Tuesday, April 05, 2022

by Katie Killian

 Am I Talking Too Fast - Lauren Graham   |   eBook (link)  

Jump back in time to the first smell of snow and a fresh taste of coffee with this heartwarming read. Graham’s voice evokes memories of Stars Hollow and all its kooky inhabitants with ease, while reminding readers here and there that, as eerily similar as they were, she and Lorelai were not the same. 

 Bossypants - Tina Fey

Tina Fey! Endlessly relatable and effort[less]ly hilarious, her words will leave readers in laughing fits for days. Whether a fan of her work on Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, or a complete newcomer, Tina Fey’s tales of motherhood and on-set hijinx will leave folks grabbing their tummies. This is one of my favorite memoirs and a fantastic audiobook. 

 Broken Horses - Brandi Carlile

I read this book as both print and audiobook and they're both wonderful. Her words are lyrical even as prose, but the addition of her voice reading her thoughts aloud makes the reader feel like she's placed a warm hand on your shoulder around a fireplace, telling you the stories of her struggles and triumphs. It's like sitting with an old friend. Highly, highly recommended.

 Crying in H Mart - Michelle Zauner

Though this book isn’t for everyone, it’s a moving, heart wrenching story of what happens in the wake of a mother’s terminal diagnosis. This is Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast [band] fame, and her memories of the time when her life was falling apart and falling back together. Readers will want tissues at the ready, but the book is definitely worth the read, 100%.

 Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? - Mindy Kaling

Be prepared to chuckle, giggle, and snort into your coffee mug. If you remember Mindy Kaling from her bits on The Office and The Mindy Project, be prepared for more hijinks. With a little reality and a lot of sass, Mindy lets us behind the scenes of her writing and acting careers. Readers will be surprised to learn how large a hand she played in some of their favorite TV shows.

 One Life - Megan Rapinoe

Her journey through self education and activism is compelling and makes the fight feel more accessible to people at any stage while recognizing her own privileges as a white woman. Plus, the snapshots from games retold through Megan’s eyes bring readers right inside the thrill of play. I could not be any more inspired by her hard work both on and off the field. Definitely a winner.

 Untamed - Glennon Doyle

This smash hit is still popping up on top of charts today. Glennon Doyle writes about self-love, mental health, and the healing art of letting go. She talks about how her divorce, motherhood, her second marriage, and figuring out who she is all comes together into this one beautiful, messy life. It’s inspiring to read and listen to her talk about how hectic her life is, and how embracing that allowed her to love herself a little more each day. In turn, she was able to be a better part of her family - a better mother, partner, and role model for the people in her life. Readers will feel a little freer after reading this one.

Katie Killian is a librarian in the Fond du Lac Public Library's information and outreach services department.