Looking for you next great read? See what the Newfields librarians are reading and loving this month…
The Anthropocene Reviewed, by John Green
The Anthropocene is the current geological age, in which human activity has profoundly shaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his ground-breaking, critically acclaimed podcast, John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet – from the QWERTY keyboard and Halley’s Comet to Penguins of Madagascar – on a five-star scale.
-Goodreads
This is the first book I’ve read by John Green and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The writing is excellent and the original format made the storytelling engaging from start to finish. I’m not normally drawn to essays and short stories but I loved the way Green tied each topic into his own life and added his unique perspectives.
You’ll learn a lot about the world and about the author in this part-non-fiction, part-memoir. If you’re looking for a good audiobook, I highly recommend listening to this one—which is also narrated by the author.
This book is available to check out from the Libby app.
-Brittney T.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show Supper at Six. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.
-Goodreads
I’m probably one of the last people in New Hampshire to read this book. I should have known not to judge it from its bright orange cover and the blond lady on the front. I thought it might be a light weight beach read to keep my idle brain temporarily occupied.
But no, this book was wonderful, filled with pearls of wisdom on how to live one’s life honestly (to thine own self be true) and to keep going no matter how matter how tough it gets.
Yes, that sounds cliche but if you are one of the ten people who hasn’t read this book yet, do give it a go. Get to know Madeline Zott, her amazing daughter Madeline (Mad) Zott and their supportive friends. And their dog, Six O Clock. I love the dog who understands human words. I completely fell into their world, worried with them, cheered them on and was delighted with the bittersweet successful ending.
This book is available in our collection as well as through the Libby app with your library card.
-Cori C.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Book 1 of the Red Rising Saga
Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations.
Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children.
But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity already reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and sprawling parks spread across the planet. Darrow—and Reds like him—are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.
-Goodreads
This book was amazing! I have always been a fan of the “uprising in a corrupt society” plot and this book sets up a long journey of justice, freedom and bravery. I’ve seen it recommended on lots of platforms, and my only regret is that I did not start it sooner!
Given the plot of a corrupt government system, the characters were complex, with a wild mix of moralities (good people in a bad society, bad people in a good society, and everything in between). As readers, we get to witness beautifully crafted character growth, especially in the main character, Darrow. Apart from him, some favorite characters were Pax and Sevro!
The banter and unique language used was new and creative. The setting was also something new for me, as the scifi genre is not my typical genre, but this series is convincing me to try more!
I am currently about to finish the second in the series, Golden Son- and I know this series will be a new all time favorite.
This book is available to check out on the Libby App.
-Marie S.
