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BostonPL_BPL Staff Picks: March 2021

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BostonPL_ReadersAdvisory

Boston Public Library

Staff-created list

Every month staff from the Boston Public Library recommend their favorite books, from adult fiction and nonfiction to graphic novels, children’s picture books, and everything in between. We hope this list inspires you to keep reading, especially in our current climate where everyone needs to stay home as much as possible. Some of these titles may be available in other formats or languages. Check our catalog for availability. Place a hold or check one out today and enjoy a good book! #BPLStaffPicks

By:

BostonPL_ReadersAdvisory

Boston Public Library

19 items

19 items

The Automatic Detective

The Automatic Detective

by Martinez A. Lee

eBook - 2008

Science Fiction/Mystery. Mack's neighboring family goes missing and the bot sets out to find them. Along the way he encounters cops, mutant humans, a muta...Show more Science Fiction/Mystery. Mack's neighboring family goes missing and the bot sets out to find them. Along the way he encounters cops, mutant humans, a mutant gorilla, a brainy dame of science, alien pilgrims, and gangsters. He might even manage to make a friend or two in this wild action/adventure, sci-fi/mystery novel. This was a super fun read and very much Murderbot meets Philip Marlowe! - JordanD Show less

Science Fiction/Mystery. Mack's neighboring family goes missing and the bot sets out to find them. Along the way he encounters cops, mutant humans, a muta...Show more Science Fiction/Mystery. Mack's neighboring family goes missing and the bot sets out to find them. Along the way he encounters cops, mutant humans, a mutant gorilla, a brainy dame of science, alien pilgrims, and gangsters. He might even manage to make a friend or two in this wild action/adventure, sci-fi/mystery novel. This was a super fun read and very much Murderbot meets Philip Marlowe! - JordanD Show less

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Those Who Prey

Those Who Prey

by Moffett, Jennifer

Book - 2020

Teen Fiction. When Emily moves to Boston for college, she doesn't expect to find herself feeling so lonely and out of place. So when a new friend invites ...Show more Teen Fiction. When Emily moves to Boston for college, she doesn't expect to find herself feeling so lonely and out of place. So when a new friend invites her to join a bible study group run by The Kingdom, Emily is all in. Soon Emily is invited to Italy on a mission trip, but what starts out as the vacation of a lifetime quickly turns into a nightmare. This YA thriller is perfect for anyone who loves true crime podcasts or whose favorite quarantine shows have been The Vow and Unsolved Mysteries! - Laura B. Show less

Teen Fiction. When Emily moves to Boston for college, she doesn't expect to find herself feeling so lonely and out of place. So when a new friend invites ...Show more Teen Fiction. When Emily moves to Boston for college, she doesn't expect to find herself feeling so lonely and out of place. So when a new friend invites her to join a bible study group run by The Kingdom, Emily is all in. Soon Emily is invited to Italy on a mission trip, but what starts out as the vacation of a lifetime quickly turns into a nightmare. This YA thriller is perfect for anyone who loves true crime podcasts or whose favorite quarantine shows have been The Vow and Unsolved Mysteries! - Laura B. Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 5 on 8 copies

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Her Body and Other Parties

Her Body and Other Parties

Stories

by Machado, Carmen Maria

Book - 2017

Fiction. This collection of feminist short stories straddles the line between psychological fiction and surrealistic horror. From a reinterpretation of Ir...Show more Fiction. This collection of feminist short stories straddles the line between psychological fiction and surrealistic horror. From a reinterpretation of Irving's "The Green Ribbon" to a lesbian love story set during a viral plague, each story centers around women and their bodies. Machado explores heavy themes in this collection, but never descends into grimdark territory. Highly recommended! - KirstenD. Show less

Fiction. This collection of feminist short stories straddles the line between psychological fiction and surrealistic horror. From a reinterpretation of Ir...Show more Fiction. This collection of feminist short stories straddles the line between psychological fiction and surrealistic horror. From a reinterpretation of Irving's "The Green Ribbon" to a lesbian love story set during a viral plague, each story centers around women and their bodies. Machado explores heavy themes in this collection, but never descends into grimdark territory. Highly recommended! - KirstenD. Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 4 on 17 copies

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The Chiffon Trenches

The Chiffon Trenches

A Memoir

by Talley, André Leon

Book - 2020

Memoir. André Leon Talley's engaging memoir chronicles his journey rising up through the golden age of fashion journalism and his friendships with some of...Show more Memoir. André Leon Talley's engaging memoir chronicles his journey rising up through the golden age of fashion journalism and his friendships with some of the industry's most powerful stars. As a pioneer in what he calls the chiffon trenches, and the only Black man to serve as creative director at Vogue, Talley has paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps, and has done it all with style and a sense of humor! - Liz B Show less

Memoir. André Leon Talley's engaging memoir chronicles his journey rising up through the golden age of fashion journalism and his friendships with some of...Show more Memoir. André Leon Talley's engaging memoir chronicles his journey rising up through the golden age of fashion journalism and his friendships with some of the industry's most powerful stars. As a pioneer in what he calls the chiffon trenches, and the only Black man to serve as creative director at Vogue, Talley has paved the way for others to follow in his footsteps, and has done it all with style and a sense of humor! - Liz B Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 8 on 6 copies

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Children of Blood and Bone

Children of Blood and Bone

Legacy of Orisha Series, Book 1

by Adeyemi, Tomi

eBook - 2018

Teen Fiction. A thrilling, exhilarating novel that will keep the reader absorbed until the last page. This book is set in West Africa during a time of mag...Show more Teen Fiction. A thrilling, exhilarating novel that will keep the reader absorbed until the last page. This book is set in West Africa during a time of magic, suspense and peril. It tells the story of a Princess who has to fight for love and her Royal Kingdom. - JacquiP Show less

Teen Fiction. A thrilling, exhilarating novel that will keep the reader absorbed until the last page. This book is set in West Africa during a time of mag...Show more Teen Fiction. A thrilling, exhilarating novel that will keep the reader absorbed until the last page. This book is set in West Africa during a time of magic, suspense and peril. It tells the story of a Princess who has to fight for love and her Royal Kingdom. - JacquiP Show less

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The Selected Works of Audre Lorde

The Selected Works of Audre Lorde

by Lorde, Audre

Book - 2020

Nonfiction and Poetry. I devoured this collection of essays and poems by "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet" Audre Lorde. Her work remains r...Show more Nonfiction and Poetry. I devoured this collection of essays and poems by "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet" Audre Lorde. Her work remains relevant, moving, and transformative today, and this edition is edited and introduced by writer Roxane Gay. Lorde's writing reads as a universal call to action in the most personal of ways in that she shares so intimately of her own experience of the world: pondering her mortality after being diagnosed with cancer, turning silence and rage into action, her anger with racism, and the "uses of the erotic" -- among many other things. - Meia G. Show less

Nonfiction and Poetry. I devoured this collection of essays and poems by "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet" Audre Lorde. Her work remains r...Show more Nonfiction and Poetry. I devoured this collection of essays and poems by "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet" Audre Lorde. Her work remains relevant, moving, and transformative today, and this edition is edited and introduced by writer Roxane Gay. Lorde's writing reads as a universal call to action in the most personal of ways in that she shares so intimately of her own experience of the world: pondering her mortality after being diagnosed with cancer, turning silence and rage into action, her anger with racism, and the "uses of the erotic" -- among many other things. - Meia G. Show less

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Real

Real

[Vol.] 1

by Inoue, Takehiko

Graphic Novel - 2008

Teen Graphic Novel. One of the things that has helped me cope in the pandemic is basketball. Thankfully, I've also found the world of sports manga to tide...Show more Teen Graphic Novel. One of the things that has helped me cope in the pandemic is basketball. Thankfully, I've also found the world of sports manga to tide me over between games! Inoue's REAL is the story of three young men who are passionate about basketball: a star player on a local wheelchair basketball team; a high school baller bad boy, recently expelled; and a team rival recently injured in an accident. The challenges and victories these young men experience together make for a compelling story, with all the sports action and wonderfully kinetic artwork you can handle. Can't wait to read the next few volumes... - Maty C. Show less

Teen Graphic Novel. One of the things that has helped me cope in the pandemic is basketball. Thankfully, I've also found the world of sports manga to tide...Show more Teen Graphic Novel. One of the things that has helped me cope in the pandemic is basketball. Thankfully, I've also found the world of sports manga to tide me over between games! Inoue's REAL is the story of three young men who are passionate about basketball: a star player on a local wheelchair basketball team; a high school baller bad boy, recently expelled; and a team rival recently injured in an accident. The challenges and victories these young men experience together make for a compelling story, with all the sports action and wonderfully kinetic artwork you can handle. Can't wait to read the next few volumes... - Maty C. Show less

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The Awakening

The Awakening

The Awakening Series, Book 1

by Roberts, Nora

eBook - 2020

Fantasy. In the first volume of Nora Roberts' new fantasy series, young Breen Kelly, on a trip to Ireland, steps through a portal that takes her to a land...Show more Fantasy. In the first volume of Nora Roberts' new fantasy series, young Breen Kelly, on a trip to Ireland, steps through a portal that takes her to a land of fairies, dragons and magic. Discovering her own magical powers, she must decide whether to stay and use them in defense of her new-found world as it becomes embroiled in a mortal struggle between good and evil. - ES Show less

Fantasy. In the first volume of Nora Roberts' new fantasy series, young Breen Kelly, on a trip to Ireland, steps through a portal that takes her to a land...Show more Fantasy. In the first volume of Nora Roberts' new fantasy series, young Breen Kelly, on a trip to Ireland, steps through a portal that takes her to a land of fairies, dragons and magic. Discovering her own magical powers, she must decide whether to stay and use them in defense of her new-found world as it becomes embroiled in a mortal struggle between good and evil. - ES Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 169 on 19 Volumes

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Landscape With Reptile

Landscape With Reptile

Rattlesnakes in An Urban World

by Palmer, Thomas

Book - 2018

Nonfiction. Ostensibly a history of the timber rattlesnake in the Blue Hills of Milton, Mass., this wide-ranging book also diverges into a great variety o...Show more Nonfiction. Ostensibly a history of the timber rattlesnake in the Blue Hills of Milton, Mass., this wide-ranging book also diverges into a great variety of peripheral topics, from snake evolution and snakebite treatments to Puritanism, granite quarrying, and the history of naturalists in Boston. Originally published in 1992, this book more than stands the test of time, and is as meandering and enjoyable as a walk in the woods. - Chris G Show less

Nonfiction. Ostensibly a history of the timber rattlesnake in the Blue Hills of Milton, Mass., this wide-ranging book also diverges into a great variety o...Show more Nonfiction. Ostensibly a history of the timber rattlesnake in the Blue Hills of Milton, Mass., this wide-ranging book also diverges into a great variety of peripheral topics, from snake evolution and snakebite treatments to Puritanism, granite quarrying, and the history of naturalists in Boston. Originally published in 1992, this book more than stands the test of time, and is as meandering and enjoyable as a walk in the woods. - Chris G Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 3 on 2 copies

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The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

by Haddon, Mark

Book - 2004

Fiction. This improbable story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog is captivating and unusual. Narrated by an autistic 15-year-old, this is a bitterly funny debut novel. A must-read! - Denise Fiction. This improbable story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog is captivating and unusual. Narrated by an autistic 15-year-old, this is a bitterly funny debut novel. A must-read! - Denise Show less

Fiction. This improbable story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog is captivating and unusual. Narrated by an autistic 15-year-old, this is a bitterly funny debut novel. A must-read! - Denise Fiction. This improbable story of Christopher's quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog is captivating and unusual. Narrated by an autistic 15-year-old, this is a bitterly funny debut novel. A must-read! - Denise Show less

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A Return to Love

A Return to Love

Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

by Williamson, Marianne

Book - 2012

Self-Realization Nonfiction. In A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson uses A Course in Miracles as a guide for pursuing an existence that embraces love ov...Show more Self-Realization Nonfiction. In A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson uses A Course in Miracles as a guide for pursuing an existence that embraces love over fear. Full of wisdom and quotable moments, it features personal anecdotes and demonstrates for readers how to apply love in even the most difficult situations so they, too, can lead a life full of miracles. - Paul Show less

Self-Realization Nonfiction. In A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson uses A Course in Miracles as a guide for pursuing an existence that embraces love ov...Show more Self-Realization Nonfiction. In A Return to Love, Marianne Williamson uses A Course in Miracles as a guide for pursuing an existence that embraces love over fear. Full of wisdom and quotable moments, it features personal anecdotes and demonstrates for readers how to apply love in even the most difficult situations so they, too, can lead a life full of miracles. - Paul Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 7 on 3 copies

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The Keeper

The Keeper

by Moor, Jessica

Book - 2020

Fiction. An intense mystery that deals with domestic violence against women and the structures that allow it to continue in our society. Told from severa...Show more Fiction. An intense mystery that deals with domestic violence against women and the structures that allow it to continue in our society. Told from several different points of view (a battered woman, a police officer, etc). This book is a real page turner with a real twist of an ending. - S. Jeffrey Show less

Fiction. An intense mystery that deals with domestic violence against women and the structures that allow it to continue in our society. Told from severa...Show more Fiction. An intense mystery that deals with domestic violence against women and the structures that allow it to continue in our society. Told from several different points of view (a battered woman, a police officer, etc). This book is a real page turner with a real twist of an ending. - S. Jeffrey Show less

All copies in use Availability details Holds: 5 on 7 copies

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Legendborn

Legendborn

by Deonn, Tracy

Book - 2020

Teen Fantasy. This book sucks you in from page one and doesn't let you go for almost 500 pages. A fascinating addition to the Arthurian mythology, it combines history and modern elements to create a stellar kickoff to Deonn's new series. - AllisonH. Teen Fantasy. This book sucks you in from page one and doesn't let you go for almost 500 pages. A fascinating addition to the Arthurian mythology, it combines history and modern elements to create a stellar kickoff to Deonn's new series. - AllisonH. Show less

Teen Fantasy. This book sucks you in from page one and doesn't let you go for almost 500 pages. A fascinating addition to the Arthurian mythology, it combines history and modern elements to create a stellar kickoff to Deonn's new series. - AllisonH. Teen Fantasy. This book sucks you in from page one and doesn't let you go for almost 500 pages. A fascinating addition to the Arthurian mythology, it combines history and modern elements to create a stellar kickoff to Deonn's new series. - AllisonH. Show less

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King and the Dragonflies

King and the Dragonflies

by Callender, Kacen

Book - 2020

Children's Fiction. After losing his older brother, twelve-year-old King is adrift in grief until a runaway friend pushes him to confront secrets King wou...Show more Children's Fiction. After losing his older brother, twelve-year-old King is adrift in grief until a runaway friend pushes him to confront secrets King would rather not face. Set in the atmospheric Louisiana bayou, Callender's award-winning middle grade novel tells a quiet, elegiac story that honors the complexity of its young characters' inner lives and the challenges they face. - Jessica M Show less

Children's Fiction. After losing his older brother, twelve-year-old King is adrift in grief until a runaway friend pushes him to confront secrets King wou...Show more Children's Fiction. After losing his older brother, twelve-year-old King is adrift in grief until a runaway friend pushes him to confront secrets King would rather not face. Set in the atmospheric Louisiana bayou, Callender's award-winning middle grade novel tells a quiet, elegiac story that honors the complexity of its young characters' inner lives and the challenges they face. - Jessica M Show less

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Dark Was the Night

Dark Was the Night

by Golio, Gary

Book - 2020

Children's Picture Book Biography. Author Golio and illustrator E.B. Lewis have created a beautiful and moving biography about blues musician Blind Willie...Show more Children's Picture Book Biography. Author Golio and illustrator E.B. Lewis have created a beautiful and moving biography about blues musician Blind Willie Johnson. His music captured deepfelt emotions and one of his songs, Dark Was the Night was put on the Golden Record that was sent out into space in 1977. After reading about his difficult journey you'll want to find this piece of music as well as others so that you too can feel the power of his guitar and haunting humming. - DebF Show less

Children's Picture Book Biography. Author Golio and illustrator E.B. Lewis have created a beautiful and moving biography about blues musician Blind Willie...Show more Children's Picture Book Biography. Author Golio and illustrator E.B. Lewis have created a beautiful and moving biography about blues musician Blind Willie Johnson. His music captured deepfelt emotions and one of his songs, Dark Was the Night was put on the Golden Record that was sent out into space in 1977. After reading about his difficult journey you'll want to find this piece of music as well as others so that you too can feel the power of his guitar and haunting humming. - DebF Show less

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The Mercies

The Mercies

by Hargrave, Kiran Millwood

eBook - 2020

Historical Fiction; LGBTQ Romance. If you read any press or descriptions about this book, you will kind of know what direction the book is heading, but th...Show more Historical Fiction; LGBTQ Romance. If you read any press or descriptions about this book, you will kind of know what direction the book is heading, but that doesn't detract at all from enjoying it. Hargrave makes the journey to that end very gripping, with excellent descriptions of nature; immersive details about the way people lived in 17th century Finnmark; and a very claustrophobic setting where it seems like anything could happen. The internal lives of our main characters - Ursa and Miren - are rich, full of drama, longing, and fear, and one cannot help but root for them, despite the overwhelming sense of dread infusing their story. Indeed, though the trapping is "historical fiction", this is much more of a star-crossed lovers kind of tale, one where the average reader would probably love to know more in the end. Teens may enjoy reading this too! - gphatty Show less

Historical Fiction; LGBTQ Romance. If you read any press or descriptions about this book, you will kind of know what direction the book is heading, but th...Show more Historical Fiction; LGBTQ Romance. If you read any press or descriptions about this book, you will kind of know what direction the book is heading, but that doesn't detract at all from enjoying it. Hargrave makes the journey to that end very gripping, with excellent descriptions of nature; immersive details about the way people lived in 17th century Finnmark; and a very claustrophobic setting where it seems like anything could happen. The internal lives of our main characters - Ursa and Miren - are rich, full of drama, longing, and fear, and one cannot help but root for them, despite the overwhelming sense of dread infusing their story. Indeed, though the trapping is "historical fiction", this is much more of a star-crossed lovers kind of tale, one where the average reader would probably love to know more in the end. Teens may enjoy reading this too! - gphatty Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 26 on 6 Volumes

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Penric's Progress

Penric's Progress

by Bujold, Lois McMaster

Book - 2020

Fantasy. A well-intentioned but very naive young man gets in way over his head when he stops to help an old woman by the side of the road, only to inherit...Show more Fantasy. A well-intentioned but very naive young man gets in way over his head when he stops to help an old woman by the side of the road, only to inherit the demon possessing her when she dies in his arms. Sometimes you don't want to read something all that deep! Sometimes you just want self-indulgent wish fulfillment about a sweet, kind, beautiful hero and the all-powerful lady demon who will destroy worlds to keep him safe! McMaster Bujold has written books that are objectively better than the Penric series, but I challenge anyone to say they aren't fun. - VeronicaKM Show less

Fantasy. A well-intentioned but very naive young man gets in way over his head when he stops to help an old woman by the side of the road, only to inherit...Show more Fantasy. A well-intentioned but very naive young man gets in way over his head when he stops to help an old woman by the side of the road, only to inherit the demon possessing her when she dies in his arms. Sometimes you don't want to read something all that deep! Sometimes you just want self-indulgent wish fulfillment about a sweet, kind, beautiful hero and the all-powerful lady demon who will destroy worlds to keep him safe! McMaster Bujold has written books that are objectively better than the Penric series, but I challenge anyone to say they aren't fun. - VeronicaKM Show less

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The Great Agnostic

The Great Agnostic

Robert Ingersoll and American Freethought

by Jacoby, Susan

eBook - 2013

Nonfiction. This is a book outside of my usual reading interests---a biography of a famous (or infamous) popular 19th century lecturer on freethinking. Hi...Show more Nonfiction. This is a book outside of my usual reading interests---a biography of a famous (or infamous) popular 19th century lecturer on freethinking. His criticisms of religion still sting and are quite a tonic for a Christian like me. He brought back into the public forum the forgotten Thomas Paine, and was good friends with Henry Ward Beecher. He was politically-minded but not enough to pretend he had Christian beliefs, unlike so many then (and now)! - Linda S. Show less

Nonfiction. This is a book outside of my usual reading interests---a biography of a famous (or infamous) popular 19th century lecturer on freethinking. Hi...Show more Nonfiction. This is a book outside of my usual reading interests---a biography of a famous (or infamous) popular 19th century lecturer on freethinking. His criticisms of religion still sting and are quite a tonic for a Christian like me. He brought back into the public forum the forgotten Thomas Paine, and was good friends with Henry Ward Beecher. He was politically-minded but not enough to pretend he had Christian beliefs, unlike so many then (and now)! - Linda S. Show less

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The Silk Road

The Silk Road

A Novel

by Davis, Kathryn

Book - 2019

Fiction. The characters include the Cook, the Astronomer, the Botanist, the Keeper, the Archivist, the Geographer, the Topologist, the Iceman -- evocative...Show more Fiction. The characters include the Cook, the Astronomer, the Botanist, the Keeper, the Archivist, the Geographer, the Topologist, the Iceman -- evocative identities which drew me immediately into this circular journey. The pilgrims begin in a yoga class in savasana -- corpse pose -- deep inside a frozen labyrinth in the North. And end... Does it end? - LaurenL Show less

Fiction. The characters include the Cook, the Astronomer, the Botanist, the Keeper, the Archivist, the Geographer, the Topologist, the Iceman -- evocative...Show more Fiction. The characters include the Cook, the Astronomer, the Botanist, the Keeper, the Archivist, the Geographer, the Topologist, the Iceman -- evocative identities which drew me immediately into this circular journey. The pilgrims begin in a yoga class in savasana -- corpse pose -- deep inside a frozen labyrinth in the North. And end... Does it end? - LaurenL Show less

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