 Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy is one of those classic novels that genuinely lives up to the hype. It dives into messy relationships, complicated emotions, and the pressures of society in 19th-century Russia. At the center is Anna, whose intense affair with Vronsky pulls her into a spiral of love, heartbreak, and loneliness.
What makes the book special is how deeply Tolstoy explores his characters. Anna feels real, flawed, and relatable, even if some of her choices are difficult to understand. There's also Levin, a character wrestling with his own questions about life's meaning, providing a thoughtful contrast to Anna's intense storyline. Sure, the book is lengthy, and Tolstoy sometimes spends considerable time discussing farming, politics, or philosophy, which can slow things down. However, these moments teach you a lot about Russian history, politics, and society in the 1870s, adding important layers to the story and making it more than just romantic drama. In the end, Anna Karenina is about real people struggling with love, society, and themselves. It’s the kind of novel you keep thinking about long after you've finished reading it, and it's definitely worth giving a shot. It’s certainly one of my favorite books! Reserve it at the library or get the audiobook or eBook. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian
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 YouOn 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. |
The SPL StaffWe work here at the library, and we’re into all kinds of books! How Do I Get These Books?See our Quickstart Guides page for information on how to use the online catalog and how to get eBooks and audiobooks for your specific device. You can also contact us there if you need more help!
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