WooReads Fall Reading Challenge For Adults: Patron Book Reviews

Welcome to the WooReads Fall Reading Challenge for adults! In partnership with The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, we are offering readers a chance to win a pair of tickets to A Christmas Carol, showing December 17 - 23, 2022 or Annie, showing February 23 - 26, 2023! 

Click here to log into your Beanstack account to start logging your books and reviews. If you don't have an account, you can create one today!

Read these patron book reviews submitted by your fellow WooReaders to get an idea of what to read next! 

Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

I really enjoyed this book! It is funny and relatable to young adults. It has great queer representation and is a pretty classic rom-com. I would recommend it if you are looking a light, easy, romantic read! ~Emily M. 

Night of The Living Rez by Morgan Talty

This was a very well written book of stories about an indigenous American family living on a reservation in Maine. The book is told from the point of view of the son in the family, over the course of his childhood to adulthood. The day-to-day interactions and family challenges are realistically portrayed in a welcoming narration. I highly recommend this book. ~Linda J. 

Watching You by Lisa Jewell

A page turner right until the very end. Loved this! ~Mallory S. 

The Girl Next Door by Ruth Rendell

Slightly disappointed with this read. It's classified as a mystery. IMHO, it isn't a mystery at all. From the onset we know who the murderer is and their motive for killing. Not sure I'd pick up this author again.           ~Mary T. 

New Releases: November Edition

Check out these highly anticipated November releases featuring fiction and nonfiction titles. Click on the title to request a copy or get your name on the waitlist. Don’t forget to watch for more featured releases next month! 

Fiction

Small Game by Blair Braverman

Cast in a new show called Civilization, survivalist Mara and her four teammates end up stranded in the northern wilds after something goes horribly wrong, leaving them to face terrifying decisions as survival becomes more than a game.

Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

After a devastating tragedy, a married couple, Yasmen and Wade, discover that love isn't enough to save their marriage, but it eventually might be enough to bring them back together for a second time around.

They're Going to Love You by Meg Howrey

Nineteen years after a passionate love affair created a rift between her family, Carlisle must face the events of that fateful summer, in this mesmerizing tale of betrayal, art and ambition set in the world of professional ballet, NYC during the AIDS crisis and present day Los Angeles.

NonFiction

The Ruin of All Witches by Malcolm Gaskill

A gripping story of a family tragedy brought about by witch-hunting in Puritan New England that combines history, anthropology, sociology, politics, theology and psychology. Drawing on rich, previously unexplored source material, Malcolm Gaskill vividly evokes a strange past, one where lives were steeped in the divine and the diabolic, in omens, curses and enchantments.

Maus Now by Hillary Chute

Gathers together responses from leading critics, authors and academics who confirm how the classic graphic biography “Maus” has shaped the fields of literature, history and art, and enlivened our collective sense of possibilities for expression more than 40 years after its first publication.

The Philosophy of Modern Song by Bob Dylan

Dylan, who began working on the book in 2010, offers his extraordinary insight into the nature of popular music. He writes over sixty essays focusing on songs by other artists, spanning from Stephen Foster to Elvis Costello, and in between ranging from Hank Williams to Nina Simone. He analyzes what he calls the trap of easy rhymes, and breaks down how the addition of a single syllable can diminish a song. These essays are mysterious and mercurial, poignant and profound, and often laugh-out-loud funny.

WooReads Fall Reading Challenge For Adults: Patron Book Reviews

 

Welcome to the WooReads Fall Reading Challenge for adults! In partnership with The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, we are offering readers a chance to win a pair of tickets to A Christmas Carol, showing December 17 - 23, 2022 or Annie, showing February 23 - 26, 2023! 

Click here to log into your Beanstack account to start logging your books and reviews. If you don't have an account, you can create one today!

Read these patron book reviews submitted by your fellow WooReaders to get an idea of what to read next! 

Miseducated by Brandon P. Fleming

Absolutely love this memoir! Picked it up when I saw it on display at the library. Good job Worcester library! I personally learned a lot. Thank you, Brandon! I wish I were a youngster again and get the privilege to be one of your students, educated and empowered by you! Thank you for being so raw, letting us into the good, the bad, the ugly of your life, from your childhood to your present time. Thank you for your life! Now, I need to read up on Harlem Renaissance! ~ Sokna S. 

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Read this in one night. Easy reading with suspense. The plot twist in the end I never saw coming. ~ Sheila B. 

Walking in my Joy: In these streets by Jenifer Lewis

This book is AMAZING!! If you think it's a great read, try listening to the audio, you not only get to hear her tell her story as only she can..but, you'll also get to hear her sing!         ~ Doren C. 

Be My Baby by Ronnie Spector

Who knew that the Rolling Stones opened for the Ronnettes in the 1960's? Or that Ronnie delivered her first child at 7 months at home because the doctor at the hospital sent her home with a laxative? Just a couple of the interesting stories in this book that spans her childhood to the pandemic. She was part of a top-of-the-charts group that traveled the world, then she met Phil Spector and the sad part of her life began. It was a relief to learn that she later has a healthy relationship and family. I enjoyed learning more about her life and career. ~ Linda J. 

Treasures from the Worcester Room: The Trial of Daniel J. Cooper - Chapter 4

Previously on Treasures from the Worcester Room: The Trial of Daniel J. Cooper...

"Juror on - Daniel J. Cooper Trial from May 25th to May 29, 1914"

We came across the above photo in our Worcester Room and after doing a bit of research in the Worcester Telegram, discovered that it related to a murder case from 1914. Alfred G. Bradish went missing on October 4, 1913 and was not seen alive again. A breakthrough on the case occurred on October 31, 1913 when Daniel J. Cooper confessed to the murder of Bradish. Cooper was arraigned on the charge of murder in the first degree, a crime punishable by death. He was taken to the Worcester County Jail on Summer Street, where he stayed until his trial. The trial took place at Worcester Superior Court and lasted from May 25 to May 29. The Worcester Telegram eagerly reported on the scandalous details of the relationships between Cooper, Bradish, and Mrs. Balcom. Cooper's defense attorneys attempted to use the insanity defense but the prosecuting attorneys attempted to demonstrate that Cooper was not insane. The opposing attorneys rested their cases on May 28 and the case would be in the hand of the jury on May 29.

Chapter 4: The Verdict

On May 29, District Attorney Stiles and defense attorney Swift gave their closing arguments. After deliberating for 2 hours and 10 minutes, the jury returned with a verdict: guilty of murder in the second degree! As per remarks in the Worcester Telegram, this was the first time someone had been found guilty of a capital crime in Worcester County in 38 years. This trial had lasted five days, with three night sessions.

"Cooper, Guilty of First Degree Murder, Rides Off Puffing Cigar," Worcester Telegram, May 30, 1914

Over the next few months, defense attorney Swift fought to get a new trial for Cooper, or failing that, have an appeal before the full bench of state Supreme Court. Unfortunately for Swift and Cooper, the full bench ruled against them. Now their only hope would be an appeal to the governor.

On October 27, 1914, Judge George A. Sanderson sentenced Cooper to death by electric chair at the state prison in Charlestown. Cooper's attorneys petitioned the governor of Massachusetts to commute the sentence to life imprisonment. On November 28, Cooper was taken from the Worcester jail to a death cell at the Charlestown prison while he awaited to hear whether the sentence would be commuted.

Governor David I. Walsh commuted Cooper's sentence on December 8, 1914, stating, "it would be of as much use to electrocute Cooper as to string up a cat. He is absolutely without moral sense and is in such poor condition mentally that he knows nothing of the consequence of his crime. Therefore I shall order that he be kept in state prison for life, instead of going to the electric chair." 

Epilogue

Jennie Amy (Taft) Bradish, the widow of Alfred G. Bradish, remarried in September 1915. In 1924, Daniel J. Cooper's wife, Mary, obtained a divorce and custody of their 13-year-old son. In 1933, Cooper requested a pardon so he could be married to an unnamed woman who was currently receiving aid from the welfare board. He was not granted a pardon until December 22, 1944, when Governor Saltonstall granted Cooper a Christmas pardon. Cooper was 68 years old.

Interested in researching this case more? You can view historic newspapers on microfilm (local and national) by visiting our Newspapers and Magazines section on the first floor of the Main Library! Access to print newspapers and microfilm are available anytime the library is open.

Sources:

Alienists to Testify for Government at Trial of Cooper on Murder Charge. (1914, May 23). Worcester Telegram. 

Character Assailed Woman Gives Clue. (1913, November 2). Worcester Sunday Telegram. 

 

"Come Cooper, Be Game," Says Murray. (1913, November 2). Worcester Telegram

Cooper Case Will Be Given to Jury Today. (1914, May 29). Worcester Telegram.

Cooper in Death Cell. (1914. November 29). Worcester Telegram.

Cooper Declared Defective, Declares Governor. (1914, December 9). Worcester Telegram. 

Cooper is to Die Week of Dec. 6. (1914, October 28). Worcester Telegram. 

Cooper, Guilty of First Degree Murder, Rides Off Puffing Cigar. (1914, May 30). Worcester Telegram. 

Cooper in State Prison: Slayer of Bradish Brought from Worcester - In Cell Next to the Death Chamber. (1914, November 29). Boston Daily Globe. 

Cooper Jurymen View Upton Murder Scene. (1914, May 26). Worcester Telegram. 

Cooper's Story Told by Sleuth. (1914, May 27). Worcester Telegram. 

Defense Attempts to Show Cooper is Insane. (1914, May 28). Worcester Telegram. 

Divorce Granted Wife of 'Lifer' Who Killed His Rival in Love Intrigue. (1924, April 13). Worcester Telegram.

Iron Nerve of Cooper is Broken When He Realizes He Must Go to the Chair. (1914, October 24). Worcester Telegram. 

Judge Cook Finds that Upton Man is Shot from Behind and that Cooper Murders Bradish. (1914, January 21). Worcester Telegram.

Lifer From Upton Given Yule Pardon. (1944, December 22). Worcester Telegram.

Lifer Seeks Pardon, Wants to Mary Needy Woman. (1933, March 2). The Boston Globe. 

Mrs. Bradish to Wed. (1915, September 21). Worcester Telegram. 

Slayer Asks Pardon So He Can Be Wed. (1933, March 1). Worcester Telegram. 

Treasures from the Worcester Room: The Trial of Daniel J. Cooper - Chapter 3

Previously on Treasures from the Worcester Room: The Trial of Daniel J. Cooper...

"Juror on - Daniel J. Cooper Trial from May 25th to May 29, 1914"

We came across the above photo in our Worcester Room and after doing a bit of research in the Worcester Telegram, discovered that it related to a murder case from 1914. Alfred G. Bradish went missing on October 4, 1913 and was not seen alive again. A breakthrough on the case occurred on October 31, 1913 when Daniel J. Cooper confessed to the murder of Bradish. Cooper was arraigned on the charge of murder in the first degree, a crime punishable by death. He was taken to the Worcester County Jail on Summer Street, where he stayed until his trial.

Chapter 3: The Trial

The Worcester Telegram truly had a field day reporting all of the salacious details of the trial. The trial began on Monday, May 25, 1914 at the Superior Court in Worcester. During the trial, the jury stayed in the hospital portion of the Summer Street jail (that doesn't particularly sound pleasant!) and received their meals at the Somerset hotel, located down the street at 6 Summer Street. The court sessions lasted from 9 am to 5 pm with a 1 1/4 hour lunch break and night sessions were also possible. 

After the jury was selected and received their instructions, the jurors and the opposing attorneys were driven to the scene of the crime in Upton. 

"Cooper Jurymen View Upton Murder Scene," Worcester Telegram, May 26, 1914

The next few days were full of testimony from prosecuting witnesses and experts, including Mrs. Balcom, state police detective William F. Murray, neighbors, and Bradish's widow. Murray testified about Cooper's confession. Mrs. Balcom testified that she had ridden with Cooper multiple times in her buggy, mostly to and from work without her husband being present, but that she had never kissed Cooper, nor had she been intimate with him. She also claimed that one of the officers had choked Cooper in advance of his confession. In subsequent testimony, the police witnesses claimed that they had merely touched Cooper's chin. The state rested their case after calling Mrs. Bradish and a state police captain who was an expert in revolver rifling (what would be considered ballistics today). Mrs. Bradish testified that she previously had seen Cooper with his arms around Mrs. Balcom as they rode together.

Then the defense opened their case by attempting to use the insanity defense instead of claiming that Cooper was acting in self-defense. On the afternoon of May 27 and continuing May 28, multiple defense witnesses took the stand to testify that Cooper had head injuries, was a "sulky boy," had family who were addicted to strong drink, and some of his family had medical issues (relating to mental health as well as syphilis) that might be hereditary. Cooper's wife also testified that he had received a head injury after a bicycle accident. 

On May 28, Daniel J. Cooper took the stand and caused a sensation when he claimed that he felt "wild" before he shot Bradish. He testified that he had been having intimate relations with Mrs. Balcom since 1909 and that she worked with him in the shop. He claimed that he purchased a revolver to protect him and Mrs. Balcom when they were together. Cooper testified that on the day of the shooting, Cooper had visited with Mrs. Balcom and returned home to do chores. Then, from his house Cooper saw Bradish at the Balcom's house so Cooper got his revolver and went to return to the Balcom house. Cooper encountered Bradish on the cart path and Bradish allegedly threatened to kill him if Cooper didn't "keep away from that woman." At this point, Cooper claimed that he was afraid that Bradish would kill him because Bradish advanced towards him. Cooper fired one shot, and then as Bradish turned to run, he shot again, and fired a third shot as Bradish ran, causing Bradish to drop. 

Cooper then testified about the police investigation, how Deputy Sheriff O'Neill grabbed him by the throat, and his later confession. He claimed that the police told him they would take care of his wife and children if he confessed.  The day ended with six alienists (now known as forensic psychiatrists) for both sides testifying for and against the defense's claim of insanity. Expert witnesses for the state claimed that Cooper had told them he had lain in wait for Bradish and that he had known right from wrong. Both sides rested their case.

"Cooper Case Will Be Given to Jury Today." Worcester Telegram, May 29, 1914

Join us tomorrow for our final chapter in this series, Chapter 4: The Verdict.

Treasures from the Worcester Room: The Trial of Daniel J. Cooper - Chapter 2

Previously on Treasures from the Worcester Room: The Trial of Daniel J. Cooper...

"Juror on - Daniel J. Cooper Trial from May 25th to May 29, 1914"

We came across the above photo in our Worcester Room and after doing a bit of research in the Worcester Telegram, discovered that it related to a murder case from 1914. Alfred G. Bradish went missing on October 4, 1913 and was not seen alive again. A breakthrough on the case occurred on October 31, 1913. 

Chapter 2: The Accused

"Daniel J. Cooper," Worcester Telegram, May 26, 1914

On October 31, 1913, police questioned 37-year-old Daniel J. Cooper for over five hours until Cooper confessed to police that he had shot and killed Alfred Bradish. Cooper then led the police to where he buried the body. Apparently Cooper had been under suspicion for weeks and he was known to police. The November 1, 1913 issue of the Worcester Telegram reported that Cooper made a statement that he was angry at Bradish because Bradish wouldn't rent him a tenement in Bradish's old schoolhouse in North Upton. Allegedly Cooper shot Bradish three times on October 4 and then hid the body in the swamp. Cooper covered the body in Bradish's raincoat and buried the body under a foot of mud in the swamp 40 feet away on October 5. On Monday, October 6, Cooper went back to work at the Draper Co. factory in Hopedale as usual and worked there until a week before his confession. Cooper and Bradish both worked at William Knowlton and Sons prior to Cooper working at Draper Co.

"Cooper Confesses to Killing A.G. Bradish," Worcester Telegram, November 1, 1913

After Cooper confessed and led police to the body, he was taken to lockup in Milford. The autopsy took place the following day and the medical examiner concluded that Bradish died from a single gunshot that severed the spinal cord. Cooper was arraigned in Milford District Court on the charge of willful murder. He was taken to the jail in Worcester on Summer Street and would remain there until the trial. The police who uncovered Bradish's body gave the reward money to Mrs. Cooper, the accused's wife, "believing she needs it more than they do." 

Early 20th Century Postcard of "Worcester Jail, Worcester, Mass"

So why did Cooper allegedly shoot Bradish? As per the Worcester Telegram on November 2, 1913, the police had suspicions about Cooper since the first week of Bradish's disappearance. The article also excitedly reported, "That jealousy was the motive behind the murder of Bradish is the opinions of officials, tonight, and a claim is made that Cooper and Bradish, both married, has [sic] been attentive to the same woman [Mrs. Balcom], herself married." Scandalous!

On January 20, 1914, Judge C.A. Cook of the District Court in Milford reported that the inquest found that Bradish died from an unlawful act by Cooper. The results of the inquest were filed in Superior Court. Cooper was then arraigned on the charge of first degree murder, a capital offense, on February 5, 1914. He would be represented by lead attorney John E. Swift as well as A.E. Livingston and W.E. Murray. The prosecuting attorneys would be District Attorney James A. Stiles and assistant attorney Edward T. Esty. Judge Hugo A. Dubuque would preside over the case. 

Join us tomorrow for Chapter 3: The Trial.

Treasures from the Worcester Room: The Trial of Daniel J. Cooper - Chapter 1

"Juror on - Daniel J. Cooper Trial from May 25th to May 29, 1914"

Did you know that we have an assortment of photographs in our Worcester Room? Many of these images are of Worcester Public Library, including its buildings, staff, and events, but some images relate to Worcester. We recently came across the above image of these besuited men with the caption "Juror on - Daniel J. Cooper Trial From May 25th to May 29th, 1914." The photographer was F. Carl Dixon, Commercial Photographer, 1 Chatham St, Worcester, Mass. We were unfamiliar with the trial of Daniel J. Cooper so we decided to do a little digging in our historic Worcester Telegram records. It turns out that Cooper was on trial in Worcester for murder and if you're a fan of true crime or Worcester County history, you'll want to read on!

The Victim

"Alfred G. Bradish," Worcester Telegram, May 27, 1914

Alfred Grant Bradish, a 46-year old Upton resident and employee of William Knowlton and Sons straw hat firm, went missing on Saturday, October 4, 1913. On the morning of October 4, Bradish left his West Upton house intending to pick apples from his trees in North Upton. Bradish rode part of the way and then walked along the Westboro Road and spoke with his friends at the Wood-Lee farm. Bradish then visited the farmhouse of Walter Balcom, wherein the women of the house felt they were not properly attired to receive visitors, so he left without speaking with Mr. Balcom. Bradish was not seen alive after this visit and he never reached his farm to pick from his apple trees. Three shots were heard by multiple people approximately 20 minutes after Bradish left the Balcom house and at that time, it was unclear whether the shots were connected to the disappearance of Bradish.

"Posses Search Vainly for Alfred G. Bradish," Worcester Telegram, October 7, 1913

On Monday, October 6, the Upton chief of police and the tax collector each led a search party in an unsuccessful attempt to locate Bradish. At that time, the Worcester Telegram reported that police had three theories for Bradish's disappearance: dementia, suicide, or foul play. On October 11, the Worcester Telegram reported that the state and Upton police were continuing their search. One member of the search party indicated that he visited a clairvoyant in Worcester, who alleged that Bradish was still alive and would return home sometime. The search continued.

On October 22, Court Upton, F. of A., the Upton chapter of a men's Catholic fraternal organization to which Bradish belonged, offered a $25 reward (or roughly $750 in today's money) for information leading to the discovery of Bradish, dead or alive. All unemployed residents of Upton, as well as members of the fraternal order were involved in the search. A break in the case did not come until Halloween, 1913.

Join us tomorrow for Chapter 2: The Accused.