Welcome to another round of Staff Picks! We’ve got some great suggestions from the staff in Administration, Adult Services, Technical Services, and Youth Services! If you like what you see and would like more suggestions, check out last week’s post!
Guy (Administration) recommends: The Killing Floor by Lee Child
Category: Adult Fiction
Guy says: Lee Child is a nom de plume for British author Jim Grant. He has written 24 Jack Reacher novels, with a 25th due out in October. Reacher is a rootless ex-Army MP (left the service involuntarily with rank of major) who travels to numerous US destinations on a whim. He gets involved with people who have serious problems and tries to set matters right. Sort of a knight errant or a samurai without a master. Warning: the scenes of hand to hand combat and gunshot wounds are very graphic. I was just introduced to him in March and am so glad I was.
Joanne (Adult Services) recommends: Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
Category: YA Fiction
Joanne says: Stephenie Meyer finally made good on her promise to write Twilight from Edward’s perspective. At nearly 700 pages, much of Midnight Sun takes place in Edward’s head. Lots of thoughts interwoven with some key events fans will remember – the accident in the school parking lot, the shopping trip to Port Angelis and the baseball game. The crux of the action centers around the escape to Phoenix to elude James and wraps up with Prom. For your time and effort, you will get the backstory on the whole Cullen clan and a sentimental journey back to Forks.
Robin (Technical Services) recommends: Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal
Category: Adult Fiction
After his wife falls in love with wine (and a handsome sommelier), Lars Thorvald is left to raise their baby daughter, Eva, by himself. Lars is determined to share his love of good food with Eva, starting with pureed pork shoulder. As Eva grows older, she finds comfort and solace in the familiar flavors of her native Minnesota, culminating in the ultimate meal as she becomes a star chef. Each delectable chapter brings together a character and a dish, in a beautiful blending of nourishment and identity.
Cathy (Youth Services) recommends: Brave Like That by Lindsey Stoddard
Category: Juvenile Fiction
Cathy says: Sixth-grader Cyrus believes that he isn’t brave like his dad, who’s a firefighter and former football star. Cyrus has become a pro at faking people out: faking that he enjoys football; faking that he can comprehend what he reads; and faking that he still wants to be best friends with two boys who have turned into bullies. With the help of a stray dog and a few new friends, Cyrus discovers that he’s brave in all the ways that matter most. This compassionate read teaches us that standing up for something can help us stand up for ourselves.
Jamie (Youth Services) recommends: Summer and July by Paul Mosier
Category: Juvenile Fiction
It’s going to be the worst summer ever. Twelve-year-old Julliet is going to spend the summer with her mom in the small seaside town of Ocean Park, California. And of course, Julliet will be all alone (like usual) while her mom is working. Her dad is travelling Europe with his new girlfriend, and Julliet is not allowed to talk to her best friend, Fern. Fern took the blame for Juillet’s goth-girl clothes and “not-real” fears, like sharks and rip currents and the number three. But, then, she meets Summer, a local surfer girl, and everything changes. Summer is fun and free-spirited, pulling Julliet out of her shell. But, when Summer reveals secrets of her own, it’s Julliet’s turn to be the supportive friend.
