Reading List
Haunted Happenings
The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Mahnke They live in shadows--deep in the forest, late in the night, in the dark recesses of our minds. They're spoken of in stories and superstitions, relics of an unenlightened age, old wives' tales, passed down through generations. Yet no matter how wary and jaded we have become, as individuals or as a society, a part of us remains vulnerable to them: werewolves and wendigos, poltergeists and vampires, angry elves and vengeful spirits. In this illustrated volume, the host of the hit podcast Lore serves as a guide on a fascinating journey through the history of these terrifying creatures, exploring not only the legends but what they tell us about ourselves. Aaron Mahnke invites us to the desolate Pine Barrens of New Jersey, where the notorious winged, red-eyed Jersey Devil dwells. He delves into harrowing accounts of cannibalism--some officially documented, others the stuff of speculation . . . perhaps. He visits the dimly lit rooms where séances take place, the European villages where gremlins make mischief, even Key West, Florida, home of a haunted doll named Robert. In a world of "emotional vampires" and "zombie malls," the monsters of folklore have become both a part of our language and a part of our collective psyche. Whether these beasts and bogeymen are real or just a reflection of our primal fears, we know, on some level, that not every mystery has been explained and that the unknown still holds the power to strike fear deep in our hearts and souls. As Aaron Mahnke reminds us, sometimes the truth is even scarier than the lore.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
Historical Cookbooks
Charlemagne's Tablecloth by Nichola Fletcher Feasts, banquets, and grand dinners have always played a vital role in our lives. They oil the wheels of diplomacy, smooth the paths of the ambitious, and spread joy at family celebrations. They lift the spirits, involve all our senses and, at times, transport us to other fantastical worlds. Some feasts have give rise to hilarious misunderstandings, at others competitive elements take over. Some are purely for pleasure, some connect uncomfortably with death, but all are interesting. Nichola Fletcher has written a captivating history of feasts throughout the ages that includes the dramatic failures along with the dazzling successes. From a humble meal of potatoes provided by an angel, to the extravagance of the high medieval and Renaissance tables groaning with red deer and wild boar, to the exquisite refinement of the Japanese tea ceremony, Charlemagne’s Tablecloth covers them all.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
Historical Fiction: Roaring 20s
The Swans of Fifth Avenue by Melanie Benjamin Of all the glamorous stars of New York high society, none blazes brighter than Babe Paley and her friends, the alluring socialite Swans. But beneath this elegantly composed exterior dwells a passionate woman, desperately longing for true love and connection. Enter Truman Capote. Through Babe, Truman gains unparalleled access to the scandal and gossip of Babe's powerful circle. Babe never imagines the destruction Truman will leave in his wake-- even when the stories aren't his to tell.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
8 Essential Books For A Good Life. AI-Generated.
Living a good life is a universal aspiration, and books remain one of the most profound and enduring tools for personal growth. Through the power of language and story, literature can guide us toward clarity, purpose, peace, and joy. Here you find a list of 8 essential books for a good life—a selection of transformative works that offer wisdom, resilience, and inspiration.
By Diana Meresc8 months ago in BookClub
8 Books That Will Increase Your Ambition. AI-Generated.
In the pursuit of personal and professional growth, ambition serves as the vital spark that fuels progress and achievement. To nurture this vital trait, the right books can play an instrumental role. They not only inspire but also provide frameworks, strategies, and mindsets that elevate your drive and determination. Below is a list of 8 books that will increase your ambition, carefully selected for their profound impact on motivation, mindset, and success.
By Diana Meresc8 months ago in BookClub
8 Powerfully Riveting Books You Should Read. AI-Generated.
In a time when countless books compete for our attention, certain titles rise above the rest—books that grip you from the first page and leave a lasting mark. These are the stories that spark emotion, ignite thought, and stay with you long after you've finished reading. Below is a list of 8 powerfully riveting books you should read.
By Diana Meresc8 months ago in BookClub
8 Books That Will Make You The Best Version. AI-Generated.
Becoming the best version of yourself is not about perfection—it's about consistent growth, intentional living, and mastering your mindset. The journey of personal development often starts with the right guidance, and books are among the most powerful tools to spark that transformation. Whether you're looking to develop discipline, build better habits, find purpose, or unlock inner peace, the right book can act as a catalyst for real change. Below is a list of 8 books that will make you the best version.
By Diana Meresc8 months ago in BookClub
8 Best Spiritual Books In 2025. AI-Generated.
Spiritual literature has the power to ignite profound inner transformation. These spiritual books are more than just words on pages—they are timeless guides that help us connect with deeper meanings, unlock the sacred within, and elevate our consciousness. Whether you are beginning your spiritual journey or are already deep into your quest for enlightenment, the following books offer wisdom, inspiration, and clarity. Below is a list of the 8 best spiritual books in 2025.
By Diana Meresc8 months ago in BookClub
How Reading Every Day Makes You a Better Thinker. AI-Generated.
We often hear that reading is good for us, but rarely do we explore just how powerful it can be, not just for knowledge or vocabulary, but for something even more impactful: our ability to think.
By Voice of Simplicity8 months ago in BookClub
5 Life Lessons You Can Learn from Classic Literature. AI-Generated.
Classic literature has long served as a mirror to the human experience. These stories, passed down through generations, carry with them not only memorable characters and compelling plots but also timeless wisdom. A literary classic likely speaks directly to you whether you’re facing a personal challenge, seeking purpose, or trying to make sense of the world.
By Voice of Simplicity8 months ago in BookClub
Historical Fiction: Recent History
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau 1970s Baltimore. Mary Jane loves cooking with her mother, singing in her church choir, and enjoying her family's subscription to the Broadway Show Tunes of the Month record club. Then she lands a summer job as a nanny for the daughter of a local doctor. The house may look respectable on the outside, but inside it is a literal and figurative mess: clutter on every surface, impeachment bumper stickers on the doors, cereal and takeout for dinner. And even more troublesome: The doctor is a psychiatrist who has cleared his summer for one important job-- helping a famous rock star dry out. Over the course of the summer Mary Jane introduces her new household to crisply ironed clothes and a family dinner schedule, and has a front-row seat to a liberal world of sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll (not to mention group therapy). She will arrive at September with a new idea about what she wants out of life, and what kind of person she is going to be.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
Historical Fiction: World Wars I & II
A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende In the late 1930s, civil war gripped Spain. When General Franco and his Fascists succeed in overthrowing the government, hundreds of thousands are forced to flee in a treacherous journey over the mountains to the French border. Among them is Roser, a pregnant young widow, who finds her life irreversibly intertwined with that of Victor Dalmau, an army doctor and the brother of her deceased love. In order to survive, the two must unite in a marriage neither of them wants, and together are sponsored by poet Pablo Neruda to embark on the SS Winnipeg along with 2,200 other refugees in search of a new life. As unlikely partners, they embrace exile and emigrate to Chile as the rest of Europe erupts in World War. Starting over on a new continent, their trials are just beginning. Over the course of their lives, they will face test after test. But they will also find joy as they wait patiently for a day when they are exiles no more, and will find friends in the most unlikely of places. Through it all, it is that hope of being reunited with their home that keeps them going. And in the end, they will find that home might have been closer than they thought all along.
By Kristen Barenthaler8 months ago in BookClub
