TechLibrarian
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TechLibrarian's rating:
2.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jun 17, 2019
SolitarySolitary, BookUnbroken by Four Decades in Solitary Confinement : My Story of Transformation and Hope
by Woodfox, AlbertBook - 2019
TechLibrarian's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jun 13, 2019
Comment:
You should put a hold on this book right now, and when your hold arrives, put down whatever else you are reading to make time. It's one of the best biographies I have ever read, with a fascinating narrative about growing up in New Orleans in the 1950s to Woodfox's experiences as an inmate at Angola. Sound depressing? It is not! The story and understanding, wise tone make this a must read. I can't even believe I am writing the first Bibliocommons review. Get on it, folks! Special shout to fans of Just Mercy and Pimp, this is especially up your alley.You should put a hold on this book right now, and when your hold arrives, put down whatever else you are reading to make time. It's one of the best biographies I have ever read, with a fascinating narrative about growing up in New Orleans in the…
Added Jun 10, 2019
Comment:
I first read Beloved when I was 20 or 21, almost 20 years ago now, so I decided to give it another read. Though it had certainly made an impression on me, this time through has been so much more meaningful for me as a reader. The story is gripping, yes, and made richer by symbolism and fluid but technical writing. At some points I had to put the book down just to have a moment to reflect. One of the greats, for sure, definitely worth reading or rereading!I first read Beloved when I was 20 or 21, almost 20 years ago now, so I decided to give it another read. Though it had certainly made an impression on me, this time through has been so much more meaningful for me as a reader. The story is gripping,…
Added Jun 3, 2019
Comment:
One of my favorite books of all time--so happy that we have a copy now so I can recommend it often! Okri is arguably one of the top Nigerian authors, also tops among authors who use magical realism. Expect a metaphysical journey in and out of a colonial African setting, a young hero, battles between good and evil, and lyrical, imaginative prose. It's kind of a thick read but a page turner. I especially recommend this to anyone who likes Achebe, Adichie, or Chigozie Obioma. It is a trip!One of my favorite books of all time--so happy that we have a copy now so I can recommend it often! Okri is arguably one of the top Nigerian authors, also tops among authors who use magical realism. Expect a metaphysical journey in and out of a…
GookGook, DVD
DVD - 2018
TechLibrarian's rating:
5 out of 5 stars
Added Apr 15, 2019
Comment:
What a striking film! Beautiful, subtle, devastating--all the feels! I recommend this especially to fans of Spike Lee, it has that masterful tension like Do the Right Thing.
A Modern Way to CookA Modern Way to Cook, Book150+ Vegetarian Recipes for Quick, Flavor-packed Meals
by Jones, AnnaBook - 2015
Added Apr 8, 2019
Comment:
My new favourite cookbook! (And if you only knew how many cookbooks I read, you would know how much that means!) There were a few simple but innovative ideas that I've already incorporated into my regular recipes--like to saute green onions to add to a simple sauce for bowls--without making any of the recipes in their entirety. I liked the ways the recipes were written too, in a casual and easy-to-follow, make-it-your-own sort of style. The food photography is nice for those who just like that! All of the recipes are vegetarian but I think this would appeal to everyone because the meals are hearty and flavourful.My new favourite cookbook! (And if you only knew how many cookbooks I read, you would know how much that means!) There were a few simple but innovative ideas that I've already incorporated into my regular recipes--like to saute green onions to add…
TechLibrarian's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Mar 11, 2019
Comment:
I chose this book thanks to a Novelist recommendation. (If you haven't tried Novelist yet, give it a whirl! It's a database that provides "readalikes" to help you find books that suit your taste.) In my case, Novelist recommended The Orchardist as a readalike to The Round House, and The Barkskins. I seem to be reading a lot of books with tree themes lately--this is no exception, though the author didn't go into much detail about the trees in the orchard, they just made for a lovely setting. The premise is that two girls arrive out of no where and disrupt a solitary man's life such that none of them will ever be the same. It was a good, non-romantic story about family and allegiance, with a bit of adventure. I also liked that it had a bit of an old-west-y feel, what with one of the main characters working at turns as a wrangler and in the forestry service.I chose this book thanks to a Novelist recommendation. (If you haven't tried Novelist yet, give it a whirl! It's a database that provides "readalikes" to help you find books that suit your taste.) In my case, Novelist recommended The Orchardist as a…
Added Mar 4, 2019
Comment:
Deplorable characters meet absurd circumstances in Patrick Dewitt's latest novel. I loved both The Sisters Brothers and Under Majordomo Minor, so I was really looking forward to this, but I had a tough time getting into it. After reading about 25 pages I returned it to the library, then took it out again recently when I wanted something light and entertaining. It reminded me some of the series Arrested Development, so I would recommend it to fans of that series, but for anyone who is looking to start out with Dewitt I'd instead recommend his first two books. All in all it was a quick read and funny, though definitely not for everyone!Deplorable characters meet absurd circumstances in Patrick Dewitt's latest novel. I loved both The Sisters Brothers and Under Majordomo Minor, so I was really looking forward to this, but I had a tough time getting into it. After reading about 25…
Astrophysics for People in A HurryAstrophysics for People in A Hurry, Downloadable Audiobook
by Tyson, Neil deGrasseDownloadable Audiobook - 2017
Added Mar 4, 2019
Added Mar 4, 2019
Comment:
This has been on my "to read" list for a long time now, and finally, I got around to reading it last week. As I was just getting into it, I thought that it seemed autobiographical, so I did a little research and found that was indeed the case: this is Patchett's first autobiographical novel because as a young writer, she wanted to prove her imagination, and she only recently was comfortable in drawing on her own life experience. There is a unique twist, however, as there is a book-within-a-book plot device that opens up questions about writing about one's family. Commonwealth is a book about a book called Commonwealth, which reveals all the family secrets, some of which not everyone in the family are in on until its release. This isn't Patchett's finest work in my opinion, but like her others, the character development is awesome, and as family dramas go, Commonwealth is pretty superb.This has been on my "to read" list for a long time now, and finally, I got around to reading it last week. As I was just getting into it, I thought that it seemed autobiographical, so I did a little research and found that was indeed the case: this…
Added Mar 4, 2019
Comment:
I heard about Whiskey When We’re Dry from another librarian, who said it was one of the most remarkable pieces of writing she’d come across in years. I was surprised when I looked it up and it was not getting much attention, but entered a purchase suggestion at my library to get a copy. It was so worth the wait! It’s a pretty fast-paced Western with a twist—a gender non-conforming gunslinger. I too loved the writing, which is literary but not dense or showy. I’ve recommended this already several times over already, and think that it would appeal to a pretty broad audience. I’d especially recommend it to anyone who liked Cold Mountain or The Sisters Brothers! Interesting to note that the title is an homage to a Gillian Welch song, Whiskey When I’m Dry. How cool that a song could inspire a book!I heard about Whiskey When We’re Dry from another librarian, who said it was one of the most remarkable pieces of writing she’d come across in years. I was surprised when I looked it up and it was not getting much attention, but entered a purchase…
The Complete Milk Street TV Show CookbookThe Complete Milk Street TV Show Cookbook, Book2017-2019 : Every Recipe From Every Episode of the Popular TV Show
by Kimball, ChristopherBook - 2018
TechLibrarian's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Feb 20, 2019
Comment:
This book was recommended to me by a fellow cookbook enthusiast here at the library, and I'm so glad because I hadn't heard of Milk Street until then. Like all my favorite cookbooks, this offers lovely, full-page food photography, and an array of recipes that can be prepared by the average person with ingredients available in the Sea to Sky. I made two recipes, the Singaporean shrimp and chicken noodle soup (Laksa) (we omitted the chicken and it was still delicious), and the chipotle shrimp tacos--both were super yummy and easy. I would totally borrow this book again and recommend it to friends. I'll be sure to return it tomorrow so others can share in the fun!
-ChelseaThis book was recommended to me by a fellow cookbook enthusiast here at the library, and I'm so glad because I hadn't heard of Milk Street until then. Like all my favorite cookbooks, this offers lovely, full-page food photography, and an array of…
Added Feb 11, 2019
Comment:
If you need an escape or adventure, here's an excellent option. Cinnamon and Gunpowder is the tale of a chef held captive on a pirate ship, complete with scandal, humor, inventive recipes, and even some pithy observations on life. I honestly didn't expect this to be such a delightful read. Expect a little romance and violence (it's about pirates, after all!) so it may not be for everyone, but I think it would appeal to a really wide audience. The writing is better than I expected it to be, the plot is fast-paced, and there are plenty of surprises. If you like cooking, then the recipes are the icing on the cake!If you need an escape or adventure, here's an excellent option. Cinnamon and Gunpowder is the tale of a chef held captive on a pirate ship, complete with scandal, humor, inventive recipes, and even some pithy observations on life. I honestly didn't…
TechLibrarian's rating:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Added Jan 23, 2019
Comment:
They say not to judge a book by its cover but in this case, with its crisp white cover and bright red pages, it is what it looks like it is--arresting, sharp, a little bit cold. I'm not sure how to describe the plot, and I'd suggest that readers try their best to suspend their judgement and expectations as they read. Tagaq includes poetry, illustrations, and prose to tell a story that transcends the physical and spiritual realms. Because of its partly ethereal, mythical nature, a lot of the interpretive labor falls to the reader. Please beware that there are some very difficult themes, including child abuse and sexual assault, that could be triggering for readers. Also, if you are big into a clear story line, this book isn't for you, but if you are down for some experimentation, all the feels, and a wholly new reading experience, then definitely don't miss Split Tooth!They say not to judge a book by its cover but in this case, with its crisp white cover and bright red pages, it is what it looks like it is--arresting, sharp, a little bit cold. I'm not sure how to describe the plot, and I'd suggest that readers try…
Added Jan 7, 2019
Comment:
Barbara Kingsolver is like the comfort food of books to me, especially her audiobooks, which she reads herself. (Her voice is sing-songy, with a southern accent.) While I was looking to escape from reality, this book kind of holds up a mirror. The main character is struggling with grief, tough finances, and an irreparable old home. An obnoxious political figure looms large, and one of the main character's family members is xenophobic and infuriatingly short on values. Yet, there is a second wing of the plot about an overlooked female scientist from the 1800s, based on a true story, which held my attention a bit more. Here, Kingsolver displays her characteristic penchant for botany and science. So, while this book was not exactly what I was expecting, it did deliver. The way that Kingsolver described so aptly some feelings about current events made this read a bit like talking with an old friend. It wouldn’t be the first Kingsolver I’d recommend, but it was still a pretty good read/listen.Barbara Kingsolver is like the comfort food of books to me, especially her audiobooks, which she reads herself. (Her voice is sing-songy, with a southern accent.) While I was looking to escape from reality, this book kind of holds up a mirror. The…
The Cherry BombeThe Cherry Bombe, BookThe Cookbook : Recipes and Stories From 100 of the Most Creative and Inspiring Women in Food Today
by Diamond, KerryBook - 2017
Added Dec 24, 2018
Comment:
I did not like that the cover of this cookbook was pink. Particularly, I do not like this shade of pink. But, that "don't judge a book by its cover" adage was right on in this case, because this cookbook is awesome. All of the recipes are contributed by or an homage to awesome women chefs, and like all of my favorite cookbooks, it has really nice, full-page, color photos. I'll probably check it to again to make the sweet and sour shrimp, and also to experiment with making my own ricotta. I expect this would be popular among those who like the Chrissy Tiegan cookbooks, and Ottolenghi or other celebrity chefs. Or others like me who just want recipe ideas with nice photos.I did not like that the cover of this cookbook was pink. Particularly, I do not like this shade of pink. But, that "don't judge a book by its cover" adage was right on in this case, because this cookbook is awesome. All of the recipes are…
Added Dec 19, 2018
Comment:
Looking for a quick, uplifting read? The Poet X is intended for Young Adult audiences but will appeal to adults as well. A novel written in verse, it made for a quick read during the busy holiday season. Moreover, it's intelligent and exciting--you'll find yourself routing for Xiomara, aka The Poet X, to overcome what stands in her way to success. I requested this book because it won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. I was not disappointed! I hope others will enjoy it as much as I have!Looking for a quick, uplifting read? The Poet X is intended for Young Adult audiences but will appeal to adults as well. A novel written in verse, it made for a quick read during the busy holiday season. Moreover, it's intelligent and…
Added Dec 12, 2018
Comment:
This is not your typical narrative about slavery! Though, on that account, Edugyan's descriptions of the horror and violence on a Barbados plantation are powerful and upsetting. These are balanced out by an imaginative and hopeful narrative packed with vivid, strange descriptions of marine specimens, flying machines and other innovations, and a narrator whose loyalty is absolute, though requited. Other reviews I've read say that this tale loses steam from beginning to end, but I didn't find that to be the case, I was so eager to uncover the characters' motivations! It was for me, a very satisfying read, down to the last sentence, which was SO GOOD! (Like, Gatsby good, in my opinion.) I think this book just rocketed to my top 10 list. That said, I know it's not for everyone, and I look forward to hearing what other people will think.This is not your typical narrative about slavery! Though, on that account, Edugyan's descriptions of the horror and violence on a Barbados plantation are powerful and upsetting. These are balanced out by an imaginative and hopeful narrative packed…
TechLibrarian's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Dec 3, 2018
Comment:
I'm surprised that I hadn't more about this book, it's really an impressive feat, and both literary and compelling. I didn't know what I was in for, but in a nutshell, there are a handful of characters whose lives are affected in some manner or other by trees. Eventually their stories converge and branch. Along the way, the author shares lots of cool facts about trees and forests (not unlike The Hidden Life of Trees, except of course that this is fiction!). As a few of the characters join protests to protect forests, conflicts arise, many of which seem to be based on real life events. This book raises questions about environmentalism, activism, sentience, ecoterrorism, etc. etc.
Be forewarned that this book is massive! In that respect and its subject matter, I'd liken it to Annie Proulx's The Barkskins. Yet, I think many people would find it worth their while, as it's thought-provoking and entertaining both. The audio is well-read, though I think I would have liked the print version as well.I'm surprised that I hadn't more about this book, it's really an impressive feat, and both literary and compelling. I didn't know what I was in for, but in a nutshell, there are a handful of characters whose lives are affected in some manner or…
TechLibrarian's rating:
4 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 26, 2018
Comment:
I love the review from BPL: "this certainly won't be for everyone . . ." You can say that again! This author does not shy away from taboo topics of sex or drug use. That said, these topics are balanced with tenderness and wisdom and love. It's quite unlike anything I've ever read before, and I wasn't always sure I was going to make it. I'm so very glad that I did stick with it! One review said that it was an example of decolonized love, and I think that's an apt description. Also, the author's note explains that the act of writing was a process in healing. That understanding helped me to love this book even more.I love the review from BPL: "this certainly won't be for everyone . . ." You can say that again! This author does not shy away from taboo topics of sex or drug use. That said, these topics are balanced with tenderness and wisdom and love. It's quite…
TechLibrarian's rating:
4.5 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 26, 2018
Comment:
Need a pick me up? And a good cry? A walk down Memory Lane? This film is all that and then some. After seeing it, I've been more mindful in listening to kids and adults alike, for one thing. I may also dare say that I've been more optimistic, or stalwart in looking for the good. With all the yuck in politics and the news these days, this film was just what I needed. I would highly recommend it to everyone and anyone. Even if you didn't grow up watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, Fred Rogers' life story and unique message are food for thought, and some good medicine for whatever ails you.Need a pick me up? And a good cry? A walk down Memory Lane? This film is all that and then some. After seeing it, I've been more mindful in listening to kids and adults alike, for one thing. I may also dare say that I've been more optimistic, or…
TechLibrarian's rating:
3 out of 5 stars
Added Nov 9, 2018
Comment:
I'm not much of a fan of horror, but my Dad and I were road-tripping together and needed an audiobook that would agree with us both, and somehow we picked The Outsider. I probably wouldn't recommend the audio version, but the book was super entertaining--at turns funny and scary, and King sprinkled a bit of socio-political commentary here and there (not too much!). I'd describe this book as being kind of X-Files like, with all sorts of characters trying to get to the bottom of a mystery. And though it's dark, I found it to be uplifting, also. So, I'd totally recommend this to the right reader, and if you haven't read any Stephen King for a while, it shows how his writing keeps up with the times.I'm not much of a fan of horror, but my Dad and I were road-tripping together and needed an audiobook that would agree with us both, and somehow we picked The Outsider. I probably wouldn't recommend the audio version, but the book was super…
Cooking in ColorCooking in Color, BookVibrant, Delicious, Beautiful Food
by Harris, AdrianBook - 2018
Added Oct 31, 2018
Comment:
Beautiful, full page photos of yummy-looking foods, including lots of vegetarian/vegan and some meat. The mac n cheese eggs benedict looks especially delicious!
Eloquent RageEloquent Rage, BookA Black Feminist Discovers Her Superpower
by Cooper, Brittney C.Book - 2018
Added Oct 31, 2018
Comment:
This memoir presents a real, no-punches-pulled account of the author's experiences as a Black Feminist (the author capitalizes these terms). The writing is accessible and honest, and puts aside technical and academic accounts of feminism in favour of lived experience. Moreover, it addresses the ways in which society polices and criticizes Black women's behaviors, allowing only a slim margin of what is considered acceptable. To that end this book is a good read for anyone who's been following the #____WhileBlack stories in the media, or who wishes to broaden their understanding of intersectional feminism. It is not rigorous, but nevertheless an important addition to the canon.This memoir presents a real, no-punches-pulled account of the author's experiences as a Black Feminist (the author capitalizes these terms). The writing is accessible and honest, and puts aside technical and academic accounts of feminism in favour…
Added Oct 31, 2018
Comment:
I'll be honest that I didn't read this cover to cover, once I realized that it wasn't following a plot, I just skipped about reading passages here and there. It was very thought-provoking, especially as someone the same age as the author/narrator who does not have children, and I liked the premise of using the I-Ching as a narrative device. All that said, I would recommend the book Selfish, Shallow, Self-Absorbed over this title for anyone who is interested in reading about the topic of whether-or-not to have children, as it offers more varied perspectives. Nevertheless, Motherhood was a very honest and personal book, and well-written, just maybe not what you want if you're looking for book to curl up with this weekend.I'll be honest that I didn't read this cover to cover, once I realized that it wasn't following a plot, I just skipped about reading passages here and there. It was very thought-provoking, especially as someone the same age as the author/narrator…
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