Summer Reading: Staff Picks

20 Aug

Here are the books that HPL Staff have checked off of their summer reading lists and recommend to you!

As always, links to where these titles can be found in our collection are available.

 Happy Reading!

Rose Madder by Stephen King

“This is a story of empowerment and moving forward with a twist.” – Sabrina (IDS Library Assistant)
Content Warning: Domestic Violence

The Crash by Frieda McFadden

“It’s a good time!” – Vanessa C. (Access Services)

Children of Fire by Drew Karpyshyn

“The author used to write for video games so it’s intriguing to see his writing in book form.” – Jonathan (Access Services)

The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester

“Wild lore about the Oxford dictionary. You get to see the correspondence between these two characters and it’s fabulous!” – Libby (Youth Services)

Nightbitch by Rachel Yonder

“This book is great because it shows true motherhood and the psychosis that can happen when you give up your life to take care of children. A lot of it also takes place in the library and at story times which reminds me of what we do here. It shows what people don’t discuss about motherhood.” – Vanessa S. (Children’s Librarian + Manager)

These Heathens by Mia McKenzie

“While dealing with some serious subject matter, Mia McKenzie still manages to bring her signature wit and humor to this heartfelt novel” – Dejeunee (IDS Librarian)

Low Orbit by Kazmir Lee

“Low Orbit hit me hardest through Azar’s relationship with books, which mirrored my own habits at that age of escaping into fiction when life felt too heavy. While I related to their queerness and identity struggles, it was the honest, complicated dynamic with their parents that made the story feel especially personal.” – Tyler (Marketing + Outreach Manager)

An Ancient Witch’s Guide to Modern Dating by Cecilia Edward
“I enjoyed this sweet cozy fantasy about Thorn, a 17th century witch who ends up in 21st Century America after trying to cast a spell to find her true love. She learns that although somethings are very different in the modern world, love is timeless. If like me you have found yourself benefiting from the so called cat distribution system, you will be amused by Edward’s clever twist on the concept and the adorable kitties populating the story, who Thorn can communicate with. This would make a fun beach read or check it out for a not so spooky Autumn evening. Fans of romance and modern fantasies will both enjoy. “-Aimee Harris (IDS Manager)

Compiled by:
Dejeunee Depts
IDS Librarian

Bowls of Fun: Automatic Noodle and Kawaii Cafe Ramen

13 Aug

Automatic Noodle
by Annalee Newitz

Annalee Newitz’s latest novella, Automatic Noodle, is a clever cozy post-apocalytic tale of a group of robots who decide to open up a noodle shop. This a sweet found family story about robots who seek to find their own identity in a postwar California which has separated from the rest of the US and allowed robots limited freedom. Newitz’s creations are all unique; one is described as being octopus like while another appears human from her top half though she has no legs. It is interesting to see the robots explore their world from their programmed human pov and then gradually develop a uniquely robot perspective. Despite its short length it explores interesting concepts of identity and prejudice. With the rise of Ai, it was especially compelling to me, to explore at what point a human created machine might be thought of as a unique individual consciousness. If you enjoy Automatic Noodles, you might also enjoy checking out Newitz’s debut novel Autonomous, which looks at some similar issues with one of the main characters being an indentured robot.

Kawaii Cafe Ramen: Classic, Fun, and Delicious Ramen Meals to Make at Home
by Amy Kimoto-Kahn

After reading Automatic Noodles you will definitely be craving a big bowl of noodles, but if you want to try your hand at making your own rather than stopping by a Shaanxi style BiangBiang noodle shop like in Automatic Noodles or your favorite Pho or Ramen shop, then you will want to check out Amy Kimoto-Kahn’s Kawaii Cafe Ramen. This fun book includes instructions in how to make ramen noodles, a variety of soup bases including miso and tonkotsu as well as how to make a variety of toppings like tamagoyaki (Japanese style omlete), kakuni (braised pork belly), and my family’s favorite ajitsuke tamago (marinated half-cooked eggs). Then of course there are suggestions for complete composed dishes such as a Hawaiian inspired Kulua Pork and Cabbage Ramen, Furikake Salmon Ramen, and even a Good Morning Ramen perfect for breakfast. Rather than having photo illustration there are kawaii manga style drawings of the food some complete with cute smiley faces and adorable kittens wanting to sample the tasty creations. Kimoto-Kahn is a fourth-generation Japanese American who went to Japan to explore ramen in its birthplace as well as getting inspiration from the top Ramen places in her home state of California and old Japanese American cookbooks. My son especially is a huge Ramen fan so I look forward to trying some of these dishes with my family.

Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager