Charlevoix Public Library  Where your imagination takes flight

Staff Picks

 

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

 Past Picks

Fall 2023
Summer 2023
Spring 2023
Winter 22-23 
2022 Fall 
 2022 Summer
2022 Spring
Best Book 2021 CPL Staff
2021 Fall
2021 Summer
2021 Spring
2020-21 Winter
2020 Fall
2020 Summer
2019 Fall
2019 Summer
2019 Spring
2019 Winter 
2018 Fall
2018 Summer
2018 Spring
2018 Winter
2017 Fall

2017 Summer
2017 Spring
2017 Winter
2016 Fall
2016 Summer
2016 Spring
2015 Winter
2015 Fall
2015 Summer
2015 Spring
2014 Winter
2014 Fall
2014 Summer
2014 Spring
2013 Winter
2013 Fall
2013 Summer
2013 Spring

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