Staff Picks Adult
March 2023
The Kind Worth Saving
by Peter Swanson
Some of the same characters that were in The Kind Worth Killing are in this book as well as references to events in that book, but it is not necessary to read it first. This book can stand alone with its page turning action. Joan has always seemed a little off to Henry Kimball even when he was a first-year teacher and she was in his Honors English class. Now many years later when she hires him to discover if her husband is having an affair, he feels uneasy taking the case. As his investigation continues, Kimball finds troubling incidences in Joan’s past. In alternating chapters using the voice of Kimball, Joan, Richard, and Lilly the past and present collide in an explosive ending.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Adult Fiction
All That Is Mine I Carry With Me
by William Landay
Phil has writer’s block. He meets up with an old friend and decides to write about the disappearance forty years ago of the man’s mother, Jane. Jane disappeared one day without a trace. No body was found. The three siblings did not know if she was dead, possibly killed by their father, or had just run away. An investigation took place, but no evidence was discovered to solve the mysterious disappearance. The sister and two brothers had their lives totally affected by that one event as is told in chapters that reflect their point of view. Twenty years later her body is found. The discovery of the body brought the guilt or innocence of their father to a head. Still, who killed Jane remained a mystery until the final pages.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Joan Stoiber, Youth Services Reference Librarian
Posted in: Adult Fiction
A Man Called Ove
by Fredrik Backman
This novel was published in 2013 in English, and became quite popular with readers. It took me until 2022 to pick up the novel, mainly because I do not like to read books at the same time as everyone else is. I would rather wait until the excitement wears down to pick it up and enjoy it.
Ove is perceived as a curmudgeon who doesn’t care for any one he meets in his daily life. As the novel progresses, the reader learns that there is a profound sadness in Ove’s past that has impacted the way he interacts with others. One day, a young family moves into the neighborhood right next to Ove. As expected, the initial introduction does not go well, and Ove secretly hopes they leave him alone forever. However, Parvenah and her family persist in showing kindness to Ove every single day, until the man’s cold heart slowly starts to melt.
This story resonated with me in that we never know everyone’s story and how their past can greatly affect the way they view the world and the people who they encounter. My motto has always been “Be Kind!” You never know when your compassionate actions can make a difference in your “Ove’s” world.
This book is available in the library, on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook, and Hoopla as an e audiobook.
Recommended by: Mary G. Adamowski, Library Director
Posted in: Adult Fiction
February 2023
1000 Hours Outside: Activities to Match Screen Time with Green Time
by Ginny Yurich
The perfect book to help you and your children get outside more this year. Challenge yourselves to see how many hours you spend outside each month. Can you reach 1000 in a year? Even if you don’t hit that high of a number, you still win! This book is full of ideas to help get you started with the challenge. There are ideas for all ages and abilities including building bug hotels, forest games, painting with nature and more. Pick it up today and start enjoying outside.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
June 2022
Project Hail Mary
The future of the Earth is on shaky ground as a newly discovered alien species is eating away at the sun. Junior High science teacher Ryland Grace is tapped to help create a solution due to a research paper he wrote long ago. Now he finds himself alone, on a spaceship far from Earth with no memories, including his own name. As his memory slowly starts to return, he realizes that he is the Earth’s only hope for survival. This science fiction adventure story is told through dual timelines where the reader only knows what Grace remembers. A must-read that will hook you immediately.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager
Posted in: Adult Fiction
It’s All Relative: Adventures Up and Down the World’s Family Tree
by A.J. Jacobs
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
May 2022
The Diamond Eye
by Kate Quinn
Posted in: Adult Fiction
March 2022
150+ Screen-Free Activities for Kids: The Very Best and Easiest Playtime Activities
by Asia Citro
Looking for something to do with your kids? Then check this book out! It is packed with science based ideas and play recipes that will keep you and your little ones active all year long. There’s slimes, doughs, sensory bins and more!
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life
by Richard Louv
Looking for a way to connect to nature? Then this book is for you! It has over 500 activities for adults and children to get you out and about in the natural world. This book will help boost your mental acuity and creativity, promote wellness, and overall help you have a great time outside.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Youth Services Teen Librarian
Posted in: Adult Nonfiction
February 2022
The Love Hypothesis
by Ali Hazelwood
Olive is a third year PhD candidate dedicated to completing her studies. When she breaks up with her boyfriend and realizes her best friend wants to now date the guy but won’t in deference to Olive she knows she has to do something. But, what? In a rash moment she says she’s dating someone new. In another rash moment, Olive kisses the first guy she sees who turns out to be a faculty member. Surprisingly he agrees to fake date her in order to keep Olive’s ruse going. You may know what ultimately happens, but getting there is so much fun.
This book is available in the library and on OverDrive/Libby as an ebook and e audiobook.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Adult Fiction