As we celebrate America’s birthday this weekend, I find myself reflecting on growth. Not just for our nation, but personally, since it’s also my birthday. This inspired me to explore the unavoidable journey of aging through the latest arrivals at PWPL.

In this week’s “What’s New at PWPL,” I’ll share recommendations that resonate with the stages of life: Coming of Age, Middle Age, and Life’s Reflection. Whether you’re navigating the excitement of youth, finding your footing in middle life, or cherishing a lifetime of experiences, there’s something here for everyone.

Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio (2024) Libby Audiobook

Karla Cornejo Villavicencio crafts a surprisingly addictive narrative in Catalina, chronicling the journey of a young undocumented immigrant as she navigates her identity and place in the world. The protagonist’s story reads like a journal across different landscapes. From the elite halls of Harvard juxtaposed with the bustling neighborhoods of Queens, where

she serves as a translator for her immigrant grandparents, and then into her internal world where she copes with it all.

Windswept: Walking the Paths of Trailblazing Women by Annabel Abbs (2021)

A friend recommended this to me as we both navigate the weirdness of middle age, and honestly, it’s a great reminder that being bipedal is a real gift. Annabel dives into the lives of some famous, quirky women from history and literally walks in their footsteps, retracing some of the inspiring hikes and journeys they took before us. From Georgia O’Keeffe to Simone de Beauvoir and Emma Gatewood, this book mixes history, adventure, and a bit of soul-searching all rolled into one. Just like middle age!

Ginseng Roots: A Memoir by Craig Thompson (2025)

Part memoir, part history of the ginseng roots of Wisconsin, and part Eastern Asian history lesson, this was not what I was expecting from a graphic memoir. Thompson weaves a visual tapestry of history, geography, and cultural exchange. He shows us how a single crop can connect seemingly disparate worlds. Through Thompson’s lens, the ginseng root becomes a powerful symbol of global interdependence, rural identity, and economic struggles. It’s the small things that bring us together.

By Andrea Marsh

Communcations Coordinator