Our staff is amazing at finding great reads and informative texts.
Here are their recommendations.
Current Staff Picks
The Last Bookshop in London
Author: Madeline Martin
Genre: Historical Fiction
This novel is a fascinating read about a young woman who moves from the country to London just before the start of World War II and takes a job at an independent, out-of-the-way bookshop because she loves books. It was interesting not only to read about life in London during the Blitz, but also how she ended up creating a new family for herself by helping others through sharing stories.
– Kate K.
Presumed Innocent
Author: Scott Turow
Genre: Thriller
Suspenseful page-turner right to the very end. Rusty Sabich, A married man who is obsessed with another woman faces conviction for a brutal murder. All that he holds dear to his heart is at stake due to his affair with the murder victim. In this compelling novel, Sabich goes on trial for his life. Courtroom scenes keep you reading. This book will hold you to every page right to the shocking ending.
– Diane H.
A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder
Author: Diane Freeman
Genre: Fiction
This book was the perfect mix of romance, drama, and just a touch of murder.
– Aviya L .
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Author: Shelby Van Pelt
Genre: Fiction
This story, which has an octopus as one of the narrators, will make you wonder which creature was remarkably bright. What a delightful book!
– Suzanne M.
Horse
Author: Geraldine Brooks
Genre: Historical Fiction
The author has written a thought provoking story about horses, art and racism from 1850’s to the present. It’s a wonderful engaging read.
– Suzanne M.
The Enigma Game
Author: Elizabeth Wein
Genre: Historical Fiction
Windyedge Airfield, Scotland. World War II.
Louisa Adair, newly orphaned and shunned for her mixed-race heritage, has come here to the edge of the world to look after an old lady with a dark past. Jamie Beaufort-Stuart is a flight lieutenant whose squadron is posted to the airfield over winter. Ellen McEwen is a young woman held hostage by the German pilot who lands at Windyedge one wild stormy night carrying a terrible secret.
Three young people desperate to make a difference in a war that has decimated their families, friends, and country. When the means to change the course of history falls into their hands, how will they use it? And when the enemy comes looking for them, who will have the courage to strike back?
A thrilling story of wartime secrets, international intrigue, and wild courage that will be hard to put down.
– Bonnie K.
The Children on the Hill
Author: Jennifer McMahon
Genre: Thriller
Inspired by Frankenstein, The Children on the Hill is an atmospheric and richly written thriller. With twists that will keep you guessing, familial bonds that are formed and broken, and an eerie setting, this book will make you continue reading until you conclude.
– Erin H.
Under the Banner of Heaven
Author: Jon Krakauer
Genre: Nonfiction
In-depth and unbiased study of the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Krakauer offers a contrast and comparison between the two groups, both who refer to themselves as “The Mormons.” He explains little known facts about the Mormons from their early founding, subsequent clashes with the U.S. Government, and eventual split. It is a true story that feels more like fiction, as it weaves the concept of religious freedom with unorthodox marriage and family practices. A page-turner!
– Diane H.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Genre: Fiction
A Picture of Hope
Author: Liz Tolsma
Genre: Historical Fiction
A Picture of Hope is based on true facts. Tolsma tells the story of a photojournalist from the Chicago Tribune who risks her life to save some very special children. What a beautiful story! Life is precious, special needs people are precious, and freedom is precious. The powerful message of doing what you can for those who need help and fighting for life and freedom seems such a timely reminder in our time as well.
– Bonnie K.
Braiding Sweetgrass
Author: Robin Wall Kimmerer
Genre: Nonfiction / Environment
Robin is a professor at SUNY ESF who does amazing work for our community. Through essays Kimmerer chronicles the history of North America and Onondaga County through the lens of indigenous history, environmental concern, and religion and story.
– Ryan S.
Island Girls
Author: Nancy Thayer
Genre: Fiction
Where The Crawdads Sing
Author: Delia Owens
Genre: Fiction
The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek
Author: Rhett James McLaughlin, Link Neal
Genre: Young Adult Mystery/Science Fiction
This book is a great read for all ages! It’s funny, scary, suspenseful, and an overall thrilling ride! (Print)
– Dania
