Note to Shelf: June 2022

Created on June 8, 2022, 10:30 am

Last Updated June 13, 2022, 8:08 am

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Jo exclaims this "is a perfect summer read! George Devonshire loves fantasy and C.S. Lewis has written the perfect book. Megs, who is a science student, will do anything for her sickly, younger brother, so when he wants to know the inspiration for Narnia, Megs is determined to find the answer. She seeks out Lewis at Oxford and is soon gathering stories to share with George. However, Megs doesn't see how the stories answer George's question. George, however, is fascinated and translates her stories into detailed drawings. George understands Lewis' stories but has one final request to complete his Narnia journey. If you enjoy this book, then check out the author's first novel about C.S.Lewis, Becoming Mrs. Lewis."
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Colleen highlights, "When Egypt starts burning amid political turmoil in the 1950s, Halah’s young, entitled life as she knows it becomes threatened. Convinced she is in love with the young officer Khalil, she runs away to America and quickly learns how much she has lost. Discontent with the course of her life, Halah reestablishes her family ties and visits Egypt with their daughter Amena. Searching for truth and love, this family saga is a powerful story narrated by strong characters who struggle with identity and their station in life. Switching between countries and personal narratives, Country of Origin by Dalia Azim is a beautifully written, complex novel that will leave you wanting to read more as each character shares their secrets, fears and hopes!"
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Marianne tells us that this book "offers readers a beautiful narrative based upon a true episode in the life of Richard Etheride. After the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, many young Black men joined the Union Forces to help liberate the still enslaved and to rout Confederate soldiers. Richard Etheridge*, the son of white owner, John B., and the enslaved Rachiell, grew up leading a more privileged life than other slaves. This upbringing causes the young soldier to have complicated feelings about his past. As he battles the after effects of slavery, he must learn to stop trying to belong among people who will never see him as fully human. *In 1880, Richard Etheridge became the first African-American to command a Lifesaving Station and earn the Coast Guard’s highest honor. "
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Kristen H. shares "With charming romantic leads, roots in New York City's queer history, and a cast of diverse characters representing much of the LGBTQIA+ community, One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston is a perfect read to add to your Pride month TBR. New to Brooklyn, August keeps running into Jane on the subway. Irresistibly charming with her leather jacket, tattoos, and magnetic personality, August can't help but have a crush on her. But there's something...odd about Jane: she can't leave the subway and she hasn't aged since the 1970s. As their relationship deepens, and August learns more about Jane, she struggles between wanting to help her return to "her time" and succumbing to her feelings. Will her crush on Jane make it harder to lose her?"
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Elisabeth finds "Tina Brown’s The Palace Papers is the kind of juicy, real-life drama “The Crown” dreams about. Brown, a respected journalist, former Editor of Vanity Fair, and founder of The Daily Beast, meticulously dissects the rumors surrounding the House of Windsor. From the Queen’s disgraced son Andrew through the Queen’s grandson in self-exile Harry, Brown invites readers into a world mired in tradition, manners, and intrigue. American readers may be particularly fascinated by the chapters about Meghan Markle’s ignominious time in Merry Old England. The less-than-flattering portrait Brown’s meticulously researched and sourced book painted of the California-based Duchess of Sussex was a surprise to many American reviewers."
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