Category: New books

What’s Ashley Reading?: Cocked and Boozy

Cocked and Boozy by Brooke Barbier

First line: Without thinking about it too much, conjure up an image of Benjamin Franklin–whatever comes to mind.

Summary: In Brooke Barbier’s new book she takes a look at how alcohol shaped the early years of our country. Using primary sources, she delves into the importance of alcohol in policy making, networking and financing the new nation. Spanning the years after the French and Indian War to the presidential election of Thomas Jefferson in 1800, we learn how “drink helped transform British subjects into Americans.” At the end of each chapter, Barbier provides a recipe for an eighteenth century cocktail that is adapted for modern audiences.

My Thoughts: When most people think of the American Revolution and drinks, you would assume their first thought would be tea. I know I do. After reading Cocked and Boozy I have a completely new view of what helped drive the founding fathers.

One of the most controversial taxes on the American colonies was on sugar and molasses. Since it affected the production of rum and small beer, it caused riots and increased smuggling. These drinks had become part of the everyday lives of the population. Adding the extra expense became too much for the colonists.

However, the production costs were not the only way alcohol played an important part in our nation’s founding. Many gatherings of the founding fathers happened in taverns. Celebrations for the ratification of the Constitution featured copious amounts of beer, cider and brandy. The amount of wine Thomas Jefferson purchased from France each year is astounding. George Washington started to produce thousands of gallons of whiskey at his plantation after leaving office. There is no denying that alcohol played an important part in our nation’s birth.

If you were looking for an unconventional book about the American Revolution then I would steer you to this one! It was a fascinating read about the little discussed part of our history. It also will might give you some inspiration for your Fourth of July party plans!

What’s Ashley Reading?: Marilyn and Her Books

Marilyn and Her Books by Gail Crowther

First line: In Western culture there are few people more sought after than Marilyn Monroe.

Summary: Marilyn Monroe has fascinated the world since her film debut and over sixty years since her death. This year marks what would have been her hundredth birthday. In this new book by Gail Crowther, we get a look at one of the most important parts of Marilyn’s life, her books. Having been mocked as the dumb blonde who could not possibly read books like Ulysses, we actually get to see what books she owned and discussed with those around her. Marilyn had a love of reading and thirst for knowledge that reached into all genres, from literature to popular fiction to gardening and sociology. Told through an analysis of her interactions with famous writers, interviews with those who knew her and her personal library we see the reader behind the movie star.

My Thoughts: My interest in Marilyn Monroe started in high school when I read a book by her half-sister, Berniece, called My Sister Marilyn. It is a fascinating look into the personal life and real person behind the movie star persona. I found this book to be similar in that sense. Throughout we are shown a Marilyn who reads, discusses and loved acquiring books. At her death, she had a personal library of over 400 books. Like many readers, we have books we have not read or have started and not finished. Likely Marilyn did the same but the number of tomes is astounding. In the end notes, we are given a list of the books that were packed away and later sold at auction after Marilyn’s death.

While some chapters feel like speculation, the author also supports many of her claims with quotes from interviews. Many of the people that actually met Marilyn thought her to be an intelligent and kind individual. Unfortunately, today people still assume that the characters she played on screen reflect the real life woman. From everything I have read about her she seemed far from dumb. She was a trailblazer in many aspects of Hollywood. She spent years looking for security and acceptance.

It has been over twenty years since I read my first biography of Marilyn and I still admire her. With all the challenges in her life, she still persevered. After closing this book, I think it is time to start a Marilyn Monroe movie marathon!

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Land and Its People

The Land and Its People by David Sedaris

First line: The year my sister Amy was invited to play Mrs. Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was the same year Hugh had his hip replaced.

Summary: In David Sedaris’ newest collection of essays he explores things from caretaking of his partner Hugh, traveling to new countries and the struggles of keeping up your Duolingo streak.

My Thoughts: I was so excited for a new David Sedaris book! I could have received an early digital copy from Netgalley but decided to wait because I would much rather listen to the audiobook. It was worth the wait. I was laughing aloud constantly. Coworkers probably thought I was crazy laughing to myself. Cars passing me on the roads might have wondered why I was smiling so big. It was all because of David.

A few of the stories I know I had heard before when he was work shopping them at his book signing. Hearing them again did not make them any less enjoyable. He has a way with bringing ordinary life to his readers in a humorous way. It is just outstanding. Who knew that a story about a dog bite could be so funny? David did.

If you want something to make you laugh during a road trip or on your daily walk, I would recommend all of his books but this one was lots of fun and real quick. Perfect for your summer TBR!

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Shippers

The Shippers by Katherine Center

First line: Mrs. Richmond’s wedding gown was itchy, for one thing.

Summary: After leaving her groom at the altar, JoJo Burton has decided she is going to finally break her cursed love life. With the help of her sister and her former childhood best friend, Cooper, she is determined to catch the eye of her teenage crush. Luckily, he happens to be attending her sister’s wedding cruise. However, with her sister busy with wedding details most of the scheming falls to her best friend. As they spend time together, she remembers all the things leading up to their falling out years before. JoJo hopes that this time together will help her and Cooper’s friendship but with each passing day, there seems to be something more between them. Will she need to abandon her plan or is she willing to lose Cooper forever?

My Thoughts: Again, such a wonderful summer read from Katherine Center. I had so much fun with this one. It took me back to the days when I spent summers outside with the neighbor kids until the sun went down. It was funny, charming and heartwarming.

The book begins on JoJo’s wedding day. She is stuck in a horribly itchy wedding gown belonging to her future mother in law. It seems like a sign and then her childhood best friend, Cooper, shows up to save the day! What a wonderful start to a rom-com, then add to it a cruise ship, former crush, a plan to seduce said former crush and a lot of miscommunication.

As readers, we watch her make mistakes when it seems so obvious to us what she should choose. However, while feeling exasperated with her choices I laughed along at the ridiculousness of it. In the end, everything always works out but the middle full of messiness kept me reading until the end. While sitting by the pool or enjoying a summer getaway this should be in your reading pile. It will make you laugh and remember your childhood summers spent with all your neighborhood friends.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block

Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block by Jesse Q. Sutanto

First line: All her life, Mebel Tanadi has always had a fear of – not so much death as much as situations that eventually lead to death.

Summary: Mebel expected her life one way, the trophy wife of a rich man. This was all going to plan until one day her husband of forty years decides he is leaving her for their much younger live in chef. Mebel cannot believe what is happening but she is determined to win him back. From what she gathers, he wants someone who will cook for him, meaning she should take cooking lessons. As luck would have it, a class is starting in just a few days at an excellent cooking school. Unfortunately, it happens to be in a small village in England rather than Paris.

Upon arrival, Mebel finds the school and her classmates to be more of a challenge than she first thought. As she struggles through the first weeks, she befriends a group of students who encourage her in her lessons and the changes in her personal life. With each passing day, Mebel starts to wonder if she has found what she has been looking for in an unlikely place.

My Thoughts: Like Sutanto’s other series, Vera Wong, this book is all about found families. This is one of my favorite things about the author’s work. She has characters that need each other but do not realize it. With these strong themes of friendship, there is lots of humor too. While I was listening, I was laughing aloud at Mebel and her antics. She starts the book as a trophy wife who only cares about facials, clothes and her lavish lifestyle but she transitions to someone who wants to be her own person and take care of those she loves. I found this to be such a fun story with a great message. I would highly recommend this for your summer reading list. It will make you smile all the way through!

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Caretaker

The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer

First line: The trail of muddy footprints led off the front stoop, tracked across the gravel driveway, and disappeared into the darkened woods.

Summary: Macy Mullins has bills to pay, groceries to buy and a younger sister to take care of. Unfortunately, the job market is not promising. Then one day she stumbles upon a job listing on Craigslist. Three days of house-sitting for several thousand dollars pay. What could be easier? All she has to do is follow the instructions and she will get a few weeks of relief. It all seems too easy until her first night. While trying to follow the rites she discovers that whatever inhabits the house is trickier than she believed. With each passing hour, the nightmare becomes more and more sinister. Will Macy make it through this weekend? Will the world survive if she cannot follow the rites?

My Thoughts: This book. Dang. I had to remind myself to relax while reading it. I was so tense. Clenching my jaw and muscles tight. I loved every minute of it.

I have been waiting two years for this book to come out. Ever since reading Kliewer’s debut, We Used To Live Here, I could not wait to see what he produced next. This one was just as good as the first. While I struggled with the main character Macy, I completely believed that this is how someone would react in these situations. As a reader, I wanted her to do certain things differently but who can say if we all would follow the rites precisely either. With each new threat, the tension ramped up. Nevertheless, I felt I could never fully trust what we were told. Is this all real? By the end, I was exhausted. It was so much fun and a thrilling ride!

I wish I could say more but I really do not want to give too much away. I could not recommend this one enough to horror fans. I wish I could re-read it again for the first time. Now I have to wait again for Kliewer’s next books.

FYI: Depression, self harm.

What’s Ashley Reading?: How To Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay

How To Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson

First line: I have spent a lifetime learning to operate a brain that vacillates between overthinking and total shutdown.

Summary: Jenny Lawson is a best-selling author who struggles with depression, anxiety and imposter syndrome. She fights with her inner demons as she uses her unique sense of humor to show that life can be hard yet beautiful. In her newest book, she shares tips and tricks to help readers find their way through the fog that we call life.

My Thoughts: I absolutely love Jenny Lawson. I have read/listened to all her books, seen her at a Watermark event and follow her on social media. She is real and not scared to tell the world about her struggles. The way she is able to explain her mental health issues gives many people who deal with similar concerns hope and insight. It feels so refreshing.

I usually listen to her audiobooks because she reads them, which I feel enhances every chapter. It does not feel like listening to an audiobook but more a conversation with a friend. She goes off on tangents, emphasizes certain words or points a reader may not and her voice is one I can hear in my head whenever I read her blog posts. Like David Sedaris, her books are better consumed in audio format.

The new book she dives into tips and tricks she uses or has attempted in her journey with mental health. While not every tip speaks to me, some do and I loved hearing her advice. I laughed aloud at multiple points listening to her stories and anecdotes. I love her wit. If you are looking for a funny self-help book then Jenny is your person. She can talk about such serious problems but with a humor that makes it feel less oppressive. Give her a listen!

FYI: Lots of bad language.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Daughter of Egypt

Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict

First line: The saloon glows in the flicker of the candelabras and the low light of ornate wall sconces.

Summary: In the 1920’s the discovery of the century shook the world. The tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun was uncovered fully intact in the Valley of the Kings by archeologist Howard Carter and his patron, Lord Carnarvon. However, few know about the woman, who helped make this venture possible, Lady Evelyn Herbert, Lord Carnarvon’s daughter.

Having grown up surrounded by the artifacts and research of Egyptologists, she became fascinated with one person in particular, the first female pharaoh, Hatshepsut. As she travels with Carter and her father to Egypt, she hopes to find the lost tomb of this elusive pharaoh. During a time of turmoil between the British and Egyptian governments, they risked their lives to make this historical dig. When it comes down to a decision between her passion and her loyalties to her father, she must make a choice that will change her life and the world.

My Thoughts: Ancient Egypt is absolutely fascinating. Over the years, I have consumed as much as I can on the subject through documentaries and books. Last year I attended a talk given by former Director of Antiquities and world renowned Egyptologist, Dr. Zahi Hawass. It was so interesting to listen to him talk about the discoveries he has made or is on the verge of making. Reading Marie Benedict’s new book I can completely sympathize with Evelyn’s passion in all things Ancient Egypt.

The plot is told in dual timelines. One follows the rise of Queen Hatshepsut and the other is Lady Evelyn Herbert. Through Hatshepsut, we see her rise to pharaoh of Egypt and Eve shows us how the one time ruler was erased from history by her successors. I loved learning about Lady Evelyn and her part to play in the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. In many descriptions of this event, it is only the men who are mentioned but now readers can meet the woman involved too.

Interwoven into the narrative is the question of who these artifacts actually belong to once discovered. Are they the property of the home country or the discoverer/colonial power? This question still plagues museums and collectors today. Many items are being returned to their homelands but there are still some that draw international attention including the bust of Nefertiti held in Berlin, Germany.

If you want something to entertain as well as inform then this may be just the book for you! It will make the reader think and likely lead them to explore more about the real history behind the novel. For more on Queen Hatshepsut and other queens of Egypt I would recommend When Women Ruled the World by Kara Cooney.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Dollface

Dollface by Lindy Ryan

First line: My little sister collides with the open doorway of the master bedroom, skidding to a halt at the foot of the bed in a gust of chlorine and sunscreen and girl sweat.

Summary: Jill, horror novelist and mother, has recently moved across the country with her family to New Jersey. On her first day in the new house she meets her sweeter than sugar neighbor and PTA enthusiast, Darla. In one interaction is she is part of the PTA and meets the women who will become the victims of a serial killer stalking the town. As Jill tries to use her knowledge of horror to figure out who is terrorizing the PTA moms she starts to worry that she might be the final girl in a real-life horror story.

My Thoughts: When I finished reading this I struggled with how to rate it. I had fun reading it but there were a few things I found to be a little much. Starting with the good, I would say that this is definitely a good slasher book. There is gore and horror to the scenes with the serial killer. While these moments were a bit too much for me, others will definitely like them. I felt like the pacing went well and the story was not drawn out. I never thought it was boring and I wanted to pick it up each night.

Now for the negatives. There was a phrase that seemed overly used, “creaky-not-creepy house”, which just made me roll my eyes by the third or fourth time. The thing that made my rating a three rather than four stars was the fact that I was sure who was behind from early on! It seemed rather obvious and some of the big reveals at the end were not as shocking as they should be.

With all this said, I let myself enjoy the almost ridiculousness of the story and have fun with it. Fans of campy horror or slashers will like this very reason. Just enjoy and do not think too much about it.

FYI: Very gory!

**Release date is February 24, 2026. Place it on hold today!

What’s Ashley Reading?: A Box Full of Darkness

A Box Full of Darkness by Simone St. James

First line: When I wake in the middle of the night, I don’t always see darkness.

Summary: Fell, New York is known for its strange occurrences. For the Esmie family the disappearance of the youngest child, Ben, it is what finally drives them out of town and to lose contact with each other. Each of the older siblings have been haunted by mysterious visions and a fear of returning to their family home. That is until one day their brother Ben appears at the house, still a child, and summons them home. Why is he all of a sudden back and where has he been all these years? Fighting their fears they return to see if they can finally figure out what happened during that fated game of hide and seek many years before.

My Thoughts: Simone St. James is a master of her craft. Her books are a perfect mix of mystery and horror. It is always enough to give you the creeps but still keeping you invested in the plot. With this book I loved her inclusion of Easter eggs from her previous books. Tying them all together was genius and so much fun for her devoted readers.

There was so much to love about this book. It was truly spooky. The abandoned family home that is basically been left as a tomb for their missing sibling. Each of the siblings had some sort of paranormal encounters from seeing ghosts, visions of drowning and bright lights that no one else can see. Then there is a ghost child leaving wet footprints on the floor. A town with a dark past that no one can explain. What more could you ask for?

I really, really enjoyed this book but I still had a few things that bothered me. The strong attachment to Ben seemed so strange to me. Maybe I just don’t understand it. My sister is close in age to myself and I never had to take care or raise her which could be the reason behind the sibling’s feelings. And then the ending seemed to be rather quick. I guess I just wasn’t ready for it to end. I will still recommend this to any and all readers who like a good ghost story but these things were what seemed odd to me during my reading of it.

FYI: Missing children, ghosts, death

Derby Public Library's Blog