​The Plot:
It's not a plot - it's true!  Dumas' memoir is a collection of stories and anecdotes about her experiences emigrating to the United States as a child and then returning, after a stretch back in Iran, at the start of the Iranian Revolution.  The stories are not chronological, jumping around to different memories and periods of her life, but as the title suggests, they are mostly humorous anecdotes.  Even when sharing stories about feeling isolated in American society or about some of the backlash her family felt due to the American hostage situation in 1979, Dumas' tone is light.  Her book is not meant to admonish or weigh down the reader.  It is simply her version, complete with her characteristic sense of humor, of her life both as an American immigrant and as a still very connected member of Iranian culture.

Why It's Worth Reading:
America is a country of immigrants.  Other than Native American people, nearly every other U.S. resident is descended from an immigrant.  In the most recent case, I am a third generation American citizen, and yet, I connected strongly to Dumas' stories.  There is something in all of us that makes us feel different, unique, isolated or misunderstood.  In some cases, those qualities are ones that we can be proud of or find inspiring.  In other situations, we may feel foolish or disconnected.  This is a universal human characteristic, but Dumas' captures it so beautifully, without the heavy hand that sometimes comes with a story that teaches a lesson.  Additionally, Dumas' experiences as part of a large, proud culturally-expressive family resonated fiercely in me.  I have no Persian lineage that I am aware of, but so many of her family members, traditions, and stories reminded me of one of my own or one passed down in my family.  That's the best part of heritage and culture, isn't it?  The differentiation between cultures defines groups, but the lateral similarities also serve to unify them.  We have so many different cultures, languages, ethnicities and heritages here in Novi.  This book is the perfect conversation starter to draw out the characteristics that make us unique along with the ones that connect and bind us.

Book Details
​ISBN: 1400060400
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Villard Books
Publication Date: January 13, 2004
Awards: Thurber Prize for American Humor Nominee
Source: Library
Do We Own a Copy?: 2 copies will be added to our memoir collection shortly

The Plot:
As Arthur Leander, once famous, now somewhat fading actor is having a heart attack on stage during his final performance, the Georgian Flu is spreading at a rapid rate, killing nearly everyone in its wake.  Young Kirsten watches from backstage as Arthur falls, deeply impacted by his life and story.  Twenty years later, Kirsten is a survivor, part of the post-flu world that has come to be.  She travels by foot and make-shift caravan around what was once the state of Michigan as part of a traveling Shakespeare company, setting up camp in various settlements to give performances and then moving on to new locations.  In a non-chronological series of pre- and post-pandemic scenes, the people connected to Arthur Leander's life, including Kirsten, multiple ex-wives, and his best friend, Clark, reveal how the flu changed the world, how life came to be as it is Twenty Years After, and how Arthur somehow managed to have a lasting impact on each of them.

Why It's Worth Reading:
I'm definitely at the back of the pack when it comes to this novel.  It was heavily publicized and read last year as part of the National Book Award and Michigan Notable Books programs.  It has circulated through the classrooms and staff of Novi High School with enthusiastic recommendations.  Superintendent, Dr. Matthews, even recommended it to some of our students as one of his recent favorite books.  That being said, now that I've finally jumped on the Station Eleven bandwagon, I must review and recommend it highly.  It's one of the best books I've read in a while.  I could recommend it to adults and students alike.  It's a post-apocalyptic story that takes the concept of life after our present, modern world it to a new level.  If you've found yourself to be a fan of the bevy of YA dystopian lit. on the market, and want to expand your horizons, Station Eleven would be the perfect place to start.  It's got similar themes, but the maturity of the story, the depth of the impact of the flu, goes beyond heroes vs. villains and complex government conspiracies.  My favorite part - for a book that has such a serious, even depressing, premise, I found this book to incredibly hopeful.  The motto of the traveling theater troupe says it all: "Survival is insufficient."  If you're looking for a beautifully-written, captivating read full of well-drawn characters or if you're just trying to branch out from The Hunger Games, try Station Eleven.  I'm deeply glad that I did.

​Book Details:
ISBN: 9780804172448
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Vintage
Publication Date: January 1, 2014
Awards: Arthur C. Clarke Award for Best Novel 2015, National Book Award Finalist 2015, Michigan Notable Book 2015
Source: Mrs. Maguire (She has a set of 15 that she received as part of a small grant.  I'm sure she'd be happy to loan one if our library copies are checked out.)
Do We Own a Copy?: Several copies are on order!

The Plot:
Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain.  He has been one ever since he was kicked out of the The Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics after being betrayed by his childhood friend, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin.  They are now sworn enemies.  When snarky, shape-shifting Nimona shows up to become his evil sidekick, Blackheart is unenthusiastic.  He does not now, nor has he ever, needed a sidekick.  But Nimona proves to be rather useful, turning into ferocious beasts when they are faced with danger or masquerading as an innocent child when they are working undercover.  He may have to keep her around after all.  To Blackheart's great surprise, the open book he thinks he has found in Nimona has a surprising, mysterious past, the kind of legend, that may be her downfall.  Will they be able to overcome these new obstacles together?

​Why It's Worth Reading:
Graphic novels can cover so much ground and come in so many different packages.  It is instantly clear that one amazing reason to read Nimona is the artwork.  Beautiful, full-color illustrations accompany the story from start to finish.  But the story itself should not be overlooked.  What starts off reading as an obvious hero vs. villain comic book, complete with fights scenes and crazy weapons, becomes a more complex tale with every page.  Nimona's attitude sets her apart as a character to remember immediately, and the conclusion is surprisingly heart-warming despite both Blackheart & Nimona's attempts to stay disconnected and distant from nearly every other character.  Not to be too practical here, but if fantastic images and an exciting, yet touching story aren't enough, there's also the time factor involved in reading a graphic novel.  Though you can spend as much time as you'd like pouring over the art as well as the text, reading a story propelled by pictures is never going to take as long as one driven strictly by text.  You might be able to make it through a graphic novel in less than half the time it would take you to read a prose novel.  Plus, some interesting studies show that your brain will access this kind of story in a completely different way as a result of the visual component.  If you've been thinking about trying out a graphic novel, grab a copy of this one.  It's a fast, exciting, even slightly moving way to dip your toe into the graphic novel pool.

​Book Details:
ISBN: 9780062278234
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: May 12, 2015
Awards: Oh yeah!  Long list for the National Book Award for Young People's Literature, Slate Cartoonist Studio Prize for Best Web Comic, Harvey Award for Best Online Comics Work, Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards Nominee for Best Digital/Web Comic, Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Graphic Novels & Comics.
Source: LIBRES
Do We Own a Copy?: Yes!  And my LIBRES copy will make two!

​​

The Plot:
Amy has cerebral palsy and is entering her senior year realizing that she's never really interacted much with her peers.  Matthew has OCD and has been hiding it from everyone as much as he can, but it seems to be getting worse.  When Matthew begins working as Amy's peer helper, neither expects the change and motivation that the other stimulates in them.  They don't expect to become best friends.  And they certainly don't expect anything more.  Expectations are funny that way.  They are often blown apart by reality.

Why It's Worth Reading:
Say What You Will is such a sweet romance featuring such unique, honest and authentic characters.  I found it compelling and moving and just plain interesting.  The aspects of both Amy and Matthew's physical and mental disabilities were handled with great tact and clearly with much background knowledge and research.  I felt like I learned things unintentionally while reading the story - how electronic voice communicators work, and some treatment challenges for people dealing with OCD.  I love that the author was willing to recognize the possibility of a very realistic romance  between these two characters.  And the story definitely had some surprises which is always appealing to me.  I hate it when I can predict every plot twist before it happens.  If you enjoy realistic fiction or have an interest in psychology or anatomy, this could be a great option for you!

Book Details:
ISBN: 9780062271105
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Harper Teen
Publication Date: June 3, 2014
Awards: 3 starred reviews
Source: LIBRES
Do We Own a Copy?: Yes!  And my LIBRES copy will be added shortly too.