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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 several months. We have a broad array of reading tastes, so you’ll find fiction and non-fiction, literary works, Halloween-appropriate spooky books, and even a couple beach reads left over from the summer months. If any of these selections pique your interest, simply click on the book title to place a hold through our online catalogue. Alternatively, you can reply to this email and let me know what books I should reserve for you. 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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The hunger by Alma Katsu"The Hunger is the perfect mixture of horror and history, with a supernatural twist. This novel is very loosely based on the Donner Party, and their perilous journey from Missouri to California in 1846. Many members of the wagon train died, and the rest are said to have turned to gut-churning measures in order to survive. The Hunger describes the brutal realities of life on the trail for the Donner Party, from unfortunate weather and rough terrain to something much more deadly than even the bitter cold. This book is a moderately-paced read with an ending you won’t see coming. Well-written characters and realistic setting add depth to a compelling plot." -- Shelby, Library Page
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Radiant shimmering light by Sarah Selecky "There is no shortage of people telling us how to live but not all recommendations are appropriate for us. Our character navigates friendships and growth, self-discovery, and social media in this charming, funny, debut novel. Despite having "connections" and "friends" online, the value of true and in-person friendships are key here. The authenticity and depth of these friendships is explored. The improvement in our character's life comes at a cost as she questions her experiences and finds her own way. I was reminded of Miriam Toews' All my Puny Sorrows as the characters here have their own jealousies and desires while not fully appreciating their own strengths." -- Kelly, Branch Coordinator, Yarker Branch
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If I die tonightby Alison Gaylin"One of the great things about facilitating the Amherstview Branch book club is that I get to try genres I would not otherwise imagine myself reading! While I have generally shied away from thrillers, our monthly focus on suspenseful reads got me to dip my toes into darker waters! Since I have yet to set my compass for what appeals to me I chose this new release. The intricate plot kept me guessing and compelled me to finish the book. If you have not yet ventured into thriller territory, you will likely enjoy the detective’s prowess coupled with the detailed insights into the family’s characters, not to mention its commentary on contemporary social issues, as exemplary of the versatility this genre offers." -- Jennifer, Branch Assistant, Amherstview Branch
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The perfect coupleby Elin Hilderbrand"If you’ve ever planned a wedding or even attended one, you know how intense they can be. In this summer read, set in Nantucket, the perfect wedding is being planned for one of the islands’ wealthiest families. On the morning of the wedding, everyone is just waking up when a horrible discovery occurs. The body of the maid of honour is found lying lifeless on the beach. Was it an accident or something more malicious? Everyone seems to have something to hide and this, in turn, makes everyone a suspect. This intriguing murder mystery will have you guessing right from the beginning and find a reason to accuse everyone involved. For lovers of beach reads with a twist, this book is for you." -- Erin, Branch Support, Napanee Branch
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The other woman by Sandie Jones "The Other Woman is a compulsively addictive, disturbing domestic thriller that reeled me in from the very beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Emily is over the moon happy with her new boyfriend Adam. Emily and Adam have a seemingly idyllic life together. There is only one obstacle to their everlasting happiness: his mother! Pammie is the epitome of a controlling, manipulative mother-in-law-to-be who is desperate to keep Emily and Adam apart. She will do anything (including faking being seriously ill and inviting Adam’s ex to Emily’s bachelorette party) to keep the relationship from going to the next level. As the story progresses we discover the shocking truth of why this is the case!" -- Marg, Branch Supervisor, Napanee Branch
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Foeby Iain ReidHow would you handle it if you had an opportunity of a lifetime but it meant you would be separated from your loved ones for a long time? Would it be easier or harder to be replaced in every aspect of your life? In this taut, philosophical mind-bender, a character named Junior is about to grapple with these very questions. While I found Foe did not pack the same punch as Reid’s last book, I’m Thinking of Ending Things, his writing style is just as compelling and will have the reader questioning how they would deal with such a separation and the lasting effect it would have on all your relationships. -- Julie, Readers' Services Coordinator
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Nothing good can come from thisby Kristi Coulter"This memoir comprised of essays is witty in a David Sedaris kind of way, but it’s about a serious topic: the author’s battle with functioning alcoholism. Actually, it’s mostly about her journey towards accepting that she, a well-to-do professional, had a problem to begin with, as well as the things that distracted her from making this realization. She also discusses how her outlook on life changed after giving up alcohol, how becoming a runner helped her with the transition, and how our modern society drives people, particularly women, to drink. Nothing Good Can Come From This is frank, funny and feminist – in a sea of addiction memoirs, this one definitely stands apart." -- Catherine, Manager of Library Services
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Beneath a scarlet skyby Mark T Sullivan "During WWII, Italian teenager Pino is sent to the Alps for safety. There, a priest recruits him to lead Jews out of occupied Italy to Switzerland. Pino has many close calls which prompt his parents to call him home. They know boys are being drafted to the German Army and believe he will be safer if he enlists. Once joined, he is injured and returns to Milan where a chance encounter with General Leyers results in a job as the General’s driver. This role allows Pino to spy for the Allies. Similar to the fantastic, fictional life of Forrest Gump, Pino always seems to be in the middle of the action making this an amazing, fast-paced story full of intrigue, danger and daring." -- Andree, Library Relief
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Shelter in place by Nora Roberts"Eight minutes of carnage, chaos, fear, death and strength changed the lives of hundreds of people forever. Three teenage shooters didn’t live to tell the tale. But those who did made their way into the future, never forgetting. Reed was working as a waiter at the mall the night of the shooting – he dedicates himself to law enforcement. Simone was at the movies with friends and her 911 call from the washrooms was the first alert to police – she shuts the world out and focuses on her art. As the survivors slowly heal, find shelter and rebuild, they will discover that another conspirator is lying wait – and this time, there might be nowhere safe to hide. Shelter in Place is a thrilling romance that will keep you up past bedtime." -- Patricia, Programming & Outreach Coordinator
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Best beach ever by Wendy Wax"The Best Beach Ever by Wendy Wax is a descriptive, engaging book that will transport you to southern Florida and make you feel as though you were right there with the cast of strong women helping each other through life. Forced to rent out their beloved Bella Flora after the cancellation of their reality show, a group of friends start over in small beach cottages while struggling with the challenges of a celebrity boyfriend, midlife motherhood, Hollywood competitiveness, commitment issues and obsessive revenge fantasies. This book is number 6 in the Ten Beach Road series, but has enough backstory to be read as a stand-alone." -- Karen S., Branch Coordinator, Bath Branch
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The beauty of darkness by Mary Pearson "In The Beauty of Darkness, Mary E. Pearson has given us a thrilling conclusion to her bestselling Remnant Chronicles! I have been in love with this series and the unforgettable characters found within ever since I read the first book. This masterfully created fantasy world is great for both teens and adults alike. If you are looking to escape into a truly unique world, meet some fierce characters and enjoy stories with a bit of romance mixed in then this is the perfect choice for you! You will be gripping every book, especially this final one, tightly right from the nerve-wracking start all the way to the heart stopping and tear-jerking conclusion!" -- Kristin, Library Relief
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The inner life of animals : love, grief, and compassion: surprising observations of a hidden world by Peter Wohlleben "In The Inner Life of Animals, Peter Wohlleben discusses the latest research on animal feelings and emotion. He draws insights from multiple studies as well as from his personal experiences of the woodland where he has lived and worked for decades. The book argues that animals’ inner lives are really not so different from our own. If you own a pet, are interested in psychology and neurology, or are an animal rights activist who could use some new arguments, then I suggest you try this book." -- Karen N., Branch Coordinator, Tamworth Branch
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