Book Suggestions 

Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? We want to hear about it! Send us your recommendations or short reviews so we can share them in the newsletter. Our current collection of suggestions is a bit low, so don’t keep it to yourself, share the love. 

Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!

One of Us  by Dan Chaon 

Dianne Tripp, friend of the library 

In 1915, mind-reading twins Bolt and Eleanor flee a violent con man after their mother’s death and find refuge with a traveling Emporium of Wonders. As the troupe becomes their new family, Bolt leans into the life while Eleanor pulls away, and when their past catches up with them, the twins are forced into a terrifying reckoning that will change them forever. This book feels like it wandered out of a scary funhouse—if Geek Love, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Nightmare Alley, and Dark Carnival all collided. It’s creepy, weird, and deeply unsettling in the best way, and I absolutely couldn’t put it down. 

Find it: NOV CHA (New) Adult

King;s Ransom by Janet Evanovich 

Cary Kittrell, library staff 

Recovery agent Gabriela Rose can find anything—except a way to avoid her infuriating ex, Rafer Jones. When priceless insured artifacts vanish, Rafer’s cousin is framed and facing prison. Gabriela and Rafer must race around the world to recover the stolen art and stop a dangerous conspiracy before everything collapses. I really enjoyed this book, especially in audiobook format. The narrator added depth and energy to the story, making the action and emotion feel vivid and immersive. I could easily picture the international settings and felt the tension and excitement throughout. This is a fast-paced, intriguing read, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure, mystery, and high-stakes storytelling. 

Find it: MYS EVA (NEW) Adult + CD Book MYS EVA + Libby eBook + Libby eAudio

The Intruder by Frieda McFadden 

Janet Leland, library volunteer 

As a hurricane rages outside her remote cabin, Casey discovers a blood-covered girl hiding near her kitchen. The girl refuses to speak or drop her knife, and as the storm worsens, Casey uncovers a chilling secret. With danger mounting, Casey must unravel the truth--before the girl silences her for good. Although I’ve read several of Freida McFadden’s books, she still manages to surprise me every time, which is exactly what keeps me looking forward to whatever she writes next. 

Find it: MYS MCF

Let Me In Your Window by Adam Ellis 

Eva Bunker, library staff 

This brand-new collection of delightful horror comics includes ten new thrilling and terrifying stories that will keep readers on the edge of their seats and peering out their windows in fright. Adam Ellis, one of the biggest stars in webcomics, brings his unique blend of humor and horror to life with stunning illustrations and gripping narratives. Whether it's a ghostly encounter, a creepy urban legend, or a supernatural mystery, Let Me In Your Window is guaranteed to give you the creeps. It is so creepy but so good!! Don’t read this at night!!! 

Find it: YA GRN LET (NEW) TEENS

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker 

Library Book Club 

1975 is a time of change in America. The Vietnam War is ending. Muhammad Ali is fighting Joe Frazier. And in the smalltown of Monta Clare, Missouri, girls are disappearing. When the daughter of a wealthy family is targeted, the most unlikely hero emerges—Patch, a local boy, who saves the girl, and, in doing so, leaves heartache in his wake. Patch and those who love him soon discover that the line between triumph and tragedy has never been finer. And that their search for answers will lead them to truths that could mean losing one another.A missing person mystery, a serial killer thriller, a love story, a unique twist on each, Chris Whitaker has written a novel about what lurks in the shadows of obsession and the blinding light of hope. 

Find it: MYS WHI + Libby eBook + Libby eAudio

In the Blink of a Pie by Catherine Bruns 

Cary Kittrell, library staff 

"It's Thanksgiving in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and Leila Khoury, manager of Sappy Endings Farm, is ready to usher in the holiday season by hosting a pie-baking contest. The day is meticulously planned, from the judging panel to the maple lattes, and Leila can't wait for the entire town to enjoy some sweet treats. But when a neighbor drops dead from sampling a poisoned pumpkin pie, it's not just Leila's perfect day that's in jeopardy- her livelihood is now at stake. And after yet another near-fatal incident, she realizes an even more terrifying truth: the killer wasn't targeting her neighbor but someone even closer to home! Can Leila figure out who's behind the murder before the dough hits the fan?" This cozy Thanksgiving mystery with peak fall vibes and a killer slice of pumpkin pie. Light, fun, and the perfect mild whodoneit for a comfy listen! Loved it! 

Find it: LT F BRU + CD Book F BRU 

Artificial Condition by Martha Wells 

Victoria Conrad, library staff 

It has a dark past - one in which a number of humans were killed. A past that caused it to christen itself Murderbot. But it has only vague memories of the massacre that spawned that title, and it wants to know more. Teaming up with a research transport vessal named ART (you don't want to know what the A stands for), Murderbot heads to the mining facility where it went rogue. What it discovers will forever change the way it thinks.This book, like the first, is well written and engrossing. Murderbot's point of view is funny and engaging. His development and interactions in this book are unique in story but consistent with his character. It really keeps the reader in the series." 

Find it: SFF WEL + CD Book SFF WEL + Libby eBook + Libby eAudio

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow 

Eva Bunker, library staff 

Chernow's biography is not just a portrait of Hamilton, but the story of America's birth seen through its most central figure. At a critical time to look back to our roots, Alexander Hamilton will remind readers of the purpose of our institutions and our heritage as Americans. This is great book for those who are interested in the musical, and I highly recommend it. 

Find it: BIO HAM + CD Book BIO HAM + Libby eBook + Libby eAudio

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah 

Bonnie Pierson, Library Director 

Ernest Allbright, a former POW, came home from the Vietnam War in 1974 a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: He will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America's last true frontier. This book was heartfelt, suspenseful, and beautifully told. It is a powerful story of love, survival, and finding light in the darkest places. This book is so good and I highly recommend it. 

Find it: NOV Han + Libby

Birding to Change the World by Trish O’Kane 

Janet DiFranco, library patron 

After losing her home in Hurricane Katrina, Trish O’Kane found hope in the birds around her—a discovery that led her to Madison, Wisconsin, where she became a devoted birder, teacher, and environmental advocate. Birding to Change the World shares how she and her community fought to protect a local park, blending bird science with activism and showing how caring for nature can unite and empower us. One of the best books I’ve ever read!  Don’t let the title scare you off. This is a memoir by a brilliant woman and covers a world of topics, including birding. 

Find it: BIO Oak (New)

Battle Mountain by C.J. Box 

Cary Kittrell, library staff 

In this latest installment, Nate Romanowski and Joe Pickett are left reeling from the chaos caused by Axel Soledad and Dallas Cates with their paths destined to collide at Battle Mountain. The vivid, rugged setting and spot-on narration make this series a personal favorite. If you enjoy wilderness, law enforcement, and long-running mysteries, give this one a read. 

Find it: CD-Book F Box (New) + CD Book F Box (New) + Libby ebook + Libby eAudio

Tell Me Everything, by Elizabeth Strout 

Library Book Club 

Set in autumnal Maine, town lawyer Bob Burgess becomes involved in a murder case while forming a deep friendship with writer Lucy Barton. As they share walks and reflections on life, Lucy also befriends the formidable Olive Kitteridge, and together they trade stories of “unrecorded lives,” finding meaning in memory and connection. Tell Me Everything is a compassionate, deeply human novel about the sustaining power of relationships and the many forms love can take. Opinions were split on "Tell Me Everything." Some of the book club members found several of the characters unlikeable, but most agreed that two particular characters were likeable and interesting. We talked about all the ways that characters coupled and uncoupled in the book, and how that reflects real life. 

Find it: NOV STR + CD Book NOV Str + Libby eBook + Libby eAudio

Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson 

Library Book Club 

Set in 1926 London, Shrines of Gaiety follows nightclub queen Nellie Coker as she fights to protect her family and her fragile SoHo empire. Amid glittering nightlife and lurking dangers, Kate Atkinson vividly reveals a dazzling world with a dark underside. Book Club review: We mainly discussed the large cast of characters and the plot's shortcomings. Many of us were surprised by the focus on the seedy underside of London's nightlife, which left few sympatric characters. Overall, we felt Atkinson was more interested in capturing the mood and moment of 1920s London than in crafting a tight plot or deeply developed characters.

Find it: NOV ATK + Libby eBook + Libby eAudiobook + Boundless eAudio

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson 

Diane Tripp, Friend of the Library 

Female take on 1950's movie,"D.O.A.".  Young woman is violently attacked from behind.  She's injured severely enough that she will die w/in a week.  This is the catalyst that drives her to find her murderer. Smartly written & definitely difficult to figure out the "who done it"! 

Find it: MYS JAC + Boundless eBook + Boundless eAudio

Twenty Years Later by Charlie Donlea 

Brenda Smith, library patron 

Remains of a woman are identified in the debris left after 9/11.  It appears that she was accused of killing her lover before her death. Can her sister and a well-known TV anchor, (who also has a secret...or two!), prove her innocence...or guilt?  This is the first book I have read by Mr. Donlea, and it will definitely not be the last!  I loved the many twists and turns plus the shocking, unexpected ending!   

Find it: MYS DON + CD Book F DON 

Problematic Summer Romance by Ali Hazelwood 

Eva Bunker, staff 

"Maya Killgore is twenty-three and still in the process of figuring out her life. Conor Harkness is thirty-eight, and Maya cannot stop thinking about him. It's such a cliché it almost makes her heart implode: older man and younger woman; successful biotech guy and struggling grad student; brother's best friend and the girl he never even knew existed. As Conor loves to remind her, the power dynamic is too imbalanced. Any relationship between them would be problematic in too many ways to count, and Maya should just get over him. After all, he has made it clear that he wants her gone from his life. But not everything is as it seems--and clichés sometimes become plot twists". A fun Rom-Com! 

Find it: ROM HAZ + Boundless eBook + Boundless eAudio + Libby eBook + Libby eAudio

Book Suggestions 

Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? We want to hear about it! Send us your recommendations or short reviews so we can share them in the newsletter. Our current collection of suggestions is a bit low, so don’t keep it to yourself, share the love. 

Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter! 

Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon 

Library Book Club 

Code Name Hélène tells the thrilling true story of Nancy Wake, an Australian expat turned fearless spy. During WWII, Nancy uses four code names as she smuggles people and secrets, evades the Gestapo, and becomes a key leader in the French Resistance. Courageous, clever, and unstoppable, she risks everything for love and freedom. 

Find it: NOV F Law + Libby eAudiobook + Libby eBook

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia 

Lillian Hibbert, library staff 

This book gave me the perfect combination of fall cozy vibes with hocus pocus horror eeriness as we approach October. The story is engaging, and it's honestly a very culturally rich read. The way that the author incorporates Latin culture, which has a strong tradition of witchcraft folklore, is unlike anything I've ever read before. And the tale she wove? It truly sent shivers down my spine. 

 Find it: SFF Mor + Boundless eBook + Boundless eAudio + Libby eBook + Libby eAudio

Spearhead: An American Tank Gunner, His Enemy, and a Collision of Lives in World War II by Adam Makos 

Lew Hooper, library patron 

Clarence Smoyer began the war as a gentle giant, a factory worker from Pennsylvania coal country reluctant to unleash the power of the Sherman tank he crewed. But as his tank platoon fought its way from Normandy to the Rhine and beyond, and he watched his friends cut down one by one, he learned to kill with deadly accuracy and efficiency. His fight would climax in Cologne, in the shadow of the great cathedral, where he took a shot immortalized by a chance photograph--and where he would later forge a friendship with the German tanker he tragically dueled soon after. I highly recomment this book and would read anything else written by him! 

Find it: BIO Smo

Desi Arnaz, The Man Who Invented Television by Todd S. Purdum 

Diane Tripp, Friend of the library 

I grew up on the, "I Love Lucy" TV show.  Learning about the writing, filming, & all around production of the show was fascinating.  Desi was an innovative, no-holds barred, multi-talented, actor/producer/director.  He was also a very troubled person.  He had as many vices as talents.  Like Joe Abercrombie once said, "Great men, have great faults". That statement epitomizes Desi Arnaz. Find it: BIO Arn

Book Suggestions 

Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter! 

The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson 

Library Book Club 

A gripping account of how the pioneering scientist Jennifer Doudna, along with her colleagues and rivals, launched a revolution that will allow us to cure diseases, fend off viruses, and enhance our children"-- We had a lively discussion Saturday of the book The Codebreaker. Five of the six of us found it interesting and enjoyable. We talked quite a bit about gene editing and its ethical, social, and biological implications. 

Find it: 576.5 ISA + Libby eAudiobook + Libby eBook

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney 

Brenda Smith, library patron 

Miss Feeney, known for er awesome twists, has outdone herself with her newest mystery!  The book begins when an author's wife mysteriously disappears for no obvious reason or crime involved.  Grady, a very well know writer, has trouble dealing with his loss and upon his agent's suggestion, goes to her private island to recover and finish his newest novel.  I loved how the inhabitants of the remote place come together to "help" Grady recover??  What is really going on here and is he being punished for not taking care of his wife?  Surprisingly shocking and unexpected ending might come too quickly for those of us who love this author's mysteries.    

Find it: MYS Fee + CD Book F Fee + Boundless eBook + Boundless Audiobook

The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne by Ron Currie 

Diane Tripp, friend of the library 

The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne is a fierce crime saga about Babs, a proud Franco-American matriarch ruling her Maine town’s drug trade. When a rival kingpin sends a dangerous enforcer and Babs’s youngest daughter turns up dead, she unleashes vengeance in a story of love, loyalty, and ancestral ties. An unusual novel in the sense that the protagonist is a French Canadian female drug czar dealing stolen pharmaceuticals in Maine.  The premise reminds me of the movie, "Goodfellas".  Unlike "Goodfellas", the ending is "Breaking Bad"! 

Find it: MYS CUR + Boundless eBook + Boundless eAudio

ArnieTex: over 100 recipes for Mexican-American cooking and Texas-style BBQ by Arnie Sergovia 

Eva Bunker, library staff 

Arnie Segovia is a Texas guy with Mexican roots, and his cooking is a blend of Texas and Mexican cuisines in the comdia casera (comfort food) and carne asada (Mexican grilling) styles. His creations are a traditional blend of Southwest, Texas, and Norteno cooking techniques, both in the kitchen and over open fire. For authentic Mexican cooking combined with a little bit of Texas and open-fire barbecue, look no further than ArnieTex!  I've been following Arnie for years and all of the recipes in this book are a hit! The poultry seasoning and salsa ranchera are my favorite, I cannot wait to try more recipes out. 

Find it: 641.592 Seg

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin 

Library Book Club – August 2025 

Sadie and Sam meet when they are 12 years old and become best friends. Sam is in the hospital recovering from a foot injury, and Sadie is there with her sister, who has cancer. They spend countless hours together playing video games. After they have a falling out, they don't speak for six years. But a chance meeting in a Boston subway station when they're both in college leads them to a decades-long collaboration making video games. In this novel about friendship, work, the ups and downs of relationships, and the many traumas of life is relatable and compelling. I fell in love with the characters instantly,and was driven to read way past my bedtime several nights by the riveting plot. 

Find it: NOV Zev + Boundless ebook + Boundless eaudio

Diane Tripp, Friend of the Library 

Class Clown by Dave Barry 

It's been quite awhile since I've laughed out loud reading a book.  Reading his book lightened my afternoons for a week.  That used to happen when his column was published in the many newspapers I read. "Class Clown" is lots of fun-try it! 

Find it: BIO Bar + CD Book BIO Bar + Boundless eBook + Boundless + eAudio + Libby eAudio

Lily Hibbert, Library Staff 

The Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare 

The story of the unwanted orphan boy who becomes a prince’s double and seeks to protect the prince – and the kingdom – from a billowing, mysterious threat will keep you turning pages and on the edge of your sofa! I absolutely loved this book and will forever rave about how good it was. The plot is so engaging-- it really sucks you in to this whole other universe, and the writing is impeccable with fantastic, deep characterization and compelling, descriptive imagery throughout. 

Find it: SFF Cla + Boundless eBook + Boundless eAudio + Libby eBook + Libby eAudio

Eva Bunker, Library Staff 

La intérprete/The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi 

Cecilia juggles two big responsibilities: being a kid and being a translator for her Spanish-speaking parents. From navigating the DMV to explaining repairs at the auto shop, she seems to handle it all—but how much can one kid take? Readers of any age who grew up translating for their own parents will likely see themselves in Cecilia. 

Find it: E Abt + SPA E Abt (New)

The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts 

Library Book Club choice – June 2025 

In 1954, Annie, a sixty-three-year-old farmer from Maine, embarked on an impossible journey: to see the Pacific Ocean. She bought a cast-off gelding named Tarzan and donned men's dungarees, heading out without a map. But she had her own unfailing belief that Americans would treat a stranger with kindness. At a time when small towns were being bypassed by Eisenhower's brand-new interstate highway system, and the reach and impact of television was just beginning to be understood, Annie inspired an outpouring of neighborliness in a rapidly changing world. We loved this book, and all of us gave it an unequivocal thumbs up! We discussed how Annie’s journey would be different—even impossible—today. A highlight for all of us is the social and cultural context the author brought to the story. We loved Annie and the many kind people she encountered on her trip, and especially her brave and loyal animals. 

Find it: BIO Let + Libby ebooks + Libby eaudio 

Dianne Tripp, Friend of the Library 

James by Percival Everett 

In this character-driven and moving adaptation of Huckleberry Finn, we get to see the famed story of rafting down the Mississippi River through the escaped slave Jim’s point of view. This is a wonderful book, and I can see why it won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction this year. If you think you know Huck’s story, be on the lookout for the surprise twist!  

Find it: NOV Eve + Boundless & Libby ebooks + Boundless & Libby eaudio

Brenda Smith, library patron 

Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto  

The stubborn, loving, inquisitive "Auntie" and "Grandmother" has solved another murder mystery!  Just when she is getting bored and the accolades have stopped from her first case, Vera befriends a distressed young woman outside the police station and thus begins her quest for justice. Along the way, her suspects become part of her "family" and, of course, do exactly what the matriarch asks them to do. Add Vera's debut as an internet sleuth, and the humor only increases. Be prepared for the shocking cause of death for a young man that Vera never met.   Sutanto has written yet another great, heartwarming whodunit. I can’t wait until Vera’s next case!   

Find it: MYS Sut (New) + Boundless & Libby ebooks + Boundless & Libby eaudio

The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer by Jessica Bishop 

Eva Bunker, library staff 

If you have no idea where to start with wedding planning, if you need to plan a wedding in just a few months, or if you just need budget-friendly ideas, this book is for you. This useful guide is full of helpful checklists, timelines, and tips for brides who want to keep things simple during a happy yet stressful time in their lives. 

395.22 Bis

The Fury by Alex Michaelides 

Library Book Club choice – May 2025 

Spending Easter with Lana Farrar, a reclusive ex-movie star and one of the most famous women in the world, on her idyllic private Greek island, her guests, concealing hatred and desire for revenge, become trapped when the night ends in violence and murder. This suspenseful mystery is compelling! However, the unlikeable characters turned several of our members off. Characters’ motivations and the idea of “character is fate” made for a rousing discussion! 

Find it: MYS MIC, CD-Book F Mic, Libby ebooks, Boundlesseaudio

Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood 

Eva Bunker, library staff 

When Rue Siebert's biotech engineer career is on the line as Eli Kilgore's company is trying to take over, the last thing Rue and Eli need is to fall for each other. Told in a dual perspective and taking place in Austin, Texas, this book is perfect for enemies-to-lovers and forbidden romance fans.  

Find it: ROM Haz + Libby ebooks + Boundless eaudio

The Hunter’s Daughter by Nicola Solvinic 

Brenda Smith, library patron 

If your father was a convicted serial killer, would you become a police officer? Anna changed her name and has kept this secret for decades. Now, a copycat killer has come to her small rural town. Is Anna's dad really dead? Is something supernatural causing all these women to be ritually murdered and displayed? Anna's memory was wiped clean years ago, but now she is experiencing lost time episodes, especially since she just killed her first human defending herself. Surprisingly, and shockingly, she feels happy and even powerful when she watches this "bad man" die. Is she becoming like her father? Solvinic, a first time-published author, holds an M.S. in criminology, and her expertise in the means, motivation, and methodology of the killer shine in this debut.  

Find it: NOV Sol + Boundless ebooks

Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson 

Dianne Tripp, Friend of the Library 

A comprehensive overview of how caste has been implemented in three different places, this harrowing and insightful read is an important look at how the U.S., Nazi Germany, and India implemented caste systems and how it affects each country's society. The biggest surprise to me was how Nazi Germany used the Jim Crow laws and other racial disparities present in America. I recommend this thought-provoking book to all who are interested in understanding the history of discrimination.  

Find it: 305.512 WIL + CD Book 305.512 WIL + Boundless ebooks + Libby eaudio

10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found a Self-Help That Actually Works by Dan Harris 

Becky Bennett, library board member 

ABC news correspondent and anchor Dan Harris recounts his angst and dissatisfaction with life despite a successful career. After a mortifying on-air panic attack, he gives up drugs and seeks help. He finds meditation and 10% more happiness. This book was recommended to me for its information about meditation, but I found it to be an enormously entertaining memoir. Harris's self-deprecating humor and engaging prose make this book enjoyable for anyone, not just those seeking the Middle Way. For those looking to learn mindfulness, this book is an excellent introduction to and explanation of the dharma. 

Find it: Libby eAudiobook

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak 

Brenda Smith, library volunteer 

Just how far should a father go to support his long-estranged adult daughter? Frank is delighted yet apprehensive when Maggie calls unexpectantly to invite him to her lavish wedding at a private expensive estate in New Hampshire. Yet, something is terribly wrong with the entire family that Maggie is marrying into. The more that Frank tries to warn his daughter about his fears, the more he is pushed away-- not what he was hoping to do in order to mend this relationship. This psychological thriller has all one could want: suspense, family drama, dangerous and unlikeable characters, and --of course-- a murder! If I knew what was going to take place at this wedding, I would have been the FIRST one to leave! (But I would have stood in line to get this book.)   

Find it: MYS Rek (New) + Libby ebooks + Boundless eAudio

The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskins 

Bethany Williams, library staff 

In Minnesota, quiet librarian Hana Babic, once known as Nura Divjak, must confront her violent past as the legendary warrior Night Mora when a detective informs her of her best friend's murder, forcing her to protect her grandson while unraveling a deadly mystery tied to her family's tragic history in war-torn Bosnia. I LOVED this book! It’s a hard read at times, but the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. If you need an evocative and emotionally intense read, choose The Quiet Librarian as your next pick!  

Find it: NOV Esk (New) + Boundless ebooks

Milk Street 365 by Christopher Kimball 

Cary Kittrell, library staff 

I love watching Milk Street on public TV, but I don’t always have time to jot down the recipes. Having the Milk Street 365 cookbook makes it so much easier. It’s full of practical, everyday recipes—from soups and stews to flatbreads and noodles—that have really changed the way I cook at home. Inspiring and super useful! 

Find it: 641.5 Kim (New) + Libby ebooks + Boundless ebooks

Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter! 

A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power 

Library Book Club March 2025 Choice 

Three women’s dolls tell the story of their owners across three generations, bringing light to the damage done to indigenous people throughout history. In LBC, we discussed trauma and how that shapes behaviors and personalities, judgment of others, and forgiveness. Two-thirds of us give A Council of Dolls a thumbs up, but it is a emotionally intense and haunting book.  

Find it: NOV Pow + Libby ebooks + Boundless ebooks + Libby eaudio + Boundless audio 

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston 

Becky Bennett, Library Board Member 

Evie Porter has never been this happy. New to town, she meets and falls in love with Ryan, who has everything Evie has ever wanted and is crazy about her. Things are going great until she meets a woman named Lucca Marino at a party. The problem? Evie is really "on a job," and Lucca Marino is her real name. Now Evie has to find out what's going on and who she can really trust. First Lie is a fun, suspenseful, fast read that I finished in three days, staying up way too late at least once. 

Find it: MYS Els + Libby ebooks

The Bad Weather Friend by Dean Koontz 

Brenda Smith, library volunteer 

My favorite author continues to excel by continuing what I call the 3 H's of Dean Koontz:  humanity, humor, and horror. And of course, a dog!  (There is also a rabbit here.) 

An all-around good guy, Benny somehow loses everything he cares about: his job, his fiancée, his favorite chair, and his reputation. One wonders how and why all this is happening to him. To the rescue is a long-lost uncle who sends him a giant crate along with instructions. Inside the huge crate is 7-foot-tall Spike, a new friend (or genie with special abilities?) who is only to be used when difficulties arise and to right all those wrongs. As always, it feels like you are watching a movie in your mind as the imagery is so beautifully written. Goodness reigns over evil (and money and power) with a lot of help from Spike and his willingness to help even in the worst possible situations.   

Find it: MYS Koo + LT F Koo + CD-Book F Koo

The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir by RuPaul 

Judy Misch, patron 

The trailblazing pop culture icon unpacks the baggage of his childhood, broken family, and adventuresome adulthood in this deeply intimate memoir. RuPaul grew up black, poor, and queer in a broken home before discovering the power of performance, found family, and self-acceptance. This is a light read of how RuPaul gets to where he is today with an overarching theme of kindness. If you need a good pick-me-up, pick up this one! 

Find it: BIO Rup + Boundless ebooks

Have you spotted the bright pink cart in the new adult books section? It’s not just bright, it’s home to a fantastic rotating selection of large print fiction, now available at our library! 

We're excited to offer this expanded collection through the Partners Library Action Network (PLAN). This collaborative sharing system allows us to provide additional large print books to you. Because large print books are often significantly more expensive than standard editions, this partnership allows us to offer a much wider selection than our budget alone would allow.  
 
Thanks to PLAN, we receive approximately 50 large print books every three months. After this time. they rotate to other libraries in the network. This means you get access to a constantly changing selection of new titles! 
 
Don't miss out! Browse the pink cart and grab a book from this quarter's collection before they're shipped off to the next library. They won’t be here long so find your next enjoyable large print read today!  

Sources:  Libby [@libby.app]. (2025, February 20). Let's spread the word! The @americanlibraryassocation just launched a new supporter program to champion libraries and the people who keep [post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DGTtQ4XuXza/   Limbong, A. (2025, March 20). Federal agency responsible for library and museum funding gets a visit from DOGE. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2025/03/20/nx-s1-5335600/library-museum-funding-doge- sonderling  Texas State Libraries and Archives Commission. (n.d.). Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/pubs/lstaplan/5yearplan  

Get ready to add a vibrant splash of fun to your summer because our Summer Reading Program, "Color Our World," is officially ON THE BOOKS! We're absolutely bursting with excitement to dive into a kaleidoscope of stories, activities, and adventures that are sure to make your summer reading experience truly hue-tasticly delightful. Get ready to paint your summer with the brightest shades of merriment and join us for a season that's anything but black and white! 

 
Starting May 27th, you can start earning prizes! Come to the library and register during Opening Week, and you’ll gain even more opportunities for goodies! If you can’t make it into the library, that’s okay. Navigate to the library’s website and the summer reading tab to create or log back in to your Beanstack account. In your Beanstack app, use the timer to log your reading.  

Anything you read counts! Reading a bedtime story to your toddler? Yes! It counts for BOTH reader and listener! Listening to an audiobook while walking in Fisherman’s Park? Yes! It counts! Reading fanfiction on your phone? Yes! Reading emails? Yes! Reading the back of the cereal box? Yes! It counts! 

When you register to read, youth will receive their registration book and adults (18+) will receive a $2 coupon to use at the Friends of the Library Book Nook, located in the library’s lobby.  

Once you reach your goal of 500 minutes, youth will earn a prize book to keep AND an entry into one of ten grand prize baskets of your choice. Adults will earn a $2 Book Nook coupon and an entry into the grand prize basket of their choice. 
At 1,000 minutes logged, participants get additional books (youth) or Book Nook coupons (adult) and entries into grand prize basket drawings. For every additional 500 minutes read, up to 10,000 minutes, you’ll earn even more entries. There are many opportunities to win prizes, so mark your calendars to start logging minutes in Beanstack on Tuesday, May 27th!   

All minutes must be logged in Beanstack, and ticket entries submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 25th. we will draw winners at the Readers’ Jubilee on Saturday, July 26th. 

Keep reading to get a sneak peak at all the fun and creative opportunities happening at the library this summer!   

Looking for exciting summer activities for your elementary-aged kids? Join us at the library for our Adventures programs! 

Colors Craft Buffet: Monday, June 9  Let's get colorful! Kids will dive into creative challenges using every color of the rainbow. This program is aimed at elementary kids, but younger kids can participate with help from an adult. 
  STEAM Explorers / Exploradores de STEAM: Monday, June 23 Explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through engaging, hands-on activities! This bilingual program (English & Spanish) is a great way for families to learn and create together. This program is aimed at elementary kids, but younger kids can participate with help from an adult. 

Minute to Win It: Monday, July 7  Come and join us for some fast-paced games, fun, and prizes! This program is aimed at elementary kids, but younger kids can participate with help from an adult. You won't want to miss it! 

Rock, Paper, Scissors Crafts: Monday, July 21  Let's get crafty! We'll be using rocks, paper, and scissors to create fun projects and tackle puzzles. This program is aimed at elementary kids, but younger kids can participate with help from an adult. 
  Adventures programs are every other Monday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. On opposite Mondays, join us for Movie Mondays.  

Get ready to "get messy" with us, just like Ms. Frizzle! Mark your calendars!  

Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter! 

What Is Color?: The Global and Sometimes Gross Story of Pigments, Paint, and the Wondrous World of Art by Steven Weinberg 

In this zany, inclusive, and vibrantly illustrated guide to all things color, the origins of today's pigments come alive across continents and history, with oodles of art, tons of science--and extensive interactive backmatter! 

Find it: J 535.6 Wei (New)

Color Lab for Mixed-Media Artists: 52 Exercises for Exploring Color Concepts Through Paint, Collage, Paper, and More by Deborah Forman 

Explore Color through multiple lenses as you work through 52 exciting and approachable projects that explore the infinite potential of the chromatic experience. Great for novices and experts!  

Find it: 701.85 For

Dr. Color Monster and the Emotions Toolkit by Anna Llenas 

In this picture book for kids, we visit Dr. Color Monster, an emotions doctor who can help us learn to name what we feel and strategies for soothing our strongest emotions. We all need calm and centered hearts and minds, and Dr. Color Monster helps us achieve them!  

Find it: E Lle

The Little Artists’ Big Book of Activities: 60 Fun and Creative Projects to Explore Color, Patterns, Shapes, Art History, and More by Shannon Wong-Nizic 

Grab your art supplies and start making messy and fun masterpieces with your little one! Talk through the art process and learn about famous artists as your kiddo collages, paints, writes, colors, and more. Projects are great for kids ages 3 to 10. Have fun... and let’s get messy!  

Find it: J 702.8 Won

Book Suggestions 

Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter! 

Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton 

Library Book Club choice – February 2025 

Five years ago, Mira Bunting founded a guerrilla gardening group: Birnam Wood. For years, the group has struggled to break even. Then Mira stumbles on an answer, a way to finally set the group up for the long term: a landslide has closed the Korowai Pass, cutting off the town of Thorndike. Natural disaster has created an opportunity, a sizable farm seemingly abandoned. But Mira is not the only one interested in Thorndike in this witty and thought-provoking psychological suspense. The characters in Birnam are the pièce de resistance of this book. They aren’t very likeable (minus one—maybe), but their motivations, flaws, and errors make the book compelling. We recommend this book to readers who enjoy a story with conflict and multidimensional characters but who does not require a happy ending.  

Find it: MYS Cat + Libby ebooks + Boundless ebooks

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman 

Brenda Smith, library volunteer 

Retired police officer Steve and his daughter-in-law Amy are a reluctant crime-solving duo. There seems to be an ordered "hit" on Amy, a private bodyguard. Steve only wants to play trivia at his local bar yet travels all the over the world to help his son's wife. These two main characters are charming and clever and fun to watch figure out who is going to do what! This book had me laughing and sometimes tearing up a little. It is a super clever and witty mystery with other hilarious, lovable characters. There was never a dull moment, and I was sad when it ended.  

Find it: MYS Osm (New) + Libby ebooks + Boundless ebooks

Listen For the Lie by Amy Tintera 

Melissa Ashcraft, library patron 

Her best friend was murdered and most people suspect she did it. She can't remember anything about that night and wonders if they're right. Five years later, there's a podcast and the truth finally comes out. A good mystery that will keep you turning the pages! 

Find it: MYS Tin + Boundless ebook + Libby ebook + Boundless eaudio + Libby ebook

Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney 

Dianne Tripp, Friend of the Library 

I watched the insurrection on January 6th, as well as the subsequent hearings. If you did the same, there really isn't anything new in Republican Liz Cheney’s richly detailed memoir. However, the one-on-one conversations Liz had with different representatives and her constituents are interesting and enlightening and make this a useful document as we continue to sort through the aftermath of January 6, 2021—no matter which way you lean politically. 

Find it: BIO Che (New) + Libby ebooks + Libby eaudio

Are you a fan of James Patterson, Kristin Hannah, Deanna Raybourn, or Sarah J. Maas? Wish you could get their newest books without constantly checking the catalog? With Reserve Express, you'll be automatically added to the reserve list for all new books by your selected authors - no more manual holds, just effortless reading!

How it works.

 Whenever a new book by an author you love is added to our collection, Reserve Express will place you on the reserve list automatically. Your position on the list rotates with each title, ensuring fair access for all readers.

 How to Sign up.

 Enrolling is quick and easy! All you need is your library card number and PIN (if you registered before 2021, your PIN is your phone number). Need assistance? Give us a call at 512-332-8880.

Follow these simple steps:

1. Log in to your online library account.
2. Click the "My Account" button in the top right corner.
3. Select "Reserves/Requests" under the "My Library Account" section.
4. Scroll past your current holds and find "Reserve Express." Click the blue "Receive New Items" link.
5. Click "See All Available" to browse the list of authors.
6. Check the box next to your favorite author(s) and choose your preferred format (book, large print, audiobook, etc.).

Pro Tips for Getting Your Books Faster!

• Love bestsellers like James Patterson, David Baldacci, or J.A. Jance? Check both "book" and "large type" formats to improve your chance of getting a copy sooner.
• Can't find your favorite author on the list? Email us at infor@bastroplibrary.org, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request!

Happy Reading!