Month: February 2023

Hi everyone, here is the weekly list of New York Times Bestsellers.

Each title is followed by a listing of which formats it is available in for check out within the three catalogs: StarCat (Print, Large Print & CD Audiobook), The Digital Catalog (eBook & Downloadable Audiobook) and the Hoopla Catalog (Hoopla instant checkout eBook & Hoopla Audiobook).

For more information on the three catalogs skip to the section below the bestselling titles*

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New York Times Bestseller blog posts are published on Sundays.And the next New York Times blog post will be published Sunday, March 5, 2023.

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FICTION

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3 DAYS TO LIVE by James Patterson

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print & CD Audiobook)

Three thrillers: “3 Days to Live,” “Women and Children First” and “The Housekeepers.”

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THE BOYS FROM BILOXI by John Grisham

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD audiobook & eBook)

Two childhood friends follow in their fathers’ footsteps, which puts them on opposite sides of the law.

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DAISY JONES & THE SIX by Taylor Jenkins Reid

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook, Downloadable Audiobook & CD Audiobook)

A fictional oral history charting the rise and fall of a ’70s rock ’n’ roll band.

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DEMON COPPERHEAD by Barbara Kingsolver

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook & eBook)

A reimagining of Charles Dickens’s “David Copperfield” set in the mountains of southern Appalachia.

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ENCORE IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The 56th book of the In Death series. Eve Dallas investigates the mysterious death of a well-loved star of stage and screen.

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FAIRY TALE by Stephen King

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

A high school kid inherits a shed that is a portal to another world where good and evil are at war.

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HEART BONES by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book & eBook)

After an unexpected death prevents her from going to Penn State and and forces her to move in with her absent father, Beyah Grim has a summer fling with the rich guy next door.

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HOUSE IN THE PINES by Ana Reyes

(Available Formats: eBook)

Seven years after witnessing her best friend drop dead, May returns to her Berkshires hometown to piece together what happened.

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HOUSE OF EVE by Sadeqa Johnson

(Available Formats: Print Book)

Complications involving love, family and higher education impact the lives of two women living in the 1950s.

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HOUSE OF WOLVES by James Patterson and Mike Lupica

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook & eBook)

After her father is murdered, Jenny Wolf becomes the head of a powerful family in California.

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IT ENDS WITH US by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book & Downloadable Audiobook)

A battered wife raised in a violent home attempts to halt the cycle of abuse.

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IT STARTS WITH US by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book)

In the sequel to “It Ends With Us,” Lily deals with her jealous ex-husband as she reconnects with her first boyfriend.

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LAST ORPHAN by Gregg Hurwitz

(Available Formats: Print Book & CD Audiobook)

The eighth book in the Orphan X series. Evan Smoak must choose between his principles or his life.

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LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

A scientist and single mother living in California in the 1960s becomes a star on a TV cooking show.

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MAD HONEY by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

After returning to her hometown, Olivia McAfee’s son gets accused of killing his crush.

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THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Nora Seed finds a library beyond the edge of the universe that contains books with multiple possibilities of the lives one could have lived.

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REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

A widow working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium is aided in solving a mystery by a giant Pacific octopus living there.

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THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

A movie icon recounts stories of her loves and career to a struggling magazine writer.

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THE SILENT PATIENT by Alex Michaelides

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Theo Faber looks into the mystery of a famous painter who stops speaking after shooting her husband.

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SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES by Jojo Moyes

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook)

Drastic changes and a pair of six-inch high Christian Louboutin red crocodile shoes shake up the lives of two women.

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THINGS WE NEVER GOT OVER by Lucy Score

(Available Formats: Print Book)

A runaway bride becomes the guardian of her evil twin’s daughter and gets some help from a bad-boy barber.

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TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Two friends find their partnership challenged in the world of video game design.

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UGLY LOVE by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Hoopla instant checkout audiobook)

Tate Collins and Miles Archer, an airline pilot, think they can handle a no strings attached arrangement. But they can’t.

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VERITY by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book & eBook)

Lowen Ashleigh is hired by the husband of an injured writer to complete her popular series and uncovers a horrifying truth.

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VICTORY CITY by Salman Rushdie

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

After a battle in 14th-century southern India, a girl named Pampa Kampana becomes a vessel for a goddess and spends 250 years seeking to give women equal agency in a patriarchal world.

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NON-FICTION:

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1619 PROJECT edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones, Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman and Jake Silverstein

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Viewing America’s entanglement with slavery and its legacy, in essays adapted and expanded from The New York Times Magazine

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ALL ABOUT LOVE by bell hooks

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook, Downloadable Audiobook & Hoopla Instant Checkout eBook)

The late feminist icon explores the causes of a polarized society and the meaning of love.

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BITTERSWEET by Susan Cain

(Available Formats: Print, Large Print, CD Audiobook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The author of “Quiet” suggests ways to embrace loss and suffering within ourselves and others.

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THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE by Bessel van der Kolk

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

How trauma affects the body and mind, and innovative treatments for recovery.

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CASTE by Isabel Wilkerson

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist examines aspects of caste systems across civilizations and reveals a rigid hierarchy in America today.

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CLIMATE BOOK by Greta Thunberg

(Available Formats: Print Book)

The activist exposes greenwashing efforts and shares insights from leaders in various fields about climate challenges.

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FINDING ME by Viola Davis

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The multiple award-winning actress describes the difficulties she encountered before claiming her sense of self and achieving professional success.

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FRIENDS, LOVERS, AND THE BIG TERRIBLE THING by Matthew Perry

(Available Formats: Print Book. eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The actor, known for playing Chandler Bing on “Friends,” shares stories from his childhood and his struggles with sobriety.

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GREENLIGHTS by Matthew McConaughey

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The Academy Award-winning actor shares snippets from the diaries he kept over 35 years.

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I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED by Jennette McCurdy

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The actress and filmmaker describes her eating disorders and difficult relationship with her mother.

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KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON by David Grann

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The story of a murder spree in 1920s Oklahoma that targeted Osage Indians, whose lands contained oil.

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THE LIGHT WE CARRY by Michelle Obama

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print & eBook)

The former first lady shares personal stories and the tools she uses to deal with difficult situations.

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LOVE, PAMELA by Pamela Anderson

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The actress and activist details her childhood, rise to fame and the ways she is reclaiming the narrative of her life.

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NAZI CONSPIRACY by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch

(Available Formats: Print Book & CD Audiobook)

The story of a Nazi plot to kill President Roosevelt, Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill.

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NEVER GIVE AN INCH by Mike Pompeo

(Available Formats: Print Book)

The former secretary of state gives his account of his time serving under President Trump, with a focus on an America First approach.

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SPARE  by Prince Harry

(Available Formats: Print Book,

The Duke of Sussex details his struggles with the royal family, loss of his mother, service in the British Army and marriage to Meghan Markle.

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STRAIGHT SHOOTER by Stephen A. Smith

(Available Formats: Print Book)

The ESPN analyst recounts the highs and lows of his life and career.

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UNSCRIPTED by James B. Stewart and Rachel Abrams

(Available Formats: Not yet available in any library catalog)

Two New York Times journalists portray power struggles within Paramount Global, the multibillion-dollar entertainment empire controlled by the Redstone family.

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WALK THE BLUE LINE by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann with Chris Mooney

(Available Formats: Print Book & CD Audiobook)

A collection of stories about police officers.

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Happy reading!

Linda Reimer, SSL

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*Information on the Three Catalogs*

Digital Catalog: https://stls.overdrive.com/

The Digital Catalog has two companion apps, Libby & OverDrive. Libby is the app for newer devices and the OverDrive app should be used for older devices and Amazon tablets.

All card holders of all Southern Tier Library System member libraries can check out items from the Digital Catalog.

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Hoopla Catalog: https://www.hoopladigital.com/

The Hoopla Catalog features instant check outs of eBooks, downloadable audiobook, comic books, albums and streaming videos. Patron check out limit is 4 items per month.

Hoopla is a Southeast Steuben County Library service available to all Southeast Steuben County Library card holders.

The Hoopla App is available for Android or Apple devices and most smart TVs & media streaming players.

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StarCat: The catalog of physical/traditional library materials: https://starcat.stls.org

Card holders of all Southern Tier Library System member libraries can access StarCat to search for and request materials available at libraries through out the Southern Tier Library System.

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Also of Note: If a New York Times Bestseller isn’t yet available in any of the three catalogs; you can contact the library and request to be notified when it becomes available.

Southeast Steuben County Library Tel: 607-936-3713

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Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, welcome to our Suggested Listening posting for this week!

Suggested Listening postings are published on Fridays; and our next Suggested Listening posting will be out on Friday, March 3,2023.

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And here are the 10 recommended songs of the week!

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America by Simon & Garfunkel (Genre: Folk, Rock, Singer-Songwriter)

From The Album: Bookends (1968)

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Caravan by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra (Genre: Jazz)

From The Album: The Essential Duke Ellington (2007)

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Carnival Time by Delfeayo Marsalis (Genre: Jazz)

From The Album: Uptown on Mardi Gras Day (2023)

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Come Up The Years by The Jefferson Airplane (Genre: Classic Rock)

From The Album: Takes Off (1966)

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Dreams Come True by Buster Williams (Genre: Jazz)

From The Album: Dreams Come True (1981)

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Foolish Like Flowers by Eric Andersen (Genre: Folk)

From The Album: Foolish Like The Flowers (Live at Spaziomusica, Italy) (2023)

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I Don’t Mind Walking In The Rain by Bix Beiderbecke and His Orchestra (Genre: Jazz)

From The Album: (The Chronological Bix Beiderbecke) 1927-30 (1990)

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Jive Samba by Cannonball Adderley (Genre: Jazz)

From The Album: Cannonball Adderley Sextet, Lugano 1963 / Swiss Radio Days (1963)

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Name of the Wind by Startling Arrow (Genre: Folk)

From The Album: Cradle (2023)

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Streamline Train by Van Morrison (Genre: Singer-Songwriter, Pop/Rock)

From The Album: Moving On Skiffle (2023)

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Hoopla Recommend Album of the Week

Jazz At The Philharmonic: Best Of The 1940s Concerts by Various Artists (including Nat King Cole, Meade Lux Lewis, Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday & Lester Young)

And from the album the song:

Fast Boogie by Meade Lux Lewis

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Have a great weekend,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Online Catalog Links:

StarCat

The catalog of physical materials, i.e. print books, DVDs, audiobooks on CD, etc.

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The Digital Catalog, web version of Libby

The catalog of e-books, downloadable audiobooks and a handful of streaming videos.

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The Libby App

Libby is the companion app to the Digital Catalog and may be found in the Apple & Google app.

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Hoopla

A catalog of instant check out items, including eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, comic books, TV shows and movies for patrons of the Southeast Steuben County Library.

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Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, here are our recommended reads for the week!

*More information on the three catalogs and available formats is found at the end of the list of recommended reads*

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Weekly Suggested Reading postings are usually published on Wednesdays, unless Linda is swamped and then they are occasionally published on Thursdays.

And the next Suggested Reading posting will be published on Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

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The Angel Maker by Alex North

(Available Formats: Print Book – coming out February 28 – you can place a  hold for it now!)

This third thriller from North (after The Shadows, 2020) is impossible to define. At its center is a present-day murder, but embedded in its core are the paranormal, elements of cringeworthy horror, and a riveting study of the bonds and boundaries of sibling devotion, as well as a master study on determinism. If every detail of the past is set, then everything in the future must also be determined. The narrative spans decades, moving backward and forward in time, and is told from multiple perspectives beginning in the past with Jack Lock, the Angel Maker, a serial killer directed by his supposed ability to see the future. When philosophy professor Alan Hobbes is found murdered, it appears he had known death was coming for him and believed the suffering was due to having gone against what was predetermined. Detective Laurence Page is facing a complicated case, because every lead on Hobbes’ murder points back to the Angel Maker’s crimes and to a savage attack on teenager Christopher Shaw, whose sister, Katie, is experiencing her own terrors relating back to her brother’s assault. Everything in this story is connected in ways the reader can’t begin to imagine until a series of stunning parallels and revelations are disclosed. Wait for it! – Booklist Review

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An Autobiography of Skin: A Novel by Lakiesha Carr

(Available Formats: Print Book, coming out February 28 – place a hold for it now!)

Carr’s multigenerational debut explores the stories of three Black women in east Texas. Jeanette, in middle age, is in a loveless marriage and often finds herself in a secret gambling den. The adrenaline is short-lived before she inevitably heads home and faces the reality of the anniversary of her mother’s passing. Bookworm Maya marries a street guy who, working as a director of adult entertainment, is too busy to help Maya in her postpartum struggles. Two children later, Maya eventually succumbs to mental health issues because she realizes she can’t protect her two sons from the mortality of racism. Ketinah has the ability to see spirits and moves home to help her family overcome a ghost that haunts them. Emotions practically drip off the page as Carr immerses the reader in the lives of these women. Trauma nearly swallows them whole before victory emerges towards the end. The protagonists often appear two-dimensional, and their story ultimately leaves the reader wanting more, but Carr’s writing is eloquent and engaging, and her supporting characters are strong. – Booklist Review

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Best Served Hot by Amanda Elliot

(Available Formats: Print Book)

A foodie influencer teams up with a pretentious food critic in this zesty rom-com from Elliot (Sadie on a Plate). Julie Zimmerman works as an executive assistant but her true passion is trying trendy New York City restaurants and posting food reviews on social media. However, her meager salary has always placed a limit on her success; without a newspaper backing her financially, she has to pay for all her meals out of pocket. When she runs into haughty Bennett Wright, new restaurant critic for the powerful New York Scroll, at a food festival, his entitled demeanor sets her off, and their encounter ends in a shouting match. But when a video of them squabbling goes viral, boosting both of their platforms, they reluctantly agree that working together could be mutually beneficial. Despite their vastly different lifestyles, their shared love for food brings them closer, and their early contempt is replaced by undeniable, intoxicating chemistry. This classic enemies-to-lovers plot is a slow burn, but the result is worth the wait and the food descriptions along the way will make readers salivate. Romance fans are sure to be charmed. – Publishers Weekly Review

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Burner by Mark Greaney

(Available Formats: Print Book)

Bestseller Greaney’s solid 12th Gray Man novel (after 2022’s Sierra Six) finds former CIA officer Court Gentry (aka the Gray Man) sinking the yachts of wealthy criminal Russians on the behalf of an ex-pat Ukrainian oligarch, a freelance job Gentry considers honorable in the face of Moscow’s war on Ukraine, but next is locating his lost lover, former SVR operative Zoya Zakharova. In Zurich, Swiss banker Alex Velesky meets with Russian financial planner Igor Krupkin, who wants to strike at Russia because his son died while fighting in Ukraine. Krupkin has two phones loaded with state secrets regarding money that Russia has used to finance secret illegal operations in the West. He wants Velesky, who also hates Russia, to give one phone to the owner of a forensic accounting firm and the other to a shady lawyer so the material can be organized and made public. Gentry and Zoya are hired independently of each other to retrieve the phones. The two plots run parallel until the missions intersect and the two lovers are reunited and face almost impossible odds. Impressive spycraft and action scenes that are intense without being cartoonish make up for the drawn-out plot. Series fans will be satisfied. – Publishers Weekly Review

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Homestead by Melinda Moustakis

(Available Formats: Print Book)

Moustakis shines in her debut, the dramatic rendering of a young couple’s homesteader life in mid-1950s Alaska. Marie Kubala, having fled a dreary life in Texas, visits her sister and her husband, Sly, in Alaska, hoping to find a husband. Meanwhile, Lawrence Beringer, a Korean War vet from a small Minnesota farm, arrives with big dreams for his 150-acre claim in the Alaskan territory. The two meet at a lodge, where they bond over a shared excitement at the prospect of owning their own land. Moustakis adroitly traces their trajectory as they marry and throw themselves into the rigors of setting up a home in the wild. It takes a while for Lawrence to become intimate with Marie, and their relationship strengthens under false pretenses after he lies about adding her name to the land deed. Later, they face devastating challenges while trying to start a family, as well as catastrophic dangers in the wild, and Marie’s questions about the deed push them to a boiling point. The wondrous descriptions of the back-breaking labor involved in clearing and farming the land, and of the region’s vast beauty, will make readers feel like they’re there. This evocative, well-drawn account of Alaska’s American settlers is so convincing it ought to come with a pair of mittens. Starred Publishers Weekly Review

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A County You Can Leave by Asale Angel-Ajani

(Available Formats: Print Book)

Lara is nothing like her heavily sequined, chain-smoking mother, Yevgenia, who left Russia in the early eighties and has been nomadic ever since. Brash, always reading, and always complaining about the lack of intellectualism in the U.S., Yevgenia works as a waitress at a rural desert dive bar outside Los Angeles. Lara is Black–half Slavic, half Afro-Cuban–and, thanks to her latent Soviet mentality, Yevgenia sees social class as more pertinent than race, leaving Lara alone to navigate so much. This impressive debut novel follows Lara through her late teenage years as she struggles to make sense of herself, her mother, and her place in the world. Lara is an enchanting protagonist, equal parts skeptic and romantic. She dreams beyond the Oasis, the plot of mobile homes where she and Yevgenia currently reside. Lara’s quest morphs into a journey to find friendship, then her father, and then what, exactly, her future might hold. Angel-Ajani’s book is breathless and beautiful, and Lara is a gloriously brave American hero. – Booklist Review

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The Headmaster’s List by Melissa de la Cruz

(Available Formats:Print Book)

After leaving a party, four teens get into a car crash that results in traumatic injuries and death in this riveting mystery by de la Cruz (Going Dark). Eighteen-year-old Spencer Sandoval, an astronaut hopeful with plans to attend Caltech, is a top student and on the coveted Headmaster’s List at her elite L.A. prep school. Following the accident—which involved über-popular Christopher Moore, who was killed in the crash; classmate Tabby Hill; and ex-boyfriend Ethan Amoroso—Spencer wakes up in the hospital with serious injuries and few memories of the party. She’s given a service dog named Ripley and assigned a student aide, Ethan’s best friend Jackson Chen, to help her take notes in class. As she and Jackson grow closer, rumors claiming that Ethan was responsible for the crash begin circulating. Spencer and Jackson decide to investigate the incident, hoping to prove Ethan’s innocence, especially as an even more concerning rumor comes to light: that the crash was actually a premeditated murder. Employing familiar prep school tropes, de la Cruz renders an invigorating thriller populated by well-rounded characters and teeming with anticipatory tension. Character descriptions imply racial diversity throughout.

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The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest

(Available Formats: Print Book)

In this bookish romance, two people who fell for each other through email unknowingly become neighbors. Lily Greene’s dream job is to edit children’s books, specifically fantasy books with Black characters reminiscent of The Elves of Ceradon by the pseudonymous N.R. Strickland, her favorite little-known book, which is out of print. On a whim, Lily emails the author and is shocked when he responds. They strike up a correspondence that grows increasingly personal…until he ghosts her. Months later, needing a date to her sister’s wedding, she decides to ask her new “fine as hell” neighbor, not knowing he’s the man who just broke her heart. Nick Brown thought he’d put N.R. Strickland behind him, but when his literary agent strikes a major deal to republish The Elves of Ceradon and write two sequels, he moves to New York City, where he knows Lily lives. He stopped emailing her so he could continue to protect his closely held anonymity, but he misses her. When he discovers that the cute neighbor who asked him on a date is in fact Lily, he has to figure out if he’ll disclose the truth or keep his distance. Although the story relies on formulaic plotting, this romance has thoughtful portrayals of characters working on their self-esteem and learning to speak up for themselves, giving both leads room to grow. Realistic and interesting relationships between the leads and their families and friends add richness. Book-loving romantics will be charmed. – Kirkus Review

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The Writing Retreat: A Novel by Julia Bartz

(Available Formats:Print Book)

Aspiring novelist Alex—the narrator of Bartz’s audacious psychological thriller debut—idolizes button-pushing feminist horror writer Roza Vallo, so she’s elated when Roza selects her to attend an exclusive, all-female writing retreat at Blackbriar, Roza’s remote Adirondacks estate. Upon arriving, Alex and the other four invitees learn they must each conceive of and complete an entirely new book in the next 28 days. Roza will eject anyone who doesn’t make their daily word count, but her editor will publish the best finished manuscript and pay its author a $1 million advance. With Roza’s encouragement, Alex begins a fictionalized account of the bizarre, unsolved deaths of Blackbriar’s builder and his occultist wife. The story flows as though channeled, but when unsettling events start happening and one of the participants disappears during a blizzard, Alex wonders if perhaps she should focus less on potential fame and more on survival. Boldly drawn characters complement Bartz’s gleefully twisted plot. Excerpts from Alex’s work-in-progress pepper her increasingly paranoid narration, underscoring her shifting mindset. Sara Gran fans, take note. – Publishers Weekly Review

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Have a great rest-of-the week!

Linda Reimer

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*Information on the three catalogs*

Digital Catalog: https://stls.overdrive.com/

The Digital Catalog, is an online catalog containing eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, digital magazines and a handful of streaming videos. The catalog, which allows one to download content to a PC, also has a companion app, Libby, which you can download to your mobile device; so you can enjoy eBooks and downloadable audiobooks on the go!

All card holders of all Southern Tier Library System member libraries can check out items from the Digital Catalog.

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Hoopla Catalog: https://www.hoopladigital.com/

The Hoopla Catalog features instant checkouts of eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, comic books, albums, movies and TV series. Patron check out limit is 6 items per month.

Hoopla is a Southeast Steuben County Library service available to all Southeast Steuben County Library card holders.

The Hoopla App is available for Android or Apple devices and most smart TVs & media streaming players.

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StarCat: The catalog of physical/traditional library materials: https://starcat.stls.org

Card holders of all Southern Tier Library System member libraries can access StarCat to search for and request materials available at libraries through out the Southern Tier Library System.

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Format Note: Under each book title you’ll find a list of all the different formats that specific title is available in; including: Print Books, Large Print Books, CD Audiobooks, eBooks & Downloadable Audiobooks from the Digital Catalog (Libby app) and Hoopla eBooks & Hoopla Downloadable Audiobooks (Hoopla app).

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Note: Book summaries are from the respective publishers unless otherwise specified.

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Have questions or want to request a book?

Feel free to call the library! Our telephone number is 607-936-3713.

Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, here is the latest edition of Library Connections, our weekly readers’ and listeners’ advisory videocast.

Videos in this series make their debut on Facebook and YouTube on Fridays; and on this blog the following Wednesday. The next Library Connections video will be posted to this blog on Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Library Connections videos may also be accessed via the Southeast Steuben County Library’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SESTEUBENCOLIBRARY

Have a great week!
Linda Reimer, SSCL

 

Hi everyone, here is the weekly list of New York Times Bestsellers.

Each title is followed by a listing of which formats it is available in for check out within the three catalogs: StarCat (Print, Large Print & CD Audiobook), The Digital Catalog (eBook & Downloadable Audiobook) and the Hoopla Catalog (Hoopla instant checkout eBook & Hoopla Audiobook).

For more information on the three catalogs skip to the section below the bestselling titles*

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New York Times Bestseller blog posts are published on Sundays.And the next New York Times blog post will be published Sunday, February 26, 2023.

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FICTION

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THE BOYS FROM BILOXI by John Grisham

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD audiobook & eBook)

Two childhood friends follow in their fathers’ footsteps, which puts them on opposite sides of the law.

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DEMON COPPERHEAD by Barbara Kingsolver

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook & eBook)

A reimagining of Charles Dickens’s “David Copperfield” set in the mountains of southern Appalachia.

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ENCORE IN DEATH by J.D. Robb

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The 56th book of the In Death series. Eve Dallas investigates the mysterious death of a well-loved star of stage and screen.

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FAIRY TALE by Stephen King

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

A high school kid inherits a shed that is a portal to another world where good and evil are at war.

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HEART BONES by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book & eBook)

After an unexpected death prevents her from going to Penn State and and forces her to move in with her absent father, Beyah Grim has a summer fling with the rich guy next door.

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HOUSE OF EVE by Sadeqa Johnson

(Available Formats: Print Book)

Complications involving love, family and higher education impact the lives of two women living in the 1950s.

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HOUSE IN THE PINES by Ana Reyes

(Available Formats: eBook)

Seven years after witnessing her best friend drop dead, May returns to her Berkshires hometown to piece together what happened.

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HOUSE OF WOLVES by James Patterson and Mike Lupica

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook & eBook)

After her father is murdered, Jenny Wolf becomes the head of a powerful family in California.

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ICEBREAKER by Hannah Grace

(Available Formats: Not yet available in any catalog)

Anastasia might need the help of the captain of a college hockey team to get on the Olympic figure skating team.

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IT ENDS WITH US by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book & Downloadable Audiobook)

A battered wife raised in a violent home attempts to halt the cycle of abuse.

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IT STARTS WITH US by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book)

In the sequel to “It Ends With Us,” Lily deals with her jealous ex-husband as she reconnects with her first boyfriend.

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LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

A scientist and single mother living in California in the 1960s becomes a star on a TV cooking show.

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MAAME by Jessica George

(Available Formats: Print Book)

Maddie, the daughter of an overbearing mother recently returned from Ghana and a father suffering from Parkinson’s, begins to build a life for herself in London.

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MAD HONEY by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

After returning to her hometown, Olivia McAfee’s son gets accused of killing his crush.

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THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Nora Seed finds a library beyond the edge of the universe that contains books with multiple possibilities of the lives one could have lived.

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RADIANT SIN by Katee Robert

(Available Formats: Print Book, Hoopla Instant Check Out eBook & Audiobook)

The fourth book in the Dark Olympus series. A danger emerges as things heat up between Cassandra and Apollo.

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THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

A movie icon recounts stories of her loves and career to a struggling magazine writer.

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SECRETLY YOURS by Tessa Bailey

(Available Formats: Print Book & eBook)

A college professor finds himself in proximity to a former high school classmate who is now tending the gardens of his family’s winery.

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THE SILENT PATIENT by Alex Michaelides

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Theo Faber looks into the mystery of a famous painter who stops speaking after shooting her husband.

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SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES by Jojo Moyes

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook)

Drastic changes and a pair of six-inch high Christian Louboutin red crocodile shoes shake up the lives of two women.

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TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Two friends find their partnership challenged in the world of video game design.

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UGLY LOVE by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Hoopla instant checkout audiobook)

Tate Collins and Miles Archer, an airline pilot, think they can handle a no strings attached arrangement. But they can’t.

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UNNATURAL HISTORY by Jonathan Kellerman

(Available Formats:

The 38th book in the Alex Delaware series. Alex and Milo investigate the murder of a wealthy photographer.

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VERITY by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book & eBook)

Lowen Ashleigh is hired by the husband of an injured writer to complete her popular series and uncovers a horrifying truth.

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VICTORY CITY by Salman Rushdie

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

After a battle in 14th-century southern India, a girl named Pampa Kampana becomes a vessel for a goddess and spends 250 years seeking to give women equal agency in a patriarchal world.

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NON-FICTION:

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1619 PROJECT edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones, Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman and Jake Silverstein

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Viewing America’s entanglement with slavery and its legacy, in essays adapted and expanded from The New York Times Magazine

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ALL ABOUT LOVE by bell hooks

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook, Downloadable Audiobook & Hoopla Instant Checkout eBook)

The late feminist icon explores the causes of a polarized society and the meaning of love.

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BAD MORMON by Heather Gay

(Available Formats: Print Book)

A star of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” describes leaving the Mormon Church and finding success as a businesswoman and single mother.

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THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE by Bessel van der Kolk

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

How trauma affects the body and mind, and innovative treatments for recovery.

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BRAIDING SWEETGRASS by Robin Wall Kimmerer

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook, Downloadable Audiobook, Hoopla Instant Check Out eBook & Audiobook)

A botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation espouses having an understanding and appreciation of plants and animals.

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FINDING ME by Viola Davis

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The multiple award-winning actress describes the difficulties she encountered before claiming her sense of self and achieving professional success.

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FRIENDS, LOVERS, AND THE BIG TERRIBLE THING by Matthew Perry

(Available Formats: Print Book. eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The actor, known for playing Chandler Bing on “Friends,” shares stories from his childhood and his struggles with sobriety.

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GREENLIGHTS by Matthew McConaughey

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The Academy Award-winning actor shares snippets from the diaries he kept over 35 years.

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I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED by Jennette McCurdy

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The actress and filmmaker describes her eating disorders and difficult relationship with her mother.

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THE LIGHT WE CARRY by Michelle Obama

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print & eBook)

The former first lady shares personal stories and the tools she uses to deal with difficult situations.

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LOVE, PAMELA by Pamela Anderson

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The actress and activist details her childhood, rise to fame and the ways she is reclaiming the narrative of her life.

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THE MYTH OF NORMAL by Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The potential ways in which trauma and stress from modern-day living can affect our physical health.

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NAZI CONSPIRACY by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch

(Available Formats: Print Book & CD Audiobook)

The story of a Nazi plot to kill President Roosevelt, Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill.

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NEVER GIVE AN INCH by Mike Pompeo

(Available Formats: Print Book)

The former secretary of state gives his account of his time serving under President Trump, with a focus on an America First approach.

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PEOPLE VS. DONALD TRUMP by Mark Pomerantz

(Available Formats: Not yet available in any format)

An inside account of the attempt to prosecute former President Trump for financial crimes and the Manhattan district attorney’s refusal to do so.

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SPARE  by Prince Harry

(Available Formats: Print Book,

The Duke of Sussex details his struggles with the royal family, loss of his mother, service in the British Army and marriage to Meghan Markle.

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STRAIGHT SHOOTER by Stephen A. Smith

(Available Formats: Print Book)

The ESPN analyst recounts the highs and lows of his life and career.

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WALK THE BLUE LINE by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann with Chris Mooney

(Available Formats: Print Book & CD Audiobook)

A collection of stories about police officers.

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WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU? by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobooks)

An approach to dealing with trauma that shifts an essential question used to investigate it.

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Happy reading!

Linda Reimer, SSL

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*Information on the Three Catalogs*

Digital Catalog: https://stls.overdrive.com/

The Digital Catalog has two companion apps, Libby & OverDrive. Libby is the app for newer devices and the OverDrive app should be used for older devices and Amazon tablets.

All card holders of all Southern Tier Library System member libraries can check out items from the Digital Catalog.

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Hoopla Catalog: https://www.hoopladigital.com/

The Hoopla Catalog features instant check outs of eBooks, downloadable audiobook, comic books, albums and streaming videos. Patron check out limit is 4 items per month.

Hoopla is a Southeast Steuben County Library service available to all Southeast Steuben County Library card holders.

The Hoopla App is available for Android or Apple devices and most smart TVs & media streaming players.

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StarCat: The catalog of physical/traditional library materials: https://starcat.stls.org

Card holders of all Southern Tier Library System member libraries can access StarCat to search for and request materials available at libraries through out the Southern Tier Library System.

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Also of Note: If a New York Times Bestseller isn’t yet available in any of the three catalogs; you can contact the library and request to be notified when it becomes available.

Southeast Steuben County Library Tel: 607-936-3713

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Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, welcome to our Suggested Listening posting for this week!

Suggested Listening postings are published on Fridays; and our next Suggested Listening posting will be out on Friday,

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And here are the 10 recommended songs of the week!

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This week, for something different, a collection of songs that were in the 1920s!

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Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground by Blind Willie Johnson (Genre: Blues)

From The Album: The Complete Blind Willie Johnson (1993)

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Down Hearted Blues by Bessie Smith (Genre: Blues)

From The Album: The Complete Recordings, Volume 1 (1991)

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In the Jailhouse Now by Jimmie Rodgers (Genre: Country)

From The Album: The Essential Jimmie Rodgers (2013)

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Keep on The Sunny Side by The Carters (Genre: Country)

From The Album: Can The Circle Be Unbroken: Country Music’s First Family (Originally Released 1935, 1940, (P) 2000 Sony Music Entertainment Inc.)

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My Man by Fanny Brice (Genre: Vocal)

From The Album: Fanny Brice and Helen Morgan Fabulous Favourites (2016)

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Rhapsody In Blue by Paul Whiteman (vocal) featuring George Gershwin on piano (Genre: Vocal/Jazz)

From The Album: The Birth of Rhapsody in Blue: Paul Whiteman’s Historic Aeolian Hall Concert of 1924 (1987)

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See See Rider Blues by Ma Rainey (Genre: Blues/Jazz)

From The Album: See See Rider Blues (The Best Of) by Ma Rainey (2009)

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Swingin’ Down the Lane by Isham Jones (Genre: Jazz)

From The Various Artists Album: And So The Jazz Started/41 (2018)

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Waitin’ For the Evening Mail by Nobel Sissle & Eubie Blake (Genre: Jazz)

From The Album: N/A on a current streaming or CD album.

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West End Blues by Louis Armstrong (Genre: Jazz)

From The Album: Volume IV – Louis Armstrong And Earl Hines (Originally Released 1928, 1929, 1941 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT)

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Hoopla Recommend Album of the Week

The Cornshucker’s Frolic: Classic Recordings from the 1920’s and 30s Vol 2. by Various Artists

And from the album the song:

The Grape Vine Twist by Steve & His Hot Shots (Genre: Country)

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Have a great weekend,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Online Catalog Links:

StarCat

The catalog of physical materials, i.e. print books, DVDs, audiobooks on CD, etc.

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The Digital Catalog, web version of Libby

The catalog of e-books, downloadable audiobooks and a handful of streaming videos.

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The Libby App

Libby is the companion app to the Digital Catalog and may be found in the Apple & Google app.

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Hoopla

A catalog of instant check out items, including eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, comic books, TV shows and movies for patrons of the Southeast Steuben County Library.

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Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, here is the latest edition of Library Connections, our weekly readers’ and listeners’ advisory videocast.

The next Library Connections video will be posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

Library Connections videos may also be accessed via the Southeast Steuben County Library’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SESTEUBENCOLIBRARY

Have a great week!
Linda Reimer, SSCL

 

Hi everyone, here are our recommended reads for the week!

*More information on the three catalogs and available formats is found at the end of the list of recommended reads*

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Weekly Suggested Reading postings are now published on Wednesdays.

And the next Suggested Reading posting will be published on Wednesday, February 24, 2023.

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Americanah: A Novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook, Downloadable Audiobook & Hoopla instant check out audiobook)

Ifemelu, the Nigerian expat and Princeton lecturer at the heart of this latest novel by Orange Prize winner Adichie (Half of a Yellow Sun), writes biting, dead-on blog posts taking aim at the cultural schism between non-African blacks, Africans, and everyone else. She also observes her Auntie Uju turning herself inside out to attract a man as Ifemelu’s nephew silently accepts his mother’s aspirations. Whether Ifemelu is writing a treatise on how to care for black hair or a scathing take on American students earning extra credit for bombast, her opinions bring her money and acknowledgment. But one day, as she is complimented on her nurtured American accent, Ifemelu senses that she has lost her way. A parallel plotline follows Obinze, the man Ifemelu left behind in Lagos, who emigrated to London and longs for a life in America with her.

VERDICT Witty, wry, and observant, Adichie is a marvelous storyteller who writes passionately about the difficulty of assimilation and the love that binds a man, a woman, and their homeland. Her work should be read by anyone clutching at the belief that we’re living in a post-racial United States.

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The Book Haters’ Book Club by Gretchen Anthony

(Available Formats: Print Book & Hoopla Instant Check Out Audiobook)

Anthony returns with a sparkling novel that finds joy in spite of regret. Irma Bedford has been the owner of Over the Rainbow, a bookshop in small-town Minnesota, for many years. Her business partner, Elliot, has passed away, and Irma is intent on selling the store to a corporate building group. But Elliot’s romantic partner, Thom, and Irma’s daughters, Laney and Bree, are not going to let the bookstore go easily. Bree has made a career out of her job there, and while Laney is reluctant at first, she warms to Thom and Bree’s ideas. The three band together on a grassroots campaign to save the shop. Along the way, all three have revelations about their own life journeys as family secrets are revealed. Elliot also weighs in from beyond the grave, and snippets of his newsletter for “book haters” help solidify his voice. Anthony includes a slew of real recommendations sourced from her own friends, bookstore employees, and librarians, giving readers a chance to head off on their own paths. – Booklist Review

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Forever, Erma: Best-Loved Writing From America’s Favorite Humorist by Erma Bombeck

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Hoopla Instant Check Out eBook)

The housewife columnist whose gently subversive humor has won her a prominent niche in American culture is commemorated in this collection of over 120 of her most popular and memorable essays. Bombeck, whose bestsellers include All I Know About Animal Behavior I Learned in Loehmann’s Dressing Room, died in 1996. Trained as a newspaper reporter, she honed her skills into a unique blend of humorous social commentary based on the quotidian passage of domestic life and an empathy with women in their relations with the larger world, including spouses and children. Much honored, quoted and sought after for advice, Bombeck had an infectious sense of human absurdity that is highlighted in this collection celebrating her 25-year career as a low-key enforcer of the positive in the face of adversity, whether it be her own terminal illness, or “missing socks, promiscuous hangovers and other unexplained phenomena” that were grist for her reporter’s mill. – Publishers Weekly Review

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Getting Lost by Annie Ernaux

(Available Formats: Print Book, Hoopla Instant Check Out eBook & Audiobook)

Winner of the Noble Prize in Literature 2022

In this entrancing work, French writer Ernaux (The Years) relives the passionate yet devastating memories of a whirlwind affair through her own diary entries. From November 1989 to April 1990, when she was a writer and teacher living in Paris, Ernaux became besotted with a married Russian diplomat at the Soviet embassy. Set against the political, social, and literary events that defined the parameters of their relationship, Ernaux’s narrative traces her secret love affair with “Mr. S,” a man 13 years her junior, as she recalls falling under S’s narcissistic hold (“a lovely hell”) and the “state of nameless terror” she endures between his phone calls and brief visits. Their affair revives old and painful memories that threaten her self-worth: an abortion in 1964, a failed marriage, and recurring dreams of her mother’s death. Ernaux’s writing is astonishingly candid as she illustrates the ways loss, heartache, and love intersect with her craft as a writer: “I am consumed with desire…. I want perfection in love, as I believe I attained a kind of perfection in writing with A Woman’s Story. That can only happen through giving, while throwing all caution to the wind. I’m already well on my way.” Fans will relish every scintillating detail. – Publishers Weekly Review

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Leader of the Pack by David Rosenfelt

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Hoopla Instant Check Out Audiobook)

Over the course of his legal career, Andy Carpenter has lost a few cases. But that doesn’t mean he forgets his clients. Andy has always been convinced that Joey Desimone, a man convicted of murder nine years ago, was innocent and believes that Joey’s family’s connections to organized crime played a pivotal role in his conviction. While there isn’t much Andy can do for him while he serves out his prison sentence, Joey suggests that he check up on Joey’s elderly uncle. He’d rather not, but as a favor to Joey,

Andy agrees to take his dog, Tara, on a few visits.

The old man’s memory is going, but when Andy tries to explain why he’s there, it jogs something in the man’s mind, and his comments leave Andy wondering if Uncle Nick is confused, or if he just might hold the key to Joey’s freedom after all this time.

Andy grabs on to this thread of possibility and follows it into a world where the oath of silence is stronger than blood ties, and where people will do anything to make sure their secrets are kept.
Riveting, suspenseful, and highly entertaining, Leader of the Pack is bestseller David Rosenfelt’s latest entry in his much-beloved Andy Carpenter series.

Reader’s Note: This is the tenth book in the Andy Carpenter series. If you’d like to start reading the series from the beginning, check out book one Open And Shut.

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The Library of Lost Things by Laura Taylor Namey

(Available Formats: Hoopla Instant Check Out eBook & Audiobook)

A sweet romance from a debut author to watch. Darcy Jane Wells works at a bookstore and likes to memorize lines from her favorite classics. Her friends are her beloved characters and her best friend, Mexican/Cuban American fashionista Marisol, who is the only one who knows Darcy’s secret–her mother is a hoarder. Brokenhearted and traumatized by the abandonment of Darcy’s father, her mother is the image of perfection in public, but their small San Diego apartment is filled to the brim with her compulsive purchases. Darcy’s only refuge is her bookshelf-covered room. With the help of Marisol, a used copy of Peter Pan, and an older boy struggling with his own trauma and illness, the linguistic savant begins to muddle through her senior year. Peppered with literary quotes and chapter headings, this novel will delight teen lit fans. Taylor Namey’s portrayal of mental illness is thoughtful and well executed, and the characterizations of even background characters are fully developed. The friendship between Darcy and Marisol is well balanced and charming, and the happy ending is swoony–but not overly so. The author sometimes relies too much on tropes (super self-aware teens, a mean-girl ex, a grumpy bookstore owner, and a boisterous Latinx family), but this doesn’t detract from the feel-good narrative. Darcy and most characters appear to be white. A lovely tale for bookish readers that will give them all the feels. – Kirkus Review

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Murder Book: A Novel by Thomas Perry

(Available Formats: Print Book & Hoopla Instant Check Out Audiobook)

Chicago PI Harry Duncan, the protagonist of this strong crime novel from Edgar winner Perry (The Old Man), accepts a contract from his ex-wife, Ellen Leicester, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, to investigate a sudden spike in criminal activity in small towns along Indiana’s Ash River (“Assaults and robberies by teams rather than individuals, extortion, and that sort of thing”). Ellen believes that organized crime elements in Chicago are making a move to expand operations into Indiana, and Duncan’s task is to scout out the territory and report back to her on whether an FBI investigation is warranted. Duncan makes his first stop at a bar by the river for a bite to eat and winds up contending with two thugs in the bar’s parking lot who try to steal his car. Tough, self-reliant, and fearless, Duncan soon plunges into a full-scale battle with hired crooks intent on seizing control of the entire region, and lives are suddenly at stake—including his own. The pages melt away as the story maintains a breathless pace throughout. This is further proof that Perry is a dominating force in the world of contemporary suspense thrillers. Hopefully, Duncan will be back for an encore. – Publishers Weekly Review

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Remember Me Now: A Journey Back to Myself and a Love Letter to Black Women by Faitth Brooks

(Available Formats: Print Book)

In this inspiring memoir, social worker and activist Brooks (The Anti-Racism Journal) extends to her fellow Black women “an invitation for us to commune with each other.” Brooks recalls formative life events, including navigating Black and white spaces in childhood, seeking self-acceptance in college, and attempting to heal from sexual assault in adulthood, drawing wisdom from each. Though her quest is one of personal discovery, Brooks writes of gathering strength from her ancestry, church, and sisterhood, as “we find healing in community.” Fittingly, she addresses readers directly in upbeat letters at the end of each chapter (“A Letter to My Sister in College Trying to Find Her Way,” “A Letter to the Black Suburban Girl”). As well, Brooks recounts the ways community and faith spaces have helped and hurt her. A college mission trip to Rwanda, for example, proved both a transformational experience of “being in a country where everyone looked like me” and a rude awakening at her white classmates’ racist behavior. As she learned to challenge the status quo and ask difficult questions, Brooks writes, she deepened her faith practice, ancestral connection, and sense of self: “I am a liberated Black woman, embracing every ounce of who I am.” This is an encouraging guide for those seeking self-discovery, fulfillment, and faith in an often unsafe world. – Publishers Weekly

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Village in the Sky by Jack McDevitt

(Available Formats: Print Book)

In Nebula Award–winning author Jack McDevitt’s ninth installment in the beloved Alex Benedict science fiction mystery series, humanity discovers new intelligent life lightyears away—only for it to disappear without a trace.

Centuries after a war with the Mutes, the first aliens to be encountered by humankind, a startling new discovery in the far reaches of the Orion Nebula appears. On a planet with conditions favorable to life, explorer vessel The Columbia comes across a small town seemingly inhabited by an intelligent species not yet discovered.

But when a highly publicized follow-up mission is sent to make contact mere months later, the entire town has vanished, leaving no trace—or such is presumed to be the case until Alex Benedict and his archaeological crew show up to investigate. Officially, their mission is to find concealed artifacts that may have been left behind, but the team’s real goal is to solve the mystery of how these aliens disappeared so rapidly—and why. In turns terrifying and miraculous, the answers raise the stakes for every member on board as they look to make their mark on history.

Nebula Award–winning author Jack McDevitt, whom Stephen King has called “the logical heir to Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke,” brings back Alex, Chase, and Gabe for another brilliantly crafted science fiction mystery.

Reader’s Note: As noted, this is the ninth book in the series, if you’d like to start reading the series from the beginning check out book one A Talent for War.

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Yesterday Is History by Kosoko Jackson

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook, Hoopla eBook & Instant Check Out Audiobook)

After Andre Cobb receives a life-saving liver transplant, he passes out and wakes up in 1969 Boston. When he returns to present-day Boston, it is to learn that his experience wasn’t as singular as he imagined. His donor’s family explains that he now has the same ability as their late son: he can time travel. The family’s grief-stricken, remaining son, Blake, is tasked with helping Andre learn and navigate his new abilities. Though Blake keeps Andre at arm’s length, an undeniable connection forms between them. Meanwhile, during his travels to 1969, Andre also feels powerfully drawn to Michael, who teaches him to follow his passions. Ultimately Andre must decide where he belongs, whom he loves, and, most importantly, who he is meant to be. Jackson’s charming debut is thought-provoking, romantic, and fun; furthermore, his characters are well drawn and fictional world is authentic. It is important to note that Jackson capably delivers both a swoon-worthy romance with a gay Black main character and a coming-of-age story rife with adventure, where racial trauma and pain aren’t at the forefront of the narrative. A stellar novel that today’s teens needed yesterday. – Starred Booklist Review

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Have a great week!

Linda Reimer

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*Information on the three catalogs*

Digital Catalog: https://stls.overdrive.com/

The Digital Catalog, is an online catalog containing eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, digital magazines and a handful of streaming videos. The catalog, which allows one to download content to a PC, also has a companion app, Libby, which you can download to your mobile device; so you can enjoy eBooks and downloadable audiobooks on the go!

All card holders of all Southern Tier Library System member libraries can check out items from the Digital Catalog.

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Hoopla Catalog: https://www.hoopladigital.com/

The Hoopla Catalog features instant checkouts of eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, comic books, albums, movies and TV series. Patron check out limit is 6 items per month.

Hoopla is a Southeast Steuben County Library service available to all Southeast Steuben County Library card holders.

The Hoopla App is available for Android or Apple devices and most smart TVs & media streaming players.

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StarCat: The catalog of physical/traditional library materials: https://starcat.stls.org

Card holders of all Southern Tier Library System member libraries can access StarCat to search for and request materials available at libraries through out the Southern Tier Library System.

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Format Note: Under each book title you’ll find a list of all the different formats that specific title is available in; including: Print Books, Large Print Books, CD Audiobooks, eBooks & Downloadable Audiobooks from the Digital Catalog (Libby app) and Hoopla eBooks & Hoopla Downloadable Audiobooks (Hoopla app).

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Note: Book summaries are from the respective publishers unless otherwise specified.

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Have questions or want to request a book?

Feel free to call the library! Our telephone number is 607-936-3713.

Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, here is the weekly list of New York Times Bestsellers.

Each title is followed by a listing of which formats it is available in for check out within the three catalogs: StarCat (Print, Large Print & CD Audiobook), The Digital Catalog (eBook & Downloadable Audiobook) and the Hoopla Catalog (Hoopla instant checkout eBook & Hoopla Audiobook).

For more information on the three catalogs skip to the section below the bestselling titles*

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New York Times Bestseller blog posts are published on Sundays.And the next New York Times blog post will be published Sunday, February 19, 2023.

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FICTION

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THE BOYS FROM BILOXI by John Grisham

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD audiobook & eBook)

Two childhood friends follow in their fathers’ footsteps, which puts them on opposite sides of the law.

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DAISY JONES & THE SIX by Taylor Jenkins Reid

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

A fictional oral history charting the rise and fall of a ’70s rock ’n’ roll band.

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DEMON COPPERHEAD by Barbara Kingsolver

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook & eBook)

A reimagining of Charles Dickens’s “David Copperfield” set in the mountains of southern Appalachia.

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FAIRY TALE by Stephen King

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & downloadable audiobook)

A high school kid inherits a shed that is a portal to another world where good and evil are at war.

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HEART BONES by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book & eBook)

After an unexpected death prevents her from going to Penn State and and forces her to move in with her absent father, Beyah Grim has a summer fling with the rich guy next door.

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HORSE by Geraldine Brooks

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobooks)

The story of a racehorse, an enslaved groom and an itinerant painter reverberates in three different eras.

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HOUSE IN THE PINES by Ana Reyes

(Available Formats: eBook)

Seven years after witnessing her best friend drop dead, May returns to her Berkshires hometown to piece together what happened.

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HOUSE OF WOLVES by James Patterson and Mike Lupica

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook & eBook)

After her father is murdered, Jenny Wolf becomes the head of a powerful family in California.

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HOW TO SELL A HAUNTED HOUSE by Grady Hendrix

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

After her parents die, Louise encounters more than she expected in dealing with the family home.

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IT ENDS WITH US by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book & Downloadable Audiobook)

A battered wife raised in a violent home attempts to halt the cycle of abuse.

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IT STARTS WITH US by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book)

In the sequel to “It Ends With Us,” Lily deals with her jealous ex-husband as she reconnects with her first boyfriend.

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LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY by Bonnie Garmus

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

A scientist and single mother living in California in the 1960s becomes a star on a TV cooking show.

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MAAME by Jessica George

(Available Formats: Print Book)

Maddie, the daughter of an overbearing mother recently returned from Ghana and a father suffering from Parkinson’s, begins to build a life for herself in London.

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MAD HONEY by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

After returning to her hometown, Olivia McAfee’s son gets accused of killing his crush.

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THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY by Matt Haig

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Nora Seed finds a library beyond the edge of the universe that contains books with multiple possibilities of the lives one could have lived.

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NOVEMBER 9 by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Is Ben using his relationship with Fallon as fodder for his novel?

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REMARKABLY BRIGHT CREATURES by Shelby Van Pelt

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

A widow working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium is aided in solving a mystery by a giant Pacific octopus living there.

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THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO by Taylor Jenkins Reid

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

A movie icon recounts stories of her loves and career to a struggling magazine writer.

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THE SILENT PATIENT by Alex Michaelides

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Theo Faber looks into the mystery of a famous painter who stops speaking after shooting her husband.

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THINGS WE NEVER GOT OVER by Lucy Score

(Available Formats:

A runaway bride becomes the guardian of her evil twin’s daughter and gets some help from a bad-boy barber.

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TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW, AND TOMORROW by Gabrielle Zevin

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Two friends find their partnership challenged in the world of video game design.

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UGLY LOVE by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Hoopla instant checkout audiobook)

Tate Collins and Miles Archer, an airline pilot, think they can handle a no strings attached arrangement. But they can’t.

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VERITY by Colleen Hoover

(Available Formats: Print Book & eBook)

Lowen Ashleigh is hired by the husband of an injured writer to complete her popular series and uncovers a horrifying truth.

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NON-FICTION:

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1619 PROJECT edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones, Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman and Jake Silverstein

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

Viewing America’s entanglement with slavery and its legacy, in essays adapted and expanded from The New York Times Magazine

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ALL ABOUT LOVE by bell hooks

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook, Downloadable Audiobook & Hoopla Instant Checkout eBook)

The late feminist icon explores the causes of a polarized society and the meaning of love.

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AND THERE WAS LIGHT by Jon Meacham

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer portrays the life of Abraham Lincoln.

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THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE by Bessel van der Kolk

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

How trauma affects the body and mind, and innovative treatments for recovery.

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BRAIDING SWEETGRASS by Robin Wall Kimmerer

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print, CD Audiobook, eBook, Downloadable Audiobook, Hoopla Instant Check Out eBook & Audiobook)

A botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation espouses having an understanding and appreciation of plants and animals.

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COBALT RED by Siddharth Kara

(Available Formats:

An investigation into the cobalt mining practices in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the moral implications for users of many electronic devices.

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CRYING IN H MART by Michelle Zauner

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The daughter of a Korean mother and Jewish-American father, and leader of the indie rock project Japanese Breakfast, describes creating her own identity after losing her mother to cancer

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FRIENDS, LOVERS, AND THE BIG TERRIBLE THING by Matthew Perry

(Available Formats: Print Book. eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The actor, known for playing Chandler Bing on “Friends,” shares stories from his childhood and his struggles with sobriety.

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I’M GLAD MY MOM DIED by Jennette McCurdy

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The actress and filmmaker describes her eating disorders and difficult relationship with her mother.

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THE LIGHT WE CARRY by Michelle Obama

(Available Formats: Print Book, Large Print & eBook)

The former first lady shares personal stories and the tools she uses to deal with difficult situations.

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LOVE, PAMELA by Pamela Anderson

(Available Formats: Print Book, CD Audiobook, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The actress and activist details her childhood, rise to fame and the ways she is reclaiming the narrative of her life.

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MASTER SLAVE HUSBAND WIFE by Ilyon Woo

(Available Formats: Print Book)

In 1848, Ellen Craft, disguised as a disabled white man, and her husband, William, posing as that man’s slave, achieved freedom only to have to flee again.

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THE MYTH OF NORMAL by Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The potential ways in which trauma and stress from modern-day living can affect our physical health.

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NAZI CONSPIRACY by Brad Meltzer and Josh Mensch

(Available Formats: Print Book & CD Audiobook)

The story of a Nazi plot to kill President Roosevelt, Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill.

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NEVER GIVE AN INCH by Mike Pompeo

(Available Formats: Print Book)

The former secretary of state gives his account of his time serving under President Trump, with a focus on an America First approach.

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SPARE  by Prince Harry

(Available Formats: Print Book,

The Duke of Sussex details his struggles with the royal family, loss of his mother, service in the British Army and marriage to Meghan Markle.

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STRAIGHT SHOOTER by Stephen A. Smith

(Available Formats: Print Book)

The ESPN analyst recounts the highs and lows of his life and career.

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SURRENDER by Bono

(Available Formats: Print Book, eBook & Downloadable Audiobook)

The lead singer of the Irish rock band U2 offers details of his life, career and activism.

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Happy reading!

Linda Reimer, SSL

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*Information on the Three Catalogs*

Digital Catalog: https://stls.overdrive.com/

The Digital Catalog has two companion apps, Libby & OverDrive. Libby is the app for newer devices and the OverDrive app should be used for older devices and Amazon tablets.

All card holders of all Southern Tier Library System member libraries can check out items from the Digital Catalog.

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Hoopla Catalog: https://www.hoopladigital.com/

The Hoopla Catalog features instant check outs of eBooks, downloadable audiobook, comic books, albums and streaming videos. Patron check out limit is 4 items per month.

Hoopla is a Southeast Steuben County Library service available to all Southeast Steuben County Library card holders.

The Hoopla App is available for Android or Apple devices and most smart TVs & media streaming players.

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StarCat: The catalog of physical/traditional library materials: https://starcat.stls.org

Card holders of all Southern Tier Library System member libraries can access StarCat to search for and request materials available at libraries through out the Southern Tier Library System.

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Also of Note: If a New York Times Bestseller isn’t yet available in any of the three catalogs; you can contact the library and request to be notified when it becomes available.

Southeast Steuben County Library Tel: 607-936-3713

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Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.

Hi everyone, welcome to our Suggested Listening posting for this week!

Suggested Listening postings are published on Fridays; and our next Suggested Listening posting will be out on Friday, February 17, 2023.

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And here are the 10 recommended songs of the week!

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Blues Don’t Lie by Buddy Guy (Genre: Blues)

From The Album: Blues Don’t Lie (2022)

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Crooked Tree by Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway (Genre: Americana, Bluegrass)

From The Album: Crooked Tree (2022)

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Forever by Sheryl Crow (Genre: Americana)

From The Album: Sheryl: Music From The Feature Documentary (2022)

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Get On Board by Taj Mahal & Ry Cooder (Genre: Blues)

From The Album: Get On Board (2022)

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Good To Be (Home Again) by Keb’ Mo’

From The Album: Good To Be (2022)

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A Hard Day’s Night by The Beatles (Genre: Rock)

From The Album: A Hard Day’s Night

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Just Like That by Bonnie Raitt (Genre: Blues, Roots Rock, Americana)

From The Album: Just Like That (2022)

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Linger Awhile by Samara Joy (Genre: Jazz, Vocal)

From The Album: Linger Awhile (2022)

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Peace Down In My Heart by Ranky Tank (Genre: Roots Rock)

From The Album: Live at the 2022 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (2022)

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Stompin’ Ground by Aaron Neville with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band (Genre: Vocal, R&B, Jazz)

From The Concert Video: Take Me to the River New Orleans! (2022)

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Hoopla Recommend Album of the Week

Buffalo Springfield Again (1967)

And from the album the song:

Mr. Soul by Buffalo Springfield

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Have a great weekend,

Linda Reimer, SSCL

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Online Catalog Links:

StarCat

The catalog of physical materials, i.e. print books, DVDs, audiobooks on CD, etc.

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The Digital Catalog, web version of Libby

The catalog of e-books, downloadable audiobooks and a handful of streaming videos.

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The Libby App

Libby is the companion app to the Digital Catalog and may be found in the Apple & Google app.

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Hoopla

A catalog of instant check out items, including eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, comic books, TV shows and movies for patrons of the Southeast Steuben County Library.

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Tech Talk is a Southeast Steuben County Library blog.