Explore the Wild West with these tales of adventure and romance. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
September Challenge: The Big Screen
Read a book that has been adapted to the screen. Since the early days of cinema, Hollywood has used literature as inspiration. Sometimes the adaptation does the book justice, while other times it's disappointing to fans of the original work. This month, we challenge you to read a book that has been adapted to the screen so you can see for yourself that the book was better. Find recommendations for adults, teens, tweens, and kids.
September Challenge: Chart Your Journey
Read a book with a map in it (fiction or nonfiction). Whether set in our world or in an imaginary realm, books that include maps place a story within its physical geography. Maps can show schools, cities, countries, fantastical worlds, or outer space, but they always offer a visual representation of the story's setting. This month we challenge you to read a nonfiction or fiction book that features a map somewhere in the pages or end cover of the book. Find recommendations for adults, teens, tweens, and kids.
Staff Spotlight: Ashley Lee
Ashley has worked for Ascension Parish Library for over five years, first at the information desk at our Dutchtown location and now for the Youth Services department planning teen and tween programs. She also curates lists for the Shelf Analysis blog. Ashley loves pretty much all genres of books, but the two she reads from most often are historical fiction and mystery. She is a firm believer in rereading favorites, so all books on this list have been read, or listened to, more than once.
Christian Mysteries
From murders and missing people to spies and secrets, these faith-based mysteries will keep you on the edge of your seat. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
The Truth is Out There
Explore the possibilities of the galaxy with these alien novels. Whether it's alien invasions, peaceful contact, or explorations of the universe, stories about what could be out there will always engage our imaginations. Curated by Tabor Millien.
For Fans of Harry Potter
The story of Harry Potter, "the boy who lived," is a favorite among many lovers of fantasy novels. But what's a reader to do after reading all seven books set at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? Bring back that magical feeling with these series and standalone novels featuring magic-wielding characters, magical lands, and even magic schools. Curated by Samantha Matherne.
August Challenge: Active Reading
Read a book about a sports team or athlete. Take me out to the ballgame! Or the basketball court. Or the boxing ring. This month we challenge you to put your game face on and read a book about sports. Find recommendations for adults, teens, tweens, and kids.
August Challenge: Invade Space
Read a book set on another planet or anywhere in space. Most of us will never have the chance to explore Mars or fly to the farthest reaches of space, but we can all go there through the magic of stories. This month we challenge you to explore other worlds. Find recommendations for adults, teens, tweens, and kids.
Locked-room Mysteries
Locked-room mysteries are ones in which the victim, suspects, and criminal are all physically trapped together. How can someone commit a crime when they couldn't have been at the scene? How can someone get away with a crime when they can't leave the scene? How can the innocent escape when they are trapped with the killer? Read these stories to see who survives! Curated by Alyssa Devall
Shelf Analysis 