Month: November 2025

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

- Stephanie Leave a comment

“I feel special. Like maybe I deserve to be here.”
― Freida McFadden, The Housemaid

Is there an author you have seen everywhere that you have been reluctant to read? For me, this author is Freida McFadden. Her books are flying off the shelves at the library with her new ones having long holds lists. In an effort to figure out her popularity, I decided to listen to The Housemaid, the first book in her Housemaid series. Before I get into the book, let me share something: I love psychological thrillers and the twists, turns, and brutal endings they can have. Because of this, I am a bit picky about what psychological thrillers I read, but I still wanted to give Freida McFadden a try.

Here’s a brief synopsis: Millie is looking for a fresh start. She has been let go from her last job and is sleeping in her car, so when she scores an interview to be a live-in housekeeper for a wealthy family, she is surprised. Given her previous work history and her past, Millie knows she probably won’t get the job, but surprise, she is offered the job! She is tasked with cleaning the house from top to bottom, picking up the Winchesters’ daughter from school, making their meals, and a myriad of other tasks. The lady of the house, Nina, at first seems like a dream, but soon turns into a nightmare. She rips up the house, making messes and blaming Millie. She repeatedly tells lies and gaslights Millie. The constant whiplash between nice and angry pushes Millie close to Nina’s husband, Andrew. Millie doesn’t see how the two could have ended up together. Andrew is extremely attractive, while Nina doesn’t take pride in her appearance and has let herself go. As Nina continues to deteriorate, Andrew grows more broken. Soon Millie believes that Andrew deserves better and that she appreciates him more than Nina does. When Andrew and Millie are given the opportunity to act out their desires, Millie feels like her dreams have come true. She doesn’t realize it’s a trap until it’s too late, but unfortunately for the Winchesters, they have underestimated Millie.

My thoughts: While I enjoyed the twists and the ending, there were other parts I found repetitive. Some scenes also felt tedious and at times I felt this book could have benefitted from another editing round. The Housemaid was a good thriller, but honestly I was hit with dejavu many times, like I had read this book or plot before. This was a solid three star read because of its predictability.

The Housemaid series

LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 11 — SIGN LANGUAGE

- Jill Leave a comment

Sign language is a fully developed, natural language primarily used by people who are Deaf or hearing impaired. It relies on hand signs, visual gestures, body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues such as head movements to convey meaning and emotion. More than just a communication tool, sign language holds deep cultural significance within Deaf communities around the world. Like spoken languages, sign languages follow distinct grammatical rules and are shaped by culture and history.

Contrary to popular belief, there is no single universal sign language. Instead, there are over 300 distinct sign languages worldwide (National Geographic), each with its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and cultural identity. For example, American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are entirely different languages, despite being used in English-speaking countries. In fact, ASL shares more similarities with French Sign Language (LSF) due to historical influences in Deaf education. Regional dialects and variations also exist within each of these languages. Additionally, there is International Sign, a simplified, non-standardized form of sign language used in global conferences and cross-cultural settings. While useful, it is not considered a full language.

Sign languages are used by an estimated 70 million people around the world as their primary means of communication. These languages are a reflection of cultural diversity and play a vital role in fostering inclusion, identity, and community among Deaf populations. However, the level of official recognition and access to services varies widely between countries. Some, like the Netherlands, have granted their national sign language legal status, while others still lack formal recognition. In the United States and parts of Canada, American Sign Language (ASL) is the most commonly used sign language. Estimates of ASL users range from 500,000 to 2 million (un.org), depending on the source. Broader estimates suggest that between 2 to 3 million Americans use sign language in some capacity (Gitnux Market Data). ASL is also the third most studied language in U.S. higher education, after Spanish and French, indicating growing interest and awareness (gallaudet.edu). ASL itself has regional and cultural variations, including Black ASL, which developed within historically segregated schools for the Deaf, and Tactile ASL, used by Deaf-blind individuals. These variations reflect the rich cultural dimensions within ASL and its users.

While exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint, roughly 2.5% of Iowa’s residents were reported to use sign language in some form as of 2017. This figure includes both native users and those using it for professional or personal communication. Iowa offers multiple educational and community-based opportunities to learn and engage with ASL. The Iowa School for the Deaf offers free and low-cost ASL classes, both in-person and online. ASL coursework, clubs, and cultural outreach events like Deaf Awareness Week are offered at universities, including the University of Iowa and Iowa State. Locally, Scott Community College offers a Deaf Studies Certificate as well as an AAS Degree in American Sign Language – English Interpreting. Online and self-guided platforms, including apps, are also learning avenues that are readily available.

In Scott County, American Sign Language is present both educationally (as mentioned above) and culturally. Although specific usage numbers for Scott County are not readily available, the presence of accredited interpreter training and educational resources indicates awareness, accessibility, and a growing support network for sign language learners and the local Deaf community. Residents also have access to a range of learning options including university outreach, online platforms, and community-based events.

Check out some of the FREE Sign Language resources available to you at The Library. See our online catalog or ask a Librarian for more resources.

FOR A BEGINNER INTRODUCTION TO SIGN LANGUAGE:

 

American Sign Language for beginners : learn signing essentials in 30 days

Sign language made easy. ABCs, numbers & everyday signs

Signing everyday phrases

The American sign language phrase book

Sign language made easy DVD

Idioms & phrases in American Sign Language. Volume 2

 

SIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION:

American Sign Language

Barron’s American Sign Language : a comprehensive guide to ASL 1 and 2

Signs of the times

Talking with your hands, listening with your eyes : a complete photographic guide to American Sign Language

American sign language demystified

Instant Immersion American Sign Language

 

SIGN LANGUAGE DICTIONARIES:

   

Random House Webster’s American sign language dictionary

The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language

Barron’s dictionary of American Sign Language

The joy of signing : a dictionary of American signs

 

OTHER SIGN LANGUAGE AND RELATED RESOURCES:

Reading between the signs : intercultural communication for sign language interpreters

How to talk in the Indian sign language

Thinking with your hands : the surprising science behind how gestures shape our thoughts

Dictionary of gestures : expressive comportments and movements in use around the world

 

SIGNING FOR KIDS:

   

My first book of sign language

Simple signing with young children : a guide for infant, toddler, and preschool teachers

We can sign! : an essential illustrated guide to American Sign Language for kids

I want to learn sign language. Volume 1 everyday sign language lessons for children ages 5-12

Sign language for kids activity book : 50 fun games and activities to start signing

 

SIGNING FOR BABIES:

  

Baby sign language / More Than 150 Signs Baby Can Use and Understand

My first baby signs

Teach your baby to sign : an illustrated guide to simple sign language for babies

Baby sign language made easy : 101 signs to start communicating with your child now

Baby signs : how to talk with your baby before your baby can talk

Essential baby sign language : the most important 75 signs you can teach your baby

El gran libro de Baby Sign : guía teórico-práctica para triunfar con el método

 

NEXT MONTH…  LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 12 — LIBGUIDE for LANGUAGE LEARNING RESOURCES

 

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Meesh the Bad Demon by Michelle Lam

- Stephanie Leave a comment

Michelle Lam’s juvenile graphic novel debut, Meesh the Bad Demon, is the story of unlikely heroes, bad guys, and the stereotypes and myths that surround them. Meesh, a bad demon, tries to find her place, but instead discovers that she doesn’t quite fit in with her peers. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though!

Twelve-year-old Meesh would rather read magazines from Plumeria City (the fairy realm), watch fairy television shows, and talk to flowers instead of doing typical demon things. She spends her days seeing the good in people and the world around her. That, unfortunately makes Meesh a ‘bad’ demon in the eyes of her peers. Meesh struggles with fire breathing, acid-puking, horn-sharpening, lava-molding, and many other skills that her school in Mount Magma works to teach young demons to prepare them for the world. Luckily for Meesh, her grandma is there to listen and to try to understand her problems.

When disaster strikes Mount Magma, Meesh is at first confused and scared. Running to her grandma for help, Meesh discovers that her grandma is in danger. All of demon-kind is in trouble and Meesh must find help. Escaping from Mount Magma, Meesh is on the lookout for other worlds. Stumbling upon the fairy realm, Meesh is convinced that the fairies will be able to help her save the other demons. Just when she thinks her problems are solved, Meesh realizes that something is not quite right in the fairy realm. They aren’t the perfect creatures she always thought, but Meesh is determined to solve her problem and ends up making new friends along the way. Meesh and her group of outcast friends all learn that there’s more to themselves than the stereotypical things others think about them. Learning to love yourself and knowing your own strengths while being able to ask for help are just some of the important lessons that readers will learn in this book.

Meesh the Bad Demon was absolutely adorable. While I am definitely not the target audience of this juvenile graphic novel, I appreciated the author’s clear determination to teach readers about the importance of understanding and accepting others’ differences. Highly recommend.

Online Reading Challenge – November

- Stephanie Leave a comment

Welcome Readers!

This month the Online Reading Challenge is focusing on detective/crime fiction. Our main title for November is The Beekeeper’s Apprentice or, On the Segregation of the Queen by Laurie R. King. Here’s a quick summary from the publisher:

In 1915, Sherlock Holmes is retired and quietly engaged in the study of honeybees in Sussex when a young woman literally stumbles onto him on the Sussex Downs. Fifteen years old, gawky, egotistical, and recently orphaned, the young Mary Russell displays an intellect to impress even Sherlock Holmes. Under his reluctant tutelage, this very modern, twentieth-century woman proves a deft protégée and a fitting partner for the Victorian detective. They are soon called to Wales to help Scotland Yard find the kidnapped daughter of an American senator, a case of international significance with clues that dip deep into Holmes’s past. Full of brilliant deduction, disguises, and danger, The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, the first book of the Mary Russell–Sherlock Holmes mysteries, is “remarkably beguiling” (The Boston Globe). (Picador)

Looking for some other detective/crime fiction titles? Try any of the following.

As always, check each of our locations for displays with lots more titles to choose from!