Melody

This book is ridiculous and I love it. It's such a (refreshingly) straightforward schtick that if we didn't know the male lead was a vampire by the book's title, we'd surely recognize it after he claims she'll never see him during the day because he "works" at night. Everything about him is so obvious (he doesn't know what a trash can is because he's never made any trash) that the story can focus on his charmingly ignorant view of modern day American society. (He's been in a coma for 100 years after his friend accidentally poisoned him). When you read a lot of formulaic genre fiction (and have no shame about it), it's so fun to pick up something that pokes fun at all the traditional plot points and character dramas. Really fun read. -Melody

This title is more than 10 years old already, and I'm ashamed to admit I hadn't read it before now. It's a perfect October read--the chill is in the air and there's nothing better than burning some candles and cozying up with a dark academia story. It makes me wish I had a faux leather bound book cover that I could rest this paperback in and pretend I'm reading one of the protagonists ancient manuscripts. The first half proved to be a pretty compulsive read for me, with just enough fear and dread that I can't read it right before bedtime. I'm looking forward to curling up with the last half so I can see how this witch discovers her powers and survives until Book 2! -Melody

I saw this trailer on Netflix (which knows me so well) and knew I had to read the book first. I prefer audiobooks for rom coms, and this one did not disappoint. I am a sucker for a transformational backpacking journey in fiction--not something I get to do in real life. The characters were humane and loveable, and the banter between the leads was light-hearted and witty. The title comes from the name of a textbook a fellow sojourner brings with her, a book for a positive psychology class she's taking. Happiness studies grew in popularity as the pandemic wore on, so it might sound old hat to you as you're reading this in 2023. The first edition of this novel came out in 2015 and is seeing a resurgence thanks to the film adaptation. Now I just have to find 2 hours to sit still for a movie night. Happy reading! -Melody

This book gets my vote for prettiest cover on the new nonfiction shelves right now. It's history, mythology, and earth science packaged into smart essays that revel in humanity. -Melody

If you are into houseplants and love growing their babies, this is the book for you. My house doesn't get great sunlight (plus, cats!) so I personally don't have a ton of houseplants at home. That isn't going to stop me from checking out this book and reading about nurturing their growth from a single cutting. I'm happy to read it for the beautiful plant photography itself. -Melody

This book is on my TBR pile (to be read). It's a new rom-com (published July 4, 2023) that is getting rave reviews. I have to read a lot of book reviews for work, and each one I read about this book has great things to say. Why else do I want to read it? I love comedy that turns your everyday feelings of failure into a no-big-deal moment. Sex-positive book about open communication? Nice. Woman writer settling for a paycheck over following her creative writing dream? Awesome. Can't wait for my hold to come in for this one. -Melody

I'm digging this trend in women's fiction where our heroines are authors or other agents in the literary world. I picked this book up to have a light read while on vacation. The first couple of chapters didn't exactly grab me--the characters didn't have much depth yet. But as I read further, I found I really couldn't put it down and had to finish it in two sittings. Then when it was over, I was like, WHY can't I read more??? There's something so gratifying about watching someone fall apart then grow back stronger. -Melody

This is really an incredible book--the best long-form journalism I've read in a while. It's not just that the sentences are smooth, direct, and propel the story forward, it's the heart-wrenching story itself. And while technically a true crime narrative, this book goes deep into the histories of two men brought into conflict during a Black Lives Matter protest. Author Joe Sexton masterfully details the little things in these men's lives that made each of them human; a Lion King tattoo for one, war-induced PTSD for another. Both men lost their lives that night, one literally, and the tragedy extends by political factions using them as martyrs for their causes. Read this book to remember to scrutinize every "black and white" story on the internet. Given the divisiveness and tribalism of online political discourse, and the multiple lies we'll all be reading in the run-up to the 2024 election, I consider this a must-read book for the year. -Melody

I really ate this audiobook up. It is one of those that inspired me do my chores more thoroughly just so I could keep listening. I enjoyed the debates about love marriages versus arranged marriages that Southeast Asian immigrant families must navigate, as well as the love-hate-love-love enemies to lovers trope. The characters were all likeable, and I found myself salivating at the aloo parathas our heroine has for breakfast. Why doesn't IHOP or Denny's offer these on their menu? I'd be there daily. Heads up that there are some profanity and steamy love scenes, if that's not your thing. The female narrator is Soneela Nankani, who also performs in Sonali Dev's Jane Austen-inspired The Rajes series. Worth the listen! -Melody

When Annie Ernaux won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2022, I had to buy several of her books for our biography collection in order to meet readers' demand. I didn't get on the reserve list right away because I like to wait for the demand to die down before checking a title out. This book is a slim 61 pages, and it's totally worth the read. It will be most appreciated by those who have felt all-consumed with the romantic yearning for another human being. Even if it's been 20 years since one has last had the feeling, Ernaux's writing entices one to contemplate those feelings, what the body demands, and what the mind rationalizes. It's funny because I picked this book up expecting to find a simple passion! And it was absolutely complex and full of mindfulness. At least in my humble opinion. There were several expressive statements that forced me to pause and reflect. The book might be in our fiction section, but the writing is real. And the feeling is most definitely real. -Melody

The algorithm behind all my audiobook app recommendations chooses Elin Hilderbrand books constantly. I have to check off "thriller" from my list of unread genres, and I stumbled upon this one while hunting one down. It's more of a mystery than thriller, but I did read it compulsively over one weekend. While it had a wide range of interesting characters, I would have liked more depth to the main ones. How much do I really believe the victim's motivations? Or the husband's? Or the other husband's? Or the almost husband's? But what the novel lacked in character development, it made up for in pacing and police procedural work. Do I usually read police procedurals? No! So I can cross that subgenre off the list. I did enjoy the detective work, however, which could inspire me to pick up another, more direct piece of detective fiction. Hey, look, reading options are opening up everywhere! -Melody

This novel falls under the dark fantasy and adventure genres--one I haven't read much of, usually sticking to urban or paranormal fantasy. And it's a heist novel! A plot style I've only read in Janet Evanovich's co-authored mystery books. So that checks off three appeal factors from my list that I don't usually gravitate towards. And what did I get with this exploration? There's a whole lotta brutal killing in this book--with hatchets--but the protagonist only kills bad guys, so it's not too different from Luke blowing up all those Stormtroopers left on the Death Star. All that is a far cry from my usual rom-coms and women's fiction stories. But it's good to get out of my comfort zone! Especially during summer, when adventure can loom on every horizon. -Melody

Armchair travelers, take heed! Let me amend that: Armchair Americana-loving road-trippers, take heed! The destination? The middle of nowhere. This photography book takes you around the rural U.S., a "decay porn" tour, if you will. The book satisfies one's fascination with abandoned cars, gas stations, and rural buildings. The subtitle for one chapter reads, "Melancholy you can reach out and touch," but melancholy can be fun, gosh darmit. Each of these photographs has picture-perfect composition and could be picked up and used as a movie still. After flipping through this book, I feel like I need to re-watch Peter Bogdanovich's The Last Picture Show or take a trip to the Kill Bill church. Who needs to build up airline miles? This book will take you places. -Melody

The brilliance of nonfiction in graphic novel form is the depth of emotion that only images can convey. It's one thing to read a paragraph written with literary lusciousness, words that catapult you to a scene and a feeling, but its a completely different experience to look into a character's illustrated eyes and read the expression on her face. While I am a sucker for survivors' tales, I also tend to turn away from horrific news, unable to take in the violence and tragedy and still get my work done. But ignorance isn't healthy! What is healthy is taking time to sit with a survivor's story and absorb it into yourself, learning what panic attacks and PTSD look like up close. It's really hard to put this book down once you pick it up. -Melody

The design of this book is pure nostalgia--the sepia pages, hand drawn illustrations, and a classic camping color scheme. It's been a fantasy of mine to live in a mountain cabin the woods since I was in high school, with 5 dogs. That's not likely to happen (expensive real estate! wildfires!! TICKS!!!), but I *can* live that fantasy out by looking through this fabbo cabin building book. This book tells me all I need to build a 12x14' cabin is 14 softwood logs that are 8" thick and 26' long. I will need a draw shave to strip the bark. Nothing to it! Ah, a girl can dream... -Melody

I reserved this book after I read that it was like as if The Great British Baking Show written with the cast of Clue. Okay, so there's no Professor Plum or Colonel Mustard (savory mustard plum pie, anyone?), but the characters are as hyperbolical and hilarious as the original ensemble. I let out some cackles during the beginning monologues of each character, fully in on the inside jokes of reality TV baking and cooking show fandom. Don't go into this book looking for nuance and subtlety. You will want over-the-topness with this story. -Melody

I have caught the travel-planning bug and am fantasizing about all the places to go. Surely I'm not the only one who dreams of staying in cozy lodging in one of our nation's majestic national parks? If you're like me in that sense, do take a look at this book. "Lodge" had me at plaid, the buffalo pattern unmistakingly a siren call to join the great outdoors. Really that's all I want in a vacation: the woods, the sweat, and the constant tiny insect bites reminding me I'm alive. (Just kidding. I slather myself in DEET the second I see my first mosquito. Just say No to itchy skin, kids!) -Melody

While I personally found some plot holes and weaknesses in the book--being the seasons rom com reader that I am--I still couldn't put this book down. Come for the plot, stay for the characters, I say, and this book landed well on that front. If you like your romantic leads to have immeasurable pining and longing, pick up this book! Or just pick it up for its well-curated mixtape feel written by former lead singer of The Bangles. -Melody

It's been a while since I picked up a book of quotations. I did not check it out because I needed some words of wisdom. I checked it out because it's a lovely book, a visual walk through the park feeling the sunshine on your face. With a beautiful color palette and handwriting fonts, this book is easy to skip around in for an easy smile. "So come with me where dreams are born and life is never planned." --page 163, J.M. Barrie, creator of Peter Pan. -Melody

I have 4 loads of laundry waiting to be folded when I get home. That fact plus this attractive cover drew me to pick up this book. It's not just about folding laundry, however. I'm digging the illustrated how-to for folding fitted sheets, the extra ideas and clean lines for how to wrap presents, and the new-to-me storage ideas. This books is great for minimalist living and Marie Kondo fans. Sophie Liard makes folding look fun! -Melody

DIY Fake Meat? Yes, please! I'm a big fan of Isa Chandra Moskowitz. Her vegan restaurant, Modern Love Omaha, is on my list of must-visits each time I'm in the city. I even like to stay at the hotel within walking distance to the place, and have been known to get takeout from there two nights in a row. (Her chickpea chick'n cutlet is my husband's favorite.) This book holds the secret to some of those delicious dishes. I can't wait to make my own seitan again! -Melody

What a beautiful book! The cover lures you in and keeps its promise of providing detailed photos and illustrations. This is an example of excellent book design, IMHO. We had a rock-based advent calendar this last December and I enjoyed learning about the stones with my family. This book takes a deeper look into the science of rock formation. A top pick for geology lovers! -Melody

Not sure how I snagged a copy of this when it was on the shelf. It's in demand right now! But the timing was perfect. I see Emily Henry's books pop up in bestseller lists, but I've tended to pass them by. I think I read something that compared her rom-coms to Mhairi McFarlane's--whom I can't read enough of now--and that sealed the deal. I also loved the idea of reading an enemies-to-lovers title about a literary agent and an publishing house editor. Reviews call this a hilarious book and I agree! I'm about halfway through and hope to finish it up this weekend. (I took a binge-reading break to work on a jigsaw puzzle and build lego sets with my son.) Looking forward to this weekend! -Melody

This is the final book in the Sunshine Vicram series by Darynda Jones. I added the first book, A Bad Day for Sunshine, some time ago. After speeding through the second in the series, it felt like I had to wait forEVER for the third. It finally came out on December and I was able to read it over my holiday staycation. Once again, Jones had me turning pages one after another. I was invested in the series, the mystery, and the characters--once I put it down I couldn't wait to pick it back up again. Some of the tying up of loose ends felt a bit cliche and melodramatic for me, but hey, I can tolerate that if it keeps me laughing and has that happy ending. -Melody

America's Test Kitchen publishes some of the best cookbooks, in my humble opinion. The recipes are literally tested by chefs before earning a space on these pages. This is a great cookbook for those who want plant-heavy meals with meat on the side. -Melody

Desperately seeking Ethiopian food! Iowa City is an Ethiopian restaurant desert, and I've been craving Kik Alicha Wot (stewed split peas), Gomen (tangy collards), and Tikil Gomen (carrots and cabbage) something fierce now for months. I haven't been cooking a lot due to time constraints and a cluttered kitchen and have been daydreaming about going to an Ethiopian restaurant. When googling it, the closest place I can find is in Davenport. Guess I have to make time to cook it myself! This is the cookbook I'll be starting with. -Melody

ICPL has lots of meal prep books, but the visuals in this book helps it stand apart from the rest. Whether you want to meal prep to stick to a budget, eat healthy, or satisfy your personal dietary requirements, this book is a great place to start. And if this one is checked out, find other meal prep books on the 2nd floor at 641.555. -Melody

Iowa City poet and illustrator Lauren Haldeman has created a fascinating literary nonfiction memoir that I couldn't stop paging through. I've only just started the book, but I can't wait to keep reading. -Melody

Anyone find cooking from a recipe takes twice as long as just throwing things together? Karen Page's line of Flavor Bibles provides comprehensive reference guides that allow home cooks to let their creativity shine. I might not have ever cooked with kabocha squash before, but the Vegetarian Flavor Bible recommends all the cooking methods, times, and spice combos to set me up for success. I can use this book and whatever I have in the house to whip up something delicious. The other day I had delicata squash, red potatoes, onions, and a pepper, and used her recommended spices to make one tongue-pleasing dish. Highly recommended way to cook! -Melody

I am a sucker for graphic novel style memoirs. As a Gen-Y'er, I grew up with the Steve Martin movies from the '80s--Little Shop of Horrors, Roxanne, L.A. Story. L.A. Story remains one of my all-time favorites, and Roxanne got me started on my Cyrano de Bergerac kick in high school. (I made it a point to read every translation and watch every adaptation that I could get my hands on.) This illustrated memoir of his time in Hollywood offers his delightful and comedic behind-the-scenes take on working in the biz. This book is sure to be one of the best celebrity memoirs of 2022. -Melody

I started listening to the audiobook version of this on hoopla (https://www.hoopladigital.com/title/15013684) and wound up buying my own copy to switch back and forth. Some parts are better read so you can stop and ponder McGonigal's probing questions and go through her "creativity training." I mean, who doesn't love creativity training?! Now some of us ICPL staff are in an Imaginable book club where we imagine the future of libraries and the Iowa City community. It's been a fun discussion so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing which of our predictions comes true. -Melody

This book was so popular when it came out that we had to stock multiple copies. This is a book for you if you love history, art, and illustrations. It doesn't have to be Halloween for me to love leafing through this book! -Melody

I love this book! It might be focused on large institutions solving highly complex problems, but it does so in a way that it pulls apart the different values held by stakeholders and finds win-win situations for the best solution possible. Those who have to negotiate or mediate problems among multiple interests should give this a read. -Melody

Illustrations are my jam. Any creatively rendered true story is going to grab my attention. I've been reading a lot of business and conflict management books lately, so this one is a nice reprieve where I can sit and enjoy an artist interpreting history. -Melody

I am breaking out of my nonfiction and fiction groove to recommend the literally loveliest thing I've read all year. Kids who have the patience to sit down and listen to a good story, well told, will cuddle up with you to enjoy this picture book. But not my kid! As a 6yo, he thinks books like this are for preschoolers. Joke's on him, tho, these beautiful books are also for art-appreciating adults. Gerard Dubois's illustrations feature clean and elegant lines with expert level coloring. If you love fantastic illustrations and an uplifting story about the strength of a community and the wonder of our world, you will love this picture book. -Melody

I stumbled upon this book while browsing the New Nonfiction shelves. And while I haven't done much copywriting in some time now, I still appreciate writers who treat it like an art or a fun game. Cracking the book open in the aisles, I found myself chortling along as Nelken constructively critiqued the sample ads in his book. These are ad writing gems. Anyone in or out of the marketing field will get a kick out of this book. -Melody