Hey, Sedona, here’s a question for you! Prior to Covid, there was a popular yearly event called Read Around Sedona. It was a community event that invited everyone to read the same book, then we would meet for discussions, meeting the author, and gather for different programs and events that centered on the communal book. Should we bring back Read Around Sedona? Let us know!
In the meantime, here are some summer suggestions from a few of the interesting people you’ll meet at the Library.
Sam Bivanco, Facilities Manager
I am relistening to “American Buffalo” by Steven Rinella. I saw an Instagram post about his book that came out a few years ago, and I liked it so much the first time I decided to revisit it using Libby, our downloadable e-book and audiobook app. It is an interesting book all about, well, the American Buffalo and the history that ties it to our past. I gravitated towards it after watching the author’s hunting show called MeatEater. It’s a good show if you are into seeing what a hunt is all about.
Cindy Mahon, Youth Services
I am currently reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt because my college age daughter suggested it. And so far, I like it! Even though it’s not the kind of book I normally read, the style of writing has drawn me in. The Secret History is actually 30 years old, but it has become popular again because of reviews on TikTok’s BookTok. I borrowed the book from the Chino Valley Library (thank you YLN)!
Milly Harmon, Business Office
There are two of the books I am currently working on and enjoying immensely. The first is The Incomplete, True, Authentic, and Wonderful History of May Day by Peter Linebaugh. It checks off all my “history, nonfiction, politics, and labor organizing” boxes. It’s radically eye opening, inspiring, and entirely relevant—very typical of my taste. I’m also listening to an audio book on Libby called Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. It’s perfect for my “humorous fiction” reading tastes. This book has made me laugh out loud several times. It’s outside of my usual genre preferences but has continued to provide a welcome break from everyday reality.
Jeff H., Volunteer
I’m re-reading The Thursday Murder Club. It is this month’s selection for the OLLI Book Club. It is a quirky and charming murder mystery about British pensioners who solve murders. I primarily read science fiction but do read occasional mysteries and sometimes non-fiction. I’m reading it on my Kindle.
Caroline R., Volunteer
I am currently reading The Clockmaker’s Daughter by Kate Morton, and I’m really enjoying it. I have read other books by this author that I have enjoyed, so I was happy to be given this one to take along on my travels. I prefer having a physical book in my hands, so I can easily flip the pages back and forth as needed to clarify any questions. I also enjoy audio books if they have a good narrator, which allows me to knit or work on puzzles at the same time. Libby is convenient when traveling. My genre preference is historical fiction, although the one I am reading now is not.
Carole C., Volunteer
Currently I am reading Central Park West: A Crime Novel by James Comey. I picked it up because our son lives in Central Park East in New York City. This is what the author Michael Connelly wrote about it, and I totally agree: “A great read. Brimming with been-there-done-that authority, it’s clear James Comey knows this world [FBI, DOJ] like the back of his hand. And he delivers it with the addictive style of an expert storyteller.” I couldn’t put it down because I wanted to know what happened. I admired James Comey as a federal employee & now as a novelist! And yes, I love mysteries & holding paper books in my hands!
Carole C.’s recommendation had me so intrigued that I had to check out the audiobook on Libby. I’m only one chapter into it, and so far, I’m loving it. Fun fact—James Comey and I are both from New Jersey, and graduates of the same high school, Northern Highlands Regional High School in Allendale, NJ – albeit about thirty years or so apart.
Whether you read from a physical book or via an eReader, or are a consumer of audiobooks, it’s always great to hear what others are reading. It’s a perfect way to discover new authors or subjects. I keep my reading pretty low key. I typically read about the world of upstart lawyers fighting the system or grizzled police detectives trying to solve a hard case to catch a criminal.
For more recommendations, or if you’re just curious to see what’s available in the catalog, just click the “Books and More” tab on the library homepage (sedonalibrary.org) and click the ‘Search the Catalog’ tab. Choose from different genres, subject specific tabs like the “Southwest Books of the Year 2024.” Every month we also have the current issue of BookPage free for patrons. BookPage is a free magazine that highlights the best new books across all genres.
It’s a wonderful time to get your library card if you are a Sedona or Yavapai County resident. Of course it’s free, and it grants you access to not only a myriad of reading options, but you can also check out an Act One Culture Pass for free entry for two at one of a myriad of museums, and also The Arboretum at Flagstaff. If you’ve been on the fence or want to know more, stop in and we will be happy to help you download the Libby app.
Also, please be sure to visit our website and see what events are happening this month—not just in West Sedona but also at our Village of Oak Creek Library, or sign-up for our monthly newsletter.
I do hope that you’re reading something great and would love to hear what that is. Send me at email at janmarc@sedonalibrary.org and we’ll include it in a future “what are we reading” column. Happy page-turning, my fellow bookhounds!
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your gifts supplement the funding and support we receive from the City of Sedona, Coconino and Yavapai County property taxes, and the Friends of The Sedona Library. Please visit sedonalibrary.org/donate to make an online gift.
As published by Red Rock News
Library News Column for May 10, 2024
Written by Jan Marc Quisumbing, Scheduling Coordinator