Hearing book suggestions from coworkers is one of the best perks of working in a public library! We hear about books from publishers, library journals, patrons, coworkers, and friends, and we love sharing favorites. Here’s what Baldwin staff members are enjoying this month:
For Adults
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
In his debut as an author, vlogger Hank Green gives us an insight into what instant, overnight fame really means while introducing readers to the possibilities science (non)fiction has to offer. –recommended by Hannah
An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
This novel tells the story of the marriage of Roy and Celestial, a young African-American couple whose bond is tested when Roy is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Told in alternating viewpoints and through their letters, this is an intimate portrait of a young marriage with all its joys and flaws laid bare. –recommended by Maria
Kate Atkinson has returned to authoring her terrific Jackson Brodie novels (although anything she writes is terrific). Brodie is in his home county of Yorkshire with his slightly unsatisfying life when he stumbles upon a human trafficking ring of completely bland and ordinary suspects who run a very well organized operation. –recommended by Denise
In the first half of Devotion, Patti Smith, in her thoughtful, mystical, and earnest style takes the reader through a series of impressions from her life, from catching an ice skater’s performance while channel surfing to visiting the home of Albert Camus. The second half of the book is a rare piece of short fiction written by Smith, and in it readers can see how the facts, the colors, the moments that struck her from her life are, through the magic of fiction, transmuted into a larger thematic meditation: does passion negate innocence? –recommended by Simone
Disgraced: A Play by Ayad Akhtar
Insight into the lives of Islamic Americans and their struggle integrating past and present. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. –recommended by Maggie
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Evvie is doing her best to move on after the tragic death of her husband. Financially strapped, she reluctantly accepts a tenant and the ensuing closed door romance is filled with pop culture references, raw emotions, and lots of hope. –recommended by Rebekah & Elaine
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
I loved listening to this remarkable work by Amor Towles, often going back to re-listen to a particular turn of phrase. The myriad of characters are beautifully narrated. I highly recommend this cleverly written, beautiful story. –recommended by Donna
Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
Mira Jacob wrote and illustrated this wonderful graphic novel memoir. In the book, Ms. Jacob looks at life through the eyes of her son, a mixed race, mixed religion boy growing up in post 9/11 New York buy modafinil online fast City. The book is funny, heartfelt, and a very fast read! –recommended by Sue
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
It’s the mid-1980’s in Chicago, and art curator Yale just might succeed in getting an elderly benefactor to bequeath her collection of paintings and personal memorabilia from her days as a model and muse to famous artists in 1920’s Paris to his museum. Cut to modern-day Paris, where we find out what happened to the art, and more importantly, what happened to Yale and his friends who were caught up in the midst of the AIDS epidemic. This is a wonderful story about friendship and love in the worst of times, spanning almost a century. –recommended by Kathleen
The Library Book by Susan Orlean
Susan Orlean does a great job of mixing the history and investigation of the LA Public Library fire with the history of libraries in the United States. She also weaves in commentary on the library’s place in today’s world and where it is heading. –recommended by Erin
Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy
Sarah McCoy does a great job detailing the childhood of Marilla, prior to the arrival of Anne Shirley in L.M. Montgomery’s series Anne of Green Gables. –recommended by Rosemary
A procedural mystery with a dash of otherworldly terror from the Master of Horror. King’s take on a “True Detective” story. –recommended by Dan
A complex and at times horrifying sci-fi novel which focuses on the power of human memory and its potential to transport individuals back and forth in time. –recommended by Megan
The Reunion by Guillaume Musso
A group of high school friends return to their exclusive boarding school on the Cote D’ Azur in France for their 50th reunion and are still haunted by the memory of the most beautiful girl in their class who disappeared during their senior year. Featuring an absorbing mystery, richly developed characters and numerous creative plot twists it is a true page turner that shows just how far people (of any age) will go to protect those they love and their reputation. –recommended by Susan P.
In many ways this debut novel is a classic romantic comedy, but the author avoids the genre stereotypes by completely trusting her characters and complexities of the plot. The results are utterly charming and delightful! –recommended by Sarah
For Kids & Teens
Neptune Project by Polly Holyoke
The earth is becoming a more and more dangerous place to live. A group of kids are genetically altered to survive in the ocean and build a new world. –recommended by Susan D.
Unicorn and Yeti: Sparkly New Friends by Heather Ayris Burnell
A super cute story about friendship in the Elephant & Piggie vein. –recommended by Syntha
For even more book suggestions, check out:
Recent Comments