Cook Memorial Public Library Podcast

In this episode of the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with Cinthia and Veria about their respective journeys to the United States, the challenges they faced along the way, and the lessons they learned in building a life in a new country.   In the "My American Journey" podcast series, we speak with members of our library community who were born outside the United States. As part of the America250 celebration, these conversations celebrate the rich variety of stories and backgrounds that contribute to who we are as We the People.

This week Hannha recommends Sophia Benoit's The Very Definition of Love, a regency-era romance between a bookworm and a rake. Check out Sophia Benoit's The Very Definition of Love from the Library.

This week Jenny, Marianne, and Hannah introduce five new must-read titles for Summer 2026: A Perfect Hand by Ayelet Waldman The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson Country People by Daniel Mason The Unicorn Hunters by Katherine Arden The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores

This week Jenny recommends Melissa Albert's The Children, a mysterious, genre-bending fantasy book. Check out Melissa Albert's The Children from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Starling House by Alix E. Harrow The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern

In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Kim, a local genealogist, shares about her favorite ancestor, her favorite type of genealogy record, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.  The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.

This week Jenny recommends Katherine Center's The Shippers, a perfect beach read for fans of romantic comedies. Check out Katherine Center's The Shippers from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: It's a Love Story by Annabel Monaghan Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

This week Marianne recommends Rachel Hochhauser's Lady Tremaine, a retelling of the classic Cinderella tale from the point of view of her "wicked" stepmother. Check out Rachel Hochhauser's Lady Tremaine from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Wicked by Gregory Maguire Weyward by Emilia Hart

This week Jenny recommends Alex Finlay's The Anniversary, a nostalgic thriller that follows two classmates across a decade of investigations into the mysterious May Day Killer. Check out Alex Finlay's The Anniversary from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: The Night Shift by Alex Finlay God of the Woods by Liz Moore

In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Mac, a local genealogist, shares about genealogy software, DNA, brick walls, online connections, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence.  The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.

This week Hannah recommends Johanna Van Veen's Bone of My Bone, a grim wartime tale of two unlikely companions bound by fate, faith, and a dangerous holy relic. Check out Johanna Van Veen's Bone of My Bone from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling Once Was Willem by M.R. Carey Slewfoot by Brom

This week Marianne recommends Maria Semple's Go Gentle, the story of a fifty-something divorcée who meets a handsome stranger and is drawn into spying on her pupils' billionaire parents. Check out Maria Semple's Go Gentle from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash

This week Hannah recommends Amal El-Mohtar's Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories, a collection of fantastical short stories. Check out Amal El-Mohtar's Seasons of Glass and Iron: Stories from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar

In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Dana, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, DNA, photographs, online connections, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.

This week Jenny recommends Rainbow Rowell's upcoming book Cherry Baby, a witty, tender novel about a woman facing divorce and public scrutiny while reckoning with who she's been and who she wants to become. Check out Rainbow Rowell's Cherry Baby from the Library.

This week Hannah and Jenny introduce five must-read titles releasing Spring 2026: Go Gentle by Maria Semple The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn The Anniversary by Alex Finlay Homebound by Portia Elan Sarafina by Philip Fracassi Additional titles mentioned in this episode: The Wedding People by Alison Espach Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel The Hunger by Alma Katsu

This week Marianne recommends The Ending Writes Itself, the debut collaboration between V.E. Schwab and Cat Clarke under their new pen name, Evelyn Clarke. The book is a whodunit in which seven writers compete to pen the final pages of a recently deceased author's unfinished manuscript. Check out Evelyn Clarke's The Ending Writes Itself from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Bury our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz The Guest List by Lucy Foley

In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Phil, a local genealogist, shares about social history, his brick walls, genealogy books, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots. Titles mentioned in this episode: The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by Blaine Bettinger The Great Migration by Edwin C. Guillet

This week Hannah recommends Caro Claire Burke's debut novel Yesteryear, a darkly humorous story of a traditional lifestyle influencer who suddenly wakes up in an 1805 homestead. Check out Caro Claire Burke's Yesteryear from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Lost Lambs by Madeline Cash Educated by Tara Westover

This week Erica recommends Jennie Godfrey's The List of Suspicious Things, a coming‑of‑age story set in late‑1970s Yorkshire, following a 12‑year‑old girl who hunts for the Yorkshire Ripper only to uncover the far more personal mysteries of growing up. Check out Jennie Godfrey's The List of Suspicious Things from the Library.

This week Jenny recommends Catherine Walsh's How to Write a Love Story, a warm, witty romance about a grieving former writer and the devoted editor assigned to help her finish her late father's famed fantasy series. Check out Catherine Walsh's How to Write a Love Story from the Library.

This week Marianne recommends Heather Fawcett's Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter, a cozy fantasy romance about Agnes, her cat shelter, and the witch king secretly living beneath it. Check out Heather Fawcett's Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Starter Villain by John Scalzi A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, Linda, a local genealogist, shares about her genealogy journey, ancestral travel, organizing her research, and more. She also shares about her favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots.

This week Hannah recommends George Saunders's Vigil, a compact, emotionally explosive work of magical realism that follows Jill "Doll" Blaine, the spirit guide tasked with ushering a dying oil executive into the afterlife. Check out George Saunders's Vigil from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: The Apology by Jimin Han The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka

This week Jenny recommends Ashley Elston's Anatomy of an Alibi, a precisely written thriller told from the perspective of two women entangled in the fallout of a murder. Check out Ashley Elston's Anatomy of an Alibi from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera The Night Shift by Alex Finlay The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

This week Marianne recommends Ashley Winstead's The Future Saints, a novel following Hannah Cortland and her band The Future Saints after the sudden passing of her sister and band manager, Ginny. Check out Ashley Winstead's The Future Saints from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner

This week Hannah recommends Emily Austin's Is This A Cry For Help?, a novel following Darcy, a rule-bound librarian who returns to work after a mental breakdown. Check out Emily Austin's Is This A Cry For Help? from the Library. Additional titles mentioned in this episode: Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K Reilly Getting Clean with Stevie Green by Swan Huntley

In this episode of the "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series, George, a local genealogist, shares about ancestral travel, archival research, genealogy books, and more. He also shares about his favorite part of U.S. history in honor of America250, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence. The "Local Genealogists Speak" podcast series is an opportunity to hear from local genealogists as they share their experiences with and knowledge about family history research. Each episode contains tips and suggestions which may be helpful for your own research and/or stories that may inspire you to dig more deeply into your roots. Titles mentioned in this episode: She Has Her Mother's Laugh: The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity by Carl Zimmer Redlined: A Memoir of Race, Change, and Fractured Community in 1960s Chicago by Linda Gartz Futureface: A Family Mystery, an Epic Quest, and the Secret to Belonging by Alex Wagner What Hath God Wrought: The Transformation of America, 1815-1848 by Daniel Walker Howe American Republics: A Continental History of the United States 1783-1850 by Alan Taylor

This week Hannah recommends Olivia Laing's The Silver Book, a gripping love story and thriller steeped in the vibrant world of 1970s Italian cinema. Check out Olivia Laing's The Silver Book from the Library.

Readers' Advisor Hannah shares three 2025 titles to enjoy during the holidays. Titles mentioned in this episode: The Gingerbread Bakery (Dream Harbor, #5)  by Laurie Gilmore A Case of Life and Limb: The Trials of Gabriel Ward by Sally Smith Good Spirits by B.K. Borison

This week Hannah recommends Bryan Washington's Palaver, the story of an expat who faces a surprise visit from his estranged mother. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Tokyo during the holiday season, this tender novel explores fractured family ties, found connections, and the quiet longing to be known and loved. Check out Bryan Washington's "Palaver" from the Library.

How might our ancestors have connected with their ancestors? Join Daniel Smith as he explores the possibilities and their connections to genealogy! In the middle of the nineteenth century, a movement known as Spiritualism captured the attention of millions, with large groupings in the Northeast and Midwest. This movement was predominantly led by women, and it gave them a voice to fight for progressive causes like suffrage, emancipation, and temperance. As leaders, they served as mediums who worked to connect folks with their recently deceased relatives and ancestors. Their followers included many famous folks, like Mary Todd Lincoln. As the movement grew, it became more formalized with leaders like Andrew Jackson Davis and camps throughout the country. They also published newspapers, magazines, journals, and directories, and their communities kept records as well. These can be helpful if you think or know you may have a Spiritualist ancestor. If you are unsure, there are sometimes clues on gravestones, in their obituaries, and within census records.

Join Daniel Smith, Genealogy Librarian, as he explores the connections between seeds and our immigrant ancestors. You may be surprised to learn that many immigrants brought seeds with them to America. These seeds were so valuable that they sometimes went to great lengths to hide them. They were then able to grow these seeds once they settled, and they used what they grew to recreate foods from their homelands. During the episode, Daniel shares a couple of examples and then provides ways you can find your immigrant ancestors. The episode ends with some suggestions for those who may want to try growing heirloom seeds.

Join Daniel Smith, Genealogy Librarian, as he explores the connections between seeds and genealogy. You may be surprised what you can learn about your family's history from seeds! During the episode, Daniel shares what he has learned about his ancestors from the seeds his family kept, the records available, and the food prepared. He also gives a sneak peek at the next episode. 

Becky and Nate are back for the 10th year in a row to discuss this Sunday's 97th Academy Awards cermony. Listen and discover the films of 2024 - the movies getting all the buzz, must-see performances, filmmakers to know, overrated disappointments, and the overlooked films that you don't want to miss. Remember, if you add a lot of movies to your watchlist the Library is here to help you find them!

Meet Allie, the newest Reference Librarian at Cook Memorial Public Library District! She and Hannah discuss recent reads, the neverending debate between hardcover versus paperback, and how Allie got into the library business.  Titles Referenced:  Martina Calvi's The Art of Memory Collecting;  Molly Baz's More is More;  Franz Kafka's The Trial;  Helen MacDonald and Sin Blanché's Prophet;  Isabel Cañas' Vampires of El Norte and The Hacienda;  Mona Awad's All's Well;  Elizabeth O'Connor's Whale Fall;  Caroline Woods' The Mesmerist

In this episode, Amy and Leah talk about authors who cross genres, topics, and age groups -- and why the change can be great for readers. Authors mentioned in this episode:  Madeleine L'Engle Judy Blume Holly Black Brandon Sanderson Elizabeth Acevedo Leigh Bardugo Nicola Yoon Ali Hazelwood Click here to register for the Fall Book Buzz. Click here to learn more about our new Silent Book Club. For a personalized list of suggestions, visit our Ask A Bookie page. Email us at [email protected].      

Readers' Advisors Hannah and Marianne share their thoughts about all things historical fiction. Titles mentioned in this episode: George Orwell - 1984 Isabel Banta - Honey The Sicilian Inheritance - Jo Piazza All the Colors of the Dark - Chris Whitaker Wild and Distant Seas - Tara Karr Roberts The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang James - Percival Everett Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain The Familiar - Leigh Bardugo North Woods - Daniel Mason I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home - Lorrie Moore The Women - Kristin Hannah The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck The Matrix - Lauren Groff Three Fires - Denise Mina The Rachel Incident - Caroline O'Donoghue Tom Lake - Ann Patchett   Click here to request a personalized reading recommendation. Contact us at [email protected]

Book Club Associate Amy and Readers' Advisor Marianne share titles guaranteed to get your book club talking. Titles mentioned in this episode:   This Tender Land, William Kent Krueger   James, Percival Everett The Lincoln Highway and Table for Two, Amor Towles Hamnet, Maggie O'Farrell The Diamond Eye, Kate Quinn Solito, Javier Zamora Chain-Gang All-Stars, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah Yellowface, R. F. Kuang Romantic Comedy, Curtis Sittenfeld Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt The Guncle, Steven Rowley Land of Milk and Honey, C Pam Zhang (Marianne's review) Martyr!, Kaveh Akbar Happiness Falls, Angie Kim  Click here to request a list of personalized reading recommendations. Click here to register for the Summer Book Buzz. Click here for details on Summer Reading 2024 (registration opens June 1) To contact Amy about a book club, email [email protected]. To contact us, email [email protected]  

Erica and Brooke, one of the Library's Maintenance staff, talk about two new historical fiction titles and what we can learn from them. Titles and authors mentioned in this episode: The Women by Kristen Hannah Cahokia Jazz by Francis Spufford China Beach (TV Series) Lou Berney S.A. Cosby Dwyer Murphy The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon For a personalized list of reading suggestions, fill out our Ask A Bookie form. Contact us at [email protected].        

Erica and Bronwyn, the Library's Communications Coordinator, talk about the romantasy series that has taken over the internet: Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses, the RenFaire, and how books are better with friends. Titles mentioned in this episode: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas The Crescent City Series by Sarah J. Maas Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin Game of Thrones: the television series Dune by Frank Herbert Dune: the films The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time, Book 1) by Robert Jordan Outlander by Diana Gabaldon Outlander: the television series   Want more ACOTAR readalikes? Fill out our Ask A Bookie form for a personalized list of suggestions. Contact us at [email protected].    

For the 9th year in a row librarians Becky and Nate discuss last night's Academy Awards ceremony and celebrate the year in film. Listen and discover the highlights - the movies recognized by the Academy and the movies that were overlooked but not to be missed. Then find out how your library card is the ultimate ticket to the movies.

Readers' Advisors Erica and Amy share three recent books that bring their worlds -- a tense near-future, a legendary past, and present-day America - to life in vivid and unexpected ways. Books featured in this episode: Prophet Song by Paul Lynch The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity by Michele Norris Click here to register for the Spring Book Buzz. For personalized book recommendations, visit www.cooklib.org/bookies. For the library's blog, visit shelflife.cooklib.org. Email us at [email protected].      

Erica and Marianne are sticking to their reading resolutions by digging into great historical fiction featuring real-life banditos and midwives. Then, Marianne gives us the inside scoop on this year's One Book, One Community series. Titles discussed in this episode: The Bullet Swallower, by Elizabeth Gonzalez James The Frozen River, by Ariel Lawhon The Violin Conspiracy, by Brendan Slocumb For details on all of the One Book, One Community events, visit 1book.org. For personalized book recommendations, visit www.cooklib.org/bookies. For the library's blog, visit shelflife.cooklib.org. Email us at [email protected].

Erica and Hannah talk about the top titles of the year, our annual Staff Favorites booklets, and the books they can't wait to read in 2024. Thanks for a great year of reading and listening! For a copy of our Favorite Fiction and Nonfiction booklets, stop by Cook Park or Aspen Drive Library, or visit our website. Titles discussed in this episode: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride I am Homeless if This is Not My Home by Lorrie Moore North Woods by Daniel Mason Cahokia Jazz by Francis Spufford (February 2024) The Extinction of Irina Rey by Jennifer Croft (March 2024) The Book of Love by Kelly Link (February 2024) The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (April 2024) Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune (September 2024) Haunted Ever After by Jen DeLuca (August 2024) Please note some upcoming titles are not yet available in the catalog - we've linked to the authors so you can enjoy their backlist while you wait!    

Enjoy part two of Celebrity Spotting, where local history librarian Jenny Barry guides us through a few notable people who made historical appearances in Libertyville. We pick up right where part one left off! Mentioned in the Podcast Watch John F. Kennedy's 1960 Cook Park speech John F. Kennedy's Libertyville campaign stop in the Illinois Digital Archives Local History page  

Erica and Amy, our new book club associate, share the titles they've been enjoying lately, ranging from a suspenseful family drama to a sublimely ridiculous charmer (and the best cover of 2023). Books discussed in this episode: The Leftover Woman, Jean Kwok Night Watch, Jayne Anne Phillips The Dictionary People, Sarah Ogilvie The Wishing Game, Meg Shaffer Starter Villain, John Scalzi For more information about our book club services, including a list of titles, visit https://www.cooklib.org/book-clubs/ or email [email protected]. For more information about this year's One Book, One Community events, featuring The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb, visit https://www.1book.org/.  

Say hello (again) to the latest addition to our Popular Services staff, Mary! Hannah and Mary discuss Silvia Moreno-Garcia, the best parts of gothic literature (spoiler: it's the house) and what makes a good book good. Check out the books mentioned in this podcast episode: Jane Eyre / Charlotte Brontë. Mexican Gothic / Silvia Moreno-Garcia. Silver Nitrate / Silvia Moreno-Garcia. The Devil's Playground / Craig Russell. The Guest / Emma Cline. And as always, keep reading, keep watching, and keep listening!      

Erica and Zach, one of our Outreach Associates, talk about home delivery, great characters, graphic novels, and a suprisingly cozy spot.  For more information about our Outreach services, including Home Delivery, visit https://www.cooklib.org/bookmobile-outreach/ For the Fall Book Buzz, click here. Books discussed in this episode: A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall Impossible People: A Completely Average Recovery Story by Julia Wertz Mrs. Plansky's Revenge by Spencer Quinn  

In this episode, Becky and Erica share the small-town stories they've been enjoying as summer winds down.  Books mentioned in this episode: Small Town Sins, Ken Jaworowski Save What's Left, Elizabeth Castellano An Honest Man, Michael Koryta Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Satoshi Yagisawa Register for the Fall Book Buzz!  

In this episode, Hannah and Erica share the titles that have suprised and delighted them as summer hits its midpoint. Books mentioned in this episode: The Apology, Jimin Han The Infinite Miles, Hannah Fergesen Ace of Spades, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé Same Time Next Summer, Annabel Monaghan The Book of Delights, Ross Gay Sign up for the Fall Book Buzz!