February Staff Picks for Bibliophiles
"We read to know we're not alone." - William Nicholson
When a book wins both the Hugo and Nebula Awards (as well as the Arthur C. Clark Award, Locus Award, etc.) it’s advisable for sci-fi fans to pay attention. Such is the case with Ancillary Justice, the debut novel by Ann Leckie. It is the story of Breq, a soldier with a mysterious past at the center of a secret, empire-spanning conspiracy. Set millenia in the future in a universe of sentient warships, intricate cultural traditions, and networked minds, Leckie presents to us a world that is both utterly alien and intimately human. It’s a must-read for fans of space opera and sci-fi in general. Also available as an eBook.
- Recommended by Will
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Hot off the massive success of her Imperial Radch trilogy, Ann Leckie has given us yet another story set in the same universe. Far from the Radch, a young woman becomes embroiled in a heist that quickly spirals into a deadly mystery. Trapped at the center of competing political powers and alien species, she must find a way to save herself, her family, and her planet from disaster. This book is perfect for fans of Ancillary Justice, itself a book that I would highly recommend reading before starting this one. Also available as an eBook.
- Recommended by Will
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“But what does it mean, the plague? It's life, that's all.”
When people think of Camus, they mostly focus on The Stranger. Which is absolutely a book everybody should read, by the way. Somehow, for reasons I can’t begin to understand, people pass over The Plague. And that’s a huge mistake. Far more than The Stranger, The Plague explores the nuances of humanity and what it means to live a meaningful life. How do people react when quarantined within a city, surrounded by death? What can people do in the face of such terror? The novel was published in 1947, while the ruins of Europe were still smoldering. Camus was confronted by the horrors of war and the results of man’s inhumanity. Yet The Plague presents such a beautiful and hopeful depiction of mankind that it’s difficult not to have faith in our ability to persevere through the darkness. Available as an audiobook or eBook.
- Recommended by Will
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This book has been around for 400 years and people are still reading it. It’s considered the first European novel and has influenced countless authors and works since its publication. And on top of that, it’s an amazingly fun read! Don Quixote is mostly known for depicting the escapades of a mad ‘knight’ who tilts at windmills, but there’s so much more to it than that. That windmill scene? It happens near the very beginning of the book-- in the eighth chapter! So many noteworthy things happen afterwards that it’s a wonder we only talk about the windmills. If you’re a lover of literature and you still haven’t gotten to Don Quixote, it’s time. Available as an eBook or audiobook.
- Recommended by Will
“The truth about the world, he said, is that anything is possible. Had you not seen it all from birth and thereby bled it of its strangeness it would appear to you for what it is, a hat trick in a medicine show, a fevered dream, a trance bepopulate with chimeras having neither analogue nor precedent, an itinerant carnival, a migratory tentshow whose ultimate destination after many a pitch in many a mudded field is unspeakable and calamitous beyond reckoning.”
Oh my goodness, this book. I have so much to say but no words to say it. Before reading Blood Meridian, I had no idea that such dark things could be described with such beauty. Nearly every sentence of this book is both amazing and horrifying, and I can’t recommend it enough. Available in both eBook and audiobooks formats.
- Recommended by Will
If you’ve ever considered reading Crime and Punishment or The Brothers Karamazov but were intimidated by the length or the notion of Russian literature in general, this is a great book to assuage your fears. Each novella offers a wonderful glimpse into Dostoevsky’s work, and both are immensely rewarding to read. The first is story of a man’s spiral into madness, and the second a dark recounting of addiction, chance, and false hope. Who knew that Russian literature could be so cheerful? Available as an eBook.
- Recommended by Will
There’s a reason that this book has remained an important part of American literature despite its subject matter. I will confess that this may be one of the most disturbing things that I have read-- and I’m a huge Cormac McCarthy fan, so that’s saying something. This book is insidious and dark and deeply troubling, but it is at the same time one of the most beautifully written and well-crafted novels that I have ever encountered. It’s frustratingly difficult to articulate the mixture of awe and revulsion I experienced while reading Lolita, as it’s something I’ve never experienced with any other book. Nabokov’s beautiful descriptions of America make it clear that he understands this country and is able to express it in a way that few can, but these scenes are juxtaposed against a horrible, tragic, and disgusting crime. I don’t know what the moral of this book is, and I’m pretty sure there isn’t one. But I couldn’t put it down. Available in both eBook and audiobook formats.
- Recommended by Will
“The strongest of all warriors are these two — Time and Patience.”
Given the heft and scope of this book, the above seems like an appropriate quote from War and Peace. It’s an admittedly difficult book to approach. On top of its length, a fair portion of it is in French (with translation, of course). It may have the worst opening and closing lines of any book I know, and you might need several dozen pages to get all the characters straight. All in all, it’s not something to be taken lightly. But if you do choose to read it, you will be immensely rewarded. It’s amazingly philosophical in scope and beautifully written. The characters have a depth that seems unparalleled, and their fictitious lives merge seamlessly with the historical events of the time. What’s it about? Well, war. And peace, of course. It’s about Napoleon’s conquest of Europe and the beginnings of unrest within the Russian Empire. And it’s about love, fate, and what propels the currents of history. There’s so much within this book that it’s a miracle Tolstoy was able to make it so short. Available in eBook and audiobook.
- Recommended by Will
In a world that has no mortality and everyone can live forever, there still has to be population control of some sort. This is the job of the Scythes. They are above everyone and all things, they choose who is to die and no one knows it’s coming. Citra and Rowan have been chosen to become Scythes, after each encounters one at a gleaning. This is a totally new world for them and are not sure what will be next on this road of death. This book really puts moral issues into perspective and makes you feel strongly about the situations that the characters are put into. Available in both eBook and audiobook.
- Recommended by Chris
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This is a wonderfully fun picture book. It is a great read aloud book with so many things to talk about while reading it. And at the end it has a great message about friendship.
- Recommended by Chris
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Little Penguin is so little and it’s such a big world out there that he doesn’t know how to be brave enough to learn how to swim. Even when the other penguins make fun of him. With wonderful illustrations and big fun fonts, this is joy to read aloud. And a great lesson book to be able to overcome your fears.
- Recommended by Chris
I loved the False Prince Series by Jennifer Nielsen. So I knew that I would love this new series as well. Jennifer does a wonderful job writing strong characters that you truly see their inner struggles. Kestra has lived to long in exile from the gentry that she grew up. Her world and her view points have changed to much in the 3 years she spent in the Lava Fields that when she is faced with the challenging choices that she has to make, that she is strong enough to do so. Even when the choice isn’t always the right one at the time. Jennifer’s books are so full of action from the first page that I just couldn’t put it down until it was done. Available in both eBook and audiobook.
- Recommended by Chris
This powerful compilation of 10 articles on emotional intelligence originally published in the Harvard Business Review is a must read. You do NOT need to be a business person or student to appreciate this book. I’m a social worker by trade and found countless paragraphs that shed light on the “whys” behind things like my decision making skills, self-awareness and reasoning, as well as how to improve my skills. Like they say…”the more you know”! Available in both eBook and audiobook.
- Recommended by Katie G.
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As a stenographer’s daughter I think about words a lot. This fun dictionary-style book answers the question “where does that phrase come from” or “what the heck does that even mean” for several hundred words and expressions. So don’t be a “snob”, pick this book up with your “southpaw” and make sure you’re vocabulary is “up to snuff”.
- Recommended by Katie G.
I found The Island of Dr. Moreau at the perfect place and time in my childhood, and I credit it as the book that changed my life forever. It was the book that initially sparked my insatiable love of reading. Edward Prendick is shipwrecked at sea, and is rescued by crewmates of Dr. Moreau. Edward is taken back to their home island, and quickly discovers the horrible secrets concealed there: Dr. Moreau is creating human-like hybrids from the animals and beasts on his island, in an attempt to find what makes a being “human.” This book is terrifying, and will keep you completely engrossed until the very end. The Island of Dr. Moreau is a beautiful contemplation on morality and human nature. Available in eBook and audiobook.
- Recommended by Marissa
As someone with a very detached and uncomfortable connection to their own childhood, The Ocean at the End of the Lane resonated with me deeply, and wrapped me into a state of nostalgia that I wasn’t aware I was capable of. When a middle-aged man returns to the home of his youth, he is dragged deep into his forgotten memories of a childhood much stranger than one could ever imagine. Forty years prior, a man committed suicide in the area, and his death unleashed a darkness so cruel and dangerous that no (human) adult could possibly face it - let alone a small child. This is where we meet the Hempstock family - three generations of strong women living on a farm, who are nothing like what they appear to be. Together, they set out on a journey to protect the land that they care for, no matter the cost. I am a huge fan of Neil Gaiman - have read all of his novels (for both kids and adults), his comic books, his nonfiction - and this one is so drastically different from the rest. I have never loved one of his books like I do this one. Available in eBook and audiobook.
- Recommended by Marissa
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Mokhtar Alkhanshali is like the Indiana Jones of coffee, and Dave Eggers is the perfect person to record his story. Mokhtar was a first generation Yemeni-American living in the slums of San Francisco when he discovered his passion for coffee. This passion led him to his ancestral land of Yemen, where he delved deeply into the countries rich history with coffee. But in 2015, when civil war broke out and ripped across Yemen, Mokhtar had to find a way to get back to America without giving up of his dreams, or on his people. This is a beautiful tale of struggle, persistence, passion, justice, and the pursuit of the American dream. Available in eBook and audiobook.
- Recommended by Marissa
Admiral McRaven shares the lessons he learned during his Navy SEAL training. Although he is now retired, McRaven acknowledges that he has successfully incorporated these lessons into his daily life … and they have made a difference! This short but full-of-wisdom read is divided into ten chapters, each one highlighting the ten lessons. The book is fun, light-hearted, and full of life examples. The first chapter is … START OFF BY MAKING YOUR BED.
- Recommended by Virgie
After reading and loving Kristin Hannah’s last book The Nightingale, I was excited to dive into her newest book. The story that Hannah tells in The Great Alone is so insightful, so powerful, but I can’t tell you specifics. What I can tell you is that the wilds of Alaska (1970’s) is the setting of her story. Two young teens, living a traumatized life become damaged souls, and the suffering of PTSD (before the term was even coined) is precisely experienced. This story takes a good look at “change” in the pristine lives of Alaska, It’s a real thought-provoker. I loved it!
- Recommended by Virgie
This intense mystery keeps you on the edge of your page until the very end! It is a story of a marriage gone wrong, but it is way more than that! Just when you think you have the plot figured out, another clever twist appears and you’re left with a jaw-dropping need to read even faster! I thought the title would give me some clues, but no, you must read between the lines! If you want to take an inside look at strange relationships and uncertainty, then I’m sure you’ll enjoy this read!
- Recommended by Virgie
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The love story begins when Roy, a poor country boy marries Celestial, a cosmopolitan gal from the big city. They come from two separate realities, but are oh, so in love! After being married for a year Roy is sentenced to 12 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Celestial is supported by her childhood friend, Andre. And so begins the love triangle. Love is complex, and Jones takes an intimate look into the souls of her characters, revealing the pain of racial injustice and being trapped in a tragic situation. I chose this book because Tayari Jones has been selected as an author at our next Literary Sojourn. I look forward to hearing her speak and share her wisdom!
- Recommended by Virgie
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In Hiddensee, the bestselling author of Wicked introduces his audience to old Bavaria and its mysteries. It starts when a boy in the woods is tricked and betrayed by his foster parents, and runs away, only to find himself in a mysterious forest surrounded by unknown figures, and given an unknown task. What begins is the biggest little tale ever told. With mystery, intrigue, and all the elements one expects of a classic fairytale, McGuire introduces characters both familiar and unknown. This is the perfect novel for fans of twisted classic tales, with just the right balance of mysticism skepticism to keep the reader guessing until the very end!
- Recommended by Jenna
Forget everything you think you know about dystopian fiction. Sully and Augustine are worlds apart, literally. Sullivan is on a space mission returning from Jupiter. Augustine is an astronomer alone with a strange child at a remote Arctic research base. This is where they are when the world goes silent. With no knowledge of what’s happened outside their spheres of existence, Sully and Augustine are forced to deal with the unknown possibilities in front of them. Both reminiscing about family they left behind, choices they’ve made, and choices they have left to make, our heroes circumstances become increasingly intermingled until they’re both forced to confront the ultimate question. How you you deal with an uncertain future when you’re uncertain about yourself? Fans of Eowyn Ivey or Station Eleven will love this novel. Available as a paperback and audiobook!
- Recommended by Jenna
Set in a world where coins are extracted from your blood, and the wealthy drink a few extra years in their afternoon tea, Jules Ember and her father are among the poorest citizens. Driven away from their middle class existence as servants in Everless by a cruel twist of fate, Jules risks returning as a maid for pay that will save her father from bleeding out his last drop. But returning to a life you’ve already left never turns out the way you expect it to. When punishments included having a year drained at will, Jules finds she must be careful in this world of intrigue and danger, where your friends are not your friends and your enemies are even worse. Secrets come to life in the shadows, and with every step Jules get pulled deeper into the dark history of Everless. I love the darker turn this novel takes and the concept of time as currency. It’s perfect for fans of Marie Lu and Sarah J Maas.
- Recommended by Jenna
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And I Darken took its place as one of my new favorite novels within the first twenty pages. This amazing historical fiction reimagines Vlad Dracula as Lada Dracul, and explores what what history might have been had this legendary figure been born a woman. Don’t expect to find any vampires here though, as White explores the already fascinating history between the Hungarians, the Ottomans, and Wallachia, the traditional kingdom of the Draculesti family that was alway caught between those two warring empires. Taken as a political hostage with her younger brother as a child, Lada rallies against the expectations of her captors and her family, to become as powerful and brutal as her historical inspiration. Kiersten White’s writing is powerful and evocative, and takes you back to the misty wilderness of south-eastern Europe, and the spicy, colorful courts of the Ottoman capital. The first of a trilogy, the sequel is equally thrilling, and I eagerly await the final installment that is due in July. Available in paperback and audiobook format!
- Recommend by Jenna
The Crooked Path follows a group of young people in Italy and South Africa during World War II in their journeys in life and love. I am usually not one for a romance novel, but this sweet story of how people from all walks of life wound their way to one another over the course of a lifetime was particularly captivating, and so much more than just a story of romance and affection. I was enthralled by the storyline and characters, and frustrated by the gender roles perpetuated in the story. I feel, nonetheless, that this lead to interesting discussions regarding the expectations of men versus women of the period.
- Recommended by Anne
What can I say about Wonder? I’m a twenty-four years old, and reading this knocked me seamlessly right back to elementary school. The characters are depicted as genuinely as they come. You can relate to the kid with the facial malformations as easily as the kids teasing him. No matter who you are, this novel hits close to home and portrays values we all had to learn. Everyone was once a ten-year-old, and everyone once judged someone else unfairly. Wonder will help you see the beauty of the whole story, and these kids will amaze you.
- Recommended by Anne
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This book still haunts me. This is not a book that you can just pick up and read on a leisurely Saturday afternoon. This book is work. From making sense of the various narrators’ stories, to hunting for answers in the appendix without understanding the question, this book will keep you busy. Reading House of Leaves is like getting dropped face first into a bottomless pit where hints and scenes pass you by while you hunt for a reasonable explanation. Through the ridiculous and fantastic story relayed in House of Leaves, you will find yourself thinking that an ever-expanding house couldn’t possibly be spooky, or real--or could it? I should also mention that this book is a lot of fun.
- Recommended by Anne
For all of those families with or without bunnies in the home, here is a sweet book! Not only does this book highlight an adorable spring theme, but it also touches on the adjustments to bringing a new member into the family. This book will have you reminiscing over The Fox and The Hound, with illustrations like The Velveteen Rabbit. Enjoy!
- Recommended by Anne
Having never read Pullman’s famous Golden Compass series, I wasn’t sure if I would ‘get’ his prequel (or “equel,” as he’s called it), or be interested in it. I was surprised how immediately I was swept into the story, which starts when the protagonist of the Golden Compass series, Lyra, is just a baby in the care of some local nuns. Pullman follows Malcom, a plucky young tavern boy, as he slowly becomes involved in a mysterious organization called Oakley Street. The organization involves him with Lyra’s father, Lord Asriel, and the dangerous task of keeping Lyra out of unsavory hands. After finishing La Belle Sauvage, I’m definitely motivated to start the Golden Compass series!
- Recommended by Megan
Red Clocks is set somewhere in the all too near future, where birth control is not only against the law but in some cases, punishable by death. The characters are lovely, imaginative, and believable, with a hint of sorcery to spice it up. We’re seeing women independent of men doing what needs to be done at the time; we’re also seeing the sisterhood that, regardless of anything, is US.
- Recommended by Katie D.
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Being poor and Southern in 1929 shouldn’t be a crime, yet trying to eke out a living for herself and her children seems to be, for Ella May Wiggins. She works in a textile mill in North Carolina, and wages are sinfully poor. Ella May makes a decision to join the union, and to go on strike. She sings the plight of the workers, black and white alike, and becomes a force which the union has to reckon with. Based on true events. Ella May becomes the symbol for the downtrodden worker, though she is white, she lives among the black population. She speaks up for the blacks who work and live in the same conditions, so she becomes a scapegoat for everything and everyone who opposes the mills.
- Recommended by Katie D.
