What We're Reading: June 2025

"Five Black ballerinas tell the story of their ballet journey and the rise of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, a Black ballet troupe that exploded in popularity, but has been largely forgotten. Ballet is a field dominated by whiteness and Misty Copeland painted as the extraordinary exception, but this book illustrates the lineage of Black ballet and the importance of sharing these lost stories. This was a fascinating history and Valby as a white woman does an excellent job of centering the voices of her Black subjects, pulling direct quotes and anecdotes shared to build a picture of a beautiful and complicated past. I recommend this to ballet lovers and anybody is who interested in forgotten history. There is also a YA edition of this title, which might work for younger readers." - Evangelina H., Mountain Road Library

"It's been really impressive to see D.C. chef Andrés rise in prominence and step into a global role of feeding people after disasters and during crisis situations. In a moment that we're seeing so many powerful people set their ethics aside to grow even more rich, Andrés has chosen a different path and is using his influence for good. His new book, Change the Recipe is part autobiography and part how-to guide for those who want to make change in the world. It's a quick read, with bite-sized chapters and calls to action. It felt a bit disjointed at times - there was more than one moment that I wondered how a certain anecdote fit into the narrative, but there were also some really great insights. His explanation of how to help in a disaster zone that has a long term benefit was especially enlightening. It's important that when WCK goes into an area, they partner with local chefs and local farmers to create meals that are meaningful and comforting to the people in those communities. Then it becomes a partnership that helps a community build back in a healthy and sustainable way. The Haiti earthquake was used as a counterexample, in which food distributions came from outside and eventually put local farmers out of business, solving the short-term hunger problem, but creating a long-term food crisis. The book may not have been perfect, but I am willing to forgive a lot for someone who is actually doing the work of making this world a better place for those who are hungry or suffering." - Stephanie P., Library Headquarters

"You may know Bethany Joy Lenz as one of the fan favorite lead actors on the hit 2000s drama One Tree Hill, but her real-life story is even juicier than the show she starred on. As an only child looking for belonging and safety, Lenz found her "people" in a Bible study group of fellow Hollywood actors and creatives. However, this safe haven slowly morphed into a full-on cult, with Lenz's autonomy being stripped away by the cult's leader. Lenz continued to lead a secret double life within this cult through the entire run of One Tree Hill, shocking her costars and fans when the extent of her involvement was finally revealed. I loved listening to the audiobook of this title, narrated by Lenz herself. There is even a cameo with Chad Michael Murray!" - Liz K., Library Headquarters

"An oral recounting nested in a recovered journal nested in the research notes of an academic might make the structure of Stephen Graham Jones latest horror novel a bit obtuse -- but lovers of contemporary horror and indigenous fiction would be well advised to pick up The Buffalo Hunter Hunter. Unconventional vampires and real-world events in Blackfoot history make for a riveting read, further helped by a dynamite audiobook production with multiple narrators. Strongly recommended for book clubs looking to read diverse genre fiction!" - Mark S., Linthicum Library

"True crime and natural history combine in this story of a heist of rare bird specimens from Britain's Museum of Natural History. The fascinating history of bird feathers for fly-tying and fishing is explored, along with many questions about whether rare species should be collected, documented, and stored in museums." - Lisa S., Odenton Library

"A wicked and at times witty twist on the traditional Victorian governess story. This short but thrilling novel takes readers into the mind of young Winifred Notty, who arrives at the English countryside manor, Ensor House, to tutor and care for two young charges, and to put into motion vengeful acts against the British upper class that has ruined her life. A sometimes gory, but very clever, horror story that eviscerates societal standards about femininity and class." - Sharon L., Odenton Library

"An enthralling biography that lays out the exploits of Sefton Delmer, a British-German writer who ingratiates himself with members of the Third *** prior to start of World War II, and then develops Allied propaganda projects to combat the German propaganda campaigns being rolled out by Joseph Goebbels and the Nazis. Through radio dramas and concerts, to fake new alerts and concocted "interviews" with voice actors posing as *** soldiers, Delmer and a host of actors, refugees and Allied covert operators work to use *** propaganda tricks against them to win the war. The author deftly weaves current Russian propaganda campaigns against Western Europe and Ukraine into the book to illustrate the dangers of political propaganda." - Sharon L., Odenton Library