Books And Bites

On this episode, we discuss books set in or about a place you want to visit, one of the prompts for Books & Bites Bingo. Join us as we travel to Mexico City, Paris, and the English countryside--all with the help of some good books! Jacqueline's PickIf you dream of the City of Light, Jacqueline recommends The Paper Girl of Paris by Jordyn Taylor. The book has two strong female characters whose stories are set seventy years apart. Alice's story is set in modern-day France, while Adalynn's story takes place in 1940s, occupied France. Pairing: Croissants with chocolate and coffee. Find a recipe for croissants, traditional and pain au chocolat, on The Simply Luxurious Life.Michael's PickMichael's pick, Velvet Was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, is a tense noir set during the turbulent 1970’s in Mexico City. We follow a bored and lonely secretary named Maite who lives in her own little world, obsessing over music and romance comics. When her neighbor, Leonora, a local student, asks her to watch her cat for a

On this episode, we discuss books set in or about Appalachia, one of the prompts for Books & Bites Bingo. Collection Access Associate John David Hurley, who is from Mount Vernon, Kentucky, joins Michael, Carrie, and Jacqueline to share some favorite books about Appalachia. John David recommends a Books & Bites favorite, Elizabeth Catte’s What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia. He says it’s a good primer on the history of Appalachia, and it responds to JD Vance’s book, Hillbilly Elegy. John David also discusses Belonging: A Culture of Place by bell hooks, which explores identity and what it means to belong to Appalachia. Finally, he recommends All This Marvelous Potential: Robert Kennedy’s 1968 Tour of Appalachia by Matthew Algeo. Michael recommends Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murder and the Battle for the United Mine Workers of America by Mark A. Bradley. Taking place mostly in central Appalachia during the late 60’s and early 70’s, this book looks at Joseph “Jock” Yablonski and his insurgen

On this episode, we discuss epistolary books, one of the prompts for Books & Bites Bingo. Epistolary novels are told primarily through letters, but they can also include diaries, emails, instant messages, transcripts, and even post-it notes. Prefer to read nonfiction? Collections of letters count for this prompt, too. Carrie shares some of her favorites.Our PicksTo the Bright Edge of the World by Eowyn Ivey is an epistolary novel that combines some of Carrie’s favorite things: historical fiction, adventure, nature, romance, and a touch of magic. In 1885, U.S. Army Colonel Allen Forrester leads an expedition up the fictional Wolverine River in the Alaska Territory, leaving his pregnant wife Sophie behind in the Vancouver barracks. The book is written primarily in the form of Sophie’s and Allen’s diaries and letters.Pairing: Allen and his expedition team are so malnourished, they get scurvy, a severe form of vitamin C deficiency. If only they’d had citrus and herb tonic to sustain them! This concentrated te

This month, we discuss the Afrofuturism/Afrofantasy square from Books & Bites Bingo. As Michael pointed out on the podcast, “Afrofuturism and Afrofantasy are sub-genres of science fiction and fantasy that are rooted in African cultures, myth, folklore, and the overall Black experience.” Jacqueline enjoyed Raybearer by Jordon Ifeuko. This debut YA Afrofantasy novel was inspired by African folklore. Some of the issues this novel tackles are women’s struggles in patriarchal societies, the erasing of marginalized people in history, self discovery, and found families. Bite: Since author Jordon Ifueko grew up eating fried plantains, Jacqueline suggests trying them at the Hola Havana Cuban restaurant in Lexington or using the Fried Plantain Chips recipe from Serious Eats.Michael recommends The Black God’s Drums by P. Djèlí Clark. It’s a steampunk novella that fully immerses you in an alternate 1871 New Orleans. The U.S. Civil War is in an armistice, with New Orleans being a free and neutral city that’s enjoyed b

We're starting the New Year with a new Books and Bites reading challenge, Books and Bites Bingo! You'll have more prompts to choose from, and more chances to win prizes. Plus, every time you get a bingo, you'll earn a fun, book-themed sticker. Complete a blackout of all the squares, and you'll earn your very own enamel Books and Bites pin! We'll discuss a different bingo square on each episode of the podcast. This month, it's books about books!Michael recommends Dark Archives: A Librarian’s Investigation into the Science and History of Books Bound in Human Skin by Megan Rosenbloom. It intersects quite nicely with the darker subjects he typically reads about. Listen to the podcast to find out why he suggests pairing the book with Skyline Chili, a staple restaurant of the Queen City.Carrie enjoyed The Book of Form and Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki. It's a coming-of-age novel about many things, including books, libraries, grief, and consumerism. The characters eat a LOT of Chinese takeout, so order in or make your own

If you’re participating in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, it’s time to wrap up your reading! On this episode of the podcast, we discuss the books we read for the twelfth and final prompt, read whatever you want. If you’ve completed ten of the reading challenge prompts, turn your entry forms in at the library or online for a chance to win a Kindle Paperwhite or a $100 gift card to Joseph-Beth Booksellers.Book & Bite NotesMichael recommends She Rides Shotgun by Jordan Harper. As you accompany Nate and Polly through the streets of LA and the deserts of California, enjoy a street taco from Nicholasville’s own El Rancho Taqueria. Carrie’s pick is The Wrong End of the Telescope by Rabih Alammedine. Pair this novel with a cup of Cardamom Green Tea and a batch of Crunchy Sesame Cookies. Both recipes are from Rose Water & Orange Blossoms: Fresh and Classic Recipes from My Lebanese Kitchen by Maureen Abood.Jacqueline enjoyed Veil of Winterby Melanie Dickerson. A warm cocoa drink with a hint of pepp

 On this episode, we discuss the eleventh prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, a nonfiction book about something you’re curious about. We hope we can pique your interest with books about octopuses, Sherlock Holmes, and cults! Book Notes Carrie recommends The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery. Jacqueline recommends Sherlock Holmes Was Wrong: Reopening the case of the Hound of the Baskerville by Pierre Bayard. Michael recommends Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell.  Bite Notes Watching a cup of flowering or blooming tea steep is as relaxing as watching an octopus swim. Since most of Sherlock Holmes Was Wrong takes place on a windy moor, warm yourself up with the Best White Bean Soup. Pair Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism with a pint of Schlafly’s Pumpkin Ale, a beer that has quite the following.

On this episode, we discuss the tenth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, read a manga! Manga are comics or graphic novels that began in Japan. Since you read them from right to left instead of left to right, they can be challenging at first. But thanks to the wide variety of subject matter, you should be able to find something you'll enjoy. Book Notes Michael recommends Remina by Junji Ito. Carrie recommends She and Her Cat by Makoto Shinkai and Tsubasa Yamaguchi.  Carrie also seconds former Books and Bites co-host Adam's recommendation of Dragon Goes House-hunting by Kawo Tanuki and Choco Aya. Jacqueline recommends Fairytail Vol. 1 by Hiro Mashima. Bite Notes A refreshing pint of Hitachino Nest White Ale nicely juxtaposes with the madness and chaos of Junji Ito’s Remina. Pair She and Her Cat with a big bowl of Sapporo Soup Curry from the book Japanese Soul Cooking by Tadashi Ono. A bowl of ramen would complement Fairytale, whose character Natsu has a hearty appetite. Try this Quick Homemad

 On this episode, we celebrate the freedom to read with the ninth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, read a banned or challenged book. Dr. Ron Critchfield, JCPL's Executive Director,  joins us to discuss the importance of intellectual freedom, the role of parents in helping their children choose books, the problems with censorship, and more. What's the Difference Between Banned and Challenged Books?According to the American Library Association, book challenges are "documented requests to remove materials from schools or libraries." A banned book is one that has been removed in response to a challenge.Book Notes Jacqueline recommends The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Michael recommends Animal Farm by George Orwell Carrie recommends Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison Find more banned or challenged books on the ALA's Top 10 Most Challenged Books page or on their Frequently Challenged Books page. You can also stop by the library display in our adult section or ask a librarian for help. Bite Notes Pair T

On this episode, we discuss the eighth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, novellas. These short novels of 200 pages or less are just the right size for reading in one sitting or trying something new. We’ve got something for everyone with cozy SciFi, a creature feature, and a dark fairy tale that both teens and adults will enjoy. Book Notes Carrie recommends A Psalm for the Wild-Builtby Becky Chambers Jacqueline recommends The Lost Sistersby Holly Black Michael recommends Below by Laurel Hightower Bite Notes Sip a soothing cup of ginger thyme tea while reading A Psalm for the Wild-Built. Or try custom blending tea like Dex, a tea monk. Learn how with Homegrown Tea: An Illustrated Guide to Planting, Harvesting, and Blending Teas and Tisanes. Pair The Lost Sisters with peach sorbet, a smooth and easy treat. Chow down on savory pepperoni rolls while experiencing the thrills of Below.

On this episode, we welcome our new co-host Jacqueline Cooper and discuss the seventh prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, books that take place near the ocean. To celebrate our summer learning theme, we have an ocean of possible reads for you, including horror, cozy mystery, and fantasy. Book Notes Michael recommends The Fisherman by John Langan Carrie recommends The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths Jacqueline recommends The Siren by Kiera Cass Bite Notes Pair The Fisherman with the aptly named Leviathan Baltic Porter from Harpoon Brewery. Appearing like the black ocean in a glass, it has a nose of toasted biscuits and dark fruits with a dark chocolate and earthy finish. Munch your way through The Postscript Murders with Spicy, Crisp Puffed Rice Nibbles, a recipe from Madhur Jaffrey's book, Vegetarian India: A Journey through the Best of Indian Home Cooking. The Siren deserves a sweet treat like Lemon Layer Cake with Summer Berries, a recipe that reminds Jacqueline of picking berries, s

 On this episode, we discuss the sixth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, books that include Black joy. These books celebrate the richness and fullness of Black lives. Book Notes Michael recommends Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby. Shantel recommends Seven Days in June by Tia Williams. Carrie recommends Mr. Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo. Bite Notes Pair Blacktop Wasteland with the Richmond, VA, staple, the Sailor Sandwich.  Enjoy Seven Days in June with the best snickerdoodle cookie recipe. Find recipes from Antigua and Barbuda in the library database AtoZ World Food. Dacuna, a sweet potato dumpling, and Seafood Salad sound particularly delicious, though you could also pair Mr. Loverman with a taste of rum.

On this episode, we discuss the fifth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, a book published in the decade you were born. We're covering the hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s—brought to you by WJCPL!Book Notes Michael recommends Pet Sematary by Stephen King. Carrie enjoyed Pet Sematary's direct opposite, the memoir All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot. Adam discusses The Revelation by Bentley Little. Bite Notes Contemplate the ending of Pet Sematary with a whiskey sour. Grab a pint of bitter and imagine you're at the pub with James Herriott. A great choice from this side of the pond is Green Man ESB. Pair The Revelation with Coffee Ground Cashew Butter, a recipe that turns trash into a tasty treat! Find this recipe in Lindsay-Jean Hard’s Cooking with Scraps.

Books and Bites Podcast, Ep. 64JCPL librarians bring you book recommendations and discuss the bites and beverages to pair with them.On this episode, we discuss the fourth prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, a biography or autobiography. You may be surprised to find biographies and autobiographies come in varied formats and styles to match any reader’s tastes.Book Notes Adam recommends autobiographical Junji Ito’s Cat Diary: Yon and Mu by horror master Junji Ito. Michael recommends You Never Forget Your First: A Biography of George Washington by Alexis Coe, which takes an honest and sometimes humorous look at the life of George Washington. Carrie recommends genre-bending A Ghost in the Throat by Doireann Ní Ghríofa. This book pieces together the buried history of eighteenth-century Irish poet Eibhlín Dubh Ní Chonaill. Bite Notes Indulge Juji Ito’s love for the… Lovecraftian with an Earl Grey Bourbon Pomegranate Punch, aptly titled Under the Scarlet Sea. This dark scarlet drink mixes fruity fl

 On this episode, we discuss the third prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, books recommended by young people. Young is a subjective term, so feel free to define it by whatever seems young to you! Reference Librarian Mycah Sylvain kindly fills in for Michael, who is busy welcoming a new young person into his family. Book Notes Carrie and her niece recommend Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey. They also enjoy series that feature strong girls having adventures, including Ivy and Bean, Princess in Black, and Bink and Gollie. Mycah's younger self enjoyed Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine. Adam and members of the JCPL Teen Manga Club recommend Kamisama Kiss by Julietta Suzuki. Bite Notes Get into the spirit of Dav Pilkey's potty humor with some dog poo brownies. They're just regular brownies shaped to look like dog poo. Katharine Hepburn's brownies bake up nice and gooey for that perfect "disgustingly delicious" taste. Since noodles are the next best thing to unicorns, pair Ella Enchanted with a

On this episode, we discuss the second prompt in the Books and Bites 2022 Reading Challenge, inclusive and diverse award winners. Our Teen Librarian Jacqueline Cooper stops by to talk about the Global Reads for Teens challenge. [Content warning: the books we discuss describe abuse and racism.]Book Notes Adam recommends The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman Michael recommends The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead Carrie recommends Memorial Drive: A Daughter's Memoir by Natasha Trethewey Bite Notes To accompany The Bridge Home, dig into a comforting bowl of Moong Dal Payasam from Indian for Everyone: The Home Cook's Guide to Traditional Favorites, available in print or as an eBook on Hoopla. Pair a cold pint of Guayabera Pale Ale from Cigar City Brewing with Elwood’s and Turner’s harrowing story of survival in The Nickel Boys. Savor the sweetness of Trethewey's early childhood with Easy Fig Pecan Bars. Find More Books With These Diverse AwardsAnisfield-Wolf Book AwardsArab-American Book AwardsAsian/Pacific America

Book NotesAdam recommends: Can’t Stop Cursing You with art by Natsuko Uruma and story by Kensuke KobaMichael recommends: Where All Light Tends to Go by David JoyCarrie recommends: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip WilliamsBite Notes In the duplicitous spirit of Can't Stop Cursing You, savor the sweet, fireside smell of Yaki Imo while you and your friends suss out the traitor in your midst. Instructions for these Fire-Roasted Sweet Potatoes can be found in The Gaijin Cookbook by Ivan Orkin and Chris Ying. For a tasty treat with Where All Light Tends to Go, travel to the hills of North Carolina with this slow cooker Carolina-Style BBQ recipe. Pair The Dictionary of Lost Words with a pot of tea and Esme's specialty, scone-like rock cakes packed with dried fruit.

Book Notes Michael recommends Furious Hours : Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee by Casey N. Cep Carrie recommends Ivory Shoals by John Brandon Bite Notes Pair Furious Hours with Harper Lee's satirical recipe for Crackling Cornbread. Swamp Cabbage Stew makes a satisfying meal when you're roughing it on the Florida frontier.

Book NotesCarrie recommends: Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny Home Cooking: A Writer in the Kitchen by Laurie Colwin Michael recommends: Haunted Nights : a Horror Writers Association Anthology edited by Ellen Datlow and Lisa MortonAdam recommends: Witch Hat Atelier, by Kamome ShirahamaBite Notes Complement Early Morning Riser’s Taco Tuesdays with Tacos with Roasted Winter Vegetables and Red Cabbage Slaw. Carrie recommends using corn tortillas from Tortillería Y Taquería Ramírez in Lexington. Fall into a….well, fall mood by mixing an Apple Cider Mimosa before turning the chilling pages of Haunted Nights.  Apprentice witches may break from their studies with Hunny & Rosemary Cakes, inspired by Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne. These cinnamon and rosemary cakes from Kate Young’s The Little Library Cookbook  are topped with fluffy cream cheese icing and drizzled with rosemary-infused honey.

Book NotesMichael recommends: The Lesser Dead by Christopher Buehlman The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward Adam recommends: Dragon Goes House Hunting, written by Kawo Tankui and art by Coco AyaCarrie recommends: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro Bite Notes Saddle up to the bar with a Vampire’s Kiss Martini while vampire Joey Peacock regales you with his tales.  Pair Dragon Goes House Hunting with a hot bowl of Arkhan the Cruel’s Flame-Roasted Halfling Chili from Heroes' Feast: The Official D&D Cookbook. In The Little Library Cookbook: 100 Recipes from Your Favorite Stories, Kate Young suggests Potato & Leek Soup with Rye Bread as the perfect meal to comfort you when reading The Book Thief.