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MADreads Reviews

Book reviews by library staff and guest contributors

Delights abound

Posted by Jane J on Sep 8, 2025 - 2:58pm
A review of The Librarians by
Sherry
Thomas

Sherry Thomas' new mystery is set in a public library in Austin, TX and you can probably guess how that was instant literary catnip for me.

Finding hope in creation

Posted by on Sep 5, 2025 - 7:08am
A review of Angelo by
David
Macaulay

David Macauley, a celebrated illustrator of non-fiction books such as Cathedral and The Way Things Work, applies his knack for drawing complex structures in this gorgeous, heart-wrenching celebration of an aging plasterer, Angelo. 

The story follows Angelo as he restores the facade of a massive cathedral and reluctantly befriends a wounded pigeon named Sylvia. Angelo's declining health makes for a melancholy tone, but Sylvia's lighthearted antics and the warm, chaotic illustrations of Italian vistas give the story an incredible range. 

Book discussions - October 2025

Posted by Jane J on Sep 3, 2025 - 3:23pm

Every month Madison Public Library hosts a variety of book discussions and each of them warmly welcomes newcomers.

Wonderfully imagined

Posted by Jane J on Sep 2, 2025 - 8:35am
A review of Dragonfruit by
Makiia
Lucier

Makiia Lucier wowed me a few years ago with a book I've re-read many times. Her Year of the Reaper  was set in a fully realized fantasy world and featured a flawed, but honorable, protagonist facing impossible choices with much grace and compassion. Since reading it, I've been eagerly waiting for Lucier's next. And here it is.

Trying to stand out

Posted by MADreads on Aug 29, 2025 - 8:21pm
A review of Creepy Sheepy by
Lucy Ruth
Cummins

“Why be one of many when you can be one of a kind?” Pa Sheep asks Sheepy as they choose his Halloween costume. Sheepy will not be dissuaded.

Sweet Anticipation for September 2025

Posted by Katie H on Aug 28, 2025 - 5:59pm

Greetings, readers. September has something of a valedictory air to it, as the close of summer and the waning of the year, but for the publishing world, it’s 

Read a play!

Posted by Molly W on Aug 26, 2025 - 5:57pm
A review of Fat Ham by
James
Ijames

They are short and rewarding and you will feel accomplished when you're done.

Collective strength

Posted by MADreads on Aug 22, 2025 - 8:52am
Phillip
Stead

In a battle between the blustering north wind and the warm shining sun, who do you think would win? Would anyone win? In this Aesop's fable, re-imagined by author/illustrator Philip Stead, three sisters go out in their patched-up coats—colored yellow, blue, and red—to take a walk before the weather changes. At first, the sun shines sweetly upon them, but then the grouchy north wind takes over, blowing cold, harsh air across the sisters' path and the whole world! Will the north wind manage to turn the sisters' coats to rags after all? Or will the sun's rays prevail?

Power where she could find it

Posted by Jane J on Aug 21, 2025 - 9:36am

A bit ago I read Emma Southon's A Fatal Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and loved the deep dive into how murder and assassination were viewed in ancient Rome. Not long after posting that review I heard about another book about ancient roman history. The podcaster mentioned how much they'd enjoyed a biography about Agrippina, a woman who was a descendant of Julius Caesar. She was also a sister, niece, wife, and mother to three other emperors.

All in the family

Posted by Jane J on Aug 19, 2025 - 5:02pm
A review of Crooks by
Lou
Berney

Though Berney's novel is called Crooks and centers on folks who aren't shy about bending (or breaking) the law, it's not really a crime novel.

Book discussions - September 2025

Posted by Jane J on Aug 14, 2025 - 6:50pm

Every month Madison Public Library hosts a variety of book discussions and each of them warmly welcomes newcomers.

Lovely as a bowl of noodles

Posted by Jane J on Aug 12, 2025 - 5:14pm
A review of Automatic Noodle by
Annalee
Newitz

Cozy has been a hot sub-genre in fantasy fiction in recent years. And I've been happy it's so. I'm equally happy when I find a cozy science fiction novel (and yes they do exist).

Classic feeling

Posted by Katie H on Aug 11, 2025 - 9:09pm
Chris
Chibnall

Nicola Bridge can be excused for wondering whether all the decisions she has made have been mistakes.

Our feathered friends

Posted by Abby R on Aug 8, 2025 - 3:06pm
A review of How to Find a Bird by
Jennifer
Ward

If you've always wanted to try birdwatching with your kiddo but are not quite sure how to start, this is the book for you!

Reassembling the pieces

Posted by Jane J on Aug 7, 2025 - 7:20am
A review of A Quiet Life by
Ethan
Joella

In this heartwarming, character-driven novel, the author explores the ways in which people navigate and (hopefully) survive deep grief.

Perfect for sharing

Posted by MADreads on Aug 4, 2025 - 9:08am
Randy
Ribay

Gosh, I loved this book. I really, really loved it. I am so happy that it exists. A sincere thank you for the ARC, @KokilaBooks!