Oct. 23, 2024 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library is made possible by our incredible staff. And we are staffed by book lovers. To celebrate the people who keep our library running, we're highlighting different staff members and books they love.
Ashley Burns is an administrative assistant for the library's volunteer services and for the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation, helping keep both those parts of the library's operations running smoothly. She started at the library in February.
"I enjoy working with our dedicated team of volunteers and staff at the library. The individuals I have had the opportunity to interact with are among the brightest, kindest, and most committed lifelong learners," she said. "At the library, we have the opportunity to be the connectors between people and community. I love being a part of that work.
Browse Ashley's book recommendations below, and put them on hold in our catalog by clicking on their covers.
"A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara
In this 900-page book, "A Little Life" follows four friends – Jude, Willem, JB, and Malcolm – over several decades as they navigate life, relationships, and the enduring pain of trauma. I always hesitate to recommend "A Little Life" because of how deeply affecting and heavy it is, but at the same time, I can’t help but want others to experience the depth of its storytelling. I will continue to carry the stories of Jude, Willem, and the characters who love them with me for a long time.
"Make Trouble: Standing Up, Speaking Out, and Finding the Courage to Lead" by Cecile Richards
In this memoir, Cecile Richards shares her journey from growing up in a politically active family to leading Planned Parenthood. Richards' stories about fighting for women's rights and healthcare access remind me of the power of standing up for what you believe in, even when the odds are against you.
"Why Fish Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life" by Lulu Miller
This captivating blend of science, philosophy, and memoir hooked me with its exploration of chaos, resilience, and the pursuit of meaning. Miller weaves her own personal struggles with the story of taxonomist David Starr Jordan, whose relentless optimism and determination in the face of repeated failures teaches us about finding order in a chaotic world. Even when things fall apart, there’s beauty in the rebuilding and rediscovering purpose.
"Sister Outsider: Essays & Speeches" by Audre Lorde
"Sister Outsider" by Audre Lorde is a powerful collection of essays and speeches that challenged me to think deeply about identity, oppression, and the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. Lorde's fierce and unapologetic voice calls for self-awareness, activism, and the radical necessity of speaking truth to power, even when if it feels uncomfortable.
"Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed" by Lori Gottlieb
Gottlieb offers an honest and sometimes hilarious look into the world of therapy from a unique perspective as both a therapist and client in therapy. Through reflections of her own experiences with her therapist and work with clients of her own, the author reveals the universal nature of struggles and the healing power of vulnerability. She makes the case that seeking help is a brave and necessary step toward better understanding ourselves.