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A Baker's Dozen of Staff PicksFebruary 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 and clicking on Find New Books to Read under the Quick Links section. Simply place a check next to A Baker's Dozen of Staff Picks or any other newsletter you might be interested in receiving.
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The Great Alone by Kristin HannahWhen her volatile, former POW father impulsively moves the family to mid-1970s Alaska to live off the land, young Leni and her mother are forced to confront the dangers of their lack of preparedness in the wake of a dangerous winter season. By the best-selling author of The Nightingale. Liese: Substitute Librarian "Leni's dad, Ernt, has a difficult time settling back into life after the Vietnam War where he was a prisoner of war. When they receive word that a deceased war buddy has left Ernt a rundown cabin in a beautiful but very remote area of Alaska, he jumps at the chance to start over yet again. How will Leni and her mom learn to survive the beautiful landscape where danger lurks at every turn? Love, sometimes, is not enough, but it takes a village and then some to survive. The beauty of Alaska just leaps off the page in this well-written novel."
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Shadow Captain by Alastair ReynoldsA sequel to the award-winning Revenger finds a haunted Adrana and an increasingly obsessed Fura Ness searching for Bosa Sennen's hidden treasure, a hunt that is complicated by the late pirate's numerous enemies. Gerry: Administration 'The Ness sisters killed the legendary Bosa Sennen and took the ruthless space pirate's feared ship. How do they survive as bounty hunters, governments, and corporations pursue them, not knowing or believing Senna is dead? And how long will I have to wait for the next book?"
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It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair LewisWritten during the Great Depression, when the country was largely oblivious to Hitler’s aggression, the book juxtaposes sharp political satire with the chillingly realistic rise of a president who becomes a dictator to save the nation from welfare cheats, sex, crime, and a liberal press. Nadge: Adult Services "Enveloped in satire and biting humor, this fictional dystopian fantasy transcends time. It's as fresh and contemporary today as in 1935. Steeped in the Great Depression and Adolf Hitler's rise, Lewis unveils the lust for power while upholding good old American values in a society of growing unrest.
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The Library Book by Susan OrleanThe acclaimed best-selling author of Rin Tin Tin and The Orchid Thief reopens the unsolved mystery of the most catastrophic library fire in American history, and delivers a dazzling love letter to a beloved institution—our libraries.
Dan: Page Supervisor
My sister-in-law from Seattle, a retired librarian, recommended this book to me. During the first few pages, I was surprised to read that the author had Cleveland roots. Then I was surprised that a non-fiction book read like a piece of fiction with loads of history and mystery surrounding a fire that took place at the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986. I hope other readers enjoy this book and can appreciate the book's message. |
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Ill will : a novel by Dan ChaonA psychologist is unwittingly embroiled in two spectacular unsolved murders, three decades apart, when the foster brother convicted of killing their family years earlier is exonerated, making him question the testimony that led to the conviction. Dianne: Circulation "Disturbing story about murder, mayhem, and dysfunctional family drama spanning several generations. Most of the story is set in nearby communities, which makes the read disquieting."
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Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny ColganMoving to a lonely flat in a sleepy seaside resort community, heartbroken Polly finds healing through an increasingly creative bread-making hobby in a tale complemented by recipes. Amy: Adult Services
"When her relationship and business partnership end, Polly escapes to a seaside cottage where she discovers a love of baking and a bright new life." |
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A Spool of Blue Thread : a novel by Anne TylerThe changing needs of aging parents impact a family gathering during which Abby Whitshank relates how her husband and she fell in love during the summer of 1959 and shares decades of marriage impacted by children and long-held secrets. Karen: Adult Services "Anne Tyler's novels usually center around a family saga. This novel is no different as it shares the highs and lows of the family Whitshank."
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After Anna by Lisa ScottolineMarrying a wonderful woman after years of loneliness and single fatherhood, John finds his newfound happiness turned upside-down by the arrival of his beautiful sociopath teen daughter, whose campaign to destroy their family and untimely murder force John to prove his innocence in the face of malevolent discoveries. Jess: Adult Services "The author, Lisa Socttoline, is a lawyer. She delves into the prison and judicial system with a very authentic tone. Pay attention as you are reading, as nothing is as it seems."
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Kerri: Circulation Department "A fantastic tale of history and the horrifying way the facts are sometimes covered up. In the end, the truth comes out."
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Flowers in the Attic by V. C. AndrewsThe four Dollanganger children move to their grandparents house with their mother. But things are not as they seem. Their mother then locks them in an abandoned wing of the large house and tells them it's only for a few days. Alex: Syracruse University Practicum Student "I just started reading this saga and can't wait for the second book. The first book was creepy, shocking, and scary. . .I want more!"
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The Whistler : a novel by John GrishamA book about a judge who bends the law combines the author's signature legal savvy and high-suspense storytelling in a latest thriller that pits an unforgettable cast of characters against unexpected twists and turns.
Maureen: Administration "The book is a fast-paced read about two investigators who uncover illegal activity surrounding a casino on an Indian reservation. Local politicians and a specific judge are corrupt, and it's up to the two investigators to unravel their deception. Several good plot twists make this an enjoyable read."
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An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks"When Jessica Farris signs up for a psychology study conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields, she thinks all she'll have to do is answer a few questions, collect her money, and leave. But as the questions grow more and more intense and invasive and the sessions become outings where Jess is told what to wear and how to act, she begins to feel as though Dr. Shields may know what she's thinking...and what she's hiding." Julie: Children's Department "Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen are the co-authors of An Anonymous Girl. These are the same authors who wrote The Wife Between Us. I really enjoyed this book, very unusual story line that peaks your interest from page 1 -- lots of twists and turns!"
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Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie FordWhen artifacts from Japanese families sent to internment camps during World War II are uncovered during renovations at Seattle's Panama Hotel, Henry Lee embarks on a personal quest that leads to memories of growing up Chinese in a city rife with anti-Japanese sentiment and of Keiko, a Japanese girl whose love transcended cultures and generations. Vicki: Circulation Department "This is historical fiction set at the end of World War II in Seattle during the Japanese internment. This book sweeps you up into the lives of two friends who made a promise to see each other again. A very touching story about first love and complicated family relationships. Couldn't put it down!"
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Avon Lake Public Library 32649 Electric Blvd. Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 440-933-8128alpl.org |
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