Author: Jill

LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 3 — FRENCH

- Jill Leave a comment

Last month we covered the Spanish language and the resources offered by The Library. This month, we’ll take a look at French. While not a commonly spoken language here in the Quad Cities, or even in Iowa, French is the 5th most spoken language in the world. With 321 million speakers (111 million who speak it as their mother tongue), French speakers make up 3.6% of the world population. French is also the 4th most used language on the internet (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) and is one of the only languages with speakers on every continent. With 74 French-speaking countries, French is considered a world language. Only 39 countries and independent states use French as their official or common language (Worlddata.info) and the language is at least partly spoken as a mother tongue in as many as 12 other countries.

It’s no surprise that France boasts the most native speakers – almost 64 million. There is a heavy presence of French speakers in Europe (31% of Europeans), especially in countries bordering France. French is one of the 24 official languages of the European Union (EU) and is also one of the official languages of multiple international organizations headquartered in Europe including the International Olympic Committee, the International Criminal Court, and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Due to its popularity and utility around the world, French is popular with those learning a second language – around 51 million current learners (Organization of International Francophonie – OIF).

But, would it surprise you to know that almost 62% of French speakers live in Africa (North Africa, Near East and Sub-Saharan Africa)? In fact, the country with the second highest number of French speakers is the Democratic Republic of the Congo – almost 49 million. In total, there are 20 French-speaking countries in Africa that list French as their official or co-official language. And, in many countries around the world where French is spoken but is not the official language, French is used as the language of instruction or as an administrative language (Worlddata.info). The remaining top ten French-speaking countries (based on millions of speakers) are: Algeria (15M), Morocco (13.5M), Germany (12.3M), Italy (11.8M), Cameroon (11.5M), United Kingdom (11.3M), Canada (11.1M), and Ivory Coast with 9.3M (OIF). All of these countries rank higher in numbers of French speakers than even Belgium – the #2 French-speaking European country. Belgium has only 8.8M speakers.

Closer to home, roughly 11 million (21%) of Canadians speak French as their first language, the majority those residing in Québec (Worlddata.info). French has a foothold in the United States as well, gaining ground during the colonial period and after several waves of immigrants during both world wars and then followed by immigration from large groups of French-speakers from African countries in the 1980s. It is the third most spoken foreign language in the U.S. (after Spanish and Chinese), with over 2 million U.S. households speaking French (census.gov). That is less than 1% of the population. The majority of U.S. French speakers reside in Louisiana (2% of its population), most of them living in or around the New Orleans area. And, many of those actually speak Cajun French or Louisiana Creole, which are French dialects that developed through combining elements of French with other languages. Patois is also a dialect of French that is spoken in the U.S. (ncesc.com). Besides New Orleans, other major U.S. cities with large French-speaking populations are Honolulu, Miami, New York, and Chicago.

In Iowa, roughly 7,500 people speak French at home (statisticalatlas.com) – the majority of whom are foreign-born French speakers hailing from West and Central Africa, especially the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. According to a 2021 report by the Iowa Department of Human Rights and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, of the 12 most common world languages found across Iowa Counties, French is spoken in 22 of them. It is the fourth most commonly spoken foreign language in Iowa and is one of the 10 foreign languages spoken in Scott County with just under 400 speakers (MLA Language Map Data Center). There are roughly the same number or French speakers in Rock Island County, on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities. While French is not a commonly spoken language in America, it is a commonly studied language and is a good choice for second language acquisition.

Here’s just a sampling of the FREE resources available to you at The Library as you learn French. See our online catalog or ask a Librarian for more resources.

FOR A QUICK INTRODUCTION TO THE LANGUAGE:

   

French in a flash : grammar and vocabulary fundamentals by Barbara Boyer

15-minute French : learn in just 12 weeks by Caroline Lemoine

Get talking French in ten days : audio course by Jean-Claude Arragon

 

FOR A MORE LAID-BACK APPROACH:

Short stories in French : read for pleasure at your level and learn French the fun way by Olly Richards

French short stories for beginners : 20 captivating short stories to learn French & grow your vocabulary the fun way : easy French stories

Learn French with short stories : fifteen beginner stories with parallel French & English text

#Language hacking French : a conversation course for beginners by Benny Lewis

Teach your dog French by Anne Cakebreak

50 French coffee breaks : short activities to improve your French one cup at a time

 

IF YOU ARE A VISUAL LEARNER:

French English illustrated dictionary by Thomas Booth

The Firefly French/English visual dictionary by Jean Claude Corbeil

 

COMPLETE LANGUAGE COURSES:

 

Complete French by Gaëlle Graham

Collins easy learning French complete audio course by Rosi McNab

Learn Canadian French : for basic to advanced level French speakers by Pierre Lévesque

And, a Davenport Public Library cardholder, you have FREE access to the language learning program, Mango Languages.

 

FOR THOSE WHO PLAN TO TRAVEL:

 

Rick Steves’ French phrase book & dictionary by Rick Steves

French phrase book & dictionary

Fast Talk French

 

NEXT MONTH…  LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 4 — GERMAN

LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 2 — SPANISH

- Jill Leave a comment

Last month, we introduced you to some of the more general language learning resources that The Library offers. Take a look at those if you’re not sure what language you want to learn. This month, we’ll focus in on the most commonly spoken foreign language in Davenport, the Quad Cities, and the U.S. – SPANISH!  This is also the language that most people around the world indicate they want to learn.

There are over 493 million native Spanish speakers, making it the second most-spoken language in the world. Including everyone who speaks Spanish as a second language (at least decently), Spanish can be used to communicate with 591 million people around the world! This makes Spanish the third most-spoken language in the world, behind Chinese and English, and on par with Hindi. Spanish is also one of the most-used languages on the internet. The Spanish language continues to grow in traditionally non-Spanish speaking countries as well. In the U.S., 60 million people identified as being of Hispanic origin – about 18% of the population (in 2019). The Spanish language has by far the most native speakers, with 12% of the American population using it as their primary language (2021). And, Spanish is the official language in 20 countries and one U.S. Territory (Puerto Rico) and has widespread use in other regions. Besides Mexico and Spain, Spanish is the official language in many Central and South American nations, including: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. It’s even spoken in Equatorial Guinea (in Africa). So, if you are planning on visiting any of these places, learning at least some basic conversational Spanish or common phrases would be helpful.

According to US Census Bureau data in 2022, the Hispanic population of Davenport, Iowa was at just over 9% or 9,200 people. When expanded to include the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL communities, the total number of people identifying as non-white Hispanic rose to 9.31% or 35.6K people. In Iowa, nearly 216K people self-identified as Hispanic or Latino (about 6.8% of Iowa’s total population, according to a 2022 report from the State Data Center of Iowa – a program of The State Library of Iowa.) Currently, 128K Iowa residents age 5 and older speak Spanish at home. Of this number, over 21K are Spanish speaking English Language Learners in Iowa’s public schools (2021- 2022). This represents a 240% increase from the previous year (Iowa Department of Education). Based on growth over the last 20 years, the projected total Latino population of Iowa as of July 1, 2050 will be around 518K (about 14.8% of the total state population). The numbers are even greater for Illinois, where some schools are even offering Dual Language Immersion Programs.

Hispanic businesses are on the rise nationwide, growing 8.2% from 2019-2020 (US Census Bureau). Hispanic-owned businesses yielded about $472.3 billion in annual receipts and employed about 2.9 million workers. According to the Greater Quad Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, this is reflected in the Quad Cities as Latino owned business are on the rise, along with Hispanic cultural enterprises such as Mercado on Fifth, an outdoor summer market in Moline, IL which had a record 115 vendors and almost $600K in revenue in 2022. The chamber also indicated that immigrants and refugees are among the biggest drivers of the population and economic gains in the Quad Cities. Newcomers to the region tend to be of working age (between the ages of 25 and 64). Immigrants also are more likely to open and operate their own businesses and employ others than U.S.-born Quad-Citians.

Learning Spanish will undoubtedly give you an edge in the Quad Cities Job Market. Being bilingual in a market where the Spanish language speaking population is growing can be a major asset. Many employers are actively looking to hire people who can communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking customers, colleagues, and community members. Having at least a working knowledge of Spanish in your skill set can open up job opportunities you might not have otherwise. From healthcare, hospitality, and customer service to manufacturing, Spanish proficiency enables workers to engage with the area’s Hispanic community. Increasing the number of Spanish speakers in the workforce will facilitate everything from better patient communication to more targeted marketing and improved workplace collaboration across language barriers. Salaries also tend to be higher for bilingual employees. Studies show the “bilingual bonus” can lead to thousands more in annual pay, providing not just a practical communication benefit, but also a financial one. A growing number of job postings now list Spanish as a requirement or preferred qualification, but even a baseline conversational ability will give you an advantage. As the Hispanic community continues to rapidly expand across the Quad Cities area, mastering the Spanish language will only become more valuable to employers across diverse job sectors. For those entering the workforce, as well as experienced professionals, the ability to communicate and work effectively in both English and Spanish can give you the competitive edge.

Will you consider learning a foreign language?  If you’d like to get started learning Spanish, here are just a sampling of some of the FREE resources offered by The Library. See our online catalog or ask a Librarian for more resources.

FOR A QUICK INTRODUCTION TO THE LANGUAGE:

15-minute Spanish : learn in just 12 weeks by Ana Bremón

Spanish in 3 months : your essential guide to understanding and speaking Spanish by Isabel Cisneros

Spanish in 100 days.

 

FOR A MORE LAID-BACK APPROACH:

    

Spanish for the rest of us by William C. Harvey

Drive time Spanish. Beginner level.

#Language hacking Spanish : a conversation course for beginners by Benny Lewis

Becoming a bilingual family : help your kids learn Spanish (and learn Spanish yourself in the process) by Stephen G. Marks

50 Spanish coffee breaks : short activities to improve your Spanish one cup at a time

Teach your dog Spanish by Anne Cakebread

 

IF YOU ARE A VISUAL LEARNER:

 

Merriam-Webster’s Spanish-English visual dictionary

Spanish English illustrated dictionary by Thomas Booth

Spanish visual dictionary for dummies.

Bilingual visual dictionary. Spanish English.

 

COMPLETE LANGUAGE COURSES:

   

Berlitz Spanish all-in-one

Complete Spanish step-by-step : the fastest way to achieve Spanish mastery by Barbara Bregstein

Spanish complete edition

Basic Spanish by Dorothy Devney Richmond

Instant Immersion Spanish deluxe v3.0

And, a Davenport Public Library cardholder, you have FREE access to the language learning program, Mango Languages.

 

FOR THOSE WHO PLAN TO TRAVEL:

 

Spanish: Rough Guides Phrase Book

Rick Steves’ Spanish phrase book & dictionary  by Rick Steves

Mexican Spanish phrase book & dictionary

Fast talk Latin American Spanish : guaranteed to get you talking.

 

NEXT MONTH…  LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 3 — FRENCH

LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 1

- Jill Leave a comment

Happy New Year!
¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!
Alles Gute Zum Neuen Jahr!
Bonne Année!
新年快乐! (xīnniánkuàilè!)

Did you know that there are over 41 different languages spoken by students in Scott County, Iowa?  The top 6 languages are represented above: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, German, French, and Chinese. Across the state, over 177 languages are spoken (according to the 2022 report by the Iowa Department of Human Rights and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach). This is a nearly 60% increase in the foreign language speaking population since the last report in 2010. All languages (other than English) spoken in Scott County account for over 9,200 speakers – which is more than 6%. Spanish speakers account for greater than 3% of that. And combined, Vietnamese, German, French, and Chinese, add up to another 1.68% of speakers, leaving 1.44% to account for another 35 languages. These are roughly the same numbers when you compare Scott County with the State of Iowa as a whole.

While English is the most commonly spoken language in the United States, according to a 2019 U.S. Census Bureau Report about 22 percent of the US population (308.8 million at the time) speaks a language other than English when at home. Roughly 62% of these individuals speaks English “very well” such that they can be identified as fluently bilingual. According to the Journal of Neurolinguistics, 43% of the world’s population is bilingual, using two languages daily. 40% is monolingual, and the remaining 17% are multilingual.

Among U.S. students studying a foreign language, roughly 72% are studying Spanish, 14% French, 4.5% German, 2.5% Latin, and almost 1% Japanese. And, according to a 2021 report from the language learning app, Duolingo, the top 6 most popular languages to learn around the world (after English, which ranks #1) are: Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Italian, and Korean. The 5 most commonly spoken languages in the world in order are English, Mandarin, Hindi, Spanish and French.

Would you like to learn a foreign language to communicate better with others in our diverse community?  Perhaps you have always wanted to learn a specific language of your family heritage or to prepare for a long-awaited bucket list trip? The Library has an array of language learning resources. From complete courses (including an online program), to phrasebooks for travelers, visual dictionaries, and bilingual short stories, we have what you need to get started on your foreign language learning or ESL path. We even have Sign Language learning resources!

Over the next months, we will highlight resources for each of the top 6 most popular languages to learn: *Spanish, *French, *German, Japanese, Italian, and Korean. And, we will also include the most commonly spoken foreign languages in the Quad Cities Region: *Spanish, Vietnamese, *German, *French, and Chinese. ESL and Sign Language will also be included.
*We’ll only cover Spanish, German, and French once as they appear on both lists.

First, we’d like to point you to resources that will assist you in any language you want to learn. You can browse the online catalog for a specific language:  Davenport Public Library Catalog.  If you don’t see what you’re looking for there, reach out and let us know what language you’d like to learn or what resources you need.

As a Davenport Library card holder, you have FREE access to the language learning program Mango Languages found on our Online Resources page. Mango offers instructional courses for over 70 languages and ESL (English as a Second Language) courses for over 20 languages.

We also have these books that would be helpful no matter which language you choose to learn:

Fluent forever : how to learn any language fast and never forget it by Gabriel Wyner

Fluent in 3 months : how anyone at any age can learn to speak any language from anywhere in the world by Benny Lewis

How to speak any language fluently by Alex Rawlings

Bilingual families : a practical language planning guide by Eowyn Crisfield

 

Finally, you might find these two books useful as you begin planning your language learning adventure:

 

The first 20 hours : how to learn anything … fast by Josh Kaufman

Limitless : upgrade your brain, learn anything faster, and unlock your exceptional life by Jim Kwik

Stay tuned over the next months for language learning resources for specific languages!  First up, next month:  LEARN A LANGUAGE — Part 2 — SPANISH.

AI : ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

- Jill Leave a comment

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, reshape industries, and affect our daily lives, it is critical for humans to understand the fundamental principles and implications of this technology. The most basic idea of AI refers to the ability of machines (computers) to perform tasks that require human intelligence, such as language understanding, learning, problem-solving, and reasoning. Because AI applications have begun to permeate our lives, it is important to familiarize ourselves with the basics, including machine learning and neural networks. This can help demystify how these systems operate and give us a better grasp of their potential applications, enabling individuals to engage in informed discussions about AI’s role in society and its impact on jobs, privacy, and ethics.

In particular, understanding the ethical implications of AI is vital. AI systems are becoming more integrated into a wide variety of decision-making processes, including hiring practices and law enforcement. Being aware of potential issues such as bias, transparency, and accountability will become increasingly important to recognize and mitigate. Unfair outcomes are possible if AI algorithms inadvertently perpetuate existing biases found in their training data. Therefore, it is crucial for both developers and users to demand and establish ethical practices that will promote fairness. This is where regulation and oversight of the industry is necessary in order to ensure, or at least influence, a future in which AI technologies are used responsibly to benefit all.

Lastly, as AI continues to advance, it becomes more important than ever to embrace lifelong learning. The light-speed pace of technological advancement means that knowledge and skills can quickly become outdated. Whether in the workplace or our personal lives, we can adapt to new AI tools and systems by having a mindset of continuous education. Learning about AI, its capabilities and limitations, can help us better navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead in an increasingly AI-driven world.

If you don’t know much about AI, here are a few NON-FICTION books (plus a DVD) to get you started:

            

Robots, ethics and the future of jobs by Sean McDonagh

The A.I. generation : shaping our global future with thinking machines by Olaf Groth

A.I. Revolution by NOVA

AI snake oil : what artificial intelligence can do, what it can’t, and how to tell the difference by Arvind Narayanan

Rebooting AI : building artificial intelligence we can trust by Gary Marcus

Exploring the power of ChatGPT : applications, techniques, and implications by Eric Sarrion

Guardrails : guiding human decisions in the age of AI by Urs Gasser

The Algorithm : how AI decides who gets hired, monitored, promoted, and fired and why we need to fight back now by Hilke Schellmann

The AI-Savvy Leader by David De Cremer

You look like a thing and I love you : how artificial intelligence works and why it’s making the world a weirder place by Janelle Shane

Teaching with AI by José Antonio Bowen

OR

Try these FICTION books to read a story with an AI theme or character:

The Chaos Agent by Mark Greaney

Hum by Helen Phillips

Mal Goes to War by Edward Ashton

William by Mason Coile

Red Sky Mourning by Jack Carr
The Kraken Project by Douglas J. Preston
Loneliness & Company by Charlee Dyroff
.

November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

- Jill Leave a comment

Have you ever thought about writing a book? Perhaps you’ve imagined yourself putting pen to paper for a short story or maybe a memoir? Well, now is the perfect time to take that first step toward your goal! November has become known as National Novel Writing Month or (NaNoWriMo for short). The nonprofit organization by the same name (nanowrimo.org) issues a write-a-thon type challenge each year to aspiring writers all around the world. You can join this creative writing community and find the inspiration you need to make great progress. There’s even a non-fiction writer’s counterpart through the Literacy Archive (literacyhive.org). This year’s theme is Why Don’t You… The Literacy Archive website indicates that this year’s challenge “is designed to stimulate discussion around hobbies and leisure activities and to encourage young people to try something new.”

Want to connect in person? The Quad Cities has its own valuable writer’s resource in The Midwest Writing Center (mwcqc.org), which has it’s own contests and local support network. But, perhaps you don’t want to connect with other would-be writers. You can still find inspiration and fire up your writing muscles this November. Even if you don’t have experience and don’t know where to start, the library has resources for you. Check out some of these titles to help you learn how to build a writing habit, improve your writing skills, and find your voice:

 

BOOKS ON HOW TO WRITE:

Write your novel in a month : how to complete a first draft in 30 days and what to do next by Jeff Gerke

Refuse to be done : how to write and rewrite a novel in three drafts by Matt Bell

Unleashing your inner author : a step-by-step guide to crafting your own bestseller by Bill Vincent

Write your first novel by Gilbert Morris and Steve Laube

How to write a mystery : a handbook from Mystery Writers of America by Lee Child

Writing That Gets Noticed by Estelle Erasmus

Janet Evanovich’s how I write : secrets of a bestselling author by Janet Evanovich

Write for life : creative tools for every writer : a six-week artist’s way program by Julia Cameron

Write it all down : how to put your life on the page by Cathy Rentzenbrink

 

CELEBRATE BLACK POETRY

- Jill Leave a comment

In 1970, folk musician Stanley A. Ransom proposed that October 17th each year be set aside as a national day to celebrate black literature and culture. He selected this day in commemoration of the birthday of Jupiter Hammon in 1711. Hammon is popularly known as the father of African American literature and was the first published black poet in the United States. Black Poetry Day, established in his honor, is a day to recognize the contributions to literature of past and present black poets and writers and to celebrate the black experience, particularly as expressed through poetry.

Jupiter Hammon was born into slavery in New York and served four generations of the Henry Lloyd estate owners during his lifetime, including during the Revolutionary War. He was never emancipated. Despite his circumstances, which he actually considered to give him “more advantages and privileges” [1] than most other slaves and “more than many white people have enjoyed” [1], he become a well-respected preacher and bookkeeper-clerk.  His work about slavery received wide circulation. His first poem “An Evening Thought: Salvation by Christ with Penitential Cries” was published in 1761. Hammon’s second published poem came about by his recognition of the need to support and encourage other black writers at a time when they did not receive the same kind of support as whites. “An Address to Miss Phillis Wheatley”, was written by Hammon as an encouragement to Miss Wheatley in admiration of her work as the first published black female author. Hammon’s work drew heavily on Christian motifs and theology, serving as an encouragement to his fellow slaves to persevere.

Black poetry does not have to be about slavery, segregation, or the equal rights movement. However, it is often linked to the experiences of African Americans and their history in America which is tied inextricably to their race. Use these books as a jumping off point to explore, appreciate, and celebrate the contributions African-American poets have made (and continue to make) to the richness of American poetry.

The 100 best African American poems) edited by Nikki Giovanni
The Oxford anthology of African-American poetry edited by Arnold Rampersad
Poemhood, our black revival : history, folklore & the Black experience: a young adult poetry anthology edited by Amber McBride, Taylor Byas, and Erica Martin
Black liturgies : prayers, poems, and meditations for staying human by Cole Arthur Riley
This is the honey : an anthology of contemporary Black poets edited by Kwame Alexander

[1] BlackPast, B. (2012, March 15). (1787) Jupiter Hammon, “An Address to the Negroes in the State of New York”. BlackPast.org. https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/1787-jupiter-hammon-address-negroes-state-new-york/

ESCAPE FROM REALITY

- Jill Leave a comment

According to scientific research, “getting lost in a book” is very good for you. Immersing yourself in a story actually makes you more empathetic and creative, and it’s an escape that can reduce stress. People who are absorbed in someone else’s world – even a fictional one – aren’t spending as much time worrying about their own personal concerns. Of course, ignoring real world problems isn’t the solution, but spending too much time thinking about things that are out of your control isn’t good either.

For some, a quick-moving plot is critical to being drawn into a story, while others need engaging characters in order to become fully immersed. Or, perhaps you prefer a specific genre such as romance or mystery, or the artistic style of a book, such as one that uses magical realism. If you can identify with a character or plot line in some way, you have a chance to live a different life for a short time and temporarily forget the anxieties of the real world.

So, whether you’re a reader who tears through a new book every week or one who is slowly working your way through a bestseller that a friend recommended ages ago, find a book that captures your interest and carve out some time to read. Psychological research indicates that your time is well spent. So, the next time you feel stressed, use it as a good excuse to pick up a book that can help you escape from reality – at least for a short while.  Experts give many reasons as to what “transportation” – or the act of losing yourself in a book – can do for you. Here are just a few:

  • helps with mood management
  • provides enjoyment and pleasure
  • provides escape from boredom or stress
  • gives us a sense of belonging and makes us feel a part of something bigger than ourselves
  • helps us better understand, interact, and connect with other people
  • expands our world views: making us think and feel in new and different ways
  • helps us grow as individuals into the kind of people we want to be
  • bolsters all sorts of social skills & abilities, including empathy
  • improves cognitive skills that can prevent cognitive decline

Here are some books to help you escape from reality for a little while:

A Stroke of the Pen : The Lost Stories by Terry Pratchett
“These rediscovered tales were written by Terry Pratchett under a pseudonym for British newspapers during the 1970s & 1980s. The stories have never been attributed to him until now. As Neil Gaiman writes in his introduction, “through all of these stories we watch Terry Pratchett becoming Terry Pratchett.” Though none of the short works are set in the Discworld, all are infused with Pratchett’s trademark wit, satirical wisdom, and brilliant imagination, hinting at the magical universe he would go on to create. Meet Og the inventor, the first caveman to cultivate fire, as he discovers the highs and lows of progress; haunt the Ministry of Nuisances with the defiant evicted ghosts of Pilgarlic Towers; visit Blackbury, a small market town with weird weather and an otherworldly visitor; and embark on a dangerous quest through time and space with hero Kron, which begins in the ancient city of Morpork. A Stroke of the Pen is an essential collection from the late, great Sir Terry Pratchett, a “master storyteller” (A. S. Byatt) who “defies categorization” (The Times); a writer whose “novels have always been among the most serious of comedies, the most relevant and real of fantasies” (Independent UK)”

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
“Meet Julian Jessop, a chronically lonely artist who is fed up with the fakeness of everyday life. After struggling to really connect with people, he decides to take a stand by writing the real truth about himself in a green journal, which he then leaves in a local coffee shop for others to find. Soon, others find the notebook and add their own stories, creating both a catalog of lives and a chain of events Julian couldn’t have expected. Happiness comes out of the truth for many, leaving readers with a joyous and empowering story of what it means to be authentic.”

Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
“Vampires, vaqueros, and star-crossed lovers face off on the Texas-Mexico border in this supernatural western from the author of The Hacienda. As the daughter of a rancher in 1840s Mexico, Nena knows a thing or two about monsters–her home has long been threatened by tensions with Anglo settlers from the north. But something more sinister lurks near the ranch at night, something that drains men of their blood and leaves them for dead. Something that once attacked Nena nine years ago. Believing Nena dead, Néstor has been on the run from his grief ever since, moving from ranch to ranch working as a vaquero. But no amount of drink can dispel the night terrors of sharp teeth; no woman can erase his childhood sweetheart from his mind. When the US invades Mexico in 1846, the two are brought together on the road to war: Nena as a curandera, a healer striving to prove her worth to her father so that he doesn’t marry her off to a stranger, and Néstor, a member of the auxiliary cavalry of ranchers & vaqueros. But the shock of their reunion–and Nena’s rage at Néstor for abandoning her long ago–is quickly overshadowed by the appearance of a nightmare made flesh. Unless they work through their past and face the future together, neither will survive to see the dawn”

How to Date Men When You Hate Men
by Blythe Roberson
“Blythe Roberson’s debut is half-dating guide and half-philosophy book, as she takes her reader on a journey to understand her own romantic trials and tribulations. Every page is filled with hilarious and painfully realistic thoughts on what it’s like to have crushes, how texting changes the way we date, and why connecting with others can be so hard to do. Essays like ‘Real Interviews With Men About Whether Or Not It Was A Date’ will make you laugh and cringe, offering an escapist read that will remind you of talks you’ve had with friends over wine”.

Those Beyond The Wall by Micaiah Johnson
“In Ashtown, a rough-and-tumble desert community, the Emperor rules with poisoned claws and an iron fist. He can’t show any sign of weakness, as the neighboring Wiley City has spent lifetimes beating down the people of Ashtown and would love nothing more than its downfall. There’s only one person in the desert the Emperor can fully trust–and her name is Scales. Scales is the best at what she does: keeping everyone and everything in line. As a skilled mechanic–and an even more skilled fighter (when she needs to be), Scales is a respected member of the Emperor’s crew, who leeps things running smoothly. But the fragile peace Scales helps maintain is fractured when a woman is mangled & killed before her eyes. Even more incomprehensible: There doesn’t seem to be a murderer. When more bodies turn up, both in Ashtown and in the wealthier, walled-off Wiley City, Scales is tasked with finding the cause–and putting an end to it by any means necessary. To protect the people she loves, she teams up with a frustratingly by-the-books partner from Ashtown and a brusque-but-brilliant scientist from the city, delving into both worlds to track down an invisible killer. The answers Scales finds are bigger than she ever could have imagined, leading her into the brutal heart beneath Wiley City’s pristine facade and dredging up secrets from her own past that she would rather keep hidden. If she wants to save the world from the earth-shattering truths she uncovers, she can no longer remain silent–even if speaking up costs her everything.”

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
“From bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from stories, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin, a High Lord of the faeries. As her feelings toward him transform from hostility to a firey passion, the threats against the faerie lands grow. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose Tamlin forever”.

 

Quick Links:

A Stroke of the Pen : The Lost Stories by Terry Pratchett

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas

How to Date Men When You Hate Men by Blythe Roberson

Those Beyond The Wall by Micaiah Johnson

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

HAWAI’I – U.S. STATE OR SOVEREIGN KINGDOM?

- Jill Leave a comment

As Hawai’i nears its 65th anniversary of statehood this third week of August, controversy continues among its citizens as to whether the statehood of the once sovereign kingdom should be “celebrated” at all. Most native Hawaiians still look to Queen Lili`uokalani as a heroine. She was the first and only reigning Hawaiian queen and last of the Hawaiian sovereigns to govern the islands. She never surrendered to the U.S. military-backed coup that deposed her in 1893 and formed a provisional government.  As leader of the “Stand Firm” (Oni pa’a) movement, Queen Lili`uokalani fought steadfastly against the U.S. annexation of Hawai’i. The queen finally gave way to arguments, demands, and pressure and signed a formal abdication in 1895, but only to save the lives of her people as she continued to appeal to U.S. President Grover Cleveland for reinstatement, without success.

However, the hope of once again becoming a sovereign kingdom still lives on in the hearts of many Native Hawaiians. This hope and renewed determination was bolstered by the Apology Resolution passed by Congress in 1993 that acknowledged the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai’i and recognized the subsequent suppression of the inherent sovereignty of the Native Hawaiian people and the violation of their right to self-determination. Rooted in this resolution, a movement began with the establishment of the Nation of Hawai’i organization. The Nation of Hawai’i continues to work toward the restoration and preservation of the Hawaiian culture and reaffirms the right of the Hawaiian people to self-determination and self-governance.

Despite the controversy regarding Hawai’i as a state, everyone can agree that Hawai’i is a beautiful place to be treasured. If you can’t experience the lush, tropical landscapes in person, let one of these books transport you to the Hawaiian Islands through its story. Whether it is drama, intrigue, superstition, or murder, one of these novels will have an engaging story for you that is set in current times with a Hawaiian backdrop for you to immerse in:

Death in Hilo by Eric Redman
The Fire Thief by Debra Bokur
Valley of Refuge by John Teschner
Hokuloa Road by Elizabeth Hand
Iced in Paradise by Naomi Hirahara

If historical fiction is of more interest to you, check-out one of these titles and be transported back in time to the Hawai’i of an era gone by:

   

The Lieutenant’s Nurse by Sara Ackerman
Daughter of Moloka’i by Alan Brennert
Red Sky Over Hawai’i by Sara Ackerman

Or, read about the tenacity and courage of Queen Lili`uokalani in this non-fiction work:

Original Sisters : Portraits of Tenacity and Courage by Anita Kunz

GRAPHIC NOVELS – TAKE ANOTHER LOOK!

- Jill Leave a comment

Have you ever read a graphic novel? You might have noticed a greater number of them on display in the library in recent years. If you’ve never read one, maybe you dismissed them as “just for kids” or just “comic books”. They’re not!  I’d invite you to take another look. While some graphic fiction selections do look like the more traditional comic books and even have superhero themes, there are many more with fully fleshed out stories with engaging dialogue and compelling artistic renderings. While they do use sequential art to tell their stories, they are not the serial comics of old. They are typically longer, more substantial, and convey a complete narrative.

Graphic novels have a unique ability to blend a complex narrative with visual aesthetics. They can cover mature themes and convey emotions in a unique way offering the reader a multi-dimensional experience that appeals to a wide range of ages. And, the accessibility of graphic novels makes them a great medium for adults to engage with literature in a format that is both immersive as well as intellectually stimulating. Ultimately, this fosters a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling in all its forms.

There are graphic novels of all fictional genres including everything from action and adventure to mystery, romance, and science fiction. However, graphic novels are not just fictional. You’ll find nonfiction works including biographies, memoirs, and true historical accounts. There are even cookbooks… truly something for everyone! Take a fresh look at graphic novels the next time you’re in the library. Here are some titles to get you started. Hope you enjoy checking some of these out!

Some of the Graphic Novel standouts in the last year or so are:

   

Roaming by Mariko Tamaki
The Human Target by Tom King
Shubeik Lubeik by Dīnā Muḥammad
A Guest in the House by Emily Carroll
Majnun and Layla : Songs from beyond the grave by Yann Damezin

Or, you might like to experience a Classic book in a new way with one of these retellings in graphic form:

   

To Kill a Mockingbird : a graphic novel by Fred Fordham
Dune : the graphic novel by Brian Herbert
The Great Gatsby : the graphic novel by Fred Fordham
A Wrinkle in Time : the graphic novel by Hope Larson
Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred : a graphic novel adaptation by Damian Duffy
Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 : the authorized adaptation by Tim Hamilton

Here are some Non-Fiction titles to try:

  
 

The Middle Ages : a graphic guide by Eleanor Janega
Billie Holiday : the graphic novel by Ebony Gilbert
Ronan and the Endless Sea of Stars : a graphic memoir by Rick Louis
Run for It : stories of slaves who fought for their freedom by Marcelo D’Salete
Cook Korean! : a comic book with recipes by Robin Ha

And for those of you who prefer the more traditional Comic Book themes, here are some of our newer selections:

Daredevil by Chip Zdarsky
Captain America by J. Michael Straczynski
Batman One Bad Day. Catwoman : No Small Scores by G. Willow Wilson
The Amazing Spider-Man. Beyond by Zeb Wells

TRAVEL WITH A GOOD BOOK

- Jill Leave a comment

What is travel fiction? It’s a book in which a place is as important to the narrative as a main character. The characters themselves may be traveling, but it can also be a book in which the reader is taken on a journey to the real (or fantastical) place described vividly on each page. It’s a book that shapes the way we see a certain place or whose events and characters could be in no other setting. Or, when written by an author about their own homeland, and so informed by the writer’s culture, that it’s impossible to read it without uncovering the author’s life.

Travel fiction has the ability to transport you to places you’ve never been and may never go. Through the power of storytelling, you can wander ancient streets in bustling cities, traverse untouched rugged landscapes, and immerse yourself in cultures rich with history and tradition. From the comfort of your armchair, you can discover that the world is vast and boundless, and that the greatest journeys are often those undertaken within the pages of a beloved book. If you don’t have grand travel plans this summer, let a book be your passport to adventure. I’ve selected three fictional books for you to consider for your reading travels.

The first book, My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante, is set in a very poor and isolated part of Naples, Italy in the mid-20th century. While the plot follows a lifelong friendship and unravels divergent fates due to economic and cultural circumstances, there are many vivid depictions of place and culture that will draw you in, including: immersion in shopping districts, dazzling views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Amalfi Coast, and revealing the heart of cities like Florence and Milan.

 

In Hula : a novel by Jasmin ‘Iolani Hakes, you’ll meet three generations of native Hawaiian women whose lives are closely tied to the art and culture of Hula, including a famous hula teacher, her daughter, Laka, a Miss Aloha Hula contest winner, and Laka’s daughter. This novel explores the tight-knit Hula community within Hilo, Hawaii. It also delves into the history of Hawaii (a now forgotten kingdom that still lives in the heart of her people) and the complicated relationships between family and between the Hawaiian people and Hawaii itself.

To stretch your imagination a bit further, I’ve included Tokyo Ueno Station by Miri Yū about a homeless ghost, Kazu, who haunts one of Tokyo’s busiest train stations and its nearby park. Kazu’s life in the city began in the park when he arrived as a laborer in the preparation for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. His life also sadly ended there in the homeless village in the park, a place erected after the 2011 tsunami devastation. We see daily life in Tokyo through Kazu’s eyes as we learn details of his own story that have been shaped at every turn by modern Japanese history.

It is said that a library card is the best passport you could ever have. Hopefully one of these fictional stories will inspire you to “travel” somewhere interesting this summer. But, I didn’t forget about those of you who prefer non-fiction… Check out this book: Around the world in 50 years : my adventure to every country on earth by Albert Podell. In his book, Podell describes unusual and exotic places – not just the well-known tourist destinations around the world.  Perhaps it will inspire your next travel fiction book selection – or to an actual travel adventure of your own.