Off the Shelf
Off the Shelf is your destination for all things BOOKS. If you’re interested in reading recommendations, author interviews or the literary world's secrets, Brooklyn Public Library's bibliophile staff is at your service.
Enemies-to-Lovers: Swoon Over these Romance Novels
Reading romance novels has helped bring me joy during this pandemic. I especially seek out those that fall under the popular trope, enemies-to-lovers. The six titles listed below are witty, fun, and sexy—and will hopefully give you a good laugh, too! Enjoy and stay safe!
What We're Reading: BPL Staff Edition
As librarians, we’re used to turning to books for comfort and escape. One of the topics of discussion that has come up for us has been how our reading habits have changed as our world has changed. Many of us are turning to new genres (hello fantasy and romance!). Some of us are finding that it’s harder to focus and we’re reading less, while some of us are finding that we’re reading a lot more as we just want a way to escape 2020. Either way, here’s a roundup of some of the books that BPL librarians and staff have been reading recently.
Websites to Lose Yourself In
Everyone who uses the Internet knows that one of its perils is the website that can suck you in for hours, or even days at a time. In normal times, such sites can often be a problem. Now, though, with everyone sheltering in place in their homes, these sorts of websites may in fact be the ideal distraction.
How to Grow Lemons at Home
This post is part of our Inclusive Gardening series.
Interview with Author Bonnie Tsui
"Water is the great equalizer—no matter your age or size or color or physical ability, it buoys us all. Libraries are the same. They are portals to magical worlds beyond the ones we currently inhabit. And we all could use that right about now."
More Poems for the Quarantined Soul
In NYC, we’re going on two months of social distancing, quarantining, and existing on the fumes of what our hometown used to be. During this time, cultural organizations like BPL (and others) across the world have provided digital content to keep some semblance of normalcy in our lives: classes, readings, performances—heck, even Saturday Night Live is cobbling together fresh episodes ‘from home.' But sometimes, it can help to lean in and embrace the deeper, harsher, raw emotions bubbling up with each day we remain at home.
Earth Day Poetry Recommendations from a Former Hater
My reading appetite is insatiable, an annual sixty-course feast of literary fiction, mysteries and romantic comedies, the occasional nonfiction book tacked on like the green juice you choke down after a gluttonous vacation.
Celebrate Immigrant Heritage Week!
In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Brooklyn Public Library is celebrating Immigrant Heritage Week from April 13 to 19. The week pays homage to the legacy of April 17, 1907, the day in New York City history the largest number of immigrants (11,000!) entered the U.S. through Ellis Island.
So, We're All Bakers Now...
...and professional chefs, organizers, carpenters, make-up artists and even teachers. If you go by what the empty supermarket shelves or curated Instagram posts are telling us, our collective #QuarantineLife has turned us into Ma & Pa Ingalls, doing things for ourselves that many of us have been outsourcing for years. But if you’re struggling a little bit with getting your skills up, we’ve got a (digital) book for that!
Leafing Through History: Another Booklist About Tasty Teas
Earlier this year, I shared a booklist focused on tea and sympathies in the world of cozy tea shops and murder most foul. But if your interests in the steaming brews have a historical bent, or you're curious about tea and the makings of a good cuppa, try this blend of tantalizing tea titles:
[Virtual] Opening Day
Trudging through the chilly breeze and long, dark evenings of winter, we looked forward to spring: budding of new leaves, sunnier days, and those two magic words: Play Ball! Spring training would have been the first sign of hope for warmer days, evenings spent watching a favorite team on TV, or listening on the radio.
Feel-Good Nonfiction, Anyone?
Everyone has their own taste in books, and for me it's often nonfiction. In uncertain moments, it can be soothing to escape into a world of verifiable facts. My all-time favorite reads are in the motley genres of literary journalism and narrative nonfiction. I like real-life stories with a subtle tension to keep me reading, while still offering passages of quiet reflection. Such works pair well with a related genre, a book of essays. These days I'm especially seeking essayists that promise irreverence and honesty, maybe even a rueful chuckle as I read.
Need a Break from Working at Home?
You’ve got the hang of working from home: you’re connected, your desk setup is pretty sweet and your projects are chugging along. You’re remembering to eat regularly, stay hydrated and maybe even change out of your pajamas occasionally. You got this. It’s day-number-who-knows-what of working remotely...and you’re starting to really need a break from your own company. Here are some ways to stay connected with friends and family from far away, or get a welcome distraction.
Celebrating the Irish-American Experience
The literary canon does not want for Irish and Irish-American authors—James Joyce, William Faulkner, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Flannery O’Connor, Mary McCarthy, Thomas Flanagan, Brooklyn’s own Frank McCourt, Pete Hamill, and so many more! Considering we must celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day without the rowdy crowds or green beer, there’s never been a better time to check out one of these fabulous titles about the Irish-American experience. This list includes new releases from award-winning authors as well as titles from young writers who may not yet be household names.
Going Viral with Epidemiologists
When a new and alarming disease spreads rapidly through a population, who do you call? Epidemiologists! Joined by their colleagues in virology and immunology, epidemiologists plan ahead to respond to epidemics. They attempt to forecast the growth and spread of infectious disease, study outbreaks as they happen, and work alongside local and national governments to craft solutions.
Stressed? We Swear These Books Will Help!
Ever feel like you just want to say fork it all, flip a table, and walk into the sea? Yeah, me either, but in case you have a “friend” who feels that way, here are some books to help them cope with all the bullshirt life has to offer.
More Billions, No Problems?
Billionaires are always in the news. Whether they are launching spacecraft or running for president, they draw our attention and curiosity. They also prompt questions: Who are these billionaires anyway? How did they accumulate their beaucoup bucks? What could a person possibly do with all that wealth?
Meet Pluto and Our Other (Celestial) Neighbors
Let's all raise a glass to celebrate a milestone in our relations with Pluto, our cosmic neighbor. Ninety years ago this month, on February 18, 1930, an aspiring astronomer named Clyde Tombaugh examined a pair of night sky photographs taken weeks earlier and noticed a faint light had changed position. For us, it was Pluto's welcoming wave.
What the Heart Wants: Valentine's Day from Two Perspectives
Much of the beginning of February is the leadup to Valentine's Day—if you don't have your plans ironed out much further in advance. For many the holiday is a divisive one. Today, we're joined on the blog by two Brooklyn Public Library staff members who will be making their case for and against the day—supported, of course, by some exemplary examples in literature. Please note: Spoilers may be ahead for anyone who hasn't read some of the books mentioned.
Graphic Novels to Read During Black History Month
As you all know, February is Black History Month. Black History Month was proposed by Black professors and the Black United Students group at Kent State University in 1969, and was first celebrated a year later from January 2nd to February 28th. Not until 1976, was it finally celebrated nationwide.
For Mystery Lovers (and More): Honoring Mary Higgins Clark
Food for Thought: 5 Cookbooks to Make You Reconsider Oatmeal
As winter wraps its icy fingers around New York in earnest, chilly smoothies and açai bowls are a thing of the past, and it’s time to whip out grandma’s recipe for oatmeal. While oatmeal gets a bad rap, these cookbooks will have you reconsidering the breakfast staple.
Être Vivant: A Night of Philosophy and Ideas 2020 Reading List
AN ALL-NIGHT MARATHON of philosophical debate, performances, screenings, readings, and music. For the fourth year in a row, Brooklyn Public Library, in partnership with the Cultural Services of French Embassy, hosted A Night of Philosophy and Ideas. Thousands of New Yorkers gathered in our walls from 7p.m. on February 1, 2020 until 7a.m. on Feburary 2, 2020. Some of the most innovative and provocative thinkers of our time led lectures on topics from How to Come Up with Your Own Philosophical Questions to When a Robot Decides When You Live or Die.
Library Selection Team Recommends 3 Books You'll Love This Feburary
What books are you looking forward to this winter? Note from the Off the Shelf Blog Editors: This list of books has been curated by the BookOps book selection team. BookOps carries the responsibility of meeting the library collection management and distribution both New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library. If you're looking for reading inspiration this winter, then look no further than these upcoming releases.
Books for National Tea Month: A Heady Brew of Tea & Murder Most Gentle
January is National Hot Tea Month and nestled amongst a month of heady aromas, rich flavors, hints of milk and sugar (or not), lurks National Hot Tea day January 12. There is also National Tea day (UK) on April 20 and International Tea day on December 15.
Lose Time with Doctor Who & These Related Book Series
If time traveling and galaxy exploration are on your list of reasonably attainable resolutions this year, then you might (should!) be a fan of Doctor Who. In a thousand words or less, I’m going to entice you into the fandom with a bit of a Season 11 (2018, which debuted Jodie Whittaker as the 13th Doctor) wrap-up, a case for why you should (still) be watching Season 12, and also a peek into the lingo of a Doctor Who fan.
Understanding Impeachment
The latest news in America’s political rollercoaster ride is the (maybe?) impeachment of the current president, Donald Trump. But what does that even mean?
"Anger is Not a Bad Energy": In Conversation with Olga Tokarczuk
Editor's Note: This interview took place in the fall of 2010 when Olga Tokarczuk was in the US on a book tour for Primeval and Other Times.
Library Staff Reveal Their Reading Goals for 2020
End the Decade Appreciating Your Already Good Self
Perhaps it’s the never ending stream of end-of-decade, best-of and worst-of lists of TV shows, movies, plays, books, albums, memes, restaurants, etc.? Or, it could be the deluge of contantly streamable media is giving us all Lack-of-Season-al Affective Disorder (LSAD)?
Modern Little Women: An Interview with Virginia Kantra
Have you seen Little Women yet?! It's been the first question out of every book lover's mouth since Christmas Day, when Greta Gerwig's highly anticipated adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel finally hit theaters. BPL's bloggers are happy to report the movie is wonderful, it is everything, stop whatever you're doing and go see it.
What to Read Based on Your Favorite Holiday Movie
During the holiday season, I always ration my holiday movie-watching until the week before Christmas because I know I'll spend a large chunk of my time with my family watching all our favorites.
5 Literary Trends of the 2010s
As a group that never shies away from a good pun, I thought I’d lean into librarianship for this post on trends of the last decade. And to keep it even more on topic, I’ve doubled down with a term that lost relevance amongst Millennials and Gen Z years ago. Here goes... Hands down, the number one trend of the decade could be summed up as the following:
Wintry Fiction Has the Cold in Common
As a children’s librarian, I spend a fair amount of time talking about seasons: What’s your favorite season? —Summer! I like summer too. What do you like about summer? Is it cold in the summer? —No, silly! The summer is hot. The winter is cold.
The Shared Spirit of Storytelling
My reading life follows mysterious weather patterns that are difficult to predict and lack design or internal consistency.
Getting the jump on New Year's resolutions
It is the time of the year when many of us are preparing for New Year’s resolutions. When many of us are deciding what to resolve, we think about adopting whatever fad diets are out there, buying and renewing gym memberships, purchasing workout gear, and convincing ourselves this will be the year we will finally lose weight once and for all. I grew up watching the “New Year, New You” week-long segments on Good Morning America during the 1990s.
Must Reads of 2019 from our BookMatchers
A 15-year train wreck. Gorgeous and evocative. Magisterial work. Just a few descriptions our very own BookMatch Librarians have used for some of their favorite books of 2019. Take a look at these recommendations to figure out your end of decade reads or a head start to your 2020 reading goals! Please check back often as we will add more titles to this list.
Alternatives to Black Friday
The holiday season commences earlier and earlier each year. Forget eclipsing the Thanksgiving holidays, Hallmark began showing Christmas movies before even the Halloween decorations were removed this year.
#OwnVoices Tell Our Story
Peaceful Pilgrims escape the evils of England; neighborly ‘natives’ share their bounty with the new immigrants: a beautiful beginning to an even more beautiful country....
Cooking for Crowds: Books to Cook This Season
It’s the time of year to dust off the roasting pans, serving platters, tofurky basters, pie plates, and anything else you might require to cook up a special meal to share with friends and family. Since moving to Brooklyn, I have become especially fond of holiday celebrations with friends and colleagues, as they tend to provide the most colorful array of foods and culinary experiences.
Dark Reads for Winter's Darkest Nights
I’ve always been drawn to weird, dark stories that push me to think critically and speculatively about the idealized versions of life and self we’re all so often presented with. A good story, be it literary fiction, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, or whatever else is universal. It will offer the reader hope and a safe way to engage with consciousness and the ephemeral nature of reality.
1619 Project: The Power of Naming
I wanted names. I wanted people whose narratives I could hold on to. But what struck me most while reading the essays in “The 1619 Project” were the monikers used to galvanize readers. I recognized some names as Black History Month regulars, and started to write down the ones I didn’t recognize. As I started aggregating individual names against titles and identity groupings, I realized the historical records of enslaved Africans in the British colonies consistently leaves so much unanswered.
Pens to Paper and Fingers to Keys: It’s Time for NaNoWriMo 2019!
National Novel Writing Month—abbreviated NaNoWriMo—starts today! For those of you who don’t know, NaNoWriMo is an annual internet-based writing challenge that takes place every November. The challenge? Write a 50,000 word first draft of a book…in 30 days. Don’t worry, it only sounds impossible.
Beyond Stone Walls & Disco Balls: LGBTQ+ History Month
"All of us who are openly gay are living and writing the history of our movement" - U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (WI)
Was the Book Better?: Horror Edition
Comparing 10 of Stephen King’s Scariest Tales Happy (almost) Halloween, the time of year I like to remind folks of my absolute obsession with the literary classics by horror aficionado, Stephen King. From as early as the third grade—thanks to loose library regulations and a beautiful un-censoring mother—I’ve devoured King’s tales of the supernatural, macabre, and things that go bump at all hours of the day.
Ghosts in the Attic: Horror and Dark Fantasy by Authors of Color
Ah, October. The spookiest month. A time when the veil is thin and leaves are crunchy. If you’re a horror enthusiast, you know that this month is your month. If you’re looking for a break from Stephen King and Shirley Jackson, or want to explore the magnificent voices of people of color in the horror and dark fantasy genres, we’ve got the list for you.
Ecohorror: Where Landscape and Anxiety Devours
Among literary genres, horror retains a unique capacity for social critique. It is unsurprising then that a subgenre depicting the growing tension between humans and the environment has arisen out of horror: ecohorror. The consequences of industry and capitalism—in particular on vulnerable or marginalized populations, grow increasingly apparent in the world around us.
¿Got Libros? A Hispanic Heritage Month Primer
Sometimes it takes special monthly observations to highlight what other cultures are doing. Having been educated in the US my whole academic life means 90% of my classes were America-centric and it wasn’t until college that I was introduced to literature from other nations (besides the UK). This is why National Hispanic Heritage Month—celebrated in the US from September 15 to October 15, is so special.