Lima Public Library Book Reviews

FICTION

Noor by Nnedi Okorafor

Anwuli Okwudili prefers to be called AO. For her, these initials have always meant Artificial Organism. AO never really felt…natural. Her parents spent most of the days before her birth praying for her peaceful passing because even in utero she was “wrong.” But she lived. Then came the car accident years later which crippled her even more. Yet instead of seeing her strange body as the world sees it, as bizarre, unnatural, even the work of the devil, AO embraces all that she is.

Far from the Light of Heaven by Tade Thompson

The Ragtime colony ship docks in the Lagos system, having traveled light years to bring a thousand sleeping souls to a new home among the stars. But when first companion Michelle Campion wakes up, she discovers that some of the sleepers will never wake up. Responding to Campion’s distress call, investigator Rasheed Fin is tasked with finding out who is responsible for these deaths.

How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by KM Jackson

Bethany Lu Carlisle is devastated when the tabloids report that actor Keanu Reeves is about to get married. What?! How could worldly perfect boyfriend and forever single Keanu not realize that making a move like this could potentially be devastating to the balance of…well…everything! Not to mention, he’s never met the person who could potentially be his true soulmate – her.

The Writer’s Cats by Muriel Barbery

What a mysterious and disconcerting thing a writer is! Still, spend some time with the writer’s cats and we might understand her better. Muriel Barbery, via her feline friends and co-conspirators, takes readers into her studio, offering them a behind-the-scenes look at her process and her problems, her joys and her disappointments. The story is told from the perspective of one of the writer’s four cats, Kirin, who may or may not be a reliable narrator.

NON FICTION

Frequently Asked Questions About The Universe by Jorge Cham

As a species, we may not agree on much, but one thing brings us all together: the need to know. We all ask ourselves the question, and deep down we all have the same big questions. Why can’t I time travel? Where does the universe come from? What’s inside a black hole? Can I rearrange my cat’s particles and turn it into a dog?

The Complete Works of Jim Morrison: Poetry, Journals, Transcriptions and Lyrics of Jim Morrison

This oversized and beautifully produced collector’s volume contains a wealth of new material – poetry, writings, lyrics and audio transcriptions of Morrison reading his work. Not only is it the most comprehensive book of Morrison’s work ever published, but it is immersive, giving readers insight into the creative process and providing access to the thoughts and observations of an artist whom poet Michael McClure has called ” one of the finest and clearest minds of our time.

A Friday in April: A Story of Suicide and Survival by Donald Antrim

As the sun was setting in the sky on a Friday afternoon in April 2006, famed author Donald Antrim found himself on the roof of his Brooklyn apartment building, fearing for his life. In these moving memoirs, Antrim vividly recounts what got him to the roof and what happened after he got off: two hospitalizations, weeks of unsuccessful clinical trials, the terror of undergoing ECT – and David Foster Wallace’s saving call that won him over. to try it ― along with years of choppy recovery and setbacks.

Beneath Jerusalem: The Buried History of the World’s Most Contested City by Andrew Lawler

In 1863, a French senator arrived in Jerusalem hoping to unearth relics dating back to biblical times. Digging deep underground, he discovered an ancient tomb which he believed belonged to an Old Testament queen. News of its discovery ricocheted around the world, evoking both awe and envy, and inspiring others to explore Jerusalem’s historic past.

CHILDREN

Max Explains It All: Grocery Expert by Stacy McAnulty

Max is a grocery store expert because he goes there every week with his mom. Or earlier, if they forgot something important (like toilet paper). In this book, Max shares his tips for a successful shopping spree, starting with selecting the right basket. Whether it’s successfully navigating the cereal aisle, finding the fastest way to cookies, convincing mom to buy food for a pet they don’t have, and slipping candy on the checkout belt, Max is here to help less experienced shoppers make the most of their time at the grocery store. Both little shoppers and their adults will recognize Max’s familiar adventure.

Ages: 4 to 8 years old