Wednesday, May 12, 2021

 

by Emilyn Linden

Biking became a go-to activity for many people during the pandemic. It’s a safe, fun, efficient way to get around town while also getting exercise and enjoying the outdoors. These new cyclists are joining the legions of bike enthusiasts already active around the world. The library has many books for the budding cycling fiend, from fiction to maintenance guides to travel books. 


Gold by Chris Cleave - The story of two Olympic-level cyclists who are friends and competitors, mothers and wives, and people who must make decisions about their careers and their families and live with the consequences of those decisions.


The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley - This historical mystery set in 1950s England features the clever and rather disconcerting Flavia de Luce, an 11-year-old aspiring chemist and amateur detective, aided by her trusty bike Gladys as she sets out to prove her father didn’t kill the man she found in the cucumber patch.


The Summer Before the War by Helen Simonson - The English village of Rye is in need of a new Latin teacher in the summer of 1914. Beatrice Nash is given the job against opposition from those who think a Latin teacher shouldn’t be a woman. Beatrice causes a stir in town as a woman who is young, attractive, and who (to everyone’s horror) rides a bicycle.


Witchmark by C.L. Polk - Enthralling, fast-paced, and romantic, Witchmark is a fascinating fantasy read with well-developed characters, excellent worldbuilding, and an engaging magic system.


The One-In-A-Million Boy by Monica Wood - This engaging story about the unexpected friendship between an 11-year-old boy and a 104-year-old Lithuanian immigrant tells a bittersweet story about grief, regret, and forgiveness.


Nala's World by Dean Nicholson - 30-year-old Dean Nicholson set off from his home in Scotland to bike around the world. Three months into his trip, he rescued an abandoned kitten on the side of the road who turned into his faithful traveling companion, conscience and best friend.


The Bicycling Big Book of Cycling for Women by Selene Yeager - Professional cyclist Selene Yeager offers a helpful and practical guide for women new to cycling or who want to up their cycling game. She includes information that’s specific to women’s bodies such as nutritional needs, hormones and performance, cycling while menstruating and more. 


The Ultimate Bicycle Owner's Manual by Eben Weiss - Vocal cycling advocate Eben Weiss, aka Bike Snob NYC, has put together a complete guide that covers everything from purchasing a bike to maintaining it to road biking and competitive cycling.


Epic Bike Rides of the World from Lonely Planet - Lonely Planet presents a collection of sensational bike rides from the family-friendly to formidable rides off the beaten path from destinations around the world. Accompanied by gorgeous photographs, this is a wonderful book to dip in and out of and tour the world from your home.

Emilyn Linden is a librarian in the FDL Public Library Information and Outreach Services department.