This month at Mechanics’ Institute Library, get inspired for the new year. Staff will select books about the fascinating individuals who people our collection – the lives of others who inspire, entertain, and encourage us! Get acquainted with your fellow human beings through their words and works, and enjoy these stories told about them.
Deb recommends Florence Nightingale: The Making of an Icon by Mark Bostridge (92 N688b)
Her name is legendary, but this biography reveals much about who Florence Nightingale really was. Most of us know about her service to wounded and ill soldiers during the Crimean War, but that was only two years in her nearly six decades of service. If you want to dive deep into Nightingale’s life, 19th century hospital and healthcare reform, and her role in it, this book is for you.
Taryn recommends The Life and Legends of Calamity Jane by Richard Eulain (92 C141)
I grew up on Doris Day's version of Calamity Jane -- this wonderful account lends a refreshing bit of reality!
Heather recommends Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson (822.3 B91)
In general, Bill Bryson is always a delight. In specific, this slim biography of Shakespeare is as much about what we cannot know about the bard as what we do know about his life.
