Working at the library you never know what to expect. We see so many interesting or off-beat books that it is always hard to decide which ones deserve a closer look.

This week I’ve rounded up some of the most unexpected, helpful, and unique new books to hit our shelves. Rather you are a genre reader who doesn’t normally stray out of your comfort zone or are just looking to learn about something new, I highly suggest checking out one of these books.

“The Glittering in the Green: In Search of Hummingbirds”

Jon Dunn

598.764

Several months ago I helped someone find books on hummingbirds, and then a few weeks later this absolute gem came up on our new cart and captured my attention with the stunning artwork on its cover. The text is no less artful and absolutely lives up to the tiny but majestic birds. It combines captivating tales of the author’s international travels, hummingbird lore, and scientific details to weave a story that will be enjoyed by nature enthusiasts and literary buffs alike.

The book will certainly pair perfectly with lazy summer afternoons on the porch as you watch our local ruby throated hummingbirds flit back and forth to your feeder.

“The Vagina Bible: The Vulva and the Vagina – Separating the Myth from the Medicine”

Jen Gunter

618.1 GU

The Vagina Bible grabbed everyone’s attention when it came in — and for good reason. Women’s health always seems to be a topic for debate, with everyone ready to pitch in their two cents about whatever concern you have, whether it’s their business or not. Add in the overwhelming amount of health disinformation online and how awkward this subject can be, I can think of no better book to have at the library. Written in easy to understand language and covering topics that will impact women of all ages, this book is not one to miss, even if you normally avoid health or medical books. Check out a chapter on the issue that you are interested in, or read the whole thing one you realize that you know nothing about your own body.

“The Book of Difficult Fruit: Arguments for the Tart, Tender, and Unruly”

Kate Lebo

814.6 LE

If you are looking for a book different from anything you have ever read, then The Book of Difficult Fruit is for you. A work of creative non-fiction, this book uses 26 mostly obscure fruits as its central theme. Going in alphabetical order Lebo crafts a unique essay, poem, or recipe for each fruit touching on a number of topics that are at times deeply personal and moving and at others hilarious. Anybody who loves food, unique writing, or a pleasant surprise around every corner will enjoy this slim book.

“Arsenic and Adobo”

Mia Manansala

FIC MANANSA

Mysteries are one of the most popular genres of all time, and one of my personal favorites. But so many of them seem to be set in the same places and follow characters that are indistinguishable from each other — Arsenic and Adobo is a fresh new mystery that fights that mold. In her novel, Manansala introduces us to a cast of characters that could not be more vibrant, starting with the star of the novel, Lila Macapagal, a chef who has just moved back home after an awful breakup to save her Aunt Tia’s restaurant. Her life seems to be going quite well, almost as if she were living in a Hollywood rom-com, until a food critic, who just happens to be her ex, falls dead after eating a poisoned dish in her restaurant.

This story is a fun, unique take on mysteries, sure to check all of your boxes for the next must read.

By Dory Shaffer, Reference Department