City of Lafayette Staff Picks, Summer 2022

With Books & Beats, our Summer Reading and special event series, over for 2022, we decided to check in with Library and City staff to see what they have been reading, watching, or listening to in the past few months. See something that interests you?

Podcasts

Search by title on a variety of platforms, such as Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, TuneIn Radio, or Audible (to name a few!).

“Paper Ghosts” by M. William Phelps (LA Times Podcast Review)

Podcast | Adults | Recommended by Rob B.

A chilling, riveting tale of kidnappings and murder of young girls from the same rural area over the course of several years in a small rural American community. The stories are simply incredible and you can feel the pain and anguish for those involved.

“ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka” by Tracy Otsuka

Podcast | Adults; Teens in grades 9-12 | Recommended by Krista V.

Tracy Otsuka takes a holistic approach to navigating life with ADHD. Each episode is guest-hosted by a different expert in their respective field (medicine, addiction, psychology, economics…); and together they address areas of concern for folks with ADHD within these areas. Despite the title this podcast is not only for women, but offers advice that transcends gender and age Episode recommendations: “EP. 95: Eating Disorders. Disordered Eating and ADHD with Aleta Storch”, “EP. 128: ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria with Keynote Speaker, Jessica Fern” & “EP. 150: Intersectionality of Complex Trauma and ADHD for the BIPOC Community with Therapist, Emerald May Rubio”.

Books & Audiobooks

Click a title link to reserve a copy in the Library Catalog or the Front Range Downloadable Library.

“Sing for Your Life: A Story of Race, Music, and Family” by Daniel Bergner

Nonfiction | Adults; Teens in grades 9-12 | Recommended by Molly M.

Overcoming all odds, literally, Ryan Speedo Green sings for his life, and ends up a world class Opera star. This book offers hope and redemption, for Ryan and for us. It speaks to the power of community to change society, and looks at racial challenges.

“Hyperion” by Dan Simmons

Fiction | Adults | Recommended by Linda B.

The first book in a four-part sci-fi series. An amazing story that spans all of time and space!

“The Frontiersmen” by Allan W. Eckert

Narrative history | Adults | Recommended by Michael O.

Friend of Daniel Boone; saved Boone’s life at the siege of Boonesboro April 1777.

"Ain't Burned all the Bright" book cover

“Motorhead: The Rise of the Loudest Band in the World” by Mark Irwin

Graphic Novels | Adults | Recommended by Amber M.

An unexpectedly straightforward retelling of Lemmy Kilmister and the beginnings of this epic band. A quick and completely satisfying read for fans of classic rock and heavy metal.

“Ain’t Burned all the Bright” by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin

Nonfiction | Teens in grades 6-12; Adults | Recommended by Amber M.

“More art than text, this unique book by Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin uses very few words to capture the story of the past few years and pour energy into the hope we have for the future. I loved the way it validated my own feelings about our country’s unrest while reminding me that there are beautiful things yet to come.

“The Library at Mount Char” by Scott Hawkins

Fiction | Adults | Recommended by Jamie S. (both book and audiobook)

What is the library at Mount Char and who are its denizens? Enough eerie magic and mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat, good luck putting it down!

“See You Yesterday” by Rachel Lynn Solomon

Fiction | Adults; Teens in grades 9-12 | Recommended by Alessia R.

This book is the perfect summer read; it made me laugh and seamlessly fall in love with the characters. The story is great for people learning to open up and to learn from the past.

“Finding Me” by Viola Davis

Nonfiction (Memoir) | Adults | Recommended by Michelle M.

Passionate memoir, one that is more authentic, frank and raw than you will typically find in a celebrity memoir. This book lays out the challenge to face your past emotions and shame and be the most you that you can be.

“Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande

Nonfiction | Adults | Recommended by Chris W.

Definitely a great perspective on life.

“Cajas de Cartón” (Spanish) and “The Circuit, Stories from the Life of an Immigrant Child”(English) by Francisco Jimenez)

Fiction | Kids in grades 3-5 | Recommended by Maria R.

It’s the story of an immigrant boy from Mexico, but what I absolutely love about the story is how this boy and his family try to make the best out of every situation. The entire family have to move from town to town looking for jobs picking out cotton, strawberries, etc. according to the season. So basically, everything changes around them (the town, the type of work they do, their possessions), but what never changes is how close they are as a family and how little it takes (in terms of material possessions, friendships, and small victories) for each of them to be happy.

It reminds me of my time living in Colombia and how despite some people’s circumstances, Colombian people always find a way to be happy and to be kind to others. An absolute must-read!

Fiction | Adults | Recommended by Jill P.