THE LION WOMEN OF TEHRAN
Author: Kamali, Marjan
Call number: FIC KAM
Reviewer: Randy Morgan
Date: September 18, 2026
“Shir zan. Lionesses. Us. Can’t you just see it, Ellie? Someday, you and me—we’ll do great things. We’ll live life for ourselves. And we will help others. We are cubs now, maybe. But we will grow to be lionesses. Strong women who make things happen.”
This riveting novel spans the 1950s through the 70s and 80s to the present day and follows Elaheh “Ellie” Soltani and Homa Roozbeh – girls from completely different backgrounds who, at seven- year- olds, become fast friends. Thus begins the cycle of drifting and rediscovery of friendship. Set in Tehran, Iran, author Marjan Kamali addresses several important themes: classism, misogyny, and bigotry. Counter parts like feminism, activism, and immigration are integral to understanding the volatile backdrop in the Iranian Revolution.
LOOK FOR ME THERE
Grieving my Father, Finding Myself
Author: Luke Russert
Call number: 921 RUS
Reviewer: Andy Jackson
Date: August 25, 2026
I’ve been watching Sunday morning news shows for most of my adult life (and maybe even a little bit before that), but when Tim Russert hosted NBC’s Meet the Press from 1991-2008, he was by far my favorite of all the hosts. His ability to interview guests from both sides of the political aisle directly and with class was unmatched. In addition, while it was clear that he took his job as a journalist seriously, he had a great sense of humor and an unwavering love of all things Buffalo—especially his beloved Bills.
Russert’s death from a heart attack at age 58 was a tragic event that obviously had an enormous effect on his wife Maureen and son Luke, the latter of whom seeks some level of acceptance and meaning regarding the loss of his iconic father in Look for Me There.
One thing that I liked about Luke Russert’s approach to this book was that he started with the chaotic circumstances of his father’s death, which happened when Luke and his mother were out of the country. After that unforgettable start, Luke reveals that he and his father had an unusually close relationship. As an only child, he had nearly unlimited access to his father’s world, which included frequent exposure to national and even international leaders who were part of the Meet the Press orbit.
But it is clear throughout the book that both Tim and “Big” Russ Russert (Luke’s grandfather) had an enormous impact on Luke well beyond what is typical for most of us. Ultimately, these influences, at least in part, cause him to abruptly quit his broadcasting career to travel the country and the world in his quest to find out who he really was. His journeys take him to six continents over three years, and he clearly does conquer some demons that haunted him.
Look For Me There has a lot of travel in it (from Maine to the Easter Islands), but it is far more than a guidebook. It is really a reflection of a young man trying to break free of his legacy while also being guided by it. In the end, I admire Russert for at least attempting the feat of knowing himself better.
THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA
Author: Patty Callahan Henry
Narrator: Cynthia Erivo
Call #: CD-FIC HEN
Reviewer: Sonja Downey
Date: August 6, 2026
When Hazel and her little sister Flora are being evacuated from war-torn London to the Oxfordshire countryside, Hazel tries to alleviate Flora’s anxiety with stories of Whisperwood, an enchanted forest that only Flora and Hazel know about.
When the unthinkable happens and Flora disappears, Hazel carries the guilt for not watching her little sister more closely into adulthood. Twenty years after Flora’s vanishing, Hazel finds herself working in a rare book store. When she unpacks a delivery of special books she comes across a book by an American author. The book is about Whisperwood. Hazel is stunned to discover that this book holds her stories which she used to tell to Flora.
This discovery sets Hazel on a frantic search for her long-lost sister. Is Flora alive? Who is the author of the mysterious book about Whisperwood? What really happened during those horrific war years?
This audio book takes gentle possession of its listeners. It is not a nail biter. However, its soft, yet urgent tone is intriguing and kept me listening for hours on end. Cynthia Erivo narrates in an aloof, almost disenchanted voice which , in the beginning, I struggled with. But as the story wove on, I came to see that Erivo had perfect understanding of Hazel’s character and what she has been through.
This was my second book by Patti Callahan Henry and I liked it immensely. Henry’s writing style is very lyrical, almost poetic to a point. Her storylines are enthralling, gripping, and take full possission of the listener. The author’s understanding of WW II events and their impact on the people is admirable. I will definitely search out more titles by Patti Callahan Henry.
THE NIGHT CIRCUS
Author: Morgenstern, Erin
Call number: FIC MOR
Reviewer: Randy Morgan
Date: August 1, 2026
Le Cirque des Rêves seemingly comes from nothing and disappears just as fast. All part of the performance between Celia and Marco, two competing magicians. The only rule is: do not directly interfere with the opponent. Their work is a language in itself, both captivating and exhausting, but a winner must be declared.
The Night Circus was recommended to me several times over many years, so when it popped up on my Libby as “available now” I borrowed it and started it without hesitation. Going into the book without any idea what to expect (because I did not read the blurb), was a magical experience. The unfolding of Le Cirque des Rêves was a mystery from beginning to end, and had me hooked the entire time. I found myself setting it down to savor the first reading experience.