WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Nonfiction for Days

Wondering what nonfiction book to read next? Check out these reviews to see what other people have recently read. Also browse our Booklists and Staff Picks to get more ideas for your next read.

Don't forget to log your books into WooReads: Adult Reading Challenge. We also like your book reviews so keep em' coming!

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

By Robert T. Kiyosaki

Awesome book! Completely changed my mentality on how I see money and what I spend my money on. Don't expect a step by step plan on how to make money though the book does give you a few ideas on how to start.

~Christian N.

Gumbo Tales: Finding my Place at the New Orleans Table

By Sara Roahen

A love letter to New Orleans cuisine and the city itself, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Don’t read if hungry! Having recently visited New Orleans, I now crave so many dishes that aren’t readily available in Worcester!

~Amy K.

Napalm and Silly Putty

By George Carlin

For anyone who appreciates the brash thoughts of Carlin. Funny, sharp, short and sweet, brings memories of watching his acts.

I may not agree with him on everything, but he has a unique voice that rejects mainstream society.

~Lavinia P.

Old in Art School

By Nell Painter

-got a kick out of this story...60 year old woman who's highly educated (in History) takes on the MFA program at RSDI. I loved the way this author described her classes-especially the "crits" (students' work criticism), and the use of artsy language...

~Agnes W.

Read & Riot: A Pussy Riot's Guide to Activism

By Nadya Tolokonnikova

It was like reading a conversation, made ever so much more powerful because you knew Nadya was writing this book in a language not her own, so I could understand her message. Empowering, engaging, encouraging and thoughtful. I needed this book to fuel me forward.

~Krystal L.

So You Want to Talk About Race

By Ijeoma Oluo

It is a great read!

~Kaitlin B.

A Healthy Start to your New Year!

W

Want to jump start some healthy eating habits in the new year? Did you know you can take a nutrition class or a cooking class right here at the Worcester Public Library?  As part of WPL's  Food Literacy programming, healthy cooking classes are taught monthly at the Main Library in the Saxe Room on Saturday afternoons from 2:00 to 3:30.  We have partnered with Colin McCullough of VegWorcester and Chef Kim Youkstetter, culinary instructor at Worcester Technical High School.  Colin has been a vegan for over 25 years and focuses his classes on plant-based and whole foods.  Their popular classes cover current and seasonal topics including:

Healthy Holiday Baking, Amazing Vegan Sauces, Gluten-Free Cooking, Fresh Whole-Food Soups, Breakfast Smoothies that Taste Like Dessert, Tea Party Appetizers, Fresh Summer Salads, Grilled & Chilled, Using an Air Fryer: Making Fried Food Healthier,  Homemade Pasta.  

Nutrition classes are taught by the UMass Extension Nutrition Education Program and also include a brief cooking demo. They are typically offered on Tuesday afternoons at the Main Library.  Past topics include:

Making Healthy Choices for People Living with Diabetes, Choosing Healthy Snacks – Limiting Sugars, Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables, Moderation is the Key: Cutting Back on Fats,  Healthy Eating for Healthy Living
WPL's most recent cooking class was held on Saturday, January 12, 2019. Colin McCullough was back to teach Unprocess Your Plate!  This class tied together all of the classes he has taught here at the library over the past year.  Colin gave an introduction on all the basics needed to start an unprocessed diet.  He recommended kitchen appliances and accessories, demonstrated how to prep and freeze make-ahead recipe ingredients, highlighted some recipe substitutions, recommended where to purchase local, fresh ingredients on a budget, and stressed how sauces are the key to eating whole grains, legumes and veggies.  

The class also got a sneak preview of
his soon to be published vegan cookbook.

Join us for Colin’s next class, “Smoothies that taste like Girl Scout cookies” on Saturday, February 9 from 2:00 – 3:00 in the Saxe Room at the Main Library. Click here to register.

Click here to sample some titles from our catalog Vegan Book List

WPL also hosted two special programs this past year. The fourth annual Celebration of Coffee, where over 100 people gathered to sample and learn about coffees from around the world.   

The library was also host to New York City based Korean Spirit & Culture Promotion Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of Korean history and culture. They presented their program, Hidden Wonders of Korea, to an audience of 75 who got to sample a Korean meal.

The Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe

 If you look into the life of Edgar Allan Poe you will find conflicting information.  I’ve read that he was athletic, a weakling, a family man, a lady’s man, a drunkard, and someone who didn’t drink much at all.  The cause of his death is a mystery, too.  In 1849 he disappeared for days, reappeared to be taken to a hospital, and is described as being raving mad until he passed away there.  Rather than get bogged down in the murky details of his life, let’s discuss Poe’s writing.  

Born on January 19th, 1809, Poe had early aspirations as a writer.  He idolized the poet Lord Byron, and did his best to emulate Bryon’s Romantic and brooding style.  Poe first began publishing in 1827, but in the 1840s his writing took shape as what we think of today.  In 1841 he published the short story “The Murders in Rue Morgue”, which is considered to be the first modern detective story.  Many fictional detectives, including Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, were based on C. Auguste Dupin from “The Murders in Rue Morgue”.  

One of Poe’s most famous works is “The Raven”.  Published in 1845, it brought Poe the fame he’d been seeking.  It earned him invitations to important literary gatherings and brought him recognition in the streets, where children would follow after him flapping their arms.  More than two centuries later, references to Poe’s works can be found throughout pop culture.  The Simpsons did their own version of “The Raven” during a “Treehouse of Horror” episode, and SpongeBob SquarePants used another of Poe’s famous stories, “The Tell-Tale Heart”, for an episode entitled “Squeaky Boots”.  From cartoons to narrations by respected actors like Vincent Price and James Earl Jones, Poe remains in our lives beyond his mysterious death.  Even if you think you know plenty about him, I suggest you checkout some Poe-related items that Worcester Public Library has to offer. 

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Not So Rave Reviews

Books. Some you love. Some you hate. Some you can't get past the first paragraph. Then there are those books that offer the promise of a worthwhile read. So you bear down and make it to the end just to find out that for you, the book wasn't worth it.

Now what? Did you waste your time? Not at all. You learned more about yourself, you learned more about the author, and you are able to let others know what you thought of the book. Read below to see why our patrons gave these titles a not so rave review.

Alternate Side

By Anna Quindlen

Meh. I would rate this 2-3 stars out of 5. Have enjoyed other works by this author. Story is about rich, successful Manhattan women's mid life issues. I really didn't care much about any of the characters; especially the protagonist.

~Patricia A.

The Poison Squad

By Deborah Blum

You may never want to eat again after reading this book! A history of quest for food safety stymied by the food manufacturing industry. Not as readable as Blum’s The Poisoner’s Handbook but still a worthwhile read.

~Amy K.

The Fountainhead

By Ayn Rand

Unnecessarily long and poorly written story featuring some unsavory and dubious actions.

While the idea of being the hyper individualistic Howard Roark may be appealing to a teenager who feels like they are fighting against the world, it's something one should grow out of.

~Lavinia P.

Unsheltered: a Novel

By Barbara Kingslover

I am a fan of Barbara Kingsolver, but this was a disappointment. I felt is it was a heavy handed, political diatribe (and I agree with her politics). Definitely lacks subtlety, I really didn't care for any of the characters.

~Patricia A.

Computer or Device Questions? Visit Our Open Lab!

Do you have a new tablet, phone or device that you need a little help getting started with?  Would you like some assistance with setting up an email account, or learning how to use Google Drive?  Would you like some tips and tricks on using Microsoft Publisher to create a flyer for an event?  How about how to get set up with Craigslist or Ebay to sell unwanted household goods?  If you answered yes to any of these or similar questions, than the WPL's Open Lab Tech Help is the place for you!

Every Wednesday evening in the 3rd floor computer lab between 5:30 and 6:30, come by to receive one-on-one technology assistance from our Reference staff.  You can stop in anytime from 5:30-6:30 and can stay for the full time, or just a few minutes if you have a quick question.  No appointment necessary.  Bear in mind that we cannot perform any hardware repairs to your computer or device.  Our open lab is for instruction only.  We hope to see you there!

WooReads Book Reviews: Short, Sweet, and to the Point

Reading goal update: 1,446 books read

Keep reading and keep logging! We will get to 5,000 books together. Check for updates and log your books at mywpl.beanstack.org. 

Get inspired to read. Check out these short and sweet book reviews below or use our Find Your Next Great Read Service! Get a customized reading list from an expert librarian based on your past reading experience. 

What We Were Promised

By Lucy Tan

This is a very well written book that I enjoyed a lot. It describes the lives of contemporary Chinese families

~Patricia A.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette: a novel

By Maria Semple

This book was serious and hysterical all at the same time! I couldn't put it down!

~Kimberly F.

Back to the Bedroom

By Janet Evanovich

Was one of her starting books. Easy to read romance but not up to the quality of her later ones.

~Karen S.

News of the World: a novel

By Paulette Jiles

Good book, interesting story set in 1870 Texas. Well written, a quick and enjoyable read.

~Patricia A.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Inspiration for the New Year!

Number one on your list of New Year's resolutions is, of course, to read more books. Number two on your list is to log those books on  WooReads: Adult Reading Challenge and help us reach our community goal to read 5,000 books before the end of May. 

Enjoy these book reviews and get inspired to read in the new year! From organizing to travel to biography to self help, this last has you covered. 

The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art Of Decluttering And Organizing

By Marie Kondo

I intend to clean up my apartment in a method inspired by this book! Now to just get around to doing it!

~Adelaide G.

My Twenty-Five Years In Provence: Reflections on Then and Now

By Peter Mayle

A lovely culmination of a stellar career writing about France and especially Provence. A truly joyful book to read, made all the more poignant for having lost Mr. Mayle in January of this year (2018.)

~Margaret P.

The Art Of Asking: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help

By Amanda Palmer

- 4.5 stars -

I listened to this book (read by the author, which I highly recommend) on a bus ride from Worcester to NYC, and I'm still thinking about it, weeks later. I have appreciated Amanda Palmer and her art from afar for a long time, and listening to her honestly work out the philosophy behind her life and art so personally fascinating. At times it got a little over-indulgent, but for the most part I didn't mind. The narration was close and heartfelt, interspersed with music, by the author and by friends, and ultimately introduced me to the radical concept that art, in all forms, is work, and that connection is a form of art.

~Gretta C.

AVA: My Story

By Ava Gardner

Autobiography of her early years in the south before she was discovered and her tumultuous years as a movie star. The movies she appeared in and the people she met and worked with. Those that loved her and helped her career and those that hurt her both physically and mentally.

~Arlene C.

Crush It: Why Now is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion

By Gary Vaynerchuk

Crush It! Is a great book to help entrepreneurs and creatives think about the choices they make and how to embrace entrepreneurship.

~Giselle R. 

In Pieces: a Memoir

By Sally Field

Sally hasn't had an easy career life but she can still show her funny, pleasant side. From Gidget to Mary Todd Lincoln, she has shown strength and courage. Enjoyed the read, even though it is tear producing at times.

~Arlene C.

So Close To Being The Shi*T, Y’all Don’t Even Know

By Retta

I brought this book on a flight from Boston to San Diego and cracked up laughing out loud at least a couple of times. It’s by Parks and Rec alum Retta (Donna Meagle on the show), who shares some fun stories—though not much dirt—about her time on the show as well as her love of tv, hockey, and Hamilton the musical. This is an easy and entertaining read, perfect for the beach or airplane. Enjoy!

~Amy W.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: History Buff Edition

Check out these nonfiction book reviews written by our patrons as part of the WooReads: WPL Adult Reading Challenge. The more book reviews you share on WooReads the more likely you are to win one of our random drawings!

Join WooReads today to log your books and share your reviews with your community.

Lincoln's Last Trial : The Murder Case That Propelled Him To The Presidency

By Dan Abrams

The true story of Abraham Lincoln's last murder trial, a case in which he had a deep personal involvement--and which played out in the nation's newspapers as he began his presidential campaign. It was very insightful. Interesting and a fast read. I didn't want to put it down.😀

~Valdajean J.

Jefferson's Daughters: Three Sisters, White and Black, in a Young America

By Catherine Kerrison

A nonfiction scholarly book about Martha, Marie and Harriet Jefferson- lots of new information about the family- reads like a novel.

~Agnes W.

Operation Columba: The Secret Pigeon Service

By Gordon Corera

An interesting, but at times confusing, story about how homing pigeons were used to carry secret messages, rescue downed pilots and support the French and Belgium resistance during WWII.

~Mary R.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Fiction Best Sellers

Check out what your fellow WooReaders said about these critically acclaimed novels! Like what you read? Click the title to link to our catalog.

Share your reviews on WooReads and keep logging those books. We have read 1,172 books so far. Help us to reach 5,000 before the end of May 2019.



There There

By Tommy Orange

A well-written and well-crafted debut novel of contemporary identity seeking. This story of multiple characters claiming some relationship to the urban Native American experience (modern day Oakland) tightens as the novel draws to a dramatic overlapping ending that echoes the tragic narrative behind the story being told.

~William C.

Lincoln In The Bardo (Audiobook)

By George Saunders

Just finished the audiobook of Lincoln In The Bardo.

It was an amazing 7 1/2 hours. I listened in chunks of half an hour to an hour, often intending to stop at the next chapter break, but being compelled forward.
It gets very intense.
If you like Nick Offerman's voice, there's plenty of that. There are also 165 other voices.

Heads up:
Strong language (including slurs)
There's a description of a slave being raped.

~Marguerite B.

*********************SPOILER ALERT**************************

In The Woods

By  Tana French

Overall, I enjoyed this book. It grabbed my attention quickly. I was very interested in Rob and his story-line. I loved his partner Cassie. She was my favorite character. I'm still questioning whether Rob was a reliable narrator or not. He did warn us, he's a liar. The book could be a little slow at times, but I felt it picked up in the second half. Then, I couldn't put it down. There were many times I wondered if Rob and Cassie would solve the murder or not.

The only thing that I did not like was (SPOILER) that the first mystery of Rob and his friends was NOT solved. This definitely irked me. I was more intrigued by this mystery than the murder mystery that the book followed. I desperately wanted to know what happened to Rob in the woods. I wanted to know what happened to his friends.

So, overall good. I would recommend to those looking for a good murder mystery. However, if you are easily frustrated by some mysteries not being solved, this may be one to avoid.

~Cynthia O.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Tear Jerkers

Grab a tissue folks. These books will bring tears to your eyes.

White Oleander

By Janet Fitch

A bestseller, but mostly sad. A young girl whose mom goes to prison, and she goes to foster care. She braves it out and manages OK, but your heart aches for her.

~Karen S.

Hey Kiddo

By Jarrett Krosoczka

This is a great book. Highly recommended. The story made me cry and I loved the pictures of Worcester. His grandparents reminded me of my parents and their contemporaries so much.

~Patricia A.

Maybe In Another Life

By Taylor Jenkins Reid

Stepped out of my reading comfort zone by reading this (contemporary romance novel). Highly recommend; got teary eyed at the end. Really made me thankful for all that I've accomplished, have and the people I've met in life. I sometimes wonder "what if," but have to remember that the steps I've taken brought me to where I am today. I'm right where I'm suppose to be.


~Mary T.

Lily And The Octopus

By Steven Rowley

** spoiler alert ** The ending of this book had me crying and there were some tender parts in the book, but I became annoyed with the overuse of the octopus symbol, particularly during the battle scene. Ok! I get it ! This was your epic tale and the octopus was your white whale, but, as my mother would have said, "Enough already!!"

~Jeri G.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Books That Will Keep You Guessing

Take a break from the work week and check out these mystery/thriller reviews! Don't forget to log your books on WooReads and help us read 5,000 books as a community before the end of May 2019!

Righteous

By Joe Ide

I’ve been dabbling in reading crime and mystery fiction this year and I read the first IQ novel after reading a positive review for the most recent volume in the NYTimes. I figured I’d start at number 1 and work my way up to the third. The first one was a quick, easy read, but this one was a little too grim for me, and the ending seems a little rushed. I’m in for the third installment though since the through-line of IQ’s sad love life seems to be ready for a turnaround based on something that happens in the final pages. I need something good to happen for this guy!

~Gail H.

The Drop

By Dennis Lehane

A one night reading experience-cover to cover, this book is engaging, captivating and intriguing. The characters are located at a South Boston bar where shenanigans prevail. -🙌 Dennis Lehane at his best

~Agnes W.

Pretty Girls

By Karen Slaughter

Loved this book, could not put it down. A girl is missing in a small town. A now woman wonders if it had anything to do with her sister missing 20 years. A thriller, I will be looking for other books by K. Slaughter.

~Karen S.

In A Dark, Dark Wood

By Ruth Ware

Really good build up, propelled the action and tension forward really well, but by the end the "who done what" was pretty obvious, making it painfully frustrating waiting for characters to catch up.

~Heather W.

Stay Hidden

By Paul Doiron

A faced-paced (taking place over just a few days) murder mystery set on an island off the coast of Maine populated by believable hard-scrabble residents and temporary visitors to the island - including the game warden detective in this on-going series, Mike Bowditch. The book evokes well its November coastal setting. The author's strongest work yet.

~William C.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Nonfiction Edition

WooReaders! We have reached 15% of our goal. Help us read 5,000 books before the end of May 2019. Go to our WooReads site and log your books today. Here are some intriguing reviews for nonfiction books that will inspire you to pick a book up today. 

The Library Book

By Susan Orlean

A far ranging social history of the Los Angeles central library. Orleans introduces us to the colorful characters and controversies surrounding the founding and growth of the library and does some sleuthing to try to determine the cause of a mammoth fire that destroyed a large part of the library’s collection. A library-lover’s dream book
~Gail H.








Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture

By Roxane Gay

An anthology, so definitely some bits stronger than others, but overall, worth the read. It took me forever to get through it because there's only so much one could take in a single sitting, but lots of material to make one think (and make one sad, and angry, and....)
~Heather W.









I Can't Date Jesus: Love, Sex, Family, Race, and Other Reasons I've Put My Faith in Beyoncé

By Michael Arceneaux

Laugh out loud funny, honest, and thought-provoking. Thank you for sharing your fears, dreams, and hopes!
~Adrienne H.

WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Books in a Nutshell

As of this blog post we have read 528 books. Thank you to all of the WooReaders who have logged their books for September and October. Keep logging!


Looking for some recommendations? Check out the book reviews below and on WooReads (on WooReads, select the drop down menu in the right hand corner where your name is and click "Reviews" then click the "Peer Written Reviews" tab). And always check our Booklists and Staff Picks page!

Also, if you have registered for WooReads, don't forget to pick up your lanyard from your favorite branch.

The Rules of Magic

By Alice Hoffman

😄 I decided to read this book because it should have came before Practical Magic. It allowed me to get an insight of the characters beforehand. Awesome read!!!!!!

~Valdajean J.

Look Behind You

By Iris Johansen and Roy Johansen

Enjoyable book, fast paced action. Couldn’t read it fast enough. Good twist at the end. My only disappointment was would have like a little more of why.

~Karen S.

My Name is Lucy Barton

By Elizabeth Strout

Review:
The woman in a hospital bed reflects on the relationships that have formed her character.

~William C.