Local Genealogists Speak: A Conversation with George
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
Release Date: 01/08/2026
Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast
This week Marianne recommends Maria Semple's Go Gentle, the story of a fifty-something divorcée who meets a handsome stranger and is drawn into spying on her pupils' billionaire parents. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Maria Semple by Madeline Cash
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This week Hannah recommends Amal El-Mohtar's Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories, a collection of fantastical short stories. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Amal El-Mohtar
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In this episode of the “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series, Dana, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, DNA, photographs, online connections, 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 for...
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This week Jenny recommends Rainbow Rowell's upcoming book Cherry Baby, a witty, tender novel about a woman facing divorce and public scrutiny while reckoning with who she’s been and who she wants to become. Check out from the Library.
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This week Hannah and Jenny introduce five must-read titles releasing Spring 2026: by Maria Semple by Kate Clayborn by Alex Finlay by Portia Elan by Philip Fracassi Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Alison Espach by Emily St. John Mandel by Alma Katsu
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This week Marianne recommends The Ending Writes Itself, the debut collaboration between V.E. Schwab and Cat Clarke under their new pen name, Evelyn Clarke. The book is a whodunit in which seven writers compete to pen the final pages of a recently deceased author's unfinished manuscript. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by V.E. Schwab by Anthony Horowitz by Lucy Foley
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In this episode of the “Local Genealogists Speak” podcast series, Phil, a local genealogist, shares about social history, his brick walls, 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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This week Hannah recommends Caro Claire Burke's debut novel Yesteryear, a darkly humorous story of a traditional lifestyle influencer who suddenly wakes up in an 1805 homestead. Check out from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: by Madeline Cash by Tara Westover
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This week Erica recommends Jennie Godfrey’s The List of Suspicious Things, a coming‑of‑age story set in late‑1970s Yorkshire, following a 12‑year‑old girl who hunts for the Yorkshire Ripper only to uncover the far more personal mysteries of growing up. Check out from the Library.
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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.
info_outlineIn 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 research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
- She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity by Carl Zimmer
- Redlined: A Memoir of Race, Change, and Fractured Community in 1960s Chicago by Linda Gartz
- Futureface: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging by Alex Wagner
- What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848 by Daniel Walker Howe
- American Republics: A Continental History of the United States 1783-1850 by Alan Taylor