MY LIBRARIAN LAURA – Batavia Public Library

My Librarian Laura

The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.

—Muriel Rukeyser

Reading is my superpower, according to my coffee mug. I get my caffeine fix, and make a statement about how important reading is to me. I can’t remember not being able to read—to me it’s like breathing—necessary for life! I’ll read anything in a pinch, including any and all packaging (cereal boxes included), but I prefer fiction. I love literary fiction, women’s fiction and mysteries or suspense with a focus on character (Elizabeth George, Louise Penny); Southern writers for their strong sense of place and lyrical prose (Pat Conroy, Fannie Flagg, Lee Smith); coming of age novels (To Kill a Mockingbird, Boy’s Life); and classics. I also read historical fiction, fantasy and a little science fiction. When I read nonfiction, I prefer essays on nature and gardening (Sy Montgomery, Michael Pollan, Henry Mitchell), and books on travel, cookery and sewing. One of the great things about working in a library is I’m surrounded by other bibliophiles—I love to hear what others are reading so I can add to my “to read” list!

On Laura's Bookshelf

This Is Happiness by Niall Williams

Year of the Tiger by Alice Wong

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Laura's Current Favorite Books

Marooned on Mars, Mark Watney has only a few potatoes, some space trash and duct tape to use to survive while he concocts a plan to return home. Based in real science, this suspenseful tale is snarky and witty.

Francie Nolan and her family struggle to survive in the pre-WWI slums of New York. A poignant portrayal of a loving family and a bright sensitive girl who learns that life is not fair. Heartbreaking and uplifting.

Janie Crawford is an independent black woman in the 1930s who defies convention to follow her heart, and finds herself on the way. Lush, rhythmic language and a complex, moving story

Disguised as a girl, a young slave boy rides with abolitionist John Brown in this farcical historical narrative. Flamboyant characters and boisterous adventure contrast with tragic situations as events, both real and fictional, lead up to the Civil War.

This thought-provoking split narrative follows a suicidal Japanese girl and the novelist who finds her diary. Beautiful descriptions and engaging, fully developed characters are highlights of an intricately plotted and slowly evolving story.

n this inventive and haunting alternate history, Ursula Todd is born and dies, repeatedly, in different ways and at different points on a constantly varying life path through the drama of the early twentieth century.

When Kirsten's theatrical troupe crosses paths with a dangerous prophet, members of their troupe begin to disappear. In this post-global-pandemic dystopian novel, multiple perspectives and lush writing create a moving tale of how art can lead humans in opposite directions.

The men of Alpha Company battle the enemy, miss the lives they left behind, and struggle with loneliness, rage and fear in a testament to the devastating legacy of the Vietnam War.

A regular guy and his companions are asked to take tremendous risks and battle great evil in order to save their world. Courageous yet flawed characters, quiet humor, and a richly-realized world mark this fantasy epic.

A young girl learns about courage and empathy in this beloved coming of age story set in 1930s American South. Vivid recollections, charming, humorous narration, memorable characters and thought-provoking situations mark this bittersweet and moving classic.

Not Like Me . . .

19-year-old Texan Billy Lynn narrates the day he falls in love, questions his purpose, and makes the most important decision of his life before Bravo squad returns to active duty. This darkly humorous and vivid novel leaves an unforgettable impression.

19-year-old Texan Billy Lynn narrates the day he falls in love, questions his purpose, and makes the most important decision of his life before Bravo squad returns to active duty. This darkly humorous and vivid novel leaves an unforgettable impression.

This first person narrative provides a funny, warm and intimate look at an autistic savant who grows from a speechless, feral child to the director of the world's first humane tuna fishery.

10-year-old Darling and her friends roam shantytown Zimbabwe, inventing games based on their idea of America. Then Darling moves to "Destroyed, Michigan," where she struggles to belong, yet remained tied to her origins. Haunting, yet sparked with humor.

Flora 717 is a lowly worker bee who becomes part of a priestess's experiment, moving among social strata and jobs. When Flora breaks one of the hive's sacred laws, her secret pits her against the hive. Surprising and imaginative.

Two young men charged as criminals are offered a reprieve from death if they can procure two dozen eggs. Sly humor and engaging characters enliven this historical novel set during the siege of Leningrad.

An alien who takes on human form discovers there is much that puzzles and intrigues him about life on earth: clothing, dogs, peanut butter, dead poets and love. A witty and thought-provoking look at the best and worst of humanity.

Inspired by the movie "The Magnificent Seven," four friends leave their Mexican village in search of seven men who can protect their town from gangsters. Inventive, funny and populated with colorful characters.

Facing culture shock and racism, a young Nigerian immigrant reconsiders her choice to become an "Americanah." Should she return to Nigeria, or join her love in London? Blazing wit, elegant prose and sharp political commentary mark this touching novel.

The South is Another Country

Tom Wingo and his twin sister Savannah suffer from long-buried secrets of their past in this sprawling and lyrical family saga. This bittersweet narrative is a complex and haunting examination of the Southern psyche.

This engaging and poignant memoir of a small town boy with big dreams recounts Hickam's boyhood in a hardscrabble mining town. Determined to avoid working in the mines, Hickam and his friends find both trouble and a way out through rocketry.

A heartwarming family saga about three generations of independent, strong-willed, eccentric women: matriarch and healer Charlie Kate, her beautiful and exotic daughter Sophia, and her precocious granddaughter, Margaret. A portrait of inner strength, wit, and intelligence.

Arlene can't escape her past, despite the deal she made with God. When the deal goes sour, Arlene heads back home to Alabama to do damage control. Engaging, offbeat characters and dramatic plot twists mark this humorous story.

Told in alternating voices, this richly-detailed historical novel features the intertwining lives of Hetty 'Handful' Grimke, a Charleston slave, and Sarah, the daughter of the wealthy Grimke family. Inspired in part by the historical figure of Sarah Grimke.

When a body is discovered on the plantation tourist site Caren manages, she pursues her own investigation, turning up evidence that may be related to her family's ties to the slave quarters. A nuanced and disturbing mystery.

Loneliness and confusion plague 12-year-old tomboy Frankie the summer her brother gets married. Jealous and bored. Frankie plans to join her brother and his bride in their new life. A dark, quirky, yet elegant coming of age story.

A dying father with an urgent need for medicine sends young Minnow on an otherworldly quest for a cure. Confronted by ghosts, monsters, natural disasters and human cruelty, Minnow must make difficult choices to complete his mission in this spellbinding contemporary fantasy.

At 78, Mattie Rigsbee is slowing down a bit, but that changes when Wesley, a reform school escapee, ends up on her doorstep, looking for a hot meal. Sharp-edged Southern charm and quirky, engaging characters mark this comic novel.

A heartwarming family saga about three generations of independent, strong-willed, eccentric women: matriarch and healer Charlie Kate, her beautiful and exotic daughter Sophia, and her precocious granddaughter, Margaret. A portrait of inner strength, wit, and intelligence.

Depends on How You Look at It--multiple viewpoint mysteries

When his oldest daughter receives urgent texts from her supposedly dead sister, Game Warden Joe Pickett races to discover if it is truly April in grave danger, or if the family is victim to a cruel hoax. Gritty and thought-provoking.

A schoolteacher disappears from her home, leaving her 4-year-old daughter asleep upstairs. Detective D.D. Warren's suspects include the husband, who is hiding something, a registered sex offender neighbor, and a misguided student. Sections told from the victim's perspective enhance suspense.

The one person who can help DI Jack Caffery uncover the truth about his brother's disappearance years ago is The Walking Man, who won't provide crucial information until Jack solves the mystery of the stray dog carrying a note reading "help us."

Detective Stephan Moran follows a lead on a year-old murder to a close-knit group of schoolgirls. Friendship, loyalty, and betrayal among both the students and the police contribute to the suspense in this heartbreaking and fast-paced mystery.

Jackson Brodie investigates three cold cases-- the disappearance of a beloved 3-year-old girl more than 30 years ago; the violent workplace murder of a devoted daughter; and locating the daughter of a convicted ax-murderer. Compelling and darkly humorous.

Charles "Shake" Bouchon gets on the wrong side of both his mob boss former girlfriend and Dick Moby, a hugely dangerous Vegas nightclub owner, when he double crosses them both. Surprising plot turns keep the action flowing in this rollicking adventure.

Shot by an unknown assailant, PI Sharon McCone lies in her hospital bed, conscious, but unable to move or speak. Meanwhile, her team works to track down her attacker while handling the rest of the firm�s cases. Convoluted, harrowing and gripping.

DS Barbara Havers has a chance to redeem herself by solving the mysterious sudden death of a prominent feminist author and activist. Is it related to the apparent poisoning of her editorand friend? A psychologically complex and satisfying puzzler.

Heartwarming and Upbeat Books to Lift Your Mood

Octopuses are intelligent, affectionate, and playful. It is amazing that something so alien to us, with a completely different mental and physical structure, could also, in many ways, be so close.

Escape to the beloved friends of Three Pines in a particularly strong showing for this character- driven mystery series. A mysterious map and a dead professor challenge Inspector Gamache to again right wrongs and find balance in the world. Poignant yet uplifting.

A moving and personal memoir of a man, raised in Pakistan, who was inspired to immigrate to the United States after studying the U.S. Constitution. He and his family pursue the American dream with courage, humility, and grace.

It begins with an inquiry about secondhand books and evolves into a touching 20-year relationship between an outspoken, salty New York writer and a rather more restrained British bookseller. A witty and charming record of cultural differences and international friendship.

A charming, tender account of how an abandoned toddler and a clumsy publisher's representative impact a cantankerous book store owner. Chapter intros are delightful critiques of classic short stories; a love of books and reading permeates this enchanting, poignant story.

When the plane Rose is ferrying is forced down and she is sent to Ravensbruck, Rose becomes part of a community struggling together to survive. A heartbreaking yet uplifting account of personal resilience, friendship, and hope.

Settle down over a cup of spice tea with Angel, master cake baker of Kigali, Rwanda, and listen as Angel's customers reveal their secret fears, hopes, and desires. Bittersweet and reflective, Angel's gentle character makes this an upbeat read.

Authentic and sweet story about four people trying to create a family in Texas during the late 1950s. The law and community attitudes are against them: Dr. Lucy and Pete are white: Calvin and his son Justin are black.

A book club whose members are the town misfits, and a mysterious radio personality shake up small town life. Despite tackling serious issues, the quirky characters, humorous tone, and light touch make a warm and engaging read.

Mother Knows Best

The door to Cafe Dora opens and love does indeed walk in and greet Cornelia, but not the way you think. Sometimes motherhood is planned, and other times it is dropped in your lap. Sweet, heartwarming, and romantic.

Vic McQueen knows just how monstrous Charlie Manx is—she's the only one to ever escape him. Years later, when Charlie snatches Vic's son Wayne, Vic and Wayne's father attempt to rescue him. Vic is fearless, heartbreaking, and determined to risk everything to save her son.

Resilient and resourceful, Ma works to make the best possible life for Jack within their little world, filling their small space with immense love. Once Outside, young Jack is challenged to cope, but Ma has laid a foundation that sees him through adversity.

Francie Nolan and her family struggle to survive in the pre-WWI slums of New York. A poignant portrayal of a loving family and a bright sensitive girl who learns that life is not fair. Heartbreaking and uplifting.

Volatile and unpredictable, Bernadette is an atypical mother, but 15-year-old Bee wouldn't want it any other way. When Bernadette disappears, Bee embarks on a journey to locate her. Charmingly told through emails and letters, this engaging romp is a wry look at modern motherhood.

Prompted by the birth of her own son, and desperate to make better connections with her parents, Thi investigates her family's turbulent history in Viet Nam and the US. As she probes her mother's struggles and sacrifices, Thi learns how to become a mother.

As a working mom, Kate feels like a double agent, cheating both sides—home and work. She is funny, irreverent and sad by turns. Her story manages to be equally tough and sympathetic to all moms, working or stay at home.

Sometimes fathers make the best moms. Lars is raising baby Eva on his own, and he is eager to share his life's passion for food with his baby girl. Despite his fumbling and inexperience, his enthusiasm has a lifelong impact on Eva. Charming and tender.

Deming is 11 when his mother, an undocumented Chinese immigrant, vanishes. Years later, adopted into a white family, adrift and questioning, he begins to search for her. An unflinching look at the choices mothers are sometimes forced to make.

Marmee is the center that holds this family together, protecting each of her four children while still allowing them the freedom to make their own mistakes, teaching them to be compassionate even in the face of loss and struggle.

Coping with Loss

Devastated after the sudden death of her father, experienced falconer MacDonald focuses on training a fierce and difficult-to-manage goshawk, whose nature reflects the author’s own wild heartache. A lyrical and moving portrait of grief and recovery.

This touching story revolves around 86-year old New Yorker whose beloved husband is recovering from cancer surgery and sliding into dementia. An honest and moving portrait of the joy, guilt, and love experienced by a modern family.

A chance encounter triggers August’s memory of her Brooklyn childhood, when her family was adjusting to trauma, and friendship was everything. This #ownvoices novel is a bittersweet prose-poem about childhood, friendship, race, love, and grief.

Naturalist Sy Montgomery explores how animals have taught her “to be a good creature” while frankly sharing her struggles with depression. Part memoir, part natural history, this charming book is filled with boundless enthusiasm, curiosity, and love.

After accidentally killing his friend’s son, Landreaux Iron makes the heart-rending decision to follow ancient tradition and give his own son to his friend’s family. Both families reach a tenuous peace that is threatened by a vengeful adversary.

This debut novel is a gut-wrenching and poignant dissection of a friendship between two young girls that ends when one of them dies. Marked by vivid prose and perfect word choice, this is a gritty and dark read.

A father reaches out to the 104-year-old woman his socially-awkward 11-year-old son befriended before his unexpected death. At once sad and joyous, this is a luminous and uplifting story of family and friendship.

12-year-old Elvis is precocious in many ways, but especially in the ways she worries about how her sister and father are coping with her mother’s accidental death. This sad but quirky family will touch your heart.

Jake Baker recalls one strange summer in his youth, spent investigating local spooky places with his friends. Eccentric characters and well-timed humor contribute to a surprisingly tender story dealing with first love, loss, and the secret lives of youth.

Haunted by memories, and threatened by hatred, a Mississippi family struggles with grief, addiction, and cancer in a gritty yet lyrical family portrait. Occasional tender moments, vivid imagery, and sympathetic characters blend in an impactful and moving read.

An unlikely friendship develops among a misfit teenage girl, a grieving widower, and his nosy neighbor, who are all searching for happiness after experiencing loss. A sweet and tender story about made families.

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