By Susan Jevens
As fall nears, we thought we'd take a break from our regular interview column this month to offer up a selection of engaging books you'll want to cozy up with - from classic and contemporary fiction to history and how-tos. We'll be back next month with another great interview with a local reader.
"Baking with Mary Berry: Cakes, Cookies, Pies, and Pastries from the British Queen of Baking"
By Mary Berry
Mary Berry, doyenne of baking and beloved judge on PBS's, "The Great British Baking Show," gives fans a treat with this wonderful collection of over 100 sweet and savory baked good recipes. With step-by-step instructions and full-color photographs throughout, the cookbook features dishes that are no-fuss, practical, and foolproof - from breakfast goods to cookies, cakes, pastries, and pies, to special occasion desserts such as cheesecake and souffles and British favorites like treacle tart and Devon scones.
"One Plus One"
By JoJo Moyes
In this heart-warming novel by best-selling British author Moyes ("Me Before You"), cash-strapped single mom Jess Thomas is trying to hold her life together, working two jobs while raising Nick, a 16-year-old goth, the target of cruel neighborhood bullies, and 10-year-old math whiz Tanzie. Enter tech millionaire Ed, who just may be the family's salvation when he offers to drive Jess, her kids, and her gassy dog to a Math Olympiad in Scotland.
"Island of the Blue Dolphins"
By Scott O'Dell
Winner of the Newbery Medal in 1961, this inspiring young adult classic is based on the true story of a Native American woman found on San Nicholas Island off California in 1853. In the novel, Karana is left to survive alone for years using the skills she's learned from her people, while facing harsh elements, a pack of wild dogs, and unrelenting solitude. This story of courage and self-reliance will stay with you long after you've finished the last line.
"A Natural History of the Senses"
By Diane Ackerman
Written by poet, author, journalist, and naturalist Diane Ackerman, "A Natural History of the Senses" is a delightfully vibrant exploration of our ability to smell, taste, hear, touch, and see. Devoting a section of the book to each sense, Ackerman weaves together scientific fact with folklore, history, dogged reporting, and rich language to unearth how human beings experience and savor the world.
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts I and II"
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany; a new play by Jack Thorne
A must-read for Harry Potter fans, the eighth story (written in script book format) in the series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage, is set 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts. Our adult hero finds it isn't much easier being Harry Potter now that he is the Head of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus is struggling to live up to his name. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.
"The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend"
By Katrina Bivald
In her debut novel, Swedish author Bivald introduces readers to Sara Lindqvist, a 28-year-old bookseller who travels from her home in Sweden to visit her longtime pen pal, 65-year-old Amy, in Broken Wheel, Iowa. Upon arrival, Sara finds that she's just in time for Amy's funeral. The townspeople insist that she stay in Amy's house and generally refuse to let her pay for anything. Faced with a town where nobody reads and a desire to honor her friend, Sara opens up the perfect bookshop filled with all the books she and Amy shared - and watches the residents of Broken Wheel, one-by-one, are changed in unexpected ways.
"At Home: A Short History of Private Life"
By Bill Bryson
In this fascinating read, acclaimed author Bill Bryson takes us on a room-by-room tour through his house - a Victorian parsonage in Norfolk built in 1851 - using each room as a starting point to in his words, "write a history of the world without leaving home." As he takes us through the history of the bathroom, the bedroom, the kitchen, and other living spaces, Bryson demonstrates that whatever happens in the world eventually ends up in our home, in the paint, the pipes, the pillows, and every item of furniture.
"Persuasion"
By Jane Austen
Jane Austen's last novel follows quiet, steadfast heroine Anne Elliott, who resigned to the life of an old maid after being persuaded at age 19 to reject a marriage proposal from Frederick Wentworth due to his lack of fortune and rank. Now, eight years later, Anne and the newly wealthy captain are brought together again by circumstance. Anne is again drawn to her first love, but it appears he only has eyes for another. With its fall setting and autumnal themes of endings and faded youth, it's the ideal time to read or revisit Austen's most romantic novel.
"Food Gift Love"
By Maggie Batista
A wonderful for do-it-yourselfers, this beautifully-designed book by food blogger Maggie Batista is filled with dozens of edible gift ideas for friends and loved ones. Featuring simple, delicious recipes - from infused salts and sugars, flavored butters, jams, and pickles to delicious cookies, desserts, savories, and spirits, "Food Gift Love" offers an array of great homemade gifts that are great for holiday giving and other special occasions.
Browse our "Most Wanted" collection
Looking for another great read to curl up with this fall? Check out Monroe Public Library's "Most Wanted" collection. This collection, located on the library's first floor, features popular bestsellers and other in-demand titles, available for check out right away. These titles cannot be placed on hold or renewed, giving you the perfect opportunity to grab a coveted book while you have the chance.
- Cover to Cover is provided by the Monroe Public Library and is published the fourth Wednesday of the month.
As fall nears, we thought we'd take a break from our regular interview column this month to offer up a selection of engaging books you'll want to cozy up with - from classic and contemporary fiction to history and how-tos. We'll be back next month with another great interview with a local reader.
"Baking with Mary Berry: Cakes, Cookies, Pies, and Pastries from the British Queen of Baking"
By Mary Berry
Mary Berry, doyenne of baking and beloved judge on PBS's, "The Great British Baking Show," gives fans a treat with this wonderful collection of over 100 sweet and savory baked good recipes. With step-by-step instructions and full-color photographs throughout, the cookbook features dishes that are no-fuss, practical, and foolproof - from breakfast goods to cookies, cakes, pastries, and pies, to special occasion desserts such as cheesecake and souffles and British favorites like treacle tart and Devon scones.
"One Plus One"
By JoJo Moyes
In this heart-warming novel by best-selling British author Moyes ("Me Before You"), cash-strapped single mom Jess Thomas is trying to hold her life together, working two jobs while raising Nick, a 16-year-old goth, the target of cruel neighborhood bullies, and 10-year-old math whiz Tanzie. Enter tech millionaire Ed, who just may be the family's salvation when he offers to drive Jess, her kids, and her gassy dog to a Math Olympiad in Scotland.
"Island of the Blue Dolphins"
By Scott O'Dell
Winner of the Newbery Medal in 1961, this inspiring young adult classic is based on the true story of a Native American woman found on San Nicholas Island off California in 1853. In the novel, Karana is left to survive alone for years using the skills she's learned from her people, while facing harsh elements, a pack of wild dogs, and unrelenting solitude. This story of courage and self-reliance will stay with you long after you've finished the last line.
"A Natural History of the Senses"
By Diane Ackerman
Written by poet, author, journalist, and naturalist Diane Ackerman, "A Natural History of the Senses" is a delightfully vibrant exploration of our ability to smell, taste, hear, touch, and see. Devoting a section of the book to each sense, Ackerman weaves together scientific fact with folklore, history, dogged reporting, and rich language to unearth how human beings experience and savor the world.
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts I and II"
Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany; a new play by Jack Thorne
A must-read for Harry Potter fans, the eighth story (written in script book format) in the series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage, is set 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts. Our adult hero finds it isn't much easier being Harry Potter now that he is the Head of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, a husband, and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus is struggling to live up to his name. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.
"The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend"
By Katrina Bivald
In her debut novel, Swedish author Bivald introduces readers to Sara Lindqvist, a 28-year-old bookseller who travels from her home in Sweden to visit her longtime pen pal, 65-year-old Amy, in Broken Wheel, Iowa. Upon arrival, Sara finds that she's just in time for Amy's funeral. The townspeople insist that she stay in Amy's house and generally refuse to let her pay for anything. Faced with a town where nobody reads and a desire to honor her friend, Sara opens up the perfect bookshop filled with all the books she and Amy shared - and watches the residents of Broken Wheel, one-by-one, are changed in unexpected ways.
"At Home: A Short History of Private Life"
By Bill Bryson
In this fascinating read, acclaimed author Bill Bryson takes us on a room-by-room tour through his house - a Victorian parsonage in Norfolk built in 1851 - using each room as a starting point to in his words, "write a history of the world without leaving home." As he takes us through the history of the bathroom, the bedroom, the kitchen, and other living spaces, Bryson demonstrates that whatever happens in the world eventually ends up in our home, in the paint, the pipes, the pillows, and every item of furniture.
"Persuasion"
By Jane Austen
Jane Austen's last novel follows quiet, steadfast heroine Anne Elliott, who resigned to the life of an old maid after being persuaded at age 19 to reject a marriage proposal from Frederick Wentworth due to his lack of fortune and rank. Now, eight years later, Anne and the newly wealthy captain are brought together again by circumstance. Anne is again drawn to her first love, but it appears he only has eyes for another. With its fall setting and autumnal themes of endings and faded youth, it's the ideal time to read or revisit Austen's most romantic novel.
"Food Gift Love"
By Maggie Batista
A wonderful for do-it-yourselfers, this beautifully-designed book by food blogger Maggie Batista is filled with dozens of edible gift ideas for friends and loved ones. Featuring simple, delicious recipes - from infused salts and sugars, flavored butters, jams, and pickles to delicious cookies, desserts, savories, and spirits, "Food Gift Love" offers an array of great homemade gifts that are great for holiday giving and other special occasions.
Browse our "Most Wanted" collection
Looking for another great read to curl up with this fall? Check out Monroe Public Library's "Most Wanted" collection. This collection, located on the library's first floor, features popular bestsellers and other in-demand titles, available for check out right away. These titles cannot be placed on hold or renewed, giving you the perfect opportunity to grab a coveted book while you have the chance.
- Cover to Cover is provided by the Monroe Public Library and is published the fourth Wednesday of the month.