October Library Staff Picks

What have library staff been reading and enjoying lately? Let's find out.

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Stop Me if You've Heard This One by Kristen Arnett

"This is a great book on the art of clowning. Impactful, emotional, and of course hilarious, this is a book that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a fast read as well. The relatable main character, who works in an aquarium to fund her clowning gigs, has some really excellent commentary on the absurdity of life and how to roll with the punches into a pratfall. I highly recommend."-Genesis

The Sunshine Girls by Molly Fader (Available on Hoopla Audiobook & eBook)

"A woman dies and at the funeral, a famous actor shows up to everyone's surprise. The dead woman's daughters have no idea why she's there and the story of how the women know each other unfolds from there-how they knew each other, and why they each made different choices that affected their futures."-Constance

Hazel Says No by Jessica Berger Gross

"A family moves from a big city to a very small town in Maine. Hazel is a senior in high school and very focused on getting into the college of her dreams. She meets an older man who is interested in her reading and academic promise-but then he turns out to be lecherous and she tells her parents what happened. This book is about what happens when women speak up."-Fugi

Sister, Sinner: The Miraculous Life and Mysterious Disappearance of Aimee Semple McPherson by Claire Hoffman

"Aimee Semple McPherson was a superstar preacher and built one of the first megachurches. She is best known now for her disappearance-everyone thought she was dead and even held a funeral-until she re-emerged and claimed that she had been kidnapped. Detectives eventually found that she had been holed up with a man in a scandalous love nest, but she never admitted to it. The book looks at her life as a whole: how she became this famous Hollywood preacher and how humanity can break through even the most pious veneer."-Rachelle

Culpability by Bruce Holsinger

"A family gets into a car crash that kills another family. Who is actually responsible? The 18-year-old boy behind the wheel who was texting and driving? The father in the front seat who should have had an eye on his son? Or the AI-driven car? The book asks the larger question of what our responsibility is in using AI. Thought-provoking!"-Fugi

The Housemaid and The Housemaid's Secret by Frieda McFadden

"Frieda McFadden is my go-to for when life is busy-I can listen while cleaning, walking, or driving and never lose the thread. I flew through The Housemaid and The Housemaid's Secret, both about a maid who just wants a fresh start but keeps landing in houses full of secrets (and way more drama than she signed up for)."-Katie

Noir by Christopher Moore

"The genre-bending master of fiction Christopher Moore dazzles in this San Francisco set homage to classic hard-boiled detective novels. A humorous and entertaining love letter to the Noir era of post-war America in the 1940's."-Derek

Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs (Available on Libby and Link+)

"This is a collection of short stories, and I read the first one before going to sleep-not the best idea! There are gnome-like creatures who are able to regrow limbs and cannibals who are running out of prisoners to eat. One day, a gnome accidentally gets his leg cut off and a hungry cannibal offers money to be able to eat it. The story becomes this interesting look at the dangers of consumerism."-Luog

Bring Down the House by Charlotte Runcie

"A theater critic pans a performance but then goes on to have a one-night stand with the actor when the opportunity presents itself. When the actor realizes that her fling panned her show, she goes on to overhaul her performance and turns the critical eye on him. The most interesting thing was that this is all told through the perspective of the critic's colleague as she considers who she is as a woman. The book is more thoughtful than comedic."-Constance

The Perfect Passion Company by Alexander McCall Smith

"This book is three connected novellas about a woman who takes over a dating service in Edinburgh. A sweet story!"-Constance

The Tennis Partner by Abraham Verghese (Available on Hoopla Audiobook & eBook)

"This is the true story of the author's time as an internist and instructor in El Paso. Verghese is so passionate about medicine, and he's such a rich storyteller, that I kept forgetting the story is his true-life experience. The friendship he develops with a student doctor, his changing family (divorce, moving out, his two young children) and all against the backdrop of southwest Texas makes this a compelling, ultimately heartbreaking read."-Anthony

Other books we read and enjoyed:

Happiness & Love by Zoe Dubno

Thunder Song by Sasha LaPointe

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Horse Barbie by Geena Rocero

Picture Books

Yard Sale by Eve Bunting

"When Callie's family faces financial hardship, they must sell most of their possessions in a yard sale and move from their house into a small apartment. For Callie, losing her stuffed animals, bicycle, and other beloved belongings feels overwhelming and unfair. Yet through her journey, children learn that while change and loss are hard, love, resilience, and family support matter most. This tender story helps young readers understand how to cope with a family crisis, reminding them that true security comes not from things, but from the people who stand by us."-Yvonne

Super Goat Girl by Tracey Baptiste

"A fun story about being the new kid at school while also teaching kids about belieeeeving in themselves. Super Goat Girl has special powers, but some of the other students doubt her. Luckily, her teacher, Miss Damsel, believes in her and helps her feel confident. A great pick for early readers who enjoy a fun and adventurous superhero stories."-Luog

Just One Wave by Travis Jonker

"This isa funny story about Liam, who waits all day for a wave, any wave at the beach. After trying silly tricks with no luck, he learns that by changing how he thinks and taking action, he can make it happen. This book teaches kids to be patient, think differently, and try new ways to solve problems."-Luog

This Little Kitty in the Garden by Karen Obuhaynch

"A delightful story about silly cats and their antics in the garden. This story is a play on the classic nursery rhyme "This Little Piggy Went to Market", and is sure to elicit lots of joy from cat lovers."-Derek

Snail Crossing by Corey Tabor

"A story of determination about an adventurous snail in pursuit of a tasty green piece of cabbage. Follow our friend as he deals with the treacherous obstacles in the road as he scoots along for his prized meal. This funny story about never giving up will help teach a great lesson about never giving up on your goals."-Derek