TanenhausFormer New York Times Book Review editor Sam Tanenhaus' incisive and richly detailed biography surveys the life and legacy of public intellectual William F. Buckley, Jr., whose philosophies shaped the modern conservatism movement. Further reading: Buckley: William F. Buckley Jr. and the Rise of American Conservatism by Carl T. Bogus. |
|
| Joy Goddess: A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance by A'Lelia BundlesA'Lelia Bundles "brings vibrant life" (Publishers Weekly) to her great-grandmother A'Lelia Walker (trailblazing entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker's daughter), who parlayed her status as the United States' first high-profile Black heiress to become a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance and a prolific patron of the arts. Try this next: Madam C.J. Walker: The Making of an American Icon by Erica L. Ball. |
|
Books You Might Have Missed
|
|
| Bibliophobia by Sarah ChihayaBook critic and essayist Sarah Chihaya plumbs her bookish obsessions in this thought-provoking memoir exploring how literature shaped her identity as a Japanese American in a predominantly white Ohio suburb, helped her navigate mental health woes and destructive relationships, and bolstered her career as an academic. Try these next: Gather Me: A Memoir in Praise of the Books That Saved Me by Glory Edim; Asian/Other: Life, Poems, and the Problem of Memoir by Vidyan Ravinthiran. |
|
| The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe by Marlene L. DautYale University professor Marlene L. Daut's scholarly and nuanced biography explores the complex legacy of Henry Chrisophe (1767-1820), Haiti's only king, whose evolution from revolutionary leader to despot shaped the country during its fight for independence and the decades that followed. Further reading: Haiti: The Aftershocks of History by Laurent Dubois. |
|
| Mainline Mama by Keeonna HarrisPEN America Writing for Justice Fellow Keeonna Harris debuts with a searing account of her experiences navigating the prison industrial complex after her partner was sentenced to 22 years in prison following their son's birth. Try this next: Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford. |
|
| Pure Innocent Fun by Ira Madison IIIIn his funny and nostalgic blend of memoir and cultural criticism, TV writer and Keep It! podcast co-host Ira Madison III shares his formative pop culture influences. For fans of: Wannabe: Reckonings with the Pop Culture That Shapes Me by Aisha Harris. |
|
| Love, Queenie: Merle Oberon, Hollywood's First South Asian Star by Mayukh SenMayukh Sen's thought-provoking biography of British South Asian actress Merle Oberon (1911-1979) poignantly illuminates how the star navigated passing as a white woman within the Golden Age of Hollywood's racist and classic system, becoming the first actor of color nominated for an Academy Award while disguising her heritage. For fans of: Daughter of the Dragon: Anna May Wong's Rendezvous with American History by Yunte Huang. |
|
Threads of Tradition: Beading Our Cultural Colors
Thursday, July 17,
10:00 AM
Del City Library
Add a splash of color to your summer reading adventure and join us as we explore the vibrant world of Choctaw beadwork. In this program, you will learn about the significance of beading in Choctaw culture.
|
|
The Art of Philippine Weaving
Thursday, July 17,
2:00 PM
Edmond Library
Join us for an exciting exploration of Philippine weaving in a multitude of forms. Learn the significance of weaving to the indigenous cultures of the islands. See the Malong dance that incorporates the styling of a sarong and make your very own keychain, bracelet or pendant featuring a handwoven piece of fabric.
|
|
Learn Filipino Folk Dance
Saturday, July 19,
2:00 PM
Belle Isle Library
The KAPWA Martial Arts and Dance team breaks things down for you in an interactive, hands-on setting. Learn the cultural dances of the Philippines inspired by their unique martial arts style and try them for yourself with experienced performer-teachers.
|
|
Lost History, Arts Edition: Rediscovering Tales of Oklahoma's Past
Sunday, July 20, July 27, August 3,
2:00 PM
Bethany Library
Rediscover tales of Oklahoma's past (and present!) in this exciting discussion series led by local Oklahoma historians and artists. Each week, we will rediscover a new aspect of Oklahoma history you probably didn't cover in your Oklahoma History classes.
|
|
Genealogy 101
Saturday, July 26,
10:00 AM
Edmond Library
Join us for a monthly discussion of all things genealogy! Learn about free library resources to help with your research.
|
|
Spiritually Bold Inc. Presents: 'A Man with a Plan, the story of Roscoe Dungee.'
Saturday, August 9,
2:00 PM
Ralph Ellison Library
Come enjoy A Man with a Plan, the story of Roscoe Dungee, a play brought to you by Spiritually Bold, Inc. Roscoe Dungee is a famous Oklahoman journalist who founded the Black Dispatch newspaper in 1915. This play highlights his participation in the Ada Lois Fisher case. The play is educational, informative, and entertaining. Don't miss learning more about this important figure in Oklahoma history.
|
|
|
|
Summer Reading Program
Our Summer Reading Program (June 1-July 31) is open to ALL ages, from pre-readers to adults, so sign up today for a chance to win some great prizes this summer!
|
|
|
|
Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale
Join us at the FREE Friends of the Library Summer Book Sale at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds (Hobby, Arts & Craft Bldg at 3100 Gen. Pershing Blvd) Sat, Aug 9-Sun, Aug 10 from 9am-5pm. Fri, Aug 8 from 4-7 pm is a Members Only Pre-Sale event for those who become a Friends member between July 1, 2025 and August 8, 2025 at https://supportmls.org/fol/booksale/.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|