Fabulous Fiction Firsts #832, A little bit witchy, loads of magic, a touch of horror, in these retellings of the classics

Sun, 10/29/2023 - 6:31pm by muffy

The Scandalous Confessions of Lydia Bennet, Witch * Melina Taub’s (also in downloadable eBook and audiobook), adult debut, examines Pride and Prejudice through a new lens, and offers a highly unexpected redemption for the wildest Bennet sister.

This retelling, in the form of a long letter, recounts how Lydia, being the seventh daughter of the seventh daughter discovers her magical powers as a witch (there had been three stillborns before Jane, Lizzy and Mary) and promptly turns the family cat into her human sister Kitty. As the novel opens, Lydia, living with Wickham in Newcastle, under much reduced circumstances, is dependent on her magic to get by. Then unexpectedly, she comes to the aid of the much hexed Georgiana Darcy.

But magic comes at a price here, and for every spell a witch casts she must offer up something in return. In order to spare her and Kitty's lives, she had foolishly made a promise to Lord Wormenheart, a dragon demon, and soon Wormenheart came to collect, sending Lydia on a dangerous adventure to procure the Jewel of Prophecy. 

“Full of spell-casting garden parties, demons, hidden jewels, vibrant dances, backstabbing, and societal slights, this is vividly descriptive, frothy fun.”(Library Journal)

“Taub breathes new life into classic characters in a novel that is carefully researched and surprisingly layered… A delight for both Austen lovers and fans of magical adventure stories.“ (Kirkus Reviews)

After the Forest,* * *  Australian Kell Woods’ fantasy debut (also in downloadable eBook and audiobook) picks up 20 years after Greta and Hans escaped from the witch in the gingerbread house. 

Back in their homestead in the Village of Lindenfeld, deep in the Black Forest, the siblings are relying on the mysteriously addictive gingerbread Greta bakes for income, and to pay off Han’s gambling debts.  In part because of the deliciousness of her goods (from a recipe she found in an old grimoire, a witch's handbook), rumors grow around town that Greta herself is a witch. And as dark magic is returning to the woods, Greta must learn to embrace her power, come into her own as a witch, and work together with new allies to save herself and her home. 

“Each chapter opens with a clever retelling of part of "Snow-White and Rose-Red," eventually linking that fairy tale with Greta's own neo-Grimm journey toward both emotional and magical maturity as, despite her initial distaste for witchcraft, she comes into her own and learns to wield her nascent powers to help the people she loves. The romantic subplot is similarly well-wrought and fantastical: Greta's lover Matthias, a stranger from the Tyrol, is a prince-charming-in-disguise. All of Woods's characters are drawn with exceptional sensitivity, and Greta's well-crafted struggle to thrive despite early suffering and ongoing societal prejudice resonates. Woods is a powerful new voice in speculative fiction.” (Publishers Weekly) 

“Offer this lyrical, character-rich fantasy to fans of Mary McMyne's The Book of Gothel (2022) and Genevieve Gornichec's The Weaver and the Witch Queen (2023).” (Booklist)

Inspired by Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, Immortal Longings * * * *, Chloe Gong’s adult fantasy debut launches her Flesh and False Gods trilogy (also in downloadable eBook and audiobook).

Every year the twin cities of San-Er hold a set of gladiatorial-style games, a fight to the death with the promise of unimaginable riches for the victor. This year, among the 88 contestants is a disguised Princess Calla Tuoleimi of Talin, who disappeared after assassinating her parents five years ago. Her goal -  to finally bring down the brutal monarchy, inequality and poverty by killing her uncle, reclusive King Kasa who will be on hand to greet the winner. But first, she must win the game. 

Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat, one of the best jumpers in the kingdom, flitting from body to body at will, who aims to use the winner’s take toward keeping his comatose lover alive. “As the games unfold, Calla and Anton strike an unlikely alliance that blossoms into a love affair--but only one can win, and to become victor, the star-crossed lovers will have to break their bond. Though this outing owes debts to both Shakespeare and The Hunger Games, the intricate magic system feels entirely fresh. Gong keeps the pages flying with pulse-pounding action, tension, and intrigue, creating an adventure that will linger in readers' minds long after the last page.” (Publishers Weekly)

* * * * = 4 starred reviews

* * * = 3 starred reviews

* = Starred review 

Staff Picks: Recent Titles Featured in AADL’s Black Lives Matter Discussion Series

Tue, 10/17/2023 - 9:57am by eapearce

Did you know that, since 2020, AADL staff has hosted regular readings and discussion of books written by authors from the Black diaspora? This intentionally broad discussion series seeks to encourage and support community members in their exploration of and engagement with works that provide insight on anti-Black racism. Staff has read fiction and non-fiction titles, titles for youth, teens and adults, titles of all genres, and titles written in three different centuries! You can read more about the BLM Discussion series here, and read on for some recent titles that AADL staff have spent time reading and discussing. The recording of these discussions has either aired recently on our website, or will air soon.

Blended, by Sharon M. Draper | Request Now

This youth fiction title stars protagonist Isabella, who has a Black father and a white mother who struggle to share custody of Bella after their divorce. Isabella loves playing the piano, her friends at school, ice cream, her older stepbrother and both of her families, but sometimes she just feels like she doesn’t fit in anywhere. When racial tensions escalate at her school, Isabella starts to feel particularly lost and confused. Her bravery and strength shine through throughout the novel, and the different scenarios she deals with make for a thoughtful and realistic read for people of all ages.

Staff Picks: Not Just For Scares, Horror Films Offer More

Sat, 10/14/2023 - 8:57pm by lucroe

Horror movies are about more than just the familiar tropes of violent slashers and creepy haunted mansions. In fact, horror movies often reflect the major concerns of our times, whether it is the climate crisis, racial or gender-based prejudice, economic inequity, or humanity’s hubris. Consider Frankenstein’s monster, Dawn of the Dead (rampant consumerism), or Jordan Peele’s movies (Get Out, Us, Nope) (racism, class privilege, exploitation), that are among so many great films past and present alike. Here are some lesser known but just as worthy films to take in this Halloween or any time the mood for a scare strikes.

Amulet directed by Romola Garai | Request Now
In Romola Garai's directorial debut, the audience is introduced to a destitute former soldier who becomes employed by a young woman and her terminally ill mother. However, he soon becomes aware of a disturbing presence within the decaying, enigmatic old house: a force of life that is both eerie and unsettling. Amulet skillfully combines elements of a haunted house film and body horror, while also incorporating religious themes. Garai deftly challenges preconceived notions of victimhood and heroism by subverting traditional gender roles in her main characters, Tomaz and Magda. Initially, it appears that Magda is the one in need of rescue, but in reality, it is Tomaz's dark past of war crimes, specifically rape, that catches up with him, placing him in the position of the pursued. Through this narrative twist, the film offers a rare portrayal of a man who is alone and fearful on screen, a departure from the typical horror genre conventions.

The Babadook directed by Jennifer Kent | Request now

Fabulous Fiction Firsts #831

Sat, 10/14/2023 - 6:56pm by muffy

The Rachel Incident, * * *  YA author Caroline O’Donoghue’s first adult novel and her US debut (also in downloadable eBook and audiobook) is a “brilliantly funny novel about friends, lovers, Ireland in chaos, and a young woman desperately trying to manage all three.” (USA Today) 

County Cork, Ireland. University student Rachel Murray counts on her hours at O’Conner Books to pay bills, ever since the financial crash has affected her family’s business. There she meets James Devlin, a Christmas temp - effervescent and insistently heterosexual, and soon, the two become roommates and fast friends. When Rachel develops a crush on her married professor Dr. Fred Byrne, James organizes a reading for him at the bookstore so Rachel could seduce him. To both of their surprises, Dr. Byrne has other (closeted) desires. So begins a series of secrets and compromises that intertwine the fates of James, Rachel, Fred, and Fred's glamorous, well-connected, publisher wife, Deenie, who was once Fred’s student. 

“This deliciously complex set of entanglements lays the groundwork for the novel…and brings to mind the gossipy 19th-century novels Dr. Byrne might teach in class. But its true joys lie in the tremendously witty characters and their relationships: The real love story of this novel is not between James and Dr. Byrne, or Rachel and her own paramour, but between Rachel and James, whose codependent glee in each other's company will remind many readers of their own college friendships, especially those between women and queer men. A sensational new entry in the burgeoning millennial-novel genre.” (Kirkus Reviews) 

The Rachel Incident will appeal to fans of Sally Rooney and Michelle Gallen. 

 * * * = 3 starred reviews

Staff Picks: Halloween Celebrations

Sat, 10/14/2023 - 4:19pm by lucroe

Halloween is creeping up! This is the perfect time to spotlight some books to help decorate your house or yourself for this spooky time of year. Then curl up with some ghostly Michigan folklore stories...

Best of How to Haunt Your House vols. 1 & 2 by Shawn Mitchell | Request Now

Enjoy these 2 volumes full of spooky ways to get your house or room Halloween ready. From the simple like creating potion bottles or personalized tombstones to the more complex like monster mud and animated props, there is something for every DIY Halloween maven here.

Staff Picks: Local Legends

Sat, 10/07/2023 - 12:44pm by nicole

Check out these terrific Teen books based in Michigan or written by local authors:

The Dock Porter, by Dave McVeigh | Request Now

He's got a bike, a basket ... and a whole lotta baggage. It's the summer of 1989. Jack McGuinn is a dockporter, hauling tourists’ luggage piled high in the oversized basket of his bike on Mackinac Island, Michigan, a summer resort where cars are outlawed. He’s got a family cottage on the hill, his dream job, and a loyal crew of hell-raising, tip-hustling buddies. When his bitter rival challenges him to ride a record-setting load, he takes the bet, but soon realizes he’s not just carrying suitcases, he’s carrying the future of the island. With the help of his pals on the dock and the love of a free-spirited Irish cellist, Jack has to dig deep to discover skills he didn't know he had. Genre-smashing, hilariously fresh, yet refreshingly familiar, it's a novel about friends, family, love, luggage, and the summers we never forget. Readers can find the sequel, Somewhere in Crime, in the AADL catalog.
 

Staff Picks: The Art of Horror

Sat, 10/07/2023 - 12:12pm by nicole

Everyone enjoys a scary story this time of year, but some tales are so terrifying you have to see them to believe them.  These horror comics are full of over-the-top scares and creepy illustrations that will give anyone the heebie-jeebies.

Something is Killing the Children, Volume 1, by James Tynion | Request Now

Staff Picks: Spotlight on A2CAF: Small & Indie Press 2023

Tue, 10/03/2023 - 3:02pm by richretyi

Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival (A2CAF): Small + Indie Press is Saturday, October 7, from 11am to 5pm at the Downtown Library. It's a one-day venture into small press comics publishing, offering attendees the chance to meet comic artists and learn about the art of creating comics outside of a traditional publisher.

Headlining the 2023 event are three superstars in the field—Jaime Hernandez, Jillian Tamaki, and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell. 

Jaime Hernandez

Staff Picks: Hispanic Music To Dance, To Listen, To Sing!

Fri, 09/29/2023 - 12:36pm by lucroe

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, here is a sampling of music CDs that honor the incredible contribution made by those identifying as Hispanic or Hispanic American. Since there are so many excellent musical styles and musicians it would be impossible to include them all here so the focus is on key musical genres: Salsa, Bachata, Rancheros, Cumbia, Tango, Bossa Nova, & Reggaeton.

The Best of Celia Cruz | Request Now
Often called the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz began her singing career in her home country of Cuba in the 1950s. She is one of the bestselling Latin music artists of the 20th century with multiple awards and honors to her name. Salsa has a distinct beat called the clave. A three-drum section (bongos, congas and timbales) executes the complex, syncopated rhythms. Salsa lyrics tell short stories and usually end with a call-and-response section. Other musicians like Tito Puente incorporated styles from his Puerto Rican culture with salsa and mambo. You can hear the power of Cruz’s voice even at 75 years old here. If you want to dance, these are the rhythms that will make you get up and join in!

Staff Picks: New Tools in AADL's Collection!

Thu, 09/28/2023 - 12:19pm by eapearce

You may be familiar with AADL’s extensive tools collection, featuring lots of lawn games, science and home tools, board games, sewing machines, puzzles, instruments and more! We’re always exploring new options for addition to our tools collection and exploring what folks might want to see available in this cool collection! Here are a few of our latest adds to our ever-growing tools inventory!

Monocular 10x25 and Binocular 8x25 | Request Now

These two new additions are great for outdoorspeople! The monocular, a super portable magnifying viewfinder intended for use with one eye, is easy to carry around in a pocket and whip out when you see a bird or distant animal you’d like to peer at in more detail. The binoculars are back by popular demand–we had some in our collection years ago and are excited about this new version! Perfect for carrying around town on hikes, these allow you to experiment with binoculars before having to purchase a set of your own.