Stacks and Stories: Recent Episodes
MS Library Commission
This fun and informative podcast focuses on books, reading, and Mississippi's libraries. The Pod Squad members cover a wide variety of book/library-related topics, and some take listeners across the state to visit libraries. Find out what makes Mississippi one of the most literature-rich states in the country.
What's 'middle grade' mean to begin with? Join Charlie and Elisabeth as they talk all things middle grade, from past to present to future!
Books mentioned in the episode:
- A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle
- The Little House on the Prairie series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- The Anne of Green Gables series by Lucy Maud Montgomery
- The Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine
- The Birchbark House series by Louise Erdrich
- The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
- Hatchet by Gary Paulson
- Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
- The Lucky Ones by Linda Williams Jackson
- Lily's Promise by Kathryn Erskine
- J.D. and the Great Barber Battle by J. Dillard
- Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Munoz Ryan
- Gussy by Jimmy Cajoleas
- Bud Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
- Weird Kid by Greg van Eekhout
- Hamra and the Jungle of Memories by Hanna Alkaf
- Nic Blake and the Remarkables by Angie Thomas
- The Secret Battle of Evan Po by Wendy Wan-Long Shang
- The Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly Barnhill
Join Tracy and Elisabeth as they talk about their favorite modern Mississippi authors!
Authors mentioned:
- Angie Thomas
- Brad Watson
- Beth Ann Fennelly
- Kiese Laymon
- Natasha Tretheway
Join Tracy as she chats with Akeylah, Amanda, and Colleen about the mystery genre. Listen as they discuss what they like about this series, and what mystery novels and shows they enjoy.
Books Mentioned:
- All of Us by N.F. Carter
- The Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by George Gould and Walter Pyle
- A Caribbean Mystery by Agatha Christie
- Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia
- Diagnosis: Solving the Most Baffling Medical Mysteries by Lisa Sanders
- The Dresden Files Series by Jim Butcher
- The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper by Hallie Rubenhold
- The Hardy Boys Series by Frank W. Dixon
- It's Always the Husband by Michele Campbell
- The Mystery of the Exploding Teeth and Other Curiosities from the History of Medicine by Thomas Morris
- The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
- Nemesis by Agatha Christie
- The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series by Alexander McCall Smith
- Perry Mason by Earle Stanley Gardner
- Possession by AS Byatt
- Promise Boys by Nick Brooks
- The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
- Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery Series by Mia P. Manansala
- The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Join Charlie and Lawrence as they dive into the wide world of patents and trademarks! Learn about plant patents, the Batmobile, and monkeys taking selfies.
Relevant links:
https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/static/pages/ppubsbasic.html (patent number 3216423)
https://patents.google.com/patent/USD205998S/en
Join Colleen, Katie, and Russell as they talk all things long book series! They talk both series involving long books as well as series that consist of ten or more books. They talk about what draws them to these long series, what types of series they enjoy, and provide recommendations for readers and each other.
Books mentioned:
- The Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben
- The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
- The Nightlord series by Garon Whited
- The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
- Discworld by Terry Pratchett
- The Baby-Sitter’s Club series by Ann M. Martin
- Hank the Cowdog by Gerald L. Holmes
- Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park
- How To Train Your Dragon series by Cressida Cowell
- The Hardy Boys series by Franklin W. Dixon
- Ouran High School Host Club by Bisco Hatori
- Bleach by Tite Kubo
- Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto
- Deadpool, various writers, Marvel Comics
Shelf Absorbed, a YouTube series started by the Mississippi Library Commission during the pandemic, returns as a regular podcast feature with Tracy and Shellie! Join them as they discuss books about friendships and how even adults struggle to navigate these relationships on this episode of Stacks and Stories.
Books Mentioned
- 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
- The Friend Who Got Away: Twenty Women's True-Life Tales of Friendships that Blew Up, Burned Out or Faded Away edited by Jenny Offill and Elissa Schappell
- Just Kids by Patti Smith
- Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
- Lady Sunshine by Amy Mason Doan
- Love and Saffron by Kim Fay
- The River by Peter Heller
- The Sunshine Girls by Molly Fader
2023 is almost here! Join Tracy and Shellie as they discuss their favorite books (and a few they did not even finish) in 2022. They will also discuss a few of their reading goals for 2023. We hope you enjoy this look back at reading during 2022 on this episode of Stacks and Stories.
Books, Authors, and Podcast Mentioned
- Barbara Pym
- Boys from Biloxi by John Grisham
- The Candy House by Jennifer Egon
- Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen
- Dead Eyes (podcast)
- An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten
- An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed by Helene Tursten
- The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang
- French Braid by Anne Tyler
- Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
- Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander
- Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce
- March by Virginia Feito
- Now is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson
- Recitatif by Toni Morrison
- Scarecrow Has a Gun by Michael Kozlowsky
- The Trees by Percival Everitt
Join Charlie and Elisabeth as they talk all things picture books! From old classics to newer titles, they've got recommendations for actual children as well as your own inner child.
Books mentioned in this episode:
- Outside Over There by Maurice Sendak
- Time of Wonder by Robert McCloskey
- Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey
- Berry Song by Michaela Goade
- The Food Group series by Jory John
- Nigel and the Moon by Antwan Eady
- Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
You got game? We sure do! Join Alex, Elisabeth, and Katie as they talk about gaming in the library, from Dungeons and Dragons to Dutch Blitz. Stay tuned!
Readers' advisory? What is it? How do librarians do it? Do all librarians do it the same way? Join Katie as she chats with Akeylah, Elisabeth, and JD about their takes on readers' advisory.
Required reading. Those books that teachers forced you to read in school. No matter how long it's been since you were in school, there probably was that one book you loathed and that one book you loved. Join Amy, Elisabeth, Mary Rodgers, Shellie, and Tracy as they talk all things required reading—with a bonus round of other books they dislike.
Titles mentioned in this episode:
- Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
- A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy by Laurence Sterne
- The Man of Feeling by Henry Mackenzie
- The Old Man & the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
- Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
- Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
- The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
- Bless the Beasts and the Children by Glendon Swarthout
- A Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody
- The Novel of the White Powder by Arthur Machen
- A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsem
Join Katie as she chats with Emily Bandy of the University Press of Mississippi. They talk about the process of making an academic book, from an idea in the author's head to a fully finished copy.
The Mississippi Book Festival 2022 is in-person and we are so excited! Join Tracy and Shellie as they discuss which featured authors’ works they’ve enjoyed and which panels they are most looking forward to. Also, does Tracy or Shellie enjoy books that are described as “fast paced” or “lyrical”? Tune in to find out this and more on this episode of Stacks and Stories.
Books mentioned in this episode:
- The Agathas by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker
- South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation by Imani Perry
- The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
- Victory Over Japan by Ellen Gilchrist
- Zorrie by Laird Hunt
Join Akelya, John, and Katie as they talk all things anime. They'll talk about their introduction to the genre as well as give some recommendations for shows they like.
Join Charlie and Tracy as they talk about their favorite holiday books and movies. Also, are you a Mississippi public library or school already planning your winter programming? We've got you covered! Charlie and Tracy also talk about some of the kits that MLC has to offer.
Books mentioned:
- Dying for Christmas by Tammy Cohen
- A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote
- The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Movies mentioned:
- The Shop Around the Corner
- A Christmas Story
- The Bishop's Wife
- Home Alone
- Home Alone 2
- Little Women
On this episode, join Tracy and Shellie as they catch up about what they’ve read so far in 2022. Listen as they try to remember their reading goals for the year and what they have loved the most so far. They will also discuss some classics and some to-be-released titles.
Books mentioned in this episode:
- Agatha of Little Neon by Claire Luchette
- Beach Music by Pat Conroy
- Elvis Presley: A Life by Bobbie Ann Mason
- Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
- Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
- Passing by Nella Larson
- Scarecrow has a Gun by Michael Paul Kozlowsky
- The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Join Katie and Elisabeth as they learn all about the history of Juneteenth and explore various Mississippi events celebrating Juneteenth and other holidays celebrating enslaved people gaining freedom. This episode features a conversation with Chuck Yarborough, who works with the Eighth of May Emancipation Celebration.
For more information about the Eighth of May Emancipation Celebration, go here: https://themsms.org/8th-of-may-emancipation-celebration/
Join Mary Rodgers and Shellie as they talk everything audiobooks, from listening habits, audiobook awards, their favorite titles, and so much more.
Join Shellie and Tracy as they talk about their favorite books involving food, mentioning food, or just having an iconic passage about food.
Books mentioned in the episode:
- Sourdough by Robin Sloan
- The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
- Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
- Heartburn by Nora Ephron
- Love and Saffron by Kim Fay
- Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather Webber
- The Gastronomical Me by MFK Fisher
- One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
- Elvis Presley: A Life by Bobbie Ann Mason
On this episode, join Amy, JD, Kayla, and Kristina as they chat with Tracy about all things paranormal. Listen as they talk about what is paranormal, some of their favorite books, and if they’ve ever had a paranormal experience.
Books mentioned:
- 13 Alabama Ghost and Jeffery by Kathryn Tucker Windham and Margaret Gillis Figh
- American Gods by Neil Gaiman
- Bruce Covell's Book of… series by Bruce Covell
- Dracul by Darce Stoker and JD Barker
- Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
- House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
This year's summer library programming theme is Oceans of Possibilities. Join MLC staff members as they talk about their favorite ocean related books and films, share some fun animal or ocean facts, and get ready for summer!
Books mentioned:
- The Chalk Box Story by Don Freeman
- Life of Pi by Yann Martel
- On the Island by Tracy Garvis Graves
- Hound of the Sea: Wild Man, Wild Waves, Wild Wisdom by Garret McNamara and Karen Karbo
- Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan
- Classic Krakauer by John Krakauer
- Ocean Prey by John Sandford
- Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How it Changed America by John M. Barry
- The Tilted World by Tom Franklin and Beth Ann Fennelly
Films mentioned:
- National Geographic's Really Wild Animals: Deep Sea Dive
- Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton
- Momentum Generation
On today’s episode, Lacy chats with various libraries around the state about the state of mobile services—better known as bookmobiles! The first interview is with Evanne Flanders with the Madison County Library System and Barbara Carouthers from the Lee-Itawamba Library System. Both Madison County and Lee-Itawamba have successful, currently running bookmobile programs. Learn about the history and future of these programs as well as a few fun stories about your average bookmobile patron. In the next interview, Lacy chats with Sarah Russkie from the Harrison County Library System and Lindsay Fitz from the Mid-Mississippi Regional Library System. Both Harrison County and Mid-Mississippi are in the middle of starting a bookmobile program. Learn about what drove them to start these programs as well as all the little considerations one has to take into account when purchasing a bookmobile.
On this episode of Stacks and Stories, Tracy and Shellie chat about weeding in the library. Listen as they discuss what weeding is and why libraries have to do it.
Join Elisabeth, Kristina, and Russell as they chat with Shellie about their favorite sci-fi/fantasy books. They talk about the different types of sci-fi/fantasy, favorite authors, and what they are currently streaming.
Books, authors, and subgenres mentioned:
- Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan
- Jim Butcher
- The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert A. Heinlein
- Paranormal Romance
- Simon R. Green
- The Stand by Stephen King
Join Tracy and Shellie as they talk about some of their favorite books by Black authors! They talk old favorites, recent reads, and a little bit of poetry as well.
Books mentioned in the episode:
- In Every Mirror She's Black by Lola Akinmade Akerstrom
- Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
- All Her Little Secrets by Wanda M. Morris
- Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman
- Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody
- Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
- The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
- Haiku by Richard Wright
Celebrate World Read Aloud Day with MLC! Listen in to five of our staff reading selections from five different books written by five different Mississippi authors.
Elisabeth and Katie talk about the Magnolia Book Awards, a Mississippi based award for children's and young adult books. Learn what the award is and hear Elisabeth and Katie talk about some of their favorite nominations!
Link to the 2022 Magnolia Book Awards page: https://mschildrensmuseum.org/parent-community-resources/magnolia-book-awards/
Full list of nominations for the 2022 Magnolia Book Awards:
PRE-K - 2ND GRADE
- Feast of Peas written by Kashmira Sheth; illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler
- Kaia and the Bees written by Maribeth Boelts; illustrated by Angela Dominguez
- Nana Says I Will Be Famous One Day written by Ann Stott; illustrated by Andrew Joyner
- Arlo the Lion Who Couldn’t Sleep written & illustrated by Catherine Rayner
- The Camping Trip written & illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann
- The Stars Just Up the Street written by Sue Soltis; illustrated by Christine Davenier
- Hat Tricks written & illustrated by Satoshi Kitamura
- If Winter Comes, Tell It I’m Not Here written & illustrated by Simona Ciraolo
- I’m Trying to Love Math written & illustrated by Bethany Barton
3RD - 5TH GRADE
- Bringing Back the Wolves: How a Predator Restored an Ecosystem written by Jude Isabella; illustrated by Kim Smith
- Becoming Mahammad Ali written by James Patterson & Kwame Alexander; illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile
- Ghost Squad written by Claribel A. Ortega
- Like Nothing Amazing Ever Happened written by Emily Blejwas
- Foreverland written by Nicole C. Kear
- Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor written by Ann Carter
- Birrarung Wilam: A Story from Aboriginal Australia written by Aunty Joy Murphy & Andrew Kelly; illustrated by Lisa Kennedy
- The Secret Time Machine and the Gherkin Switcheroo written & illustrated by Simone Lia
- The Candy Mafia written by Lavie Tidhar; illustrated by Daniel Duncan
6TH - 8TH GRADE
- The Missing: The True Story of My Family in World War II written by Michael Rosen
- Zora & Me: The Summoner written by Victoria Bond
- Daring Darleen Queen of Screen written by Ann Nesbet
- Caterpillar Summer written by Gillian McDunn
- The List of Things That Will Not Change written by Rebecca Stead
- 96 Miles written by J.L. Esplin
- Boys in the Back Row written by Mike Jung
- Black Brother, Black Brother written by Jewell Parker Rhodes
9TH -12TH GRADE
- The Inheritance Games written by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- This is My America written by Kim Johnson
- The Grace Year written by Kim Liggett
- Punching the Air written by Ibi Zoboi & Yusef Salaam
- Stamped written by Jason Reynolds & Ibram X. Kendi
- You Should See Me in a Crown written by Leah Johnson
Join Tracy and Shellie as they discuss the books they look forward to reading during 2022. Will they all be new releases? Do their plans include any rereading? What kind of reading goals will they set for themselves, and what is their motivation for setting these goals? Find out the answers to these questions and more by tuning in.
Books Discussed
Beach Music by Pat Conroy
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson (Anticipated release date: February 01, 2022)
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan (Anticipated release date: April 5, 2022)
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Diary of a Misfit by Casey Parks (Anticipated release date: May 31, 2022)
Either/Or by Elif Batuman (Anticipated release date: May 24, 2022)
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
The Wizard of Oz series by L. Frank Baum
Join Tracy and Shellie as they discuss the best books they read, but were not necessarily published, during 2021. How well did their reading routines hold up during the ongoing pandemic? Did they find anything that they truly enjoyed, or did they find books they couldn’t even finish? Find out the answers to these questions and more by tuning in.
Books Discussed
56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Libertie by Kaitlyn Greenidge
Mrs. March by Virginia Feito
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino
The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw
Truly Like Lightning by David Duchovny
Zorrie by Laird Hunt
Join Dr. Anne Marshall as she outlines the creation and spread of the Lost Cause ideology and how white Southerners fought to control the image of slavery in the South in "The Rights and Wrongs of History: The Lost Cause and Confederate Civil War Memory.” Please note that the audio has been taken from a live Zoom presentation, which premiered April 2, 2021, and has been better edited to fit the podcast format.
Our discussion about fine-free and reduced fine libraries continues, as Lacy talks with Phillip Carter of the Starkville-Oktibbeha Public Library and Tonja Johnson from the Madison County Library System. Both of these libraries are fully fine free: Lacy, Phillip and Tonja talk about the process of going fine free, resistance both of their libraries have faced in the process, and the benefits of a fine free library
On today's episode, Lacy chats with Amanda Knecht of the Marshall County Library System. They talk about libraries going fine free or issuing reduced fines, as well as Marshall County’s Magnolia card, a special fine-free card designed for children under 17 and vulnerable adults.
On today's episode, get spooky book recommendations from some of your friends at MLC.
Books discussed in this episode:
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine
The Haunted Mask
The Headless Horseman Rides Tonight: More Poems to Trouble Your Sleep by Jack Prelutsky
Nightmares: Poems to Trouble Your Sleep by Jack Prelutsky
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series by Alvin Schwartz and illustrated by Stephen Gammell
The Witch Who was Afraid of Witches by Alice Low and illustrated by Karen Gundersheimer
On today’s episode, Tracy takes us into the world of old newspaper stories. Learn about banana crimes, a train accident, and a monkey who gets a bit of a shock!
This episode is all about words and pretty images. So listen as Elisabeth, Katie, and Kayla discuss some of their favorite comics, graphic novels, and manga. What separates these genres from others? What is manga? And can these fans limit themselves to just talking about a couple of works? Tune in to find out these answers and more.
Works discussed in this episode:
- Fruits Basket series by Natsuki Takaya
- Flying Witch series by Chihiro Ishizuka
- Saga series by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Fiona Staples
- The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
- Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosch
- Deep Dark Fears series by Fran Krause
- Nimona by Noelle Stevenson
- Lumberjanes series by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Brooklyn Allen, Grace Ellis, Kat Leyh, and Faith Erin Hicks
Rapid Fire Mentions in this episode:
- 100 Nights of Hero by Isabel Greenberg
- On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
- Bingo Love by Tee Franklin
- Awkward series by Svetlana Chmakova
- The Rose of Versailles series by Riyoko Ikeda
- Cardcaptor Sakura series by CLAMP
- Chi's Sweet Home series by Kanata Konami
- Princess Jellyfish series by Akiko Higashimura
- The Wicked + The Divine series by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie
- Victor LaValle’s Destroyer series by Victor LaValle and illustrated by Dietrich Smith
- Hark! A Vagrant series by Kate Beaton
- Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
This episode is 2nd and final part of our series on Summer Library Programming 2021. What kind of Summer Library Programming events did our library consultants attend, and is Summer Library Programming just for kids? Listen as Katie, Kristen, Lacy, and Shellie discuss this and more.
This episode is part 1 of a 2-part series on Summer Library Programming. Kayla and Lacy discuss what Summer Library Programming is, and why it is so important.
Miranda talks about MLC's Researching Black Ancestry series, a webinar series focused on tips and tricks for researching Black genealogy and Black ancestry.
Youtube link to the Researching Black Ancestry playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8sB6QnbbTYWhUYl3K85okBkVYATCAq8F
Researching Black Ancestry panel discussion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsSDfQYQw-g
Join Shellie and Tracy as they talk about their favorite sequels, series, and retellings in the world of literature.
Books mentioned in today's episode:
- The Maisie Dobbs series, Jacqueline Winspear
- The Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Series, Sue Grafton
- The Nancy Drew series, Carolyn Keene & other authors
- The Sweet Valley High series, Francine Pascal & other authors
- The Kopp sisters series, Amy Stewart
- The Little House series, Laura Ingalls Wilder
- The All-of-a-Kind Family series, Sydney Taylor
- The Jackson Brodie series, Kate Atkinson
- A God in Ruins, Kate Atkinson
- The Rules of Magic and Magic Lessons, Alice Hoffman
- Amy Falls Down, Jincy Willett
- Eligible, Curtis Sittenfeld
- Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding
- On Beauty, Zadie Smith
MLC's Tracy talks about the Center for the Book, the state affiliate for the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress that is tasked with promoting books, reading, literacy, and libraries. Tracy also interviews Dee Hare, director of the Northeast Regional Library, about the library's Suggested Family Activities project which won the 2021 Jane Smith Literacy Award as well as the Library of Congress State Literacy Award.
When people talk about movies based on books, the often say the book is better than the movie. But what if it wasn’t. Is it okay to admit that the movie is better than the book? And what could cause this to happen? Listen as Lacy and Shellie discuss this topic while bringing up their favorite examples.
Books and Films Mentioned
The Children of Men by P. D. James (1992 book)
Children of Men directed by Alfonso Cuarón (2006 film)
The Cider House Rules by John Irving (1985 book)
The Cider House Rules directed by Lasse Hallström (1999 film)
Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897 book)
Bram Stoker's Dracula directed by Francis Ford Coppola (1992 film)
Nosferatu directed by F. W. Murnau (1922 film)
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (1861 book)
Great Expectations directed by Alfonso Cuarón and cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki (1998 film)
Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive by Stephanie Land (2019 book)
Maid (upcoming 2021 Netflix tv series)
Moxie by Jennifer Mathieu (2015 book)
Moxie directed by Amy Poehler (2021 film)
Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard (1992 book)
Jackie Brown directed by Quentin Tarantino (1997 film)
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë (1847 book)
Wuthering Heights directed by Peter Kosminsky (1992 film)
Bonus Books or Film Mentions
Girl in a Band: A Memoir by Kim Gordon (2015 book)
Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl: A Memoir by Carrie Brownstein (2016 book)
L7: Pretend We're Dead directed by Sarah Price (2016 documentary)
The Punk Singer directed by Sini Anderson (2013 documentary)
This episode is the 3rd and final part of our series on animals. The Summer Library Program theme this year is “Tails and Tales”, so we asked some of the employees here at MLC to talk about their favorite animals or pets and maybe share their favorite book which features an animal. While we might not have a Joe here, we are going to talk about some exotic (and interesting) animals! Have you ever wondered if a rabbits’ ears are only for listening? Do you know what's the only animal that can't jump? Or why is a hedgehog called a hedgehog? Tune in to find out these answers and more in this episode of Stacks and Stories.
Books Mentioned
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
Because of Winn-Dixie by Katie DiCamillo
The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel
Hedgehog Needs a Hug by Jen Betton
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O’Brien
The Saggy Baggy Elephant by Kathryn Jackson
The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin by Beatrix Potter
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
This episode is part 2 of 3 in our Tails & Tales series. The Summer Library Program theme this year is “Tails and Tales”, so we have asked some of the employees here at MLC to talk about their favorite animals or pets and maybe share their favorite book which features an animal. Today is all about man’s best friend, the dog. Have you ever heard of a dog that can shift gears in a car? What about a dog that enjoys a mentholated cough drop? Have you ever wondered why so many poodles ask for the same haircut? Learn about all these dogs and more in today's episode.
Books discussed:
- Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings
- The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling
- Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
- Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
- Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell
- Thunderpug by Kim Norman and Keika Yamaguchi
This episode is part 1 of a 3-part series on animals. The Summer Library Program theme this year is “Tails and Tales”, so we have asked some of the employees here at MLC to talk about their favorite animals or pets and maybe share their favorite book which features an animal. Today is cats galore! Are black cats considered good luck anywhere? What are some fantasy books that have cats in them? Where does a cat named Yoshimi like to hang out? Tune in to find out these answers and more in this episode of Stacks and Stories.
Books Mentioned
Are You Listening? By Tillie Walden
The Black Cat Book by Walter Copeland; illustrated by Charles Robinson
The Cat Who Walks Through Walls by Robert A. Heinlein
Catwings (series) by Ursula K. Le Guin
I Am a Little Cat by François Crozat
Saga (series) by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples
The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka; illustrated by Lane Smith
On this episode, join Alex and Kayla as they discuss the true crime genre. Listen as they discuss what they like most about true crime and recommend a few of their favorites. Murder, cults, jewel thieves, and goats all get a mention. Stacks and Stories regular Shellie will moderate the discussion.
Books Mentioned
Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators by Ronan Farrow
Deadly Cults: The Crimes of True Believers by Robert L. Snow
Diamond Doris: True Story of the World’s Most Notorious Jewel Thief by Doris Payne with Zelda Lockhart
The Goat Castle Murder: A True Natchez Story that Shocked the World by Sim C. Callon and Carolyn Vance Smith
I’ll be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara
North Mississippi Murder and Mayhem by Kristina Stancil
On today’s episode, join Katie and Miranda as they discuss memoirs. Listen as they discuss what they like most about memoirs and recommend a few of their favorites. If you already love memoirs or are just curious about the genre, tune in. You may hear about a new book that could interest you.
Books Discussed
- All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
- Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
- Educated by Tara Westover
- Junji Ito's Cat Diary: Yon and Mu by Junji Ito
- This is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare by Gabourey Sidibe
- The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard
Books/Authors Briefly Mentioned
- Amy Poehler
- March by John Lewis
- Maus by Art Spiegelman
- Mindy Kaling
- They Called Us Enemy by George Takei
- Tina Fey
On this episode, the recommendations continue as Alex, Charlie, Mary Rodgers, and Miranda give recommendations for Parks and Rec characters who, as Jean-Ralphio would put it, are the wooooorst. Please note that the audio has been pulled from the video “Parks and Recommendations – Part Three” and has been edited to fit the podcast format.
Books Mentioned
Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery by Joanne Fluke
Confessions of an Undercover Agent: Adventures, Close Calls, and the Toll of a Double Life by Charlie Spillers
Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
He’s Just Not That into You by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles
Moon on the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
The Playboy Interview edited by G. Barry Golson
Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days by Chris Guillebeau
What Was I Thinking?: The Dumb Things We Do and How to Avoid Them by William B. Helmreich, Ph.D.
The Wives by Tarryn Fisher
Join Charlie, Mary Rodgers, Alex, and Miranda as they recommend books for other Parks and Rec characters! This episode features book recs for besties: best friends Tom and Donna as well as Leslie's two besties, Ben and Ann!
Books mentioned in this episode include:
Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brené Brown
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir by André Leon Talley
Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Dune series by Frank Herbert
The Encyclopedia of the Exquisite: An Anecdotal History of Elegant Delights by Jessica Kerwin Jenkins
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
How to Make Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer
Ramona Quimby series by Beverly Cleary
Ready Player One series by Ernest Cline
You are a Bad Ass: How to Stop Doubting your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
Join Charlie, Alex, Mary Rodgers, and Miranda as they give book recommendations for the characters of one of their favorite shows: Parks and Recreation. Parks & Rec fans will enjoy this episode, featuring book recommendations for April Ludgate, Chris Traeger, Ron Swanson, and Leslie Knope herself. Stick around for the bonus feature centered on everybody's favorite tiny horse, Lil Sebastian.
This is the first part of a three part series.
Welcome to this episode of Stacks and Stories, the podcast of the Mississippi Library Commission. On today’s episode, join Shellie and Tracy as they discuss the best books they read, but were not necessarily published, during 2020. How well did their reading routines hold up during the pandemic? Did they find anything that they truly enjoyed? Please note that the following audio has been pulled from the MLC's Shelf Absorbed “Best Books Read in 2020” video that was posted to the MS Library Commission YouTube on December 23, 2020 and has been edited to better fit the podcast format. So, stay tuned.
Watch the original chat, originally released on December 23, 2020, on the Mississippi Library Commission’s YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/YvjmXO7kjAg.
Join Tracy and Shellie as they discuss comfort reads: the books that bring them comfort, relax them, and that they can always turn to when they're in need of a good time.
Join Mississippi author, journalist, and professor Ellen Meacham in a discussion of Robert F. Kennedy's 1967 visit to the Mississippi Delta and the lasting effect it had on his career. This lecture was cohosted by the First Regional Library and the presentation was made possible by a grant through the Mississippi Humanities Council. Please note that the following audio has been pulled from MLC's Lunch Lecture "Delta Epiphany" video that was posted to MLC's Youtube channel on July 24, 2020 and has been better edited to fit the podcast format.
Watch the original video, released July 24, 2020, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tAoHhO8Rbg
In this episode of Shelf Absorbed, Pod Squad members Tracy and Shellie talk about their favorite nonfiction books! Please note, the audio is taken from the video "Our Favorite Nonfiction - Shelf Absorbed", released on Sept. 10, 2020, and better edited to fit the podcast format.
Welcome to this episode of Stacks and Stories, the podcast of the Mississippi Library Commission. On today’s episode, University of Southern Mississippi Associate Professor of History Max Grivno talks about Mississippi's African Americans during and directly after the Civil War, including their service in the federal army and their attendance in schools for formerly enslaved people. Please note that the following audio has been pulled from the MLC's Lunch Lecture “Black Mississippians in the Civil War” video that was posted to the MS Library Commission YouTube on June 19, 2020 and has been edited to better fit the podcast format. So, stay tuned.
Watch the original chat, originally released on June 19, 2020, on the Mississippi Library Commission’s YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/i2vOvooF3-I.
Welcome to this episode of Stacks and Stories, the podcast of the Mississippi Library Commission. On today’s episode, Pod Squad members Tracy Carr and Shellie Zeigler explore what it means to DNF, why you should give up on a book, and specific books they've given the axe. Please note that the following audio has been pulled from the “DNF-Did Not Finish – Shelf Absorbed” video that is posted to the MS Library Commission YouTube on August 11, 2020 and has been edited to better fit the podcast format. So, stay tuned.
Watch the original chat, originally released on August 11, 2020, on the Mississippi Library Commission’s YouTube Channel athttps://youtu.be/RG3x5oKBjpc.
On this episode, Mississippi author Mary Carol Miller discusses impressive Mississippi buildings such as hotels, dormitories, and churches that were destroyed or outright abandoned. This lecture was co-hosted by the Ricks Memorial Library (Yazoo Library Association) and the presentation was made possible by a grant through the Mississippi Humanities Council. Please note that the audio has been pulled from the video “Lost Mississippi” originally recorded on July 17, 2020 as part of the Mississippi Library Commission’s Lunch Lecture series. The audio has been edited to fit the podcast format.
Join Pod Squad members Tracy Carr and Shellie Zeigler as they discuss their current reads in MLC's new Zoom chat, "Shelf Absorbed." Tune in and listen as they talk about what fiction and nonfiction they've recently enjoyed. Please note that the following audio has been pulled from the “Current Reads || Shelf Absorbed” video that is posted to the MS Library Commission YouTube and has been edited to better fit the podcast format.
Watch the original chat, originally released on June 26, 2020, on the Mississippi Library Commission’s YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2k3a6xlhyo
On today's episode of Stacks and Stories, Jackson State University Associate Professor of History and Margaret Walker Alexander National Research Center Director Robert Luckett talks about Margaret Walker's life experiences as both a Black intellectual and Black artist. This presentation is made possible by a grant through the Mississippi Humanities Council.
Watch the original presentation, recorded on June 12th, 2020, as part of the Lunch Lecture Series posted to the MS Library Commission YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/WU-R1yoyeAk.
University of Mississippi Associate Professor of History and African American Studies Shennette Garrett-Scott discusses Black women's role in the fight for suffrage in Mississippi from 1863-1965, including everything from boycotts to armed resistance, and much more. A brief Q&A session follows her lecture. This presentation is made possible by a grant through the Mississippi Humanities Council.
Watch the original presentation, recorded on June 26, 2020 as part of the MLC Lunch Lecture Series, on the MLC Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/nnsUdex1qXY
Join Mississippi State University Professor of History James C. Giesen as he talks about the powerful cultural place of the American farmer and touches on topics as far-reaching as Thomas Jefferson and Jason Aldean. This presentation was made possible by a grant through the Mississippi Humanities Council. Watch the original presentation, recorded on June 10th, 2020, as part of the Lunch Lecture Series posted to the MS Library Commission YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/HO1QS_aCsHo.
Join Pod Squad members Tracy Carr and Shellie Zeigler as they discuss what they read during Mississippi’s Shelter at Home Order. Listen as they discuss memories, history, fiction, gossip, and more! Please note that the following audio has been pulled from the “Zoom Book Chat – Quarantine Edition” video that is posted to the MS Library Commission YouTube and has been edited to better fit the podcast format.
Watch the original chat, originally released on May 6, 2020, on the Mississippi Library Commission’s YouTube Channel at https://youtu.be/FINVD0DZa_Y.
Join MLC's Tracy and Alex as they discuss some of their favorite things in MLC's collections. We take a look at Elvis, a murder scandal, medicine to cure you of worms, and a few more fun things hiding out in MLC's building!
Get that tissue box ready! Pod Squad members Tracy Carr and Shellie Zeigler will give you some of their favorite tear-provoking reads.
Join Pod Squad members Tracy Carr and Louisa Whitfield-Smith as they discuss their love and admiration of Mississippi author Lewis Nordan, aka "Buddy", and how much the Mississippi Delta influenced the acclaimed author. Also, hear the Pod Squad members discuss the details of a new program by the Mississippi Library Commission called "Briefly Noted".
Visit http://msreads.lib.ms.us/brieflynoted for more details about "Briefly Noted".
Pod Squad members Tracy Carr and Shellie Zeigler give you some really great book recommendations! Be sure to check these out...literally!
Join Pod Squad members Shellie Zeigler and Tracy Carr as they talk about books they have read over the years that have made them laugh!
Check this one out....you'll be in stitches!
On this episode, Pod Squad member Susan Liles is joined by two library system directors; Tonya Johnson, with Madison County Library System and Mara Polk with Central Mississippi Regional Library System.
They both have served as Legislative Chair of the Mississippi Library Association and they talk with Susan about how important it is for supporters to share their stories of the value of libraries. They also share some tips on how to be the most effective.
Book clubs can be a fun way to share the love of reading, and can bring about lively discussions and delicious snacks!
Pod Squad members Tracy Carr and Shellie Ziegler talk about their participation in book clubs and what's on their group's reading lists.
Join Pod Squad member, Susan Liles, as she talks with two library directors from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This is the second segment featuring the state's coastal libraries.
Lori Barnes, Executive Director of the Jackson George Regional Library System shares information about her system, including how many branches she has, how long they've been around, and some of the things that are going on.
Susan also talks with Denise Saucier, Director of the Long Beach Library about a great event she recently hosted and the things she offers the residents of this small Mississippi coastal town.
MLC Pod Squad member, Lacy Ellinwood, talks with Mississippi's very own "Zine Queen" on this episode of Stacks and Stories.
Lacy learns all the scoop about the zine culture from Lucy Isadora, Mississippi's "Zine Queen," including what it means and how it got started.
Barnard Zine Library: https://zines.barnard.edu/
Goner Records: https://www.goner-records.com/mainpage.php
Facebook Group, Zines A Go Go: https://www.facebook.com/groups/zinesagogo/about/
There are four library systems along the coastline of Mississippi collectively managing almost 25 library branches. They serve a very diverse population of residents who, despite the constant threat of damaging storms, wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
Learn how these libraries were affected by the storm, and how they continued to serve their residents in the aftermath. Mississippi's coastal dwellers are resilient and dedicated to the area they call home.
Do you have an invention idea? Do you need a trademark or copyright? Join Pod Squad member Susan Liles as she visits with MLC's own Patent and Trademark Librarian, Lawrence Smith. Lawrence shares all the ins and outs of how to get a patent, trademark or copyright, and our service is FREE! That's right....there is no charge....so don't be fooled by those infomercials where you will be charged extremely high fees. Let our expert at MLC help you for free.
Travel to Waynesboro, Mississippi with Pod Squad member Susan Liles when she talks with Waynesboro Wayne County Library System Director Patsy Brewer.
This library is housed in an old Walmart building, but once inside it has the warm, cozy feeling of home. Ms. Brewer talks with us about her "outside the box" programs and her innovative ideas to better serve the members of this small Mississippi community.
Join Pod Squad member Susan Liles as she talks with Mary Rodgers Beal, Director of MLC's Talking Book Services.
Find out all the details about this outstanding FREE service for the blind and visually impaired. There are so many options available that enable them to continue to read, so check it out! No one should lose the ability to read due to loss of sight or organic disability such as dyslexia.
Join Pod Squad member, Susan Liles on her visit to the library in Macon, Mississippi. The building was once a jail complete with an indoor hanging trap door, but now this building serves the members of community in a more meaningful way.
Residents of this small, rural town have little access to technology nor the training to use it effectively. Thanks to the help of the dedicated library staff, members of the community are able to apply for jobs, take classes, and connect with family and friends through email.
Tracy Carr visits with photographer and documentary filmmaker Michael Ford about his book and film, North Mississippi Homeplace.
Michael moved his family to Oxford from Boston in the 1970s and spent years photographing and filming his experiences in the unfamiliar state he now called home.
In 2014 his collection of photos and film were acquired by the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
Who doesn't love a good murder story! Mississippi's own Eudora Welty was a big fan, along with Pod Squad members Tracy Carr and Louisa Whitfield Smith. Louisa and Tracy talk about some fascinating stories involving this much enjoyed topic, as well as some great Miss Welty scoop.
Pod Squad members Tracy Carr and Shellie Zeigler go head to head as they continue their discussion about books. They share with listeners their thoughts on large print books, audio books, and regular print books. Their opinions on this subject are as different as night and day! This is a fun episode!
Hear from Pod Squad members Lacy Ellinwood and Shellie Zeigler as they share their thoughts about books made into movies. Find out which ones they think were a great success and those they feel were a huge flop.
Join MLC Pod Squad members Tracy Carr and Shellie Zeigler as they talk about some books they love, and some they didn't enjoy at all. Their opinions are strikingly different! Tune in to learn their favs.
The library in Camden, Mississippi, an unincorporated community in Madison County, is helping residents by offering many needed services and programs.
The long-time librarian calls the people who visit the library her "family" as she helps them fill out forms, apply for jobs, and other related needs.
This majority African-American community has seen quite a few changes over the years in the services available to them, including the use of the library system's new BookMobile.
This little library is what they call a "one-stop-shop" for the residents as they try to fulfill a huge need in a community that has little to offer, including a grocery store, fast internet service and other amenities.
Join Pod Squad member Susan Liles, when she travels to the public library in Belzoni, Mississippi.
This small rural community in the Mississippi Delta has seen lots of ups and downs along the way, and thanks to the library, folks here have access to technology, great books, and librarians willing to help.
Tune in to find out about Indian mounds nearby dating back 20,000 years, the legendary blues artist from these parts, and the role the library plays in helping to share this sort of information.