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The warmth of other suns : the epic story of America's great migration / |
Chicago Public Library's One Book One Chicago series has been expanded, with plenty of great programs, events and discussions to attend throughout the rest of the year. This year's book selection is Isabel Wilkerson's much-lauded The Warmth of Other Suns. The book is about the Great Migration of African Americans in the 20th Century from the Jim Crow South to the northern cities in search of opportunity. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Wilkerson's bestseller blends academic research with captivating oral history to give us a page-turning and informative narrative. We'll also be using this book as a springboard to talk about the greater themes of migration and the classic American pursuit of happiness, and we would love it if you would join us. (Available in multiple formats.) |
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Whitey Bulger : America's most wanted gangster and the manhunt that brought him to justice / |
Although there have been a few books about Whitey Bulger since his arrest in 2011, this comprehensive account of Bulger's life of crime is particularly good. Boston Globe reporters Kevin Cullen and Shelley Murphy provide a well-researched, highly engaging account of Bulger's life from juvenile delinquent to FBI informant to head of the Irish Mob. It's an absolutely gripping piece of narrative non-fiction. |
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The great Gatsby / |
What with the recent books about Zelda Fitzgerald and the upcoming movie adaptation of Gatsbyfrom director Baz Luhrmann starring Leonardo DiCaprio, people are taking a keen interest in this Jazz Age classic once again. Narrated by Nick Carraway, it's the tale of his friendship with a millionaire who's famous for the wild, lavish paties he throws on his estate on Long Island. The story also concerns Nick's cousin Daisy and her husband Tom, a snob from old money who looks down on this Gatsby fellow. If you've never read the book, consider checking out this memorable, brilliant novel that moves as fast as a new car at top speed. And if you haven't read it since school, you may be surprised at how funny Nick is, how modern the novel still feels, and what a pack it still punches. (Available in multiple formats.) |
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Z : a novel of Zelda Fitzgerald / |
It seems there has been a recent surge of interest in the roaring twenties. Recently Paula McLain captivated readers with her story of the first Mrs. Hemingway in The Paris Wife. Now we have Fowler's biographical novel of Zelda Fitzgerald, whose tumultuous marriage to F. Scott Fitzgerald has made her the subject of much conjecture. This well-researched look into the life of such a colorful character is sure to appeal to fans of historical fiction or anyone with an interest in this pivotal and lively period of literary history. |
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How to get filthy rich in rising Asia / |
Hamid's inventive novel, How To Get Filthy Rich In Rising Asia, doubles as a self-help manual. Written in the second person, Hamid instructs "you" on how to do just that - get filthy rich in rising Asia - by telling your rags-to-riches story. It's a tale of how a young impoverished boy living in rural Asia, ostensibly Pakistan, transforms into a successful businessman. Clever, funny and timely, this novel is sure to appeal to fans of The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. (Available in multiple formats.) |
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Fresh off the boat : a memoir / |
Chefs' memoirs are all the rage recently. This latest from NYC chef Huang is engaging because of the wonderful portrait Huang draws of his tight-knit Chinese-American family. He is up front and bold in his honesty about the somewhat dysfunctional nature of his home life, but that's what makes his story so universal. His depiction of his mother and their relationship is particularly endearing. Of course, his story would not be complete without descriptive tales of his love of food and where his passion for cooking came from. Add to this Huang's writing style, infused with humor and plenty of pop culture references, and this is one enjoyable read, and not just for foodies. (Available in multiple formats.) |
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Storm kings : the untold history of America's first tornado chasers / |
As Chicagoans know too well, the Midwest is infamous for its weather, especially the tornadoes of the prairie states (imagine the Wizard of Oz without its storm). In this book, author Sandlin ("Wicked River: The Mississippi When It Last Ran Wild") looks at these famous and fearsome storm systems and the history of the scientists who study them (including Ben Franklin and that kite of his). Are you a secret Weather Channel addict? This one's for you. (Available in multiple formats.) |