OaklandPL_Adults
Library StaffOakland Public Library
OaklandPL_Adults's Completed Shelf
The Legend of GravityThe Legend of Gravity, Picture BookA Tall Basketball Tale
by Palmer, CharlyPicture Book, 2022Picture Book, 2022
Added Jan 08, 2024
Added Jan 08, 2024
Comment:
"Perfect pick for a book club, which is how I came to read it. Now I'll watch the movie..." --Patron Review from Britt, Dimond Branch
Cloud Cuckoo LandCloud Cuckoo Land, BookA Novel
by Doerr, AnthonyBook, 2021First Scribner hardcover editionBook, 2021. First Scribner hardcover edition
Added Jan 08, 2024
Comment:
"The story weaves through space, time, and place to create a beautifully written love letter to librarians, libraries, and books!" --A.V. Lee, Asian Branch
If I Survive YouIf I Survive You, Book
by Escoffery, JonathanBook, 2022First editionBook, 2022. First edition
Added Jan 08, 2024
Comment:
"A fresh protagonist voice navigating personal and collective identy(ies). I also liked that there were more than one narrators, I always enjoy that and feel like the author pulled this off effectively.
I liked reading about immigrants in Miami that were Jamaican. This was a new voice/perspective for me to read from. I learned something and was exposed to perspectives new to me." --Patron Review from Adam Dietz"A fresh protagonist voice navigating personal and collective identy(ies). I also liked that there were more than one narrators, I always enjoy that and feel like the author pulled this off effectively.
I liked reading about immigrants in Miami…
A Country You Can LeaveA Country You Can Leave, BookA Novel
by Angel-Ajani, AsaleBook, 2023First editionBook, 2023. First edition
Added Jan 08, 2024
Comment:
"A well-written book about being young and working with what you’ve got. Despite the challenges of constantly moving and a challenging mother with a big personality, Lara finds friends and loves both them and her mother even when it isn’t easy." --Patron Review from Sami, Temescal Branch"A well-written book about being young and working with what you’ve got. Despite the challenges of constantly moving and a challenging mother with a big personality, Lara finds friends and loves both them and her mother even when it isn’t easy."…
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly CuteHighly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute, Book
by Hibbert, TaliaBook, 2023First editionBook, 2023. First edition
Added Jan 08, 2024
Comment:
"This book is SO CUTE. I had a huge ridiculous grin on my face almost the entire time I read this book. It made me want to squeal and kick my legs in the air. It made me feel like when you see an animal that is so cute you just want to squeeze it.
The banter between the main characters is impeccable--witty, sarcastic, and never misses a beat. There were so many laugh out loud moments. This is how to write a rom com.
I'm so glad I read this slowly and got to savor it because it was such a bright ray of sunshine I got to slowly enjoy over almost two weeks. I think I also stretched it out because I didn't want it to end." --Patron Review from Victoria S., Asian Branch"This book is SO CUTE. I had a huge ridiculous grin on my face almost the entire time I read this book. It made me want to squeal and kick my legs in the air. It made me feel like when you see an animal that is so cute you just want to squeeze…
Added Jan 08, 2024
Comment:
"ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE, this is the most entertaining juicy gossipy book I’ve ever had the joy of reading, I’ve never felt so happy at wanting to absolutely throttle a first person narrator before. I want to buy a copy for all of my friends just so I can talk to people about it.
Every sentence is so well crafted and devious. 1000000% recommend listening to this on audiobook to really make it a 4D experience.The way that all the Asian women characters’ physical features are described with orientalist descriptions and she never ever describes the physical appearance of a white character. The way the narrator uses her mental health to turn herself into the victim. The way the audiobook narrator butchers the Chinese pronunciation. All chefs kiss!!!!!
If you are like me (a chronically online leftist woman of color) I guarantee you will enjoy this book." --Patron Review from Victoria S., Asian Branch"ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE, this is the most entertaining juicy gossipy book I’ve ever had the joy of reading, I’ve never felt so happy at wanting to absolutely throttle a first person narrator before. I want to buy a copy for all of my friends just so…
Added Jan 08, 2024
Comment:
"The book is described as a mystery, but more importantly it delves into the lives of Japanese Americans during WW II, including their experiences in the concentration camps. Hirahara creates complex characters and a depth of settings to show the impact on the lives of Japanese American people at the time. The trauma, and how each person deals with this trauma, is important to understanding the racism against people of Japanese descent. The book is well-written and fast paced." --Patron Review from Carla Schick, Rockridge Branch"The book is described as a mystery, but more importantly it delves into the lives of Japanese Americans during WW II, including their experiences in the concentration camps. Hirahara creates complex characters and a depth of settings to show the…
Disney Manga: Stitch and the Samurai Vol. 3Disney Manga: Stitch and the Samurai Vol. 3, Downloadable Graphic Novel
by Wada, HirotoDownloadable Graphic Novel, 2021Downloadable Graphic Novel, 2021
Added Dec 20, 2023
Added Dec 20, 2023
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"In this autobiographical graphic novel, Martín describes an epic summer expedition from Watsonville, California to Jalisco, Mexico in 1977 with his parents and 8 siblings in a borrowed motorhome, to help their abuelo/grandpa wrap up his ranch and move north with them. A variety of illustration styles expertly differentiate between the family’s adventure, cultural information about the region, people, & traditions, and historical stories of his abuelo during the Mexican Revolution. Readers meet a variety of personalities within their “100% Mexican” family, including some children born in the U.S. and some who immigrated with their parents, and they meet a wide diversity of characters along the way. The family’s humor includes much teasing, while everyone also feels loved and appreciated for their uniquenesses. Readers can read this at least twice - there is so much packed into the 300+ multi-dimensional, richly satisfying pages. " --Erica S., Rockridge Branch (and several other OPL staffers who also noted this book as a favorite of 2023)"In this autobiographical graphic novel, Martín describes an epic summer expedition from Watsonville, California to Jalisco, Mexico in 1977 with his parents and 8 siblings in a borrowed motorhome, to help their abuelo/grandpa wrap up his ranch and…
Women of MythWomen of Myth, BookFrom Deer Woman and Mami Wata to Amaterasu and Athena, your Guide to the Amazing and Diverse Women From World Mythology
by Williamson, JennyBook, 2023Book, 2023
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"50 women of myth and legend from around the world to admire and inspire! Written by friends Jenny Williamson and Genn McMenemy who are also cohosts of the podcast Ancient History Fangirl. In the briefest introduction to women from all over the world, readers will hear the tragedy and triumph from across time. The book is accompanied by beautiful illustrations for nearly every woman introduced in the book. The audiobook features musical interludes and the great personality of the authors. Get familiar with the amazing stories of these powerful women and be ready to explore more when you complete the book!" --Shani B."50 women of myth and legend from around the world to admire and inspire! Written by friends Jenny Williamson and Genn McMenemy who are also cohosts of the podcast Ancient History Fangirl. In the briefest introduction to women from all over the…
Agents of ChaosAgents of Chaos, BookThomas King Forçade, High Times, and the Paranoid End of the 1970s
by Howe, SeanBook, 2023Book, 2023
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"As a child of the 80s and 90s, my memories of High Times magazine are primarily of close-up images of crystalline purple and green buds and endless, mundane discussions of strain crossing and preferred lightbulb arrangement. Little did I know at the time that the magazine was founded by a Forrest Gump-ian character who found himself involved in one way or another in nearly every major political and cultural event of the Hippie era. Frenemy of the Yippies, protégé of the White Panthers, alternative press magnate, provocateur, drug trafficker, and possible Fed, Thomas King Forçade’s life was one strange trip and this new biography is a blast." --Ian Hetzner, PT Librarian, Main"As a child of the 80s and 90s, my memories of High Times magazine are primarily of close-up images of crystalline purple and green buds and endless, mundane discussions of strain crossing and preferred lightbulb arrangement. Little did I know at…
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"I can think of no author as prolific and versatile as Jacqueline Woodson that also consistently produces such high quality writing. She is a true economist of words and manages to spark so much character and poetry in under 200 pages. This fictional account is set in the Bushwick neighborhood during a very real time of numerous, mysterious fires in the 1970s. It's a captivating, accessing story for tweens, yet a beautiful one teens and adults alike will enjoy too." --Megan, Community Relations"I can think of no author as prolific and versatile as Jacqueline Woodson that also consistently produces such high quality writing. She is a true economist of words and manages to spark so much character and poetry in under 200 pages. This…
Hungry GhostHungry Ghost, Graphic Novel
by Ying, VictoriaGraphic Novel, 2023First editionGraphic Novel, 2023. First edition
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"In this gorgeous graphic novel a teenage girl manages to keep her serious eating disorder a secret from everyone who cares about her until, facing deep grief and loss, she realizes she needs some help. The format doesn't allow for deep exploration with words, but does give an intimate portrayal of a complicated mother daughter relationship, mental health struggles, grief and friendship and the art suits the story perfectly, bringing emotion and feeling to the forefront." --Sharon McKellar, Teen Services"In this gorgeous graphic novel a teenage girl manages to keep her serious eating disorder a secret from everyone who cares about her until, facing deep grief and loss, she realizes she needs some help. The format doesn't allow for deep exploration…
The WagerThe Wager, BookA Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder
by Grann, DavidBook, 2023First editionBook, 2023. First edition
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"This masterpiece is based on a shipwrecked and the characters' harrowing journey. I love how Grann presents the reader with all accounts of what occurred, which leaves you with a vivid imagery of the ordeal. If you love "The Killers of the Flower Moon", then this is your book!" --Nereida, Brookfield Branch"This masterpiece is based on a shipwrecked and the characters' harrowing journey. I love how Grann presents the reader with all accounts of what occurred, which leaves you with a vivid imagery of the ordeal. If you love "The Killers of the Flower…
The Clever RabbitThe Clever Rabbit, Graphic NovelAn Iranian Graphic Folktale
by Golkar, GolrizGraphic Novel, 2023Graphic Novel, 2023
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"In this Iranian folk tale presented as a graphic novel, the very cute characters will surely captivate young readers with imminent danger barely escaped, team decision-making (both successful & not), fears overcome, finding a center of peacefulness in one’s soul, and calling for helpful friends. My heart sank when the meek and humble rabbit first decided to sacrifice all for the greater good – and my heart soared when a with a tiny but clever idea, the tables were turned. Has so much empathy, beauty, and inspiration *ever* been packed into as perfect a package? I think children will want to read & re-read this story many times, and take time to absorb everything in it. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers will find as much to appreciate as children. " --Erica S., Rockridge Branch"In this Iranian folk tale presented as a graphic novel, the very cute characters will surely captivate young readers with imminent danger barely escaped, team decision-making (both successful & not), fears overcome, finding a center of peacefulness…
American GunAmerican Gun, BookThe True Story of the AR-15
by McWhirter, CameronBook, 2023First editionBook, 2023. First edition
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"This is a fascinating and frightening story of the AR-15; detailing how it came to be invented, why it is the weapon of choice of mass murderers, and a symbol for gun enthusiasts. The authors outline how attempts at gun control legislation have only made the gun more popular in the United States. A must read for anybody interested in gun control and politics." --Brian Guenther, Rockridge Branch"This is a fascinating and frightening story of the AR-15; detailing how it came to be invented, why it is the weapon of choice of mass murderers, and a symbol for gun enthusiasts. The authors outline how attempts at gun control legislation have…
Impossible PeopleImpossible People, Graphic NovelA Completely Average Recovery Story
by Wertz, JuliaGraphic Novel, 2023First EditionGraphic Novel, 2023. First Edition
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"Julia Wertz's autobiographical graphic novels are amazing. They've gone from super silly (and super fun!) to delving into more serious matters. This one is honest and frank. I loved it." --Susy, Rockridge Branch
Hot Pot MurderHot Pot Murder, Book
by Chow, Jennifer J.Book, 2023First editionBook, 2023. First edition
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"I've read other mystery books by Jennifer J. Chow and didn't realize that she'd started a new series. I LOVE the L.A. Night Market books so far! This was a great follow up to "Death by Bubble Tea"! Foodie related crimes solved by cousins." --Sandy, Chávez Branch"I've read other mystery books by Jennifer J. Chow and didn't realize that she'd started a new series. I LOVE the L.A. Night Market books so far! This was a great follow up to "Death by Bubble Tea"! Foodie related crimes solved by cousins." --Sandy,…
The Chinese GrooveThe Chinese Groove, BookA Novel
by Ma, KathrynBook, 2023First Counterpoint editionBook, 2023. First Counterpoint edition
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"Eighteen-year-old Zheng Xue Li, also known as Shelley, leaves his Yunnan Province home to seek Family, Love and Fortune in San Francisco. The invisible bonds that exist between family and strangers alike drive this lovable, naively optimistic hero in a story filled with lightness and humor despite the trials, disappointments and betrayal. Recommended for readers who enjoy novels with local settings, cultural explorations and anyone looking for an uplifting and meaningful comic book. " --Christy Thomas, Main Library"Eighteen-year-old Zheng Xue Li, also known as Shelley, leaves his Yunnan Province home to seek Family, Love and Fortune in San Francisco. The invisible bonds that exist between family and strangers alike drive this lovable, naively optimistic hero…
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"This book is wild. Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones features Dolly Parton's iconic wardrobe collection along with anecdotes of her time in show business. This book has almost all of her most famous outfits along with stories of the designers who dressed her. Please don't miss the pages featuring the wigs that Dolly wore from the 1960s-1990s in a section titled "Hair You Come Again". Overall, a great behind the scenes look at a prolific musician, philanthropist, and American treasure. " --Ryan, Rockridge Branch"This book is wild. Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones features Dolly Parton's iconic wardrobe collection along with anecdotes of her time in show business. This book has almost all of her most famous outfits along with stories of the…
Out There ScreamingOut There Screaming, BookAn Anthology of New Black Horror
Book, 2023First editionBook, 2023. First edition
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"19 haunting stories to keep you up at night and frightened during the day. A master director of phycological thrillers and dark humor, Jordan Peele has curated a variety of new voices to the genre. From the first story that leaves readers fuming, to the last story that delivers bloody justice, readers are immersed into the imagined and real horrors of racism and anti-Blackness. Each story is deserving of a short film, and some leave the audience wanting more! As a bonus, listen to the audiobook for an immersive experience with an outstanding cast of Black voice actors! If you like psychological thrillers, gore, and rooting for (almost) everybody Black, this book is for you! Not every story has a hero…" --Shani B."19 haunting stories to keep you up at night and frightened during the day. A master director of phycological thrillers and dark humor, Jordan Peele has curated a variety of new voices to the genre. From the first story that leaves readers fuming,…
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"A former journalist and student activist must dust off her investigative skills when her husband disappears in a massive tower collapse in 1992. As she uncovers layers of neoliberal corruption in post-dictatorship South Korea, our protagonist’s carefully crafted family narrative begins to unravel. Part political crime thriller, part exploration of family and motherhood, the Seoul-raised, Berkeley-based writer Hannah Michell’s second novel is a powerful and stark exploration of capitalism’s indifference to our individual humanity." --Ian Hetzner, PT Librarian, Main"A former journalist and student activist must dust off her investigative skills when her husband disappears in a massive tower collapse in 1992. As she uncovers layers of neoliberal corruption in post-dictatorship South Korea, our protagonist’s…
Human SacrificesHuman Sacrifices, Book
by Ampuero, María FernandaBook, 2023First Feminist Press editionBook, 2023. First Feminist Press edition
Added Dec 19, 2023
Comment:
"Dark, very dark, just like I often like my reads. Short stories that read quick. " --Susy, Rockridge
Comment: