Reading Recs

It was a dark and stormy night when a young woman, who had grown up escaping her unhappy childhood through stories, participated in a contest with her husband and Lord Byron to write the best ghost story. A year and a half latter, Frankenstein was finished. Follow the creation of one of the best horror novels and one of the first science fiction works in this darkly illustrated children's book. ~Stephanie Hallam, Kent Library

This is a great collection of stories. Just like the book jacket says: "Behind every face in this collection there is something simmering, a singular quirk to explore, a peculiarity to celebrate." It's all true. Each story is a delight. I especially like "Explaining Death to the Dog" but I won't tell you what it's about, as I wouldn't want to spoil it. ~John Baken, Kent Library

This is a memoir by a young woman, a recent college graduate, trying to find a career path. Although she is not a computer expert or an engineer, she gets a job in San Francisco working for a tech start-up. She gives us an inside story about the personalities and priorities of the young people, mostly men, whose lives are consumed by their passion for their job. Lots of thoughtful observations. ~Alice Strange, Communication Studies & Modern Languages

Virginia Hall was born into Baltimore society in 1906 and grew up expected to do only one thing: marry well. So how did this pampered socialite end up losing a leg in Turkey, driving military ambulances in France during the German blitzkrieg, blowing up railroads and other tactical targets, and running a large sector of the French resistance? Read the book to find out how A Woman of No Importance found her place in the world. ~Pat Willingham, Kent Library

As a long-time vegetarian, I have been interested in non-human animal welfare & rights issues since I was a child. I've always considered myself a feminist, too, and I like using my birthday in March (Women's History Month!) to reflect on the intersections of animal welfare issues and feminism. For my birthday this year, I have decided to go vegan! So I have started reading Jackie Day's excellent, step-by-step book on how to transition to a completely plant based lifestyle. It contains inspirational messages about Ms. Day's journey and short chapters to be ready each day for 21 days before someone goes vegan. I encourage all to check it out! I'm also proud to note that these interests of mine are continually being written about and studied by those smarter than myself! For further info, check out: https://everydayfeminism.com/2014/12/animal-rights-feminist-issue/. ~Roxanne Dunn, Kent Library

Nice collection of essays from multiple perspectives. ~Barbara Glackin, Kent Library

A very special collection of moving historical speeches and social media posts that accompanied Greta successfully becoming of the voice of a generation. ~Jose Mino Lara, Southeast Online

Henrietta Lacks, an African American Women, developed cervical cancer in 1951. While Henrietta did not overcome her cancer, she left 5 children, her husband, and her cancer cells. It was not until over two decades later that the family discovered these cells were still alive. The doctor had taken some of her cancer cells to culture and test when she went in for treatment. The cells were used for developing vaccines, studying cancer, insights into fertility, and genetic mapping. The cells had been bought and sold without permission or benefit to Henrietta's family. This book grapples with experimentation on African Americans and bioethics. ~Stephanie Hallam, Kent Library

The story is completely carried by the female characters. A sheltered girl tries to navigate life in high school. After being tormented by her classmates, stress triggers her telekinetic abilities. When pushed too far, she harnesses these abilities to seek her revenge. ~Nick Raines, Kent Library

An enlightening look into the world of a woman who has autism. Interesting book that highlights her amazing accomplishments. ~Peggy Lacey, Kent Library

A true story of a female graduate student at Harvard murdered in an off-campus apartment. After forty years, the author of this work, a recent Harvard graduate seeks to solve the case which has become a campus legend. Her creativity in investigating the case is astonishing. Almost as interesting are the things she has to say about the life of female students at Harvard. ~Alice Strange, Communication Studies and Modern Languages