Top Shelf with Russell Library

The pumpkins have been carved, the candy has been eaten, the costumes have been packed away, and just like that, it's November! If you're looking for something new to read, consider jumping on the Nonfiction November bandwagon. If the thought of reading nonfiction puts you to sleep, you haven't explored the variety of fascinating subgenres available on the shelves. There's trul...

It's the perfect time of year to grab a spooky read, and if you enjoy atmospheric horror, you simply won't want to miss Japanese Gothic by Kylie Kee Baker. This novel touches upon several themes common to gothic literature; such as, the past haunting the present, buried secrets and hidden curses, mental instability and dreams, claustrophobia and isolation, and folklore and the supernatur...

How well can you really know another person? Is it possible to live side by side for decades, sharing children, friends, and finances and yet still be strangers? In Belle Burden's bestselling memoir Strangers,  she offers an honest account of the collapse of her 20-year marriage. Since the release, Burden's memoir has been met with both praise and backlash. In today's conversation,...

There's no denying that Sarah J. Maas has created a whole new generation of fantasy and romantasy lovers. Through atmospheric world-building, she has enticed readers to delve deeper and deeper into the mythical and magical. The Maasverse, a name given by fans to encompass the interconnected multiverse, is made up of three unique series; Throne of Glass , A Court of Thorns and Roses , and Cres...

There's a reason why generations of high schoolers have been tasked with reading the classics. These books endure, not only because they're well-written, but because they help us better understand the human condition. The classics force us to think for ourselves; they encourage empathy and connect us to the struggles of those that came before us, struggles that may not be so different fr...

There's something beautiful about a summer read. When you're lying on the beach or sitting by the pool, you want a novel that draws in you without asking too much of you. Summer reads require a perfect blend of vivid settings, steamy romance, and effortless pacing; the reader should feel like they're on their own mini-vacation with each turn of the page. In today's episode, Sha...

Choosing to engage with a book series is a personal decision every reader has to make. Some people easily commit to this type of reading experience because they value the guarantee of a next read. Many readers also appreciate the deeper character growth and world building that series reading provides. On the other hand, book series can frustrate readers when plots fall flat or drag on, not to ment...

The consumption of audiobooks continues to rise with each passing year. Originally created for visually impaired veterans, "talking books" are now enjoyed by a wide spectrum of readers. Tasks such as driving, cleaning, and exercising become significantly more engaging with the accompaniment of an audio book. In today's conversation, Cate sits down with Kim, Kate, and Dillon to discu...

What price are you willing to pay for perfection? Who are you willing to sacrifice to create an enviable illusion? In the novel Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, "tradwife" influencer, Natalie Heller Mills, will stop at nothing to curate a flawless image for her millions of followers. But when Natalie mysteriously wakes up in the year 1855, she'll be forced to reckon with the life sh...

If you're looking for a read that makes you feel all the feelings, look no further. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans weaves a rich tapestry of one woman's life. Sybil Van Antwerp is a sharp-witted and sharp-tongued retired lawyer in her 70s who anchors her days through letter writing. Her correspondence reaches a wide array of recipients; including, family and friends, authors, and ev...

Are you first in line to pick up the latest "buzzy" book or do you steer clear of the hype? Buzzy books are the titles people simply can't stop talking about. These stories manage to spark widespread conversation, allowing readers to participate in a shared social experience. Some readers crave this social connection, while others prefer to keep their reading a solo experience. In t...

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and with it comes a plethora of fantastic reads! Celebrate the diverse voices and stories within the AANHPI community. Whether you're drawn to historical fiction, romance, horror, memoir, or fantasy, you'll find books written by AANHPI authors that you simply can't put down. In today's conversa...

It's no wonder that romantasy has become one of the fastest growing book genres among readers. These books beautifully blend intense romantic relationships with high stakes magical worlds. Unlike traditional fantasy novels, romantasy plotlines completely fall apart when you remove the romance. Many readers find the emotional experience involved in romantasy stories to be a welcome addition to...

Celebrities seem to exist in a world apart. Fame and fortune serve to separate them from the rest of society. Perhaps this is why celebrity memoirs captivate readers so fully; they give us a glimpse into the very human lives of these elusive individuals. Without the mask of money and glamour, we can see the real human vulnerability underneath. These stories allow the teller to control their own na...

Have the traditional romance tropes started to feel a little stale to you? Are you looking for an escape from societal beauty standards and traditional relationship pressures? If so, monster romance might be the new genre for you! In today's conversation, Shan will chat with Briana, Kim, and Stephanie about their favorite titles. This romance subgenre connects humans and non-humans; love inte...

For many of us, modern life continues to feel increasingly complicated. It seems nearly impossible to stay updated on the ever-changing world of current events, technology, science, and economics. The complications of contemporary existence leaves one with a longing for simpler, more comforting times. This may be the reason why cozy fantasy is currently hitting the spot for so many readers. In tod...

It's that time of year again! The holidays bring abundant joy and merriment, but they can also bring unnecessary stress when it comes to gift-giving. If you already find yourself dreading the shopping season, fear not, Russell Library has you covered. In today's chat, Briana talks with Kim, Christy, and Stephanie about their favorite books to gift. Not a reader? Not a problem! With a don...

November is National Native American Heritage Month. It's a time to celebrate the rich traditions and tales of Native American communities. While some stories have been lost to time, many continue to endure through current literature. In today's conversation, Christy will speak with Briana, Stephanie, and Shan to discuss the works of their favorite Indigenous authors. They'll share...

Spooky Season is officially here! For many readers, this is the perfect time to pick up a heart-pumping thriller. In today's episode, Cate sits down with Kim, Briana, and Stephanie to explore their favorite page-turners. Whether you're drawn to psychological suspense, horror, or paranormal thrills, this episode has something for you. To make things even more exciting, we've chosen t...

Diving into a novel usually involves a level of trust. We assume that the characters on the page are telling the truth, or at the very least, we trust that the narrator will inform us when someone is spinning a web of lies. But what happens when the narrator is the deceiver? Unreliable narrators may lead us astray due to a variety of reasons; deliberate deception, mental illness, flawed memory, bi...

The Russell Library is full of Halloween loving librarians, so we jumped on the chance to celebrate early! If you, too, enjoy the spooky season, you'll love our Summerween conversation. The term “Summerween” comes from the animated mystery TV series "Gravity Falls". The show has inspired fans of the macabre to celebrate this holiday anytime from June through August. Whether you&apos...

What makes a perfect beach read? Is it the same for everyone or is there room for interpretation? Merriam Webster defines a beach read as, a usually light work of escapist fiction (such as a thriller or romance). While this may be true for many, on Top Shelf we've decided to dive a little deeper into the subject. In today's episode, Briana, Shannon, and Cate share their perspectives on w...

Welcome to Episode 1 of Top Shelf with Russell Library! This show is brought to you by the same team behind Middletown Strong: Looking up With Russell Library. After four wonderful community-focused seasons of Middletown Strong, the team has chosen to focus on one of our other great loves... books! Our librarians will share titles that connect to a unique theme each episode. In today's conver...

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are delighted to share this exciting conversation with you. Christy and Briana sit down with a very special woman in our community, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz! In this chat, you'll learn about the many roles fulfilled by the lieutenant governor; including, serving as Acting Governor when Governor Lamont is out of state, presiding over the State Senate,...

In today's episode, Christy and Briana sit down with Bill Foster, Russell Library Board of Trustee, retired professor of English from Naugatuck Valley Community College, and a historical collector of comic books. Bill has been a commentator for CNN News National Public Radio and a consultant for a variety of museums. Libraries around the state have benefited from Bill's enriching program...