​The Devil in the White City surprised me in the best way. I picked it up for the serial killer. Let’s be real here: H.H. Holmes is what drew me in. The whole idea of a charming murderer building a hotel of horrors during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair? Creepy and fascinating. I was ready for the true crime vibes.

But then, unexpectedly, I got completely sucked into the other half of the book—the part about the actual building of the fair. I didn’t think I’d care much about architecture or city planning or a bunch of guys arguing over blueprints, but Erik Larson somehow made it all feel epic. The stakes were weirdly high, and you start rooting for these stressed-out designers like they're action heroes in a race against time.

The pacing flips between Holmes’s sinister antics and the overwhelming, awe-inspiring task of creating the fair from scratch and the contrast makes both parts even better. By the end, I was just as obsessed with the Ferris wheel as I was with the murder castle. Who knew?

Definitely recommend it if you like your history with a side of murder and unexpected emotional investment in urban landscaping.

Erik Larson has this wild talent for taking what should be a dry history lesson and turning it into something you tear through like a thriller. The Devil in the White City isn’t just a book about a fair and a murderer, it’s a masterclass in how to make nonfiction feel downright cinematic. When is Leo's movie coming? Never? Argh!!!

Larson doesn’t just dump facts on you, he builds them, scene by scene, with so much tension and atmosphere that you forget you’re technically learning. He writes like a novelist but sticks to the historical record, which somehow makes it even more gripping. He’ll set a scene with the creak of wood, the stink of mud, the overwhelming pressure of deadlines, and then cut to Holmes luring another victim with eerie calm. The contrast is genius. One side is a mad dash to build a utopia; the other is slow, calculated evil unfolding behind closed doors.

What makes it obscenely entertaining is how he casts real people like characters in a prestige drama. Daniel Burnham, the architect trying to hold the fair together, becomes this tortured, ambitious protagonist. Holmes, of course, is chilling, but never a cartoonish villain. Larson lets the creepiness unfold subtly, which makes it even worse (in a good way). Even side characters feel alive and distinct. It’s like history woke up, got dressed, and said, “Let me tell you a wild story.” This was easily as entertaining as any crime novel.

Give his books a try, this is a great one to start with. Larson doesn’t just recount events, he resurrects them. And somehow, he makes the bureaucratic nightmare of planning a world’s fair feel just as suspenseful as tracking a serial killer. That’s a magic trick not many writers can pull off.

Check the book out at the library, or we have the audiobook on CDs. You can also download the eBook or audiobook directly to your device with the Libby app with your SPL card.

Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

​Friday Night Lights isn’t just a book about high school football, it’s about how a whole town’s identity gets wrapped up in a game. H.G. Bissinger follows the 1988 Permian Panthers in Odessa, Texas, showing how the town lives and breathes for Friday night football. But it’s not all touchdowns and glory. The book digs into tough topics like racism, economic struggles, and the insane pressure these teenage players face.

What makes this book so powerful is that Bissinger doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He captures the highs and lows of small-town football culture, the way people treat these kids like heroes one minute and disposable the next. The players aren’t just athletes; they’re real people with complicated lives, and the book gives them the depth they deserve.

Of course, because Friday Night Lights deals with real issues, it’s been banned in some schools. Complaints usually focus on its language or tough themes, but banning it just avoids the uncomfortable conversations it sparks—conversations that are still relevant today. It’s frustrating that a book showing the reality of sports culture and small-town America gets censored just because it’s not always pretty.
​
Even if you’re not into football, this is a gripping, sometimes unsettling read that goes way beyond the game. It’s about dreams, pressure, and what happens when winning is everything. Definitely worth picking up.

Get the eBook or audiobook. If you prefer a physical copy, talk to us about interlibrary loan.

Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

The United States of Absurdity is an absolutely ridiculous, yet strangely informative, deep dive into some of the most bizarre moments in American history. Written by Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds, the comedic duo behind The Dollop (one of my favorite podcasts), this book brings their signature mix of humor and historical research to the page in a way that makes you laugh, cringe, and question how half of these events even happened.

The book is packed with short, punchy chapters covering everything from disastrous medical experiments to inexplicably bad decisions by U.S. politicians, all presented in a way that makes history feel less like a dry lecture and more like a fever dream. The writing is snappy, irreverent, and full of the kind of banter that fans of The Dollop will immediately recognize.

Some standout moments include the story of Elmer McCurdy, the outlaw whose mummified body ended up as a carnival attraction, and the absolutely deranged antics of medical quack John Brinkley, who made a fortune implanting goat testicles into men as a cure for impotence. There’s also a healthy dose of absurd sports stories, mind-boggling government missteps, and the kind of historical figures who make Florida Man look like an amateur. My personal favorite was the story of Major League pitcher Rube Waddell.
​
If you like your history unfiltered, hilarious, and just a little bit horrifying, The United States of Absurdity is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of weird trivia, dark humor, and anyone who enjoys learning about the most ridiculous corners of American history.

Reserve the book at the library!

Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

Carl Sagan’s book is an engaging mix of science and common sense that shows why it's so important to think for yourself. Instead of getting lost in wild ideas and myths, Sagan uses relatable language to explain how science helps us figure out what’s real and what’s not. His idea of science as a “candle in the dark” is a great image that will stay with you, it’s like having a flashlight when everything else seems confusing.

One of the best parts of the book is how Sagan takes on pseudoscience and superstitions. He dives into topics like alien abductions and miracle cures, always pushing us to question things and look for solid evidence before believing in something. It’s a wake-up call to not take everything at face value, especially in today’s world where misinformation spreads so fast.

Even though the book was written a while ago, its message is just as relevant, if not even more. Sagan reminds us that staying curious and asking tough questions is key, whether we're talking about science, politics, or everyday life. It’s like having a wise friend who nudges you to look deeper and not be fooled by flashy ideas.

The Demon-Haunted World is a fun and thoughtful read that encourages you to light up the dark corners of your mind with a healthy dose of skepticism. If you’re into learning how to separate fact from fiction without getting bogged down in jargon, this book is definitely worth a look.

Check out the book at the library or download the eBook with your SPL card.

Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

After we broke away from Great Britain, the Articles of Confederation were supposed to run the show, but they just didn't work. So, the same folks who led the revolution and got the government started got together again to fix things. That's where our Constitution came from. Now, if you want to understand why they set things up the way they did, like checks and balances and separation of powers, you've got to read The Federalist Papers. Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison wrote them to explain exactly why this new Constitution was so important. They cover everything, from why we need a strong federal government to how to protect our rights, and honestly, it's all still relevant today.

The Federalist Papers are available to reserve at the library and always available as an eBook download. 

​Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

Night by Elie Wiesel is a gut-wrenching, raw glimpse into one of history's darkest periods. In this memoir, Wiesel pulls no punches as he recounts his harrowing experiences during the Holocaust, making the reader feel every moment of despair, shock, and lingering disbelief. The narrative is both sparse and powerful, reflecting the stark reality of life in the concentration camps without ever drifting into unnecessary embellishment. Despite its brevity, the book packs an emotional punch, urging you to reflect on humanity, the loss of innocence, and the capacity for both cruelty and resilience. It’s a tough, unforgettable read that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.

Would you like to read this? Click here to reserve! With your SPL card, the eBook and audioboook are also available to reserve.

Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

Jon Ronson's So You've Been Publicly Shamed takes you on a wild ride through the crazy world of online humiliation. With a mix of dry humor and real-life stories, Ronson shows how one small mistake online can blow up into a huge scandal. His funny yet honest take makes you laugh while also leaving you uneasy about the power of cancel culture and internet mobs. This book is a really interesting look at the ups and downs of social media, one that sticks with you long after you've finished reading. If you're online at all, you should read it. I've loved all of Ronson's work and eagerly await all of his upcoming releases.

Click here to reserve this eBook with your Spencer Public Library Card. If you would prefer a physical copy, we can get one through Interlibrary Loan.

​Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

This is an unforgettable read. It’s his story of making a dangerous journey from El Salvador to the U.S. as a nine-year-old, all alone. His writing is so raw and vivid, you feel every moment of fear, hope, and determination he went through. I wanted to reach through the pages and hold him.

This book hits hard but also shows so much heart and resilience. It’s eye-opening and emotional, the kind of story that stays with you. If you want a real, human look at migration, this one’s a must-read.

Aimee, IT Librarian

​Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! We even have it in Spanish!

With your SPL card, you can reserve the eBook in English or Spanish. The audiobook is read by the author and available in English.

On August 12, 2022, Salman Rushdie walked onto a packed amphitheater stage to give a talk about keeping writers safe in these dark times. Out of nowhere, a man jumped from the audience and started stabbing him for 27 seconds. People sat there, stunned, almost thinking it was some kind of performance art. Then Rushdie’s 70-something colleague tackled the guy, snapping the audience out of their trance, and they joined in. Rushdie barely survived. He lost an eye. His attacker, nicknamed “A,” short for a three-letter word for donkey, had never even read Rushdie's work. He’d just seen a few YouTube videos and learned to hate.

This book celebrates those who saved him. It’s a tribute to free speech, pushing back against the rising tide of censorship, hate, and authoritarianism. But, more than anything, it’s a love story. Rushdie is surrounded by love, and it’s a love letter to his wife, Eliza, who stood by him through it all.

​Aimee, IT Librarian
​
Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in our catalog! You can also click here to reserve the audiobook narrated by Salman Rushdie himself with your SPL card.