Exciting book to film news!

You may have read this morning that M.R. Carey's best selling smash hit The Girl with all the Gifts will be released in theaters sometime this year.

The trailer is one huge spoiler alert for those who haven't read the book so proceed to that link with caution. I'll just say here that it looks like it's going to be pretty darn good, with loads of creepy kids plus Glenn Close. 'Nuff said.

And you may be absolutely jumping out of your seat if you are anything like me over the news that Margaret Atwood's historical novel about real life convicted murderer, Grace Marks, will be coming to Netflix as a miniseries this year.

Also, If you are anything like me, you will be made insanely jealous by the news that I will be seeing the fabulous and brilliant Margaret Atwood live in person at the Great Big Annual American Libraries Association conference this weekend. I may be paralyzed with fangirl-itis and unable to speak if I happened to meet her but I will do my best to report back here on her, and other news of interest to readers. A question for you, our readers: Given the chance, what would you ask your favorite author?

P.S.
Speaking of speculative fiction: Holy mackeral, this is a big list of speculative fiction in translation. Thanks, Book Riot!

me on Sunday, returning to Richmond with ALA swag

Summer binge-reading time is here!

The Girls by Emma Cline imagines the lives of the young women who, in the summer of 1969, joined the cult of a charismatic figure known only as "Russell" (who bears an uncanny resemblance to Charles Manson).

Get. On. This. Book! It's Go Ask Alice meets Helter Skelter.

Before the Fall, Noah Hawley's summer blockbuster, leads with a pulse-pounding plane crash followed by a dramatic survival scenario that will suck you in and hold you under. This is the perfect thriller for people who like that kind of thing.



(People like us, am I right?)

The Fireman by Joe Hill, the latest from the author of Horns and NOS4A2, is here to scare you into replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors (It's a public service!) with a chilling tale of spontaneous human combustion.

Is it a little...hot in here?

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler: Young woman from the village meets New York City, is never the same again. Do you really need more than that?



No.

Grunt by Mary Roach, because, Mary Roach, you guys. The author of Gulp, Stiff, and Bonk is the undisputed best ever at delivering the curious science of stuff in an entertaining, humorous, and informative way. Her latest book explains the curious science of humans at war. Check it out and learn a little something this summer, huh?

***Hey! Adults! You too can participate in summer reading! Log five books between June 18th-August 13th and be entered to win a 3 month family pass to the YMCA! ***

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Library of Virginia and the Science Museum of Virginia are partnering to promote summer explorations!

The Richmond Public Library is participating in a new initiative to promote the State Parks of Virginia and to encourage groups of all sizes to get outside and explore!  RPL is just one of the many library systems across Virginia who are participating.

With your valid Richmond Public Library Card you may check out a backpack full of great supplies including a pass for entrance to any State Park in Virginia!  

Inside you will find a net, a magnifying glass, and a bug house for temporary insect observation.  Also included are excellent guides to identify the flora and fauna of Virginia.  The guides include mammals, trees, wildflowers, bugs, and birds. There is also a guide to animal tracks!

Backpacks are available at the Main Library, the Broad Rock Library, the Belmont Library and the Ginter Park Library. Check out with your library card and keep the backpack for two weeks.  

Cardholders are responsible for the contents and there is a replacement cost for missing items. 

You may place a "hold" on a backpack by using the online library catalog. Search for "I love Virginia state parks" and place a hold to be picked up at your closest Richmond Public Library location.

Virginia State Parks are a valuable resource so check one out this summer. Many parks offer camping and cabins, hiking trails, boating and other programs.  For additional information, locations and activities offered, go to Virginia State Parks.  

Whatever you do, explore Virginia outdoors this summer!

Finding yourself in books for adults young *and* old

Loving Day
by Mat Johnson (author of Pym)

After his marriage fails and his father dies, Warren Duffy returns from Wales to Philadelphia and his inherited ramshackle mansion. At a comic book convention he discovers a teenage daughter he never knew he had--and that she has been raised unaware that her father is black. Loving Day is a wry and touching commentary on race, gender, and family that, while written for adults, will surely appeal to a young adult audience as well.

The Brief, Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
by Junot Diaz

This magnificent bildungsroman is the tale of Oscar, an overweight young man living in NYC who dreams of someday becoming the Dominican J.R.R. Tolkien, and dreams of his first kiss, is cursed. One summer he decides to end his curse once and for all. Read this book (truly one of my all-time favorites) and Oscar will stay in your heart forever.

Alif the Unseen
by G. Willow Wilson

Young Arab-Indian hacker, Alif, loses his girl to "The Hand of God", the head of state security, and his computer is hacked, sending him on a wild journey. Alif discovers the powerful secret book of the Jinn, and his own power, in this fun and fresh YA-friendly novel that blends cyberpunk and fantasy with a little bit of romance.

We Love You, Charlie Freeman
by  Kaitlyn Greenidge

Set in the 90s at the fictional Toneybee Institute, an African-American family is invited into an experiment in raising a chimpanzee as a child. Teenage Charlotte uncovers ugly secrets about the institute's founders and confronts adult problems in this gripping debut novel.

RE Jane
by Patricia Park

Jane Re, Korean-American orphan raised by her aunt and uncle in Flushing, Queens, is sick and tired of working in her uncle's market. Ignoring her family's objections, she takes a job as a live in au pair for a Manhattan family after graduating college. A romantic affair with the father of her charge sends her on a journey of self-discovery that takes her to Korea where she hopes to learn the truth about her mother.