Staff Picks
Monthly Staff Recommendations
January Staff Picks
Only the Brave by Danielle Steel
Historical Fiction
Recommended by Marion
Sophia Alexander, the beautiful daughter of a famous surgeon in Berlin, has had to grow up faster than most young women. When her mother falls ill, Sophia must take charge of her younger sister, Theresa, and look after her father and the household, while also volunteering at his hospital after school. Meanwhile, Hitler’s rise to power and the violence in her very own town have Sophia concerned, but only her mother is willing to share her fears openly.After tragedy strikes and her mother dies, Sophia becomes increasingly involved in the resistance, attending meetings of dissidents and helping however she can. Circumstances become increasingly dangerous and personal when Sophia assists her sister’s daring escape from Germany, as Theresa flees with her young husband and his family. Her father also begins to resist the regime, secretly healing those hiding from persecution, only to have his hospital burned to the ground. When he is arrested and sent to a concentration camp, Sophia is truly on her own, but more determined than ever to help.While working as a nurse with the convent nuns, the Sisters of Mercy, Sophia continues her harrowing efforts to transport Jewish children to safety and finds herself under surveillance. As the political tensions rise and the brutal oppression continues, Sophia is undeterred, risking it all, even her own freedom, as she rises to the challenge of helping those in need—no matter the cost.
In Only the Brave, Danielle Steel vividly captures the devastating effects of war alongside beautiful moments of compassion and courage.
Available as a book, large print, audio book, e-book, and e-audio.
Also available on Hoopla as an e-audio.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Fiction
Recommended by Sarah
It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She’s immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years—she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe’s plan—which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other.
Sarah says, “Fantastic characters and beautiful writing!”
Available as a book, large print, e-audio, e-book.
Also available on Hoopla as an e-audio.
The Snowball Fight by Beth Ferry
Picture Book
Recommended by Denise
One wintry morning, the snow begins and so does . . . a snowball fight!
In her signature verse, Beth Ferry recounts a day spent behind snowbanks and on sleds, while Tom Lichtenheld’s cinematic art delights readers with sly and snowy twists.
Available as a book.
Conspirata by Robert Harris
Historical Fiction
Recommended by Sam
The year is 63 BC. In an age of political titans, Cicero stands supreme: the senior consul of the Roman republic. But jealous rivals are determined to destroy him and seize control of the state. To thwart them will take all his guile – and will lead him, and Rome, to the brink of destruction. Robert Harris’ “Lustrum” is a page-turning thriller that pitches the reader into the power struggles and vicious factionalism of the Roman Republic at one of its most tumultuous moments, as Cicero is alerted to a plot to overthrow the government and take over the state. The conspiracy is led by the aristocratic politician Catalina, backed by other, shadowy factions; even Julius Caesar is implicated. Undeterred, Cicero devotes himself to exposing the treachery, and after a bloody struggle emerges triumphant. But the gods are pitiless – and the most talented men over-reach themselves. When the sexually voracious senator and nobleman Clodius is put on trial, accused of entering a sacred women-only religious ritual in pursuit of Caesar’s wife, Cicero finds himself embroiled in the case as the reluctant star witness for the prosecution. He has made many enemies, and as Caesar, Crassus and Pompey grasp political power, he discovers that he has sown the seeds of his own downfall.
Available as a book, large print, and audio book.
Evensong by Stewart O’Nan
Fiction
Recommended by Hope
The Humpty Dumpty Club is distraught when their powerhouse leader, Joan Hargrove, takes a bad fall down her stairs, knocking her out of commission. Now, as well as running errands and shepherding those less able to their doctors’ appointments, they have to pick up the slack. Between navigating their own relationships and aging bodies and attending choir practice, these invisible yet indomitable women help where they can. They bake cookies, they care for pets, they pick up prescriptions, they sit vigil by the sick, and most of all, they show up for the people they’ve pledged to help. In the face of death, divorce, and the myriad directions our lives can take, the Humpty Dumpty club represents the power of community and chosen family.
Night Road by Kristin Hannah
Fiction
Recommended by Kris
For a mother, life comes down to a series of choices. To hold on… To let go.. To forget… To forgive… Which road will you take?
For eighteen years, Jude Farraday has put her children’s needs above her own, and it shows—her twins, Mia and Zach—are bright and happy teenagers. When Lexi Baill moves into their small, close knit community, no one is more welcoming than Jude. Lexi, a former foster child with a dark past, quickly becomes Mia’s best friend. Then Zach falls in love with Lexi and the three become inseparable.
Jude does everything to keep her kids on track for college and out of harm’s way. It has always been easy– until senior year of high school. Suddenly she is at a loss. Nothing feels safe anymore; every time her kids leave the house, she worries about them.
On a hot summer’s night her worst fears come true. One decision will change the course of their lives. In the blink of an eye, the Farraday family will be torn apart and Lexi will lose everything. In the years that follow, each must face the consequences of that single night and find a way to forget…or the courage to forgive.
Available as a book, large print, and audio book.
This Book Will Bury Me
Mystery/ Thriller
Recommended by Rebecca
After losing her father, college student Jane Sharp finds solace―and purpose―in the strange intimacy of online true crime forums. Among armchair detectives and anonymous sleuths, she becomes someone new: sharp-eyed, fast-thinking, celebrated. But when the brutal deaths of three college girls in Delphine, Idaho spark a viral frenzy, Jane and her online friends become part of the investigation.
This time, they aren’t just watching from behind a screen. This time, they’re in it.
But every clue uncovers more contradictions. The town seems scripted, the police too polished, and the killer always one step ahead. As Jane inches closer to the truth, she begins to suspect they’ve walked into something far more dangerous than a mystery.
Now, one year later, Jane is ready to tell the true story. What she’s about to reveal will change everything.
Available as a book, large print, and e-book.
Also available on Hoopla as an e-book or e-audio.
MATT’S MOVIES
Superman (2025)
Recommended by Matt
When Superman gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor the opportunity to get the Man of Steel out of the way for good. Will intrepid reporter Lois Lane and Superman’s four-legged companion, Krypto, be able to help him before it’s too late? Content expanded.
Matt says, “Sweeping past civilians—their protector, guardian, and savior—it’s a bird, it’s a plane. No. It’s James Gunn’s newest rendition of Superman, kickstarting his highly anticipated “Gunnverse.” Set in a world long accustomed to Metahumans for over a millennium, Superman thrusts its audience headfirst into a madcap universe of kaijus, robots, flying dogs, and superpowered beings—all while telling a personal, intimate story at its core.”
December Staff Picks
Fire Exit by Morgan Tally
Fiction
Recommended by Hope
From the porch of his home, Charles Lamosway has watched the life he might have had unfold across the river on Maine’s Penobscot Reservation. On the far bank, he caught brief moments of his neighbor Elizabeth’s life – from the day she came home from the hospital to her early twenties. But there’s always been something deeper and more dangerous than the river that divides him from her and the rest of the tribal community. It’s the secret that Elizabeth is his daughter, a secret Charles is no longer willing to keep. Now, it’s been weeks since he’s seen Elizabeth, and Charles is worried. As he attempts to hold on to and care for what he can – his home and property; his alcoholic, quick-tempered, and bighearted friend Bobby; and his mother, Louise, who is slipping ever deeper into dementia – he becomes increasingly haunted by his past. Forced to confront a lost childhood on the reservation, a love affair cut short, and the death of his beloved stepfather, Fredrick, in a hunting accident – a death he and Louise are at odds over as to where to lay blame – Charles contends with questions he’s long been afraid to ask. Is his secret about Elizabeth his to share? And would his daughter want to know the truth, even if it could cost her everything she’s ever known?
Available as a book, large print, e-book, e-audio.
Also available on Hoopla as an e-audio.
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
Mystery/ Romance
Recommended by Rebecca
The bridge is out. The phones are down. And the most famous mystery writer in the world just disappeared out of a locked room two days before Christmas.
Meet Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt: She’s the new Queen of the Cozy Mystery. He’s Mr. Big-time Thriller Guy.
She hates his guts. He thinks her name is Marcie (no matter how many times she’s told him otherwise.)
But when they both accept a cryptic invitation to attend a Christmas house party at the English estate of a reclusive fan, neither is expecting their host to be the most powerful author in the world: Eleanor Ashley, the Duchess of Death herself.
That night, the weather turns, and the next morning Eleanor is gone.
She vanished from a locked room, and Maggie has to wonder: Is Eleanor in danger? Or is it all some kind of test? Is Ethan the competition? Or is he the only person in that snowbound mansion she can trust?
As the snow gets deeper and the stakes get higher, every clue will bring Maggie and Ethan closer to the truth—and each other. Because, this Christmas, these two rivals are going to have to become allies (and maybe more) if they have any hope of saving Eleanor.
Assuming they don’t kill each other first.
Available as a book, large print, e-book, and audio book.
Also available on Hoopla as an e-book, and e-audio.
Odyssey: the Greek Myths Reimagined by Stephen Fry
Classic Fiction
Recommended by Sam
The legendary Stephen Fry retells the adventures of Odysseus for the fourth and final installment in his internationally bestselling Greek Myths series.
Odysseus’s journey from the battlefields of Troy to his home in Ithaca is one of the greatest stories ever told. From the lotus-eaters to the sirens, from Circe to the Cyclops, this is a tale of thrilling adventures, cunning escapes, and enduring devotion.
Stephen Fry breathes new life into the ancient poem with humor and pathos. Illustrated throughout with classical art inspired by the myths, this gorgeous volume invites you to explore a captivating world with a brilliant storyteller as your guide. Stephen Fry is an icon whose signature wit and mellifluous style make this retelling utterly unique. Fans will love hearing his interpretation, whether they are familiar with the original myths or not.
Available as a book, e-book.
Also available on Hoopla as an e-book,
American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
Ficiton
Recommended by Kris
Lydia Quixano Perez lives in the Mexican city of Acapulco. She runs a bookstore. She has a son, Luca, the love of her life, and a wonderful husband who is a journalist. And while there are cracks beginning to show in Acapulco because of the drug cartels, her life is, by and large, fairly comfortable. Even though she knows they’ll never sell, Lydia stocks some of her all-time favorite books in her store. And then one day a man enters the shop to browse and comes up to the register with four books he would like to buy-two of them her favorites. Javier is erudite. He is charming. And, unbeknownst to Lydia, he is the jefe of the newest drug cartel that has gruesomely taken over the city. When Lydia’s husband’s tell-all profile of Javier is published, none of their lives will ever be the same. Forced to flee, Lydia and eight-year-old Luca soon find themselves miles and worlds away from their comfortable middle-class existence. Instantly transformed into migrants, Lydia and Luca ride la bestia-trains that make their way north toward the United States, which is the only place Javier’s reach doesn’t extend. As they join the countless people trying to reach el norte, Lydia soon sees that everyone is running from something. But what exactly are they running to?
Available as a book, large print, audio book, e-book, and e-audio.
Also available on Hoopla as an e-audio.
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
Historical Horror
Recommended by Sarah
They call them wayward girls. Loose girls. Girls who grew up too fast. And they’re sent to the Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, to give them up for adoption, and most important of all, to forget any of it ever happened.Fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at the home in the sweltering summer of 1970, pregnant, frightened, and alone. Under the watchful eye of the stern Miss Wellwood, she meets a dozen other girls in the same predicament. There’s Rose, a hippie who insists she’s going to find a way to keep her baby and escape to a commune. And Zinnia, a budding musician who plans to marry her baby’s father. And Holly, a wisp of a girl, barely fourteen, mute and pregnant by no-one-knows-who.
Everything the girls eat, every moment of their waking day, and everything they’re allowed to talk about is strictly controlled by the adults who claim they know what’s best for them. Then Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and power is in the hands of the girls for the first time in their lives. But power can destroy as easily as it creates, and it’s never given freely. There’s always a price to be paid . . . and it’s usually paid in blood.
Sarah says, “Grady Hendrix never misses! In his latest book, he takes us to a world simultaneously alien and all too near; a maternity home for unwed mothers in the early 1970s. Neva is a teenager who believed the promises made to her, and now she is thrust into a confusing, frightening place where she has no control over herself or her growing baby. But perhaps a witchcraft book from the library bookmobile offers a different path. The body horror of childbirth is rendered in painstaking detail, but this is the first book I can think of that finds body horror not just in the physical experience but also in the psychological one – what does it mean to have no power over what happens to your body, and what would you be willing to do to take it back? Through it all, the bright thread of friendship between the central quartet of girls guides you to a conclusion both inevitable, and that you’ll never see coming.”
Available as a book, large print, e-audio, and e-book.
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
Children’s Picture Book
Recommended by Denise
A young girl and her box of magical yarn transform a community in this stunning picture book. With spare, gently humorous illustrations and a palette that moves from black-and-white to a range of color, this modern fairy tale has the feel of a new classic.
Available as a book.
Also available on Hoopla as an e-audio, and e-video.
MATT’S MOVIES
One Battle After Another
Recommended by Matt
Bob is a washed-up revolutionary who lives in a state of stoned paranoia, surviving off-grid with his spirited and self-reliant daughter, Willa. When his evil nemesis resurfaces and Willa goes missing, the former radical scrambles to find her as both father and daughter battle the consequences of their pasts.
Matt says, “One Battle After Another is Paul Thomas Anderson’s answer to immigration politics, anti-capitalist sentiment, antifascist rhetoric, and the blatant rise of white supremacy in the U.S. While this genre bender may be heavy in its political messaging, Anderson crafts deeply empathetic, nuanced characters with his expected level of technical prowess to provide the foundation for what is essentially a father–daughter road trip film with a political thriller twist”
Available from the Library as a DVD.
Listen to the soundtrack on Hoopla.