Beyond the Desk
A West Allis Public Library podcast about books, resources, lifelong learning, and what makes this Milwaukee area community great. Hosted by WAPL librarians, it features conversations with fellow staffers, authors, neighbors, and each other about true stories and fiction that moved them. The show aims to inspire listeners with personal recommendations and community stories.
Episodes
Mysteries and Thrillers
Whether you enjoy a character-driven mystery, cozy or suspenseful ride, you’re sure to discover something to add to your TBR list in this episode featuring librarians Desirae and Sarah.Books mentioned: Missing by E.A. Jackson, How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin, That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally, With My Little Eye and Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson, Heartwood by Amity Gaige, Whidb
Raising Hare
Angie, Brynne and Sarah discuss Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton. The award-winning memoir follows the author’s surprising relationship that develops with a wild hare during the pandemic shutdown.Also mentioned: Pet by Chloe Dalton (forthcoming), H Is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald, What an Owl Knows by Jennifer Ackerman, A Most Remarkable Creature by Jonathan Meiburg, and The Serviceberry and Braiding S
Atmosphere
Desirae and Sarah talk about Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The novel follows Joan as she becomes one of the first women scientists in NASA’s space shuttle program in the 1980s and finds love.Also mentioned: Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, film adaptations of Batman and Little Women, Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space by Lynn Sherr, To the Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage
Heart the Lover
Sarah and Brynne discuss Lily King’s latest novel, Heart the Lover, a moving exploration of love, friendship and how our choices are everything.Also mentioned: Writers & Lovers, Euphoria, and the story collection Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King and Normal People by Sally Rooney.Read Lily King’s essay here: https://www.vogue.com/article/boyfriend-best-friend-love-storyFind instructions to
Books In Verse
Librarians Katie and Desirae talk about books in verse just in time for poetry month! Books mentioned: Love That Dog by Sharon Creech, Enter the Body and Everything Is Poison by Joy McCullough, The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, Crank, Glass, and Fallout by Ellen Hopkins, Starfish by Lisa Fipps, Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai, Long Way Down by Jaso
Romantasy
Sarah and Kaitlyn discuss what romantasy is as well as popular titles in the genre—including A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) and Fourth Wing.Books mentioned: A Court of Thorns and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, A Court of Wings and Ruin, A Court of Frost and Starlight, and A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas, and Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.Also mentioned
Freida McFadden
Staffers Desirae and Karen talk about the author Freida McFadden and two of her twistiest books. Books mentioned: The Housemaid, The Boyfriend, and The Tenant.Check out books, TV shows and movies at countycat.mcfls.org, wplc.overdrive.com,hoopladigital.com and kanopy.com/en/westallis. For more about WAPL, visitwestallislibrary.org.Music: Tim Moor via Pixabay
Favorite Reads 2025
Staffers Sarah, Desirae and Brynne talk about the best books they read the past year. Books mentioned: A Walk in the Park by Kevin Fedarko; The Möbius Book by Catherine Lacey; The Wrong Daughter, One Small Mistake, The Perfect Match and The Wedding Vow by Dandy Smith; All Fours by Miranda July; The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo; and Love, Mom by Iliana Xander.Also mentioned: A Walk in the Woods by Bil
Mona Awad's Bunny Books
Co-hosts Brynne and Desirae discuss Mona Awad's novels Bunny (2019) and We Love You, Bunny (2025) following the latter's release. The novels follow five women in a fictional MFA writing program at a presitgious university and delves into their unique, unsettling, and magical creative processes.Check out books, TV shows and movies at countycat.mcfls.org, wplc.overdrive.com, hoopladigital.com and ka
The Frozen River
Staffers Sarah, Karen and Emily talk about The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, the historical novel follows the 18th-century midwife as she delivers babies, prepares to testify in court, and deals with a patriarchal culture in her small community in Maine. Also mentioned: A Midwife’s Tale by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich and the documentary A Midwife’s Tale
Secrets of the Nile
Librarians Sarah and Brynne discuss the Secrets of the Nile duology featuring What the River Knows and Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez. The historical fantasy novels follow Inez from Argentina to Egypt, where she seeks answers about her parents’ deaths. Along the way she discovers magical objects, adventure and romance.Also mentioned: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie and the movie ada
Beautiful Ugly
Librarians Desirae and Sarah talk about the atmospheric thriller Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney. When a writer’s wife goes missing, his career stalls. Then his agent gives him an opportunity to start fresh on a remote island off the coast of Scotland. But it’s filled with secrets and mysteries, and he begins to see his wife everywhere.Also mentioned: Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney, the movie The Wic
Saltwater by Katy Hays
Librarians Desirae and Sarah talk about this suspenseful novel that follows a woman trying to uncover the truth of her mother’s death 30 years prior on the Italian island of Capri. On an annual family visit there, one of their party goes missing, and the decades-old case gets reopened.Also mentioned: The Cloisters by Katy Hays, The White Lotus TV series, Revenge TV series, The Heiress by Rachel Ha
Q&A with Harini Nagendra
Sarah, a librarian at WAPL, interviews Harini Nagendra, author of the Bagalore Detectives Club Mystery series. Her most recent novel, Into the Leopard’s Den, takes amateur detective Kaveri Murthy to the mountains of Coorg while investigating a series of murders.Also mentioned: The Bangalore Detectives Club, Murder Under a Red Moon and A Nest of Vipers by Harini Nagendra; Tommy and Tuppence mysteri
Sunrise on the Reaping
Librarians Katie and Sarah chat about Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. This Hunger Games prequel follows Haymich Abernathy as he navigates his way through a Quarter Quell, in which twice as many tributes compete in the Hunger Games. It’s a worthwhile page-turner with an emotional punch.Also mentioned: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mockingjay, and The Battle of Songbirds and Snakes by
Q&A with Meg Kissinger
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so Sarah sat down to talk with Meg Kissinger, author of While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence. Meg grew up in a large family, and some family members struggled with bipolar disorder and depression. But even as they struggled to understand what was happening, they were a close-knit clan whose humor helped them co
The Twilight Saga
Librarians Desirae and Katie sit down to discuss the lasting impact of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight book series.Works mentioned: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn, Midnight Sun, Forever Dawn, and Life and Death by Stephenie Meyer; The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan; Looking for Alaska by John Green; The Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld; Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince and Harry Pot
Kristin Hannah's The Women
West Allis resident Tammy joins WAPL staffers Sarah and Karen to discuss the bestseller The Women by Kristin Hannah. It tells the story of Frankie, a sheltered young woman who joins the Army Nurse Corps in Vietnam and encounters difficulty reacclimating to civilian life upon her return.Also mentioned: The TV series M*A*S*H, about the Korean War; the movie Born on the Fourth of July; the TV series
Representation in Romance
Librarian Desirae and library assistant Bianca sit down to discuss the importance of representation in romance and highlight three of their favorite reads.
Works mentioned: Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf, Electric Idol by Katee Robert, and How to Dance by Jason B. Dutton.
Check out books, TV shows and movies at countycat.mcfls.org, wplc.overdrive.com, hoopladigital.com and kanopy.com/en/westalli
The God of the Woods
WAPL staffers Desirae, Sarah and Karen discuss The God of the Woods by Liz Moore. This standout literary mystery follows the disappearance of a teen in the same woods where her brother went missing years before.
Also mentioned: Long Bright River by Liz Moore.
Check out books, TV shows and movies at countycat.mcfls.org, wplc.overdrive.com, hoopladigital.com and kanopy.com/en/westallis. For more abo
Great Reads 2024
Katie, Desirae and Sarah talk about their favorite reads of the year. We suggest thrillers, nonfiction, graphic novels and more.
Works mentioned: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, You Know What You Did by K.T. Nguyen, First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston, America Redux by Ariel Aberg-Riger, All This Could Be Different by Sarah Thankam Mathews, the movie Lady Bird, The Wedding People by Alison Espa
Audiobooks
WAPL librarians Desirae and Sarah are joined by Jenn from Brown Deer Public Library for a discussion on why they love audiobooks. They talk about some of their favorites, including ones featuring terrific solo narrators as well as those with a full cast.
Works mentioned: The Wedding People by Alison Espach; The Storyteller by Dave Grohl; From Cradle to Stage by Virginia Hanlon Grohl; Surrender by
Death at the Sign of the Rook
Librarians Desirae and Sarah discuss Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie mysteries, including the most recent, Death at the Sign of the Rook. They also chat about other character-driven mysteries and TV series.
Works mentioned: Death at the Sign of the Rook; Case Histories; One Good Turn; When Will There Be Good News?; Started Early, Took My Dog; Big Sky and Life After Life by Kate Atkinson; the movie
TBR Guilt
Librarians Meagan and Sarah talk about the guilt and angst of their TBR lists as well as books they are looking forward to reading ... someday. They also talk about how author events can be fun—and add to the TBR pile.
Books mentioned: Perfect World and The Family Fang by Kevin Wilson, True North and Raft of Stars by Andrew J. Graff, The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo, No One Belongs Here More Than You
Teen Takeover
Librarian Katie talks to four members of the library’s Teen Advisory Board, or TAB, about books they are reading this summer. TAB is made up of students in grades 7-12 who earn volunteer hours by helping plan library programs for teens and working on library projects.
Titles discussed include: Someone Is Always Watching by Kelley Armstrong, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson, Lady Mid
Manga
Episode 41: Manga
Librarian Desirae and library patron Bryan discuss the ever-widening world of manga, including manga basics, their favorite series, and tons of reading recommendations!
Also mentioned: Manga/Anime – Bleach, Cat Massage Therapy, Death Note, Delicious in Dungeon, Fist of the North Star, Frieren, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Joshiraku, K-On!, A Man & His Cat, My Hero Acadamia, Naru
Q&A With Hannah Morrissey
Sarah talks with local author Hannah Morrissey about her thrillers Hello, Transcriber; The Widowmaker; and When I’m Dead. They comprise the first three books in the Black Harbor series set in a fictional Wisconsin city along Lake Michigan.
Tana French’s The Hunter
Librarians Desirae and Sarah discuss The Hunter, Tana French’s latest novel which follows characters introduced in The Searcher. In The Hunter, Trey’s long-absent father reappears, bringing along an English millionaire and a scheme to find gold in the town.
Also mentioned: In the Woods, The Likeness, The Witch Elm and Faithful Place by Tana French; True Grit by Charles Portis; Shane by Jack Schaef
Come and Get It
Staffers Sarah, Meagan and Tiffany chat about Come and Get It, Kiley Reid’s follow-up to her bestseller Such a Fun Age. Come and Get It is a campus novel about money that follows a resident assistant in the dorms, a professor with questionable ethics, and a transfer student with a complicated history.
Also mentioned: Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid, Paying for the Party: How College Maintains Inequal
What We’re Reading 4
Librarians Meagan and Sarah talk about what they’ve been reading, including nonfiction books about history, ambition, happiness and spies as well as a couple of novels.
Titles discussed in this episode include: The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith, Four Shots in the Night by Henry Hemming, Build the Life You Want by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey, All the Gold Stars by Rainesford Stauffer, Th
Horror Stories
Desirae and library assistant Kate discuss chilling horror stories, including author Jonathan Edward Durham's debut novel, Winterset Hollow.
Also mentioned: Skin Thief by Suzan Palumbo; Breakable Things by Cassandra Khaw; Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff; Watership Down by Richard Adams; What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher; and Bunny by Mona Awad.
Check out books and movies at countycat.mcfls.
“Year of” Books
Are you looking for inspiration to make the next year your best? Librarians Sarah and Meagan discuss “year of” books, or project books that involve making a change over the course of a year.
Titles discussed in this episode include: Coop by Michael Perry, Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, The Year of Miracles by Ella Risbridger, The Moneyless Man by Mark Boyle and Year of Yoga by Kassandra Reinhardt.
The Mystery Guest
Librarians Sarah and Desirae talk about Nita Prose's new novel The Mystery Guest, a sequel to The Maid.
Also mentioned: Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale.
Check out books and movies at countycat.mcfls.org, wplc.overdrive.com and hoopladigital.com. For more about WAPL, visit westallislibrary.org.
Music: Tim Moor via Pixabay
Tom Lake
Librarians Sarah and Meagan talk about the delightful novel Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. In it, a former actress recounts her summer with a famous actor, as she and her adult daughters pick cherries during the pandemic shutdown.
Also mentioned: Our Town by Thornton Wilder; Bel Canto, The Dutch House, Truth and Beauty, and State of Wonder by Ann Patchett; Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy; The Se
Current Reads
West Allis residents and library book clubbers Jen and Jessi join Sarah for a discussion of what they’ve been reading. They also talk about why they enjoy book clubs, how they choose what to read next, odd jobs they’d like to pursue, and more.
Titles discussed in this episode include: How Can I Help You by Laura Sims, Murder Is a Piece of Cake by Valerie Burns, the Fox and O’Hare series by Janet E
Cozy Mysteries
Julia the intern hosts this episode and is joined by librarian Sarah as they discuss cozy mysteries. This is a shared favorite genre of the two. They discuss the basics of cozies, what readers can expect when they open up a cozy, and favorite titles of theirs!
Titles discussed in this episode include: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, A Death in Door County by Annelise Ryan, Shady Hollo
LOL Stories
Katie and Sarah talk about books that will tickle your funny bone.
Whether you enjoy essays, memoirs or novels, you’ll find a story guaranteed* to make you laugh.
Titles discussed in this episode include: King of the Mild Frontier by
Chris Crutcher, Big Swiss by Jen Beagin, Hey Ladies! by Michelle Markowitz and Caroline Moss, Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris, The Idiot Girls’ Action-Advent
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Intern Julia joins Sarah and Katie to discuss Gabrielle Zevin’s must-read novel Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, which follows Sam and Sadie who design hit video games. It’s an unforgettable, moving tale about storytelling, friendship and the creative process.
Also mentioned: The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon, Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter, Looking for Alaska and
Beach Reads
Just in time for summer, we talk about what we think makes for a good beach read and offer a variety of recommendations, several of which are recent releases. We also chat about why we enjoy reimagined stories, whether inspired by Jane Austen novels, fairy tales or other source material.
Titles discussed in this episode include: Book Lovers by Emily Henry; Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld; Hoo
The Secret History
Thirty years after it was published, The Secret History by Donna Tartt remains as influential as ever, mentioned on cover blurbs and social media. It even informs the Dark Academia subculture. Librarians Meagan and Sarah discuss the atmospheric campus novel and talk about the joys of rereading.
Check out books and movies at countycat.mcfls.org, wplc.overdrive.com and hoopladigital.com. For more ab
Leigh Bardugo’s Alex Stern
Were you excited about the return of Alex Stern? Four years after Ninth House, Hell Bent heads back to the Yale campus, where magic is practiced in secret societies. Librarians Sarah and Desirae discuss why they enjoy the mystery/fantasy series, plus they talk about what magic they’d like to practice.
Titles discussed in this episode include: Ninth House and Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo.
Also mentio
Q&A With Liam Callanan
WAPL librarian Sarah talks with Liam Callanan about his latest novel, When in Rome. It’s about a woman who must choose between the chance to save a struggling convent and a life with her old flame. Plus, Sarah and Callanan talk about Paris, Milwaukee and Wisconsin State Fair cream puffs.
Titles discussed in this episode include: When in Rome, Paris by the Book, The Cloud Atlas and All Saints by Li
Love Stories
WAPL librarians Desirae and Katie talk about their favorite love stories. They chat about sports themed romance, as well as other novels they recommend. Plus, they talk about fanfiction and romance tropes they love and hate.
Titles and series discussed in this episode include: The Hellions Angles series by Lia Riley; the Playbook series by Alexa Martin; the Chicago Stars series by Susan Elizabeth
Reading Resolutions
Do you have reading resolutions for the new year? Whether you want to focus your efforts on reading outside your comfort zone or simply want to read more, check out these suggestions from librarians Katie, Meagan and Sarah. They also talk about book discovery resources and what they’re looking forward to reading next.
Titles mentioned in this episode include: Empire of Pain and Say Nothing by Patr
Gift Ideas
In this episode, we welcome WAPL librarian Gina to the podcast. She, Desirae and Sarah suggest gift ideas, both fiction and nonfiction, for the various book lovers in your life—and maybe for yourself.
Titles discussed in this episode include: The Boys by Katie Hafner; Go to Sleep (I Miss You) by Lucy Knisley; Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff; How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis
Native American Heritage Month
We welcome Meagan, an adult services librarian at WAPL, to the podcast. She joins Sarah to recommend books you might enjoy during Native American Heritage Month and beyond.
Titles discussed in this episode include: The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer, Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, Carry: A Memoir of Survival on Stolen Land by Toni Jensen, The Sentence by Louise Erdr
Q&A With Anna Lardinois
Intern Beth P. chats with local author Anna Lardinois about haunted history in Wisconsin and the release of her new book, Madison Ghosts and Legends, a companion book to Milwaukee Ghosts and Legends. Lardinois reveals some of her top spots for paranormal activity and discloses how she researches Wisconsin history to find stories for her books. She also talks about being a tour guide for shipwreck
Olga Dies Dreaming
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins Sept. 15, WAPL librarians Sarah, Desirae and Katie discuss Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez. The novel follows a wedding planner and her politician brother and involves family relationships, romantic relationships, Puerto Rican culture and politics, and much more. Plus, they offer readalikes that touch on aspects of the book.
Also mentioned:
What We’re Reading 3
Are you in the mood for a summer read, narrative nonfiction book, mystery or thriller? WAPL staffers Sarah, Desirae and Beth P. talk about their recent reads plus what they’re looking forward to reading next.
Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny, The Café by the Sea by Jenny Colgan, Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan, The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater,
Celebrity Memoirs
Molly Shannon, Viola Davis, Matthew McConaughey, Colin Jost—many stars are writing their stories. Librarians Katie and Sarah talk about celebrity memoirs they’ve enjoyed in this episode. These books vary in style, so you’re bound to find one you’ll enjoy.
Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: Bossypants by Tina Fey; Open Book by Jessica Simpson; This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy
Colleen Hoover’s Verity
This month librarians Desirae, Sarah and Katie discuss the romantic thriller Verity, which follows a struggling writer who accepts an offer to finish a series by an injured bestselling author. If you like plot twists, this one’s for you! Plus, we consider who should be cast in the main roles in a movie adaptation.
Also mentioned: Flowers in the Attic and Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews, Gone Gi
The Maid by Nita Prose
This month librarians Elizabeth, Sarah and Desirae discuss the bestselling mystery The Maid by Nita Prose. It follows a hotel maid whose tidy life is turned upside down when she becomes a murder suspect. We fell in love with Molly the Maid, and we think you will, too!
Also mentioned: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, the Shady Hollow mystery series by Juneau Black, and Hercule
Erica Ruth Neubauer & Juneau Black
Mystery fans, take note! WAPL librarian Sarah chats with local writers Erica Ruth Neubauer, author of the Jane Wunderly mysteries, and Sharon Nagel, co-author of the Shady Hollow mysteries. They cover the influence of Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew as well as the process of writing and getting published.
Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: Murder at the Mena House, Murder at Wedg
What We’re Reading 2
Librarians Sarah and Katie chat about what they’re currently reading and new books on their to-read list. They riff on short stories, memoirs, mysteries, family reads, the ’90s and more. Plus, they talk about novels versus short stories and what BookTok offers readers.
Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: These Ghosts Are Family by Maisy Card, The Wreckage of My Presence by Casey
Read Black Authors
WAPL librarians Sarah and Desirae discuss fabulous fiction by Black authors for Black History Month. They chat about Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half, as well as other novels they recommend. Plus, they talk about why some audiobooks delight them and others annoy them, as well as why they aren’t put off by unlikable characters.
Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: The Vanishing Ha
YA Books for Adults
Join librarians Sarah and Katie for a conversation about Firekeeper’s Daughter, as well as other great YA books you’ll love—no matter what your age happens to be.
Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak; Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley; Time Will Tell by Barry Lyga; In the Wild Light and The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner; The Scorpio Races by M
Favorite Reads 2021, Part 2
Join us for the second half of our conversation about the best books we read this year! Librarians Sarah and Desirae, along with WAPL book club members Michele and Heather, chat about food, paranormal romance and reimagining Greek myths. Part 2 of 2.
Titles discussed in this episode include: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, Eight Ways to Tequila (An Althea Rose Mystery) by Tricia O'Malley, If
Favorite Reads 2021, Part 1
Librarians Sarah and Desirae welcome WAPL book club members Michele and Heather for a conversation about the best books we read this year. We talk about inspiring characters who overcame obstacles, stories that delve into parent-child dynamics, and the impact of social media—and how the future might look. Part 1 of 2.
Titles discussed in this episode include: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V
What We’re Reading Now
In this grab bag episode, librarians Elizabeth and Sarah talk about recent reads—mainly mysteries and memoirs—as well as giving themselves permission to give up on a book and grab another from the to-read pile. They also share how they discover books and why you should try listening to audiobooks on the Hoopla app, which is free to access with your library card.
Titles discussed in this episode in
The Other Black Girl
Librarians Elizabeth, Sarah and Desirae chat about Zakiya Dalila Harris’ popular novel that offers a behind-the-scenes look at book publishing and blends horror elements, humor and social commentary. Our conversation touches on hair and how it relates to identity, femininity and professionalism.
Titles discussed in this episode include: The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris, False Witness b
Q&A With Lauren Fox
Librarian and host Sarah chats with Lauren Fox, local author of Send for Me, which follows four generations of women from 1930s Germany to contemporary Milwaukee. Fox talks about writing her first historical novel, her great-grandmother’s letters that inspired the story, and what it was like to have Send for Me picked as a Read With Jenna book and answer readers’ questions on the TODAY show.
Title
Cookbook Memoirs
Enjoy reading cookbooks for leisure? Why not try a cookbook memoir? Listen in as host Elizabeth and guest Mary discuss their new and old favorites in this genre. Books discussed in this episode are Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl, People Who Love to Eat Are Always the Best People and Other Wisdom by Julia Child, Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love, and F
Wyndham & Banerjee Mysteries
In this episode, hosts Elizabeth and Sarah talk about their new favorite historical mystery series, Abir Mukherjee’s Wyndham & Banerjee Mysteries, set in 1920s India. It speaks to themes relevant to today’s readers, such as addiction and PTSD, even as its setting offers a delightful escape.
Titles discussed in this episode include: A Rising Man, A Necessary Evil, Smoke and Ashes, and Death in
Pride Month Picks
Host Sarah and guest Adam chat about terrific books by LGBTQ+ authors, just in time for Pride Month. Plus, we share the prizes you can win for reading with the library when participating in WAPL’s Adult Summer Reading Program.
Titles discussed in this episode include: Mostly Dead Things by Kristen Arnett; Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin; Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski; Memorial by Bryan
Mothers and Daughters
Join us for the second episode in which Elizabeth is joined by guest Sarah R. to discuss fiction with a focus on the relationship between mothers and daughters, just in time for Mother's Day. Also, our new Nonfiction book club is starting in June, so don't forget to register!
Books discussed in this episode include: Saturday by Oge Mora, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, T
Based on a True Story
Hosts Elizabeth and Sarah, both librarians at West Allis Public Library, talk about books based on a true story. Plus, we welcome you to the library, and beyond its walls, for National Library Week. Titles discussed in this episode include: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, Georgia by Dawn Tripp, A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline, Euphoria by Lily King, The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes,
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