For Readers: Blog

Fact or fiction? Reader's choice

Fiction or nonfiction … nonfiction or fiction … how is one to choose? Well, you don’t have to! It’s once again time for one of our lists of complementary nonfiction and fiction titles, paired together to enrich your reading experience. 

In On the Joke by Shawn Levy is an enlightening cultural history about the not-so-distant past when female comedians were taboo. From the tail end of the vaudeville era to big names like Phyllis Diller and Joan Rivers, this well-researched look at the trailblazers of the comedy world pulls no punches when it comes to the obstacles these women faced. This is a surprisingly moving tribute to the women who paved the way for generations of comediennes to come. [e-book | print | large type]

When Franny Stands Up by Eden Robins touches on a little bit of everything: identity, friendship, trauma, and the magic of comedy. Franny isn’t quite sure what she wants in life, but in 1950s Chicago, a career as a stand-up comedian isn’t encouraged. Nevertheless, she finds herself drawn into the occasionally criminal comedy club scene, where the right joke can make literal magic happen. Snappy dialogue and a captivating cast of characters add levity to balance out some serious themes in this unique read. [e-book | print]

Whether you prefer jigsaws or the morning crossword, you’re sure to be fascinated by The Puzzler, A.J. Jacobs’s ode to all things puzzle. As in his previous hands-on memoirs, Jacobs immerses himself in the world of puzzles to find out why we love them so much and the impact they have on our lives. Trying his hand at new puzzles and meeting puzzle competitors and creators, he takes readers on an enjoyable journey that will have them reaching for the nearest pen (or pencil, no judgment) and newspaper.  [e-book | print | large type]

The intricate plot and mystery of The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd will appeal to avid puzzlers. Academia turns deadly in this creative and atmospheric story about a seemingly worthless map and the lengths collectors will go to get their hands on it. After the unexpected death of her father, a map scholar at the New York Public Library, Nell finds herself on a twisty and dangerous journey to unravel the story behind their complicated family dynamics and the meaning of a mysterious highway map.  [e-book | print | audiobook]

After her groundbreaking work Dopesick, Beth Macy is back with Raising Lazarus, another sobering look at the personal cost of the opioid crisis with a focus on the frontline workers fighting to stop overdoses and save lives. As politicians and pharmaceutical companies waffle over the correct direction to head in, local volunteers, healthcare professionals, and advocates work to heal their communities through their own initiatives. Thought-provoking and well-researched, this is a compelling look at the big impact a small change can have on peoples’ lives. [e-book | print]

A mix of literary suspense, family drama, and police procedural, Long Bright River by Liz Moore would make a refreshing book club pick. Mickey patrols an opioid-riddled neighborhood as a Philly cop, all while trying to keep tabs on her sister who is addicted to the same drugs that killed their mother. When a string of murders hit the neighborhood and her sister disappears, Mickey strikes out on her own to pursue justice. Well-developed characters and a strong sense of place result in a vivid picture of a struggling community and its inhabitants. [e-book | print | audiobook]

⏤Laura