Winter Staff Picks
FICTION:
The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton – There are books that stay with me long after I have finished reading them. This novel is one of those. It’s the story in which the state of Florida is abandoned as a result of fierce storms and rising sea levels, and of a girl who grows into an old woman as she navigates the uncertainty and brutality of a rapidly changing world. If you liked Station Eleven and Where the Crawdads Sing, I recommend this book that (as Booklist says) “paints a luminous and wrenching portrait of a frighteningly possible future.” —Beth’s Pick
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka – Over the last twenty years I’ve made a point of reading each of the Booker prize for fiction selections and 2022’s winner didn’t disappoint. When Maali Almeida, a Sri Lankan gambler, gay man, atheist and most importantly photographer of his country’s atrocities wakes up dead, he has seven nights as a ghost to discover who killed him before he moves on to the afterlife. This book wraps the story of Maali’s life into the last 40 years of Sri Lanka’s history and civil wars brilliantly and irreverently. —Ryan’s Pick
Are You Mad At Me? by Tyler and Cody Feder – This endearing picture book tells the tale of Opal Feather – a sweet but anxious ostrich who is tasked with picking up a special dessert on the day of her family’s annual party. On the way to the bakery, she misconstrues the actions of various friends she encounters – repeatedly fretting that every single one is mad at her! Her friends assure her that they are not mad at her at all – one anglerfish friend even exclaims “this is just my face!” This is a comforting and silly story about anxiety – perfect for kids and for anyone who worries that someone is mad at them! —Alena’s Pick
The Book Woman’s Daughter by Kim Michele Richardson – This sequel to The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek (also recommended), continues the story of packhorse librarians traveling in the rugged terrain of the Appalachian mountains in Kentucky. Honey Lovett’s difficult life is further complicated since she is daughter of the previous packhorse librarian, a Kentucky blueblood in prison with her husband, accused of interracial marriage. —Davonne’s Pick
The Reformatory by Tananarive Due – A heartbreaking story about family and being Black in the South during the mid-century. Very dark at times, this story had a lot of hope, love, violence, and even a few ghosts. —Helen’s Pick
Bright Young Women: A Novel by Jessica Knoll – This thriller is based on the women who were murdered or otherwise affected by Ted Bundy. The media has often portrayed him as charismatic, smart, and handsome. Jessica Knoll tears apart those myths and takes a very different approach to telling the story. While the main characters are fictional, the author focuses on their stories and leaves you questioning how our society portrays true crime. —Sarah’s Pick
Once Upon a Tome by Oliver Darkshire – It’s witty, it’s whimsical, it’s wonderful! Step into the hushed interior of Sotheran’s – one of the oldest bookshops in the world located on a back street in London and meet Oliver Darkshire, an apprentice in dire need of a job. He soon takes us on a mesmerizing journey of Sotheran’s joyous disorganization, it’s happily old-fashioned staff, and weird and wonderful clientele. Of course there are suspicious cupboards, unlabeled keys, poisonous books, and some interesting items that aren’t even books. Not only funny but emotionally satisfying too. –Pam’s Pick
NONFICTION:
Within Arm’s Length by Dan Emmett [audiobook] – In his memoir, career Secret Service agent Dan Emmet gives us insights on the intense training, enormous responsibilities and unique challenges of the agents who protect our presidents and their families. “Eye-opening” doesn’t begin to describe what you’ll learn about what happens anytime the president leaves his desk. I was amazed by the extraordinary planning and preparations that agents are responsible for to ensure the president’s safety in strange circumstances and frequently uncontrollable situations. –Tom’s Pick
First to the Front: The Untold Story of Dickey Chapelle by Lorissa Rinehart – From the beginning of WWII through the early days of Vietnam, female photojournalist Dickey Chapelle chased dangerous assignments her male colleagues wouldn’t touch. She pioneered a radical style of reporting that focused on the humanity of the oppressed. She dove out of planes, survived torture in a communist Hungarian prison, and endured mockery of male associates before ultimately dying on assignment in Vietnam with the Marines in 1965 – the first American female journalist killed while covering combat. The author uncovers her incredible life and unparalleled achievements and the mark she would make on history. I found this book both disturbing and inspiring. –Pam’s Other Pick
Well, This is Exhausting: Essays by Sophia Benoit – I feel obligated to say this memoir may not be for you. But I loved the humorous, insightful essays by this millennial, feminist, comedic journalist. Think Nora Ephron, but cruder. I’m not sure if the draw of her writing is her talent of tapping into the collective memory and imagination of her demographic, or of my mind, specifically. Either way, if you’re open to learning about one woman’s millennial upbringing and feminist critique on society, dating, and body dysmorphia, you might give it a try. I found it searing, dreamy, vulnerable, ridiculous, and quite funny. —Reine’s Pick
Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America by Heather Cox Richardson – A compelling, historical and readable account of how the United States arrived at the current state of affairs, and the struggle to maintain the commitment to democracy. Richardson calmly details the past, present, and a potential roadmap to the future. —Davonne’s Other Pick
Cheers to Michigan: A Celebration of Cocktail Culture and Craft Distillers by Tammy Coxen and Lester Graham – Based on the authors’ show Cheers! on Michigan Radio (NPR), this book includes 45 cocktail recipes with a Michigan twist, highlighting Michigan spirits and the history of craft cocktails in the state. Perfect for those who love cocktails and all things Michigan! —Reine’s Other Pick