2021 Staff Picks
December 2021 Picks
Kim recommends:
Snakes in Space by Kathryn Dennis
The picture book Snakes in Space continues the saga of the brightly colored, adventurous snakes of Snakes on a Train. This time five serpentine astronauts journey past stars, planets, and meteors to work on their space station, but one ends up traveling onward to where no snake has gone before. There’s an endearing absurdity to this story, where creatures without opposable thumbs, or even hands, manage to operate heavy machinery. Dennis’s illustrations are somehow both playful and earnest, her text clear but sometimes punning, as with “Snakes splash through the Milky Way with no cookies to dunk.” Recommended as a read-aloud to ages 2 to 6.
No Humans Allowed! by Madeleine Roux
No Humans Allowed! is a fun first entry in the new Dungeon Academy series. Zellidora “Zelli” Stormclash is a human raised by minotaurs, and she’s a student at a school full of the kinds of monsters found in Dungeons & Dragons games. She has trouble fitting in, until she has an adventure with a group of misfits: a kindly owlbear, a brash little kobold, and a know-it-all mimic who can turn into books, lanterns, etc. The story is good, but the real standout here is the detailed but accessible illustrations by Tim Probert, which capture a range of facial expressions from wistfulness to terror, and settings from a lunchroom to, yes, dungeons. Recommended for both boys and girls ages 8 to 12, although it might work as a read-aloud for kids 5 to 7, if they don’t mind skeletons and mind-controlling purple goo.
Jennifer recommends:
Last year, Annabel Green was “the girl who had everything” – at least that’s the part she played in the back-to-school commercial for Kopf’s Department Store. This year, Annabel is the girl who has nothing. Her mom has become a different person since Annabel’s grandmother’s death. Annabel’s oldest sister has moved out, and her other sister is suffering from anorexia. She has no friends since mean-but-popular Sophie dropped her. The only person that Annabel feels a connection with is another high school loner, Owen Armstrong. Music-obsessed Owen is a reformed bad boy with a commitment to truth-telling. With Owen’s help, Annabel learns to listen to her own voice. She may even finally have the courage to speak up about what happened to her at that fateful party last summer.
Peggy recommends:
Last House on Nameless Street by Catriona Ward
Bannerman, an alcoholic with memory issues, Olivia, a Bible loving cat and Lauren, a teenage girl who cannot go outside, are a unique family living in a boarded up house at the end of a deserted street. Normally, they go about their business without many changes. That is, until a nosy new neighbor moves in and they begin living in fear of what she will discover, especially what’s buried in the backyard. Last House on Nameless Street was one of the most bizarre, yet captivating, books I’ve read in a long time. Not since The Wrong Family have I been on the edge of my seat in anticipation of what the secret will reveal and this book did not disappoint. I hope you’ll find it as captivating.
Premonition: a pandemic story by Michael Lewis
“Fortunately, there are those among us who study pandemics and are willing to look unflinchingly at worst-case scenarios.” When the good judge recommended this book, I thought, “naw, I don’t like to read non-fiction and the pandemic is still too prominent”. But, I ordered it anyway and, wow, what an eye-opener! A non-fiction book that reads like a thriller, Premonition is a behind the scenes look at what went down and why we are still battling this disease nearly 2 years later. An absolute page turner. I highly recommend!
Amie recommends:
Turn of the Screw by Henry James
In true Christmas spirit, the Turn of the Screw is a terrifying tale about a nanny convinced the home where she is working is haunted. Though written in 1898, this freaking story scared me enough to sleep with the lights on. Truth be told, not “sleep” with the lights on.
Elf (DVD)
SANTA!
Elf is one of only two things that made me happy during my brief stay in Texas.
Jasmine recommends:
The Hogfather by Terry Pratchett
This is the first Terry Pratchett book I ever read and I have been hooked ever since. His writing is hilarious, endearing, and so very clever. This book is essentially a Christmas story, and the Hogfather is this world’s version of Santa Claus. Someone wants him assassinated, and when he goes missing while he’s supposed to delivering the Christmas presents, Death decides to step up and fill in for him. This book has so many wonderful characters, Death is fantastic, as is his granddaughter, Mr. Teatime (the assassin) is a delightfully chilling character, the group of bumbling wizards and their orangutan librarian are adorable, the list goes on. I think this book is a great introduction to the world of Terry Pratchett, and seasonal as a bonus!
November 2021 Picks
County Librarian, Deb Fader Samson, recommends:
The Valedictorian of Being Dead by Heather B. Armstrong
Like me, Heather Armstrong felt a compunction to be the best at whatever she did, which ultimately added to her despair at not being able to handle single motherhood and be successful at work as well. She joked that if she was going to do something, she was going to be the valedictorian at doing it; hence the title. She is unflinching in her honesty and grateful with the results. I found the book hard to put down. It does a great job of explaining what depression feels like to those who have not experienced it.
Jennifer recommends:
A year after her divorce, Helen lets her annoying (much) younger brother, Duncan, talk her into a three-week life-changing wilderness survival course. It’s supposed to be an opportunity for Helen to pull herself together. What she doesn’t count on is Duncan’s equally annoying best friend, Jake, enrolling in the same course. Helen is in for an adventure: three weeks in the remote wilderness of a mountain range in Wyoming, mosquito infestations, a surprise summer blizzard, a group of sorority girls, and falling for Jake. Although the book is a love story, the focus is on what Helen learns to find herself and be happy again. Helen and Jake are relatable, well-written characters. Be prepared for the sparks (and laughter and tears) to fly!
Peggy recommends:
Like Dust, I Rise by Ginny Rorby
When Nona’s father quits his job and moves the family to Texas, Nona believes things are looking up for the family. But the effects of the depression soon impact her family and, when the rain stops, she finds herself in the epicenter of the Dust Bowl. This new Young Adult title by local favorite, Ginny Rorby, does not disappoint. It reads as if a window has opened to an era long gone, bringing it forward into the present. You’ll find this book on our Local Authors shelf. Ask the librarian for assistance ordering.
Ren recommends:
The Sandman Vol. 1 Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
This comic book is beautifully written and illustrated. About the sandman himself and those who use his powerful items, and his journey to get them back, this book is great to read in one sitting, and leaves you wanting more of the series.
Amie recommends:
Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin
I’m trying. It’s not going well. This book helps.
Double Feature:
Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard and Free Guy
Ryan Reynolds is hysterical in everything! Except when he’s not, and then he’s dramatically wonderful. In these flicks—hysterical! I am still laughing, not even sure why, but, don’t care. I even suggest throwing in Hitman’s Bodyguard as a little warm up.
John recommends:
The Sea Around Us by Rachel Carson
I read this from my parent’s bookshelf when I was about twelve. This book dramatically describes the zones of the inter tidal and pelagic seas. It provided a first glimpse of a relatively hidden area of the earth and was much more informative than Flipper or Sea Hunt. And although it is not my staff pick for a DVD this month, The Sea Around Us is also a good film.
Kim recommends:
Snakes in Space by Kathryn Dennis
The picture book Snakes in Space continues the saga of the brightly colored, adventurous snakes of Snakes on a Train. This time five serpentine astronauts journey past stars, planets, and meteors to work on their space station, but one ends up traveling onward to where no snake has gone before. There’s an endearing absurdity to this story, where creatures without opposable thumbs or even hands manage to operate heavy machinery. Dennis’s illustrations are somehow both playful and earnest, her text clear but sometimes punning, as with “Snakes splash through the Milky Way with no cookies to dunk.” Recommended as a read-aloud to ages 2 to 6.
October 2021 Picks
Amie recommends:
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
The cover of this book says it’s a hilarious horror story, but I feel like it is a heartbreaking retribution story. A group of mid-twenties friends do something terrible and that something hoofs it way back to get them. I cheered for the hoofer the entire time. Distinct and memorable for sure.
It’s a Disaster (DVD)Old friends meet for regular Sunday brunch, but this Sunday, the end of the world comes to brunch and these friends do not feel fine. HA-LARRY-US!
Jennifer recommends:
Little Big Love by Katy ReganTen-year-old Zac Hutchinson collects facts, but the one thing his family won’t tell him: who is father is and where he went. Zac’s mother, Juliet, accidentally admits to Zac that his father was the only man she’s ever loved. Zac decides to find his dad to make his mom happy again. But Liam Jones left for a reason on that fateful night ten years ago when the Hutchinson family suffered a great tragedy. Told by Zac, Juliet, and grandfather Mick, Little Big Love is a story of family, love, and the secrets that define us.
Peggy recommends:
The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny
Once again, Penny gives us a blockbuster. The personal assistant and friend of an outspoken enthusiast for euthanasia for the elderly and disabled is murdered on New Year’s Day in Three Pines and the team struggles to piece together the motive and the means. Was her death a case of mistaken identity or was it something from her long ago past that led to her demise? Although a tad predictable, this new edition, starring our beloved Inspector Gamache, is timely and, as always, provides insight into human nature and the Inspector’s uncanny ability to draw the truth out of those who are vulnerable and reluctant to be exposed. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey. I think you will, too.
Ren recommends:
Friday the 13th is a classic horror slasher, which takes place in and around Camp Crystal Lake. This movie follows a group of camp councilors as they prepare for the opening of a summer camp, but it takes a turn for the worse when an unknown killer keeps killing the councilors. This movie is good to watch during Halloween horror marathons, or just to see some good ol’ fashioned gore effects. That being said, this movie is rated R for blood, violence and other things, so cover your kids’ eyes.
Jasmine recommends:
Coraline by Neil GaimanCoraline discovers a strange door in her new house, which leads to a world that seems just like hers, only infinitely more interesting. This fantastical other world comes complete with another mother and father, who seem nice at first, but they want to change Coraline and keep her with hem forever. Coraline discovers several other children that were trapped before her and sets out to save them, her family, and herself. There’s also a smooth-talking cat, and I love him.
This book maintains a fantastic creepy atmosphere throughout and I was suitably spooked when I read this as a kid. Neil Gaiman’s writing is clever as always, and he’s crafted a bizarre story with equally bizarre but fun characters. The movie is well worth checking out as well, the stop animation style really works for this story.
Kim recommends:
The Samosa Rebellion by Shanthi Sekaran
The Samosa Rebellion is a political allegory, a kid-power novel, and a funny and touching family story, all in one. Twelve-year-old Muki thinks his biggest adjustments this year will be doing a class project with the most popular girl at his prep school, and adjusting to the arrival of his Yoga-loving grandmother. Soon, however, he’s drawn into a struggle over the changing definition of who belongs on his butterfly-filled homeland of Mariposa. Recommended for ages ten and up.
(Only available in eBook or eAudiobook format, however, look for a physical copy at Fort Bragg soon)
County Librarian, Deb Fader Samson, recommends:
Ten Lessons for a Post Pandemic World by Fareed Zakaria
The book I recommend is Fareed Zakaria’s Ten Lessons for a Post Pandemic World. The insights he presents are well founded on history and research. Some changes caused by the pandemic are positive and some are not, but he assures us that it isn’t too late to make things better.
September 2021 Picks
Dan recommends:
We Contain Multitudes by Sarah Henstra
A high school English teacher assigns her class to write letters to students in another class. Senior Adam Kurlansky and Sophomore Jonathan Hopkirk take the assignment and run with it. The letters build up over a year’s time and many revelations are made. Suspense, social commentary, love and memorable quotes from Walt Whitman make this a raucous coming-of-age story.
Peggy recommends:
The Wrong Family by Tarryn Fisher
Juno just wants to live out the rest of her days in comfort and peace so, when she moves in with the Crouch family, she thinks she has found the perfect situation. But Juno soon finds the Crouch family secrets may be worse than her own. I loved this book because it kept me on the edge of my seat, with twists and turns I never could have expected or guessed. I recommend it because it is so different than anything else I’ve read.
The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish
Stand-up comedian and actor, Tiffany Haddish, is one tough woman. Surviving many hardships; an absentee father, a brain-damaged mother, foster care, homelessness, etc., she still came out, not only laughing, but on top. This brutal telling of an inspirational life is, by turn, honest, heartbreaking, hilarious, crass and brilliant!
John recommends:
Incident at Badamya by Dorothy Gilman
For all of you Mrs. Polifax fans…this is not one about her. This takes place in Southeast Asia and involves a kidnapping for ransom of some tourists and one young woman who is European but has lived her whole life in the area. She is very familiar with the country and her cleverness and perseverance allow her to triumph over the captors.
Jennifer recommends:
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
Jessica Davis is a single mom who owns her own business as a data and statistics consultant. Jess has trouble letting anyone in–her dad has never been around, her mother was too busy partying to raise her and disappeared when Jess was six, and her ex decided he didn’t want to be a father. Jess was raised by her grandparents, who now help to raise her seven-year-old daughter, Juno. Working constantly is hard…and lonely. Fizzy, Jess’s best friend, persuades her to sign up for GeneticAlly, a new DNA-based matchmaking company that is set to change the dating world forever. Jess understands numbers, but she’s skeptical when her tests come back with a 98% compatibility with another GeneticaAlly subject: GeneticAlly’s founder, Dr. River Pena. GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get to know River and we’ll pay you. Jess can’t possibly turn down this opportunity—she’s barely making ends meet as it is—despite her skepticism of GeneticAlly’s methods and her dislike for River. As Jess and River are dragged from event to event as GeneticAlly’s “Diamond” pairing, Jess begins to realize that there may be more to River—and the science behind finding your soulmate—than she thought. I absolutely love all of Christina Lauren’s books, and this newest release doesn’t disappoint!
Jasmine recommends:
Mooncakes by Suzanne WalkerMooncakes is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel about witches, werewolves, and demons, with a dash of romance. Nova is a young witch, working in her grandmas’ bookshop, when her old friend and childhood crush, Tam comes back to town. Tam is a werewolf, who’s gotten mixed up with demons and dark forces that want to use their wolf powers. The characters and world are very fun and I especially love the grandmas. A good Fall read.
Kim recommends:
It’s Kind of a Cheesy Love Story by Lauren Morrill and
Donuts and Other Proclamations of Love by Jared Reck
Both are funny, touching teen novels about older high-school students finding love and friendship by making yummy food. Beck Brix was born in the restroom of the local pizzeria and she has been embarrassed by that her whole life, but she reluctantly takes a job at Hot ‘n Crusty when she turns sixteen. Oscar Olsson, on the other hand, loves working on the food truck owned by the Swedish grandfather who raised him, but Oscar hates high school. Both teens have to rethink their plans for the future, and their ideas about relationships. Luckily, they’ve got more good friends than they realized, and love interests who bring out the best in them.
Amie recommends:
Survivor Song by Paul Tremblay
I HATE ZOMBIES! So, what happens when you’re pregnant and becoming a zombie? Can the baby be saved? This story’s mutated-rabies-strain makes a zombie apocalypse seem plausible. The science is spot-on and the ride is furious. Worth it, even if you hate zombies.
The Cured I HATE ZOMBIES! But this was a thought-provoking film about what happens when you cure zombies, if you even do. Just the right amount of scary if you watch it during the day.
County Librarian Deb Fader Samson recommends:
Through A Dog’s Ear by Joshua Leeds (available on Hoopla)
Joshua Leeds produced the psychoacoustically designed classical music that reduces anxiety behaviors twice as effectively as regular classical music because it is slowed down and tuned to a dog’s nervous system. The pianist is Lisa Spector.
Tempest by Jesse Cook (available on Hoopla)
He’s a brilliant flamenco guitarist and his music has both Spanish and Middle Eastern sounds. It will make you happy and want to dance.
August 2021 Picks
County Librarian Deb Fader Samson recommends:
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
This Sci-Fi, but not book is about a robot AF, Artificial Friend, named Klara that is solar powered and believes the Sun to be a God capable of saving her human companion from a terrible unnamed illness. Klara is simple and kind and sees the goodness in others. She is a very keen observer and is insightful about what motivates others. The book deals with what makes up an identity and is really haunting. It’s a beautiful story.
As I Lay Dying (DVD) (also available on Hoopla)
I loved the 2013 movie As I Lay Dying directed by James Franco. It is based on the classic William Faulkner novel, but unless you love Faulkner and/or are familiar with the novel, it may just seem strange and sad.
Sarah Morse, teen volunteer, recommends:
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera is a young adult book about people who get phone calls saying they are going to die sometime in that day. They usually receive the call around midnight and the caller suggests that the person lives their life to the fullest. They can die from any reason and there is no way to stop it. It could be a burning house, if you choose to stay home and try to prevent it. You could be attacked by squirrels. Anything can happen.
You may be lucky and receive the call when you’re eighty years old or it could be a mother receiving the call and getting warned that her newborn daughter is going to die that way. For Mateo and Rufus, the call was received during their late teenage years. They are complete strangers with very different lives. Mateo lives alone, his father in the hospital in a coma. He’s more of an introvert with a few close friends. As for Rufus, both of his parents died in a car crash when he was younger. He lives in foster care and is pretty carefree.
The two strangers meet through an app that pairs people with each other. There are so many things they think about doing. So many people to say goodbye to. The only problem is they don’t know how much time they have. What will they do to have an amazing last day? This is a great book that keeps you wanting to learn more. You get to know each of the characters like they’re your best friends. I strongly suggest reading this amazing book by Adam Silvera.
Jennifer recommends:
Roommaid by Sariah WilsonPeggy recommends:
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker
This was the first book I read after Where the Crawdads Sing that I couldn’t put down. We Begin at the End is a mystery but that’s the least important aspect of this book. This is a well-written character-driven novel about love, loss, friendship, revenge, family and forgiveness. I HIGHLY recommend this book. PS grab some tissues
Kim recommends:
Evil Librarian by Michelle Knudsen is a hilarious Young Adult horror novel. Heroine Cynthia “Cyn” Rothschild’s biggest problem at the beginning of the book seems to be how to deal with her crush on classmate Ryan, but soon her best friend Annie’s crush on Mr. Gabriel, the new school librarian, is causing all sorts of problems, especially since he turns out to be a demon! Cyn’s first-person narration is snarky, sweet, clever, brave, down-to-earth, and pop-culture savvy. (She’s the lead tech person for the school’s production of Sweeney Todd, which everyone, especially the demons, is eagerly anticipating.) What I especially loved about this book, besides Cyn’s voice, was that it turned YA cliches on their heads and kept throwing in surprising plot twists. Not too gory, but with suggestive content (although no more than kissing actually happens) and a few swear words, so I’d recommend this to high-schoolers and adults who enjoy YA fiction that’s not the same-old same-old.
Ren recommends:
Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV series (DVD)
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started this show, but it’s really a gem in the world of Star Wars media. Chronologically the show takes place between Episode 2 and 3 of the Star Wars movies. Personally I love how much it expands on the characters and backstories, particularly with Anakin and Clones. I appreciate the development of Anakin, his issues with the Jedi, and his whole journey leading up to Revenge of the Sith. It also introduces fantastic new characters like Ahsoka Tano, Anakin’s apprentice, and numerous clones who have fascinating storylines of their own. They all have my entire heart. Highly recommend, especially to any Star Wars fan.
John recommends:
Irma La Douce (DVD) with Shirley McClaine & Jack Lemmon I first saw this film when it came out and it is an excellent comedy, if a little long. Irma is a working girl with whom Jack Lemmon’s character falls in love, and after he frees her from her pimp he has to work many jobs to buy all of Irma’s time. Oh, and did I mention that this takes place in Paris? It is sweet and funny.
Amie recommends:
Devolution: a firsthand account of the Rainier Sasquatch massacre by Max Brooks
In case you’re wondering about Bigfoot being a warm, fuzzy snuggle-bunny, read this book. (I still think he’s a warm, fuzzy snuggle-bunny.)
Dracula (DVD)My new boyfriend, Claes Bang, stars as an updated version of Dracula from the creators of Sherlock. I LOVE HIM! I think I know this mini-series by heart. It’s so much fun.