Provo City Library Staff Reviews
Books read and reviewed by librarians at the Provo City Library
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Cursed Bunny
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
The God and the Gumiho
Kim Hani has retired from a life of devouring souls. She is, simply put, too full. Once known as the infamous Scarlet Fox, she now spends her days working in a coffee shop and annoying a particularly irritating, if unfairly handsome, trickster god as often as she can. That god is Seokga the Fallen. Exiled from the heavenly kingdom of Okhwang, he now begrudgingly resides in the mortal realm, working toward his redemption and suffering through his interactions with the particularly infuriating, if sneakily charming, gumiho barista at his favorite café. But when a powerful demon escapes from the underworld and threatens to end all of humanity, Okhwang’s emperor offers Seokga an enticing bargain: Kill this rogue creature, as well as the legendary and elusive Scarlet Fox, and he will be reinstated as a god. Hani, however, has no intention of being caught. Seokga might be a trickster god, but she has a trick of her own that he’ll never see coming: teaming up.
This book masterfully combined high-stakes fantasy with a lighthearted, and at times comedic, atmosphere. This is definitely an instance when we can judge a book by its cover. Instead of being dark and gritty, colored all in black and white, this story is filled with bright colors even when our protagonists are facing terrifying villains. The audiobook narration was wonderful, with male and female voice actors to represent the switching povs. I have found that when reading books that incorporate different languages and cultures, I enjoy listening to someone else pronounce the new words instead of struggling along myself. I also thought the narration style provided additional insights into the characters personalities. Overall, this story is a brilliant mix of Korean mythology, K-drama shenanigans, and a classic enemies-to-lovers plot.
If you like The God and the Gumiho, you might also like:
By K.A. Linde
Recorded Books, 2024. 15 hours. Fantasy.
Thirteen years ago, monsters emerged from the shadows and plunged Kierse's world into a cataclysmic war of near-total destruction. The New York City she knew so well collapsed practically overnight. In the wake of that carnage, the Monster Treaty was created. A truce . . . of sorts. But tonight, Kierse—a gifted and fearless thief—will break that treaty. She'll enter the Holly Library not knowing it's the home of a monster. He's charming. Quietly alluring. Terrifying. But he knows talent when he sees it; it's just a matter of finding her price. Now she's locked into a dangerous bargain with a creature unlike any other. She'll sacrifice her freedom. She'll offer her skills. Together, they'll put their own futures at risk. But he's been playing a game across centuries—and once she joins in, there will be no escape.
HarperAudio, 2022. 15 hours. Fantasy.
Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin's magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind. Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor's son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince. To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.
KJ
Into the Sunken City
By Dinesh Thiru
HarperTeen, 2024. 347 pages. Young Adult Fiction
This YA fantasy adventure features a unique twist on Treasure Island, a magnetic second-chance romance, and a thrilling heist where the reward is great--but the risks are even greater. Five hundred years in the future, in a slowly sinking city in coastal Arizona, the days are long, the money is tight, and the rain never stops. For eighteen-year-old Jin, this is nothing new--ever since her father died in a diving accident, she's barely made ends meet for her and her younger sister, Thara. Enter a mysterious stranger claiming to know of a massive stash of gold hidden in the Treasure Island Casino in the sunken ruins of Las Vegas. Jin knows it's too dangerous, but a ragtag crew is assembled--including Jin's annoyingly hot ex-boyfriend. From there, a high-stakes heist ensues that's beyond even Jin's wildest fears. Crumbling ruins, sea beasts, pirates, and a mysterious figure named Silva all lie in wait. To survive, Jin will have to do what she promised herself she'd never do again: dive.
I was drawn to this novel by the cover art and the promise of Las Vegas being turned into a Lost City of Atlantis fantasy. I really connected with Jin's character; as the eldest daughter, she desperately wants to protect her family, but also wants to break away and live her own life. The storyline feels cinematic, the writing is fast-paced and clever, and the excitement on the high seas does not disappoint!
If you like Into the Sunken City, you might also like:
They're Watching You
By Chelsea Ichaso
Sourcebooks Fire, 2023. 370 pages. Young Adult Fiction
When high school junior Maren's best friend goes missing after receiving an invitation from their private school's most enigmatic club, the Gamemaster's Society, Maren sets out to find out what happened. The police and her friend's parents believe the note she left behind and consider her to be a runaway. Maren has heard rumors about this secret club, and she seeks out members to help her find her missing friend. The cat-and-mouse game intensifies Maren's race against the Gamemaster's clock to find Polly, with the trials exploiting the initiates' worst fears along the way. As the stakes increase, Maren must decide if the truth is worth her life. This plot-driven thriller has excellent pacing that escalates along with the action.
Stars and Smoke
By Marie Lu
Roaring Brook Press, 2023. 328 pages. Young Adult Fiction
To the world, Winter Young has everything. He's a Chinese American international pop superstar with the voice - and face - of an angel. Winter summons legions of fans wherever he goes. But, his mother has grown distant since Winter's eldest brother died, and a string of romantic encounters with different men and women never fills the void. Enter the Panacea Group, a freelance intelligence agency. They're hunting a criminal mastermind and drug lord and his nineteen-year-old daughter is a big Winter Young fan. The Panacea Group recruits Winter to help them get close by performing a private concert for her birthday. He is forced to work with Sydney Cossette, who was raised by Panacea, and she's up for a coveted promotion. This novel is equal parts spy-against-spy and slow-burn romance.
Thieves' Gambit
By Kayvion Lewis
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2023. 364 pages. Young Adult Fiction
A young woman looking for a new and peaceful life finds herself forced to play a game where cons and trickery are rewarded. Black Bahamian seventeen-year-old Ross Quest comes from a family of thieves; with her mother, she competes in daring heists around the globe. Though her thrilling life has afforded her close family ties, Ross has always been desperate for friends, and intends to sneak away to gymnastics camp. On the night she plans to leave her life of crime, the job her mother is on goes sideways, resulting in her capture by mysterious assailants, who hold her for a random of one billion dollars. To save her mother's life, Ross enters the Thieves' Gambit, a legendary, potentially fatal tournament in which the world's top teen thieves must complete a series of heists, competing to be granted their heart's desire.
LKA
Friday, October 11, 2024
The God of the Woods
Bittersweet in the Hollow
When a girl goes missing in her secluded Appalachian town,
seventeen-year-old Linden, who can taste other people's emotions, recovers
haunting memories of her own disappearance and explores the legend of the
Moth-Winged Man, leading her to wonder if there are some secrets best left
buried.
I loved listening to Bittersweet in the Hollow; the
audiobook narrator’s clear and emotional voice truly enhanced my connection to
the story. The relationships between the main character, Linden, and her
sisters were engaging and fun, while the sweet romance added to the book’s
charm. The mystery and suspense kept me engaged, balancing the lighter moments
with intrigue. The writing is beautifully descriptive, immersing me in the
vivid imagery of the setting. Additionally, Linden’s unique gift to feel others’
emotions through the sense of taste adds a compelling layer to the narrative, making the exploration of
its bittersweet themes all the more intriguing.
If you liked Bittersweet in the Hollow you might also like:
After suffering a near-fatal freediving accident,
seventeen-year-old Addie Spencer tags along on her mother's honeymoon to a
private island where she unearths dark secrets--a child ghost, moody flowers,
and a deep pool where no one feels pain--before realizing the island might not
be willing to let her go.
Delicious Monsters
by Liselle Sambury
New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2023. 504 pages. YA Fiction
Told in alternating timelines, seventeen-year-old Daisy and
her mother move into her deceased uncle's mansion, only to find horrors waiting
inside, and ten years later, Brittney investigates the mystery behind the
Miracle Mansion that turned her mother's life around.
BWW
Saturday, October 5, 2024
When Women Were Dragons
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Better Living Through Birding: notes from a Black man in the natural world
When birdwatching in the park one morning in May 2020,
Cooper was engaged in the ritual that had been a part of his life since he was
ten years old. But when a routine encounter with a dog-walker escalates age old
racial tensions, Cooper's viral video of the incident would send shockwaves
through the nation. In Better Living Through Birding, Cooper tells the story of
his extraordinary life leading up to the now-infamous encounter in Central Park
and shows how a life spent looking up at the birds prepared him, in the most
uncanny of ways, to be a gay, Black man in American today.
“Better Living Through Birding” isn't just for bird lovers;
it's primarily a reflection on Christian Cooper's life. You might know him from
the incident in Central Park in 2020 but book
explores much more of his life, including his upbringing in New York, his
relationships with his parents, his identity as a black gay man, his career at
Marvel, his travels, and his involvement in civil rights movements. It offers
an honest and vulnerable look at his experiences, with the 2020 Central Park
incident being a minor part of the narrative. The audiobook, narrated by Cooper
himself, conveys deep passion and is enhanced by bird sounds during poignant
moments. I think this heartfelt story offers a unique perspective that
Americans can connect with in one way or another.
If you liked Better living through birding, you may also like…
In 2016, author Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds flocking to the feeders in her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater--an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired. Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time--from before the pandemic to the days of quarantine--through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.
Spiegel & Grau, 2024. Audiobook. Non-fiction
In The Comfort of Crows, Margaret Renkl presents a literary
devotional: fifty-two chapters that follow the creatures and plants in her
backyard over the course of a year. As we move through the seasons—from a crow
spied on New Year's Day, its resourcefulness and sense of community setting a
theme for the year, to the lingering bluebirds of December, revisiting the nest
box they used in spring—what develops is a portrait of joy and grief: joy in
the ongoing pleasures of the natural world, and grief over winters that end too
soon and songbirds that grow fewer and fewer. Renkl writes, "radiant
things are bursting forth in the darkest places, in the smallest nooks and
deepest cracks of the hidden world."
Monday, September 30, 2024
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder
Doubleday, 2024. 308 pages. Nonfiction
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Dungeons and Drama
Friday, September 27, 2024
Third Shift Society
By Meredith Moriarty
Life's funny. One minute you're jobless, deep in debt, and on the verge of eviction; the next you're in a fight with a monster and getting a job working for a paranormal detective with the head of a jack-o'-lantern. It's an age-old story. Now the clumsy but determined Ellie (who's just discovered she has strong psychic powers) and her pumpkin-headed boss Ichabod have to team up and fight the things that go bump in the night.
If you liked Third Shift Society, you may also like:
Black Butler
By Yana Toboso
Yen Press, 2010. 184 pages. Graphic Novels.
Earl Phantomhive, the Queen's faithful servant and twelve-year-old boy, is aided by his butler Sebastian whenever he is called in to save a dinner party gone awry or uncover the dark secrets of London's underground.
Tokyo Ghoul
By Sui Ishida
VIZ Media, 2015. 213 pages. Graphic Novels.
College student Ken Kaneki is thrilled to be going on a date with beautiful Rize, but when the encounter turns violent, he is transformed into a human-ghoul hybrid who must learn to deal with Ghoul turf wars, Ghoul society, and his new powers.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Steeped in Stories
by Mitali Perkins
Broadleaf Books, 2021. 240 pages. Nonfiction
Blending personal narrative, accessible literary criticism,
and spiritual and moral formation, Perkins delves into novels by Louisa May
Alcott, C. S. Lewis, L. M. Montgomery, Frances Hodgson Burnett, and other
literary "uncles" and "aunts" that illuminate the virtuous,
abundant life we still desire. These novels are not perfect, and Perkins honestly
assesses their critical frailties and flaws related to race, culture, and
power. Yet reading or rereading these books as adults can help us build virtue,
unmask our vices, and restore our hope. Reconnecting with these stories
from childhood isn't merely nostalgia. In an era of uncertainty and despair,
they lighten our load and bring us much-needed hope.
As a lover of children’s literature, I found Perkins'
narrative and literary analysis of some of the best classics both refreshing
and beautiful. Perkins delves into her personal life and her relationship with
these classic treasures. The girls Perkins read about in her youth were
different from her, yet she found ways in which they were alike. They provided
her with a mirror of herself while also offering a window into a world
different from her own. Perkins' writing felt like sitting down with a friend. She
shares her love for the classics while acknowledging their imperfections. It
reminded me that these stories can be read and re-read and are meant for all the
young at heart.
If you liked Steeped in Stories you might also like…
Wild things: the joy of reading children's literature as an adult
by Bruce Handy
Simon and Schuester, 2017. 307 pages. Nonfiction
Now that we're living in a golden age of children's
literature, what can adults get out of reading Where the Wild Things Are and
Goodnight Moon, or Charlotte's Web and Little House on the Prairie? In Wild
Things, Vanity Fair contributing editor Bruce Handy revisits the classics of
every American childhood, using context and biography to understand how some of
the most insightful, creative, and witty authors and illustrators of their
times created their often deeply personal masterpieces. Wild Things will bring
back fond memories for readers of all ages, along with a few surprises.
A reader's book of days: true tales from the lives and works of writers for every day of the year
by Tom Nissley
Norton & Company, 2014. 448 pages. Nonfiction
Book connoisseur Tom Nissley has combed literary history to capture the stories that make writers' lives perennially fascinating: their epiphanies, embarrassments and achievements. Each handsome page in A Reader's Book of Days is devoted to a day of the year, featuring original accounts of events in the lives of great writers, and fictional events that took place within beloved books.
BWW
Friday, September 20, 2024
Navigating With You
When new students Neesha Sparks and Gabby Graciana discover they like the same obscure manga series, they become friends and set out on a mission to find the remaining books in the series.
If you liked Navigating with You, you may also like:
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich
By Deya Muniz
Little, Brown and Company, 2023. 235 pages. YA Comics.
Cam disguises herself as a man to inherit her father's money and estate, and though she tries to keep a low profile, she ends up falling for Crown Princess Brie.
Ready or Not
By Andi Porretta
Atheneum, 2024. 329 pages. YA Comics.
With senior year finally behind them, Cassie and her three best friends are on their way to what's next. Like their parents, the crew has always been inseparable. This summer is their last chance to make memories together in New York City before everyone but Cassie scatters across the globe for college--and she's determined to make the most of it. Her plan? They'll spend August playing the game of dares and risks they invented as kids! From adventurous to outrageous, these dares will definitely make for an unforgettable summer. Even better, Cassie is hopeful they'll help the group stay friends no matter what . . . because she is not ready for a future without them.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Ace
Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex
By Angela Chen
Beacon Press, 2020. 210 pages. Nonfiction.
An engaging exploration of what it means to be asexual in a world that’s obsessed with sexual attraction, and what the ace perspective can teach all of us about desire and identity. What exactly is sexual attraction and what is it like to go through life not experiencing it? What does asexuality reveal about gender roles, about romance and consent, and the pressures of society? This accessible examination of asexuality shows that the issues that aces face—confusion around sexual activity, the intersection of sexuality and identity, navigating different needs in relationships—are the same conflicts that nearly all of us will experience. Through a blend of reporting, cultural criticism, and memoir, Ace addresses the misconceptions around the “A” of LGBTQIA and invites everyone to rethink pleasure and intimacy.
Chen provides both an introduction to asexuality as an identity and commentary on how society views different types of relationships. The tone is very conversational, trading between storytelling and late night discussion vibes throughout. I especially appreciated that the author never assumes you will know what something means. Each new label or phrase that is brought up is explained, making this a great resource for people with varying degrees of familiarity with queer vernacular.
If you like Ace, you might also like:
By Sarah Costello
Jessica Kingsley, 2023. 160 pages. Nonfiction.
Sarah and Kayla invite you to put on your purple aspec glasses - and rethink everything you thought you knew about society, friendship, sex, romance and more. Drawing on their personal stories, and those of aspec friends all over the world, prepare to explore your microlabels, investigate different models of partnership, delve into the intersection of gender norms and compulsory sexuality and reconsider the meaning of sex - when allosexual attraction is out of the equation. Spanning the whole range of relationships we have in our lives - to family, friends, lovers, society, our gender, and ourselves, this book asks you to let your imagination roam, and think again what human connection really is.
Seal Press, 2022. 343 pages. Nonfiction.
Today's narratives about trans people tend to feature individuals with stable gender identities that fit neatly into the categories of male or female. Those stories, while important, fail to account for the complex realities of many trans people's lives. Before We Were Trans illuminates the stories of people across the globe, from antiquity to the present, whose experiences of gender have defied binary categories. Blending historical analysis with sharp cultural criticism, trans historian and activist Kit Heyam offers a new, radically inclusive trans history, chronicling expressions of trans experience that are often overlooked, like gender-nonconforming fashion and wartime stage performance.
KJ