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
The American Agent by Jacqueline Winspear
This is the latest installment in the glorious Masie Dobbs series. World War II is in full swing as is the bombing of London. Masie is caught up in the murder of an American journalist while preparing for the hearing that will determine if she qualifies to adopt her small ward. –recommended by Liz
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou
An exceptional work of investigative journalism that exposes an ugly side of Silicon Valley. I was amazed at how one person with vision, commitment, single-minded belief, and drive was able to deceive for so long not only herself but many employees and high-powered investors who poured millions of dollars into her startup company, Theranos. –recommended by Mick Howey
This is a top notch memoir for anyone trying to learn more about systemic racism, the divide between whites and blacks in South Africa, and what’s being done, and not done, about it. Important, compelling, highly recommended, this book will have you thinking long after you turn the last page. –recommended by Donna
With richly drawn believable characters The Farm looks at how money, power and class struggle impact the lives of young women who willingly give up their own lives to become surrogates to anonymous wealthy clients. While not as dark and dystopian as A Handmaid’s Tale, the story still draws readers in and demonstrates how women will do anything to save themselves from fighting a losing battle against daunting circumstances. –recommended by Susan
Traverse the interwoven lives and loves of astronomer Maria Mitchell, sculptor Harriet Hosmer, journalist and literary critic Margaret Fuller, poet Emily Dickinson, and environmentalist Rachel Carson as the men with whom they intersect: Kepler, Whitman, Emerson, Thoreau, Darwin, and others remain refreshingly tangential. –recommended by Simone
Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
A graphic novel auto-biography you won’t want to miss. A very raw and truthful story about a dysfunctional family, coming out, and a father-daughter relationship. –recommended by Hannah
Henry, Himself by Stewart O’Nan
The prequel to “Emily, Alone,” this lovely book is gentle, heartfelt, and real. Nothing much happens but I loved every single word. –recommended by Linda
The Paper Wasp by Lauren Acampora
Slightly odd tale following two former high school friends reuniting in Los Angeles after roughly 10 years. Concerns obsession, art house films, jealousy, and moving on from the past. –recommended by Wesleyann
The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz
Anthony Horowitz, creator of Foyle’s War, has created a mystery series that both pokes fun at mystery tropes while also honoring the genre’s rich tradition. Both the first title, The Word is Murder, and this second book are utterly delightful. –recommended by Sarah
The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna by Juliet Grames
A rich and detailed multi-generational family saga highlighting long lasting yet complicated relationships. The characterizations drew me in immediately! –recommended by Lisa
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
A page-turning psychological thriller about a woman who murders her beloved husband and then refuses to speak, and the troubled therapist obsessed with curing her. –recommended by Megan Novak
For Kids & Teens
Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka
This is a graphic memoir about addiction, family, resilience, and hope. I would recommend this to teens and adults who might be struggling with addiction in their family, people who use art as a way to cope with life, or anyone who likes memoirs but might be new to the graphic format. –recommended by Elisabeth
To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan and Meg Wolitzer
This middle grade novel is technically for kids, but adults who grew up watching The Parent Trap will also enjoy this hilarious and heartwarming book written in a series of email exchanges. Avery and Bett, from California and NYC, get to know each other after their dads start dating and send them away to the same Michigan summer camp together. –recommended by Rebekah
Two Truths and a Lie: It’s Alive! by Ammi-Joan Paquette
This captivating nonfiction title for children ages 8 to 12 has a unique twist. Each chapter has three stories, two of which are true and one that is false and readers are invited to follow reliable research methods to discover the truth for themselves. –recommended by Stephanie
What Does It Mean to Be American? by Rana DiOrio
With sparse text and colorful, happy illustrations, this book is the perfect conversation starter about what America stands for in the eyes of its citizens and in the eyes of the world. America means hope, freedom and the opportunity to pursue our dreams and goals. –recommended by Ruth Ann
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