Memphis Reads Archive

Memphis Reads is on the Memphis Libraries Website

2017-08-03T11:15:00.000-05:00

View our newest posts on the new Memphis Reads Page

MEMPHIS READS QUESTION

2017-07-06T09:00:00.000-05:00

We all go to the movies for various reasons- to see the show, to compare and contrast the book versus the motion picture, or even to enjoy the refreshments while escaping the elements.

So, Memphis Reads wants to know:

When you saw a movie based on a book, did you enjoy the book or movie better? Why do you think this was the case?

VS.

UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSING JULY 4, 2017

2017-06-29T09:41:00.000-05:00

All locations of the Memphis Public Library & Information Center will be closed

in observance of INDEPENDENCE DAY, Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

Customers have the option of reserving or renewing books by going to www.memphislibrary.org or calling 452-2047. The Library’s website also offers several resources customers can use anytime—24 hours a day—seven days a week. E-books and downloadable audio books, magazines, and music can be checked-out for free; online databases contain searchable newspaper and magazine articles, reference books and more; and blogs and newsletters on everything from fiction bestsellers to travel can be read on the web.

[LIBRARY EVENTS] STORYTIME FOR ADULTS AT CENTRAL LIBRARY (3030 POPLAR AVENUE)

2017-06-10T16:10:00.000-05:00

Library customers don’t have to be young to enjoy a good story – just young at heart! Memphis Public Library’s new Adult Storytime is planned for 10 a.m. on every Wednesday in the Memphis and Shelby County Room of the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Ave., 4th floor).

All adult customers are welcomed to attend the storytimes, but they are designed specifically for adults with special needs.

“We developed this storytime because several organizations who serve adults with Autism, Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities had requested a program for adults similar to children’s storytime, but one was not available,” noted Central Library’s History Department Manager Wayne Dowdy. “History Department staff members were troubled that we had no specific service for adults with special needs.”

As a result, Central Library’s History Department developed partnerships with organizations like SRVS to begin spreading the word about the upcoming program.

“Our hope is that Adult Storytime will benefit Memphis’ adult special needs population by providing a structured program that will stimulate their thought processes and provide positive social interactions,” Dowdy concluded.

For more information about Adult Storytimes at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, call (901) 415-2742.

By: Marcey Wright, public relations supervisor

[Library Events and Programs] Explore Memphis at all Memphis Public Libraries

2017-06-05T14:49:00.001-05:00

June 1 - July 31st

"Build a Better World" by participating in Explore Memphis 2017.

Families can beat the heat and avoid the summer slide by reading, participating in library programs, exploring the city, and sharing your experiences.

Visit our Explore Memphis page to find free programs and activities for all ages at any Memphis Public Library location.

Learn which local attractions offer free or discounted admission with a library card.

[BOOK REVIEW] HILLBILLY ELEGY by J.D. Vance

2017-06-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

Nonfiction/Memoir

Andrea K. reviews Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance (HarperCollins, 2016)

I am going to admit I was very skeptical to read this because so many customers had asked about it or asked me to read it. I thought surely it could not be that good. I mean, several times when a book is so good and named a bestseller, I have not liked the actual book.

Anyway, I am glad to be mistaken about Hillbilly Elegy, the bestseller by Appalachian native, J.D. Vance. The author claims this book is not recounting his own triumphs and accomplishments but it is about the trials, tribulations, and victories of his mother’s parents, Mamaw and Papaw.

Like the author, I was blessed to have a wonderful relationship with my own maternal grandparents whom I also called Mamaw and Papaw. They also came from a poor, humble background but always wanted for their descendents to push hard and strive for upward mobility.

This memoir is well-written in the fact Vance relays stories about his childhood (some heartwarming stories, some heartbreaking tales) but also peppers the book with grim, cruel truths about Appalachia.

This book will either break your heart or else it will warm your soul. Whichever happens does not matter because most likely you will not forget the Vance family.

UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSING FOR ALL LOCATIONS MAY 29, 2017

2017-05-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

LIBRARY CLOSED

All locations of the Memphis Public Library & Information Center will be closed MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017, in observance of MEMORIAL DAY.

[LIBRARY EVENTS AND PROGRAMS] AUTHOR MICHAEL FARRIS SMITH COMING TO MEMPHIS

2017-05-12T14:30:00.002-05:00

Books and Beyond

Author Michael Farris Smith

Tuesday May 16, 2017

10:15 a.m.

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library

Meeting Room L-56

3030 Poplar Ave

[Library Events and Programs] Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale May 26 & 27

2017-05-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars for the Friends of the Library Spring 2017 Book Sale at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

Click to view price list

[BOOK REVIEW] The Girl Before by JP Delaney

2017-05-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

Fiction/ Suspense/ Thriller

Andrea K. reviews THE GIRL BEFORE by JP Delaney (Ballantine Books, 2017)

This is the story of two young women, Emma and Jane, who will never meet, but their stories will intertwine in this prickly, eerie story.

Emma and Jane both have experienced some kind of loss in their lives. Emma was robbed and raped while she was home alone, and Jane suffered giving birth to a stillborn baby. Both women know it’s time to start over and so they begin the pursuit of living at One Folgate Street. The building itself is an amazing architectural masterpiece but its designer, Edward Monkford, is an eccentric control freak. In the lease it is mandated there will not be any personal effects, and the renters must relinquish full control to Monkford.

Things get curiouser and curiouser when Emma finds out Edward’s wife and son were buried under Folgate after dying in a freak accident. Later, Jane finds out Emma fell down the glass staircase and sustained massive brain bleeding.

If Edward knows from separate occurrences that One Folgate Street is a deathtrap, why isn’t he changing its architectural structure? Or maybe, because the place is a deathtrap, Edward refuses to change anything?

Readers will be mesmerized by the cunning Edward and will plead with Emma and Jane to get away from him before it’s too late.

Andrea K., Staff

[BOOK REVIEW] Indigo by Beverly Jenkins

2017-05-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

Fiction/Historical Fiction/African-American Fiction/Romance

Syma C. reviews INDIGO by Beverly Jenkins (iUniverse, 2000)

After reading Indigo, I had to take a deep breath. I learned so much from this book; lessons I will remember for the rest of my life.

Of course, after slaves were given legal papers proving themselves to be free, there were still people who used them for sport. They were called "slave catchers." There were ex-slaves, such as Hester, whose role in the safety and well-being of runaways who found themselves in need, proved to be vital. Her help was especially vital when she encounters an injured man known as "Black Daniel." African-Americans had little but accomplished much; they even devised methods of communication without mumbling a word. No one can verbally express a warning to readers what Galen and Hester were about to embark upon in this pre-Civil War America.

Knowing the law can not only make trouble for you but also the ones whom you love and care for, blacks learned when to express themselves and when to hold on to emotions. Throughout this book, readers learn not only do all the characters possess a certain strength to protect one another in the present, but also to guard and cherish tragic and beautiful events from the past.

Black Daniel, who was born Galen, is by no stretch of the imagination a dim witted man, passive person, or a slave to cower. Instead, he is a person of morals, trust, affection, dedication, and above all, he has real love for Hester, whom he named, “La Indigo.”

This historical romance explores the truth about love and passion between a man and a woman.

Super awesome book!

Syma C., Staff

[Library Events and Programs] Bookstock 2017 Saturday, April 22, 2017

2017-04-27T12:57:00.002-05:00

We invite you to join us for Bookstock 2017!

The event will be taking place on Saturday, April 29, 2017, 11 am – 3 pm at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue).

There will be 40 local authors, as well as food trucks and live music!

You don't want to miss this year's keynote speakers: Lisa Wingate, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Daniel Connolly, Adrienne Berard.

Visit Bookstock 2017 for a full schedule of events and participating local authors.

This event is free for the entire family.

Bookstock 2017 from Memphis Public Library on Vimeo.

[Book Review] The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough

2017-04-17T14:30:00.000-05:00

Nonfiction/History

Marilyn U. reviews THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD by David McCullough (Simon and Schuster, 1968)

David McCullough has written a thoroughly researched book accounting the Johnstown Flood in Pennsylvania. The author is able to hold the reader's attention by recounting stories from survivors. I enjoyed reading this captivating story.

Readers of this book will realize two things: a 70-foot wall of water is a powerful force and one the most destructive forces of nature is a flood. When a wall of water and flood were combined by man-made dam, one of the greatest disasters in the United States occurred. On May 31, 1889, the town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania was wiped out by a dam collapse. In The Johnstown Flood, author David McCullough has explored the building of the South Fork dam, its maintenance, and eventual collapse, which led to the destruction of Johnstown and a national response to over 2,000 deaths.

Marilyn U., Staff

Upcoming Holiday Closing April 14 & April 16, 2017

2017-04-12T15:22:00.002-05:00

Please note that all Memphis Public Library locations will be closed Friday, April 14 and Sunday, April 16, 2017.

Customers have the option of reserving or renewing books by going to www.memphislibrary.org or calling 452-2047.

The Library’s website also offers several resources customers can use anytime—24 hours a day—seven days a week.

E-books and downloadable audio books, magazines, and music can be checked-out for free; online databases contain searchable newspaper and magazine articles, reference books and more; and blogs and newsletters on everything from fiction bestsellers to travel can be read on the web.

[BOOK REVIEW] Orleans by Sherri L. Smith

2017-03-31T09:00:00.000-05:00

Fiction/Young Adult/Science Fiction

Darletha reviews ORLEANS by Sherri L. Smith (Putnam’s Sons, 2013)

The fate of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast goes from bad to worse after Hurricane Katrina. More devastating hurricanes strike and thousands die. Fifty years later, what is left of New Orleans is now called Orleans. The Delta region is walled off from the rest of the United States due to an incurable blood disease called Delta Fever. Despite rumors from the Outer States that everyone inside the quarantine is dead, there are survivors.

Inside the wall people have divided themselves into tribes based on blood type. Fen de la Guerre is a young girl from the O-positive tribe, genetic carriers not affected by Delta Fever. Members of the “OP” tribe are hunted by other blood tribes who need their universal blood type to stay alive. After one such attack, Fen becomes the guardian of a newborn she calls Baby Girl. Fen strives to protect Baby Girl from being tainted by Delta Fever, kidnapped, or captured by blood hunters. When Fen encounters Daniel, a scientist who secretly enters Orleans with plans to find a cure for Delta Fever, she reluctantly joins forces with him to get Baby Girl out of the Delta region. Although Daniel enters with noble intentions, he finds himself in a world more grim and dangerous than he imagined.

I picked up this book because the front cover caught my attention. The post-disaster setting and the author’s descriptive writing style places readers right in the dark, murky city of New Orleans where familiar historical areas are overrun with standing water and decrepit buildings. Fen is a fearless young girl, scarred and toughened by this unmerciful world that doesn’t make exceptions based on age or gender. Told from Fen’s point of view, readers will never forget how it this novel addresses class differences, government corruption and survival.

Darletha M., Staff

UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSING ON TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2017

2017-03-28T13:06:00.000-05:00

All library locations will be closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on Tuesday, April 4, 2017.

Visit memphislibrary.org to request materials and to browse our online collection of e-books, e-audio books, magazines, and more.

[Book Review] Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie

2017-03-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Fiction/Historical

Marilyn reviews DEATH COMES AS THE END by Agatha Christie (Bantam Books, 1984, c1944)

Death Comes as the End by Agatha Christie is set in Ancient Egypt. Reniseneb lives on the west bank of the Nile at Thebes in Egypt about 2000 B.C.

Reniseneb’s family will soon be killed, and because of this, she can trust only two people, Esa, a relative, and her friend, the family's scribe, Hori. It is up to Reniseneb, Esa, and Hori to identify the silent killer by using their wits alone. Reniseneb has suspected the killer might be even someone within her family. Unfortunately, she has no real proof, but she does have Esa’s and Hori’s suspicions and loyalty. These suspicions are keeping Renisene alive.The killer must be exposed, but first Reniseneb must stay alive.

When I initially chose this book I expected a Poirot or Miss Marple mystery and for it to be set in the late 19th century. This story was a pleasant surprise when I discovered the mystery was set in ancient Egypt. Like her other stories, Agatha Christie will have readers wondering to the end who the killer is.

Marilyn U., Staff

[Library Events and Programs] Best Selling Author Greg Iles at Central Library March 24, 2017

2017-03-22T12:02:00.003-05:00

Greg Iles

New York Times best selling author of Mississippi Blood, Natchez Burning, and The Bone Tree

FREE Meet & Greet and Book Signing

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library

3030 Poplar Ave

Friday, March 24, 2017

Noon – 2 p.m.

Click for event details

Browse the catalog for novels by Greg Iles

[Book Reviews] Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

2017-03-03T09:00:00.000-06:00

Fiction/ Science Fiction/Fantasy/ Young Adult

Melissa reviews THREE DARK CROWNS by Kendare Blake (HarperTeen, 2016)

What happens when the glorious war of sisterly rivalry becomes a matter of life or death? When the right to reign supreme is eclipsed by the ever-consuming desire to win at all costs? Kendare Blake answers both questions in this novel, by giving readers a glimpse into the minds and hearts of the eponymous crowns’ bearers.

The island of Fennbirn bears witness to the birth of a set of triplets every generation. Each sister, all of them queens, has a magical gift that marks her as a worthy candidate for the title of Queen Crowned. In Rolanth, the elemental temple, Mirabella appears to be the most promising candidate with her ability to summon lightning, fire and windstorms...but she cannot escape the persistent dreams of a long-forgotten childhood, nor can she ignore her own reluctance to kill her sisters. In the naturalist city of Wolf Spring, Arsinoe is shadowed by her feelings of inadequacy regarding her late-blooming powers--to the point that she is willing to resort to some less-favorable means to further her chance at victory. And lastly, there is the poisoner city of Indrid Down. Within it resides the powerful Arron family, responsible for grooming Katharine, who is the youngest of the triplets...and also the most physically and emotionally unstable due to her poisoner's gift.

With the festival of Beltane rapidly approaching, all three sisters have nothing to lose and everything to gain from becoming the Queen Crowned. Will Mirabella find a way to overcome both her hesitance the visions plaguing her mind? Can Arsinoe, the underdog, unlock her true potential and become the dark horse of this battle? Fragile Katharine’s support from the Arrons can only go so far--but will it be enough to secure her victory?

As the tagline says, “When kingdom come, there will be one.”

Melissa W., Staff

[Book Reviews] Rainbow Cottage by Grace Livingston Hill

2017-02-27T09:00:00.000-06:00

Fiction/Inspirational

Marilyn reviews RAINBOW COTTAGE by Grace Livingston Hill (J.B. Lippincott Company, 1934)

In this novel by legendary author, Grace Livingston Hill, the story revolves around Sheila. Unfortunately, our main character is facing danger. Sheila has encountered a man who has threatened her because he wants something that was only entrusted to her. Sheila needs a way to escape from this man but she thinks there is no one who can help her. Reaching out to a grandmother she has never met, because Sheila's own mother was a poor Western and the "black sheep" of the family, Grandmother sends a train for Sheila. She will be taken to Rainbow Cottage but will Sheila find acceptance and safety there? As the story progresses, Ms. Hill weaves a tale of love and forgiveness.

I found this book a pleasure to read of the believable characters and realistic emotions the author created. Grace Livingston Hill wrote over 100 novels during her lifetime. The Rainbow Cottage was actually written toward the end of her life, but is one of the most well-known books she has written.

Marilyn U., Staff

UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSING FOR PRESIDENTS' DAY

2017-02-14T12:59:00.003-06:00

Visit memphislibrary.org to request materials and to browse our online collection of e-books, e-audio books, magazines, and more.

[Book Review] The Color Purple by Alice Walker

2017-02-03T09:00:00.000-06:00

Readers' Advisory Genre Spotlight

Gay and Lesbian Fiction/LGBT Fiction

Syma reviews THE COLOR PURPLE by Alice Walker (Harcourt,1982)

Celie and her sister, Nellie, were raised by their mother and the man they discovered later to be their stepfather in rural Georgia.

Even though younger, prettier Nellie was the sister “Mister” desired, she was not allowed to marry him. Instead, Celie was expected to marry “Mister.”

This, of course, caused a separation between the sisters. While Celie was married to Mister, she endured rape, abuse, and slavery while raising his four children from his previous marriage. To make matters worse, Mister disrespected Celie and their marriage even more by allowing his true love, Suge Avery, to move into his house. Even though Mister was over heels in love with Suge, she and Celie began their own secret, sexual relationship.

While Suge and Celie’s love and understanding for one another grew, their relationship helped both gain independence away from Mister. Sensing this, Mister wanted to redeem himself so he contacted the Department of Immigration. Through this rare act of kindness, Celie and Nellie were finally reunited.

Knowing how much adversity the sisters had to endure, this novel is a true tear jerker.

Syma C., Staff

[Library Events and Programs] FREE Writing Workshop at Central Libray

2017-01-26T11:38:00.002-06:00

By: Marcey Wright, public relations supervisor

Got a writing assignment or want to become a better writer? Don’t panic. “Compose Yourself” is a free writing workshop series hosted every Wednesday beginning February 1 – April 5, 2017 at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Ave., L-56). Hosted in partnership with the University of Memphis Center for Writing and Communication, these classes cover a range of topics from Grammar 101 and Using Style in Writing to Being Aware of Audience and even How to Write an Apology.

Each session will be taught by University of Memphis staff and contributors. No registration is required.

Click to view course descriptions and schedule

[Book Review] As I Descended by Robin Talley

2017-01-17T12:26:00.000-06:00

Fiction/Horror/Young Adult

Allison reviews AS I DESCENDED by Robin Talley (HarperTeen, 2016)

Maria and Lily are roommates at Acheron, an exclusive private school on the grounds of an old Southern plantation. They’re also head over heels in love with each other, even though they’re keeping their relationship under wraps. Both girls want to continue their relationship in college, but the only way they can do so is if Maria wins the coveted Kingsley Prize - a scholarship that will let her attend the college of her choice at no cost.

Maria is second in the class, and Delilah, ranked number one, is just slightly better than Maria in every way possible: more popularity, more extracurriculars, better grades. Even with all the extra credit in the world, Maria’s GPA won’t top Delilah’s.

So the girls have to get rid of Delilah. And they know no bounds.

Lily buys an old wooden Ouija board off eBay and holds a seance with Maria, whose belief in spirits was instilled by her Hispanic nanny. The girls use the board to open the door to the spirit world - then forget to close it.

This twisted retelling of Macbeth is delightfully creepy and unsettling. The atmosphere the story creates is dark and spooky, and the suspense builds while the reader wonders what havoc the spirits will wreak on campus next. The history of the slave plantation on which the school is built adds depth to the story.

Allison R., Staff member

[Book Review] El Deafo by Cece Bell

2017-01-05T11:48:00.000-06:00

Library staff members attend Reader’s Advisory classes throughout the year to learn the characteristics of different book genres. By developing their reader’s advisory skills, library staff help customers find books they may like to read.

After each session, participants select a book from that genre to read and profile. Take a look at the Reader’s Advisory Annotations posted on Memphis Reads to discover what you can read next.

Non Fiction/Memoir/Graphic Novel

Allison reviews EL DEAFO by Cece Bell (Amulet Books, 2014)

El Deafo is a graphic novel memoir by Cece Bell. Using bright illustrations, Bell tells the story of the illness that caused her to lose her hearing at a young age, and how she coped with being different from everyone else. Bell used her bulky hearing aid, also known as her Phonic Ear, to transform into her superhero alter ego, El Deafo! She deals with learning to use a complicated hearing aid, as well as how this visible disability isolates her from her classmates.

Bell uses the graphic novel format to her advantage; the illustrations move the action along and really make her autobiography enticing. The panels read left to right, top to bottom, so it’s a great book to serve as an introduction to graphic novels. The book’s target audience is ages 8-12, but everyone can relate to the story of adaptation and acceptance.

Allison R., Staff member