What is Random Review?
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!
2023-2024 Schedule
September 13, 12 PM**: The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
Reviewer: Dwaine Plaza, Professor of Sociology at Oregon State University
**Note: This review was virtual. All other Random Reviews of the 2023-2024 season will be in person in the Main Meeting Room of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
October 11, 12 PM: Top 13 Most Challenged Books of 2022 by Various Authors
Reviewer: Ashlee Chavez, Director of Corvallis-Benton County Public Library
November 8, 12 PM: Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
Reviewer: Dr. Mark Edwards, Professor of Sociology at Oregon State University
Due to technical difficulties, there is no recording available | Related books
December 13, 12 PM: Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie Garmus
Reviewer: Dr. Liddy Detar, Senior Instructor of Writing and Literature and Academic Advisor at Oregon State University
Due to technical difficulties, there is no recording available | Related books
January 10, 12 PM: An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed Yong
Reviewer: Scott Heppell, Professor of Marine and Freshwater Fish Ecology at Oregon State University
February 14, 12 PM: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Reviewer: Karen Holmberg, Associate Professor of Literature and Creative Writing at Oregon State University
March 13, 12 PM: The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Reviewer: Virginia Weis, Distinguished Professor of Integrative Biology at Oregon State University
April 10, 12 PM: The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness by Meghan O’Rourke
Reviewer: Dr. Helen Kao, Medical Director of Clinical Innovations at Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care
May 8, 12 PM: Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner
Reviewer: Kourtni Rader, Local Business Owner
June 12, 12 PM: Demon Copperhead: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver
Reviewer: Susan Rodgers, Professor of Creative Writing & Literature and Associate Dean of the Honors College at Oregon State University
About Random Review
Random Review is co-sponsored by The Friends of the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. Reviews are held on the second Wednesday of the month in the Main Meeting Room from 12:00 – 1:00pm and are open to the public and free of charge.
Want to know how Random Review got started? Learn the history through a random interview with former Random Review Coordinators here!
