Book Fix: Ally Teske's Recommendations

If you’re looking for thought-provoking reads, community member and library fan, Ally Teske has recommendations for you.

Ally Teske

“I’m not sure which college professor instilled the mantra, ‘Never stop learning,’ but it took hold,” said Teske. “That is why one of my book recommendations is The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming by David Wallace-Wells. He drew me in by relating so much of what is happening today globally to here at home. Coffee drinkers beware, those countries where our lovely coffee beans grow will be the first along the equator to dry up. Those countries’ economies depend on the coffee industry. Those people depend on it too. So now you have a failing country and a mass migration of people, most likely a refugee crisis in areas less impact by the warming. The economic and social impact of this crisis literally will affect us all. It makes you really look at your consumption and savor every cup of coffee that much more.

She also recommends the following insightful nonfiction reads:

While nonfiction is her general go-to, Teske mixes in some fiction for balance. The latest book she fell in love with was The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. “The main character realized he had a power that wasn’t something to be ashamed of but to use to his benefit,” said Teske. “This idea really resonated with me as I sometimes feel powerless like many of us do in the current climate. It’s good to be reminded of our power. I’ve read Between the World and Me and We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates. I had high expectations for his first fiction piece and was not disappointed.”

Teske’s reading covers a wide range of genres. “I want everyone to know that I also read Christian romance and Amish novels,” said Teske. “I think they’re the bee’s knees! My latest Amish book was The Amish Christmas Letters by Patricia Davids, Sarah Price and Jennifer Beckstand. I’ve also enjoyed the Quilts of Lancaster County series by Barbara Cameron.”

When I asked which character she’d like with her if she were stuck in an elevator, Teske chose Circe from Madeline Miller’s novel by the same name. “Circe would be great entertainment and she’d get us out of the elevator,” said Teske. “Her attitude, aptitude and resourcefulness are inspiring.”

A few of the other fiction titles Teske recommends are Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson, My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh, When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton and Never Have I Ever by Joshilyn Jackson. Find more of Teske's fiction recommendations in this booklist:

Reading with her children is also an important part of Teske’s day. “I always have a children’s audiobook on hand for my girls and I to enjoy together. There are so many Erin Hunter titles, we’ll never run out!” (The library has 199 Hunter titles available.)

When she’s not reading, Ally is spending time with her three kids and her husband, substitute teaching, or sharing knowledge she’s gained with her friends.