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The staff of the County of L&A Libraries are avid readers and always eager to share their favourite books. Here we bring you a list of some of the reads we’ve enjoyed over the past few months. The selection below includes fiction, non-fiction, juvenile fiction and even a quasi-local mystery! As always, you can place a hold on a book listed by clicking on its title. If you wish to request more reading suggestions from a staff member, just click on their name. Happy reading! - Catherine
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At the library...
Browse our book displays to discover books with a Staff Picks sticker on the cover.
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On our website...We have archived past Staff Picks on our website. Click here to learn more!
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On social media... Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (@landalibrary) for #StaffPicksSaturdays
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Lady Franklin of Russell Square by Erika Behrisch Elce" Lady Franklin of Russell Square is a perfect read for lovers of historical fiction and epistolary novels. Lady Franklin was an unconventional and controversial figure for her time as she waited for Sir John Franklin to return home from his ill-fated journey to the Arctic. Told over a span of ten years through letters and newspaper articles you see that even when it is clear he will not return she is steadfast in her determination that reports are wrong and the costs she incurs both financially and to her reputation." - Julie, Readers' Services Coordinator
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Bleeding darkness by Brenda Chapman "Brenda Chapman’s Bleeding Darkness which is set in Kingston revolves around David McKenna and his family. None of the family seems to have recovered from the murder, 14 years earlier, of a teenaged girl named Zoe. David's son Tristan was Zoe's boyfriend and was considered to be the prime suspect. When Tristan's pregnant wife is murdered, he is once again a suspect. Police officers Kala Stonechild and Jacques Rouleau must untangle the web of deceit surrounding the first murder to solve this latest one."
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21 lessons for the 21st century by Yuval N Harari "Humankind is moving deeper into uncharted technological and social territory. Reflective and thought provoking, this book explores how best to navigate our lives in this century of constant change. It shares insights into such present-day issues as the role of technology in transforming humanity, the epidemic of false news, and the modern relevance of nations and religion. This book is sure to interest current affairs enthusiasts, history buffs looking for fresh insights, and big-picture thinkers wanting a new perspective on the world’s challenges." - Karen N, Tamworth Branch Coordinator
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Just under the clouds by Melissa Sarno "Imagine grieving the loss of your father, being in middle school, being responsible for your sister who has special needs when your mom is at work, and being homeless – this is the life Cora is living. Just Under the Clouds is Melissa Sarno’s debut novel and it is a powerful, thought provoking work of juvenile fiction. This book will give the reader a brief glimpse into homelessness from a child’s perspective." - Patricia, Programming & Outreach Coordinator
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Almost midnight by Rainbow Rowell"Since 2019 has only freshly started, why not read an adorable little book that features two friends recognizing their love for each other at a New Year’s Eve celebration? Almost Midnight by Rainbow Rowell is a collection of two heartwarming stories featuring young love that you won’t be able to get enough of! Between the glittery covers of this book, the imagination of a highly skilled author gives us two amazing stories that are even brought to life by a few sweet illustrations scattered throughout the pages."
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Every time you go away by Elizabeth M Harbison"Three years after her husband’s death, Willa finally decides it’s time to clear out and sell their beach house. Willa’s son Jamie eventually joins her, as does her best friend Kristin, then Kristin’s daughter Kelsey, and together they work on cleaning and fixing up the house, and sharing old memories. The story is told in the alternating voices of Willa and teenage Jamie, both very likeable characters you’ll fall in love with. This is a heartwarming and engaging story that, even as it explores the themes of grief and letting go, is kept from being too sad by the wry humour evident in all of Harbison’s books."
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The tattooist of Auschwitzby Heather Morris “This is the fictionalized account of the horrifying time spent by Lale and Gita Sokolov in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II as relayed to the author in her interviews with Lale. It is a truly powerful, heart wrenching story of endurance in which he recounts the details of their lives at Auschwitz-Birkenau. I would suggest to fans of historically-based fictional wartime novels such as Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, The Dutch Wife by Ellen Keith or The Alice Network by Kate Quinn.” - Marg, Napanee Branch Supervisor
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My sister, the serial killerby Oyinkan Braithwaite What do you do if your little sister has the bad habit of killing her boyfriends? If you are Korede, the main character in this debut novel, the answer is obvious: clean up the crime scene and meticulously destroy all evidence. But when Korede’s two worlds collide, and her sister sets sight on Korede’s love interest, a choice must be made: continue to protect a murderous sister or save the man of your dreams. This quick and addictive read is filled with (dark) humour and clever observations. Each character comes with flaws, including quirky big-sister and narrator Korede who you can’t help but root for.
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The Italian teacher by Tom Rachman Tom Rachman’s books all have an international, artsy, sweeping feel. The Italian Teacher is my favourite of his so far. Starting in Rome, back in 1955, it follows the life of Pinch Bavinsky. A young boy and son to the great Bear Bavinksy, a famous painter who is extremely pretentious, eccentric and self-centered. Not great father material. What follows is decades of Pinch traveling all around the world (London, Toronto, a tiny village in France…), ultimately in pursuit of Bear’s approval and never receiving it. The beginning is slow, but I loved the ending so much. The Italian Teacher is filled with subtle humour, family dysfunction and plenty of lost souls.
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