Adult Fiction

Heroes of the Frontier The Woman in Cabin 10 Dave Eggers Ruth Ware

When travel journalist Lo Blacklock is Josie is on the run with her invited on a boutique luxury cruise children. 's left her husband, around the Norwegian fjords, it seems her failing dental practice, and the like a dream job. But the trip takes a rest of her Ohio town to explore nightmarish turn when she wakes in Alaska in a rickety RV. the middle of the night to hear a body

being thrown overboard. With his trademark insight, humor, and pathos, Dave Eggers explores Ruth Ware has crafted her second this woman's truly heroic gripping, dark thriller in the Christie adventure, all the while exploring tradition. This page-turner toys with the concept of heroism in general. the classic plot of "the woman no one Brilliant, unpretentious, and highly would believe" with incredible language readable. and fun twists. Also a terrific, ~Alan’s and Leslie’s pick unabridged audiobook. ~Alan’s pick

They May Not Mean To, But Barkskins They Do Annie Proulx Cathleen Schine Spanning hundreds of years, this When Joy Bergman's husband dies, ambitious work tells the often brutal her children are shocked that she story of the Canadian and New doesn't agree with their ideas for lumber industry and all her. The book's title is from a those whom it enriched or displaced. Philip Larkin poem, and this funny and compassionate look at the Annie Proulx’s writing never ceases Bergman family brings Larkin's to thrill me. The weaving together of poem to life. the stories of multiple characters and the reader’s gradual realization of Schine captures the reality of aging, the impact one person’s fate can as well as how difficult it is for have on future generations is simply families to communicate — even amazing. when they love each other. ~Elizabeth’s pick ~Eileen’s pick

Pond An Unattractive Vampire Claire-Louise Bennett Jim McDoniel

Very hard to describe, Pond is made After a 300-year slumber, vampire up of connected short stories: musings Yuric Bile wakes to a world where on both the beauty and the hassles the modern undead are beautiful, of everyday things, the tiresomeness young and hiding in plain sight on of town life and the meddling of TV shows. With help from two neighbors, laziness, broken things, humans, he decides to track down and the gorgeousness of fruit. and show the glamorous undead how a real monster behaves. Why is this so good? It’s just beautifully written and I couldn’t Mingling darkness and humor, this put it down. I like I was completely debut fantasy fiction is original, in the narrator’s mind, and her mighty in its depiction of cultural observations on life and nature differences, and mostly very funny. never failed to keep me entertained. ~Joyce’s pick ~Elizabeth’s pick Adult Fiction

Before the Wind Lilac Girls Jim Lynch Martha Hall Kelly

Growing up on the Puget Sound, Set during WWII, we have Johannssen family has sailing stories of three very different in their blood, but the oldest women in separate locations brother, Josh, is left puzzling over being told simultaneously. what caused his siblings to flee, one to Africa, the other to points The characters were very unknown as a fugitive and pirate. endearing. ~Linda’s pick If you love the Puget Sound or sailing, you'll love Lynch's latest novel. ~Leslie’s pick

My Name is Lucy Barton What was Mine Elizabeth Strout Helen Klein Ross Lucy doesn’t come from much; One lie leads to another until 20 growing up poor has left scars and years later when the truth comes caused division. Lucy is lonely and out and carefully guarded secrets vulnerable, missing her family, are unraveled. In one impulsive confined to the hospital for nine moment multiple lives become weeks, and then her mother altered. When shock and tragedy unexpectedly shows up. strike some manage to move on with their lives while others The genuineness with which Strout choose to live in the lie, all of writes is familiar and comforting. which takes a toll. I find myself coming to care deeply for her characters. The past catches An intriguing read and exposé of up with the present in this tender the human psyche. heartfelt story of life and death ~Margo’s pick pain and sorrow. ~Margo’s pick

Your Heart Is a Muscle the Size of The Underground Railroad a Fist Colson Whitehead Sunil Yapa A fellow slave encourages Cora to This book is set against the run away, and they head north on backdrop of the 1999 World Trade a functional underground railroad, Organization protests in . complete with tracks and cars. Sunil Yapa invokes empathy and consideration for all sides involved. Whitehead details the terrors of slavery and recounts this brutal Yapa's plot builds substantially, piece of American history. as the violence in the protests ~Sarah’s pick escalates, and his characters’ flaws are revealed with superb timing. ~Sarah’s pick Adult Fiction Adult Graphic Novels An Unrestored Woman Shobha Rao Faith 01: Hollywood and Vine

In 1947, the Indian subcontinent was Jody Houser

partitioned into two countries, India When she's not typing up listicles and Pakistan. This collection of stories about cat videos, Faith makes a examines how this political decision secret transformation to patrol the forced a mass migration of humanity night as the City of Angels' own and how little control a person may leading — the sky-soaring have over his/her own destiny. Zephyr.

Months after finishing this collection A superhero comic series for people of short stories, I found myself thinking who hate superhero comics, Faith about the characters and how they is a body-positive series where managed to survive and adapt to size is never mentioned, but we their new circumstances. The characters can see our large heroine wear are well developed and often normal clothes and live a life free connected from story to story. of fat-shaming. And she kicks-butt! ~Teri’s pick ~Carol’s pick

Adulthood is a Myth: a Family Tree Volume 4 "Sarah Scribbles" Collection Ed Piskor Sarah Andersen Piskor continues his work telling Confronts head-on the horrors, the "origin stories" of hip hop's anxiety, and awkwardness of most important artists and of the modern adult life. itself. This book covers 1984 -1985 and has a large focus on the I hadn't heard of Sarah Andersen Def Jam . until I cataloged this book. Now I can't stop reading The large format, rough paper, everything she's ever written. and muted colors make reading Her comics are highly relatable about 80s hip hop feel closer than to any millennial, woman, or the 30 years that separate it from person in the world. It's also the present. Every book in this a fast read. series is worth a read, yet each ~Carol’s pick stands on its own equally well. ~Zac’s pick

Faster than Light Dark Night: a True Batman Story Brian Haberlin

Human beings have finally Author Paul Dini tells his personal discovered how to travel faster story of physical and psychological than the speed of light. This book, recovery after being seriously with the help of an iOS/Android beaten while walking home.

companion app, tells the story of I grew up watching the animated the first crew to venture deep into Batman cartoons that Dini created our universe. in the 90s. It’s fascinating to see Unlike what you might see on Star how those fictional characters Trek, the technology in this sci-fi became very real players in the title feels a little clunky, which author’s personal struggles. adds a layer of suspense to the ~Zac’s pick storytelling. ~Zac’s pick Adult Fiction Adult Graphic Novels

Goodnight Punpun We Stand on Guard Inio Asano Brian K. Vaughan

This manga centers around In a dystopian future, Canada has Onodera Punpun (drawn as a been attacked by its aggressive mostly formless bird to project a neighbors to the south. One group neutral character) as he grows up of Canadian citizens dares to defy in a very dysfunctional family. the American .

There's much complexity in The book's premise drew me in, and Punpun's family situation, and this it works really well in this short, manga does not hesitate to show one-volume format. Overall, it was the darker side of life and dabble in the gritty art style (a little reminiscent very serious topics. It is at once a of 's Robocop) that kept heavy and delightful read. me fully engaged to the end. ~Zac’s pick ~Zac’s pick Adult Nonfiction

Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman Hogs Wild Lindy West Ian Frazier

Shrill is an uproarious memoir, a A decade's worth of Frazier's feminist rallying cry in a world that delightful essays in which he goes thinks gender politics are tedious and wherever his curiosity takes him. that women, especially feminists, Whether the subject is wild hogs can't be funny. (they're gaining ground!), or making a Styrofoam substitute This book seriously changed my life. from fungus, he makes the reader I gained confidence in my body, my his willing companion. voice, and my own thoughts and opinions. I can't really put into words I enjoyed (or was terrified by — Asian what this book means to me; I just want carp — oh no) all of these essays, but I you to read it now. Lindy is a Seattle loved learning about Dutch artist writer and is pretty much the best. Theo Jansen and his strandbeests. ~Carol’s pick ~Eileen’s pick

Simple: Effortless Food, Big Evicted Flavors Matthew Desmond

Diana Henry Desmond spent four months interviewing poor inner-city families of Milwaukee who Another wonderful cookbook were dealing with eviction from poorly by James Beard Award winning maintained units owned by slumlords. author Henry. You may need to Most were spending 70% or more of go to the grocery store first, their income on rent, making their but these recipes are worth it. lives very difficult. And yes, once you have what you need on hand, they are Evicted has three distinct sections. simple. The majority tells the individual stories of these people. There is a section of I love how Henry encourages national facts, figures, and many home cooks to expand their ideas for solutions. Wrapping up this flavor options. Her recipes are excellent book is the author’s own easy to follow, too. experiences with his research ~Eileen’s pick ~Elizabeth’s pick Adult Nonfiction

Lust and Wonder The Perfect Horse: the Dar- Augusten Burroughs ing U.S. Mission to Rescue

In another chapter of Burroughs the Priceless Stallions Kid- life, (what happened after Dry), napped by the Nazis he delves into his love-life. After Elizabeth Letts

he settles for years in a bland but This book traces the lesser- stable relationship, the lies he’s known efforts of Hitler to been telling himself surface, and build a master race of the he endeavors to see more clearly. finest purebred horses, and

Each time I read a book by the heroic achievements of Burroughs I hesitate first, since American soldiers to rescue it’s not my usual fare, but then I them.

remember why I love his books. I loved her other book He still has it: honesty, humor, entitled The Eighty Dollar depth, and he really knows how Champion. to tell his story! ~Leslie’s pick ~Elizabeth’s pick

Cooking For Jeffrey Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Ina Garten Family and Culture in Crisis J.D. Vance Ina's most personal cookbook yet, Cooking for Jeffrey is filled One young man's journey from a with the recipes Jeffrey and their poverty-stricken area of Ohio to friends request most often, as the elite halls of Yale Law School. well as charming stories from Ina and Jeffrey's many years Far from being a feel-good story together. of 'bootstraps' upward mobility, most of the discussion revolves Ina always includes gorgeous around why his case is so rare for photos and foolproof recipes. individuals growing up in Rust Belt I have already tried a few and and Appalachian towns. It's a they are winners. powerful look at the effects of ~Leslie’s pick generational poverty. ~Lisa’s pick

Simple Matters: Living With Less Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and Ending Up With More and the Painting of the Water Erin Boyle Lilies Ross King The author explains that living in small apartments all her life has King masterfully chronicles the story forced her to pare down and keep of the creation of the Water Lilies, only the items that she really even as Monet was challenged with loves. aging, failing eyesight, the loss of his wife, and the advancing horrors of Of all the books I’ve been reading World War I. on organization lately, this has been one of my favorites. The This is a mesmerizing story of an artist's simple and beautiful design of the creative and process as well as book is a good representation of the challenges Monet overcame in his the author’s main message. 30-year effort to paint his magnificent ~Liz’s pick masterpiece at Giverny. ~Pat’s pick Adult Nonfiction

Fields of Battle: Pearl Harbor, the Grunt: The Curious Science of Rose Bowl, and the Boys Who Went Humans at War to War Mary Roach Brian Curtis Roach examines the odd intersection Curtis connects two seemingly between science and the military unrelated events: the Pearl Harbor with surreal and humorous results attack and, a few weeks later, the Rose through interviews with the Bowl — played in Durham, North ‘experts’ in the field. Carolina, because more air strikes were feared on the West Coast. You have to admire the author’s gung ho attitude and ability to This detailed intersection of sport keep a straight face when and war in World War II is gripping, investigating things like caffeinated occasionally tragic, but always rewarding meat, army fashion and maggot — filled with stories of real life therapy. champions in sport who soon became ~Richard’s pick warriors in battle. ~Pat’s pick

While the City Slept Kill 'Em and Leave Eli Sanders James McBride

In 2009, Isaiah Kalebu broke James McBride sets off to Into a home in the South Park explore the roots of the iconic neighborhood of Seattle, and soul legend, James Brown. brutally raped and attempted to kill two women. Sanders tries to This is a lyrical account of the explain how Isaiah's untreated racial environments that mental illness lead him to Teresa produced a legend. and Jennifer’s house. ~Sarah’s pick

This is a new classic in true , depicting the overpowering love between the two women and providing a rational voice for change. ~Sarah’s pick

Networks of New York: an Illustrated Of Arms and Artists: the American Field Guide to Urban Internet Revolution through Painters' Eyes Infrastructure Paul Staiti

Ingrid Burrington Chronicles the American Revolution

Behind our Internet connection on our through the stories of the five great phones, tablets, laptops, televisions, artists whose paintings animated the and refrigerators is a vast system of new American Republic: Charles hardware, cabling, and radio waves that Willson Peale, John Singleton Copley, join forces to make the whole thing work. John Trumbull, Benjamin West, and Gilbert Stuart. Despite the setting, this book deals with the same infrastructure The stories of these five artists and used across the US. The author breaks their vision of America during the dense technicalities into digestible Revolution is a fascinating study of chunks, so you’ll never look at a radio the effect of history on art, and art’s tower or camera the same way ability to shape our view of history. again. ~Pat’s pick ~Zac’s pick Young Adult Fiction

Running Girl As Old as Time Simon Mason Liz Braswell Garvie Smith is 16 with a level IQ who cannot be bothered with school; he What if Belle's mother cursed the smokes and hangs out with the bad boys. Beast? That tagline was all I need- But when 15 year-old Chloe Dow is ed to know — I had to read this murdered, Garvie comes up against the book, so that's all I'm giving you.

ambitious D.I. Singh — and both are I read this fresh take on Beauty determined to solve the . and the Beast, one of my favorite

I was so ready for a mystery I could tales of all time, completely in one devour, and was surprised to find day (literally could not sleep until myself flying through this page-turner. I'd read the last page) Garvie is an unlikeable main character, ~Carol’s pick but that was actually part of his charm. If that doesn't make sense, you need to read this! ~Carols pick

Genesis Girl A Study in Charlotte: a Char- Jennifer Bardsley lotte Holmes Novel Brittany Cavallaro Blanca has never been online and doesn’t even know how to text. Her Charlotte and Jamie, descendants lack of a virtual footprint makes her of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson extremely valuable, and upon graduation, and students at a Connecticut Blanca and those like her are sold to boarding school, team up to solve the highest bidders. a murder mystery.

A dystopian novel for those (like me) Anything relating to Sherlock who dislike dystopian novels. I was so Holmes is always a sure bet with invested in Blanca's story that I didn't me. What made this book stand want it to end. The author will be here out was how real the characters in 2017 as part of Everett Reads! So felt and how the author handled read this while you can! addiction. ~Carol’s pick ~Carol’s pick

Dreamology P.S. I Like You Lucy Keating Kasie West

Experiencing dreams about her soul Every day in chemistry class Lily mate all of her life, Alice meets the Abbott is finding notes left to her by real boy, Max, when she moves to a a mystery boy, love letters really, and new school and finds that their real she hopes they are from Lucas, her relationship is more complicated than crush. So when she finds out who their dream one. really wrote them, she’s shocked and unsure about how to respond. I've always been obsessed with the fantasy that you could dream about I used to pass notes when I was real people without having ever met younger, and so I'm predisposed to them, and maybe even communicate enjoy stories like this. While high school with them in the dream. This book tropes abound, I was surprised at the explores that idea, with a twist you twist at the end and want a re-read. If won't see coming. you want to swoon, read this book! ~Carol’s pick ~Carol’s pick Young Adult Fiction

The Way I Used to Be The Darkest Corners Amber Smith Kara Thomas

Eden is a freshman in high school Tessa travels back to her childhood when her brother’s best friend sneaks hometown to visit her father who is into her room at night and rapes her, very ill in prison, but instead gets turning her life upside down. She entangled in a murder mystery in knows she should tell someone but which she played a part 10 years the time is never right, so she before. Did she and ex-friend Callie attempts to deal with it on her own. help convict the wrong man?

Eden’s efforts to toughen herself In addition to plenty of suspense and test her level of damage by and mystery, I enjoyed Tessa’s experimenting with an older boy seemingly average character who, ring true and accurate. Told in four despite her challenging past, shows sections that represent her four years real determination to once and for of high school, Eden’s story, all too all learn the true identity of the common, is so important to hear. Ohio River Monster. ~Elizabeth’s pick ~Elizabeth’s pick

The Forgetting Highly Illogical Behavior Sharon Cameron John Corey Whaley

Every 12 years, the settlers of Solomon, a teenager with severe anxi- the colony of Canaan lose their ety and agoraphobia has figured out memories. Otherwise, life on their what he needs to do to survive — beautiful planet would be almost never leave the house. It's all going perfect. fine until Lisa bursts into his life, bent on helping Solomon, and winning a I'm always on the lookout for college scholarship in the process. unique science fiction for teens. Something that varies from the This novel manages to tell a very current dystopian "formula." funny coming of age story about ~Emily’s pick friendship, love, and all the awkwardness of being a teenager while also talking about mental illness in a respectful and enlightening manner. ~Jesse’s pick

The Girl from Everywhere Glass Sword Heidi Heilig Victoria Aveyard

Nix has the power to sail anywhere: A struggle between a tyrannical to the future, the past, and even empire and a rebel army, who are into mythical worlds. Now she separated by blood. The sequel to must decide whether to help her an equally compelling series beginner, father sail back in time and save Glass Sword showcases the best and her mother's life, even if doing worst of people in the tragedies of so might threaten Nix’s very war, in ways both honest and existence. heart-wrenching.

This book has such a fresh, creative Amazing characters, engaging plot, premise. It is a joy to slowly unpeel and it takes place in a truly unique the layers of Nix's past in this story world. 10/10 would recommend. that is one part swashbuckling ~Sammy’s pick adventure and one part historical mystery. ~Jesse’s pick Young Adult Fiction: Graphic Novels

Giant Days Goldie Vance John Allison Hope Larson

Best friends Susan, Esther, and Daisy Goldie wants to one day become the are rounding out their first semester at in-house detective at the resort where university where they find out college she lives with her dad, the manager. is more than academics. Add When the current detective encounters -hopping, hookups, breakups and a case he can't crack, he agrees to political scandal — this might be the mentor Goldie in exchange for her most eventful semester ever. help solving the mystery.

The ongoing saga of friendship and Goldie is the girl I always wanted personal discovery with laugh-out-loud to be: she gets to work with her best humor (or humour, since John Allison is friends, drive other people's cars English) never fail to impress me and (she's a valet), and solve mysteries on capture my undivided attention. If the side. Mix adventure, mystery, and you've never read a , start a dash of 1960s Florida — Welcome to at volume 1 and thank me later! the Crossed Palms Resort! ~Carol’s pick ~Carol’s pick

Patsy Walker aka Hellcat The Unbeatable Volume 1: Hooked on a Feline Beats Up the Kate Leth Ryan North and Erica Henderson

Patsy Walker returns to the In this standalone story, Squirrel spotlight in her first solo ongoing Girl will encounter her most series since the 60s! unbeatable, powerful, and dangerous enemy — herself! I know literally nothing about the old-school Patsy Walker. But I do If you haven't read The Unbeatable know that our modern lady works Squirrel Girl, this is your chance as a PI for lawyer She- and to try it out without having to fights crime as Hellcat. There are know what's what. Funny and tons of fun and puns thanks to outrageous, Squirrel Girl will legend Kate Leth. Lighthearted leave you in stitches. and witty — pick this up today. ~Carol’s pick ~Carol’spick

One-Punch Man Birth of Kitaro ONE Shigeru Mizuki (translated by Zack Davisson) An ordinary guy decides to be a hero and discovers that he can defeat This volume introduces Kitaro and anyone with just one punch. includes a few additional stories in Unfortunately, no one takes him a very accessible format. Kitaro, seriously or believes that he got his created in the late 1960s and a powers by sticking to a simple training mainstay in Japanese culture, routine. exists in a world of Japanese folklore. The series uses a lot of deadpan humor and is very self-aware. Each The detail and explanation of volume is a very quick read (20-30 yokai and Japanese folklore is minutes maximum), which for me, both entertaining and highly is a definite plus. informative. Mizuki’s storytelling ~Zac’s pick is a treat for readers of all ages. ~Zac’s pick Children’s Fiction

The Girl Who Drank the Moon The Princess in Black and the Kelly Regan Barnhill Hungry Bunny Horde Shannon Hale & Dean Hale An epic fantasy about a young girl raised by a witch, a swamp It’s a case of monstrous monster, and a Perfectly Tiny cuteness as the Princess in Dragon, who must unlock the Black encounters her biggest powerful magic buried deep challenge yet: a field overrun inside her. by adorable bunnies.

I made myself slow down while The Princess in Black series just reading this book. It wasn’t just right for children almost ready about finishing the story; it was a for chapter books. With bright world with rich characters and and colorful illustrations, short imagery. I enjoyed how critical chapters, and an appealing plot, thinking, empathy, and legend the books will entertain readers were interwoven in this magical and make them want more. fantasy. ~Andrea’s pick ~Andrea's pick

Kingdom of Wrenly: Pegasus Poison is Not Polite: a Wells & Quest Wong Mystery Jordan Quinn Robin Stevens

As Lucas and Clara set out to A tea party takes a poisonous investigate some mysterious turn, leaving Daisy and Hazel happenings in Wrenly, they with a new mystery to solve in discover a horse with wings the second novel of the Wells that is lost and in danger. & Wong Mystery series.

This is an adventurous beginning Book 2 in a series I'm obsessed chapter book series, with the with takes us back to 1930s right balance of illustrations England with boarding school and excitement to keep a new besties Daisy Wells and Hazel reader going. Wong. Sort of a Sherlock Holmes ~Andrea’s pick for middle grade readers, it'll capture your interest and heart. ~Carol’s pick

Towers Falling The Classy Crooks Club Jewell Parker Rhodes Alison Cherry Fifth grader Deja is in a new school, Twelve-year-old AJ is dreading and it’s a good one for the first time. spending the summer with her That’s the only thing going right in uber-strict grandmother — her life: she lives in a shelter; her that is, until she's recruited to dad is sick, and her mom, stressed. join Grandma Jo's madcap It’s 15 years after 9/11, and she band of thieves. is just learning about the tragedy.

Entrapment meets The Golden I listened to the audiobook version Girls! What more do you need? which is read by the author. While ~Carol’s pick the narration is a little shrill at times, I appreciated the intensity of feeling the author put into Deja’s voice. It is a believable tone for someone who has had a tough life. ~Elizabeth’s pick Children’s Fiction

The Inquisitor's Tale or, the Three The Book You're Not Supposed to Magical Children and Their Holy Dog Have (Timmy Failure Series, #5) Written by Adam Gidwitz, Illuminated Stephan Pastis by Hatem Aly Timmy and his imaginary(?) polar In the year 1242, a peasant girl and her bear friend, Total, are amateur recently resurrected dog become detectives with good intentions unlikely friends with a suddenly but not much common sense. So, orphaned Jewish boy and a giant of Timmy’s mother insists he close a boy who is studying to be a monk, down his detective agency, Total and just happens to be black. Failure.

We don't always see a lot of racial and This author also writes and cultural diversity in children's historical illustrates the comic strip Pearls Be- fiction, and there are reasons for that. fore Swine. The humor in this book is Historically, not all countries were as dry, wry, and full of sly diverse as they are today. cultural satire. ~Emily’s pick ~Emily’s pick

Lily and Dunkin Word of Mouse Donna Gephart James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein Lily is a transgender girl whose differences make her a target. Isaiah is a very smart mouse Dunkin is desperate to fit in and hide that gets separated from his his bi-polar disorder. After meeting family while escaping the one summer, they must figure out if “horrible place.” He joins their friendship can survive the cruel another mischief of mice that realities that surround them. help him in a grand adventure to rescue his family. This is a beautiful, heartfelt and narratively compelling story. But it is It was a really fun book, and also a marvelously empathetic work has a happy ending (of course!) that does an incredible job placing Kids will enjoy Isaiah’s “can do” the reader in the shoes of these two attitude, and his optimism and unique, resilient characters. words of wisdom are inspiring. ~Jesse’s pick ~Linda’s pick

Sweet Home Alaska Ghosts Carole Estby Dagg Raina Telgemeier

It's 1934 and times are tough, but Another hit about family life, this opportunity and adventure wait when time about cystic fibrosis and young Terpsichore and her family moving to a new town. move to Palmer, Alaska. Terpsichore meets adversity with determination, Raina Telgemeier tells and draws gaining community support and new such great stories about growing friendships along the way. up around the same time I was growing up, in the 80s and 90s. A delightful and witty story interjected with historical facts. Terpsichore’s It is heartwarming, fun, endlessly youthful spirit is refreshing. She optimistic — I bought my own brings life and enthusiasm to her copy so I can re-read it whenever new surroundings. I miss my family. ~Margo’s pick ~Julie’s and Carol’s pick

Children’s Fiction: Picture Books

The Hueys in What's the Opposite? A Hungry Lion, or, a Dwindling Oliver Jeffers Assortment of Animals Lucy Ruth Cummins Quirky egg-shaped creatures known as the Hueys explore Members of a large group of the concept of opposites. animals, including a penguin, two rabbits, and a koala, It's hard to make a concept disappear at an alarming rate book interesting, but Oliver but the hungry lion remains. Jeffers is clearly up for the Takes the "once upon a time" challenge. His adorable art story structure and twists it and elliptical story arc add until the narrator becomes tremendously to the book's part of the story, and the lion. teaching value. Really, almost too clever, but ~Alan’s pick lots of fun for older toddlers and preschoolers as they "get" what's going on. ~Alan’s pick

When Spring Comes There is a Tribe of Kids Kevin Henkes & Laura Lane Smith Dronzek Simple text follows a young boy Animals and children watch as and the many animals he the world transforms from the meets on his adventure dark and dead of winter to a through the jungle. full and blooming spring. Connecting kids with nature Henkes and Drozek previously is critical for their spirit as collaborated on Birds, a lovely well as education. This paean to nature delivered in perfect little book runs a style both exacting and somewhere between an emotionally satisfying. adventure and an education, Henkes delivers a poignant with expressive images of message for older toddlers the boy meshing with different and preschoolers. creatures until a satisfying end. ~Alan’s pick ~Alan’s pick

The Thank You Book Rules of the House Mo Willems Mac Barnett

This is the very last Elephant Ian always follows the rules and Piggie book to ever be and his sister, Jenny, never written, and it is a wonderful does. But when Jenny angers one. some monsters while breaking all the rules of their vacation I used it at all of the elementary house in the woods, Ian first schools I visited to talk about runs away, then realizes summer reading. Thank YOU there should be a rule about for being a reader! protecting your sister.

~Leslie’s pick There's a rule against pinching! It's a tad bit scary but that's okay. ~Leslie’s pick Children’s Fiction: Picture Books

One Day in the Eucalyptus, Extremely Cute Animals Eucalyptus Tree Operating Heavy Machinery Daniel Bernstrom David Gordon

Gobbled by a snake, a Cute animals are bullied by crafty boy finds a find a other animals and then solve way out of his predicament the problem in an extremely by encouraging the snake unique and surprising way. to eat an increasing number of animals. The title grabbed me, the story was creative and This is another slightly unexpected, and you learn scary book, and it's well the use of the word extremely, written. if you didn't already know it. ~Leslie’s pick ~Margaret’s pick

Bloom Gingerbread Christmas Doreen Cronin and David Small Jan Brett

This is an encouraging fairytale It is the well-known story about about an unusual fairy, a the gingerbread man but done crumbling castle, and who can with Brett's own creative and finally rebuild the castle before unexpected twist to the story, it's too late! with a little search thrown in for extra fun. I've always loved fairytales, and it's been a long time since I've Jan Brett's books are all very read a new and very different one special, with their amazingly like this story. Very creative and detailed and colorful appealing; encourages confidence illustrations, as well as engaging in one's abilities as well. Fun stories. I'm very happy to see illustrations besides! a new addition to her wonderful ~Margaret’s pick collection for children to love. ~Margaret’s pick Children’s & YA Nonfiction

Blood Brother: Jonathan Daniels and The Duel: The Parallel Lives of His Sacrifice for Civil Rights Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr Rich Wallace and Sandra Neil Wallace Judith St. George

The story of Jonathan Daniels, who Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr travelled from New Hampshire to were two men who seemed drawn to Alabama in 1965 to stand up against each other, as if by gravity. This book oppression, register black voters, and explores their lives, from their early march with other heroes of the Civil days fighting the British, to their Rights movement. infamous final meeting on the shores of the Hudson River. This is a taut, thrilling and terrifying account of Daniels experiences in the It's the year of Hamilton! St. George Deep South. This biography does an does an incredible job detailing the excellent job of depicting the courage lives of these notorious frenemies, of Daniels and his comrades and the separating myth from truth, and showing horrible abuse that they fought against. the mirrored nature of their lives. ~Jesse’s pick ~Jesse’s pick Children’s & YA Nonfiction

National Geographic Kids Dear Pope Francis Awesome 8 Pope Francis National Geographic Kids Questions written by children Introduces the top eight examples of from across the world are specific subjects, from wicked water presented to Pope Francis — and slides and perilous predators to the Pope himself answers each remarkable ruins and weirdest wonders. letter.

This book is perfect for a curious This is a beautiful book that is not mind with a short attention span. just for children or Catholics. In Each two-page spread is a list with very simple words Pope Francis eight awesome things in each category. answers some very difficult There are 50 picture-packed lists that questions. Wonderful! will capture the attention and interest ~Leslie’s pick of children and adults alike. ~Andrea’s pick Music The "What Was" Series Adore Life Various Authors Savages

The "Who Was" biography series Adore Life is a solid rock that was so successful that now there's brings to mind the likes of Joan Jett, an historical series of books about The Pixies, and . the San Francisco Earthquake and other events. I really appreciated the progression of the album; it has the ability I like this series because kids love to rip things apart and then slow them! They're interesting reads everything down with a lyrical and and good for AR points. melodious groove. ~Leslie’s pick ~Lisa’s pick

Tower Music The Impossible Kid Joseph Bertolozzi Aesop Rock A hard album to define! This album This is the kind of hip-hop album was made by using the Eiffel Tower that you’ll listen to a hundred times as a percussion instrument. and probably notice something The music is somehow lively and different each time. minimal at the same time. It really Intricate, powerful rhymes do is impressive how intricate each acrobatics with the English track is, and the range of sounds language, making the listener the artist was able to create using sit up and take notice. the iconic landmark. ~Lisa’s pick ~Lisa’s pick

Outskirts of Love Love & Hate Shemekia Copeland Michael Kiwanuka

A fiery, driving mix of , First and foremost a soul album, rock, and soul. but with hints of rock, blues, gospel, and even a kind of classic It’s the type of album you want rock feel at times. to listen to on repeat. It's very beautiful, grand, ~Lisa’s pick and political. ~Lisa’s pick Music

Everybody Wants Laurie Berkner's Favorite Classic The Struts Kids' Songs Laurie Berkner Band with toe-tapping melodies, clever lyrics, and attitude. Laurie Berkner presents a treasure trove of well-loved traditional ROCK IS NOT DEAD. Anyone who has children's songs plus six of her most told you that needs this CD. Lead popular originals. singer Luke Spiller has an amazing This is classic kid's music at its best! vocal range, guitarist Adam Slack From Alouette to Zodiac, these songs has some hot licks, and the whole have great arrangements and delivery. band is covered in glitter and yelling Not just kiddie music, you'll love it at me — and I love it. too. Fantastic! ~Carol’s pick ~Leslie’s pick

Puberty 2 Habib Galbi A-Wa

Gritty but lovely . Three sisters with a love for , reggae, and Mitski Miyawaki explores love, Yemenite women’s chants. loss, anxiety, and depression in this emotionally-raw album. It's a really fun, upbeat, dancy ~Lisa’s pick album. ~Lisa’s pick

No Manchester Buenaventura La Santa Cecilia

A bit mariachi, a little bit rock and A fusion of Latin jazz, rock, Mexican roll — all . folk music, , and more.

I love the variety of artists and styles Toe-tapping tracks are full of used to cover some very well-known guitars, horns, accordion, and Morrissey hits. Dedicated fans and gutsy bluesy vocals in Spanish those only slightly familiar with his and English. work will find something to enjoy. ~Lisa’s pick ~Lisa’s pick

Awo LateNightTales uKanDanz Ólafur Arnalds

This group considers their style Down-tempo dreamscapes with “Ethiopian Crunch Music," which is some trip-hop beats interspersed. a wonderful combination of world music styles. Fans of Bjork, Prefuse 73, and Sigur Rós would probably be into It's a thoroughly-satisfying it. ‘Icelandic’ would be the best of metal and hard rock guitar riffs adjective to describe this album. and power chords; a blues and jazz ~Lisa’s pick horn section; and amazing vocals that expressively wail, croon, and keen. ~Lisa’s pick Music

Blackstar Good Times! David Bowie The Monkees

David Bowie's heavy, difficult, yet The Monkees reunite to create meditative industrial art-rock an album that sounds like the masterpiece recorded as he was best of their 1960's output due dying from liver cancer. mainly to excellent guest from Ben Gibbard Bowie recorded Blackstar to say to Andy Partridge. goodbye. No one, including the musicians, knew this. They may Tuneful, hook-laden, and loaded have been distracted by this with perfect pop songs, what's inspired genius incorporating not to like? Plus, you get to hear hip-hop, jazz, folk, etc., into a the voices of the dearly departed stunning, sad, and beautifully Harry Nilsson and Davy Jones on dark album. Best of the year. 13 new songs. Much better than ~Alan’s pick their last, dreadful 80's reunion. ~Alan’s pick

DVDs

Everybody Wants Some!! Dark Matter: Season 1 Directed by Richard Linklater Funimation Productions

Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused Awoken from stasis with their and Boyhood) hits it out of the park memories erased, the crew of the with this story of a freshman’s move spaceship Raza has to find out who from constant adult to a they are and why everyone hates new exciting life with his skirt-chasing, them so much as they rampage rabblerousing college baseball through the galaxy. teammates in 1980s Texas.

The title (and movie poster) seemingly This TV series is classic over the top Sci Fi complete with a universe indicate dumbed-down, predictable ruled by evil corporations, a shenanigans, but as author and director, Linklater has a bewitching sentient AI, self-repairing nanotechnology and, of course, touch which makes this comedy space zombies (kind of). worth watching. ~Richard’s pick ~Joyce’s pick

The Fits The Nice Guys Directed by Anna Rose Holmer Directed by Shane Black

Director Anna Rose Holmer’s In 1970s , a mismatched gripping feature debut is a pair of private eyes investigate a psychological portrait of missing girl and the mysterious 11-year-old Toni (Royalty death of a porn star. Hightower), a tomboy assimilating Director Shane “Lethal Weapon” to a tight-knit dance team Black uses action genre as in Cincinnati. background for brutally funny and The dreamy, beautifully syncopated incredibly twisting and twisted movie — a coming-of-age tale — story performed with brio by is extraordinarily watchable, made Crowe as the brutal private eye more so thanks to the thrillingly and Gosling as his incompetent kinetic, fierce dancing. sidekick. Pure fun. ~Joyce’s pick ~Alan’s pick DVDs

Zootopia Where to Invade Next Directed by Richard Moore Directed by Michael Moore

Presents the theory that the Zootopia city is a melting pot , all but where animals from every envi- abandoned in the United States, ronment live together. But when has been adopted successfully in optimistic Officer Judy Hopps other countries, including Italy, arrives, she discovers some are France, Finland, Slovenia, , turning vicious. Portugal, Norway, Tunisia, and

Iceland. A terrific film for old and young alike, Zootopia says as much Love him or hate him, agree with about racism and bigotry as it him or not, Moore is a brave does in believing in yourself. And filmmaker who knows how to craft it's masterfully done. And funny. a compelling film filled with evi- Good for 8+ dence and lots of style and humor. ~Alan’s pick ~Alan’s pick

Legend Directed by Brian Helgeland Directed by Tim Miller

The true story of the rise and fall of The origin story of former Special 's most notorious gangsters, Forces operative turned mercenary Reggie and Ron Kray, both portrayed Wade Wilson, who after being by . This crime thriller subjected to a rogue experiment takes viewers into the secret history that leaves him with accelerated of the 60s and the events that healing powers, adopts the alter ego secured the infamy of the Kray twins. Deadpool.

Tom Hardy continues to be the best As a longtime fan of snark and a new actor of his generation and he has so fan of comic books, I was excited to much to work with here: one brother see this on Valentine's Day with my is conflicted, complex, genteel, the husband. (My idea — it's totally a love other savage. Beyond this acting story!) I loved every second; it has the showcase, this is the best gangster best opening credits sequence EVER! film since Goodfellas. See it. ~Carol’s pick ~Alan’s pick

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Season 1 Hunt for the Wilderpeople Created by Rachel Bloom Directed by Taika Waititi

A successful, driven and possibly crazy A defiant and troubled orphan finds young woman impulsively gives up her himself on the run with his grizzled partnership at a prestigious law firm and and very reluctant foster father in the her upscale apartment in in wild New Zealand bush. With the two a desperate attempt to find love and at the center of a national manhunt, happiness in suburban West Covina, . they are forced to work together to survive. Hilarious, heartwarming, and utterly frustrating at times (Rebecca Bunch, what This mismatched-buddy are you thinking?) this musical comedy is pursuit movie was directed by Taika unlike any TV show I've ever seen. Season Waititi, who directed/wrote/starred in 2 just started, so now's the time to catch one of my fave films from 2014, What up with this award-winning show! We Do in the Shadows. It’s an emotional ~Carol’s pick story that has everything — drama, action and comedy! ~Joyce’s and Leslie’s pick