DECEMBER 2017 STAFF READING SUGGESTIONS

THE SABOTEUR: THE ARISTOCRAT WHO BECAME FRANCE'S MOST DARING ANTI-NAZI COMMANDO
by Paul Kix

This is THE book for fans of Unbroken or Boys In the Boat. Robert de La Rochefoucauld was born into one of the most titled families in France and could easily have ridden out WWII in obscurity but when the Nazis invaded he chose to escape to England and join the SOE to train with British spies. This thrilling read recounts his adventures in subterfuge and combat with the French Resistance. He was a true hero and only aged 19 at the time he left France. Not to be missed!
-Di Grumhaus
SING, UNBURIED, SING
by Jesmyn Ward

Winner of the National Book Award for fiction and a New York Times top 10 of 2017, Sing, Unburied, Sing is a brilliantly written story of grief, love and surviving in the Deep South. The end is magical and will stick with you for weeks.
-Lisa Dietrich
ODD CHILD OUT
by Gilly Macmillan

This thriller of a story about two high school friends will keep you guessing. Noah is British and his inseparable friend is a Somali refugee. This fact alone causes problems after the tragic event that causes one boy to lose his life. You will want to keep reading to find out what really happened on that fateful night. A page turner for sure.
-Katha Plack
A GRANDFATHER'S LESSONS: IN THE KITCHEN WITH SHOREY
by Jacques Pépin

Jacques Pepin and his granddaughter have spent much time in the kitchen together discussing school, cooking and life. Shorey has also appeared on her grandfather's cooking show. In this cookbook the two discuss table manners, how to set a table, decorating ideas as well as many wonderful recipes-from soups to vegetables to desserts. This is a beautifully photographed cookbook just waiting to be shared with your child or grandchildren.
-Ann Patterson
THE INNER LIFE OF ANIMALS
by Peter Wohlleben

The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben is by the same author who brought us The Hidden Life of Trees last year. Once again, Wohllenben reminds us of our connection to nature- this time animals. While we are surely different than our woodland friends, the author shows us how we all have the ability to think, love and experience grief. The chapters are just the right length, and I love his writing and charming voice.
-Molly Forlow
AMERICAN WOLF
by Nate Blakeslee

Totally readable and fascinating book about the re-introduction of wolves to Yellowstone that focuses on one particular wolf and her pack and how perilous survival is for these wolves. Tells the greater story about the interests that collide over the presence of these majestic animals; ranchers, hunters, ecologists and tourists. O-Six was a social media star and the world knew her through the thousands of hours that she was "watched" by naturalist Rick McIntyre, and many others. I could not put this down!
-Di Grumhaus
UNCOMMON TYPE
by Tom Hanks

Just released this fall is Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks, a collection of short stories full of nostalgia and insight into the human condition. The stories are diverse, spanning a contemporary romance with hilarious sidekicks, a war veteran on Christmas Eve 1953 and a man at a bowling alley rolling a perfect game. A wonderful collection of stories to keep next to your bed.
-Lisa Dietrich
L'APPART: THE DELIGHTS AND DISASTERS OF MAKING MY PARIS HOME
by David Lebovitz

Being a Parisian expat is not all it's cracked up to be. This hilarious account of moving to Paris and attempting to become a "native" is filled with the difficulties of finding an affordable apartment and renovating that apartment, dealing with broken water pipes, windows that never properly close, and shopping for food while learning to live in a foreign country without being fluent in the language. The book is full of delicious recipes (the dandelion flatbread recipe sounds delicious as well as the chocolate soufflé recipe.) Reading this account of French life is a treat! If you liked A Year in Provence this will be your cup of tea, or glass of wine!
-Ann Patterson
THE FIRST MAJOR: THE INSIDE STORY OF THE 2016 RYDER CUP
by John Feinstein

This is the book for all the golfers on your list! John Feinstein, prolific sports writer, always has great access to the players; hence, entertaining "inside the ropes" stories. Although the crux of this fabulous read is the drama-filled Ryder Cup most recently played at Hazeltine, there is also wonderful history included about this beloved sporting event. I was riveted throughout!
-Di Grumhaus
THE ATLAS OF BEAUTY
by Mihaela Noroc

Since 2013 photographer Mihaela Noroc has traveled the world with her backpack and camera taking photos of everyday women to showcase the diversity of beauty all around us. Based on the author's online photography project, this stunning collection features portraits of 500 women from more than 50 countries, accompanied by revelatory captions that capture their personal stories.
-Staff
STICKY FINGERS: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JANN WENNER AND ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE
by Joe Hagan

A delicious romp through the heyday of rock and roll and a revealing portrait of the man at the helm of the iconic magazine that made it all possible, with candid look backs at the era from Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Elton John, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, and others.
-Staff
WHERE THE PAST BEGINS: A WRITER'S MEMOIR
by Amy Tan

I love memoirs by writers, and I love Amy Tan, so I thought this book was absolutely wonderful - but I think it has some broader appeal, in that it focuses on Tan's complicated relationship with her mother.
-Ann Walters
FIFTY YEARS of 60 MINUTES
by Jeff Fager

From its almost accidental birth in 1968, 60 Minutes has set the standard for broadcast journalism. The ultimate inside story of 60 Minutes, the program that has tracked and shaped the biggest moments in post-war American history. The show has profiled every major leader, artist, and movement of the past five decades.
-Staff
NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK 
LUCKY 666: THE IMPOSSIBLE MISSION
by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin

(Authors of The Heart of Everything That Is and Halsey's Typhoon)



I WILL SEND RAIN
by Rae Meadows

(Author of Mercy Train)


THE PARIS SECRET
by Karen Swan
YOUNG ADULT & MIDDLE SCHOOL SELECTIONS
AGES 10 TO 14 YEARS:

SAVING MARTY
by Paul Griffin

Lorenzo thinks of his Dad, who died in the war, as a hero, and thinks of his best friend Paloma, who is focused on her dream of becoming a famous musician as a hero too. Heroes are all around us as Renzo learns. Renzo adopts Marty, a runt piglet and raises him as a dog. But when a serious accident occurs, Renzo will have to try to save Marty from certain doom. This is a deceptively simple story that deals with coming to terms with the mysterious death of a parent, the inability to live up to one's dreams and the power of friendship. I really enjoyed reading this.
-Ann Patterson
MIDDLE SCHOOL:

MY BRIGADISTA YEAR
by Katherine Paterson

Historical fiction for your middle grade reader; this interesting, short novel is about the twelve-month period in 1961 when Fidel Castro declared that the island of Cuba would be totally literate and enlisted an army of volunteers to achieve this goal. Young Lora wants to be a part of the movement and this is the story of her time in an impoverished mountain town teaching whole families to read and write. Sure to inspire discussion, this would make a great family read-aloud.
-DI Grumhaus
YOUNG ADULT:

THE 57 BUS
by Dashka Slater

The true story of two teenagers - one, the victim and the other, the criminal. A reckless act leaves Sasha severely burned and Richard charged with two hate crimes and facing life imprisonment. First chronicled in The New York Times Magazine this book is an exploration of race, class, gender, identity, crime and punishment. Very well done and I enjoyed reading it.
-Kathy Petray
YOUNG ADULT:

THE WAY TO BEA
by Kat Yeh

It's good to be true to yourself. That's what sweet Bea teaches us even though she is riling from the rejection of her 'bestie' since forever. Seventh grade looms and the power structure has changed and Bea doesn't agree with some of the new ideas and interests. She's quirky and likes to write poetry in the air and may not always be the best dressed. The lunch room is no longer a friendly place for her and she finds solace in the school library where she befriends an autistic boy who has already claimed his spot there. A whole new world of friendship and talented people await her here as well as encouragement from the school librarian. She and her 'bestie' do reconnect and it's wonderful and so well written, but both decide to remain in their new worlds. Loved this book! Such a wonderful message!
-Katha Plack
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