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A Baker's Dozen of Staff Picks June 2019
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Check out what our staff is recommending this month!
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If you enjoy this newsletter and would like to subscribe to our bimonthly issue, you may do so by visiting Avon Lake Public Library homepage. Click on the Collection tab, and select Book Lists. Under Find Your Next Read, click the "click here" link to sign up for Next Reads newsletters. Simply place a check next to A Baker's Dozen of Staff Picks or any other newsletter you might be interested in receiving and complete the short form at the bottom of the page.
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The Bride Test by Helen HoangWhen his difficulties with processing emotions complicate the search for his bride, a Vietnamese-American on the autism spectrum is pursued by a hopelessly smitten girl from the Ho Chi Min City slums. By the author of The Kiss Quotient.
Laura: Adult Services "No sophomore slump for Ms. Hoang. Her second novel is just as charming as her first, The Kiss Quotient. All the characters are infused with depth, humor, and heart. A great read for unwinding and indulging."
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Before the Fall by Noah HawleyThe stories of ten wealthy victims of a plane crash intertwine with those of a down-on-his-luck painter and a four-year-old boy, the tragedy's only survivors, as odd coincidences surrounding the crash point to a possible conspiracy.
Jess: Adult Services
"A great beach read. . .as long as you are not taking a plane to get to the beach. The author takes a close look at each of the passengers on a plane that crashes. As readers we travel along and try to decide what exactly caused the catastrophic event in which only two passengers survived. The ending will take you by surprise." |
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The 7 1/2 deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart TurtonDoomed to repeat the same day over and over, Aiden Bishop must solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle in order to escape the curse, in a world filled with enemies where nothing and no one are quite what they seem.
Karen: Adult Services "This novel reminded me of an Agatha Christie novel. It is set in a remote manor in England and challenges you to determine who the actual murder is in the story. As the main character is doomed to repeat the same day over and over, each day the reader learns a little bit more."
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The Map of Salt and Stars by Jennifer Zeynab JoukhadarLiving eight hundred years apart, two girls, a modern day Syrian refugee and a medieval apprentice to a legendary mapmaker, experience the pain of exile and triumph of courage. Ann: Adult Page "This historical fiction is told in two parallel stories. They lived eight hundred years apart yet experience the same challenges and emotional traumas. It gave me an appreciation of the plight of a refugee and how quickly life can change."
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The Girl He Used to Know by Tracey Garvis GravesA tumultuous but tender love affair between a socially awkward chess club member and a courageous, quirky girl is shattered by an unforeseen tragedy that forces them to confront respective anxieties when they reunite a decade later. Bethany: Technical Services "I found this novel to be a love story but not a romance. The characters were unusual and well-developed. The book held my attention from beginning to end. As a side note, if you haven't explored the Young Adult section of the library yet you might consider it. You would be amazed at the treasures I have found."
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Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail HoneymanA socially awkward, routine-oriented loner teams up with a bumbling IT guy from her office to assist an elderly accident victim, forging a friendship that saves all three from lives of isolation and secret unhappiness. Jane: Circulation Department "This well-written novel features a young woman who is emotionally scarred by a mother who was mentally disabled. The reader experiences the trials and triumphs of Eleanor as she fumbles through life the best that she can. Thankfully, a fellow employee befriends her and through his kindness changes her life for the better."
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Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlayDragged into a hit-and-run investigation after a stack of library materials is found at the scene, library director Lindsey Norris must piece together the clues to crack the case—especially once someone is murdered. Liese: Librarian Substitute
"Need a light murder mystery in a familiar setting? If so, check out A Library Lover's Mystery Series with the 9th book, Hitting the Books. The series follows Library Director Lindsay Norris and her staff and friends who are constantly running into murders in their small seaside town. Recipes, crafts and book discussion ideas are included at the end of each book." |
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Catch-22 by Joseph HellerA new publication of Joseph Heller's classic WWII black comedy includes a new introduction by Christopher Buckley, bonus material in the back matter and variant covers, in a novel that follows American bomber pilot Yossarian on his harrowing quest for the final mission that will free him from his military obligation. Gerry: Administration "You don't have to be crazy to work here but it won't save you, either!" This 1962 novel of World War II (and the 1970 movie, and the 1994 sequel Closing Time (in collection) and the brand new Hulu miniseries) all resonate for new generations because .... some things never change?"
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Serving the Servant : remembering Kurt Cobain by Danny GoldbergPublished to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Cobain's death, a biographical portrait by Nirvana's music manager shares unique insights into such subjects as the meteoric success of Nevermind, Cobain's marriage to Courtney Love and his industry-changing suicide. Dan: Page Supervisor "The author was also a Nirvana co-manager from 1990 till Kurt's death. He reflects on the time he spent with Kurt, band members and Courtney Love. Goldberg certainly shows his favor for Kurt as an artist, musician and friend. The one negative to the book was that Dave Grohl was not a part of the interviews for the book."
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Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris GrabensteinTwelve-year-old Kyle wins a coveted spot to be one of 12 children chosen to stay in the new town library--designed by his hero, the famous gamemaker Luigi Lemoncello--for an overnight of fun, food and games, but in the morning, the kids find all the doors still locked and must work together to solve secret puzzles in order to discover the hidden escape route. Nicole: Children's Department "A fun mystery that is a little bit Willy Wonky, and a little bit reality TV show. A great summer read!"
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We Are Never Meeting in Real Life : essays by Samantha IrbyThe woman behind "Bitchesgottaeat.com" shares stories of her life from a failed "Bachelorette" application and awkward sexual encounters to a romantic vacation and ill-fated pilgrimage to scatter her estranged father's ashes in Nashville. Kaylee: Student Page "Hilarious."
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Caraval by Stephanie GarberBelieving that she will never be allowed to participate in the annual Caraval performance when her ruthless father arranges her marriage, Scarlett receives the invitation she has always dreamed of before her sister, Tella, is kidnapped by the show's mastermind organizer.
Maya: Student Page "An exciting book about the adventures of two sisters. Lots of twists and turns."
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Kristen: Children's Department "Laugh out-loud funny."
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Avon Lake Public Library 32649 Electric Blvd. Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 440-933-8128alpl.org |
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