Every month, we’re profiling new-ish releases that are getting critical and commercial buzz. For September, we’re looking at a fictional behind-the-scenes look of a Hollywood classic, a zany but clever graphic novel for kids, and a book about slime (no, really).
Elizabeth Letts’s Finding Dorothy (2019)*
A captivating, well-researched tale from the perspective of Maud Baum, wife of L. Frank Baum, this novel features a dual narrative. In part, it is the story of Maud’s rough upbringing and life in South Dakota and her early marriage to her husband, but it is also the story of Maud’s involvement in the classic 1939 adaptation of her husband’s beloved The Wizard of Oz book. On set, Maud became an advocate for the young, mistreated actress cast as Dorothy–Judy Garland.
*Ebook also available on Libby.
Recommended for Wizard of Oz fans and those who enjoy biographical novels.
Elise Gravel’s The Worst Book Ever (2019)
Technically, this is a kid’s book, but I have a feeling the meta concept will be funnier to adults or older children. Essentially, it is Mystery Science Theater 3000 as applied to children’s stories. On one page, a badly-illustrated and poorly-told kid’s story unfolds. On the other page, a trio of characters zealously heckle the terrible story they’re trapped in. This is a rather new book at the library, and the entire staff was intrigued enough to start reading it over each other’s shoulders while we were trying to process it. 🙂
Recommended for those who need a laugh.
Ruth Kassinger’s Slime (2019)
This book is a celebration of algae–and its surprisingly varied uses. The book provides a look at algae’s importance to the ecosystem while also examining its role in numerous products (including toothpaste and shampoo!) and the ways scientists are trying to harness its potential for even more. You will be surprised by how many different ways slime affects your life!
Recommended for those who enjoy Mary Roach’s work.
What’s your favorite new-ish books? What books are you buzzing about these days? Have you read any of these books? Tell us in the comments! As always, please follow this link to our online library catalog for more information about any of these items.
Berryville Book Buzz 