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Shamans and Kushtakas: North Coast Tales of the SupernaturalSupernatural
by Mary Giraudo Beck
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Kushtakas were half man-half otter, spirits of those who had drowned. These phantoms appeared to those in danger of drowning and offered to rescue them, but aimed to turn them into kushtakas too. Only those with respect for elders and traditions and a strong will from ascetic practices were able to resist these spirits. The shamans were healers and could see into the future and tried to use their powers against the kushtakas. There are beautiful illustrations at the chapter headings. This is a nice book of native American legends.
The Wall Growing Up Behind The Iron Curtain
by Peter Sis
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I really liked this book! 5 stars because it only took me 45 minutes to read. Even though it is technically a children's book, I still found it enjoyable and not simplistic. Sís doesn't shy away from the violence he and friends experienced under Communist control in Prague, and also doesn't shy away from a more advanced vocabulary (what children's book uses the word cataclysmic in the second sentence?). Being born about a decade after the Cold War ended, people always talk about it as if I should know exactly what it was like, diving into deep details before giving me a general overview (and I've already taken both years of global history, so that's not the problem!). This book gave a really excellent summation of how the Cold War started and developed across Europe while also keeping a strong focus in the daily effects in Prague. I would definitely recommend this quick, educational read with wonderful, colorful artwork!
The Little Friend
by Donna Tartt
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Overall, I did enjoy this book. But there was about 150 pages of BORING content in the middle, and the author seemed to use the fact that the main protagonist is 12 years old to justify her doing some REALLY senseless things... even though her main attribute is (supposed to be) classic 12-yo quick thinking. The last 50 or so pages were kill but.... the book opens with a mystery that is never solved. And ends with two characters who have NEVER mattered having a pointless conversation. It feels like they left 150 pages of boring writing in the middle and cut an extra 30 pages that should have wrapped up the end. But still, the writing was enjoyable enough that even though the plot didn't resolve as well as I wanted, I still liked the process of reading it.
Shamans and Kushtakas: North Coast Tales of the Supernatural
by Mary Giraudo Beck
View in Library Catalog
book cover


For the Tlingit and Haida peoples, both shamans and kushtakas, half man half otter spirits of those who drowned, had supernatural powers. Respect for elders and tradition as well as ascetic training helped
Are You Listening
by Tillie Walden
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A dreamy, though at times tense, road trip graphic novel about running away from ones past before learning to trust in yourself. Walden's graphic novels are simultaneously rooted in real life and in fantasy and "Are You Listening?" is no different.
Queen Meryl
by Erin Carlson
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This show business biography of Meryl Streep marches through her movie roles and co-stars but leaves one wanting to know more about the person as opposed to the actress.
Breakout
by Kate Messner
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Breakout, by Kate Messner is amazing! I loved how it was written in letters and documents. I have one thing that kept me from giving it five stars though. The characters are supposed to be in middle school I'm pretty sure, but they do not seem as mature, or educated in society matters as middle schoolers these days are.
Better Off Read
by Nora Page
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This book involves murder, a public library, and a bookmobile. It is a pleasant read for those
The Memory Thief
by Lauren Mansy
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We Have Always Lived In The Castle
by Shirley Jackson
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Love that this book was selected for the 2018 Community Read! Shirley Jackson's writing style flows dreamlike and makes for a fast, engaging read. The story encompasses many issues, including bullying, individual and group neuroses and the cruelty of mob mentality and attacks on anyone who is different. A perfect read for October!
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