APRIL 2018 STAFF READING SUGGESTIONS

WADE IN THE WATER
by Tracy K. Smith

Discover The Poet Laureate of the United States, Tracy K. Smith, especially during National Poetry Month. Thought provoking and essential,  including writings inspired by letters between slave owners and letters from African Americans enlisted in the Civil War.
-Diana Wettermann
THE RECOVERING: INTOXICATION AND ITS AFTERMATH
by Leslie Jamison

An in depth look at the author's addiction and gradual ascension out of the darkness. Beautifully written, interwoven with literary references to other authors who have struggled with addiction. Important work as our nation faces the opioid crisis, the pervasiveness of alcoholism and the challenges of recovery.
-Beth Mynhier
A SISTER IN MY HOUSE
by Linda Olsson

Sisters Maria and Emma have never been close, so both are surprised at Maria's unexpected invitation to Emma to visit her in Spain. Although it takes two years for Emma to accept the weak invitation, she embarks on a visit that will force the sisters to explore their past and finally come to terms with the family tragedy that forever links them. Olsson's clean crisp prose draws the reader into the hearts, minds and souls of both sisters as they work their way through an uncomfortable weekend. Similar to a prize fighter, they dance around each other with caution, occasionally taking a stab into their past, looking for answers and ultimately understanding and hopefully forgiveness. Lovely, raw and heartfelt.
-Maxwell Gregory
A LADY'S GUIDE TO SELLING OUT
by Sally Franson

This book is just fun to read! It touches on advertising, ambition and love in the age of Instagram and Twitter, where *** shaming is alive and well. Casey Pendergast's career rockets upward as she charms writers into using their language skills to promote fledgling brands. She works with authors and book stores, so this is sure to be a staff favorite! Casey is loud and likable, and a bit of a train wreck. You'll cheer for her to get her life back in order, and let herself be loved. 
-Beth Mynhier

GO ASK FANNIE
by Elizabeth Hyde

Go Ask Fannie is a delight! A wonderful family story with a little bit of something for everyone: loving parents; tragedy; birth order and its unwritten rules; sibling rivalry; guilt; regret; loss; but most importantly underlying love for one another. It's all told with traces of humor throughout. I loved it!
-Katha Plack
THE ONLY STORY
by Julian Barnes

I loved this novel by Booker Award winner Julian Barnes about a young man on the cusp of adulthood and a woman more than twice his age. Their love story is an account of helpless devotion, profound sadness and deep truth. As the young man states "first love fixes a life forever." I'm a fan of Julian Barnes and I loved this book.
-Kathy Petray
PARIS BY THE BOOK
by Liam Callanan

Get ready to be swept away to Paris and the twisty plot of this charming novel. When Leah's husband Robert goes missing, she and her daughters search for clues to his disappearance. The clues they find lead them to a new life in Paris, complete with a bookstore to run and the ability to move forward with their lives.
-Maxwell Gregory
BEAUTY IN THE BROKEN PLACES: A MEMOIR OF LOVE, FAITH, AND RESILIENCE
by Allison Pataki
(Releases May 1, 2018)

This memoir took my breath away. Allison Pataki, author of recent bestselling novels, The Accidental Empress and Sisi, shares her memoir of the debilitating and sudden stroke her husband suffered at age 30. Pregnant with her first child and en route to Hawaii, they must make an emergency landing in Fargo, North Dakota, which changed their lives forever. Strength, family love and tenacity pour from the pages. You don't want to miss this memoir!
-Diana Wettermann
YOU THINK IT, I'LL SAY IT: STORIES
by Curtis Sittenfeld
(Releases April 24th, 2018)

If you're like me and you like a bit of snark with your morning coffee, then you will want to pick up a copy of Curtis Sittenfeld's new book when it debuts this April. You Think It, I'll Say It is Sittenfeld's first short story collection. The author of Eligible and Prep has once again created characters who are smart, flawed and really believable. Each of the ten stories are a yummy treat. I loved them all.
-Molly Forlow
THE PRETTY DISH: MORE THAN 150 EVERYDAY RECIPES AND 50 BEAUTY DIYs TO NOURISH YOUR BODY INSIDE & OUT
by Jessica Merchant

From the moment I heard of blogger Jessica Merchant, I knew I had to have this book. Gorgeous photos and easy-to-follow recipes that are sure to win you over. The Feta Cheeseball   was a hit at Easter and up next is the Butternut Squash Queso.
-Diana Wettermann
CHARLOTTE MOSS ENTERTAINS
by Charlotte Moss

I am inspired to entertain after seeing this lovely book. It is beautifully photographed with great ideas. A great gift for Mother's Day!
-Eleanor Thorn
NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK 
ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
by Elizabeth Strout

CHEMISTRY
by Weike Wang

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON
by David Grann


MAGPIE MURDERS
by Anthony Horowitz
READING WITH PATRICK
by Michelle Kuo


THE STARS ARE FIRE
by Anita Shreve
YOUNG ADULT & MIDDLE SCHOOL SELECTIONS
MIDDLE SCHOOL:

YOU GO FIRST
by Erin Entrada Kelly

The latest from Newbery Award winner Erin Entrada Kelly is the story of middle school angst, family troubles and how two kids engage with each other while playing an online Scrabble game. Neither Ben nor Charlotte are completely honest with the other about the trials and tribulations in their lives as they navigate friends, bullies and running for student council but their truths eventually come to light and their virtual lives intersect with their real ones. A wonderful read, highly recommend!
-Di Grumhaus
MIDDLE SCHOOL:

SUNNY
by Jason Reynolds

The third installment of Jason Reynolds' critically acclaimed Track series introduces us to Sunny, who has always run, and won, the mile. One day he pulls up short in a race, refusing to take another step around the track, he feels as though he runs for everyone but himself and that's about to change. You'll want to find out what he turns to, and why. LOVED! If this is a new series for you, start at the beginning with Ghost, then Patina--all fabulous.
-Di Grumhaus
MIDDLE SCHOOL:

GHOST BOYS
by Jewell Parker Rhodes

This is one of the best books, in any category, that I've read this year. It brings the important stories of Black Lives Matter and Emmett Till to middle-grade readers. Jerome is playing in a Chicago park when he is shot and killed by a policeman who believes he sees a threat, now he wanders as one of the "ghost boys" lost to racism and bigotry. Jewell Parker Rhodes' writing moved me and the images she creates through the boys are powerful. Sure to provoke thought and conversation, would be an excellent read-aloud. Perfection!
-Di Grumhaus
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