Beyond the Desk

To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins Sept. 15, WAPL librarians Sarah, Desirae and Katie discuss Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez. The novel follows a wedding planner and her politician brother and involves family relationships, romantic relationships, Puerto Rican culture and politics, and much more. Plus, they offer readalikes that touch on aspects of the book. Also mentioned:...

Are you in the mood for a summer read, narrative nonfiction book, mystery or thriller? WAPL staffers Sarah, Desirae and Beth P. talk about their recent reads plus what they’re looking forward to reading next. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: Early Morning Riser by Katherine Heiny, The Café by the Sea by Jenny Colgan, Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan, The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater,...

Molly Shannon, Viola Davis, Matthew McConaughey, Colin Jost—many stars are writing their stories. Librarians Katie and Sarah talk about celebrity memoirs they’ve enjoyed in this episode. These books vary in style, so you’re bound to find one you’ll enjoy. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: Bossypants by Tina Fey; Open Book by Jessica Simpson; This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy...

This month librarians Desirae, Sarah and Katie discuss the romantic thriller Verity, which follows a struggling writer who accepts an offer to finish a series by an injured bestselling author. If you like plot twists, this one’s for you! Plus, we consider who should be cast in the main roles in a movie adaptation. Also mentioned: Flowers in the Attic and Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews, Gone Gi...

This month librarians Elizabeth, Sarah and Desirae discuss the bestselling mystery The Maid by Nita Prose. It follows a hotel maid whose tidy life is turned upside down when she becomes a murder suspect. We fell in love with Molly the Maid, and we think you will, too! Also mentioned: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, the Shady Hollow mystery series by Juneau Black, and Hercule...

Mystery fans, take note! WAPL librarian Sarah chats with local writers Erica Ruth Neubauer, author of the Jane Wunderly mysteries, and Sharon Nagel, co-author of the Shady Hollow mysteries. They cover the influence of Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew as well as the process of writing and getting published. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: Murder at the Mena House, Murder at Wedg...

Librarians Sarah and Katie chat about what they’re currently reading and new books on their to-read list. They riff on short stories, memoirs, mysteries, family reads, the ’90s and more. Plus, they talk about novels versus short stories and what BookTok offers readers. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: These Ghosts Are Family by Maisy Card, The Wreckage of My Presence by Casey...

WAPL librarians Sarah and Desirae discuss fabulous fiction by Black authors for Black History Month. They chat about Brit Bennett’s The Vanishing Half, as well as other novels they recommend. Plus, they talk about why some audiobooks delight them and others annoy them, as well as why they aren’t put off by unlikable characters. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: The Vanishing Ha...

Join librarians Sarah and Katie for a conversation about Firekeeper’s Daughter, as well as other great YA books you’ll love—no matter what your age happens to be. Titles and authors discussed in this episode include: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak; Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley; Time Will Tell by Barry Lyga; In the Wild Light and The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner; The Scorpio Races by M...

Join us for the second half of our conversation about the best books we read this year! Librarians Sarah and Desirae, along with WAPL book club members Michele and Heather, chat about food, paranormal romance and reimagining Greek myths. Part 2 of 2. Titles discussed in this episode include: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, Eight Ways to Tequila (An Althea Rose Mystery) by Tricia O'Malley, If...

Librarians Sarah and Desirae welcome WAPL book club members Michele and Heather for a conversation about the best books we read this year. We talk about inspiring characters who overcame obstacles, stories that delve into parent-child dynamics, and the impact of social media—and how the future might look. Part 1 of 2. Titles discussed in this episode include: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V...

In this grab bag episode, librarians Elizabeth and Sarah talk about recent reads—mainly mysteries and memoirs—as well as giving themselves permission to give up on a book and grab another from the to-read pile. They also share how they discover books and why you should try listening to audiobooks on the Hoopla app, which is free to access with your library card. Titles discussed in this episode in...

Librarians Elizabeth, Sarah and Desirae chat about Zakiya Dalila Harris’ popular novel that offers a behind-the-scenes look at book publishing and blends horror elements, humor and social commentary. Our conversation touches on hair and how it relates to identity, femininity and professionalism. Titles discussed in this episode include: The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris, False Witness b...

Librarian and host Sarah chats with Lauren Fox, local author of Send for Me, which follows four generations of women from 1930s Germany to contemporary Milwaukee. Fox talks about writing her first historical novel, her great-grandmother’s letters that inspired the story, and what it was like to have Send for Me picked as a Read With Jenna book and answer readers’ questions on the TODAY show. Title...

Enjoy reading cookbooks for leisure? Why not try a cookbook memoir? Listen in as host Elizabeth and guest Mary discuss their new and old favorites in this genre. Books discussed in this episode are Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl, People Who Love to Eat Are Always the Best People and Other Wisdom by Julia Child, Kitchen Yarns: Notes on Life, Love, and F...

In this episode, hosts Elizabeth and Sarah talk about their new favorite historical mystery series, Abir Mukherjee’s Wyndham & Banerjee Mysteries, set in 1920s India. It speaks to themes relevant to today’s readers, such as addiction and PTSD, even as its setting offers a delightful escape. Titles discussed in this episode include: A Rising Man, A Necessary Evil, Smoke and Ashes, and Death in...

Host Sarah and guest Adam chat about terrific books by LGBTQ+ authors, just in time for Pride Month. Plus, we share the prizes you can win for reading with the library when participating in WAPL’s Adult Summer Reading Program. Titles discussed in this episode include: Mostly Dead Things by Kristen Arnett; Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin; Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski; Memorial by Bryan...

Join us for the second episode in which Elizabeth is joined by guest Sarah R. to discuss fiction with a focus on the relationship between mothers and daughters, just in time for Mother's Day. Also, our new Nonfiction book club is starting in June, so don't forget to register! Books discussed in this episode include: Saturday by Oge Mora, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, T...

Hosts Elizabeth and Sarah, both librarians at West Allis Public Library, talk about books based on a true story. Plus, we welcome you to the library, and beyond its walls, for National Library Week. Titles discussed in this episode include: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys, Georgia by Dawn Tripp, A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline, Euphoria by Lily King, The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes,...