Cory's June Staff Pick

Walking Across Egypt

By Clyde Edgerton

PS 3555 .D47 W3 1997

It is summer, so this pick is just plain fun. The characters are memorably wise and witty and the storyline one anyone can appreciate. An elderly lady decides she needs to take in a teenaged delinquent. It’s a joy. Happy Reading!

Tim's June Staff Pick

Friday Night Lights

Written by H.G. Bissinger

GV 958 .P47 B57 1991

How much is too much? How far is too far? “Friday Night Lights” takes a look at a Texas town and their love for their local football team. What is interesting about this story isn’t that it’s a feel good story, but a story about what parents, coaches, and even the high school athletes will go to just to win a football game. This book will give you more questions than answers and a shocking look at how some Texas towns emotionally invest into their local teams.

Kristy's June Staff Pick

Moon Over Manifest

Written by Clare Vanderpool

PZ 7 .P28393 M00

2010

Listening to her father's stories about his boyhood, Abilene Tucker expected the sign to say:

MANIFEST: A TOWN WITH A RICH PAST AND A BRIGHT FUTURE

But when she finally arrives, the only legible words on the weather-beaten sign read:

MANIFEST: A TOWN WITH A... PAST...

Thus begins a summer filled with more stories. As she learns about the town's past, she finds plenty of mystery and discovers secrets that impact the present.

Enjoy!

Jan's June Staff Pick

The Education of Little Tree

Written by Forrest Carter

AMIND PS 3553 .A777 Z464 2000

This is a thoughtful story about a young Cherokee orphan being raised by his grandparents during the depression.  Hearing the sounds of nature and seeing the beauty of Mother Nature through the words of this book is a refreshing journey. The author takes you into Little Tree’s world through a simple childhood view of the “live-off-the-land” grandparents, the characters in the community, and the culture of the politics of that era.  The clashes Little Tree observes when his world is confronted with government policy and racism are handled with the aged wisdom of his loving grandparents in words that can be applied to today’s issues.  Very enjoyable read. 

Candy's June Staff Pick

The Uncommon Reader

Written by Alan Bennett

Audiobook Bennett

Author Alan Bennett narrates this audiobook story about Queen Elizabeth II who discovers too late in her life that she has an absolute passion for reading. She discovers that it opens her life to other worlds, much to the disgust and chagrin of the Duke, and more to her private secretary, who tries to undermine her increasing efforts at finding and reading just about anything ever written.  Alan Bennett’s narration is good and it is only 2.75 hours long. Enjoy! 

Casey's May Staff Pick

The Blade Itself

Written by Joe Abercrombie

PR 6101 .B49 B57 2007

Abercrombie lays out a very gritty tale of what it means to be human. Follow a handful of key players in a bloody conflict that soon turns villain into hero and before you know it, you’ll be wondering just who the bad guy really is. Abercrombie’s writing style builds a fantasy world of cold hard steel and mysterious magical undertones. Where Abercrombie really shines, though, is in his ability to make us question our own morals and the reality of “right and wrong” as well as “good and evil”. When you finish his book you will have to ask yourself if you’re still able to hold on to your old ideals. Is our humanity only a fair weather friend?

Kelsey's May Staff Pick

The Notebook

Written by Nicholas Sparks

PS 3569 .P363 N68 1996

I believe with love comes faith, and that’s exactly what this story represents. Faith is about believing in something you have no idea how to explain; it’s that feeling of love you get in your heart and you just know. Noah just knew. He believed him and Allie’s love for each other could overcome absolutely anything, even the most difficult of obstacles. This is a love story that will definitely capture your attention... and your heart.