BostonPL_BPL Staff Picks: August 2020

The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water

by Cho, Zen

eBook - 2020

Fantasy. In a wuxia fantasy world reminiscent of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a bandit walks into a coffeehouse and starts a fight on behalf of Guet Im...Show more Fantasy. In a wuxia fantasy world reminiscent of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, a bandit walks into a coffeehouse and starts a fight on behalf of Guet Imm, a former anchoress working as a waitress. It all goes downhill from there, at least for Tet Sang, who now has to deal with a terminally cheerful and annoyingly perceptive nun tagging along on their smuggling mission. Zen Cho's style is unlike anything else I've ever read, both hilarious and deeply moving, and if I could get a seven-volume series about Tet Sang and Guet Imm's continuing adventures I would devour every single one. - VeronicaKM Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 10 on 3 Volumes

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How to Understand Your Gender

A Practical Guide for Exploring Who You Are

by Iantaffi, Alex

eBook - 2017

Nonfiction. While it is titled "How to Understand Your Gender," this informative book is for everyone, not just people who are questioning their...Show more Nonfiction. While it is titled "How to Understand Your Gender," this informative book is for everyone, not just people who are questioning their gender. Regardless of your own identity, pick up this book today to learn about gender as a biopsychosocial concept, examine how the world sees gender, and analyze your own background and experiences with gender. I learned so much about myself and others, and I loved the periodic reminders about practicing self-care and the suggestions for further reading. - KirstenD. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 3 on 2 Volumes

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White Fragility

Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism

by DiAngelo, Robin

eBook - 2018

Antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility, characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and by ...Show more Antiracist educator Robin DiAngelo deftly illuminates the phenomenon of white fragility, characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt, and by behaviors including defensiveness, argumentation, and silence. She also explains how racism is a widespread practice not restricted to those considered "bad people." This was an eyeopening MUST read for everyone. - JordanD. Show less

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Optic Nerve

by Gainza, Maria

eBook - 2019

Fiction. The narrator, like the author, is an Argentine art critic and tour guide. Maria Gainza's first work to be translated into English is part autofi...Show more Fiction. The narrator, like the author, is an Argentine art critic and tour guide. Maria Gainza's first work to be translated into English is part autofiction, part musings on art -- but mostly this is a book about seeing. A dive into the experience of art and its inflection on the narrative of a life. - LaurenL Show less

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Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight

An African Childhood

by Fuller, Alexandra

eBook - 2002

Biography/Memoir. Fuller shares visceral memories of her childhood in Africa, and of her headstrong, unforgettable mother as she looks back with rage and ...Show more Biography/Memoir. Fuller shares visceral memories of her childhood in Africa, and of her headstrong, unforgettable mother as she looks back with rage and love at the life of an extraordinary family in an extraordinary time. Unsentimental and harsh, yet tender. - DeniseD. Show less

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Dreamblood Duology

by Jemisin, N. K.

Book - 2016

Fantasy. I loved Jemisin's amazing Fifth Season science fiction triology, and took the opportunity to delve backwards into her body of work. In these sto...Show more Fantasy. I loved Jemisin's amazing Fifth Season science fiction triology, and took the opportunity to delve backwards into her body of work. In these stories, she unsurprisingly creates a very vivid fantasy world, inspired by ancient African kingdoms, with a well crafted cosmology, and full of political intrigue. The main conceit is that acolytes of Hananja are able to use the power of dreams as a source of magic, which is here harnessed to heal bodies and souls, as well as to provide a form of euthanasia to those who desire it. With numerous well realized characters, and clever plotting, I came away most liking Sunandi, a clever and quick-witted diplomat & spy, a non-magical person (like us?) who tries her best to keep the peace while surrounded by devious princes and assassin priests. - gphatty Show less

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Neverwhere

by Gaiman, Neil

Downloadable Audiobook - 2007

Fantasy. What if there were two Londons? One day, Richard Mayhew, a very ordinary man helps a young girl and in doing so he is erased from regular London...Show more Fantasy. What if there were two Londons? One day, Richard Mayhew, a very ordinary man helps a young girl and in doing so he is erased from regular London and dropped into the very real London Below. Through humor, horror, whining, and bravery Richard embarks on a fantastic quest. Through Neil Gaiman's amazing narration you will be transported to a place where angels are real, bodyguards can be found at floating markets, and one must chose friends very carefully. - DebF. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 4 on 8 Volumes

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Three Sisters, Three Queens

by Gregory, Philippa

Book - 2016

Historical Fiction. Bestselling author Gregory provides an imaginative retelling of the connected stories of Katherine of Aragon, and Henry VIII's two sis...Show more Historical Fiction. Bestselling author Gregory provides an imaginative retelling of the connected stories of Katherine of Aragon, and Henry VIII's two sisters, Margaret and Mary Tudor, who will become the queens of England, Scotland, and France. - EileenS. Show less

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All Boys Aren't Blue

A Memoir-Manifesto

by Johnson, George M.

eBook - 2020

Memoir. In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson explores his childhood, adolescence, and college year...Show more Memoir. In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. Covering topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, Black joy, and consent, Johnson's memoir-manifesto will make you laugh and it will make you cry. I highly recommend picking up this book and learning more about this important Black queer voice! - Liz B. Show less

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All Boys Aren't Blue

A Memoir-Manifesto

by Johnson, George M.

Downloadable Audiobook - 2020

Memoir. Journalist and activist George M. Johnson shares with readers his life story from childhood to college, exploring the concept of intersectionality...Show more Memoir. Journalist and activist George M. Johnson shares with readers his life story from childhood to college, exploring the concept of intersectionality through the eyes of a young Black queer boy. He expertly discusses tough topics like gender identity, sexuality, masculinity (in both LGBTQ+ and Black communities), sexual abuse, racism, and institutional inequity. Great for both teens and adults, this memoir-manifesto will make you laugh, cry, cringe, and—most importantly—think. - Paul F. Show less

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The First American Evangelical

A Short Life of Cotton Mather

by Kennedy, Rick

eBook - 2015

Biography. This book presents the idea that Mather's "hot" piety (versus the usual "lukewarm" piety) was a noteworthy precursor to the...Show more Biography. This book presents the idea that Mather's "hot" piety (versus the usual "lukewarm" piety) was a noteworthy precursor to the Great Awakening and all revivals following in America. A lover of the Bible and a generous supporter of good causes, he was not without all-too-human flaws. Interesting to note his love and support of scientific progress, considering how science and faith are often put at odds with each other!! - Linda S. Show less

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