Staff Picks Adult

December 2020

What it’s Like to Be a Bird

by David Sibley

This guide to birds is well laid out and easy to understand. The author is able to break down complicated parts of bird life into layman’s terms. The guide is full of wonderful and life-like illustrations. I highly recommend it to anyone with any level of curiosity about birds.

Recommended by: Peter Tew, Adult Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Adult Nonfiction

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times

by Katherine May

In this collection of essays, English author Katherine May explores the concept of solitude, transformation, and rest. The thoughtful prose and gentle storytelling will lead you to reconsider how you can make your way through difficult times. From learning how to celebrate her least-favorite holiday (Halloween) with her excited son, to taking on ice swimming, Katherine May approaches everything she does with clear thoughts and a bit of humor. A perfect end-of-year companion to 2020.

Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, Youth Services School Liaison

Posted in: Adult Fiction

The Ghosts of Harvard

by Francesca Scottoline Serritella

New Harvard Freshman Cady Archer steps onto campus with an anchor on her heart. Not one year earlier, her older brother Eric took his life on this very campus. He was a brilliant mind that began to unravel in his final year at Harvard – but why? As Cady investigates, she begins to hear the voices of three ghosts who help her juggle her school work, her social interactions, and her investigation. The Ghosts of Harvard is a suspenseful read that will keep you turning the page to find out the truth.

Recommended by: Natalie Leoni, Adult Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Adult Fiction

You Never Forget Your First: A biography of George Washington

by Alexis Coe

I love history and reading about people and events of the past, but I often find those books so intimidating with their length and innumerous citations. These hefty tomes have a lot of great information in them, I’m sure, but sometimes it’s nice to find a quick read that still provides the knowledge you crave but in a more compact book. That’s what you find in this book. Alexis Coe, the first woman to ever write a biography about George Washington, walks us through the life of George Washington from his time fighting for the British in the French and Indian War to his deathbed. Coe includes charts and call out boxes with more detailed information. If you’re like me and want your history in a more easily digestible book, this one’s for you.

Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager

Posted in: Adult Biography

A Darker Shade of Magic

by V.E. Schwab

Kell is an Antari, a rare magic user that has to ability not only to perform a variety of spells, but can travel to the different versions of London. Grey London is completely without magic, White London has magic, but it is also run by a corrupt sibling duo that limits what can be done. Red London, Kell’s home, is a magical place where magic is found everywhere. Finally, there is Black London, a place that is all but lost and no one ever visits. When Kell is given an artifact from one London and brings it to another, he soon realizes that he was set up to be taken down by his enemies. With the help of Lila Bard, a pickpocket from Grey London, Kell must do what he can to get rid of the powerful relic. This first book of a series can be found in the library as well as on Hoopla.

Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Something’s Wrong With Us

by Natsumi Ando

Married to the enemy! This spin-chilling, sexy and dark psychological series follows Nao a 21-year-old traditional Japanese sweet maker and the man who framed her mother for murder. I highly recommend going into this series with knowing as little as possible. You are certainly in for a treat.

Recommended by: April Balasa, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Adult Fiction

November 2020

I, Robot

by Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov lays down the Three Laws of Robotics in this series of interconnected short stories. Witness the rise of robots, from their beginnings as household curiosities to the super intelligent computers that manage the entire planet. The stories include a family drama where parents worry that their daughter is too attached to the house’s robot, a mystery where investigators must find a particular robot hiding in a shipment of dozens of robots, and an election drama where one candidate is accused of being a life-like robot and must prove his humanity. This title is also available on OverDrive.

Recommended by: Peter Tew, Adult Services Reference Librarian I

Posted in: Adult Fiction

I Had That Same Dream Again: The Complete Manga Collection

by Yoru Sumino

When grade schooler Nanoka is asked by her teacher to define what “happiness” means to her, she isn’t too sure what the correct answer is. But she is more than sure her friends can help her find the answer. Which consists of an un-happy girl who engages in self-harm, a high school student ostracized by her classmates and an elderly woman looking to live out her twilight years in peace. But what do these three different people have in common? As Nanoka tries to find her place in the world by exploring her relationship with these three strangers, she comes to know herself and the meaning of “happiness”.

Recommeneded by: April Balasa, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Trust: America’s Best Chance

by Pete Buttigieg

I read this book on a recommendation from a friend and I was not disappointed. Buttigieg discusses the 2020 presidential candidacy from his perspective including the end of his campaign and how he still believes the country needs to move forward. It’s a short and very timely read and includes the current state of our nation focusing on the pandemic and protests as well as the events leading up to the election. I’m not one to usually read books written by politicians, but it was the right book for the right time. I also highly recommend listening to the audiobook as Buttigieg does a fantastic job with the narration. This title is available as a physical copy as well as on OverDrive as an ebook and e audiobook.

Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager

Posted in: Adult Nonfiction

Death by Chocolate Lab (Lucky Paws Petsitting Mystery #1)

by Bethany Blake

Resident pet sitter Daphne has a soft spot for every stay that wanders into the lakeside village of Sylvan Creek. That doesn’t stop her however from disliking the arrogant, womanizing owner of the Blue Ribbon K-9 Academy. When Steve turns up dead and his prize-winning chocolate Labrador goes missing Daphne can think of a long list of people who would want to see that man dead. Her sister Piper being at the top of the police departments suspect list. Aided with her two trusty dogs and only armed with her Ph.D. in Philosophy can Daphne find the true killer before she becomes the next victim?

Recommended by: April Balasa, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Adult Fiction

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