Library Staff Directory
Posted Feb 27, 2015
Winter is almost over (hopefully), but we’re still reading away our winter blues in our first adult reading program! This week, we let our participants select the #FridayReads based off reviews they submitted. And, if you haven’t turned in your reading log yet, we look forward to hearing from you. The program ends March 13th so make sure to get them in!
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel; recommended by Pam H.
In Station Eleven, Emily St. John Mandel weaves together the lives of characters in a pre- and post-apocalyptic worldwide flu pandemic. Flashing back and forward in time throughout the narrative, readers are caught up in the before and after stories, most of which are centered around the arts. This uniquely written book skips the dark savagery of many post-apocalyptic novels, and instead gets us to ponder what else is necessary besides basic survival in any world we inhabit. Station Eleven is extremely engaging and would appeal to both adults and teens.
Sacred Economics: Money, Gift & Society in the Age of Transition by Charles Eisenstein; recommended by Joel O.
The author of Sacred Economics says a world of abundance—full of beauty, quiet, intimacy, generosity and possessions made well and easily repaired—is what we’re evolving toward and is our right. It gives a view of economics that is much different from the news media’s. I recommend it.
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn; recommended by Emily M.
Sharp Objects is a story about a young, aspiring reporter who covers the story of multiple murders in her hometown. She struggles with her family and her memories of childhood along with the loss of her younger sister years earlier. I enjoyed reading the plot twists and trying to solve the murders along with her. It was very well written, and I would recommend this book.
Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick; recommended by Mary P.
A personal narrative of six North Korean defectors—their lives in North Korea, their desperation/determination to flee, and life after their successful defections. I loved the book—the stories of labor camps, personal/family experiences of these individuals are an eye opener and a glimpse of how one man controlled everything about their lives in their native country and how/why they grew blindly to follow him. I have recommended it others already!
Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter by Lisa Patton; recommended by Mary Jo K.
Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter is an easy to read story about a young family (husband, wife, and two small children) who uproot themselves from Tennessee to pursue the husband’s dream of owning and running a bed and breakfast and restaurant in Vermont. The story, told by the wife, Leelee, touches upon relationships as well as hilarious everyday happenings like their dog running lose in the restaurant because it is too cold and snowy to go outside. For these reasons, I recommend this book. Very funny.
Imagine: How Creativity Works by Jonah Lehrer; recommended by Julie R.
Of the three, Imagine was by far my favorite. I read a Goodreads review that the book was pulled from publication due to questionable research, but I thought the author made some excellent points regardless. As a musician and music teacher, I learned a lot about what I do and why—and how to increase my creativity in future activities.
The Snow Angel by Glenn Beck; recommended by Mary Alice K.
The Snow Angel by Glenn Beck touches on a timely topic- domestic abuse. They appeared to be an ideal family, but behind closed doors, he controlled her down to the smallest detail. Only the pastor’s wife, with whom she attended a bible study with, guessed the truth. And the eleven year-old daughter is the one who dared to openly confront the issue at a family dinner. I would definitely recommend this book for adults.
Thank you to all who have submitted reviews! We look forward to more!
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