My first trip to New Orleans was when I was just out of college. A group of us went to celebrate Mardi Gras. During that trip I fell in love with the city, the people, the sights, the sounds, the smells, and the architecture. It was magical to me. So many of the people we met came from families who had been in the city for generations. They told stories that captivated us. We learned about voodoo, about creole, what etouffee was, and we heard stories about what the city used to be like “way back when.” We met shop owners, restauranteurs, artists, gypsies, and musicians. It was a once in a lifetime experience. Except it wasn’t. I have had the same experience each time I’ve been to New Orleans. The people are warm, welcoming, and with each visit I learned a little more about this wonderful city. If you have never been to New Orleans, I recommend planning a trip. And if you can go during Mardi Gras, you’ll experience a Carnival celebration like no other!
In this “What We’re Reading” I thought I would celebrate New Orleans and Mardi Gras by highlighting some of the wonderful books we have in the Bookshare collection. These books explore the music, the history of New Orleans, and the people. There is some non-fiction and some fiction. And there are selections for every age, with a few comments to indicate age level. Enjoy!
My New Orleans by Rosemary James
Voodoo In New Orleans by Robert Tallant
Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes, about a 12-year old girl.
Song for My Fathers: A New Orleans Story in Black and White by Tom Sancton
Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown
Mardi Gras, by Suzanne M. Coil. This is a children’s nonfiction book.
Please don’t forget the wonderful historical novels by Frances Parkinson Keyes: Crescent Carnival and Dinner at Antoine’s. These are only two of her books about New Orleans and South Louisiana.