Reading List
Beyoncé Reads: I Am...Sasha Fierce
Tomorrow Will Be Different by Sarah McBride Sarah McBride is on a mission to fight for transgender rights around the world. But before she was a prominent activist, and before she became the first transgender person to speak at the Democratic National Convention in 2016, she was a teenager struggling with her identity. With emotional depth and unparalleled honesty, Sarah shares her personal struggle with gender identity, coming out to her supportive but distraught parents, and finding her way as a woman. She inspires readers with her barrier-breaking political journey that took her, in just four years, from a frightened, closeted college student to one of the nation's most prominent transgender activists walking the halls of the White House, passing laws, and addressing the country in the midst of a heated presidential election. She also details the heartbreaking romance with her first love and future husband Andy, a trans man and activist, who passed away from cancer in 2014 just days after they were married. Sarah's story of identity, love, and tragic loss serves as a powerful entry point for readers who want to gain a deeper understanding of gender identity and what it means to be openly transgender. From issues like bathroom access to healthcare, identification and schools, Sarah weaves the important political milestones, cultural and political debates, and historical context into a personal journey that will open hearts and change minds. Tomorrow Will Be Different highlights Sarah's work as an activist and the key issues at the forefront of the fight for trans equality, providing a call-to-arms and empowering look at the road ahead.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
Beyoncé Reads: B'Day
Driven Toward Madness by Nikki M. Taylor Margaret Garner was the runaway slave who, when confronted with capture just outside of Cincinnati, slit the throat of her toddler daughter rather than have her face a life in slavery. Her story has inspired Toni Morrison's Beloved, a film based on the novel starring Oprah Winfrey, and an opera. Yet, her life has defied solid historical treatment. In Driven toward Madness, Nikki M. Taylor brilliantly captures her circumstances and her transformation from a murdering mother to an icon of tragedy and resistance. Taylor, the first African American woman to write a history of Garner, grounds her approach in black feminist theory. She melds history with trauma studies to account for shortcomings in the written record. In so doing, she rejects distortions and fictionalized images; probes slavery's legacies of sexual and physical violence and psychic trauma in new ways; and finally fleshes out a figure who had been rendered an apparition.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
Beyoncé Reads: Dangerously in Love
The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis Graves Annika Rose is an English major at the University of Illinois. Anxious in social situations where she finds most people's behavior confusing, she'd rather be surrounded by the order and discipline of books or the quiet solitude of playing chess. Jonathan Hoffman joined the chess club and lost his first game--and his heart--to the shy and awkward, yet brilliant and beautiful Annika. He admires her ability to be true to herself, quirks and all, and accepts the challenges involved in pursuing a relationship with her. Jonathan and Annika bring out the best in each other, finding the confidence and courage within themselves to plan a future together. What follows is a tumultuous yet tender love affair that withstands everything except the unforeseen tragedy that forces them apart, shattering their connection and leaving them to navigate their lives alone. Now, a decade later, fate reunites Annika and Jonathan in Chicago. She's living the life she wanted as a librarian. He's a Wall Street whiz, recovering from a divorce and seeking a fresh start. The attraction and strong feelings they once shared are instantly rekindled, but until they confront the fears and anxieties that drove them apart, their second chance will end before it truly begins.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
Beyoncé Reads: Destiny's Child
Becoming Beyoncé by J. Randy Taraborrelli The first comprehensive biography ever published about America's favorite living pop icon, Beyonce, from New York Times bestselling biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli. Beyonce Knowles is a woman who began her career at the age of eight performing in pageant shows and talent contests, honing her craft through her teenage years until, at the age of 16, she had her first number one record with Destiny's Child. That hit-making trio launched Beyonce's successful solo career, catapulting her, as of 2014, to #1 on Forbes annual list of most wealthy celebrities--the same year she made the cover of Time . Becoming Beyonce is not only the story of struggle, sacrifice, and what it takes to make it in the cut-throat record industry, it's the story of the great rewards of such success and the devastating toll it often takes on the human spirit.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
Boston Books: Fiction
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center As the only female firefighter in her Texas firehouse, Cassie Hanswell is excellent at dealing with other people's tragedies. But she never anticipated that her estranged and ailing mother would ask her move to Boston. The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie's old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren't exactly thrilled to have a "lady" on the crew, even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Only the infatuation-inspiring rookie doesn't seem to mind having Cassie around. Her old captain gave her some advice: don't date firefighters. Will she jeopardize her place in a career where she's worked so hard to be taken seriously?
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
Cookbook Tie-Ins: Art
The Art of the Bar Cart by Vanessa Dina The Art of the Bar Cart features 20 different styled bar setups - from tricked-out vintage carts to a collection of bottles tucked into a cabinet - themed around favorite libations, personal style, or upcoming occasions. Readers can choose from the warm and inviting Whiskey Cart, the fun and fresh Punch Cart, or mix and match to suit any style. With easy tips to re-create each look as well as recipes for the perfect drinks to pair with each cart, this beautifully photographed guide is an inspiration to anyone looking to create a unique decor statement, and a drink to serve alongside.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
8 Great Books That Will Keep You Up All Night. AI-Generated.
When it comes to literature that captivates and enthralls, some books possess an irresistible power to keep us turning pages well past bedtime. These 8 great books are not only masterfully written but offer such gripping narratives, complex characters, and immersive worlds that sleep becomes a distant afterthought. Whether you seek suspense, mystery, horror, or intense psychological drama, these literary masterpieces guarantee nights filled with unrelenting curiosity and excitement. Let us dive deeply into these unforgettable reads that have earned their place on every avid reader’s nightstand.
By Diana Meresc8 months ago in BookClub
Cookbook Tie-Ins: Celebrities
Small Changes by Alicia Witt Deciding to improve your health, your consciousness, and the world can seem so overwhelming that you don't know where to begin. And when you head down one path, you might face criticism for "not doing it right" or "not following the rules." But sometimes, all you need to do is make a few small changes to chart your course to a healthier life that's authentically you. Author and actor Alicia Witt shows how adopting the "small changes philosophy" allows you to find balance, eat healthier, and feel better physically and emotionally. She also invites you into her adventurous life, both on and off the set, in stories infused with candor and humor.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
Cookbook Tie-Ins: Movies & TV
Gilmore Girls: the Official Cookbook by Elena Craig & Kristen Mulrooney Oy with the poodles already! The first official collection of recipes inspired by the world of the fast-talking Gilmore Girls. Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook features dishes from every corner of Stars Hollow and beyond, including the Dragonfly Inn, Weston's Bakery, Al's Pancake World, Luke's Diner, and Emily and Richard's dinner table . Fans will delight in recreating iconic dishes from the beloved series, such as Sookie's Risotto, Mrs. Kim's Flaxseed Muffins, Luke's Cheeseburger and Fries, and, of course, the perfect cup of coffee! This official cookbook also includes clever cooking tips from Sookie, hosting tips from Michel, etiquette tips from Emily Gilmore, and the wisdom from Lorelai and Rory for cooking fast and talking faster. MORE THAN 50 RECIPES: Dozens of recipes for Stars Hollow favorites from Sookie's Risotto to Luke's Cheeseburger. TIPS FROM SOOKIE: Recreate iconic dishes from Gilmore Girls with tips from Chef Sookie! Where easy-to-follow step-by-step directions lead, you can follow. RECIPES FOR EVERY OCCASION: Whip up delicious dishes for everything from a mother-daughter brunch to a family dinner to a celebration for the whole town! FILLED WITH PHOTOS: Includes gorgeous full-color photos of recipes to help ensure success, as well as beloved moments from the series.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
Cookbook Tie-Ins: Literature
Voracious by Cara Nicoletti As a young bookworm reading in her grandfather's butcher shop, Cara Nicoletti saw how books and food bring people to life. Now a butcher, cook, and writer, she serves up stories and recipes inspired by beloved books and the food that gives their characters depth and personality. From the breakfast sausage in Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House in the Big Woods to chocolate cupcakes with peppermint buttercream from Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections, these books and the treats in them put her on the road to happiness. Cooking through the books that changed her life, Nicoletti shares fifty recipes.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
8 Best Fantasy Books In 2025. AI-Generated.
Fantasy literature has captivated readers for generations, transporting them into realms of magic, epic quests, and extraordinary adventures. Below is a list of the 8 best fantasy books that have not only defined the genre but continue to influence modern storytelling. Whether you are a seasoned fantasy reader or new to the genre, these masterpieces offer a perfect blend of imagination and narrative brilliance.
By Diana Meresc8 months ago in BookClub
