|
Headquarters Staff Picks December 2017
|
|
|
|
|
The Silent Corner : a novel of suspense by Dean R. Koontz Imagine watching a loved one do something that you never thought them capable of doing in your wildest of dreams. Imagine them committing suicide. In Dean Koontz’s new crime thriller series, Jane Hawk finds herself trying to cope with this same horrific nightmare when she finds her spouse dead by his own hands. However, when Jane reads her husband’s final words, he realizes everything may not be what it seems. Jane is still left with one question: if it wasn’t suicide, who wanted her husband dead, and why? The Silent Corner is the second novel by Dean Koontz I have read, and I must confess I have become a big fan. There are many things in The Silent Corner that I really enjoyed, like the nail biting suspense and intense action, but what really made the novel jump off the page for me was Koontz’s writing style in the story. The chapters vary from several pages to only several paragraphs which creates a fast pace that feels like it never lets up. Not only that, but Koontz also uses a variety of character perspectives to tell his story. This allows readers to see the story from different angles. I would highly recommend The Silent Corner because of its unrelenting suspense, refreshing prose, and its ability to feel realistic despite several unmistakable sci-fi traits. I will definitely be reading Jane Hawk’s next crusade when it hits the shelves! *Seth*
|
|
|
This book was fantastically sinister and had a strange little twist at the end that is revealed mostly in it's last brilliant sentence. The book takes place in the 1940s in Warwickshire, England. Dr. Faraday comes to Hundreds Hall, a dilapidated estate that is literally falling down among its three remaining family members, the Ayres. He has come to check in on their new serving girl who complains of a stomach ache in an attempt to avoid what she calls a mysterious "presence" in the house that makes her feel unsafe. The doctor, whose mother also used to be a nursemaid in the house when he was a young boy, sits down with the family afterward to recollect on the family's and the estate's finer days - though he does not have much to offer as he was raised in a much lower class. He eventually becomes entangled with the family and the strange happenings that start occurring in the house even more frequently.
The book is atmospheric in the best way possible. Gothic and a bit dreary with a hint of malevolence hanging in the periphery, the "ghost" never really steps out of the shadows so this wouldn't appeal to all horror readers. It's definitely more a historical fiction with a supernatural angle, and it isn't the kind of book you pick up for a quick paced spook ride. The writing is fantastic though and really draws you in. It'd also be a great book club choice as there is a lot to discuss in these pages. I'll be thinking about this one for a while. Read it with a friend! *Rebecca*
|
|
|
The Nöel Diary by Richard Paul Evans Richard Paul Evans is a NY Times bestselling author and has been called “the king of Christmas fiction.” His newest Christmas novel, The Noel Diary, is an enjoyable read. Bestselling author Jacob Churcher hasn’t been home since his mentally ill mother kicked him out at sixteen. Weeks before Christmas, he received a call that his estranged mother had died. Jacob returns home after being away for twenty years with hopes of making peace with his past. The Noel Diary is a wonderful story. So grab a blanket and enjoy this delightful, cozy read. I have never read anything by Evans but look forward to reading his other books! *Shannon*
|
|
|
Provenance by Ann Leckie I was SUPER excited to see that Ann Leckie, author of the award-winning Imperial Radch trilogy, had released a new book, and I was even more excited to find out that Provenance is set in the same universe as her other novels! Provenance, set on the other side of said universe, follows Ingray Aughskold, the adopted daughter of a political leader in the Hwae galaxy. Ingray’s attempts to impress her mother have failed repeatedly, so she takes the drastic step of smuggling a political rival’s child out of Compassionate Removal, in hopes of recovering important lost Hwaean documents. Unsurprisingly, as soon as Ingray brings Garal Ket home to help her, everything goes entirely sideways. Provenance is remotely related to the space opera that made Leckie famous; certain characters are referred to and one even makes a surprise appearance, but it’s unnecessary to have read the Radch trilogy to enjoy Provenance. More importantly, Provenance has all the same touches of Leckie’s previous work: it’s tense, it’s funny, it bends gender in a smart, creative way, and it unveils an incredibly fleshed out world with interesting characters. Provenance is a fun, snappy read, especially for those looking for a cross between high sci-fi and comedy of errors. *Jess*
|
|
|
Gizelle's Bucket List : my life with a very large dog by Lauren Fern Watt Gizelle's Bucket List: My Life With A Very Large Dog is a beautiful heart-felt book about a story of love, friendship, and adventure between a girl and her loyal 160 pound English Mastiff. Together, Lauren and Gizelle share life’s ups and downs, such as a mother’s struggle with addiction, first jobs, boyfriends, and navigating adulthood in the Big Apple. But when Gizelle gets sick and Lauren realizes her best friend might not always be around, she creates an epic bucket list to make the most of the time they have left together. Warning: have a box of Kleenex nearby because this book will have you experiencing all the feels. This beautiful tribute of a book took me on a journey of emotions. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me love on my own dog a little more the day I finished this book. Gizelle's Bucket List: My Life With A Very Large Dog is not just a book about a friendship between a girl and her dog, but rather a lesson on what it means to love unconditionally and always be searching for the next great adventure. *Brandi*
|
|
|
Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant “As long as there was life in the sea, there would be teeth.” This novel was everything I never knew that I wanted. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical that a book on "killer mermaids" would be anything but juvenile and silly (that's a lie, I knew it would be awesome) but it was tense, fast paced, and gritty and I loved every second of it. This book literally has everything you want to make it perfect, raw entertainment. It's got intelligent, bloodthirsty, sea creatures. It's got science. It's got a twist ending. It's the perfect blend of sci-fi and survival horror with a dash of humor that only Mira Grant can provide. It's basically the book equivalent of Pacific Rim, and I mean that in the best way possible. It's probably not winning any literary awards, but sometimes you have to put down the John Steinbeck and read about a bunch of scientists getting chomped on by a school of sentient sea monsters. To be fair, writing a book on killer mermaids that is actually scary and believable does require some serious writing chops to be able to pull off, and Mira Grant has it in spades. I've always been creeped out by the ocean, but I think after reading this I went from "casually avoiding the beach" to "probably moving to Kansas." *Taylor*
|
|
|
Rabbit Cake by Annie Hartnett Everything should always be celebrated with cake. Not just any cake, but rabbit cake. Eva Babbitt, mother and wife of the Babbitt household, always celebrates special moments and occasions with rabbit shaped cakes. She believes rabbits are good luck and that all the small good things in your life should be commemorated. When Eva dies from drowning while sleepwalking, the rabbit cakes, as well as the celebrations, stop and things instantaneously change for the family and no one is ready for it. Told from the viewpoint of the youngest daughter, Elvis Babbitt, Rabbit Cake is a solemn, yet entertaining novel about a family who is trying to cope with the unexpected death of a loved one. Grief is something that everyone handles differently. There is no wrong or right way to grieve, and author, Annie Hartnett, describes some ways grief can be handled through the actions of Elvis, Lizzie, the oldest sister, and Frank, their father. Not only does Annie illustrate this family’s burden of pain, she includes heartwarming moments that you will fall in love with. Rabbit Cake is definitely food for thought! *Bernadette*
|
|
|
A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena People are such complicated beings that one has to wonder, can you ever truly know somebody down to their very core? Shari Lapena’s second novel, A Stranger in the House, presents readers with a situation in which even a happily married couple can actually be hiding a plethora of qualities and information from one another. After being involved in a pretty bad car accident, Karen Krupp suffers from amnesia and can’t quite recall the events leading up to the accident…or can she? Her husband of two years, Tom Krupp, is quick to come to her aid and defense when the police start asking questions, but pretty soon he starts to wonder if she is telling the truth. As readers delve more and more into the story, they continuously see that neither Karen nor Tom is 100% reliable. Part of the fun in reading the novel is learning about each character’s past and trying to predict how it will affect the overall outcome. If you’re looking for a mild thriller that you can read while cozying up in your favorite reading chair, try A Stranger in the House. Trust me; it is a quick and easy read, but there are plenty of little twists and turns to make it worth your while. *Isabel*
|
|
|
Behind Her Eyes : a novel by Sarah Pinborough Between the rave reviews of several coworkers and having read and loved Pinborough’s The Death House, I knew I’d have to delve into this latest book of hers. Louise is a single mom who works part-time at a psychiatrist office. She comes into work one morning expecting to meet her new boss, David, and he turns out to be the man she shared a wonderful night with (not to mention a steamy kiss) the night before at a bar. And he’s married. While caving in to her carnal desires to sleep with David, Louise also unintentionally becomes friends with his wife, Adele. Soon, a strange love triangle is formed, and all of the secrets hidden behind David and Adele’s marriage will come to light… well, most of them. This book was ADDICTING for me! It consumed most of my down time for the few days that it took me to read it. And the ending just slapped me right in the face (in the best way possible). I will say that it ventures into a deep psychological pond of magic realism, so be open-minded as you read. Ms. Pinborough is one to keep your eye on. *Crystal*
|
|
|
My Dog : the paradox, a lovable discourse about man's best friend by Matthew Inman This is a quick and simple read that I believe any past, present, and future dog-owner would enjoy. It is full of laugh-out-loud moments that will leave you thinking about your own experiences with your furry four-legged pal. Author Matthew Inman definitely hits the mark as he describes the contradictory nature of his dog, Rambo, in this sweet homage to dogs everywhere. My Dog: The Paradox makes a perfect option for gift-giving, light reading at home, and even an addition to a veterinary waiting room. *Isabel*
|
|
|
Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick, read by the author “I like to tell people that I’m a square. It’s a charming way to warn someone that I’m a finicky little brat without freaking them out.” Absolutely hilarious. Anna Kendrick's first (but hopefully not last) book Scrappy Little Nobody is a collection of short essays from her childhood in rural Maine to the present. Her honesty and frankness and the fact that she narrates the audiobook herself make reading this like sitting down to gossip with a girlfriend you haven't seen in a while. She talks about everything, from boys to fame to social anxiety to buying a car with Aubrey Plaza. She writes in a style of observational humor that is witty and a little dry, and she tells stories in a way that makes them hilariously relatable. This autobiography basically just re-confirmed my theory that Anna Kendrick is adorable and that I really want to be best friends with her. *Taylor*
|
|
|
American Wolf : A True Story of Survival and Obsession in the West by Nate Blakeslee, read by Mark BramhallThis was definitely one of my favorite books this year. It chronicles the ancestry and leadership of an alpha female wolf known as O-Six, a popular Yellowstone wolf whose bravery and charisma made her a favorite of tourists and wolf watchers alike. O-Six was a descendant of two of the wolves that were reintroduced to Yellowstone as part of conservation efforts in the 1990's. Nate Blakeslee gives you the background of these efforts and does a great job explaining wolves place in the park and how reintroduction has effected the people and the animals who live in this beautiful area of the country. His descriptions of the wolves and their behavior as well as the surrounding landscape, painted a picture that played like a movie in my mind. Mark Bramhall's voice is perfect to listen to for hours at a time and contained the reverence and respect due these animals. I absolutely loved this book. It broke my hear and touched me in a very profound way. I would recommend it to anyone with a love of wildlife, nature, or our national parks. *Rebecca*
|
|
|
Aziz Ansari is one of the most successful comedians today, and honestly, it’s because he’s hilarious. And I was looking for something light to listen to, so I picked up Modern Romance, Ansari’s study of dating in the modern world of social media and digital dating apps. Modern Romance is a little dated—2014 is ancient in terms of technological advances—but many of the situations entailed still ring true. Ansari spoke with singles around the world to get an idea of how dating works in different places, and he also interviewed older people who dated long before swiping right was a thing. It’s fascinating to hear how different dating is in Argentina versus Tokyo, and Ansari uses personal examples to bolster his breakdown of how to best text someone after a date. The audiobook is particularly funny, because Ansari’s intonation really adds to the wild stories he tells. Modern Romance is great for fans of celebrity memoirs and light nonfiction. *Jess*
|
|
|
The Great Wall The Great Wall follows two European mercenaries, William (Matt Damon) and Tovar (Pedro Pascal), as they journey East to find the legendary black powder, a deadly explosive, only to get caught in a battle against monsters. William and Tovar’s plans quickly change when they are captured and taken in by The Nameless Order, an army of specially trained forces stationed within the Great Wall of China. They are there to protect the Chinese people from the vicious Tao Tei, a species of man-eating creatures, who attack the Wall every sixty years in the hope of devouring every person living in China. I wasn’t sure what to expect with The Great Wall as I had no idea what the movie was even about. But from the opening scene, I was hooked. A Chinese legend with bloodthirsty monsters and unlikely heroes… I mean, come on, who wouldn’t be interested? With the help of amazing visuals, breathtaking cinematography, pulse-pounding and intense action scenes, I felt part of that legend, present amongst the troops defending the wall. I hope that you become just as embroiled in the defense of the Great Wall of China as I did. *Brandi*
|
|
|
Wonder Woman Fully automatic guns are used for the first time in war, trenches are dug across miles of land, and mustard gas is developed into one of the most feared weapons in the world. This is World War One. This is the Great War. Yet as the world erupts into chaos a small island still remains untouched and ignorant of the mayhem surrounding it. However, this is not an ordinary island; this is a place comprised entirely of warrior women. In Themyscira men are forbidden to enter under penalty of death. When a pilot on a secret mission crashes on the island and tells stories of the war, Diana must make a choice: will she help this soldier and the outside world, or will she condemn him and his world to death and destruction? Ancient civilization? Check. The fate of the world at stake? Check. The first female superhero to have a stand-alone movie? Double check! However, as refreshing as it was to see a female play the hero it wasn’t the main reason I enjoyed the movie. I enjoyed it because it has all the elements you want in a good superhero flick: an intriguing origin story, a compelling romance, a clever villain, comic relief, even thought-provoking ideas, and finally and most importantly, it has a butt kicking superhero. What’s not to love? *Seth*
|
|
|
The DescentSix female friends make plans to explore a well-known cave. While on their journey, the girls find out that the cave is an unexplored cave that no one has claimed. As the girls continue their expedition, they become trapped inside, fighting human-like creatures that are looking for their next meal. Being a fan of horror movies, The Descent did not disappoint. I enjoyed the heart pounding moments of the girls’ anxious attempts to escape and the suspense that builds with each flesh-eating encounter. The intensity of the movie leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. What started out as a fun adventure, ended as a fight to save each other’s lives. *Bernadette*
|
|
|
Last Day in Vietnam : a memory by Will Eisner Will Eisner is considered not only the originator of the graphic novel medium, but also one of the absolute best talents the industry has ever seen. In addition to his life as a writer and illustrator, Eisner also saw active duty in World War II and was a correspondent for PS Magazine during both the Korea & Vietnam Wars. True stories from Eisner’s time with each war are detailed in Last Day in Vietnam, written and illustrated when Eisner was 83. According to the introduction, written by Eisner, the six stories are arranged in order of personal importance, with the rollercoaster ride “Last Day in Vietnam” up first, while Eisner saves the most emotional story, “A Purple Heart for George”, for last. Each story is rendered in black and white on canvas; the added texture of the canvas offers an immediate sense of grit brought by war. Eisner rendered every story in first person perspective, so the reader rides the helicopter, climbs the hill, and looks for George’s letter requesting transfer to a new unit. Each story is also perfectly laid out on the page, with the emotional endings receiving their own pages. Despite its length—or perhaps because of it—Last Day in Vietnam packs quite a punch, especially for those of us who know veterans of war. Eisner created another exceptional, worthy read with Last Day in Vietnam. *Jess*
|
|
|
Pentatonix ChristmasWhat better way is there to get into the holiday spirit than by listening to A Pentatonix Christmas? Pentatonix is a cappella group that rose to fame by winning NBC’s “The Sing-Off” in 2011. This is a fun, enjoyable album with a lot of your favorite traditional Christmas songs sung with a twist. With this being their third Christmas album, I was surprisingly shocked by how much I liked it. Their rendition of “Hallelujah” will blow you away. I will definitely be playing this album for many years to come. If you are a fan of Christmas music as much as me, definitely check out, A Pentatonix Christmas. *Shannon*
|
|
|
Big Little Lies We’re teased from the very beginning on this one with something awful that happens at a trivia night at a local public school fundraiser. We know “the what” but not the who or the how. The story goes back from here to tell the histories of the participants involved that night to uncover the jealousies and seething problems that lead to that tragic moment. Based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, this is essentially a story of parents behaving badly. It’s a witty account about the lives of children, teens, friends, wives, second wives, husbands & exes, particularly focusing on 3 of the women who are friends. I found this intriguing, addictive, and at times, extremely hard to watch. It filled me with anticipation and worry almost the whole time. It touched me in a way that TV hasn’t in a very long time. I feel like I can’t say enough about this HBO miniseries. With an all-star cast that portray characters that seem so real, you will find yourself binging this just like I did! *Crystal*
|
|
|
|
|
|