DMPL Book Chat discussion

See which books staff read for this challenge below. If you've completed this challenge, let us know which book you read and what you thought about it! Also, don't forget to register for the 2022 Reading Challenge at dmpl.org/readingchallenge.

I was recommended City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert for this category. The Book Chat Librarians are always amazing and know exactly what I need! This book was good, and I loved the historical fiction of the book. It takes place mainly in the 1940s in New York and I loved reading about that time and place. I will say this book was a little slow pace for me. Some more dull parts in the book but I still enjoyed it a lot!

I read The Island of Sea Women which was recommended by a DMPL librarian and it was such a beautiful story. I loved the unique look into a culture I knew nothing about.

I asked for a recommendation on well written narrative nonfiction. I was given the suggestion of Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I loved it and never would have found it on my own. Thanks DMPL librarians!

Earned my yellow badge! Finished my first book chat recommendation. Carrie from the Des Moines Public Library was the one who put my list together. I chose to read Hill Women: Finding Family and a Way Forward in the Appalachian Mountains. It was incredibly interesting. So little has been written about these resilient, strong, proud people. The women in the book reminded me that we can all provoke change, we may each have a little different way of doing it, but change is change. The women were tough, smart, innovative, loving and funny! I appreciate the recommendation and highly encourage others to read this one! Thanks again Carrie! Now to get into the rest of the list.

Katie wrote: "Earned my yellow badge! Finished my first book chat recommendation. Carrie from the Des Moines Public Library was the one who put my list together. I chose to read Hill Women: Finding Family and a ..."

Katie, I am so glad to hear this! Thanks for sharing.

I read 'When We Cease to Understand the World' by Benjamín Labatut as recommended by a DMPL Book Chat Librarian. Blurring the lines between real events and fiction, Benjamín Labatut explores the virtues and vices engendered through scientific exploration. The author details scientific advances while highlighting the benefits and horrors they have brought humanity. This is expertly done through fictitious insight and adventures behind the biographies and histories of some of the greatest scientists and scientific achievements. I normally read nonfiction and probably wouldn't have picked up this book myself but really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone interested in historical or science topics! Thanks for recommending!