[Michlib-l] Book Recommendations from MLA Adult Readers' Advisory Group

[Brian Johnston]

Self-Published:


Ballpoint Penitentiary by Brandon Diehl

Diehl is widely published in literary journals online, and Ballpoint Penitentiary is his second collection of poetry. The publisher is Philosophical Idiot, which is an online literary journal and publisher of books run by Diehl and his partner Kat Giordano, who also released a collection of poetry through Philosophical Idiot. Ballpoint Penitentiary is a collection of confessional, funny, and self-deprecating poems, which is typical (in tone) of the online small press, but Diehl has a skill with words unlike most online poets.


The Poet Confronts Bukowski's Ghost by Kat Giordano

The Poet Confronts Bukowski's Ghost is the second collection of poetry published by Philosophical Idiot, Diehl and Giordano's online journal and small press. This is Giordano's debut collection of poetry, but she is widely published online and in print literary journals. This collection has some of the similar themes of contemporary confessional poetry, but the basis for this book is that Giordano is taking to task the legacy of notorious poet Charles Bukowski, and other drunk, womanizing writers and "bro-ets" that have emerged in his wake. This is smart, sharp poetry with a timely message.


Motor City is Burning and Other Rock & Roll Poems by Mark James Andrews

A former factory worker and jail librarian, Andrews is a staple of the Metroit Detroit small press and poetry scene, and Motor City is Burning is his latest collection of rock and roll infused poetry, released in time for the 50th anniversary of the MC5's Kick Out the Jams. Each poem in this book is inspired by and a dedicated to a different song, and while not all of the songs referenced in the book are by Detroit musicians, the stories that take place within the poems mostly take place within Detroit during the 1960s and 70s. This is quality poetry, made in Michigan.


Fiction:


An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

A haunting and moving story centered upon a wrongful conviction that wreaks havoc on two Southern newlyweds, Roy and Celestial. Roy, a young professional in Atlanta, is sentenced to a 12-year prisoner sentence for a crime he didn't commit, during which, both he and his wife struggle to cope with their extraordinary circumstances. Celestial becomes an entrepreneur during this time, and develops a closer relationship with her childhood friend, Andre. When Roy's conviction is overturned after five years, he returns to Atlanta ready to pick up where he left off, but putting the pieces back together is more difficult than any of them anticipated.


Cherry by Nico Walker

Cherry is being described as the "first great novel of the opioid edpidemic," but the focus on the novel isn't on opioids. It's about a college student who enjoys partying more than his classes, joins the military, serves in Iraq, becomes addicted to heroin, and starts robbing banks. The novel reads like transgressive fiction like Trainspotting and Requiem for a Dream and other "drug" books of the past. The story is familiar, and you know the characters are doomed from the start, but the writing itself is strong enough to keep you reading. This is a gritty, profane, and cinematic book.


When the Men Were Gone by Majorie Herrera Lewis

Based on a true story. During WWII, a high school teacher and administrator in Texas becomes the first female football coach in Texas. Outstanding!!!


Year One by Nora Roberts

A real departure for Roberts; this story is told about the end of the world bascially, but in an innovative way. Book one of 3 planned.


Nonfiction:


Call Me American: A Memoir by Abdi Nor Iftin

The story of Abdi, who grew up in war-torn Somalia, and his journey to becoming an American citizen. As a child, he was fascinated by American culture and learned to speak English while watching movies and listening to pop music, despite the danger these posed after the Islamic group al-Shabaab rose to power. Through a gigantic stroke of luck, he won a shot at US citizenry through an annual visa lottery, and after much struggle and effort, eventually found his path to citizenship and now resides in Maine.


Sad Laughter by Brian Alan Ellis

Brian Alan Ellis is a prolific writer and social media personality with mutliple collections of short stories, works of poetry, and novellas under his belt. He has a sharp, self-deprecating style, and is often critical of the small press and online writing community, even if he is a frequent contributing member of said community, and Sad Laughter is his "demotivational" guide to writing, publishing, and surviving in the age of social media. Much of the writing in this collection takes the form of humorous tweets and facebook status updates, but this book isn't a novelty. Sad Laughter contains real heart and wisdom, and if you're in any way interested or involved in creative writing in the digital age, this book should be of interest.


Betty Ford: First Lady, Women's Advocate, Survivor, Trailblazer by Lisa McCubbin

An insightful biography of Betty Ford, detailing her childhood growing up in Grand Rapids, marriage to Gerald Ford, path to the White House, and struggles with addiction to prescription pills and alcohol - leading to the opening of the Betty Ford Center. Betty is portrayed honestly, as told by family, friends, and colleagues closest to her.


Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama's biography. Easy to read and full of information about Michelle's life journey so far. There is so much we don't know about Mrs. Obama and the places she has worked to make a difference. Loved this book! The audio version is read by Mrs. Obama her self, which is wonderful.


Brian R. Johnston
Head of Public Services
Lincoln Township Public Library
2099 W. John Beers Road
Stevensville, MI 49127
(269) 429-9575
bjohnston at lincolnlib.org
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