Everyone knows National Selfie Day, but did you know that January 22 is Shelfie Day? A day similar to Selfie Day, except you get to add the book you are, or want to read, exciting for every book lover, and what is a library if not a bunch of book lovers. So, I asked some of the librarians to join in on the trend and share a Shelfie of their own!
Rob Sieczkiewicz – Wild Seed by Octavia Butler
Any list that starts with an Octavia Butler book is bound to be a good one! “Wild Seed” follows the story of two immortal beings, Doro, a ruthless spirit who inhabits human bodies and manipulates others to breed people with special abilities, and Anyanwu, a shape-shifter and healer determined to live on her own terms. Set across centuries, their complex relationship oscillates between power struggles, uneasy alliances, and deep mutual understanding. The novel explores themes of control, freedom, morality, and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a gripping tale of survival, identity, and the costs of power.
Ryan Ake – The Mother of Rome by Lauren J. A. Bear
While Ryan doesn’t currently have a copy of Lauren Bear’s “The Mother of Rome,” he intends to pick it up soon! “Mother of Rome” is a reimagined tale of Rhea Silvia, mother of Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. Once a princess, Rhea’s life is upended when her father loses his kingdom in a coup, leading to her induction into the Vestal Virgins to prevent her from bearing heirs. Defying this fate, she becomes pregnant, facing severe punishment and societal rejection. In her struggle to protect her sons and reclaim their rightful legacy, Rhea makes a perilous pact with the divine, showcasing the formidable power of a mother’s love.
Amanda Boyer – City of Night Birds by Juhea Kim
Amanda’s pick for this list is from an audiobook that she is currently listening to, Juhea Kim’s “City of Night Birds.” The story follows Natalia Leonova, a former prima ballerina who returns to St. Petersburg two years after a career-ending accident. Struggling with addiction and haunted by her past, Natalia confronts old relationships and rivalries within the Russian ballet world. When offered a chance to return to the stage, she must decide whether to re-enter the demanding world that once broke her.
Brooke Mitchell – Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
While not a leisurely pick, Student Manager Brooke Mitchell presents Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway.” This novel is a groundbreaking modernist book first published in 1925. The story takes place over the course of a single day in post-World War I London and centers on Clarissa Dalloway, a wealthy woman, as she prepares to host an evening party. The novel delves deeply into Clarissa’s inner thoughts and memories while also exploring the lives of other characters, particularly Septimus Warren Smith, a shell-shocked World War I veteran struggling with mental illness.
Moi (Jaidyn Steinbrecher) – Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta
And finally, while I am listening to the audiobook of “Under the Udala Trees” I had to take a picture with such a beautiful book cover. “Under the Udala Trees” follows the story of Ljeoma, a young girl escaping the Nigerian Civil War. She falls in love with another girl, Amina, and discovers her sexual identity in a society deeply rooted in tradition and religious conservatism. Their relationship is met with societal disapproval, forcing Ljeoma to navigate the complexities of love, self-acceptance, and cultural expectations.
And though I just started this book, I am hooked by the characters and plot. Hopefully you too can find a good book to cozy up with and take a Shelfie to celebrate such a fun day!
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