Library News September 6, 2022
If you appreciate digging into the past, you’ll appreciate our new nonfiction this week:
Dangerous Rhythms: Jazz and the Underworld by T. J. English is an epic, scintillating narrative of the interconnected worlds of jazz and organized crime in 20th century America.
Dirtbag, Massachusetts: A Confessional by Isaac Fitzgerald begins with a childhood that moves at breakneck speed from safety to violence, recounting an extraordinary pilgrimage through trauma to self-understanding and, ultimately, acceptance. Fitzgerald strives to take control of his own story and to embrace the idea that one can be generous to oneself by being generous to others.
The Man Who Could Move Clouds: A Memoir by Ingrid Rojas Contreras traces the author’s lineage back to her indigenous and Spanish roots, uncovering the violent and rigid colonial narrative that would eventually break her family into two camps: those who believe the family’s magic is a gift, and those who are convinced it is a curse. Interweaving family stories more enchanting than any novel, resurrected Colombian history, and her own deeply personal reckonings with the bounds of reality, Rojas Contreras writes her way through the incomprehensible and into her inheritance.
Because Our Fathers Lied: A Memoir of Truth and Family, from Vietnam to Today by Craig McNamara tells of the author’s coming of age in the political tumult and upheaval of the late 60s. While he would grow up to take part in anti-war demonstrations, his father, Robert McNamara, served as John F. Kennedy's Secretary of Defense and the architect of the Vietnam War. This searching and revealing memoir offers an intimate picture of one father and son at pivotal periods in American history.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Preschool Story Hour: Stories, music, and movement for babies, toddlers and their caregivers! Wednesdays, September 21-November 16, 2022 at 10:15AM.
The Evolution of Themes in Children's Literature: Southwestern Michigan College English Professor, Joe Coti, will discuss the ever-evolving themes of the genre and how children's literature is an often misunderstood topic. September 22, 2022 at 6:30PM.
Grown Up Game Nights will be held on the last Wednesday of each month, inviting adults to gather, play games and socialize while enjoying coffee, tea and charcuterie. September 28, 2022 at 6:00PM.
Southwest Michigan Reads: Karen Dionne at the Van Buren Conference Center in Lawrence: This event is free and open to the public. A book signing and light refreshments will follow Dionne's presentation. Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 6:30 PM.
First Thursday Book Club: Join us for lively conversation to discuss what you've been reading & gain new recommendations from friends! October 6, 2022 at 12:00 Noon.
Muxlow Exotics - Live Animals: Join us during First Friday for an interactive and educational live animal presentation featuring a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians! Friday, October 7, 2022 at 5:15 PM.
Halloween at the Library – Fright Night at the Cass County Scare! Venture through the stacks during trick or treat on October 31, 2022 if you’re brave enough!