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News & Stories
On Saturday, July 4, more than 50 members of the Arlington Heights community joined the library in the Frontier Days Fourth of July Parade.
Arlington Heights readers strolled downtown while hearing from acclaimed bestselling authors Layne Fargo, Sandra Jackson-Opoku and Daniel Kraus.
Makerplace staff partnered with the Village of Arlington Heights Public Works to bring a unique community art project to the Arlington Heights Farmers Market.
Your Next Great Read

This book made me think of you
Page, Libby,
"Twelve books. Twelve months. One chance to heal her heart... When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there's a birthday gift from her husband waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn't come as more of a shock. Partly because she can't remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. But mainly because Joe died five months ago.... When she goes to pick up the present, Alfie, the kind (and adorably bookish) bookshop owner, explains the gift-twelve carefully chosen books from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him. Her monthly trips to the bookstore-and heartfelt conversations with Alfie-give Tilly the comfort she craves and the courage to set out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to vlog her journey, her story becomes more than her own. With help from Alfie, her budding new following and her friends and family, can Tilly's year of books show her how to love again?" --

The devil's bible
Berry, Steve, 1955-
"Former Justice Department operative, Cotton Malone, is called to Sweden when the younger sister of King Wilhelm I is kidnapped. The ransom demand? Hand over an 800-year-old book, the Codex Gigas--the largest illuminated medieval manuscript in the world. Claimed as war loot from Bohemia in 1648, it's been kept in Stockholm for nearly 400 years. Along the way it also acquired another more mysterious moniker...The Devil's Bible. Now the Czech Republic wants the codex back, and Sweden has agreed to return it, but forces are at work to stop that deal from happening. The likely instigator? Russia. Who is also top of the list for possible kidnappers. It's up to Cotton and Cassiopeia Vitt to locate the king's sister, secure the codex, and thwart the Russians. Yet nothing is as it seems. Trusted allies become hostile enemies. Long-standing enemies suddenly shift into partners. Making matters worse, an array of conflicting personalities re-emerging from Cotton's past, transforming an already chaotic international situation into something far more personal and deadly."--Publisher description

American war
El Akkad, Omar, 1982-
"Sarat Chestnut, born in Louisiana, is only six when the Second American Civil War breaks out in 2074. But even she knows that oil is outlawed, that Louisiana is half underwater, and that unmanned drones fill the sky. When her father is killed and her family is forced into Camp Patience for displaced persons, she begins to grow up shaped by her particular time and place. Eventually Sarat is befriended by a mysterious functionary, under whose influence she is turned into a deadly instrument of war. The decisions that she makes will have tremendous consequences not just for Sarat but for her family and her country, rippling through generations of strangers and kin alike."

The hiding season
Glass, Ava, 1974-
"After a painful divorce, Maya Landry is in desperate need of a fresh start, which she finds deep in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. Maya's relieved when she's hired as a summer keeper of billionaire-owned ski lodges left empty after snow season ends, and her new life of peace and isolation is going exactly as hoped ... until she stumbles across a dead body on the living room floor of one of the lodges. The killers don't want anyone left who knows what they've done. Forced to go on the run, Maya must rely on a mysterious stranger who offers to help her. But, surrounded by danger, can she trust him? Can she trust anyone?"--Flap page 1 of dust jacket

I give you my silence
Vargas Llosa, Mario, 1936-2025,
"In his final novel, the Nobel Prize winner Mario Vargas Llosa returns to his native Peru"-- Provided by publisher

Sluz︠h︡nyt͡si͡a
McFadden, Freida,

Playing for keeps
Bellefleur, Alexandria,
"Poppy Peterson's life is finally back on track and she's thriving as the publicist of the NFL's most promising quarterback (and her childhood best friend), Cash Curran. So, she doesn't appreciate when he makes an impulsive and public pass at America's popstar darling, Lyric Adair. When Lyric's notorious publicist Rosaline Sinclair reaches out, Poppy is ready to face her wrath, but instead learns that Lyric is equally interested. As Cash and Lyric embark on their ill-advised whirlwind romance, Poppy and Rosaline are forced together, each determined to protect their own client from the other. Poppy is frustrated by Rosaline's cool demeanor, while at the same time, as a legend in the industry, she's determined to impress her. But, no matter what she does, she can't shake the feeling that Rosaline doesn't like her. That is until one steamy night, when the two women contend with their unexpected feelings and begin a messy romance of their own. But with paparazzi, tabloids, and stalker fans nipping at their heels, Poppy and Rosaline's loyalties will be tested in ways they could never expect." --

The pōhaku
Hakes, Jasmin 'Iolani,
A young woman lies comatose in a hospital, watched by her estranged grandmother. Mystery surrounds the woman's fall. Did she jump off the cliff, or was she swept away by a wave? Her grandmother suspects it is linked to the pōhaku, an ancient stone that their family was tasked with protecting. It soon becomes clear that the pōhaku's story must survive if there is to be any hope of the family's reconciliation with their home, with nature, and with each other

The bridge back to you
Neilson, Riss M.,
"Olivia owes everything to Celia's Place. It's where she learned how to be a great chef. It's also where she first fell in love. But at nineteen, Olivia had a wanderlust she couldn't deny. And Carmello, whose mother owned the restaurant, couldn't leave Celia's Place behind any more than he could force Olivia to stay. Now, ten years later, Olivia is a successful personal chef. Her job allows her to travel the world, and she has never stayed in the same place for too long. When Carmello learns that his mother left shares of her beloved restaurant to both him and Olivia, he plans to buy her half of the shares back quickly and painlessly. That is until Olivia shows up at the restaurant, ready to help run it. Now Carmello sees an opportunity: drive Olivia away from his restaurant so that she will want to sign over her shares. But Olivia sees a different opportunity. She finally has the chance to stay in one place and build a home after years on the move, and perhaps now is the right time to explore whether that home can be with the one who got away. Soon enough, sparks begin to fly, but can Olivia and Carmello avoid the mistakes of the past?"-- Provided by publisher

Les Normaux. 2
Janssen, Janine,
"Magic and mayhem collide in supernatural Paris as Sébastien, a young wizard, comes to terms with his demisexuality and explores his growing feelings for his neighbor Elia--a hot supermodel vampire. Join Elia, Sébastien and their assorted crew of wonderful friends, as they navigate the ins and outs of dating and relationships in this modern and paranormal love story."--

More than enough
Quindlen, Anna,
"High school English teacher Polly Goodman can talk about everything and anything with the women in her book club, which is why they've become her closest friends and, along with the support of her veterinarian husband, the bedrock of her life. Her private school students, her fraught relationship with mother, her struggles with IVF-Polly's book club friends have heard it all. But when they give Polly an ancestry test kit as a joke, the results match her with a stranger. Despite it seeming clear that this match is a mistake, Polly cannot help combing through her own family history for answers. Then, when it seems that the book club circle of four will become three, Polly learns how friendships can change your life in the most profound ways"-- Provided by publisher

Willing prey
Oleander, Allie,
"Divorced and buried in student loan debt, Claire Collins eagerly enters a spicy business agreement with an acquaintance who wants to explore his primal desires. The deal is simple: thirty days as his sexual prey, thirty thousand dollars in her bank account. All she has to do is give Shane Underwood the hunt of his life. Claire's a physical education teacher and perfectly happy to spend her summer having wild, kinky sex instead of working her usual serving job. But once they cross the tree line, she realizes how little she knows about the corporate lawyer paying her to be his prey. Shane is different in the woods. Brutal. Devastating. Feral That's okay with Claire--she is too. And she's sinking her teeth a little deeper into Shane's heart every time he catches her."--Page [4] of cover

Agnes Aubert's mystical cat shelter
Fawcett, Heather (Heather M.),
"Agnes Aubert leads a meticulously organized life, and she likes it that way. As the proudly type-A manager of a cat rescue charity, she has devoted her life to finding forever homes for stray cats. Now it's the shelter that needs a new home. And the only landlord who will rent a space to a cat rescue is a mysterious man called Havelock--who also happens to be the world's most infamous magician, running an illegal magic shop out of his basement. Havelock is cantankerous and eccentric, but not not handsome, and no, Agnes absolutely does not feel anything but disdain for him. After all, rumors swirl about his shadowy past--including whispers that his dark magic once almost brought about the apocalypse. Then one day a glamorous magician comes looking for Havelock, putting the magic shop--and the cat shelter--in jeopardy. To save the shelter, Agnes will have to team up with the magician who nearly ended the world . . . and may now be trying to steal her heart. Havelock is everything Agnes thinks she doesn't need in her life: chaos, mischief, and a little too much adventure. But as she gets to know him, she discovers that he's more than the dark magician of legend, and that she may be ready for a little intrigue--and romance--in her life. After all, second chances aren't just for rescue cats. . . ."--

Six little words
Page, Sally,
Kate gave up her dreams of being a painter years ago. Retired English teacher Bardy is grappling with writer's block. They discover a local community group encouraging people to rediscover their own creative spark and the long-lost courage to chase it

Women of a promiscuous nature
Everhart, Donna,
Accused of "promiscuity" in 1940s North Carolina, a young woman unjustly incarcerated and subjected to involuntary medical treatment at The State Industrial Farm Colony for Women decides to fight back in this powerful, shockingly timely novel based on the long-buried history of the American Plan, the government program designed to regulate women's bodies and sexuality throughout the first half of the 20th century. The day Ruth Foster's life changes begins the same way as many others--with a walk through her North Carolina hometown toward the diner where she works. But on this day, Ruth is stopped by the local sheriff, who insists that she accompany him to a health clinic. Women like Ruth--young, unmarried, living alone--must undergo testing in order to preserve decency and prevent the spread of sexual disease. Though Ruth has never shared more than a chaste kiss with a man, by day's end she is one of dozens of women held at the State Industrial Farm Colony for Women. Some, like 15-year-old Stella Temple, are brought in at their family's request. For Stella, even the Colony's hardships seem like a respite from her nightmarish home life. Superintendent Dorothy Baker, convinced that she's transforming degenerate souls into upstanding members of society, oversees the women's medical treatment and "training" until they're deemed ready for parole. Sooner or later, everyone at the Colony learns to abide by Mrs. Baker's rule book or face the consequences--solitary confinement, grueling work assignments, and worse. But some refuse to be cowed. Against Mrs. Baker's dogged efforts and the punishing weight of authority, Ruth and other inmates find ways to fight back, resolved to regain their freedom at any cost .

CISA : certified information systems auditor : practice tests, covers 2024-2029 exam objectives
Gregory, Peter H.,
Improve your understanding of every CISA exam domain and objectives to further your career in information security auditing CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor Practice Tests provides essential and practical exam prep for the popular CISA certification. Hundreds of domain-by-domain practice questions cover all the tested Certified Information Systems Auditor exam objectives, helping you prepare for the test and for the real-world demands of a career in systems audit, security, and control. Just like the real exams, the practice questions written by veteran information security experts Peter Gregory and Mike Chapple cover the information system auditing process, the governance and management of IT, information systems acquisition, development, and implementation, information systems operations and business resilience, and the protection of information assets. These rigorous and realistic practice questions will get you ready whether this is your first role in the industry or if you are experienced and ready to advance your career. By studying the domain-by-domain questions and well as taking the full chapter practice exams, you'll get help in identifying your subject-matter strengths and weaknesses and be ready to shift from topic to topic in an exam-like setting. In the book, you'll get: Challenging questions designed to advance your understanding and comprehension of all covered exam domains ; Questions as similar as possible to the real CISA exam questions ; Complimentary access to online version of the same questions to practice your online test-taking skills ; Perfect for everyone studying for the CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor certification exam, this book will also benefit IT security professionals seeking to test and improve their skillset

Bittersweet : the five tastes of dessert and beyond
Ho, Thalia,
Wild Sweetness: The Five Tastes by Thalia Ho is a visually striking cookbook presenting over 100 dessert recipes that explore the five basic tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. The book emphasizes the ways these flavors interact to create balance, contrast, and complexity in desserts. Recipes range from traditional favorites to inventive and adventurous creations, accompanied by reflective commentary and photography that highlights the artistry of cooking and presentation. Suitable for both beginning and experienced home cooks, this work combines culinary instruction with a meditative approach to flavor, texture, and the sensory experience of food

The 21 irrefutable laws of leadership : follow them and people will follow you
Maxwell, John C., 1947-
"HarperCollins and John C. Maxwell are celebrating the milestone anniversary of Maxwell's New York Times bestselling book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership with the publication of a new revised and updated 25th Anniversary Edition. Maxwell has gone through every word of this book and updated it for the next generation of leaders. He has added new insights to these timeless laws and included lessons learned since he originally wrote the book. He removed dated stories and replaced them with fresh ones that apply to today's world of business. What Maxwell didn't change are the powerful leadership truths that have been helping people become better leaders for the last quarter century. This is still the best book on leadership people can buy, whether they want to learn leadership on their own, develop as leaders in a group, or teach leadership to others as a mentor" --

Good woman : a reckoning
Nolan, Savala,
"A lifetime of playing by the rules of female social conditioning is not what it's cracked up to be for Nolan. The years of making herself smaller (literally and metaphorically); the sexual advances that led to more than she wanted; the bad marriage she fought like hell to keep; all the ways others questioned her identity or choices and she let it slide to keep the peace; her silence when requested; her body when desired--none of it worked. None of it protected her the way it was advertised to. Nolan noticed the same was true for the women around her and the women in history she read about. Across time and location, they were raised to be agreeable and "good." Hyper-visible as sexual objects but invisible as full people. Living in a physical world created by men for men. Taking on the ultimate role of birth-giver and caretaker, yet seeing it remain an unsung act, even as it's a God-like creation. Only in midlife did Nolan begin to realize she was capable of living outside these cages of conditioning so slyly insidious that they're nearly invisible. GOOD WOMAN elegantly probes the knotty conditions themselves, the costs of adhering to them, and what happens when one refuses to comply. The twelve stunning and unforgettable essays blend memoir, reportage, and history to create a collection that is alternately bold, brash, and explosive ... and ravishingly tender, sensual, and joyous"-- Provided by publisher

Firefly encyclopedia of birds
"The clear, easy-to-read text of the Encyclopedia is enhanced by about 1,000 photographs revealing the enormous diversity of birds in their natural habitats, from Arctic tundra to tropical rain forest. In addition, a wealth of beautifully detailed color and line illustrations depict representative species from each family and highlight characteristic behaviors. Throughout, "Factfiles" with distribution maps and scale drawings place essential data at the reader's fingertips"--

Secrets of home staging : the essential guide to getting higher offers...faster!
Prince, Karen,
Award winning home stager, Karen Prince, helps homeowners through the home-staging process with a five-step, easy-to-follow guide. Featuring over 200 color photos, before-and-after shots, and practical design tips, Karen gives home sellers the plan and tools they need to help their homes look great online, and to appeal to buyers when they are in the home. Her advice has helped her many happy clients receive more offers, faster sales and higher selling prices. Karen's goal is to reach a wider audience of homeowners who are eager for the knowledge of how to stage their own home, many of whom may not be willing or able to pay the high ticket price of a professional stager

Moon handbooks. U.S. civil rights trail : a traveler's guide to the people, places, and events that made the movement

The contemporary cottage garden : climate-friendly, mindful methods for growing flowers and food
Hubbard, Pamela,
In The Contemporary Cottage Garden, longtime gardener Pamela Hubbard expertly walks the gardener through what it takes to grow in the cottage garden style--where flowers and vegetables are intermingled in a casual display of colorful brilliance--while also meeting the needs of the modern world in an era of increased weather extremes. An abundance of beautiful photos by Rob Cardillo highlights Hubbard's cottage garden in Pennsylvania, where she has integrated invaluable techniques for cottage gardening in a contemporary way

The dangerous shore : how a motley crew of scientists, mobsters, double agents, retirees, volunteer pilots (and a boy scout) stopped the invasion of America
Vladic, Sara,
"Sara Vladic, New York Times bestselling author of Indianapolis, reveals the gripping, untold history of the United States under attack during World War II and the improbable patriots who stepped up to defend their country in her hour of need."--Amazon

PTCE : Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam
"For the latest exam blueprint ... full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanation ... detailed content reveiw and practice for all topics on the exam, Expert advice on exam scoring, recertification, and more"--2022 (3rd?) edition, page 1 of cover

The sock obsession : supercool socks to knit and show off
Lee, Summer (Writer on knitting),
From Summer Lee, sock knitting guru and author of reader favorite The Sock Project, a fun new collection of patterns for making socks in every shape and size, all in her signature palette of neon bright colors This colorful volume presents a variety of sock styles, from boot socks and ankle socks to loafer and cuffed styles, and a universe of techniques. Try your hand at cables, colorwork, ribs, and textured knitting with 25 easy-to-follow patterns, then customize your designs to make dozens of different looks! Chapters offer traditional Scandinavian and European sock designs, mod designs that would make MoMA proud, and socks with whimsical motifs like mushrooms, sheep, and lobsters! Socks are perennial favorites because they're addictively quick to make, require far less yarn than scarves or sweaters, and can be easily customized to fit. This patten collection provides a fun way to learn all sorts of techniques, and the instructions are progressive, meaning new knitters can start at the beginning and learn the basics before advancing to harder projects. And experts can turn to the patterns they're most excited to make and dive right in

The feather wars : and the great crusade to save America's birds
McCommons, James H., 1957-
The Feather Wars traces the early bird-protection movement in the United States, beginning with growing public concern after the extinction of the passenger pigeon. The book examines how hunting, fashion, and assumptions about limitless natural resources contributed to declining bird populations, and how a national conservation effort emerged in response. Drawing on episodes from social gatherings, hunting communities, political arenas, and natural landscapes, the narrative highlights the diverse individuals and organizations involved in advocating for bird preservation. The work presents an overview of the cultural, political, and environmental forces that shaped early American bird-conservation efforts and their lasting impact on wildlife protection

Singleness for struggling romantics
Carpenter, Daniel (Writer),
"Being unmarried--especially when you don't want to be--can feel lonely and confusing. For many Christian singles, the longing for marriage exists alongside the call to live faithfully in the present--a tension that is rarely acknowledged or understood. Written by a fellow struggling romantic, this book offers a firsthand perspective on navigating singleness while still longing for marriage. With honesty, humor, and rich biblical insight, it explores topics such as loneliness, attraction, and dating--providing guidance for living faithfully and fruitfully even when desires go unmet"--Page 4 of cover

Chain of ideas : the origins of our authoritarian age
Kendi, Ibram X.,
"Recall the words chanted in Charlottesville, Virginia: 'You will not replace us!' Recall the string of mass shooters across the globe--in Oslo, Christchurch, Buffalo, El Paso, and Pittsburgh--who claimed their crimes were a defense against 'White genocide.' Recall business and media figures cultivating anxiety and furor over demographic change. These incidents only scratch the surface: Popular and ruling politicians in every region of the world have expressed some version of great replacement theory, eroding democratic norms in the name of preventing demographic change. The term was coined in 2011 by a French novelist who argued that Black and Brown immigrants were "invading" Europe, brought by shadowy elites to "replace" the White population. From there, politicians and theorists in the United States and elsewhere repackaged it as a story of "globalists" welcoming "migrant criminals" and promoting diversity to take away the jobs, cultures, electoral power, and very lives of White people. Over time, great replacement theory has expanded those under threat to include citizens, men, Jews, Christians, heterosexuals, and ethnic majorities in countries as distinct as Russia, El Salvador, Brazil, Italy, and India, all targeted with the message that they are facing an existential attack that only a strongman can prevent. In Chain of Ideas, internationally bestselling author Ibram X. Kendi offers an unsettling but indispensable global history of how great replacement theory brought humanity into this authoritarian age--and how we can free ourselves from it."--

The racial wealth gap : a brief history
Baradaran, Mehrsa, 1978-
An illuminating exposé on the deafening polemics and politics entrenched in American civics education. This book examines the historical roots and persistence of the racial wealth gap between Black and white Americans. Mehrsa Baradaran argues that the gap has remained entrenched due to two interrelated forces: systematic wealth-building policies that benefited white Americans and sustained wealth-stripping practices that disadvantaged Black Americans. Tracing developments from slavery and the failure of Reconstruction (including the unfulfilled promise of "forty acres and a mule") through Jim Crow, New Deal programs, discriminatory housing and credit policies, and urban renewal initiatives, the book contends that federal, state, and local policies consistently restricted Black access to capital, credit, and property ownership. Baradaran concludes that the cumulative effects of these policies have produced a durable economic divide that, she argues, requires reparative measures to address structural inequities

His Majesty's Dragon
Novik, Naomi

Mad ship
Hobb, Robin
Althea Vestrit is determined to get her liveship, Vivacia, back from the pirate captain Kennit

The sorceress of Darshiva
Eddings, David
Troubles and delays continued to mount as Garion, Belgarath, Polgara, and the company pursued Zandramas across the known world. Possessed by the Dark Destiny, she had stolen Garion's infant son to use in a ritual that would destroy all that was fair and good. Always the quest led onward, across and beyond the continent of Mallorea, where the Evil God Torak had once been supreme until Garion slew him. And always Zandramas was one step ahead of them. The armies she had raised, led by a Demon Lord, threatened to cut them off on one side: on the other, the forces of the Emperor Zakath were seeking to capture them. Zandramas was taunting them and spying on them, flying over in the form of the great dragon, while the Dark Destiny changed her and etched away the last of her touches of humanity. Somehow, as the Seeress of Kell had warned them, they had to be at the Place Which Is No More for the ritual at the same time as Zandramas, if they were to have a chance to defeat her evil schemes. But where that might be they still had no clue

From the forest
Modesitt, L. E., Jr., 1943-
"Alayiakal, who will one day be known by many names--not all of them flattering--has to climb the ranks of Cyador's Mirror Lancers, fighting against unforeseen weapons and ancient technology. Alayiakal, however, has secrets of his own to protect: his ties to the Great Forest and his magus abilities. He must silently pretend to be a conventional soldier favored by fate--until that very same fate forces him to choose"--

The Silmarillion
Tolkien, J. R. R. (John Ronald Reuel), 1892-1973
The story of the creation of the world and of the First Age, this is the ancient drama to which the characters in The Lord of the Rings look back and in whose events some of them, such as Elrond and Galadriel, took part. The three Silmarils were jewels created by Feanor, most gifted of the Elves. Within them was imprisoned the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor before the Trees themselves were destroyed by Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. Thereafter, the unsullied Light of Valinor lived on only in the Silmarils, but they were seized by Morgoth and set in his crown, which was guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth. The Silmarillion is the history of the rebellion of Feanor and his kindred against the gods, their exile from Valinor and return to Middle-earth, and their war, hopeless despite all their heroism, against the great Enemy. This second edition features a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien describing his intentions for the book, which serves as a brilliant exposition of his conception of the earlier Ages of Middle-earth

The Grimoire Grammar School Parent Teacher Association
Rozakis, Caitlin,
"When Vivian's kindergartner, Aria, gets bitten by a werewolf, she is rapidly inducted into the hidden community of magical schools. Reeling from their sudden move, Vivian finds herself having to pick the right sacrificial dagger for Aria, keep stocked up on chew toys, and play PTA politics with sirens and chthonic nymphs and people who literally can set her hair on fire. As Vivian careens from hellhounds in the school corridors to demons at the talent show, she races to keep up with all the arcane secrets of her new society--shops only accessible by magic portal, the brutal Trials to enter high school, and the eternal inferno that is the parents' WhatsApp group. And looming over everything is a prophecy of doom that sounds suspiciously like it's about Aria. Vivian might be facing the end of days, just as soon as she can get her daughter dressed and out of the door..."--

The heart of the Nhaga
Yi, Yŏng-do, 1972-
"Three handles one. The world is divided by the Line of Limit. To the north are the Tokkebi--fire people able to manipulate flames as both weapons and illusions; Rekon--giant birdmen with immense strength and warrior acumen; and the humans--as divided as the other races are unified. To the south are the Nhaga--a reptilian people who relinquish their hearts for immortality. For centuries, the races didn't cross that line, but change is in the air. A Nhaga is being sent North...and a trio is being dispatched to make sure this agent from the South makes it out alive--one from each race. But the illusion of a simple journey is quickly dispelled by the fact that the Tokkebi is merely a scholar, not an adventurer; the Rekon is deathly afraid of water; and the human hunts and eats Nhaga. And when the Nhaga they're supposed to be escorting out of the Kiboren forest is murdered, the one sent in his place turns out to very much have a heart--meaning he's quite vulnerable to the dangerous exodus. The four must quickly forge an alliance and shed the distrust and prejudice that plagues them if they are to survive. And just as crucial, they must figure out what this mission is actually about, because unbeknownst to them, the very fate of the world might rest on this one Nhaga making it to the North intact." -- Front jacket flap

The witch's lens
Smith, Luanne G.,
"With her husband off fighting at World War I's eastern front, Petra Kurková embraces her fleeting freedom, roaming the city at night with her camera. A born witch, she's discovered that she can capture the souls of the dead on film. Her supernatural skills don't go unnoticed by the enigmatic Josef Svoboda. He's recruiting a team of sorcerers to infiltrate the front lines, where the bloodshed of combat has resurrected foul creatures. Petra's unique abilities will be needed against the most dangerous enemies of all-those ever present, undead, and unseen. Deep in the cursed Carpathian Mountains, the ragtag team meets with an emissary of an ancient organization founded to maintain balance between worlds. Photographing the escalating horrors is beyond anything Petra imagined. So are the secrets among her fellow witches. But Petra can't turn back. Not before she discovers her husband's fate and the myriad ways her magic is manifesting. To defeat an occult foe, Petra must release the power she's been concealing for so long, or risk damning a war-torn world to ashes"--

The Sunlit Man
Sanderson, Brandon,
From the #1 Kickstarter campaign of all time?#1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson adds to his Cosmere universe shared by Mistborn and The Stormlight Archive with a new standalone novel that combines fantasy and science fiction

The wolf of Oren-yaro
Villoso, K. S., 1986-
"A queen of a divided land must unite her people, even if they hate her, even if it means stopping a ruin that she helped create. A debut epic fantasy from an exciting new voice. "I murdered a man and made my husband leave the night before they crowned me." Born under the crumbling towers of Oren-yaro, Queen Talyien was the shining jewel and legacy of the bloody War of the Wolves that nearly tore her nation apart. Her upcoming marriage to the son of her father's rival heralds peaceful days to come. But his sudden departure before their reign begins fractures the kingdom beyond repair. Years later, Talyien receives a message, urging her to attend a meeting across the sea. It's meant to be an effort at reconciliation, but an assassination attempt leaves the queen stranded and desperate to survive in a dangerous land. With no idea who she can trust, she's on her own as she struggles to fight her way home"--

The weavers of Alamaxa
Elsbai, Hadeer,
The Daughters of Izdihar--a group of women fighting for the vote and against the patriarchal rule of Parliament--have finally made strides in having their voices heard...only to find them drowned out by the cannons of the fundamentalist Ziranis. As long as Alamaxa continues to allow for the elemental magic of the weavers--and insist on allowing an academy to teach such things--the Zirani will stop at nothing to end what they perceive is a threat to not only their way of life, but the entire world. Two such weavers, Nehal and Giorgina, had come together despite their differences to grow both their political and weaving power. But after the attack, Nehal wakes up in a Zirani prison, and Giorgina is on the run in her besieged city. If they can reunite again, they can rally Alamaxa to fight off the encroaching Zirani threat. Yet with so much in their way--including a contingent of Zirani insurgents with their own ideas about rebellion--this will be no easy task. And the last time a weaver fought back, the whole world was shattered. Two incredible women are all that stands before an entire army. But they've fought against power before and won. This time, though, it's no longer about rhetoric

The raven song
Smith, Luanne G.,
Fleeing Victorian London, a witch finds her newfound independence comes with all-new perils--both mortal and immortal. Forever untangling the branches of her strange family tree, Edwina Blackwood is at a turning point. Her parents' disappearances still strike her as unaccountably odd. Her sister's questionable life and untimely death have left her shaken. Spellfire has transformed her home and livelihood to ash. And now a devious stalker is on her trail. With supernatural detective Ian Cameron by her side, Edwina can't get out of London fast enough. Gaining safe passage, she finds refuge with Sir Henry Elvanfoot, famed wizard of the north, and is promised protection from ill-aimed curses. But in this unfamiliar city of fair folk and witches, where the veil between Earth and the Otherworld is about to be lifted, something is amiss. How else to explain Edwina's sudden prophetic visions? Or the fear that surviving whoever pursues her will require the powers of an ancient bloodline she's only beginning to comprehend? Whatever destiny awaits, it's Edwina's to finally control. Where will it lead? Only time, cunning, and magic--in this world or the Other--will tell

Nine goblins
Kingfisher, T.,
"From New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning author T. Kingfisher comes Nine Goblins, a tale of low fantasy and high mischief. No one knows exactly how the Goblin War began, but folks will tell you that goblins are stinking, slinking, filthy, sheep-stealing, henhouse-raiding, obnoxious, rude, and violent. Goblins would actually agree with all this, and might throw in "cowardly" and "lazy" too for good measure. But goblins don't go around killing people for fun, no matter what the propaganda posters say. And when a confrontation with an evil wizard lands a troop of nine goblins deep behind enemy lines, goblin sergeant Nessilka must figure out how to keep her hapless band together and get them home in one piece. Unfortunately, between them and safety lies a forest full of elves, trolls, monsters, and that most terrifying of creatures...a human being"--

Midnight tides
Erikson, Steven

The West Wind
Warwick, Alexandria,
Brielle of Thornbrook has dedicated her life to the abbey. She spends her days forging iron and her evenings studying the Text, all in preparation of becoming an acolyte. Twenty-one years on this earth and she has never touched a man. And she never will. But when she finds an injured stranger in the forest, Brielle can't resist the urge to help him. The encounter leads her to the realm of Under, where the air breathes rot, and the fair folk dance and whisper. Where she discovers that the man she helped is actually a god: Zephyrus, the West Wind, Bringer of Spring

The little library year : recipes and reading to suit each season
Young, Kate,
The Little Library Year takes you through a full twelve months in award-winning food writer Kate Young's kitchen. Here are frugal January meals enjoyed alone with a classic comfort read, as well as summer feasts to be eaten outdoors with the perfect beach read to hand. Beautifully photographed throughout, The Little Library Year is full of delicious seasonal recipes, menus and reading recommendations

Raw & simple : eat well and live radiantly with 100 truly quick and easy recipes for the raw food lifestyle
Wignall, Judita

Just eat : more than 100 easy and delicious recipes that taste just like home
Decker, Jessie James, 1988-
From country music sensation and New York Times bestselling author, Jessie James Decker, comes her highly-anticipated second cookbook--a delicious new array of over 100 recipes, inspired by Jessie's family, her travels, and her home garden. Comfort means everything to Jessie James Decker. It's in the music she makes, the time she spends with her family, and most of all, the food she cooks. In her bestselling cookbook, Just Feed Me, Jessie James Decker brought readers into her kitchen for an exclusive taste of her homey, family-friendly recipes. Now, in Just Eat, Jessie brings comfort food to the table, inviting everyone back over for dinner at the Decker's with her most personal and mouthwatering dishes yet. With over 100 new recipes from Jessie's comfort food staples, Just Eat is a delicious selection of the classic food that always leaves her family calling for seconds. As a home cook, Jessie knows that cooking yummy food is often easier said than done--especially when the kids are hungry. That's why Just Eat offers easy-to-follow recipes for delicious, family-friendly appetizers, meals, and desserts-- from Louisiana beignets to Eric's Chicken Chili to Fried Chicken Sandwiches. Taking inspiration from her garden and her travels to the Mediterranean coast, Jessie incorporates the cuisine of Italy and Greece into her repertoire, bringing fresh, homegrown ingredients center stage in her take on classic recipes. Throughout the cookbook are gorgeous, four-color photos of Jessie and her family--at home, on vacation, and in the garden--as well as tips from Jessie herself about healthy recipes, food prep, and time savers. Perfect for entertaining or just hanging out with family, Jessie's newest cookbook is sure to delight, inspire, and bring everyone into the kitchen to just eat

Look and cook snacks : a first book of recipes in pictures
Fisher, Valorie,
Simple picture recipes allow kids, even those who don't read, to follow along step by step. Featuring 19 snacks, these recipes teach essential kitchen skills, introduce new flavors, and guide young cooks as they discover creativity in the kitchen

Salty, cheesy, herby, crispy snackable bakes : 100 easy-peasy, savory recipes for 24/7 deliciousness
Sheehan, Jessie,

Super simple desserts : easy no-bake recipes for kids
Tuminelly, Nancy, 1952-
Provides an introduction to cooking basics, tools, terms, and ingredients, contains measuring tips, and features recipes for nine no-bake desserts, including cheesecake tarts, maple cranberry drops, and chocolate eclair cake

The Bob's Burgers burger book : real recipes for joke burgers
Bouchard, Loren
"Now fans can get the ultimate Bobs Burgers experience at home with seventy-five straight from the show but actually edible Burgers of the Day. Recipes include the "Bleu is the Warmest Cheese Burger," the "Bruschetta-Bout-It Burger," and the "Shoot-Out at the OK-ra Corral Burger (comes with Fried Okra)." Serve the "Sweaty Palms Burger (comes with Hearts of Palm)" to your ultimate crush, just like Tina Belcher, or ponder modern American literature with the "I Know Why the Cajun Burger Sings Burger." Fully illustrated with all-new art in the seriess signature style, The Bobs Burgers Burger Book showcases the entire Belcher family as well as beloved characters including Teddy, Jimmy Pesto Jr., and Aunt Gayle. All recipes come from the fan-created and heavily followed blog "The Bobs Burger Experiment"--Excerpt from Amazon.com

Bruno's cookbook : recipes and traditions from a French country kitchen
Walker, Martin, 1947 January 23-
"A sumptuous French cookbook that immerses readers in the delectable countryside cuisine of the Périgord region, by the author of the beloved Bruno series and his wife, Julia Watson. Bruno Courrèges, the protagonist of Martin Walker's internationally acclaimed mystery series, is not only the local police chief of the idyllic French village of St. Denis. Bruno also happens to be an impassioned amateur chef, and in this delightful new cookbook, the culinary and cultural inspiration behind Bruno's fictional world comes to life. Featuring local recipes, charming anecdotes, and a history of its French setting, Bruno's Cookbook invites readers into the bucolic life of Walker and his wife, Julia, and showcases their passion for the region's rich cuisine. Brimming with truffles, pâté, famed cheesemakers, and prized cows, the Périgord region is a gourmand's paradise. Bruno's Cookbook includes over 90 recipes, steeped in local flavors and prepared in the Walkers' cheerful country kitchen, from Duck Breast Fillets with Honey and Mustard, Red Onion Tarte Tatin, and a Classic Beef Pot Roast, to Chard Gratin (Bruno's comfort meal), Confit Potato Fries Sarlat-Style ("the Emperor Napoleon of french fries"), Hazelnut Meringue Cake, and Homemade Blackcurrant Liqueur. Centered around the splendid institution of the village market, the recipes are organized around the people who provide the food: the fisherman, the hunter, the cheesemaker, the forager, the baker, and the winemaker. A feast for the senses, Bruno's Cookbook transports readers to France's heartland. Bonus: the book also includes a new Bruno story"--

Instant Pot miracle Mediterranean diet cookbook : 100 simple and tasty recipes inspired by one of the world's healthiest diets
Pitre, Urvashi,
"After years of following a strict Keto diet, Urvashi Pitre found that Keto was not only no longer helping her achieve her weight goals, it was also negatively impacting her rheumatoid arthritis. Her quest for a scientifically backed, anti-inflammatory way of eating led her to the Mediterranean Diet. Not only did the change significantly reduce her swelling and discomfort, but she was back to enjoying bread, grains, and fruit which she hadn't had in years--Urvashi was feeling better than ever, all while eating foods that were restricted on prior diets. Now she shares those recipes that worked for her, all with the help of the Instant Pot to reduce cooking times and cleanup. She uses the principles of the Mediterranean way of eating and applies them to foods and flavors from across the world. Focusing on hearty whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and meat in moderation, this diet is heart-healthy and sure to leave you satisfied. Urvashi's recipes are known for being foolproof, so you can trust that your meal will come out perfectly every time. With tasty flavors and satisfying ingredients, Instant Pot Miracle Mediterranean Diet Cookbook will be your go-to for healthy meals any day of the week." --

National Geographic national parks cookbook : dishes inspired by America's great outdoors
Elder, Nina,
"Re-create iconic dishes found in your favorite national parks with this essential cookbook"-- Provided by publisher

The soy milk cookbook : delicious & healthy non-dairy Asian recipes
Wu, Wen,

Bottom of the pot : Persian recipes and stories
Deravian, Naz,
Deravain's family left Iran during the height of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, when she was eight years old. In their new Canadian home, she became aware of the power of her mother's home-cooked Persian meals to break down barriers and connect newly-made friends to her culture-- and herself. Years later the kitchen became a place where Deravian could relax and reconnect with herself, preparing meals for her own family that reflected her life both in and outside Iran. -- adapted from introduction

The Korean vegan cookbook : reflections and recipes from Omma's kitchen
Lee Molinaro, Joanne,
"Korean dishes, some traditional and some reimagined, from the home cook and storyteller behind @thekoreanvegan on TikTok"--

Learning Korean : recipes for home cooking
Serpico, Peter,
"A "wildly inventive" (Food & Wine) James Beard Award-winning chef interprets one of Asia's greatest cuisines for the everyday eater. The best Korean food is Korean home cooking. The cornerstones of every meal are kimchi and white rice, and once you unlock that perfect marriage of flavor, the universe of wholesome, vegetable-centric cooking will inspire healthy eating, every day. In this insightful and endearing cookbook, new flavors, techniques, and ways to enjoy one of the world's greatest cuisines are revealed by chef and father Peter Serpico. Born in Seoul and raised in Maryland, Serpico's route to Korean food came long after making a name for himself in New York City restaurants. His first bites of marinated short ribs and black bean noodles tasted like home, and a love affair with the flavors and techniques of his birthplace began. His debut cookbook draws from his decades of professional cooking experience to elevate the greatest hits of at-home Korean dishes. Serpico's brilliant Instant Kimchi brings home the funk of fermented cabbage in record time, his hearty interpretation of gamjatang is a Spicy Pork Rib Stew to share, and his classic noodle and rice cake dishes borrow from grandma with clever spins for the modern, busy parent. BBQ fans will love a Korea-fied roast chicken and a sweet-and-spicy grilled cauliflower. Across 100 recipes, Serpico shares his philosophy of eating, his personal journey into food, and a connection to family that promises satisfaction and comfort for cooks of all backgrounds. Also featured: Beautiful photographs of nearly every dish, including more challenging techniques An arsenal of condiments to elevate any meat or vegetable dish Desserts and drinks that will appeal to even the pickiest child eaters Tricks and tips for putting together healthy weekday meals"--

With love and babka : 50 sweet and savory recipes for everyone's favorite braided bread
Pearlman, Elana,
With Love and Babka is separated into sweet and savory recipes and includes several variations of dough including classic, butter-blocked, chocolate, and gluten-free. Elana shares many variations of the traditionally sweet babka, including Cinnamon Raisin Pecan, Dulce de Leche, Mexican Chocolate Brownie, S'mores Strawberry Shortcake, and more. These confections will bring new babka flavors into your repertoire, with ingredients like oats streusel, marshmallow fluff, glazes, syrups, jams, and more

The greatest sentence ever written
Isaacson, Walter,
"To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, Walter Isaacson takes readers on a ... deep dive into the creation of one of history's most powerful sentences: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.' Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, this line lays the foundationfor the American Dream and defines the common ground we share as a nation. Isaacson unpacks its genius, word by word, illuminating thethen-radical concepts behind it"--

Veil. Vol. 1, Temperature of orange
Kotteri,
Like a classic film, he and she encountered each other by chance. He was an on-duty police officer in the city. She was a runaway heiress. When he learned that she is looking for work, he decided to welcome her as the police station's telephone operator... This was the beginning of the everyday lives of he and she, and the delicate distance between them. Enjoy witty dialogue and bold illustrations, in this in full-color manga collection by Kotteri!

Revolutionary girl Utena. The student council saga. 1
Utena's sense of chivalry pits her against the student council members of Ohtori Academy, fighting a series of dangerous duels with its members

Revolutionary girl Utena. The student council saga. 1
Utena's sense of chivalry pits her against the student council members of Ohtori Academy, fighting a series of dangerous duels with its members

Becoming
Obama, Michelle, 1964-

Simply tomato : 100 recipes for enjoying your favorite ingredient all year long
Holmberg, Martha,
"Americans eat more tomatoes than any vegetable except for the potato. But what do we do with all those tomatoes? Acclaimed chef, cooking teacher, and author Martha Holmberg shares 75 recipes to turn the tomato into glorious dishes. Whether it's a fresh-off-the-vine tomato or a just-picked-from-the-supermarket-shelf tomato, Holmberg has ideas to make the best of our favorite summer fruit. There are three versions of gazpacho, five ways to top roasted tomato puff pastry, plus Tomato and Zucchini Gratin, Classic Panzanella, Tomato Risotto, and Stuffed Tomatoes with Spiced Beef Piccadillo. With more tomato varieties in existence than ever before, Holmberg explains which tomatoes work best with which recipes: choose a beefsteak to roast with fish or pick cherry tomatoes to toss with corn in a quick summer salad. Holmberg also reveals her secret, umami-packed ingredient-tomato water. She calls it a "magical elixir" that can add intense tomato flavor to most anything you make"--

Lollapalooza : the uncensored story of alternative rock's wildest festival
Bienstock, Richard,
"The definitive, no-holds-barred oral history of 1990s alt-rock festival Lollapalooza--told by the musicians, roadies, and industry insiders who lived it. From the New York Times bestselling authors of Nothin' But A Good Time. In Lollapalooza: The Uncensored Story of Alternative Rock's Wildest Festival, New York Times bestselling authors Richard Bienstock and Tom Beaujour tell the no-holds-barred history of the iconic music festival. Through hundreds of new interviews with artists, tour founders, festival organizers, promoters, publicists, sideshow freaks, stage crews, record label execs, reporters, roadies and more, Lollapalooza chronicles the tour's pioneering 1991-1997 run, and, in the process, alternative rock's rise--as well as the reverberations that led to a massive shift in the music industry and the culture at large. Lollapalooza features original interviews with some of the biggest names in music, including Perry Farrell and Jane's Addiction, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Sonic Youth, Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, Ice-T, Rage Against the Machine, Green Day, Patti Smith, Alice in Chains, Metallica and many more. Conceived by Farrell as a farewell tour for Jane's Addiction, Lollapalooza's inaugural outing across the U.S. in the summer of 1991 helped to coalesce an ideology and aesthetic that not only washed over popular music but seeped into fashion, film, television, literature, food, politics and more. Throughout the decade, Lollapalooza offered a vast and diverse ensemble of bands, breaking barriers of genre and uniting alternative rock, heavy metal, punk, hip-hop, industrial, goth, avant-garde, spoken word, electronic dance music and other styles under one big tent, and setting the template for the modern American music festival and the scores of other contemporary destination fests that are now an integral part of how audiences experience live music. Unorthodox not just in music, Lollapalooza also spotlighted visual arts, nonprofit organizations, political outfits and even the occasional freak show, offering a tantalizing cocktail of culture, art, and activism that, taken together, defined the alternative mindset that dominated the 1990s. Echoes of its impact reverberate strongly today - cemented by annual sell-outs at destination events all over the world, an estimation of 400,000 attendees at the flagship Chicago fest each summer, and a spot among the world's largest and longest-running music festivals. A nostalgic look back at 1990s music and culture, Lollapalooza traces the festival's groundbreaking origins, following the tour as it progresses through the decade, and documenting the action onstage, backstage, and behind-the-scenes in detailed and uncensored and sometimes shocking first-person accounts. This is the story of Lollapalooza and the 1990s alternative rock revolution"--

The killer next door
Marwood, Alex
"A taut new psychological thriller from the Edgar Award-nominated author of The Wicked Girls Alex Marwood's debut novel, The Wicked Girls, earned her lavish praise from the likes of Stephen King, Laura Lippman, and Erin Kelly, and was shortlisted for an Edgar Award. Now Marwood's back with a brilliant, tightly paced thriller that will keep you up at night and make you ask yourself: just how well do you know your neighbors? Everyone who lives at 23 Beulah Grove has a secret. If they didn't, they wouldn't be renting rooms in a dodgy old building for cash-no credit check, no lease. It's the kind of place you end up when you you've run out of other options. The six residents mostly keep to themselves, but one unbearably hot summer night, a terrible accident pushes them into an uneasy alliance. What they don't know is that one of them is a killer. He's already chosen his next victim, and he'll do anything to protect his secret"--

How to win friends and influence fungi : collected quirks of science, tech, engineering, and math from nerd nite
"In the vein of acclaimed popular-science bestsellers such as Atlas Obscura, Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry, The Way Things Work, What If?, and Undeniable, the co-founders of the global science organization Nerd Nite bring readers a collection of wacky, yet fascinating STEM topics. For 20 years, Nerd Nite has delivered to live audiences around the world, the most interesting, fun, and informative presentations about science, history, the arts, pop culture, you name it. There hasn't been a rabbit hole that their army of presenters hasn't been afraid to explore. Finally, after countless requests to bring Nerd Nite to more fans across the globe, co-founders and college pals Matt Wasowski and Chris Balakrishnan are bringing readers the quirky and accessible science content that they crave in book form, focused on STEM and paired with detailed illustrations that make the content pop. The resulting range of topics is quirky and vast, from kinky, spring-loaded spiders to the Webb telescope's influence on movie special effects. Hilariously named after Dale Carnegie's iconic book, How to Win Friends and Influence Fungi features narratives, bursts, and infographics on all things STEM from scientists around the world. Chapters are sure to make you laugh-out-loud, with titles such as "The Science of the Hangover," "What Birds Can Teach Us About the Impending Zombie Apocalypse," and "Lessons from the Oregon Trail." With fascinating details, facts, and illustrations, combined with Chris and Matt's incredible connections to organizations such as the Discovery Network and the Smithsonian Institution, How to Win Friends and Influence Fungi is sure to reach joyful STEM enthusiasts of all ages around the world. About Nerd Nite: Started in 2003, Nerd Nite is a monthly event held in 100+ cities worldwide during which folks give 20-minute fun-yet-informative presentations across all disciplines, while the audience drinks along!"--

Replaceable you : adventures in human anatomy
Roach, Mary,
"The body is the most complex machine in the world, and the only one for which you cannot get a replacement part from the manufacturer. For centuries, medicine has reached for what's available--sculpting noses from brass, borrowing skin from frogs and hearts from pigs, crafting eye parts from jet canopies and breasts from petroleum by-products. Today we're attempting to grow body parts from scratch using stem cells and 3D printers. How are we doing? Are we there yet? In Replaceable You, Mary Roach explores the remarkable advances and difficult questions prompted by the human body's failings. When and how does a person decide they'd be better off with a prosthetic than their existing limb? Can a donated heart be made to beat forever? Can an intestine provide a workable substitute for a vagina? Roach dives in with her characteristic verve and infectious wit. Her travels take her to the OR at a legendary burn unit in Boston, a "superclean" xeno-pigsty in China, and a stem cell "hair nursery" in the San Diego tech hub. She talks with researchers and surgeons, amputees and ostomates, printers of kidneys and designers of wearable organs. She spends time in a working iron lung from the 1950s, stays up all night with recovery techs as they disassemble and reassemble a tissue donor, and travels across Mongolia with the cataract surgeons of Orbis International. Irrepressible and accessible, Replaceable You immerses readers in the wondrous, improbable, and surreal quest to build a new you."--Book jacket

Amity
Harris, Nathan,
In 1866 New Orleans, formerly enslaved siblings Coleman and June are separated, only to embark on perilous, individual journeys through the Mexican desert to reunite and seize the freedom they were promised

Annihilation
VanderMeer, Jeff
Area X has claimed the lives of members of eleven expeditions. The twelfth expedition consisting of four women hopes to map the terrain and collect specimens; to record all their observations, scientific and otherwise, of their surroundings and of one another; and, above all, to avoid being contaminated by Area X itself

The handmaid's tale
Atwood, Margaret, 1939-
"Margaret Atwood's best-loved novel has taken the world by storm again. Riding high on bestseller lists for months and the basis for Hulu's Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning smash hit series, The Handmaid's Tale is everywhere--and it's primed for a stunning new graphic novel adaptation. The story is iconic: In the Republic of Gilead, a Handmaid named Offred lives in the home of the Commander, to the purpose that she become pregnant with his child. Stripped of her most basic freedoms, (work, property, her own name), Offred remembers a different time, not so long ago, when she was valuable for more than her viable ovaries, when she was mother to a daughter she could keep, and when she and her husband lived and loved as equals. Darkly prescient, scathingly sarcastic, and eminently frightening, The Handmaid's Tale has only gained relevance since it was originally published, and remains one of the most powerful, widely read stories of our times. This illustrated edition is a must-have for Atwood's growing legions of fans"--

The 500 hidden secrets of Chicago

Milk without honey
Harms, Hanna, 1994-
"Bees are vital to securing our food supply. We could live in a paradise where insects, especially bees pollinate fragrant seas of flowers whose fruits we harvest. Instead, vast lawns are now replacing flower gardens, and agriculture is characterized by monocultures. Pesticides and climate change are also causing insect mortality, with dramatic consequences for the global ecosystem. As we destroy the insect populations, honey is just one of many foods that will no longer be available to us, unless we learn to honor our innate connection with nature before it's too late."--

Barely functional adult : it'll all make sense eventually
Ng, Meichi,
"...a hilarious and poignant [autobiographical] collection of beautifully illustrated short stories that perfectly captures the best and worst of adult life and the joy, terror, fun, and pain that comes with learning to navigate its complexities and conundrums"--Back cover

Heart the lover
King, Lily,
""You knew I'd write a book about you someday." Our narrator understands good love stories--their secrets and subtext, their highs and their free falls. But her greatest love story, the one she lived, never followed the simple rules. In the fall of her senior year of college, she meets two star students from her 17th-Century Lit class: Sam and Yash. Best friends living off campus in the elegant house of a professor on sabbatical, the boys invite her into their intoxicating world of academic fervor, rapid-fire banter and raucous card games. They nickname her Jordan, and she quickly discovers the pleasures of friendship, love and her own intellectual ambition. Youthful passion is unpredictable though, and she soon finds herself at the center of a charged and intricate triangle. As graduation comes and goes, choices made will alter these three lives forever. Decades later, Jordan is living the life she dreamed of, and the vulnerable days of her youth seem comfortably behind her. But when a surprise visit and unexpected news brings the past crashing into the present, she returns to a world she left behind and is forced to confront the decisions and deceptions of her younger self. Written with the superb wit and emotional sensitivity fans and critics of Lily King have come to adore, Heart the Lover is a deeply moving story that celebrates love, friendship, and the transformative nature of forgiveness. Wise, unforgettable, and with a delightful connective thread to Writers & Lovers, this is King at her very best, affirming her as a masterful chronicler of the human experience and one of the finest novelists at work today"-- Provided by publisher

Try not to breathe
Bell, David, 1969 November 17-
"An ex-cop sets out to find her missing sister and discovers the horrifying truth about her family... A traumatic experience in the line of duty forces thirty-year-old Avery Rogers to abandon both her relationship and her position as a Kentucky State Police officer. She retreats to a college town where she works an unfulfilling job as a security guard, breaking up fights between drunken frat boys. But a frantic phone call turns Avery's life upside down. Her father-a retired cop who never fails to convey his disappointment in Avery-says her half sister is missing and in danger. Avery is sure Anna's just crashing with friends, but her father strong-arms her into searching for the sister she barely knows. Anna Rogers is fed up with her family-a half sister who resents her existence and a domineering father who thinks it's okay for cops to shoot unarmed civilians. She hits the road to attend a protest against police brutality, unaware of the danger that awaits her there. Just after catching a glimpse of Avery at the protest, Anna receives a shocking text. Now she's no longer road-tripping; she's running, pursued by an older sister she doesn't trust and a violent stranger who has been stalking her for weeks. When Avery discovers Anna's hiding place near a remote cave system, she risks everything to save her. Little do the sisters know that the past is catching up with them-including the explosive secret at the very heart of the Rogers family"--

How Simi got her groom back
Dev, Sonali,
The Naik sisters escaped their traumatic past in Mumbai to come to the States, but their journeys have been vastly different. Simi is working toward a bright future as a pediatric nurse in a small town in Kentucky when Rupi shows up at her door in distress, on the run, and as always, dragging trouble in her wake. With Rupi's safety in jeopardy, the sisters hatch a desperate plan to keep her in the country: Rupi must get married and fast even if it means Simi recruiting the man she's been secretly dating as her sister's groom. A perfect plan? Not quite. But there aren't many alternatives. As the big day inches closer, Simi and Rupi face a storm of wedding shenanigans and romantic surprises, not to mention sisterly jealousies. As the stakes and tensions rise, will their secrets tear them apart or will they find a way to risk everything for love? --from Amazon

A walk in the park : the true story of a spectacular misadventure in the Grand Canyon
Fedarko, Kevin,
"From the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of the epic adventure tale The Emerald Mile comes the most dramatic and deeply moving account ever of walking the Grand Canyon, a highly dangerous, life-changing 750-mile trek. The Grand Canyon is an American treasure, visited by more than 6 million people a year, many of whom are rendered speechless by its vast beauty, mystery, and complexity. Now, in A Walk in the Park, author Kevin Fedarko chronicles his year-long effort to find a 750-mile path along the length of the Grand Canyon, through a vertical wilderness suspended between the caprock along the rims of the abyss and the Colorado River, which flows along its bottom. Consisting of countless cliffs and steep drops, plus immense stretches with almost no access to water, and the fact that not a single trail links its eastern doorway to its western terminus, this jewel of national parks is so challenging that when Fedarko departed fewer people had completed the journey in one single hike than had walked on the moon. The intensity of the effort required him to break his trip into several legs, each of which held staggering dangers and unexpected discoveries. Accompanying Fedarko through this sublime yet perilous terrain is the award-winning photographer Peter McBride, who captures the stunning landscape in breathtaking photos. Together, they encounter long-lost Native American ruins, the remains of Old West prospectors' camps, present day tribal activists, and signs that commercial tourism is impinging on the park's remote wildness. An epic adventure, action-packed survival tale, and a deep spiritual journey, A Walk in the Park gives us an unprecedented glimpse of the crown jewel of America's National Parks: an iconic landscape framed by ancient rock whose contours are recognized by all, but whose secrets and treasures are known to almost no one, and whose topography encompasses some of the harshest, least explored, most awe-inspiring terrain in the world"--

A pair of aces
Benedict, Marie,
"A gripping novel about two trailblazing women on opposite sides of the law--a prosecutor and a madam--who team up to bring down notorious gangster Lucky Luciano, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the million-copy bestseller The Personal Librarian. Eunice Carter, assistant district attorney for the City of New York and Manhattan's first Black female prosecutor, has her sights set on the one and only Lucky Luciano, head of New York City's five largest organized crime families. Other prosecutors have tried to bring down Lucky, but they've all focused on the crime syndicate's traditional businesses-bootlegging, gambling, loan sharking, and drug dealing-or tax evasion. No one has thought to approach the mob through its hand in prostitution. Until Eunice. But she can't get Luciano alone. Polly Adler has worked long and hard to build up her high-class brothel business. Her client list is filled with well-known names, both the famous and the infamous, who all know her booze is top-notch, her music first-rate, her food exquisite, and her girls the best. But Lucky has gone too far, putting her girls in danger, and Polly finally sees the chance to end his reign once and for all. Together, Eunice and Polly fashion a case utilizing a network of women. Bridging the enormous divide between them and risking their own lives, they assemble evidence bit by bit, under the nose of the man they're trying to convict. It is this very alliance-of two women from vastly different worlds-that launches the most sensational trial New York City has ever seen"-- Provided by publisher

Laundry love : finding joy in a common chore
Richardson, Patric,
"Patric Richardson, aka the "Laundry Evangelist," reveals his revolutionary methods for cleaning clothes-and making laundry loads more fun. Doing laundry is rarely anyone's favorite task. But to Patric Richardson, laundry isn't just fun-it's a way of life. After years of running Laundry Camp at the Mall of America for thousands of eager learners, he's ready to share his tips, tricks, and hacks-bringing surprise and delight to this commonly dreaded chore. Sorting your laundry? It's not all about whites and darks. Pondering the wash cycles? Every load, even your delicates, should be washed using express or quick-wash on warm. Facing expensive dry cleaning bills? You'll learn how to wash everything-yes everything-at home. And those basically clean but smelly clothes? Richardson has a secret for freshening those too (hint: it involves vodka, not soap). Changing your relationship with laundry can also change your life. Richardson's handy advice shows us how to save time and money (and the planet!) with our laundry-and he intersperses it all with a healthy dose of humor, real-life laundry stories, and lessons from his Appalachian upbringing and career in fashion. Laundry Love will make you wonder why you ever stressed about ironing, dry cleaning, or (god forbid) red wine spills on your new couch. No matter the issue, Richardson is here to help you make laundry miracles happen-wrinkles and stains be damned"--

We begin at the end
Whitaker, Chris,
"Thirty years ago, a teenage Vincent King was sent to prison. But now, he's served his sentence and is returning to his hometown. The hometown where his childhood best friend, Walk, is now the chief of police. The town where his childhood sweetheart, Star Radley, still lives. The same Star Radley whose sister he killed. Duchess, Star's daughter, is a self-proclaimed outlaw. She needs to be. Who else is going to take care of her and her five-year-old brother? Star is still dazzling, still beautiful, but she hasn't shined as bright since Vincent was sent away. Too often it's Duchess and Walk who are the ones taking care of her. But when Duchess exacts her own vigilante revenge, she will set into motion a series of events that threatens not only her own family, but everyone she grows close to. A crime thriller that will break your heart and a literary novel with a mystery at its core, We Begin at the End unforgettably examines how the choices we make can nudge us into the dangerous ground between good and evil"--

A cyclist's guide to crime & croissants
Claire, Ann,
"Nine months ago, Sadie Greene shocked friends and family by ditching her sensible office job in the Chicago suburbs and buying a sight-unseen French bicycling tour company, Oui Cycle. Now she's living the unconventional life of her dreams in the gorgeous village of Sans-Souci-sur-Mer. Sans souci means carefree, but Sadie feels enough pressure to burst a tire when hometown friends arrive for a tour, including her former boss, Dom Appleton. Sadie is determined to show them the wonders of France and cycling--and to prove she made the right move. She hopes her meticulously planned nine-day itinerary will win them over, with its stunning seascapes, delicious wine tastings, hilltop villages, and, of course, frequent stops for croissants. When Dom drags his heels on fun, Sadie vows he'll enjoy if it kills her. That is, until Dom ends up dead. The tragedy was no accident. Someone went out of their way to bring a permanent end to Dom's vacation. As more crimes--and murder--roll in, suspicions hover over Oui Cycle. To save her dream business, help her friends, and bring justice, Sadie launches her own investigation. However, mysteries mount with every turn. On an uphill battle for clues, can Sadie come to terms with her painful past while spinning closer to the truth--or will a twisted killer put the brakes on her for good?"--Amazon

Killers of a certain age
Raybourn, Deanna,
"Older women often feel invisible, but sometimes that's their secret weapon. They've spent their lives as the deadliest assassins in a clandestine international organization, but now that they're sixty years old, four women friends can't just retire - it's kill or be killed in this action-packed thriller by New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author Deanna Raybourn. Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie have worked for the Museum, an elite network of assassins, for forty years. Now their talents are considered old-school and no one appreciates what they have to offer in an age that relies more on technology than people skills. When the foursome is sent on an all-expenses paid vacation to mark their retirement, they are targeted by one of their own. Only the Board, the top-level members of the Museum, can order the termination of field agents, and the women realize they've been marked for death. Now to get out alive they have to turn against their own organization, relying on experience and each other to get the job done, knowing that working together is the secret to their survival. They're about to teach the Board what it really means to be a woman-and a killer-of a certain age"--

If I ruled the world
Barnett, Amy DuBois,
"A fast-paced, juicy debut novel that peeks behind the curtain at the cutthroat world of hip-hop music and the glamorous magazine scene in the late 1990s, written by the ultimate insider. It's 1999, and Nikki Rose is the only Black editor on the staff of a prestigious fashion magazine she once thought would be her ticket to becoming a respected editor-in-chief. But after being told one too many times by her boss that "Black girls don't sell magazines," she walks away to take over Sugar, a struggling hip-hop music and lifestyle magazine with untapped potential. Thrown into an entirely new world of wealth, decadence, and debauchery, Nikki has just six months to save Sugar-and her own dreams. As she pulls all-nighters at the office and parties with the era's most influential bad boys, Nikki must prove she has what it takes to lead. Along the way, Nikki leans on a circle of loyal friends, and navigates unexpected romances that force her to reckon with what-and who-she truly wants. But her most dangerous challenge is evading Alonzo Griffin, her very married, very powerful ex-boyfriend and former boss, who's determined to destroy both her and Sugar. If I Ruled the World is a smart, utterly immersive romp through one of the most dynamic eras in pop culture history-a story of ambition, friendship, love, and the journey to finding your own voice."-- Provided by publisher

Poverty, by America
Desmond, Matthew,
"The Pulitzer Prize-winning, bestselling author of Evicted reimagines the debate on poverty, making a new and bracing argument about why it persists in America: because the rest of us benefit from it. The United States, the richest country on earth, has more poverty than any other advanced democracy. Why? Why does this land of plenty allow one in every eight of its children to go without basic necessities, permit scores of its citizens to live and die on the streets, and authorize its corporations to pay poverty wages? In this landmark book, acclaimed sociologist Matthew Desmond draws on history, research, and original reporting to show how affluent Americans knowingly and unknowingly keep poor people poor. Those of us who are financially secure exploit the poor, driving down their wages while forcing them to overpay for housing and access to cash and credit. We prioritize the subsidization of our wealth over the alleviation of poverty, designing a welfare state that gives the most to those who need the least. And we stockpile opportunity in exclusive communities, creating zones of concentrated riches alongside those of concentrated despair. Some lives are made small so that others may grow. Elegantly written and fiercely argued, this compassionate book gives us new ways of thinking about a morally urgent problem. It also helps us imagine solutions. Desmond builds a startlingly original and ambitious case for ending poverty. He calls on us all to become poverty abolitionists, engaged in a politics of collective belonging to usher in a new age of shared prosperity and, at last, true freedom"--

Mr. & Mrs. Witch
Bond, Gwenda,
"In Mr. & Mrs. Witch, the new novel from bestselling author Gwenda Bond, a couple discovers at the altar the surprising secret identities they've kept from each other. Savannah Wilde is a witch, a powerful one, and a member of C.R.O.N.E, an organization for hire that deals with supernatural threats using their magic. Following a whirlwind romance that surprised her friends and family, Savvy is all set to marry the love of her life when she notices her bridal party and her mom are freaking out minutes before the wedding. Griffin Carter is an agent for H.U.N.T.E.R., a clandestine organization that, well, used to primarily hunt witches, but now mainly tries to shut down supernatural threats their own way. He can't wait to lay his eyes on the woman he's about to spend the rest of his life with. As he's getting ready, Griffin overhears his father and friends discussing something in distressed whispers. What he finds out concerns him, but not enough to deal with before the ceremony. As Savvy walks down the aisle to Griffin, the wedding quickly goes from blessed day to shit show when their true identities are revealed. To say there's bad blood between their organizations is putting it mildly. Savvy and Griffin are tasked to take the other out. Unable to go through with their orders, they-and their friends -find themselves on the run. But when the two of them discover a secret about both of their organizations, Savvy and Griffin realize the only way to survive is to team up-and, even with assassins hot on their trail, they just might make it out alive and try again at 'I do'"--

The reef
Roberts, Nora
Underwater diver Matthew Lassiter and Tate Beaumont, a student of marine archeology, search shipwrecks for a 16th century necklace. Together they brave danger--the necklace was cursed by its owner, a witch burned at the stake--and danger leads to love

The Route 66 cookbook : the best recipes from every stop along the way
Ly, Linda, 1980-
"The Route 66 Cookbook shares recipes for the must-try breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and desserts from restaurants all along the Mother Road."-- Provided by publisher

Hemlock Island
Armstrong, Kelley,
"Laney Kilpatrick has been renting her vacation home to strangers. The invasion of privacy gives her panic attacks, but it's the only way she can keep her beloved Hemlock Island, the only thing she owns after a pandemic-fueled divorce. But broken belongings and campfires that nearly burn down the house have escalated to bloody bones, hex circles, and now, terrified renters who've fled after finding blood and nail marks all over the guest room closet, as though someone tried to claw their way out...and failed. When Laney shows up to investigate with her teenaged niece in tow, she discovers that her ex, Kit, has also been informed and is there with Jayla, his sister and her former best friend. Then Sadie, another old high school friend, charters over with her brother, who's now a cop. There are tensions and secrets, whispers in the woods, and before long, the discovery of a hand poking up from the earth. Then the body that goes with it... But by that time, someone has taken off with their one and only means off the island, and they're trapped with someone-or something-that doesn't want them leaving the island alive" --

A light in the dark : surviving more than Ted Bundy
Rubin, Kathy Kleiner,
"In January 1978, I slept in my bed at the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University as Ted Bundy stalked nearby. He grabbed an oak log from a stack of firewood, slipped through a back door with a broken padlock, and headed upstairs.He began twisting doorknobs. Room 9 was open, and he quietly and quickly killed one of my sleeping sorority sisters. Across the hall, he found another unlocked door and murdered again. Then, he turned the knob to my bedroom and found it was open. I remember the attack vividly. Bundy bashed me once in the head with the log and then attacked my roommate. He heard me moaning and came to finish me off. He never let his victims live. But he stopped suddenly when a bright light filled the room. He fled the sorority house and the light disappeared. Bundy wasn't my first brush with death, and he wasn't my last. I've long been a survivor."--Back cover

Fried green tomatoes at the Whistle-Stop Cafe
Flagg, Fannie

Laundry love : finding joy in a common chore
Richardson, Patric,
"Patric Richardson, aka the "Laundry Evangelist," reveals his revolutionary methods for cleaning clothes-and making laundry loads more fun. Doing laundry is rarely anyone's favorite task. But to Patric Richardson, laundry isn't just fun-it's a way of life. After years of running Laundry Camp at the Mall of America for thousands of eager learners, he's ready to share his tips, tricks, and hacks-bringing surprise and delight to this commonly dreaded chore. Sorting your laundry? It's not all about whites and darks. Pondering the wash cycles? Every load, even your delicates, should be washed using express or quick-wash on warm. Facing expensive dry cleaning bills? You'll learn how to wash everything-yes everything-at home. And those basically clean but smelly clothes? Richardson has a secret for freshening those too (hint: it involves vodka, not soap). Changing your relationship with laundry can also change your life. Richardson's handy advice shows us how to save time and money (and the planet!) with our laundry-and he intersperses it all with a healthy dose of humor, real-life laundry stories, and lessons from his Appalachian upbringing and career in fashion. Laundry Love will make you wonder why you ever stressed about ironing, dry cleaning, or (god forbid) red wine spills on your new couch. No matter the issue, Richardson is here to help you make laundry miracles happen-wrinkles and stains be damned"--

The nightmare before kissmas
Raasch, Sara
Nicholas "Coal" Claus used to love Christmas. Until his father, the reigning Santa, turned the holiday into a PR facade. Coal will do anything to escape the spectacle, including getting tangled in a drunken, supremely hot make-out session with a beautiful man behind a seedy bar one night. But the heir to Christmas is soon commanded to do his duty: he will marry his best friend, Iris, the Easter princess and his brother's not-so-secret crush. A situation that has diaster written all over it. Things go from bad to worse when a rival arrives to challenge Coal for the princess's hand ... and Coal comes face-to-face with his mysterious behind-the-bar hottie: Hex, the prince of Halloween. It's a fake competition between two holiday princes who can't keep their hands off each other over a marriage of convenience that no one wants. And it all leads to one of the sweetest, sexiest, messiest, most delightfully unfortgettable love stories of the year

Chinese heritage cooking from my American kitchen : discover authentic flavors with vibrant, modern recipes
Chung, Shirley (Chef),
From growing up in Beijing to attending culinary school in California, to making her name in the restaurant world and on Top Chef, today Shirley Chung is dishing out new and dazzlingly delicious takes on Chinese cuisine. These recipes are fresh and inspired, yet approachable for home cooks. Here are a few you won't want to miss: Sweet-and-Sour Baby Back Ribs, Five-Spice Seared Duck Breast with Kumquat Mustard, Scallion Pancakes with Hazelnut Pesto, Seared Scallops with Spicy Black Bean Sauce, Spinach Egg Drop Soup and Beijing-Style Hot Pot. These recipes use simple ingredients and techniques, but have the standout flavor and texture you expect from top-notch restaurants--no wok required! Plus you'll find fascinating history and chef's tips tucked away in the headnotes and instructions that will make you a better cook. Shirley brings the same lively energy to her book that made her a fan-favorite on Top Chef. She'll make you excited to cook, and her recipes--each with a gorgeous photograph--will have you drooling over the pages. With Shirley in your kitchen, every meal becomes a fun and delicious celebration. --from Amazon

Simple Thai cookery : step by step to everyone's favourite Thai recipes
Hom, Ken

The true true story of Raja the Gullible (and his mother)
Alameddine, Rabih,
In a tiny Beirut apartment, sixty-three-year-old Raja and his mother live side by side. A beloved high school philosophy teacher and "the neighborhood homosexual," Raja relishes books, meditative walks, order, and solitude. Zalfa, his octogenarian mother, views her son's desire for privacy as a personal affront. She demands to know every detail of Raja's work life and love life, boundaries be damned. When Raja receives an invite to an all-expenses-paid writing residency in America, the timing couldn't be better. It arrives on the heels of a series of personal and national disasters that have left Raja longing for peace and quiet away from his mother and the heartache of Lebanon. But what at first seems a stroke of good fortune soon leads Raja to recount and relive the very disasters and past betrayals he wishes to forget.--

Abyss
Binge, Nicholas,
"A FanFiAddict Most Anticipated Title! Severance meets Lovecraft in this surreal tale of corporate horror and existential dread. Joe always had potential, but he doesn't expect much, and he hopes that his new job as an admin assistant won't expect much of him. But when he enters the offices of Ponos-a company he's never heard of and knows nothing about-he discovers that potential is exactly what they want from him. A feverish dive into the inhumanity of both late-stage capitalism and the crippling anxieties of modern life, Abyss adds a new level of meaning to 'wage slave'"-- Provided by publisher

The mountains we call home : the Book Woman's legacy
Richardson, Kim Michele,
"In this standalone and companion novel to the The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek series, our heroine for the ages, legendary book woman, Cussy Lovett, returns home. A powerful testament of strength, survival, and the magic of the printed word, The Mountains We Call Home is wrapped into a vivid portrait of Kentucky life: examining incarceration and criminalization, exploring the effects on the poor and powerless, and tracing the societal consequences of fractured family bonds, along with nostalgic glimpses of a bustling, multifaceted Louisville, and heartwarming portraits of reading efforts in every facet of life. Meticulously researched and richly detailed with a new cast of absorbing and complex characters, this beautifully rendered, authentic Kentucky tale is gritty and heartbreaking and infused with hope, spirit, and courage known only to those with no way out"--

How to cheat your own death
Perrin, Kristen,
"1968: Frances Adams is loving her new London life, and she's stepped into a world of glamour thanks to her new friend, Vera Huntington--a magnetic socialite as mysterious as she is provocative. Vera dances around London like she owns it, taking Frances with her. Present day: When Annie Adams heads to London to visit her famous artist mother, Laura, the last thing she expects to find is a dead body. Least of all for it to be Laura's new protégée, left in an alley with her heart surgically removed from her chest. Annie is no stranger to murder--after all, she's solved a few already. And something about this case feels familiar. She's read about one just like it in the journals of her late great aunt Frances, whose friend Vera was killed in the 1960s in the exact same way. As Annie investigates, threats pile up on Laura's doorstep, and it soon becomes clear that she's next. With her mother's life on the line, can Annie find the killer before it's too late?"--

The unseen world
Moore, Liz, 1983-
"The moving story of a daughter's quest to discover the truth about her beloved father's hidden past. The moving story of a daughter's quest to discover the truth about her beloved father's hidden past Ada Sibelius is raised by David, her brilliant, eccentric, socially inept single father, who directs a computer science lab in 1980s-era Boston. Home-schooled, Ada accompanies David to work every day; by twelve, she is a painfully shy prodigy. The lab begins to gain acclaim at the same time that David's mysterious history comes into question. When his mind begins to falter, leaving Ada virtually an orphan, she is taken in by one of David's colleagues. Soon after she embarks on a mission to uncover her father's secrets: a process that carries her from childhood to adulthood. What Ada discovers on her journey into a virtual universe will keep the reader riveted until The Unseen World's heart-stopping, fascinating conclusion"--Provided by publisher

Saint Catherine
Meyer, Anna,
In her 20-something years of existence, Catherine never skipped mass once. As a recovering Irish American Catholic, she has mostly traded the world of communion and confessionals for the "city-girl" struggle of work-life balance, family, and her relationships. The only thing she has not been able to shake is her fear that something bad will happen if she misses Sunday mass. But her fears become a reality when she skips mass for the first time and discovers she is now being possessed by a demon claiming to be the prince of hell. As she takes matters into her own hands and attempts to exorcise these demons (both the paranormal and emotional kind), Catherine must face her buried guilt and what it truly means to be good

The making and breaking of the American constitution : a thousand-year history
Peterson, Mark A., 1960-
"A provocative new history of America's constitution and an urgent call to action for a nation confronted by challenges its founders could never have imagined. The American Revolution occurred at a time when Britain's constitutional order failed to adapt to the extraordinary growth of its colonies. The framers designed an American constitution to succeed where Britain's had faltered, planning for continuous population and territorial expansion that would eventually cross the continent. Yet by the end of the nineteenth century, it was already ill-suited for an increasingly urban, industrialized society, and the transformations of the twentieth century have pushed it to a breaking point. This book charts the history and aims of the American constitution from its origins in an agrarian past to the grave crisis we face today. Mark Peterson traces the American constitutional tradition to the control of land in medieval England, showing how the founders incorporated the aspirations of Magna Carta with the administrative principles of the Domesday Book, a meticulous survey and valuation of landed property commissioned by William the Conqueror. This framework encouraged the growth of democratic self-government in a young nation. It also institutionalized the colonization of territory and the expulsion of Indigenous peoples, establishing a legal blueprint for transforming tribal lands into revenue-yielding real estate for settlers. Peterson's riveting narrative paints an arresting picture of a dynamic republic whose frame of government has changed enormously to meet the challenges of the modern age but whose written constitution has changed very little. Marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, The Making and Breaking of the American Constitution reveals how this widening disconnect threatens the very existence of our democracy. It calls for a constitution that sustains the ideals developed over the past thousand years while meeting the challenges of the future."--

The American Revolution : an intimate history
Ward, Geoffrey C.,
From the award-winning historian and filmmakers of The Civil War, Baseball, Jazz, The Roosevelts, and others: a richly illustrated, human-centered history of America's founding struggle-expanding on the landmark, six-part PBS series to be aired in November 2025. "From a small spark kindled in America, a flame has arisen not to be extinguished." -Thomas Paine. In defeating the British Empire and giving birth to a new nation, the American Revolution turned the world upside down. Thirteen colonies on the Atlantic coast rose in rebellion, won their independence, and established a new form of government that radically reshaped the continent and inspired independence movements and democratic reforms around the globe. The American Revolution was at once a war for independence, a civil war, and a world war, fought by neighbors on American farms and between global powers an ocean or more away. In this sumptuous volume, historian Geoffrey C. Ward ably steers us through the international forces at play, telling the story not from the top down but from the bottom up-and through the eyes of not only our "Founding Fathers" but also those of ordinary soldiers, as well as underrepresented populations such as women, African Americans, Native Americans, and American Loyalists, asking who exactly was entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Enriched by guest essays from lauded historians such as Vincent Brown, Maya Jasanoff, and Alan Taylor, and by an astonishing array of prints, drawings, paintings, texts, and pamphlets from the time period, as well as newly commissioned art and maps-and woven together with the words of Thomas Paine- The American Revolution reveals a nation still grappling with the questions that fueled its remarkable founding

American struggle : democracy, dissent, and the pursuit of a more perfect union : an anthology
Meacham, Jon,
This "collection covers a wide spectrum of history, from 1619 to the twenty-first century, with primary-source documents that take us back to critical moments in which Americans fought over the meaning and the direction of the national experiment. From the founders to Lincoln to Obama, from Andrew Jackson to Theodore Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan, from Seneca Falls to the March on Washington, this chorus ... tells the story of the country and of its people. As clashes over liberty and slavery, inclusion and exclusion, play out, these voices, ... framed by Meacham's singular commentary, remind us that contentious citizenship and fair-minded observations are essential to bringing about the more perfect union envisioned in the Preamble to the Constitution, which Frederick Douglass called a 'glorious liberty document'"--

Last branch standing : a potentially surprising, occasionally witty journey inside today's Supreme Court
Isgur, Sarah, 1982-
"A myth-busting glimpse into the inner workings of the Supreme Court in the "Roberts era," revealing what we get wrong about the nine justices (and what they eat for lunch) and the right way to fix a Court in crisis-from the popular ABC news pundit and witty co-host of the top legal podcast in the US"-- Provided by publisher

Declaring independence : why 1776 matters
Larson, Edward J. (Edward John),
On the 250th anniversary of American independence, with the history of our founding a political battleground, this study of the ideas and battlefield sacrifices of 1776 by a Pulitzer Prize-winning scholar could not be more timely

The unfinished business of 1776 : why the American Revolution never ended
Richards, Thomas, Jr., 1983-
A clarion call for taking back the American Revolution from the far right, published for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Who gets to claim the legacy of the American Revolution and the mantle of patriotism that goes along with it? In a sharp, irreverent, deeply informed account of the nation's founding moment and its enduring legacies, historian Thomas Richards Jr. invites us to see the Revolution not just as a one-time fight for political freedom from Britain but as an ongoing struggle for equality, justice, and social and political independence for all Americans

This land is your land : a road trip through U.S. history
Gage, Beverly,
"Ride along with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Beverly Gage as she travels the country to see the museums, historic sites, roadside attractions, reenactments, and souvenir shops where Americans learn--and fight--about our history. From the birth of the nation in Philadelphia to Disneyland and the California dream, This Land Is Your Land offers a guided tour of thirteen places and thirteen key moments that define America's greatest successes and challenges"--

Boston, 1776 : a rogue tour of Revolution City
Dickey, Jeff,
"Relive the chaos, courage, and color of the American Revolution's capital city while meeting those who led the fight in the nation's War of Independence."--Amazon

The westerners : mythmaking and belonging on the American frontier
Nelson, Megan Kate, 1972-
"The Westerners tells two richly detailed and interwoven stories. The first reveals the captivating lives of women and men moving through the American West -- Indigenous peoples, Black Americans, Mexican Americans, and Canadian and Asian immigrants -- in the 19th century. The second tracks the attempts of many Americans to erase these westerners from history, through a frontier myth that lionized individualism and conquest and celebrated white settlers traveling west in search of prosperity. Nelson's vivid, eye-opening account centers on seven extraordinary individuals whose lives capture the true history of the frontier: Sacajawea, not just Lewis and Clark's guide but an explorer who forged her own path; Jim Beckwourth, a biracial fur trader whose sharp cultural insight made him indispensable; María Gertrudis Barceló, a Hispana gambling saloon owner who broke every stereotype to become the wealthiest woman in Santa Fe; Ovando Hollister, a gold miner, soldier, and newspaper man who championed Western expansion; Little Wolf, a Northern Cheyenne chief whose courageous leadership secured his people's future; Canadian immigrant Ella Watson, who strove to become a ranch woman in a male-dominated world; and the defiant Polly Bemis, a Chinese immigrant who carved out a life in Idaho despite federal expulsion efforts." --

Freedom lost, freedom won : a personal history of America
Robinson, Eugene, 1954-
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Eugene Robinson traces his family's 200-year journey from slavery through civil rights, examining cycles of progress and setbacks in America's racial history

This vast enterprise : a new history of Lewis & Clark
Fehrman, Craig,
"In 1806, when Meriwether Lewis and William Clark return from their yearslong journey -- having led the Corps of Discovery across eight thousand miles of rapids, mountains, forests, and ravines -- they bring an incredible tale starring themselves as courageous explorers, skilled survivalists, underrated scientists, and peaceful ambassadors. While there is truth in those descriptions, there is also distortion. From one of the most exciting new historians to emerge in the past decade, This Vast Enterprise offers a bold and novel take on the expedition: a gripping narrative that draws on lost documents, stunning analysis, and Native perspectives. Craig Fehrman spent five years visiting more than thirty archives, interviewing more than a hundred sources, and collecting oral history passed down over centuries. He came to see that the success of Lewis and Clark depended on much more than just Lewis and Clark. We all know Sacajawea, and some of us know York, the Black man Clark enslaved. But This Vast Enterprise introduces us to John Ordway, a working-class soldier who fought fearsome grizzlies and towed the captains' hulking barge. It introduces us to Wolf Calf, a Blackfoot teenager who watched his friend die in a tense battle with Lewis and his men. To capture this cast of characters, each chapter in This Vast Enterprise moves to a different person's point of view, describing their desires and contradictions with an unprecedented level of care. One chapter shows Thomas Jefferson operating in an age of bitter partisan unrest -- his secret political maneuvers to fund the expedition, revealed here for the first time, are a case study in presidential power. Another chapter shows the strategy and strength of Black Buffalo, completely upending our understanding of Lakota-American diplomacy. York, in his chapters, finds ways to wield power and make choices in an era that didn't allow him much of either. Clark is not a folksy Kentuckian but a student of the Enlightenment. (Fehrman discovered his college notebook; no previous biographer even realized that he went to college.) Lewis is someone willing to sacrifice everything for his country, his mission, and his mentor, Jefferson; in Fehrman's subtle yet heartbreaking analysis, Lewis's legendary strengths are inseparable from his lifelong weaknesses. In the end, the captains are men who needed help -- from Sacajawea, from the Corps, and from each other. Mile after mile, the expedition pushes on through dramatic hailstorms and flash floods, life-threatening frostbite and infections, rattlesnakes and rabid wolves, with the Spanish cavalry in fierce pursuit. Fehrman balances the story's inherent adventure with the humanity of its protagonists." --

The greatest sentence ever written
Isaacson, Walter,
"To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, Walter Isaacson takes readers on a ... deep dive into the creation of one of history's most powerful sentences: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.' Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and edited by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, this line lays the foundationfor the American Dream and defines the common ground we share as a nation. Isaacson unpacks its genius, word by word, illuminating thethen-radical concepts behind it"--

Angelica : for love and country in a time of revolution
Beer, Molly,
Through the extraordinary life of Angelica Schuyler Church, a politically astute and socially influential figure, this story reveals how women shaped early American history through diplomacy, personal networks and a strategic presence in key revolutionary moments

We the people : a history of the U.S. Constitution
Lepore, Jill, 1966-
From the best-selling author of "These Truths" comes "We the People," a stunning new history of the U.S. Constitution, for a troubling new era

The ride : Paul Revere and the night that saved America
Kennedy, Kostya,
"Timed for the 250th anniversary of one of America's most famous founding events: Paul Revere's legendary ride, newly told with fresh research into little-known aspects of the myth that every American learns in school On April 18, 1775, a Boston-based silversmith, engraver, and anti-British political operative named Paul Revere set out on a borrowed horse to fulfill a dangerous but crucial mission: to alert American colonists of advancing British troops, which would seek to crush their nascent revolt. Revere was not the only rider that night, and indeed, he had completed at least 18 previous rides throughout New England, disseminating intelligence about British movements. But this ride was like no other, and its consequences in the months and years to come-as the American Revolution morphed from isolated skirmishes to a full-fledged war-became one of our founding legends. In The Ride, Kostya Kennedy presents a dramatic new narrative of the events of April 18 and 19, 1775, informed by fresh primary and secondary source research into archives, family letters and diaries, contemporary accounts, and more. Kennedy reveals Revere's ride to be more complex than it is usually portrayed-a coordinated series of rides by numerous men, near-disaster, capture by British forces, and finally success. While Revere was central to the ride and its plotting, Kennedy reveals the other men (and, perhaps, a woman with information about the movement of British forces) who helped to set in motion the events that would lead to America's independence. Thrillingly written in a dramatic, unstoppable narrative, The Ride re-tells an essential American story for a new generation of readers"--

1776
McCullough, David G
Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color, farmers, schoolteachers, shoemakers, no-accounts, and mere boys turned soldiers. And it is the story of the British commander, William Howe, and his highly disciplined redcoats who looked on their rebel foes with contempt and fought with a valor too little known. But it is the American commander-in-chief who stands foremost -- Washington, who had never before led an army in battle

We the women : the hidden heroes who shaped America
O'Donnell, Norah,
"Over a decades-long, distinguished career ... journalist Norah O'Donnell has made it her mission to shed light on untold women's stories. Now, in honor of America's 250th birthday, O'Donnell focuses that passion on the American heroines who helped change the course of history. ... Through extensive research and interviews, as well as historical documents and old photos, O'Donnell curates a ... portrait of these fierce fighters for freedom. From Mary Katherine Goddard, who printed the first signed Declaration of Independence, to the Forten family women, who were active in the abolition and suffrage movements and were considered the 'Black Founders' of Philadelphia, to the first women who served in the armed forces even before they had the right to vote, O'Donnell brings these extraordinary women together for the first time, and in doing so writes the American story anew"--

The promise of a nation : commemorating 250 years of patriotism, resilience, and aspirations from the national collection
"Celebrate 250 years of American history-and witness the nation's decade-by-decade evolution-in this gorgeously illustrated volume featuring 700 Smithsonian objects"-- Provided by publisher
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