OPL_MichelleC's Completed Shelf
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BlackoutBlackout, Book
Book - 2021Book, 2021
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Aug 13, 2021
Nobody, Somebody, AnybodyNobody, Somebody, Anybody, BookA Novel
by McClorey, KellyBook - 2021Book, 2021
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Aug 13, 2021
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In this moving and bizarre story we meet Amy Hanley, an ambitious and troubled young woman. She has recently taken a job as a chambermaid at a posh Massachusetts country club, after failing her EMT exam twice. In preparation to not fail a third time, she administers a self-made “placebo” treatment. This includes things like sending herself a fake congratulations letter and ordering an EMT uniform to wear around her apartment.
Not too weird, sounds like a good idea, right?
However, lying to yourself is one thing, but Amy then pulls others into her lies and builds a complicated web with her landlord, family, and coworkers. This might not be a character you want to meet, but learning about Amy’s fraught relationship with her mother and seedy past with her college roommate will open your eyes to her motivations.
If you are interested in exploring grief and self-forgiveness in a darkly humorous, character-driven literary fiction novel, pick up Nobody, Somebody, Anybody by Kelly McClorey.In this moving and bizarre story we meet Amy Hanley, an ambitious and troubled young woman. She has recently taken a job as a chambermaid at a posh Massachusetts country club, after failing her EMT exam twice. In preparation to not fail a third…
The Space Between WorldsThe Space Between Worlds, Book
by Johnson, MicaiahBook - 2020Book, 2020
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Holds: 0 on 2 copies
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Aug 13, 2021
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Do you believe in the multiverse - that there are parallel worlds creating multiple universes? Would you take the opportunity to travel across the multiverse?
In true sci-fi fashion, the technology was built to allow people to jump between worlds. The caveat, you can only travel to worlds in which you have already died.
In this novel we meet Cara, a traverser, who grew up in the wastelands outside the main city, where watch day is a struggle to survive. Hence why her counterparts in other universes are more likely to be dead when she jumps into their world.
When Cara is sent to a world where her counterpart has died under mysterious circumstances, she finds a new realm that contains a secret—one that will force her to make choices that will not only reveal some of her own past and determine her future security, but will also affect the whole multiverse.
This exciting novel is intelligently built, with clever characters, surprise twists, plenty of action, subtly detailed worlds, and a plot that highlights social and racial inequities in astute prose.
For fans of Recursion by Blake Crouch or NK Jemisin’s The Fifth Season or if you’re looking for something action-packed, thought-provoking, and thoroughly compelling, check out this science fiction thriller The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson.Do you believe in the multiverse - that there are parallel worlds creating multiple universes? Would you take the opportunity to travel across the multiverse?
In true sci-fi fashion, the technology was built to allow people to jump between worlds.…
I'm Still HereI'm Still Here, BookBlack Dignity in A World Made for Whiteness
by Brown, Austin ChanningBook - 2018Book, 2018
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Aug 13, 2021
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Written in 2018 but surged to popularity last summer, I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown is a must-read.
One of Brown’s opening stories is about a terrible and formative interaction with a public librarian doubting that she is Austin Channing Brown, not just because she is a girl, but because she is a Black girl.
Right away I was hooked and needed to learn more about her experiences. In sobering prose, she relates anecdotes that describe the destructiveness of white supremacy embedded within American institutions.
Brown is a Christian and works for a Christian organization. She describes the deep connection between race relations and Christian communities and how the latter needs to play a larger role in racial reconciliation. In a call to action, Brown urges readers to live their professed ideals rather than simply state them.
Candid, edifying, and essential - this is a must-read for those interested in racial justice or looking for a great book club pick. There is a lot to discuss and get out of this book.Written in 2018 but surged to popularity last summer, I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness by Austin Channing Brown is a must-read.
One of Brown’s opening stories is about a terrible and formative interaction with a public…
Make your Home Among StrangersMake your Home Among Strangers, BookA Novel
by Crucet, Jennine CapóBook - 2015Book, 2015
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Aug 13, 2021
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In her first fiction novel, she writes about Lizet, the daughter of Cuban immigrants and the first in her family to graduate from high school. After secretly applying and getting accepted to an ultra-elite college in New York, her parents are furious at her decision to leave Miami.
To make leaving for this next chapter of her life more complicated, her parents divorce and her father sells their house leaving Lizet, her mother, her sister Leidy, and her new nephew Dante without a steady income or home.
Lizet’s first semester is a rough transition as she realizes her school did not prepare her for the rigor and standards of college papers. On a surprise trip home at Thanksgiving to find some solace, the fraught relationship between Lizet, her family, and her boyfriend is fully exposed. At the same time the story of a little Cuban boy whose mother died trying to get him to the US dominates the community, and Lizet’s mom becomes obsessed with his case.
The book examines how Lizet is pulled between life at college and the needs of those she loves at home and how Lizet is faced with difficult decisions that will change her life.
I loved this book for Crucet’s honest and reflective depictions of the culture shock, confusion, guilt, and humiliations of the first-generation college student while surrounded by privilege, and people who do not understand you and are unwilling to.
I also was drawn into the story by the realistic and tense dialogue. You feel every moment and you get to know Lizet through her thoughts and actions, which you might not always agree with.In her first fiction novel, she writes about Lizet, the daughter of Cuban immigrants and the first in her family to graduate from high school. After secretly applying and getting accepted to an ultra-elite college in New York, her parents are…
What We LoseWhat We Lose, Downloadable AudiobookA Novel
by Clemmons, ZinziDownloadable Audiobook - 2017Downloadable Audiobook, 2017
Available
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Aug 13, 2021
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A unconventional storyline, but nonetheless a compelling and reflective story about coping with death and loss.
When No One Is WatchingWhen No One Is Watching, BookA Thriller
by Cole, AlyssaBook - 2020Book, 2020
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Holds: 1 on 2 copies
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Feb 26, 2021
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I love a thriller. Reading time is precious and I want something to hook me from page one till the end. When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole does just that.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Sydney Green has noticed her beloved neighborhood is changing every minute. Long-time neighbors are disappearing, and new condos are popping up. To hold onto her community's past and present, Sydney channels her frustration into a walking tour and finds an unlikely and unwanted assistant in one of the new arrivals to the block -- her white neighbor Theo.
Their research and relationship throw them both into a dizzying storm of paranoia and fear. What is going on? When does coincidence become conspiracy? Who can you trust?
In a story about gentrification told from both Sydney and Theo’s perspective (re:Reading Challenge - Read a Book Told From Multiple Points of View), author Alyssa Cole expertly layers plot twists and builds to a WILD and almost cinematic finale. With an unflinching look at racism and greed, you will not want to put this down until the very end.
A sure bet for any thriller fans, but especially if you picked up My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite or if Jake hooked you on, The Guest List by Lucy Foley.
Available in every format the library offers, including a book club bag. So check this one out to discuss with your friends!I love a thriller. Reading time is precious and I want something to hook me from page one till the end. When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole does just that.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Sydney Green has noticed her beloved neighborhood is…
You'll Never Believe What Happened to LaceyYou'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey, BookCrazy Stories About Racism
by Ruffin, AmberBook - 2021Book, 2021
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Feb 26, 2021
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You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar. This sister author duo grew up right here in Omaha. While Lacey still lives and works in the state, Amber is in New York as a writer on Late Night with Seth Meyers and now heads her own late night show, The Amber Ruffin Show, which streams on Peacock. A must watch if you haven’t already.
Described as “horrifyingly entertaining” and “hilariously horrifying,” Ruffin and Lamar share personal stories about their experiences with colleagues, bosses, mall security, the dreaded HR Department, strangers, and police. First off, they are Black women, which is why unfortunately some people think that, among other things, they can say or do whatever they want around them. Secondly, these stories are wild and feel unbelievable in the way that we “Nebraska Nice” folks don’t want to believe this stuff happens. But it’s true, this all happened! A majority of these stories are set right here in Omaha. It’s possible you may even know a person in a story!
I want you to read this because it will absolutely make you think and leave an impact. It is a great book club pick because everyone will likely be impacted differently and there’s so much to unpack. There is a lot of understanding to be gained and an opportunity to be seen.
You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey is timely and timeless and each chapter is hilarious, insightful, aggravating, and comforting in equal measure. I seriously cannot recommend this enough. Please read it! And get your friends to read it, too!
Like I mentioned, there’s a lot to break down, so reserve the book club bag and gather some folks to discuss! It’s also available in print, ebook, and downloadable audiobook! The sisters read the audiobook and it’s so adorable. For the Reading Challenge, it’s set in Nebraska, and you definitely want to meet these admirable sister authors!You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism by Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar. This sister author duo grew up right here in Omaha. While Lacey still lives and works in the state, Amber is in New York as a writer on Late…
You Were Born for ThisYou Were Born for This, BookAstrology for Radical Self-acceptance
by Nicholas, ChaniBook - 2020Book, 2020
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Feb 26, 2021
Comment:
In these unprecedented times, we have all spent more time with one person more than we ever thought we would. That special someone is YOU! Now, this one-on-one time has brought a lot of mixed feelings for myself and my journey, so thanks to famed astrologer Chani Nicholas, I was able to find more comfort and love for myself, which is something I want for everyone!
In You Were Born for This: Astrology for Radical Self-Acceptance, the Internet’s favorite astrologer lays out a guide to understanding your birth chart and starting your journey to letting yourself know it’s okay to be who you are. Nicholas shares the various aspects of understanding your chart - like why it matters that Saturn was in the 10th House when you were born and then provides thoughtful reflection questions and powerful affirmations, which are invaluable tools to help it all soak in and make sense.
I had such an amazing experience reading this, I felt seen and was able to take a deep look at my past, present, and future desires. If astrology speaks to you, your chart can be a shortcut to learning about your unique self.
So grab a notebook, pen, and a copy of You Were Born For This by Chani Nicolas and start your radical self-acceptance journey today! I also recommend Chani’s self-titled app.In these unprecedented times, we have all spent more time with one person more than we ever thought we would. That special someone is YOU! Now, this one-on-one time has brought a lot of mixed feelings for myself and my journey, so thanks to famed…
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Feb 26, 2021
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Get ready to have your emotions shattered and your adrenaline pumping!
The Project by acclaimed author Courtney Summers. Estranged sisters Lo and Bea Denham haven’t seen each other since they lost their parents in a car accident. While Lo was recovering in the hospital, Bea becomes enthralled with a mysterious savior. She abandons her sister and is fully indoctrinated by a group called The Unity Project. Lo grows up without ever speaking to her sister. After a strange young man who seems to know Lo kills himself on the subway tracks in front of her, she becomes obsessed with exposing the Unity Project as a cult and vies to reconnect with her sister.
Told in alternating timelines, we learn of Bea's time with The Unity Project and how Lo immerses herself with the group. Lo is dogged in discovering what The Unity Project really does, but after meeting members, she starts to wonder, maybe the Unity Project isn’t as bad as it seems?
Courntey Summers is truly impeccable with this gripping narrative and will keep you seeking the truth until the very end. If you read Sadie also by Courtney Summers, The Project is a must for your TBR short-list. And I highly recommend this compelling and suspenseful psychological thriller for everyone!Get ready to have your emotions shattered and your adrenaline pumping!
The Project by acclaimed author Courtney Summers. Estranged sisters Lo and Bea Denham haven’t seen each other since they lost their parents in a car accident. While Lo was…
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Feb 26, 2021
Comment:
For the Read a Book About Animals reading challenge I am so happy to recommend Animal Spirit by Francesca Marciano. This collection of short stories explores the idea of how animals change the dynamic of our human interactions.
In the title story, two couples are on vacation in Greece. It’s a bit fraught in their relationships and on their way back from an awkward dinner they nearly run over a stray dog. The choice to take the dog with them or leave him behind shifts their communication and connection.
Each story dives into different types of love and connection - family, romantic, and self - and includes some sort of animal metaphor, which is very thought-provoking and worthy of some rumination.
I have fallen in love with Marciano’s writing. She has a beautiful way of developing characters with such light prose. It was a dream for escapism and really felt like I was watching a movie while reading. It’s compulsively readable and the conclusion of each story is satisfying, yet ambiguous.
I’m recommending this for fans of literary dramas, if you don’t mind sarcasm and a sardonic tone. These are truly compelling and memorable stories and I hope you check it out.For the Read a Book About Animals reading challenge I am so happy to recommend Animal Spirit by Francesca Marciano. This collection of short stories explores the idea of how animals change the dynamic of our human interactions.
In the title…
Kid GlovesKid Gloves, Graphic NovelNine Months of Careful Chaos
by Knisley, LucyGraphic Novel - 2019Graphic Novel, 2019
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
Comment:
A heart-felt autobiography of the author's difficulty conceiving, multiple miscarriages, and the complications of her eventual pregnancy, which resulted in a near-death experience while giving birth. This graphic novel shares an eye-opening history of obstetrics.A heart-felt autobiography of the author's difficulty conceiving, multiple miscarriages, and the complications of her eventual pregnancy, which resulted in a near-death experience while giving birth. This graphic novel shares an eye-opening history…
SadieSadie, Downloadable Audiobook
by Summers, CourtneyDownloadable Audiobook - 2018Downloadable Audiobook, 2018
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Holds: 0 on 2 copies
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
Comment:
One of the reasons I was drawn to this book was because of the podcast tie-in. The podcast chapters are truly remarkable in the audio format. This aspect could come off as gimmicky, but instead serves as an excellent mechanism that propels the plot forward while layering the drama and suspense. A full cast of voices adds depth to the characters and the stories they tell. The production of the audio effects feels like you’re listening to a real podcast.
Embedded within Sadie is a thorough meditation on violence against women, its causes and consequences, and what it takes to stop the cycle of assault when many women and girls do not even have a voice, or a choice.One of the reasons I was drawn to this book was because of the podcast tie-in. The podcast chapters are truly remarkable in the audio format. This aspect could come off as gimmicky, but instead serves as an excellent mechanism that propels the plot…
Just Like A MamaJust Like A Mama, Picture Book
by Duncan, Alice FayePicture Book - 2020Picture Book, 2020
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
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Carol lives with Mama Rose, who is not a biological parent, but who loves and cares for Carol nonetheless. A touching perspective through Carol's eyes.
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
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Simple, colorful illustrations and sweet rhyming text. A fun vocabulary introduction and look at growing up and all the new things to explore.
Life Is Like A MusicalLife Is Like A Musical, BookHow to Live, Love, and Lead Like A Star
by Federle, TimBook - 2017Book, 2017
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
Comment:
A fun and funny autobiographical self-improvement book. Federle shares the hard lessons he learned from show business, perfectly contributing those lessons to specific examples from his life. I think these lessons are some of the most accessible and pertinent ones I have read in any self-improvement book.A fun and funny autobiographical self-improvement book. Federle shares the hard lessons he learned from show business, perfectly contributing those lessons to specific examples from his life. I think these lessons are some of the most accessible and…
The Oldest StudentThe Oldest Student, BookHow Mary Walker Learned to Read
by Hubbard, Rita LBook - 2020Book, 2020
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
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I love Oge Mora's illustrations. They brought such life to Mary Walker's story of endurance.
The Woman in the WindowThe Woman in the Window, Book
by Finn, A. J.Book - 2018Book, 2018
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OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
The Woman in the WindowThe Woman in the Window, Preloaded Audiobook
by Finn, A. J.Preloaded Audiobook - 2018Preloaded Audiobook, 2018
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
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A psychological suspense thriller, featuring an unreliable narrator. I was drawn to the intricate plot and compelling writing style.
We Should All Be FeministsWe Should All Be Feminists, Downloadable Audiobook
by Adichie, Chimamanda NgoziDownloadable Audiobook - 2017Downloadable Audiobook, 2017
Available
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
Comment:
A must-read essay. Completely candid and thoughtful on what feminism means and should mean to everyone. Adichie shares personal experiences that relate perfectly to how and why she identifies as a feminist, and why we all should.
Just in Case You Want to FlyJust in Case You Want to Fly, Picture Book
by Fogliano, JuliePicture Book - 2019Picture Book, 2019
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
Comment:
A thoughtful story in rhyme with colorful illustrations. This is a celebration of heading off on new adventures--and of knowing your loved ones will always have your back when you need them.
Parker Looks upParker Looks up, Picture BookAn Extraordinary Moment
by Curry, ParkerPicture Book - 2019Picture Book, 2019
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
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A truly gorgeous and uplifting picture book. An essential reminder that representation matters.
The Only Woman in the PhotoThe Only Woman in the Photo, BookFrances Perkins & Her New Deal for America
by Krull, KathleenBook - 2020Book, 2020
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
Comment:
An inspiring biographical picture book about activist and change maker Frances Perkins - a revolutionary leader and woman.
She SaidShe Said, Downloadable AudiobookBreaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite A Movement
by Kantor, JodiDownloadable Audiobook - 2019Downloadable Audiobook, 2019
Available
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
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A must-read nonfiction narrative on an investigation that sparked a movement.
Know My NameKnow My Name, Downloadable AudiobookA Memoir
by Miller, ChanelDownloadable Audiobook - 2019Downloadable Audiobook, 2019
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Holds: 2 on 4 copies
Holds: 2 on 4 copies
OPL_MichelleC's rating:
Added Mar 11, 2020
Comment:
Powerful, riveting, and filled with every human emotion. Miller is the perfect narrator for her own words. She shares her story in a poetic, clear way that holds your attention every step of the way.
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