A Book for Everyone

York County Public Library

Join York County Public Library staff members as they chat about reading and discuss the different ways that we find, select, and enjoy books. In Season One, we discuss the genres we love (or love to hate), why we read them, and our picks for books to add to your TBR pile. read less
ArtsArts

Episodes

Why We Read...Fantasy
Apr 18 2022
Why We Read...Fantasy
Join Beth and Pearl as they talk about the wide-ranging genre of fantasy. From epic fantasy to low fantasy, from paranormal to afrofantasy, there is something for everyone in this episode.  High Fantasy Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienThe Hobbit by J.R.R. TolkienMists of Avalon Marion Zimmer BradleyThe Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora PierceSabriel by Garth NixA Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin Low Fantasy The House on the Cerulean Sea by T.J. KluneThe Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow Paranormal or Urban Hollows series by Kim HarrisonDresden Files series by Jim Butcher Humorous Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry PratchettDiscworld series by Terry PratchettTales of Pell series by Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin HearneThe Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure, The "Good Parts" Version by William Goldman Afrofantasy: Highlights and celebrates African worldviews and mythologies Parable of the Sower by Octavia ButlerThe Fifth Season by N.K. JemisinBlack Leopard, Red Wolf by James Marlon Middle Eastern-influenced fantasy The Golem and the Jinni by Helene WeckerThe Bird King by G. Willow Wilson Asian-influenced fantasy The Poppy Wars by R.F. KuangIron Widow (Young Adult) by Xiran Jay Zhao Indigenous Peoples-inspired fantasy Trail of Lightning and Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse Duology Strange the Dreamer duology by Laini Taylor (young adult)We Hunt the Flame duology (young adult) by Hafsah FaizalSeraphina duology (young adult) by Rachel Hartman Trilogy The Queen of the Tearling by Erika JohansenDaughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor (young adult)Discovery of Witches by Deborah HarknessThe City of Brass by S. A Chakraborty Series (more than 3 books) Wheel of Time series by Robert JordanThe Wicked Years series by Gregory Maguire Standalones Circe by Madeline MillerThe Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon Sources VanderMeer, J. (2020, July 16). How Fantasy Literature Helped Create the 21st Century.  Electric Lit. https://electricliterature.com/jeff-ann-vandermeer-modern-fantasy/ Science Fiction vs. Fantasy: How Are Science Fiction and Fantasy Distinct? (2021, September 1). MasterClass.  https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-are-science-fiction-and-fantasy-distinct#what-are-the-elements-of-the-fantasy-genre Radcliffe. D. (2020, June 8). Daniel Radcliffe Responds to J.K. Rowling's Tweens on Gender Identity. The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/daniel-radcliffe-responds-to-j-k-rowlings-tweets-on-gender-identity/ Gardner, A. (2022, January 3). A Complete Breakdown of the J.K. Rowling Transgender-Comments Controversy. Glamour. Retrieved April 7, 2022. https://www.glamour.com/story/a-complete-breakdown-of-the-jk-rowling-transgender-comments-controversy Fandom Forward. (n.d.). Meet Fandom Forward. https://fandomforward.org/
Why We Read...Library-Centered Fiction
Apr 4 2022
Why We Read...Library-Centered Fiction
It's National Library Week! Learn how to Connect with Your Library during the week of April 3-9, 2022, and all year long. Join Beth and Pearl as they discuss library-centered fiction and get suggestions from a variety of genres to add to your TBR.  Beth & Pearl's Suggestions Cozy Mystery (oh so many) -Cat in the Stacks Mystery series by Miranda James (Book 1: Murder Past Due) -Blue Ridge Library Mystery series by Victoria Gilbert (Book 1: A Murder for the Books) -Library Lover’s Mysteries by Jenn McKinlay (Book 1: Books Can Be Deceiving) -Lighthouse Library Mystery series by Eva Gates (Book 1: By Book or by Crook) -Haunted Library Mystery series by Allison Brook (Book 1: Death Overdue) -A Bookmobile Cat Mystery series by Laurie Cass (Book 1: Lending a Paw) Fantasy -The Midnight Library by Matt Haig   -The Book of Speculation by Erika Swyler  -Hell’s Library series by A.J. Hackwith (Book 1: The Library of the Unwritten) -The Great Library series by Rachel Caine (Book 1: Ink and Bone) -All Souls Series by Deborah Harkness (Book 1: A Discovery of Witches) Romance -The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson -What You Wish For by Katherine Center  -No Offense by Meg Cabot -The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman -The Month of Borrowed Dreams by Felicity Hayes-McCoy Historical Fiction -The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles -Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes -The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson  Contemporary Fiction -The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams -Summer Hours at the Robbers Library by Sue Halpern -The Borrower by Rebecca Makkai Bonus Nonfiction Suggestions -The Library Book by Susan Orlean -The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu: And their race to save the world's most precious manuscripts by Joshua Hammer -Dewey: The small-town library cat who touched the world by Vicki Myron -I Work at a Public Library: A collection of crazy stories from the stacks by Gina Sheridan Sources American Library Association. (n.d.). National Library Week. https://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek Nield, D. (2016, August 11). People Who Read Books Live Almost 2 Years Longer, Study Finds. https://www.sciencealert.com/spending-more-time-reading-could-help-you-live-longer-suggests-a-new-study Obaro, T. (2019, October 7). "Me Before You" Author Jojo Moyes Has Been Accused Of Publishing A Novel With "Alarming Similarities" To Another Author's Book. https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/tomiobaro/jojo-moyes-the-giver-of-stars-kim-richardson-bookwoman-of
Why We Read...Young Adult Fiction
Mar 28 2022
Why We Read...Young Adult Fiction
Join Beth and Pearl as they talk about why they still love young adult fiction as adults and why you should, too. Explore a variety of topics and genres written for teens that will also appeal to adults. And, as always, there are plenty of suggestions for books to add to your TBR. Young Adult Fiction Recommendations Novels in Verse - Solo by Kwame Alexander - The Poet X or Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo  - Me (Moth) by Amber McBride Difficult Topics - The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - Turtles All The Way Down or The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - The Astonishing Color of After by Emily XR Pan Mental Health - Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore - Darius the Great is Not Okay by Adib Khorram - Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert  Disability and Neurodiverse Representation - A List of Cages by Robin Roe (ADHA, Dyslexia) - Finding Balance by Kati Gardner (Amputation, Cancer) - Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork (Autism) - Not if I See You First by Eric Lindstrom (Visually Impaired) - You're Welcome, Universe by Whitney Gardner (Hearing Impaired) LGBTQ+ - Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating by Adiba Jaigirdar  - Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas - If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo - Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan - In Deeper Waters by F.T. Lukens - Obie is Man Enough by Schuyler Bailar Gaming/Gamers - Slay by Brittany Morris - Don't Read the Comments by Eric Smith  - Warcross by Marie Lu  Historical Fiction - The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee - The Lovely War by Julie Berry - Enchantee by Gita Trelease Fantasy  - The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna - Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi  - Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi  - An Ember in the Ashes quartet by Sabaa Tahir - Legendborn by Tracy Deonn - Shadow and Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo - Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas - The Immortals quartet and Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce Contemporary Romance - Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han - Verona Comics by Jennifer Dugan Sources Cited Milliot, J. (2021, July 9) Print Books Soar in Year's First Half. Publishers Weekly. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/86863-print-book-sales-soar-in-year-s-first-half.html Hargreaves, A. (2020 June 25). Why Young Adult Books Still Appeal To Me an Adult. Book Riot. https://bookriot.com/young-adult-books-still-appeal-to-me-as-an-adult/ We Need Diverse Books - https://diversebooks.org/
Why We Read...Graphic Novels
Mar 14 2022
Why We Read...Graphic Novels
Join Beth and Pearl as they share their love of graphic novels. This underappreciated art form truly has something for everyone: From classic superhero stories to diverse perspectives on a range of genres, inspiring memoirs and so much more! Learn about the world of graphic novels and comic books, why we love them and some great choices to add to your TBR pile.  Picks for First-Time Graphic Novel Readers 1. Look for continuations/adaptations of your favorite film/television shows: -Star Wars by various authors and artists -The Walking Dead written by Robert Kirkman and illustrated by Tony Moore -Firefly by various authors and artists -Avatar: The Last Airbender by various authors and artists 2. Explore a genre you like: -If you like superheroes, try All-Star Superman written by Grant Morrison -If you like mysteries, try My Favorite Thing is Monsters by Emil Ferris  -If you like Contemporary Romance, try Bingo Love by Tee Franklin -If you like Contemporary Fantasy, try Fables by Bill Willingham   -If you like Horror, try Wytches by Scott Snyder 3. Pick up an Award Winner: - Maus by Art Spiegelman (1992 Pulitzer Prize & 1991 National Book Critics Circle Award) - Can’t We Talk about Something More Pleasant by Roz Chast (2014 National Book Award Finalist; Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award) Beth's Top Two Picks -Lumberjanes by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, Shannon Watters and Brooke Allen  -Saga by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples  Pearl's Top Two Picks -The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi -The Wicked + The Divine by Kieron Gillen & Clayton Cowles, illustrated by Jamie McKelvie, colored by Matt Wilson Further reading and sources cited McCloud, S. (1993). Understanding Comics: The invisible art. Harper Collins Publishers. Milliot, J. (2021, July 9). Print Books Soar in Year's First Half. Publishers Weekly. https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/bookselling/article/86863-print-book-sales-soar-in-year-s-first-half.html O'Keefe, M. (2019, July 25). Making Comics: How writers can foster stronger and healthier relationships with artists. The Beat. https://www.comicsbeat.com/making-comics-writing-for-your-artist/ Roseen, J. (2019, July 26). Comic Books vs. Graphic Novels: What's the Difference? Mental Floss. https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/588430/comic-books-vs-graphic-novels-what-is-difference
Why We Read...Mysteries
Feb 28 2022
Why We Read...Mysteries
It's no mystery that Beth and Pearl love mysteries! Join them as they discuss what exactly makes a book a mystery, how to choose a mystery to read, and why cozy mysteries are such a great subgenre. Don't miss our picks for mysteries to add to your TBR stack. What to Try if You are New to Mysteries Classics: Agatha Christie, Wilkie Collins, & Arthur Conan DoyleIf you like action and don't mind violence: James Patterson, C.J. Box and Craig JohnsonIf you like a dark tone, flawed characters, and gritty realism: Tana French, Louise Penny, and Jane HarperIf you like an emphasis on character and a strong sense of place: Alexander McCall Smith, Jenn McKinlay and Paige SheltonIf you like themed series: Cleo Coyle (coffee), Kate Carlisle (book binding), Ellie Alexander (brewing), Miranda James (librarians and cats), and Vivien Chen (noodle shop) Shake Up Your Mystery Reading with Genre Mashups Simon R. Green's Ishmael Jones series (paranormal science fiction mysteries)Six Wakes by Muir Lafferty (locked room mystery in space)Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series (historical mystery) Other Books Discussed Victoria Thompson's Gaslight MysteriesRhys Bowen's Royal Spyness and WW Collection seriesMartin Walker's Bruno, Chief of Police seriesLeslie Meier's Lucy Stone Mystery series Sources Cited Kehlet, E. (2016. March 16) Will PRH be cancelling your favorite cozy mystery series? The Book's the Thing. https://booksthething.com/2016/03/16/will-prh-be-cancelling-your-favorite-cozy-mystery-series/ Vatsak, R. (2020. January 15) In Defense of Cozy Mysteries. Kirkus Reviews. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-features/articles/defense-cozy-mysteries/
Why We Read...Romance
Feb 14 2022
Why We Read...Romance
In the first episode of A Book for Everyone, we talk about a controversial genre: Romance! Join longtime romance reader Pearl and recent convert Beth as they explore what the genre encompasses, why so many people read romance, and our romance recommendations for both dabblers and fans.  Romanace Author Suggestions: Own Voices—Beverly Jenkins, Alyssa Cole, Casey McQuiston, Farrah Rochon, Jasmine GuilloryHistorical—Cat Sebastian, Julia Quinn, Evie DunmoreClean—Nicholas Sparks, Debbie MacomberIf You Like Beverly Lewis, you might also enjoy—Amy Clipston or Beth WisemanContemporary—Sally Thorne, Meg Cabot, Sophie Kinsella, Nora Roberts, Christina Lauren, Olivia Dade, Alexis Hall, Lyssa Kay Adams, Rachel Lynn Solomon Some of Pearl's Favorites: Sonali Dev — The Rajes series & Bollywood series Emily Henry — Beach ReadHelen Hoang— The Kiss Quotient & The Heart Principle Rosie Danan — The RoommateAlexis Daria — You Had Me at Hola & A Lot Like AdiosTalia Hibbert — The Brown Sisters series, especially Act Your Age, Eve BrownUzma Jalaluddin — Hana Khan Carries On Casey McQuiston — Red, White and Royal Blue Some of Beth’s Favorites: Unmarriageable by Soniah KamalThe Rosie Project by Graeme SimsionThe Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle ZevinThe Bookshop of Second Chances by Jackie Fraser Sources cited Hoffert, B. (2021. February 4) Circ Disrupted | 2021 Materials Survey. Library Journal. https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/Circ-Disrupted-2021-Materials-Survey