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History and Current Events April 2024
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Praise: "A bold, intriguing, intimate read . . . McCammon’s poignant book serves as a launchpad to learn more." (Kirkus) Further reading: Testimony* by Jon Ward or Pure by Linda Kay Klein.
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Cloistered: My Years as a Nun by Catherine ColdstreamWhat it is: a lyrical and deeply evocative memoir in which the author chronicles her twelve years inside the world of a traditional Carmelite monastery, including her personal journey into and out of an enclosed life of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Praise: "A penetrating debut... Coldstream opens a window into a reclusive culture, resolutely exposing its problems without losing sight of its virtues. The results will fascinate believers and non-believers alike." (Publishers Weekly)
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| Attack from Within: How Disinformation Is Sabotaging America by Barbara McQuadeWhat's inside: In accessible prose, MSNBC legal analyst Barbara McQuade explores how disinformation campaigns perpetuated by the Trump administration continue to play a detrimental role in undermining American democracy.
Praise: "A concise introduction to the threat to American democracy... for those curious about the past and future of political disinformation." (Publishers Weekly)
Further reading: Misbelief by Dan Ariely or Conspiracy* by Michael Shermer. |
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What it is: an erudite and astute commentary from esteemed literary critic Michiko Kakutani, which examines how today's crises of social and political misinformation, radicalization, polarization, and distrust reveal global vulnerabilities, effectively functioning as stress tests which point to sea changes necessary for a sustainable future. Praise: "Kakutani has written a prescient and important book about our perilous times, one that is keenly aware of the immediate dangers, the undertow, and where the calm seas are." (Ken Burns)
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What it is: an epic history of Black self-definition in America through literary tradition. Acclaimed historian Henry Louis Gates Jr. chronicles the centuries of Black writers who -- by asserting identity and community through self-expression -- have effectively created a literary world of belonging that rejects real-world racism.
Praise: "A must for scholars, yet still accessible to general audiences, by arguably the preeminent scholar of African American studies. This gem brilliantly reflects multiple depictions of what it means to be a Black American..." (Library Journal) Further reading: Black Ink edited by Stephanie Stokes Oliver and How We Do It edited by Jericho Brown are both anthologies from contemporary Black authors that reflect on literary craft and tradition.
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| Praise: "What brings [LatinoLand] to life is the richness of voices and perspectives... Arana covers serious ground here in brisk, accessible prose.” (New York Times) |
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The Other Side of the White House
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Featuring: Thomas Jefferson, John Quincy Adams, Grover Cleveland, William Howard Taft, Herbert Hoover, Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush. Praise: "[Cohen] packs this expansive sweep of presidential history with enough storytelling verve and grounded research to legitimize these presidents’ underrepresented post-term stories… An engaging dip into the history of the presidency." (Kirkus)
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| Read it for: a "well-written, extensively researched account of a challenging role in the public eye" (Kirkus) cleverly seasoned with "delicious aperçus and insider tea" (Washington Post). |
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| Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood by Gretchen SissonWhat's inside: Analyzing hundreds of in-depth interviews with birth mothers, sociologist Gretchen Sisson presents a sobering study that examines how adoption systems in America exploit vulnerable families, and posits how these divides will worsen in a post-Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization world. Why you should read it: Relinquished is "a devastating and urgent condemnation of America's adoption industry" (Publishers Weekly) which "contributes to our national understanding of what reproductive justice really means" (Gloria Steinem). |
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Why you should read it: In an age of declining real wages, rising student debt, and economic turbulence from COVID-19, twenty-somethings are more dependent on the resources of parents and parental figures more than ever. Not-quite-empty nesters will appreciate the practical advice from acclaimed psychologist/psychiatrist pair Hibbs and Rostain (The Stressed Years of Their Lives).
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Double Click: Twin Photographers in the Golden Age of Magazines by Carol KinoWhat's inside: an arts journalist offers a captivating chronicle of the lives and impact of Fanny and Fuffy McLaughlin -- identical twins who both became notable New York photographers in the glamorous magazine golden age of the 1930s and 40s. Praise: "Engrossing… Kino paints a textured portrait of artists who came of age amid sea changes in magazine publishing and women’s cultural roles, and helped transform the way Americans consumed information and encountered fashion… Fashion, photography, and pop culture aficionados will be captivated." (Publishers Weekly)
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Praise: "... a moving dual biography... Reid’s access to Myrlie and the couple’s two surviving children enables her to make their tragic yet ultimately inspiring story accessible and human, while still firmly conveying Medgar and Myrlie’s courageousness. This is a rousing tribute to a legendary American family." (Publishers Weekly)
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Radiant: The Life and Line of Keith Haringby Brad GoochWhat's inside: Acclaimed biographer Brad Gooch (Flannery) draws on Haring's extensive archive and over 200 interviews with those who knew him to offer an authoritative, stunning look at the iconic artist. Why you should read it: Gooch reveals how Haring's bold street iconography not only broke down the distinction between high art and popular culture, but also forced the public to contend with topics like crack cocaine, apartheid, safe sex, queerness, AIDS, and other acute social issues of the 1980s. Praise: "A rewarding deep dive.... Gooch captures the innovative, whirlwind creative spirit of the artist.... Shot through with details that bring to life the tumultuous social ferment of the era, this honors the inimitable spirit of a defining figure in the art world." (Publishers Weekly)
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Chasing Beauty: The Life of Isabella Stewart Gardner by Natalie DykstraWhat's inside: a captivating new biography of art collector and museum founder Isabella Stewart Gardner, with insights into her high-spirited personality, famous friendships, and far-reaching travels and collecting, as well as the personal losses, mental health struggles, and strained relationship with Boston society that also characterized her life.
Praise: "Thoroughly researched... [Dykstra] captures the sweep and energy of [Gardner’s] life... A richly detailed biographical portrait." (Kirkus)
Further reading: Isabella Stewart Gardner: A Life by Nathaniel E. Silver; The Memory Palace of Isabella Stewart Gardner by Patricia Vigderman.
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There's Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension by Hanif AbdurraqibWhat's inside: From one of our country's most beloved cultural critics comes a thought-provoking reflection on the golden era of basketball during the 1990s. In compelling prose, Abudrraqib explores what it means to make it, who we think deserves success, and the very notion of heroes and role models. Praise: "MacArthur fellow Abdurraqib follows his Carnegie Medal–winning A Little Devil in America with another unique, memoir-propelled, far-ranging, and affecting inquiry... Structured like a game in quarters and minutes, it’s a galvanic drive through the intricacies of family, community, belief, and dreams... An exhilarating, heartfelt, virtuoso, and profound performance" (Booklist)
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The New York Game: Baseball and the Rise of a New City by Kevin BakerWhat's inside: an entertaining history of baseball and its ties to New York City life from the late 19th century to the end of World War II, including detailed stories of legendary characters on and off the field. Is it for you? Though Baker is a Rockport, MA native, Boston sports fans may be inherently skeptical of a book centered around their rivals. Still, an open-minded reader will find much to learn and love in this study of the intersection between sports and urban anthropology. Praise: "... a massively impressive book by a talented author who is clearly in love with his subject. An exemplary sports book." (Kirkus)
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Praise: "A work of extraordinary reportage and compassion…[it] will shock you, move you, and leave you changed.” (Matthew Desmond, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Evicted* and Poverty, by America*)
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| Praise: "Written with empathy, curiosity and a clear knack for storytelling... [Cohen] offers readers an insightful and intimate look at what life could be like if we broaden our horizons beyond ‘compulsory coupledom’ and welcome the idea that ‘romantic relationships’ are not the only unions that can shape our lives.” (Bookpage) |
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| Praise: "Basing her conclusions on fine-grained observations of her clients, Rodgers illuminates the contours of the autistic brain and in the process makes a deeply felt case for the value of embracing others’ neurological particularities." (Publishers Weekly) |
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About the book...
What it is: First published in 1985, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat is one of late neurologist Oliver Sacks' most beloved books. In this fascinating group of essays, Sacks describes patients he has treated whose conditions span the psychological spectrum and pose fundamental questions about the nature of reality. What sets Sacks' book apart is not just his medical expertise -- though there's plenty of that -- but the intrigue and wonder with which he treats his subjects. Praise: "If you enjoy medical case histories that are sensitive yet lively, weird but informative, then Sacks' book is your ticket.... This book ranks with the very best of its genre. It will inform and entertain anyone, especially those who find medicine an intriguing and mysterious art." (Kirkus)
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