Staff Picks
August 2019
Home Front
by Kristin Hannah
Hannah creates a very realistic depiction of a family torn apart by war. First there’s the stress of the mother being called to serve. Then there’s the restructuring of the family due to the father having to fulfill an unfamiliar role. Added to this are the father’s workload as a defense attorney and the children’s needs. This is a tear jerker.
Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager
Posted in: Youth 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
Letters to the Lost
by Brigid Kemmerer
An amazing realistic romance that will leave readers wanting to know more! Juliet writes letters to her mother and leaves them at her grave. Declan isn’t the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery he reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, and can’t resist writing back. Soon, he’s opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. Neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they’re not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks fly as they discover truths that might tear them apart.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Teen Librarian
Posted in: Young Adult Fiction
Titans: Season 1
This is a live-action DC Universe show that follows a group of young soon-to-be Super Heroes finding their way. Dick Grayson (Robin), Kory Anders (Starfire), Rachel Roth (Raven), Gar Logan (Beast Boy) and many other well-loved characters show up in this version. It’s much darker and grittier than the CW shows and recent DC movies. It’s definitely worth binge watching if you’re a Superhero fan. The final episode will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for Season 2.
Recommended by: Erin Faxel, Teen Librarian
Posted in: Movies/TV
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
Stuck
by Oliver Jeffers
Floyd has a problem. His kite is stuck in a tree! His solution? Throw a bunch of other things up there to get it unstuck, of course. Other things include: the family car, an orangutan, a duck, and the kitchen sink. Have a few laughs and find out if his plan works!
Recommended by: Stephanie Thomas, Preschool Services Coordinator
Posted in: Youth Fiction