Lost in the Stacks

The May display of Undergraduate Library books in the Shapiro Lobby focuses on exploring the state of Michigan. We have selected books related to local history, culture, and attractions. If you’re staying in town this summer, considering learning more about our state!

Heresy is the first of a series of mysteries featuring the real-life 16th century philosopher and scientist Giordano Bruno. In 1583 Bruno goes to Oxford to uncover a conspiracy against Queen Elizabeth I. One of the fellows of the college is found dead, and this turns out to be the first in a series of gruesome murders. Will Bruno find the murderer and put an end to the conspiracy against the queen?

The April display of Undergraduate Library books in the Shapiro Lobby is focused on news. We have selected books on journalistic ethics, the impact of social media on news, "fake news," and books about reporting of specific types of events or topics.

This is the second in Sandra Gulland's trilogy about the Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon, following The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B., which I reviewed previously. This novel covers the years 1796-1800, which are full of momentous events in Napoleon's life, including his victories in Italy, his Egyptian campaign, and his seizure of power in a coup d'état. Josephine suffers from the hostility of Napoleon's family and her inability to conceive a child by him.

In the latest entry in Alan Bradley's mystery series featuring twelve-year-old chemistry genius Flavia de Luce, Flavia finds the body of a murdered man in the river. It turns out he is the son of a vicar who was hanged for the murder of three of his female parishioners. But was the vicar really innocent?

March is Women's History Month. Celebrate by reading books on women who changed the world. This display includes books about women across time and both famous and not-well-known.

Are you struggling to find something to read? Do you have a desire to read "great" or "popular" books? If so, check out some of these books that provide rankings and descriptions of "top" books.

This is the first is a trilogy of novels about the Empress Josephine, wife of Napoleon. Sandra Gulland tells her story in the form of fictional diary entries. This novel begins with Josephine's girlhood on Martinique and tells of her life in Paris during the French Revolution, her imprisonment during the Terror, when she narrowly escapes the guillotine, and ends with her marriage to Napoleon. The story continues in two other volumes.

Take a look at the 2019 Michigan Notable Book award winners.

February is Black History Month. The Shapiro Book Display will feature non-fiction books by black authors, in honor of past and current leaders, events, and movements. Be sure to stop by the lobby to see what's on display