Nick Schenkel Book Reviews

In "Diary of a Young Naturalist," 15 year old author Dara McAnulty gives us several perspectives simultaneously: That of a teenager making their way into adulthood; that of person with autism interacting with family, school fellows, and the wider world avaible through social media; and that of an individual passionate about nature learning and exploring the landscape and habitat of Northern Ireland. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Author Sophie Hannah continues her series of mysteries following Hercule Poirot, the genius detective and original invention of Agatha Christie, with the novel, "The Killings at Kingisher Hill." West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Over 150 years ago, the United States government forced the Navajo people to undergo a series of marches from what is now Arizona to eastern New Mexico. "Send a Runner: A Navajo Honors the Long Walk," by Edison Eskeets, tells the story of the ceremonial run organized by the author and his family to honor their ancestors, the survivors of that ordeal. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

"Binti: The Complete Trilogy" is 2021's " Big Read ," A community reading event hosted by the Purdue english department, in parternship with the West Lafayette and Tippecanoe county public libraries. Author Nnedi Okorafor uses this trilogy (+1) of short stories to explore the concept of "Africanfuturism" while telling the compelling story of a Namibian youth coming of age and dealing with the conflicts of tradition and progression in an alien environment. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel reviews the graphic novel: "Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversation" by Mira Jacob. This book explores the realms of the very contemporary experiences of immigrants and their descendants. Jacob takes us deep into the immigrant experience, using first person dialogue presented in graphic novel form to examine her life from childhood through motherhood, in a story as old as the colonization of the Americas and as new as today.

Written by Tom Schott and Nathan Baird, with a forward from Robbie Hummel, "100 Things Purdue Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die," is a collection of chapters detailing 100 of the greatest people, locations, events and activities in Purdue University's atheletics history. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

West Lafayette Public Library Director, Nick Schenkel, reviews "The Musical Human: A History of Life on Earth." Truly sweeping in its scope, this book is a journey through the history of humankind as heard through music. It is chock full of facts and music, each paragraph packed with fascinating ideas, taking us from the pre-historic world to the modern age. Truly a well thought out effort to encompass the meaning, celebrations, alarms and hope that music has inspired throughout the ages.

This book's scope is wide, its writing inviting, and the sources sometimes suprising. It's one of those rare books that grabs us from the first lines of its introduction. Immerse yourself in the book from the get-go. Read "Best American Travel Writing 2020" for the introduction alone, as editor Robert Mcfarlane muses about the drama and dramatic upsets that would turn the world, traveling, and travel writing topsy-turvy. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review of this compilation of travel articles.

One of the most examined and historically significant wars to the United States, the American Civil War, has always been a popular period of discussion between history buffs and otherwise, but what did the war mean to those of the time? And how do the major impacts of a war in the mid-19th century still affect the U.S. today? With first-hand sources of diary entries and newspaper columns, Edward Ayers details the suspense and total feeling of uncertainty experienced by those in the 1860s and on, whose lives were directly shaped by one of the most defining eras in our nation's history. For those who never thought the Civil War could be interesting, to those that think they know everything there is to know already, West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

One secret. Two lives changed forever. That's the premise for Lorna Cook's The Forbidden Promise, a tale of mystery and romance across two timelines. The first, from a war-torn Scotland of the 1940s, and the other from the same highlands in the modern-day. How will the decisions of the past affect the future, and how will the two timelines converge? Filled with secrets, twists, and cliffhangers, this book is sure to keep readers guessing until the very end. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

The topic of traditional masculinity has become a prominent issue of discussion in today's social climate. Man Enough , written by director, activist, and Jane the Virgin star Justin Baldoni, seeks to tackle the sometimes uncomfortable topic of what it means to be a man, and attempts to redefine the idea of the male role for a generation that is all too familiar with the idea of toxic masculinity. A book for everyone (not just men), Baldoni encourages us to be confident enough to be vulnerable, and brave enough to be honest, while sharing his own experiences along the way. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

This book is for the newcomers! Many learn new skills at a young age, but what about those who strive to learn something new later in life? What about the adult beginners? Tom Vanderbilt, in recounting his varied experiences as an adult beginner, from surfing and singing, to chess and drawing, focuses on the psychology of taking up a new skill after one's youth, the mindset of not immediately succeeding at something, and the joy of starting from square one. No matter your age, everyone can benefit from being a beginner again. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Filled with intrigue, mystery, and thrilling discoveries, The Scapegoat follows a nameless protagonist through his torment regarding his father's recent death, and his journey to uncover the truth. With the contrast between the strict order of everyday routines and the disruption and chaos brought on by the narrator's investigation, author Sara Davis effectively blurs the line between the monotony of life and the insanity within it. If you are looking for a story loaded with unease, suspense, and plenty of wit, Davis' debut novel may be for you. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

In a life of constant transitions, belonging can prove a difficult feat. That's just one of the many topics Jonny Sun tackles in Goodbye, Again . Through a collection of short essays, poems, stories, and illustrations, Sun dives into his own life through themes of productivity, anxiety, and humor, and invites readers to explore their own life within these themes as well. For an honest and introspective journey through life and its many transitions, look no further than Sun's witty and unique style of storytelling. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

With the Tokyo Olympics just on the horizon, global sports fans will come together to cheer on their nation in familiar, and unfamiliar, athletic events. Based on a true story and coming off the success of the 2020 documentary of the same name (narrated by Grammy-winning artist Common), A Most Beautiful Thing explores the somewhat unfamiliar sport of rowing, and the determination of a group of Chicago-based high school students who emerge as the first all Black high school rowing team in the nation. An inspiring story of hardships, willpower, and triumph; there's no better way to get inspired just before the biggest athletic event of the year. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Our favorite words may not be the ones we can always say, but they have certainly become a big part of our vocabulary. Nine Nasty Words takes a deep dive into nine of the most taboo words in the English language, showing us where these words came from, and where they got all that power. Did your favorite expletive make the list? West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

With the rising costs of tuition and the changing job market, university graduate degrees have garnered more and more scrutiny. The New PhD proposes a way to rectify some of the problems it lays out with graduate degrees. Not only does it talk about the new practices that should be put in place, but it also discusses the practical methods in how changes can be made. Does this book hold up for people outside of the academic field? West Lafayette Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

When one thinks of the historic individuals who had the largest impact on the world, often we may think of a man. The History of the World in 21 Women is a book that aims to show how the world has largely been impacted by historic women. Do you know these 21 historic women and their impact? Does the book do them justice? Tune in as West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Anthony Bourdain was arugably one of the best food writers/critics/TV personalities ever. World Travel: An Irreverent Guide gives Bourdain's honest take on some of the most interesting places in the world. The book also includes writings from friends, collegues, and family members about the wonderful world we live in and the wonderful man Bourdain. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Space: the final frontier. Space travel and space life has become a commonplace marvel among earthlings. If you happen to be one of those earthlings you might be interested in reading The Sirens of Mars. This book focuses on the search for life on Mars while also touching on the life story of the earthling author. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

"Be a man!" This is what I think right before I fearfully write the copy for these book reviews. But what does it really mean to "be a man?" The Book A Better Man is a memoir / advice-book / letter from the author to his son. It discusses masculinity and the best way for young men to be a part of the solution, not the problem. I also hope it helps me feel less stage fright in regards to sending out this copy. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

The Source of Self-Regard is a collection of essays, speeches and meditations by the prolific writer Toni Morrison. Morrison's many famous novels and writings have captivated millions and earned her high recognition (including a Nobel Prize). The Source of Self-Regard is no exception to her powerful use of language. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Gosh , I wish poems had pictures! Ever think that? Well, guess what, poems can have pictures. Poems to See By is a collection of 24 classic poems with fantastic illustrations to accompany them. In honor of National Poetry Month, West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Do you know much about Guinea? No not the Papua version, but the small country on the Western coast of Africa? No? Well, you have a lot to learn. In You Can't Always Get Where You Want, Nicholas DeMassi discusses the interesting culture he experienced during his time with the Peace Corps in Guinea. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

The American Agent is a mystery that mixes history with fiction. It's set in 1940s London, England - a period driven by fear. This is right at the cusp of what is referred to as "the Blitz" where Nazi Germany unleashed bombs upon the British Isles. This is all happening as our female protagonist Maisie Dobbs is working to solve the mystery of an American correspondent's sudden death. Want to learn more? West Lafayette Public Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Some of the most interesting stories in the world come from ancient mythological beliefs. Popol Vuh is one such treasure which retells the Maya myth of creation. 2600 B.C may seem like a long time ago, but at the end of the day we haven't changed much from our Mayan ancestors. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Do you want to take a "deep-dive" into studying the ocean? Tired of "fishing" through oceanic books for fun facts? Hate ocean-related puns? Well, Ocean Anatomy by Julia Rothman may feed your oceanic curiosity, but will it have any bad puns? Maybe West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel will enlighten us with his review.

What is your relationship to the periodic table? Were you one of the many unlucky ones who had to tediously memorize its contents? Has this strained your relationship with the table? Consider this book couple's counseling. Sam Kean's The Disappearing Spoon gives fascinating stories for many of the elements in the table. It's not too late to heal your relationship 3. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

History is full of moments where the mobility of African Americans was limited. Whether it be the shackles on their feet or the Jim Crow laws for public transport, they have lacked the complete freedom of travel. In Driving While Black, esteemed historian Gretchen Sorin shows us that the introduction of the automobile helped to bring more independence to the lives of African Americans. Not only did it give African Americans the freedom of the open road, but it also presented an escape from the dangers of racism on the streets. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Adult books with pictures. A rare breed. This book is one unlike any other. It's a humorous book filled with deep topics and great artwork. Allie Brosh is a pretty famous author at this point. Is the hype overblown? West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Finally! A novel retelling the interesting relationship between the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Michaelangelo and Leonardo! ... What's that? It's actually about the renaissance artists? Well, that's cool too I guess. Oil and Marble is the art history thriller by Stephanie Storey and West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Climate change is depressing. But you know what isn't depressing? The amazing research projects working to save the world from it! In The Big Thaw, readers get an inside look at the Polaris project and the amazing science behind how the Earth is being saved. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Did you ever have a mean science teacher that told you that if you didn't learn your metamorphic rock types you would fail to be a successful human being? Well, I hope you didn't, but if you did, reading this book would be a great way to rekindle your broken relationship with the field of science. The Best American Science and Nature series has been around for a little while now and this year's 2020 version is nothing to shake a stick at. But don't take it from me, take it from the West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel who has the review.

You ever start a lemonade stand as a kid and then wonder how you're supposed to make it in the cuthroat business world with Big Lemonade pulling the strings? Maybe this book will help. How I Built This by Guy Raz is a collection of stories on how succesful entreprenaurs made it. Based upon the NPR podcast, Guy Raz has interviewed hundreds of entreprenaurs and has the tips you need for success (doesn't have to specfically be in the lemonade market). West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Are you a fan of mysteries with good plot and character development? Aren’t we all? Ball Park is one of seven detective mysteries featuring the Montreal detective Émile Cinq-Mars. Here are a few quotes from online book reviews about Ball Park : “Strongly recommended”, “Fascinating”, and “Happy Birthday!” (Note that the last quote was actually from my Facebook page on my birthday). West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

It is a new year and the world may be changing, but the book reviews are the "same as it ever was." Today's book is an artistic retelling of the Broadway musical American Utopia . Now you may be asking "qu'est-ce que c'est?" Well, American Utopia is a musical by David Byrne who is perhaps most famous for being another Talking Head. He created this musical and, under the direction of Spike Lee, released an HBO recording of a performance. If you are hungry for more David Byrne content, "This [book] Must Be the Place." West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

It's the holiday season! You may be wondering, how can I celebrate? Well maybe you could read a 19th century mystery set in London! Does the book have anything to do with the holiday season? No! But that can just be our little secret ;). West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Millenials are a hot topic. You might hate them, you might empathize with them, or you might read books about them. Can't Even is an exploration on why millenials feel burnout from modern life. Should we blame millenials for their own misfortunes? What can we do moving forward? Self-proclaimed "Boomer" and West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Is water wet? Are hot dogs sandwiches? What about tacos? If these questions haunt your mind then maybe you should read some philosophy. And what better way to start reading this genre than with The Socrates Express by Eric Weiner. While it may not answer the hot dog sandwich inquiry, the book does offer practical and spiritual lessons for today based upon past philosophers. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Happy Black Friday! What's better than buying cheap TVs and other gadgets on sale today? Well, reading a romance novel! If you love The Crown on Netflix or are just a fan of Victorian England, then you will love this one. A Rogue of One's Own is a witty romance with tons of historical detail, great banter, and romance (did I mention it has romance?). West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Harriet Tubman has a life story like no other. She was an American Abolitionist, Union army spy, leading suffragist, and more. The resume of this American hero is impressive. She Came to Slay gives an in-depth look at Tubman's story through an expansive timeline, illustrations, photos, data, and more. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Have you not been given the "gift" of creativity? Wish you had more creativity? Well, John Cleese, the famous actor and writer of Monty Python, will tell you that creativity is not something you are given. Like any skill it is something you can work on, and this practical and "cheerful" guide aims to help you aquire it. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

From farmer girl with a community college education to CEO of a major corporation. Sounds like an interesting memoir right? The Growing Season is one such memoir about the life of Sarah Frey and her rise out of her humble midwest beginnings. It's a classic American story. West Lafayette Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

This is your mission should you choose to accept it: A New York Times bestselling story is in distirbution at the local West Lafayette Public Library. It is an action-packed thriller featuring famous literary spy Scot Harvath. Listen to the book review by West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel. If the book sounds interesting, rent it from the library. Good luck and remember, your nation is counting on you.

What kind of loser reads books without pictures in them? YUCK! Luckily today's book review is a graphic novel entitled Superman Smashes the Klan. It's a tale of the classic 'Man of Steel' superhero dealing with the evil villains of "The Klan" and the racism they are spreading through Metropolis. And yes, it does have pictures in it. West Lafayette Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Do you ever have fantasies? Does your fantasy involve a musician and a winemaker forced to face the dark evil forces threatening to destroy the world? Or, better yet, does your fantasy involve listening to a book review? If so, The Bard's Blade may be a written account of one of your fantasies, and you're about to live through the other fantasy as West Lafayette Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

What fuels artists? What fuels their passionate works? According to Christopher Zara, emotional pain is the fuel of art. In the book Tortured Artists, Zara unveils how some of our favorite artists were fueled by inner turmoil. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

Today's social media culture is flooded with "world travelers" that show off the amazing views and experiences they get from traveling. It may feed our envy, but what these Instagram-ers don't show is the headaches of traveling: making your flight, packing the right things, budgeting, etc. Well, Not Afraid of the Fall takes a different approach by talking up the headaches more than the experiences. Does it make for a better read? Well...West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

SNL, It's Garry Shandling's Show , and the movie North : what is at the center of this venn diagram? If you said Alan Zweibel then you must know a lot about comedy. Laugh Lines is Zweibel's account of his life writing in the show business. Will this book give readers there own "laugh lines"? West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

What makes humans separate from animals? Is it our bipedal structure? Our economic system? Or is it our love of funny looking socks? Well, according to the book Becoming Wild , the differences are not as big as we think. In this book, author Carl Safina proves how many animals deal with culture, hierarchy, and the meaning of life just as much as your average human. West Lafayette Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.

There's a serial killer terrorizing World War II London, and all evidence leads to a stolen violin. Sound like a mystery?... Well, it is! Secret Agent Maggie Hope is the only one who can solve this mystery in The King's Justice. West Lafayette Public Library Director Nick Schenkel has the review.