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 Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century by Kirk Wallace Johnson
You might not think a book about the theft of bird feathers would be interesting – but it is! This book looks in to the obsession of some with the art of the fly fish ties. This obsession leads a young American man studying in England to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars of feathers from the British Natural History Museum. How he did this and how the crime was solved makes this non-fiction book reads like a thriller. –recommended by Sue
Grow in the Dark: How to Choose and Care for Low-Light Houseplants by Lisa Eldred Steinkopf
Lisa Steinkopf is a local author also known by her nickname, “The Houseplant Guru.” Her straightforward guidance will help reveal anyone’s green thumb – even those who have killed many a houseplant in the past! – recommended by Maria
How Long ‘Til Black Future Month? by N. K. Jemisin
Two of the stories in this book are up for Locus awards, for good reason. Jemisin has created a myriad of worlds for your enjoyment – everything from steampunk to post-hurricane New Orleans in this superb anthology. –recommended by Syntha
In the Valleys of the Noble Beyond: In Search of the Sasquatch by John Zada
This book, which was a very pleasant surprise, is much more than just a search for Sasquatch. Zada details his encounters with the people, environment, and wildlife of the Great Bear Rainforest and how they changed how he perceives and interacts with the world. –recommended by Mick
The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal
With characters you’ll care about and a familiar cozy midwestern setting, this was easy to get into. But reading about the women making their way in the traditionally male dominated beer industry is what made this really memorable. –recommended by Sarah
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Lori Gottlieb makes therapy approachable and necessary for us all. –recommended by Vicki
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
This newest offering from the author of The Underground Railroad tells the story of two young African American teens who sent to a “reform school” in Florida during the Jim Crow era. The harsh surroundings and brutal injustices they encounter leave lasting impacts on their lives, even as the rest of the country becomes caught up in civil rights reform movements. – recommended by Kathleen
The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna by Juliet Grames
At times this was a tough book to read but it reflected the Italian immigrant story so perfectly that I thought so much of my late Sicilian mother-in-law and her struggle to fit into America. I have a much deeper appreciation not only for her story but I continue to think about Stella Fortuna and will do so for a long time. –recommended by Denise
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
A book about coming of age, a marsh, and a mystery. –recommended by Phebe
Whiskey When We’re Dry by John Larison
A fresh and engaging western featuring Jesse, a young orphan, talented sharpshooter, and no-nonsense heroine. She disguises herself as a man to search for her outlaw brother Noah, who is wanted dead or alive. –recommended by Rebekah
For Children & Teens
The Boy, the Bird & the Coffin Maker by Matilda Woods
This charming tale, narrated beautifully by Stephanie Foxley, is tender, heartwarming, and builds to a suspenseful, satisfying finish. Highly recommended for a book club, family listen, or just to cuddle up and read to oneself. –recommended by Donna
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
Acevedo is a beast! The use of language, the story? Fierce. –recommended by H
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
This graphic novel was adorable and beautiful. It’s about being yourself when other people expect you to be something else. –recommended by Elisabeth
The Pros of Cons by Alison Cherry, Lindsay Ribar, and Michelle Schusterman
This was wonderful! I appreciate a book that can geek out about taxidermy, percussion, fandom, and interpersonal relationships without losing steam or sounding fake. –recommended by Mary
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