Librarians Sarah and Meagan talk about the delightful novel Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. In it, a former actress recounts her summer with a famous actor, as she and her adult daughters pick cherries during the pandemic shutdown. Also mentioned: Our Town by Thornton Wilder; Bel Canto, The Dutch House, Truth and Beauty, and State of Wonder by Ann Patchett; Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy; The Sentence by Louise Erdrich; and Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngart. Check out books and movies at ...
Oct 25, 2023•37 min
West Allis residents and library book clubbers Jen and Jessi join Sarah for a discussion of what they’ve been reading. They also talk about why they enjoy book clubs, how they choose what to read next, odd jobs they’d like to pursue, and more. Titles discussed in this episode include: How Can I Help You by Laura Sims, Murder Is a Piece of Cake by Valerie Burns, the Fox and O’Hare series by Janet Evanovich, Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan, Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor,...
Sep 25, 2023•40 min•Ep. 32
Julia the intern hosts this episode and is joined by librarian Sarah as they discuss cozy mysteries. This is a shared favorite genre of the two. They discuss the basics of cozies, what readers can expect when they open up a cozy, and favorite titles of theirs! Titles discussed in this episode include: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, A Death in Door County by Annelise Ryan, Shady Hollow by Juneau Black, the Hannah Swensen Series by Joanne Fluke, Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney, Happine...
Aug 29, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Katie and Sarah talk about books that will tickle your funny bone. Whether you enjoy essays, memoirs or novels, you’ll find a story guaranteed* to make you laugh. Titles discussed in this episode include: King of the Mild Frontier by Chris Crutcher, Big Swiss by Jen Beagin, Hey Ladies! by Michelle Markowitz and Caroline Moss, Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris, The Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club by Laurie Notaro, Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster, Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny, ...
Jul 26, 2023•39 min
Intern Julia joins Sarah and Katie to discuss Gabrielle Zevin’s must-read novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, which follows Sam and Sadie who design hit video games. It’s an unforgettable, moving tale about storytelling, friendship and the creative process. Also mentioned: The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon, Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter, Looking for Alaska and The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green, Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin, Anne Tyler, and The Correctio...
Jun 26, 2023•31 min•Ep. 29
Just in time for summer, we talk about what we think makes for a good beach read and offer a variety of recommendations, several of which are recent releases. We also chat about why we enjoy reimagined stories, whether inspired by Jane Austen novels, fairy tales or other source material. Titles discussed in this episode include: Book Lovers by Emily Henry; Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld; Hooked, Scarred, Wretched and Twisted by Emily McIntire; This Bird Has Flown by Susanna Hoffs; The Last...
May 25, 2023•39 min•Ep. 28
Thirty years after it was published, The Secret History by Donna Tartt remains as influential as ever, mentioned on cover blurbs and social media. It even informs the Dark Academia subculture. Librarians Meagan and Sarah discuss the atmospheric campus novel and talk about the joys of rereading. Check out books and movies at countycat.mcfls.org, wplc.overdrive.com and hoopladigital.com. For more about WAPL, visit westallislibrary.org. Music: Tim Moor via Pixabay
Apr 24, 2023•33 min•Ep. 27
Were you excited about the return of Alex Stern? Four years after Ninth House , Hell Bent heads back to the Yale campus, where magic is practiced in secret societies. Librarians Sarah and Desirae discuss why they enjoy the mystery/fantasy series, plus they talk about what magic they’d like to practice. Titles discussed in this episode include: Ninth House and Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo. Also mentioned: Shadow and Bone , Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo; The Girl With the Dragon ...
Mar 24, 2023•36 min
WAPL librarian Sarah talks with Liam Callanan about his latest novel, When in Rome. It’s about a woman who must choose between the chance to save a struggling convent and a life with her old flame. Plus, Sarah and Callanan talk about Paris, Milwaukee and Wisconsin State Fair cream puffs. Titles discussed in this episode include: When in Rome, Paris by the Book, The Cloud Atlas and All Saints by Liam Callanan. Also mentioned: The podcast The Bittersweet Life, Ninth House and Hell Bent by Leigh Ba...
Feb 24, 2023•36 min
WAPL librarians Desirae and Katie talk about their favorite love stories. They chat about sports themed romance, as well as other novels they recommend. Plus, they talk about fanfiction and romance tropes they love and hate. Titles and series discussed in this episode include: The Hellions Angles series by Lia Riley; the Playbook series by Alexa Martin; the Chicago Stars series by Susan Elizabeth Phillips; the Spoiler Alert series by Olivia Dade; the Hundred Oaks series by Miranda Kenneally; If ...
Jan 24, 2023•35 min•Ep. 24
Do you have reading resolutions for the new year? Whether you want to focus your efforts on reading outside your comfort zone or simply want to read more, check out these suggestions from librarians Katie, Meagan and Sarah. They also talk about book discovery resources and what they’re looking forward to reading next. Titles mentioned in this episode include: Empire of Pain and Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe; Rust Belt Femme by Raechel Anne Jolie; Olga Dies Dreaming by by Xochitl Gonzalez; ...
Dec 27, 2022•39 min•Ep. 23
In this episode, we welcome WAPL librarian Gina to the podcast. She, Desirae and Sarah suggest gift ideas, both fiction and nonfiction, for the various book lovers in your life—and maybe for yourself. Titles discussed in this episode include: The Boys by Katie Hafner; Go to Sleep (I Miss You) by Lucy Knisley; Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff; How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis; Dinner in One by Melissa Clark; The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart; The Witch’s Heart by Ge...
Nov 29, 2022•37 min•Ep. 22
We welcome Meagan, an adult services librarian at WAPL, to the podcast. She joins Sarah to recommend books you might enjoy during Native American Heritage Month and beyond. Titles discussed in this episode include: The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer, Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, Carry: A Memoir of Survival on Stolen Land by Toni Jensen, The Sentence by Louise Erdrich, My Heart Is a Chainsaw by Stephen Graham Jones and Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. Read a...
Oct 25, 2022•36 min•Ep. 21
Intern Beth P. chats with local author Anna Lardinois about haunted history in Wisconsin and the release of her new book, Madison Ghosts and Legends, a companion book to Milwaukee Ghosts and Legends. Lardinois reveals some of her top spots for paranormal activity and discloses how she researches Wisconsin history to find stories for her books. She also talks about being a tour guide for shipwreck tours in Milwaukee and shares what attracts her to storytelling. Titles discussed in this episode: M...
Sep 26, 2022•28 min•Ep. 20
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins Sept. 15, WAPL librarians Sarah, Desirae and Katie discuss Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez. The novel follows a wedding planner and her politician brother and involves family relationships, romantic relationships, Puerto Rican culture and politics, and much more. Plus, they offer readalikes that touch on aspects of the book. Also mentioned: Birds of Paradise by Diana Abu-Jaber, Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn, I’ll ...
Aug 26, 2022•33 min•Ep. 19
Are you in the mood for a summer read, narrative nonfiction book, mystery or thriller? WAPL staffers Sarah, Desirae and Beth P. talk about their recent reads plus what they’re looking forward to reading next. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny, The Café by the Sea by Jenny Colgan, Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan, The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater, The Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell, An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen, Behin...
Jul 25, 2022•35 min•Ep. 18
Molly Shannon, Viola Davis, Matthew McConaughey, Colin Jost—many stars are writing their stories. Librarians Katie and Sarah talk about celebrity memoirs they’ve enjoyed in this episode. These books vary in style, so you’re bound to find one you’ll enjoy. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: Bossypants by Tina Fey; Open Book by Jessica Simpson; This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy Philipps; Run Towards the Danger by Sarah Polley; Yearbook by Seth Rogen; Dear Girls by Ali Wong; H...
Jun 27, 2022•50 min•Ep. 17
This month librarians Desirae, Sarah and Katie discuss the romantic thriller Verity, which follows a struggling writer who accepts an offer to finish a series by an injured bestselling author. If you like plot twists, this one’s for you! Plus, we consider who should be cast in the main roles in a movie adaptation. Also mentioned: Flowers in the Attic and Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, Linda Howard, Harlan Coben, the TV series The Fall, the movie Barb & Star G...
May 27, 2022•35 min•Ep. 16
This month librarians Elizabeth, Sarah and Desirae discuss the bestselling mystery The Maid by Nita Prose. It follows a hotel maid whose tidy life is turned upside down when she becomes a murder suspect. We fell in love with Molly the Maid, and we think you will, too! Also mentioned: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, the Shady Hollow mystery series by Juneau Black, and Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple mysteries by Agatha Christie. Check out books at countycat.mcfls.org, wplc.ov...
Apr 25, 2022•49 min•Ep. 15
Mystery fans, take note! WAPL librarian Sarah chats with local writers Erica Ruth Neubauer, author of the Jane Wunderly mysteries, and Sharon Nagel, co-author of the Shady Hollow mysteries. They cover the influence of Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew as well as the process of writing and getting published. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: Murder at the Mena House, Murder at Wedgefield Manor and Danger on the Atlantic by Erica Ruth Neubauer, and Shady Hollow, Cold Clay and Mirr...
Mar 25, 2022•48 min•Ep. 14
Librarians Sarah and Katie chat about what they’re currently reading and new books on their to-read list. They riff on short stories, memoirs, mysteries, family reads, the ’90s and more. Plus, they talk about novels versus short stories and what BookTok offers readers. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: These Ghosts Are Family by Maisy Card, The Wreckage of My Presence by Casey Wilson, The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, The Department of Rare Books and Special Collecti...
Feb 25, 2022•36 min•Ep. 13
WAPL librarians Sarah and Desirae discuss fabulous fiction by Black authors for Black History Month. They chat about Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half, as well as other novels they recommend. Plus, they talk about why some audiobooks delight them and others annoy them, as well as why they aren’t put off by unlikable characters. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton, These Toxic Things and Land ...
Jan 28, 2022•42 min•Ep. 12
Join librarians Sarah and Katie for a conversation about Firekeeper’s Daughter, as well as other great YA books you’ll love—no matter what your age happens to be. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak; Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley; Time Will Tell by Barry Lyga; In the Wild Light and The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner; The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater; Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein; Angie Thomas; Long Way Down, Ghost and Miles M...
Dec 28, 2021•41 min•Ep. 11
Join us for the second half of our conversation about the best books we read this year! Librarians Sarah and Desirae, along with WAPL book club members Michele and Heather, chat about food, paranormal romance and reimagining Greek myths. Part 2 of 2. Titles discussed in this episode include: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, Eight Ways to Tequila (An Althea Rose Mystery) by Tricia O'Malley, If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio, and Neon Gods by Katee Robert. Also mentioned: The Siren Island series...
Dec 13, 2021•36 min•Ep. 10
Librarians Sarah and Desirae welcome WAPL book club members Michele and Heather for a conversation about the best books we read this year. We talk about inspiring characters who overcame obstacles, stories that delve into parent-child dynamics, and the impact of social media—and how the future might look. Part 1 of 2. Titles discussed in this episode include: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria Schwab, Educated by Tara Westover, The First Day of Spring by Nancy Tucker, Baby Teeth by Zo...
Nov 27, 2021•33 min•Ep. 9
In this grab bag episode, librarians Elizabeth and Sarah talk about recent reads—mainly mysteries and memoirs—as well as giving themselves permission to give up on a book and grab another from the to-read pile. They also share how they discover books and why you should try listening to audiobooks on the Hoopla app, which is free to access with your library card. Titles discussed in this episode include: Committed by Adam Stern, the TV series In Treatment, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori...
Oct 28, 2021•35 min•Ep. 8
Librarians Elizabeth, Sarah and Desirae chat about Zakiya Dalila Harris’ popular novel that offers a behind-the-scenes look at book publishing and blends horror elements, humor and social commentary. Our conversation touches on hair and how it relates to identity, femininity and professionalism. Titles discussed in this episode include: The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris, False Witness by Karin Slaughter, Pet Sematary by Stephen King, Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris, The South...
Sep 29, 2021•38 min•Ep. 7
Librarian and host Sarah chats with Lauren Fox, local author of Send for Me, which follows four generations of women from 1930s Germany to contemporary Milwaukee. Fox talks about writing her first historical novel, her great-grandmother’s letters that inspired the story, and what it was like to have Send for Me picked as a Read With Jenna book and answer readers’ questions on the TODAY show. Titles discussed in this episode include: Send for Me, Still Life With Husband, Friends Like Us, and Days...
Aug 25, 2021•43 min•Ep. 6
Enjoy reading cookbooks for leisure? Why not try a cookbook memoir? Listen in as host Elizabeth and guest Mary discuss their new and old favorites in this genre. Books discussed in this episode are Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl, People Who Love to Eat Are Always the Best People and Other Wisdom by Julia Child, Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love, and Food by Ann Hood, Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley, Midnight Chicken: & Other Recip...
Jul 28, 2021•31 min•Ep. 5
In this episode, hosts Elizabeth and Sarah talk about their new favorite historical mystery series, Abir Mukherjee’s Wyndham & Banerjee Mysteries, set in 1920s India. It speaks to themes relevant to today’s readers, such as addiction and PTSD, even as its setting offers a delightful escape. Titles discussed in this episode include: A Rising Man, A Necessary Evil, Smoke and Ashes, and Death in the East, all by Abir Mukherjee. Also mentioned: Sujata Massey’s Perveen Mistry series; The Ibis Tri...
Jun 25, 2021•37 min•Ep. 4
