SPARK
MARCH 2021
8
New Residents Welcome! Crosstown Parkway Senior Apartments
Book Reviews Book Reviews by the Portage District Library staff
All American Boys - Immediate Occupancy! - 1 bedroom apartments for 62 years and up. - Gas, electric, heat, air conditioning, water and sewer included. - Recently renovated kitchen and bath. - Rent based on 30% of income. - Medical alert bracelet in each unit.
- Small pets welcome with deposit. - “Care One” on-site. - Professional, courteous staff. - Free community room for parties. - Weekly resident activities. - Weekly grocery trips.
RENT BASED ON INCOME 550 W. Crosstown Pkwy. Kalamazoo 344-3968 Professionally Managed by Medallion Management, Inc. TTY 711
Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely All American Boys is an incredibly moving novel about two boys--one black, one white--who discover the unspeakable truth that racism is not a thing of the past. When Rashad, a remarkable artist and ROTC student, bumps into a woman in the store and drops a bag of chips, he does not expect to be accused of stealing and beaten to the point of hospitalization. Quinn saw the whole thing happen. In fact, there is a video tape and everyone can see the whole thing. He even knows the police officer. However, Quinn cannot believe the division that erupts from this one incident. It makes him realize that he must understand what happened because even doing nothing is a choice with far-reaching consequences. This story will move you with the depth and complexity these characters bring to the real issues we face every day. All American Boys is highly recommended for all ages. Join the Portage CommuniTeen read as we welcome authors Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely on March 16, 2021, for a virtual conversation about this book.
The Chain Adrian McKinty What would you do if you got a call saying your child was kidnapped? The Chain by Adrian McKinty is a fun, fast-paced thriller that follows single mother, Rachel, who tries to desperately rescue her daughter who has been the latest victim of a kidnapping scheme called The Chain. Not only does Rachel have to save her daughter, but she has to find a replacement child to kidnap in order to get her daughter back. As she struggles to get a grip on reality and following the specific instructions from The Chain, Rachel schemes up plots of her own to uncover the mastermind behind the antics. She befriends some really mysterious people and even finds herself in a romantic entanglement. This title
is the perfect escapist thriller for the dull winter months ahead!
Nazi Wives James Wyllie We are familiar with the names Goring, Goebbels, Himmler, and many other of Hitler’s henchmen. However, we are not as familiar with their wives. This book by James Wyllie delves into the stories behind the women in the highest echelons of the Third Reich. Unsurprisingly, it turns out that these women were as captivated as their husbands by Hitler and reaped the benefits of being in favor with the Fuhrer. They varied in their obeisance to Hitler: Magda Goebbels idolized him so much that she committed suicide the day after Hitler died, while most of the others tried to distance themselves from their husbands’ actions after the war. This book goes into great detail about their lives before, during, and after World War II, and makes it clear that all the wives turned a blind eye to the atrocities while enjoying their privileged status. It is a detailed and interesting history.
Wow, No Thank You. Samantha Irby Samantha Irby’s selfdeprecating humor is the breath of fresh air you need right now. Wow, No Thank You. tells the reader about Irby’s move to Kalamazoo and her journey into middle-age with delightfully irreverent humor and raw emotion. In this slim and devourable volume, Irby champions those who have ever regretted agreeing to go out with friends in favor of staying home in their comfy clothes. She also relates the raw agony of menstruation and bodily functions in ways that will make you chuckle and nod your head in agreement. Raunchy and relevant, Wow, No Thank You. is the right book for you if you enjoy your essays with hints of morbid humor and thoughtful observations.
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All these titles are available at the Portage District Library. For more information about programs and services available at PDL, go to www.portagelibrary.info
