On Valentine's Day, some people give chocolates. Some people give roses. We give books! Read on to see the latest staff picks - including the first-ever staff pick from new library director, Steve! If a book sounds like you'd like to take it home and get cozy, click the link to reserve a copy!
Emily: The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James (2020) & Home Before Dark by Riley Sager (2020) are equally good horror mysteries. Both protagonists seek to find out who is haunting their small town place. And the paranormal have a lot to say.
Mara: Hungry Girl Fast & Easy: All-Natural Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less by Lisa Lillien (2021)
The author is the creator of the Hungry Girl brand and her mission is to find ways to eat the foods we love and still fit into our clothes. It is the perfect go-to cookbook for anyone who does not have the time to spend all day in the kitchen or anyone who does not choose to spend all day in the kitchen, yet wants to eat delicious and healthy meals. Check this book out!
Available in standard print.
Sara: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan [first book in the Percy Jackson series] (2005)
I started listening to this after watching the 2010 movie with my family. The audiobook is read by the author and available on Libby. The book is better than the movie of course! Percy Jackson is a 12-year-old misfit who finds he is the son of Poseidon, god of the sea. He soon finds himself on an adventure to catch a thief who has stolen the original weapon of mass destruction — Zeus’ master bolt.
I love that this series brings Greek mythology to life and has a diverse, enjoyable cast of characters! It is worth a listen for people of all ages!
Available in standard print and large print, as an audiobook on CD, as a playaway audiobook, and as an ebook and e-audiobook via OverDrive. This title is also available as a graphic novel, and in Spanish!
Ryan: The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance during the Blitz by Erik Larson (2020)
This is an in-depth look at Winston Churchill and London during the horrific Blitz during World War II--the leadership and bravery portrayed in the face of the unspeakable disaster.
Available in standard print and large print, as an audiobook on CD, as a book club kit, and as an ebook and e-audiobook via OverDrive.
Steve: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019)
This is a fast-moving thriller with short chapters that tempts you to stay awake just a little longer. Not much can be said about the plot without giving the story away but if you like thrillers and have only a little background to the story, the twist is more fun than a roller coaster. If you know the plot, wait a few years so that you have time to forget it and be surprised.
Available in standard print and large print, as an audiobook on CD, as a playaway audiobook, and as an ebook and e-audiobook via OverDrive.
Terika: The Ickabog by J.K. Rowling (2020)
Whenever J.K. Rowling writes a new book, it is something I must check out. This title is described as a fairy tale for children. It starts in a fairy tale land and is about a monster called The Ickabog (that may or may not be real). The book is very dark, and more of a thriller than a fairy tale. I am reading it with my 9-year-old son, and we often stop and talk about how the behavior of Lord Flapoon and Lord Spittleworth is awful and dishonest. There is a lot of murdering innocent people, dishonest plots, and weighty themes for a children's book. That being said, we were engaged and devoured the book, with lots of pleas for "one more chapter" from my son! A great read; geared for older children/teens.
Available in standard print, as an audiobook on CD, and as an ebook (in English or Spanish) via OverDrive.
Cindy: The Other Woman by Sandie Jones (2018)
Emily is dating Adam, and is very happy, until she meets Pammie, Adam’s mother. Pammie does not want Emily dating Adam, and does and says all kinds of things to get Emily to break up with him. How far will Pammie go to get rid of Emily? I found myself looking ahead in the book to make sure Emily would be okay!
Available in standard print and large print, as an audiobook on CD, and as an ebook and e-audiobook via OverDrive.
Susan: Blood of the South: A Medieval Mystical Mystery by Alys Clare (2015)
In this sixth book of the 11th-century Aelf Fen series, apprentice healer Lassair meets a mysterious, veiled woman on the quay in Cambridge. Readers who like the Norman period in England will enjoy this book as the English settings are richly described, giving a fascinating glimpse into the Fens (a low and marshy or frequently flooded area of land) of that time. The series is entertaining and well written. The final book in the series will be published this summer.
Available in standard print.
Hannah: Tales from the Loop by Simon Stålenhag (2014)
In 1954, an alternate reality Swedish government ordered the construction of the world’s largest particle accelerator. The facility was complete in 1969, located deep below the pastoral countryside of Mälaröarna. The local population called this marvel of technology The Loop. In this narrative art book, Simon Stålenhag’s paintings of Swedish 1980s suburbia populated by the fantastic machines and strange beasts of The Loop are sure to fascinate. (This has been adapted into a streaming series on Amazon Prime.)
