Staff Picks Adult Fiction

Norse Mythology

by Neil Gaiman

In this book, Neil Gaiman retells several Norse stories taking pieces from the original tales to complete each chapter in his own unique and recognizable writing style. Listening to the book, which was narrated by Gaiman himself,  gave me the feeling as though I was hearing each short story told by my grandfather around a campfire. Gaiman’s genuine storytelling abilities can be heard through the different array of unique voices he created for each character. I would recommend this book to anyone who hasn’t read any Norse myths before as it is a great introduction for fans of Thor, Odin, and Loki; the characters you have read about in the comics or saw in the movies.

Recommended by: Kristen Holding, Graphic Artist 

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Binti

by Nnedi Okorafor

Binti is one of the best mathematicians in her village, and she jumps at the chance to travel to the best university in the galaxy. Sure, she has to sneak out because her family disapproves, and she may never see her family again, but that is a risk she is willing to take to improve the lives of her people. The only obstacle in her path is her spaceship being attacked by an alien race-what could possibly go wrong?

Recommended by: Nicole Suhm, Human Resource Generalist

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Happily and Madly

by Alexis Bass

Maris Brown only knows to things about her destiny. One is that she will fall happily and madly in love the second thing is that she could be dead before her eighteenth birthday. The summer leading up to that fateful birthday Maris spends time with her estranged father and his new family the Duvals in a wealthy beach town. And along with that comes Edison. Maris knows she shouldn’t fall for him but she can’t help it. He makes her so happy. But Edison has his share of secrets. Ones that should make Maris stay far away from him.

Great suspense and a real page turner.

Recommended by: Holly Balasa, Youth Services Shelver

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

by Gail Honeyman

A funny yet heartbreaking story of an unconventional single woman who chooses to isolate and has a bizarre relationship with her mother (“mummy”) who pressures her to find Prince Charming.  However,  she meets a poorly dressed coworker, Raymond,  with manners below her standards, who brings Eleanor out of her shell and together they help a man who had an accident and is in poor health.  Eleanor becomes closer to Raymond, and realizes that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover.  This captivating book will make you laugh yet emotional!

Recommended by:  Deborah Oedzes, Reference Librarian

Posted in: Adult Fiction

The Most Fun We Ever Had

by Claire Lombardo

Wonderfully complex, well written debut novel by an author who was born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois. Joyful and sad at the same time! Highly recommend!

Recommended by: Carol Maresh, Cataloger II

Posted in: Adult Fiction

The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge

by Charlie Lovett

Years after the conversion of Scrooge, Marley comes to Scrooge for Help. Marley wants Scrooge to come up with a plan to help him shed his chains, so that he can rest in peace. With the help of the three ghost that once visited Scrooge. They set out to help Marley.

Recommended by: Holly Balasa, Youth Services Shelver

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Wicked Autumn

by G.M. Malliet

Max Tudor a retired MI5 agent, has adapted well to his post as vicar of St.  Edwold’s . All is well in the idyllic village of Nether Monkship until a woman is found dead. Max’s training as a former agent kicks in, and before long he suspects foul play.

Recommended by: Holly Balasa, Youth Services Shelver

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Emeralds of Oz: Life Lessons from over the rainbow

by Peter Guzzardi

What a pleasant surprise to find this gem of a book.   As a long time fan of the 1939 MGM production of the Wizard of Oz and Frank L. Baum, I dove right in.  Guzzardi gleans pearls of wisdom from the actions of our beloved cast.  Lessons of compassion and understanding are hidden just beneath the surface.   MGM dedicated their classic movie to the young at heart and to those who faithfully return to it again and again.  This book is for anyone who loves the book as much as the movie and who is eager to spend even more time with it.

Recommended by: Theresa Hildebrand, Patron Services Manager

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Big Little Lies

by Liane Moriarty

Follow the intertwined lives of Madeline, Celeste and Jane as they deal with and try to conceal struggles within each of their own lives:  domestic abuse, bullying, infidelity and murder.  Although addressing social and moral issues that are hot button topics of today, author Liane Moriarty uses well-placed humor, sharp language, and insightful scenes to make this the page turning book of the summer.

If you enjoyed the book, check out a DVD or Blu-Ray copy of HBO’s Big Little Lies, Season One, an award-winning limited series available at the Orland Park Public Library.

Recommended by: Mary Adamowski, Assistant Library Director

Posted in: Adult Fiction