Winter Staff Picks
FICTION:
Umami by Jacob Grant—This picture book tells the story of Umami, an adorable penguin who is absolutely sick and tired of eating plain cold fish for meals every single day. Umami decides to venture across the globe to seek out new culinary delights – trying salty, sour, bitter, spicy, and sweet foods along the way. Eventually Umami decides to bring his new favorite foods back home to his penguin friends – but will they love them as much as Umami does? Check this one out to find out! –Alena’s pick
True Grit written by Charles Portis and read by Donna Tart [Hoopla Audiobook]—Donna Tart, best known for her book “The Goldfinch,” is a phenomenal author in her own right yet not the sort you would normally associate with the narration of a 1960’s western novel. However, her portrayal of the brave and shrewd teen narrator Mattie is inspired. Add in some adventure, revenge, and strong character development and you have a highly recommended listen. –Ryan’s pick
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong—Tao is a traveling fortune teller who goes from village to village with her trusty mule. Even though she has the ability to tell large fortunes, she has vowed to only reveal small fortunes. It’s a lonely life, but she is content, and it’s better than the life she left behind. A semi-reformed thief and an ex-mercenary recruit her in their search for a lost child and are later joined by a baker and a slightly magical cat. As her walls come down and her past catches up with her, Tao will have to decide what this newfound family is worth to her. A fantasy novel that is light and cozy. –Carrie’s pick
Grey Gardens (2009) [DVD]—This movie is bittersweet and so well done. It’s a dramatized story based on the 1975 documentary of the same name. Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange beautifully play a daughter and mother who live in a decaying Long Island mansion. The story follows the duo from the high society of New York to lonely shut-ins that pique the interest of a duo of documentarians. –Helen’s pick
Playground by Richard Powers—A multi-layered saga combining issues including the great unexplored depths of the vast oceans, climate change, colonialism, AI technology, gaming, and the uneven trajectory of friendship. All of these issues come together to impact the future in known and unknown ways. –Davonne’s pick
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas—A Hallmark Christmas Special in the middle of a best-selling series! This stand alone novella will lift your spirits and fly you away to the Night Court. –Julia’s pick
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood—It had been years since I had read this dystopian classic. I decided to revisit it, this time listening to the audiobook. It remains a powerful and haunting work. It offers a warning about the dangers of fundamentalism and the misogyny that can result. (Available immediately on Hoopla as an audiobook and ebook.) –Sarah’s pick
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan—Set in 1985, Keegan’s novella tells the story of Bill Furlong, a coal merchant in a small Irish town. Upon discovering a woman locked in the coal shed of the town’s powerful convent, Bill must confront his past, the church, and his community’s complicity. Deeply empathetic and quietly powerful, this story provides a glimpse into the terrible history of Ireland’s Magdalen laundries while also telling a timeless narrative about at-risk young women. –Ryan’s other pick
The Wilderness of Girls by Madeline Claire Franklin—This book trenches through a snowy line between reality and fantasy. A group of wild girls found in the winter wilderness claim they are lost princesses of a magical realm. Were they kidnapped and deceived, or is there truth behind even the wildest claims of magic? –Julia’s other pick
NONFICTION:
The Unraveling: Reflections From A Front Row Seat on the Sad State of Ethics in American Politics by Bob Bauer—With 46 years in the American political arena, the author reflects on his observations of the declining moral compass of the American political class. He also focuses on the potential of restoring political ethics as a critical step in the renewal of American democracy. I found it quite interesting to learn this “insider’s view” of what has gone wrong, and I appreciated how the author stressed the need for combatting disinformation and restoring ethics and truth in our political system. –Tom’s Pick
Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During This Crisis (and the Next) by Dean Spade [Hoopla audiobook]—Mutual aid is the act of building community relationships to provide mutual support and survival work. By coming together, communities can help each other survive in a crisis as well as build sustained movements to create future change. Spade explains in simple terms how to conduct this work and how it differs from charity and institutional programs. This short read is perfect for those looking to get involved in their community, but unsure of where to start. –Reine’s pick
Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed by Maureen Callahan—The Kennedy family, Camelot, and the idea that women should be seen and not heard. This book was a heartbreaking depiction of the treatment of the wives, girlfriends, female family, and female friends of the Kennedy men. The struggle of these women was often exacerbated by adulterous partners and a standard that no one, even in high society, can live up to. –Helen’s other pick
Nowhere For Very Long by Brianna Madia—I love road trips, so a road trip in a van with dogs! Plus quam perfectum! Madia is an adventurous woman who finds solitude, independence and freedom on the open road in this true-life tale. Through her exploration out West she finds and feels all the human emotions of life; joy, depression, fear , excitement…She gained many answers but equally gained more questions about life. What a great read this was. –Rebecca’s pick