What is Random Review?
Watch each Random Review live at this link: cbcpl.net/RR2526
Random Review is a deep exploration of a selected book by a reviewer with expertise on the topic or theme of that book. Sometimes reviewers cover a classic, series, genre, or author, but usually they cover a specific title. Whether you have read the selection or not, you will love Random Review!
Random Review can be attended in person at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library in the Main Meeting Room, or it may be livestreamed online here: cbcpl.net/RR2526. We also post recordings of Random Review below and on our YouTube channel.
2025-2026 Schedule
September 10, 12 p.m.: On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service by Anthony Fauci
Reviewer: David Grube
Family Physician in Philomath for 35 years, from 1977 to 2012October 8, 12 p.m.: I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine by Daniel Levitin
Reviewer: Steve Matthes
Retired US Department of Energy scientist and professional musicianRandom Review recording of I Heard There Was a Secret ChordRelated books to I Heard There Was a Secret Chord
November 12, 12 p.m.: Born of Fire and Rain: Journey Into a Pacific Coastal Forest by M.L. Herring
Reviewer: Carly Solstrom
Director of Spring Creek Project and Director of Arts, Science, Humanities & Technology Integration at PRAxRandom Review recording of Born of Fire and RainRelated books to Born of Fire and Rain
December 10, 12 p.m.: Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI by Madhumita Murgia
Reviewer: Laurie Bridges
Librarian and Director, AI Literacy Center at Oregon State UniversityRandom Review recording of Code DependentRelated books to Code Dependent
January 14, 12 p.m.: Becoming Earth: How Our Planet Came to Life by Ferris Jabr
Reviewer: Megan Jones
Assistant Professor, USGS Oregon Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, Oregon State UniversityRecording unavailableRelated books to Becoming Earth
February 11, 12 p.m.: The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact, and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook by Hampton Sides
Reviewer: Ryan Jones
Department Head, Department of History, University of OregonRandom Review recording of The Wide Wide SeaRelated books to The Wide Wide Sea
March 11, 12 p.m.: On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer by Rick Steves
Reviewer: Carolyn Rawles
Retired Director of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library and avid travelerRandom Review Recording of On the Hippie Trail | Related books to On the Hippie Trail
April 8, 12 p.m.: James: A Novel by Percival Everett
Reviewer: Tracy Daugherty
Distinguished Professor of English and Creative Writing, Emeritus, Oregon State UniversityMay 13, 12 p.m.: Crossings: How Road Ecology is Shaping the Future of Our Planet by Ben Goldfarb
Reviewer: Katie Moriarty
Senior Research Scientist, National Council for Air & Stream Improvement (NCASI)June 10, 12 p.m.: The Berry Pickers: A Novel by Amanda Peters
Reviewer: Alison Clement
Author, Oregon Book Award winner
About Random Review
Watch each Random Review live at this link: cbcpl.net/RR2526
Random Review is co-sponsored by The Friends & Foundation of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Reviews are held on the second Wednesday of the month from 12:00 – 1:00pm in the Main Meeting Room and are also livestreamed online at this link: cbcpl.net/RR2526. Random Review events are open to the public and free of charge.
Wondering how Random Review got started? Learn about its history through an interview with former Random Review Coordinators here!
Previous Years
Listen to or watch previous Random Reviews from the Random Review Archive
