Bookies Talk: Our Favorite Titles of 2023
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
Release Date: 12/15/2023
Pick of the Week: How to Write a Love Story by Catherine Walsh
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
This week Jenny recommends Catherine Walsh’s How to Write a Love Story, a warm, witty romance about a grieving former writer and the devoted editor assigned to help her finish her late father’s famed fantasy series. Check out from the Library.
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Pick of the Week: Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
This week Marianne recommends Heather Fawcett’s Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter, a cozy fantasy romance about Agnes, her cat shelter, and the witch king secretly living beneath it. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by John Scalzi by Sangu Mandanna
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with Linda
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
In this episode of the “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series, Linda, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, ancestral travel, organizing her research, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful...
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Pick of the Week: Vigil by George Saunders
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
This week Hannah recommends George Saunders’s Vigil, a compact, emotionally explosive work of magical realism that follows Jill "Doll" Blaine, the spirit guide tasked with ushering a dying oil executive into the afterlife. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Jimin Han by Shehan Karunatilaka
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Pick of the Week: Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
This week Jenny recommends Ashley Elston’s Anatomy of an Alibi, a precisely written thriller told from the perspective of two women entangled in the fallout of a murder. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Ashley Elston by Amy Tintera by Alex Finlay by Liv Constantine
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Pick of the Week: The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
This week Marianne recommends Ashley Winstead’s The Future Saints, a novel following Hannah Cortland and her band The Future Saints after the sudden passing of her sister and band manager, Ginny. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Taylor Jenkins Reid by Jennifer Weiner
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Pick of the Week: Is This A Cry For Help? by Emily Austin
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
This week Hannah recommends Emily Austin’s Is This A Cry For Help?, a novel following Darcy, a rule-bound librarian who returns to work after a mental breakdown. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Rebecca K Reilly by Swan Huntley
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Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with George
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
In this episode of the “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series, George, a local genealogist, shares about ancestral travel, archival research, genealogy books, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own...
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Pick of the Week: The Silver Book by Olivia Laing
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
This week Hannah recommends Olivia Laing’s The Silver Book, a gripping love story and thriller steeped in the vibrant world of 1970s Italian cinema. Check out from the Library.
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2025 Holiday Fiction Round-Up
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
Readers' Advisor Hannah shares three 2025 titles to enjoy during the holidays. Titles mentioned in this episode: by Laurie Gilmore by Sally Smith by B.K. Borison
info_outlineErica and Hannah talk about the top titles of the year, our annual Staff Favorites booklets, and the books they can't wait to read in 2024. Thanks for a great year of reading and listening!
For a copy of our Favorite Fiction and Nonfiction booklets, stop by Cook Park or Aspen Drive Library, or visit our website.
Titles discussed in this episode:
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
I am Homeless if This is Not My Home by Lorrie Moore
North Woods by Daniel Mason
Cahokia Jazz by Francis Spufford (February 2024)
The Extinction of Irina Rey by Jennifer Croft (March 2024)
The Book of Love by Kelly Link (February 2024)
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (April 2024)
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune (September 2024)
Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca (August 2024)
Please note some upcoming titles are not yet available in the catalog - we've linked to the authors so you can enjoy their backlist while you wait!