Staff Picks for March

Water for Elephants
By Sue Green
Recommended by Pete
Description: Jacob Jankowski says: "I am ninety. Or ninety-three. One or the other." At the beginning of Water for Elephants, he is living out his days in a nursing home, hating every second of it. His life wasn't always like this, however, because Jacob ran away and joined the circus when he was twenty-one. It wasn't a romantic, carefree decision, to be sure. His parents were killed in an auto accident one week before he was to sit for his veterinary medicine exams at Cornell. He buried his parents, learned that they left him nothing because they had mortgaged everything to pay his tuition, returned to school, went to the exams, and didn't write a single word. He walked out without completing the test and wound up on a circus train.
Why Pete liked it: This is a wonderful story, it got me on page one and held me to the end. There is something about getting behind the scenes at a circus especially a train-circus during the 1930’s that is very appealing to me. The story surrounds a very old man overhearing a new-comer to the nursing home tell about his time with the circus when he “carried water for the elephants.” Our hero knows that anyone who knew anything about circuses and elephants knows that no one could realistically carry water for elephants and that the job of carrying water for elephants is one given as a joke to those new to circuses. Most of the story is in the head of the old-timer remembering Rose the elephant and the cruelty done her by the animal trainer and the surprising end to the story that will satisfy most readers. His friends are dwarfs, freaks, roustabouts, pretty girls, clowns, and animal handlers. The story ranges to murder, robbery, love, and death. Who could ask for more

Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail

By Malika Oufkir and Michele Fitoussi

Recommended by Julie

Description: At the age of 5, Malika Oufkir, eldest daughter of General Oufkir, was adopted by King Muhammad V of Morocco and sent to live in the palace as part of the royal court. There she led a life of unimaginable privilege and luxury alongside the king's own daughter. King Hassan II ascended the throne following Muhammad V's death, and in 1972 General Oufkir was found guilty of treason after staging a coup against the new regime, and was summarily executed. Immediately afterward, Malika, her mother, and her five siblings were arrested and imprisoned, despite having no prior knowledge of the coup attempt.

Why Julie liked it: I can’t believe what this woman and her family lived through! Malika lived like a princess, and then at nineteen years of age she was sent to prison with her mother and five brothers and sisters because her father attempted to assassinate the king. She remained in prison for twenty-four years. This book tells about the horrifying lives they endured while imprisoned in Morocco. This is truly a shocking story, not only because it is true, but because it happened in 1972 to 1996!

Jesus Out to Sea : Stories

By James Lee Burke

Recommended by Bradley

Description: The 11 previously published stories in this strong collection showcase Burke's handling of familiar themes and places, minus the trappings that accompany his popular Dave Robicheaux or Bill Bob Holland novels. The inevitable marriage of war and atrocity is powerfully described in the very brief Vietnam War tale, "The Village." The title story, one of two dealing with Katrina and its aftermath, shows the lasting damage of war on survivors. Both "Winter Light" and "A Season of Regret" feature disillusioned, stoical academics, loners coping with the encroachments of cruder society. Most wrenching and affecting are several coming-of-age tales: "Texas City, 1947" depicts brutalized children and contains a surprising dénouement; "The Molester" and "The Burning of the Flag" both feature childhood friends from the WWII era confronting bullies or demons. Burke demonstrates impressive range, sensitivity and polish in these smaller-scale gems.

Why Bradley liked it: Mr. Burke is an excellent short story writer. His tales are a little dark, with many of the stories bordering on pathos. These are good “night-time read before bed” stories geared towards adult readers. Very enjoyable...

May Bird and the Ever After

By Jodi Lynn Anderson

Recommended by Becky

Description: In this first tale of a gripping new trilogy, we meet May Bird; her closest companion, Somber Kitty; and a variety of ghosts, ghouls, and specters. May Bird, a shy loner, finds adventure and companionship in the woods surrounding her beloved West Virginia home. In one of her sojourns into the woods, May inadvertently falls through a portal and ends up in the strange and frightening Ever After.

Why Zara liked it: When I read the first few chapters, I wasn’t sure where the story was going to go, but it ended up being not only adventurous and exciting, but also sweet and very funny. The friends that May makes are very loyal, yet silly, too. Jodi Lynn Anderson did a really good job with all the characters and their personalities, and with how they would view things. It’s an awesome book for all ages, and highly recommended for adventurous folk.

All Creatures Great and Small

By James Herriot

Recommended by John
Description: Tales from a small town Vet in England during World War 2.

Why John liked it: I loved this book when I read it as a kid. For the longest time I wanted to be a vet driving around in a broken down car meeting interesting people and saving animals. As I grew older I realized that being a Vet was no longer like that, but the tales remain as poignant as ever.

Staff Picks for February

Bare Bones
By Kathy Reichs
Recommended by Pete
Description: Feisty forensic anthropologist Temperance (Tempe) Brennan is supposed to be on vacation, but body parts keep turning up. At the start of her sixth adventure, she's awaiting the arrival of her current flame, Quebecois sleuth Andrew Ryan, so she can head for the beach near her hometown of Charlotte, N.C. Before he shows up, she's called in to use her world-class forensics skills when a local janitor's infant granddaughter is found dead and charred in an oven.

Why Pete liked it: Temperance Brennan is the character featured in the TV series “Bones,” and the character is taken from the work of Kathy Reichs. Bare Bones is a good story by Reichs featuring Tempe Brennan, a forensic anthropologist, knee-deep in bones and gore. Reichs weaves a good story, a good mystery, and a good set piece. She is based in Charlotte, North Carolina in this book but in some she sets the work in Quebec. The story grabbed me early and held on to the end. A good mystery series with a total of 10 titles so far. Deja Dead (1997) started the series with Bare Bones as number 5.

Chosen by a Horse

By Susan Richards

Recommended by Julie

Description: The lessons of love come in many different forms. For Richards, adopting a maltreated horse impacted her life in ways she could not have forseen. Richards adopts an emaciated mare and her foal, overriding the small voice telling her that she already has three horses to care for and a herniated disk. Her experience with her new charges proves profoundly instructive in terms of how love can foster growth of the human spirit and help in overcoming pain and loss.

Why Julie liked it: I am not a horse person, but for some reason I picked up the book and never put it down until I had finished reading it. I learned a lot about horses, which I surprisingly enjoyed. I think I found it so mesmerizing because of the beautiful way this memoir is written. She doesn’t depict herself as perfect, but a woman with many flaws, who learned to see her problems by connecting with an adopted horse, which she rescued from the SPCA. The horse was suffering from severe neglect and illness. After reading about how she loved and admired all her horses, it makes me wish I could rescue and raise some...I know there is a great need for homes for many horses that have faced similar or worse conditions...
Maybe in my next life!

Better Homes and Gardens New Complete Guide to Landscaping

By Todd A. Steadman
Recommended by Bradley

Description: Discover the beauty and joy of creating a wonderful landscape in your yard and let Better Homes and Gardens New Complete Guide to Landscaping help. This guides beautiful garden ideas, step-by-step project instructions, and plant selection and care tips ensure a stunning landscape you can enjoy for years to come.

Why Bradley liked it: For anyone who is into landscaping, flower gardens, and outside décor, this is an excellent book, with lots of color pictures and illustrations. It is chock full of ideas and instructions for various outdoor projects.

7th Heaven

By James Patterson

Recommended by Becky

Description: A terrible fire in a wealthy suburban home leaves a married couple dead--and Detective Lindsay Boxer and her partner Rich Conklin searching for clues. And after California's golden boy, Michael Campion has been missing for a month, there finally seems to be a lead in his case--a very devastating lead.

Why Becky liked it: With lots of twists and turns, James Patterson is back with a new Women’s Murder Club, 7th Heaven. It’s a good, quick read.

Dance of Death

By Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Recommended by John
Description: Two brothers. One a top FBI agent. The other a brilliant, twisted criminal. An undying hatred between them. Now, a perfect crime. And the ultimate challenge: Stop me if you can...

Why John liked it: Agent Pendergrast is easily one of my favorite mystery characters. He's a blend of James Bond and Sherlock Holmes solving the strangest crimes the FBI encounters. In this novel we finally begin to see what has made Pendergrast into the man he is, and he potentially meets his match in the form of his long lost brother.

Staff Picks for December

A Good Dog
By Jon Katz

Recommended by John
Description: Barking, lunging and nipping at visitors, terrorizing school buses and crashing through a window screen to pursue a cat in a neighbor's house, the hero of this absorbing, if melodramatic, memoir hardly seems a good dog. But Orson's fangs are firmly set in the heart of dog journalist Katz (The Dogs of Bedlam Farm), who tries everything to soothe his frenzy—acupuncture, chiropractic, "Shen calming herbs from China," sessions with a "shamanic soul retriever"—then moves to a farm where the border collie's native sheep-herding instincts might flourish.

Why John liked it: If you liked James Herriot you will like Jon Katz. His books are a wonderful portrait of a man's love for animals. Jon Katz tells a humorous story that tugs at your heart, by the end of the story you will be on the edge of your seat wondering how it will all come out.

On Death and Dying

By Elisabeth Kϋbler-Ross

Recommended by Julie

Description: One of the most famous psychological studies of the late twentieth century, On Death and Dying grew out of an interdisciplinary seminar on death, originated and conducted by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross.

Why Julie liked it: I read this book in college, and I was glad I did, but I wish I would have read it before my mother became terminally ill. It helped me understand the stages people go through when dying, much like with other major life events: denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Not only does this information help the dying person understand what they are experiencing, but it helps loved ones and doctors too.
You may think this sounds morbid, but if we could talk about death and dying as a natural part of life, this would help us all to be more understanding and compassionate. Dying can be so extremely isolating when everyone around you avoids talking about it.
There was a movie I saw years ago called “Patch Adams” about an intern who cared about patients. I remember in one scene there was a young father who was angry that he was dying and leaving his family. Robin Williams, who played the part of Patch Adams, found that by getting the young man to laugh about dying it helped him open up and talk about his fears and concerns.
How wonderful it would be if doctors would read this book and learn how to communicate with their patients during this final stressful event. It would be helpful for all those who know someone who is facing death, to read this book, share it with their loved one, and talk about it together.

The Unseen

By Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Recommended by Blinn
Description: Xandra Hobson likes to escape from her family, where she feels like a complete failure in the company of geniuses, and to embark on imaginary adventures involving magic. One day, while in the woods, she encounters real magic when she rescues a bird from some hunters; the next day, it is gone, leaving a feather in its place. A classmate, Belinda, sees it and realizes that it is a key to the unseen world and that with it, Xandra can enter a reality no one else can see.

Why Blinn liked it:Xandra is a twelve year old girl who finds a glowing white feather, which is actually a key to a fascinating but sometimes terrifying world of phantom creatures. This is a suspenseful fantasy that makes you wonder what’s around that you might not be seeing.

Christmas Letters

By Debbie Macomber

Recommended by Jean

Description: Katherine O'Connor often spends her days at a cozy café on Blossom Street in Seattle--where she writes Christmas letters for other people. She's good at making their everyday lives sound more interesting. More humorous. More dramatic.
But for Dr. Wynn Jeffries, who also frequents the café, Christmas means lies and deception. In fact, the renowned child psychologist recommends that parents "bury Santa under the sleigh." Katherine, however, feels that his parenting philosophy is one big mistake--at least, based on her five-year-old twin nieces, who are being raised according to his "Free Child" methods.
She argues with Wynn about his theories, while he argues that her letters are nothing but lies. They disagree about practically everything--and yet, somehow, they don't really want to stop arguing.
As the days--and nights--move closer to Christmas, Katherine and Wynn both discover that love means accepting your differences. And Christmas is about the things you share….
Why Jean liked it: During December I read “Christmas Letters” by Debbie Macomber. It’s a quick and easy read to fit in before
the holidays and gets you in the Christmas spirit.

Staff Picks for November

Up in Honey's Room
By Elmore Leonard
Recommended by Pete
Description: Honey's a free spirit; she likes the hot kid marshal and doesn't much care that he's married. But all Carl wants is to get Jurgen Schrenk without getting shot. And then there's Otto—the Waffen-SS major who runs away with a nice Jewish girl. It's Elmore Leonard's world—gritty, funny, and full of surprises.

Why Pete liked it: No one writes dialog like Elmore Leonard and he can always be counted on for a good story. I end up liking the criminal as much as the good guy and its sometimes hard to tell which is which. His Westerns are famous and his stories frequently end up in Hollywood. You can’t beat Elmore Leonard.

Stone Style

By Linda Lee Purvis

Recommended by Julie

Description: Discover how to bring the unique colors, intriguing surfaces, and unusual shapes of stone into your home in ways that are both functional and inspirational.

Why Julie liked it: I am one of those people who go for a walk and come home with a bag full of goodies found along the way...pinecones, leaves, twigs, and stones. On one of my most resent walks, in Miami, Oklahoma, I came home with huge pieces of driftwood which had washed ashore after the flooding. I am always looking for ways to use my “treasures” so I can continue to enjoy them. I appreciate this book because it has the most intriguing designs and ideas for using stone. If you are creative, and love nature, don’t miss looking at this book!

Before We Were Free

By Julia Alvarez
Recommended by Blinn
Description: Twelve-year-old Anita de la Torre is too involved with her own life to be more than dimly aware of the growing menace all around her, until her last cousins and uncles and aunts have fled to America and a fleet of black Volkswagens comes up the drive, bringing the secret police to the family compound to search their houses.

Why Blinn liked it: 12 year old Anita lives in the Dominican Republic in the 1960’s under the rule of the harsh dictator, El Jefe. When she finds out that her father and uncle are involved in a plot to assassinate El Jefe, her happy childhood comes to a quick end. When the plot fails, Anita has to go into hiding. Can she make it to safety in the United States before the dictator finds her? This exciting, suspenseful book enables us to see these harrowing events through the eyes of a charming, rapidly maturing adolescent and is based on actual events in the author’s life.

Going Postal
By Terry Pratchett

Recommended by John

Description: When petty con man Moist von Lipwig is hung for his crimes in the first chapter of this surprising and humorous novel, it appears to be the end. But this is Discworld after all, a world "a lot like our own but different." Moist awakes from the shock of his hanging to find that the city's Patrician, Lord Vetinari, has assigned him a government job (a fate worse than death?) restoring the defunct postal system.

Why John liked it: Pratchett is hard to describe he takes a world full of fantastic things and then he makes it seem like a parody of our own world. His work will have you chuckling to yourself as you read the antics of the main characters. Although his books are classified as fantasy I think anyone who enjoys a good laugh would enjoy his writing.

How Stella Got Her Groove Back
By Terry McMillan
Recommended by Darlene

Description: Stella Payne is a Superwoman who has everything--except a man to rock her world, something she's convinced she can well do without. On a spur-of-the-moment Jamaican vacation she meets Winston, a man half her age, and finds, to her dismay, that her world is indeed well and truly rocked. Stella soon realizes that she's come to a cataclysmic juncture in her life, one that forces new and difficult questions about her passions and expectations.
Why Darlene liked it: I like this book because it was an interesting story that was an escape from reality.

Double Cross

By James Patterson

Recommended by Becky

Description: Just when Alex thought his life was calming down into a routine of patients and therapy sessions, he finds himself back in the game--this time to catch a criminal mastermind like no other. A spate of elaborate murders in Washington D.C. have the whole East Coast on edge. They are like nothing Alex Cross and his new girlfriend, Detective Brianna Stone, have ever seen.

Why Becky liked it: Alex has gone back to private practice, patients and therapy sessions. He has a new girlfriend, Bree. Everything is going along nicely... Until a spree of murders has everyone on edge. With each gruesome murder hysteria increases. The man he is after is a genius of terror and will stop at nothing to become the most terrifying killer D.C. has ever seen. On top of all this the Mastermind is back to help the D.C. Audience Killer and to get his revenge.

Staff Picks for October

Telegraph Days
By Larry McMurtry
Recommended by Pete
Description: From Publisher's Weekly McMurtry's latest skips through western lore with a wry smile. Marie Antoinette "Nellie" Courtright and her brother, Jackson, bereft of family after their Virginia clan dies off one by one, arrive in Rita Blanca in 1876, in what would become the Oklahoma Panhandle, to remake themselves.

Why Pete liked it:This prolific author can keep you busy for months catching up. I especially like his work set in the “Old West” with memorable characters and involved stories that occupy the mind for days. Many of his stories have made it to Hollywood such as “Lonesome Dove,” “Terms of Endearment,” and “Buffalo Girls.”

World War Z

By Max Brooks

Recommended by John

Description: From Publisher's Weekly Brooks, the author of the determinedly straight-faced parody The Zombie Survival Guide (2003), returns in all seriousness to the zombie theme for his second outing, a future history in the style of Theodore Judson's Fitzpatrick's War. Brooks tells the story of the world's desperate battle against the zombie threat with a series of first-person accounts "as told to the author" by various characters around the world.

Why John liked it: World War Z was great but it's hard to describe why. Coming from one of the writer's of Saturday Night Live you expect humor, what you get is a decidingly grim tale of a war between humanity and zombies it covers the beginning all the way up to the end. I couldn't put it down.

The Magic Raincoat

By Ryan David
Recommended by Blinn

Description: Emily does not attempt to hide her displeasure when given a new orange raincoat instead of the yellow one she really wanted. However, her disappointment evaporates when she discovers that the garment bestows magical powers upon its wearer.

Why Blinn liked it: Emily finds out that her orange raincoat has the power to grant wishes. She soon turns her brother into a dog, gets a million dollars, and acquires a purple gorilla! But then Emily learns that her wishes don’t always turn out for the best, so she’ll only use her raincoat for good causes. The energetic, colorful collage art make this book a special treat.

19 Minutes

By Jodi Picoult

Recommended by Becky

Description: Best known for tackling controversial issues through richly told fictional accounts, Jodi Picoult's 14th novel, Nineteen Minutes, deals with the truth and consequences of a smalltown high-school shooting.

Why Becky liked it: It is a fictional account of a small town high school shooting. Peter has been teased and taunted his whole school life. Josie his friend has been accepted into “The Crowd” that has tormented Peter. One day Peter snaps, and all it takes is 19 minutes to change many lives forever. Picoult shows the many sides of this terrible tragedy.

The Velveteen Rabbit

By Margery Williams
Recommended by Bradley

Description: A stuffed toy rabbit (with real thread whiskers) comes to life in Margery Williams's timeless tale of the transformative power of love. Given as a Christmas gift to a young boy, the Velveteen Rabbit lives in the nursery with all of the other toys, waiting for the day when the Boy (as he is called) will choose him as a playmate.

Why Bradley liked it: This timeless childrens classic has a lot of symbolism and parallels for the adult world…

The Devil in the White City

By Erik Larson

Recommended by Julie

Description: Not long after Jack the Ripper haunted the ill-lit streets of 1888 London, H.H. Holmes (born Herman Webster Mudgett) dispatched somewhere between 27 and 200 people, mostly single young women, in the churning new metropolis of Chicago; many of the murders occurred during (and exploited) the city's finest moment, the World's Fair of 1893.

Why Julie liked it: This book interweaves two captivating stories that take place in Chicago during the World’s Fair in 1893. One story is of the brilliant architect who built the “White City” for the World’s Fair. The other story involves a serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. This true story, which is well written with intriguing personalities and spellbinding content, is one fun read.

IT
By Stephen King
Recommended by Jennifer
Description: They were seven teenagers when they first stumbled upon the horror. Now they were grown-up men and women who had gone out into the big world to gain success and happiness. But none of them could withstand the force that drew them back to Derry, Maine to face the nightmare without an end, and the evil without a name. What was it? Read It and find out...if you dare!
Why Jennifer liked it: I recently read IT the story of a killer clown and a group of friends who made a pact to destry it. I love this book because it's a story about good versus evil. It's got comedy, drama, and horror. In every King novel there is an evil force; whether it is a car, a man, or in this case, a clown. This book is a great read because most of us like a good scare every once in a while. Since it's almost Halloween , what better time for a good spook! Enjoy.

Your First Interview

By Ron Fry

Recommended by Darlene

Description: This informative handbook lets a first-time job hunter know what is needed to land a job. It shows how to find information about a company, gives examples of resumes, explains how to get an interview, discusses behavior during the interview, and suggests follow-ups. Comprehensive, thorough, and reassuring.

Why Darlene liked it: I like this book because the chapters are short and easy to read. Also, the book is for everyone. It covers all necessary interview concerns.

The Zion Covenant Series
By Bodie Thoene
Recommended by Suzie

Desciption: Opening in 1936, the Zion Covenant series tells the courageous and compelling stories of those who risk everything to stand against the growing tide of Nazi terrorism that is sweeping through central Europe under the dangerous and deceitful guise of Hitler's Third Reich.

Why Suzie liked it: They are probably the best books i've ever read and I have even read them twice.They are fiction but the author did such a fantastic job of weaving the characters through the history of pre-WWII.They are full of suspense and the horrors of Nazi Germany.

Staff Picks for September

The Overlook

By Michael Connelly
Recommended by Pete

Description: An execution on the overlook above the Mulholland Dam entangles Harry Bosch with F.B.I. Agent Rachel Walling and Homeland Security.
Why Pete liked it: Anyone who likes a good mystery needs to do themselves a favor and get to know Michael Connelly. Harry Bosch is a character you will enjoy on every outing. There are now 14 novels in the series.

His Majesty’s Dragon
By Naomi Novik
Recommended by John

Description: From Publisher’s Weekly In this delightful first novel, the opening salvo of a trilogy, Novik seamlessly blends fantasy into the history of the Napoleonic wars. Here be dragons, beasts that can speak and reason, bred for strength and speed and used for aerial support in battle.
Why John liked it: This tale is a great blend of fantasy and historical fiction, if you read this book expecting talking dragons and magical swordsman you will be disappointed but if you read it expecting a rousing tale of adventures in the spirit of Patrick O’Brian with the twist of talking dragons instead of ships you will find a gem.

Roots
By Alex Haley
Recommended by Myrna
Description: Roots begins with a birth in an African village in 1750, and ends two centuries later at a funeral in Arkansas. In that time span, an unforgettable cast of men, women, and children come to life, many of them based on the people from Alex Haley's own family tree.
Why Myrna liked it: Author Alex Haley did something I would love to do: he traced his family back in time. This isn't just a list of names; his ancestors come to life, and we're able to meet them. I loved following the family's story from 1790 until the late 1960's, when the author discovered his roots in a trip to Africa. The times and places of history are woven into the story of the Haley family, and this makes it very real

The Winner
By David Baldacci
Recommended by Suzie

Description: From Audiofile This deliciously entertaining thriller has all the right ingredients: suspense, a strange but brilliant villain and a woman lifted out of poverty into privilege but with a price.
Why Suzie liked it: I liked the "Winner" by David Baldacci because it was easy to get into and kept me in suspense until the end. It was fast and the character of Jackson was so insane. I love a book that is hard to put down and this one was...a great read!

The Fourth Perimeter
By Tim Green
Recommended by Becky
Description: Ex-secret serviceman Kurt Ford suffers the tragic loss of his son to a suicide, or so the government says. As he investigates the case, it takes him all the way to the White House, and all the way to the President of the United States. His mission is to kill the President for taking his sons life.
Why Becky liked it: It’s action packed at a fast pace, an excellent read.

The Arts and Crafts Computer
By Janet Ashford
Recommended by Julie

Description: The Arts and Crafts Computer shows you how to use your personal computer, scanner, digital camera and color printer as artist tools to create beautiful graphics and artful objects for your home, school and work. Why Julie liked it: If you need inspiration for your next art project I highly recommend this book. It uses new computer technology along with traditional art to produce some amazing results. You can follow the art projects in the book, or use the techniques to create your own unique works of art. I loved this book so much that after I checked it out at the library I purchased my own copy! Remember, if you want to purchase books through Amazon.com, use the link from our website, which will help support your library: http://www.iplks.org.

The Sign of the Beaver
By Elizabeth George Speare
Recommended by Blinn
Description: Twelve-year old Matt is trying his best to survive on his own until his father returns to their cabin in the Maine wilderness with the rest of the family. Matt develops a deep friendship with a Native American boy. Matt must decide if he should continue waiting for his family or begin a new life with his friend.
Why Blinn liked it: This suspense-filled story takes place in 18^th century Maine, where 13 year old Matt has to take care of the family cabin while his father is away. After early difficulties, he is able to cope with the help of a neighboring Indian tribe. But can he win the respect of Attean, the chief’s son? And will his father ever come back?

Staff Picks for August

Free Fire
By C.J. Box
Genre: Mystery/Adventure
Recommended by John
Description: From Publisher’s Weekly When four environmental activists employed by Yellowstone Park are murdered in an isolated area, the Wyoming governor sends outspoken Joe Pickett, fired in his last outing, In Plain Sight (2006), from the state's game and fish department, to investigate in Anthony-winner Box's absorbing seventh crime novel, his best yet. Why John liked it: I recently discovered the Joe Pickett series by C.J. Box and I must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The characters are well written and memorable and I enjoyed the mix of adventure, mystery and environmental commentary found in all of C.J. Box’s books. Free Fire was my favorite but every book in the series was an enjoyable read.

I Like You
By Amy Sedaris
Genre: Humor/Cooking
Recommended by Julie
Description: From Publisher’s Weekly Sedaris's sidesplitting guide to throwing parties hopes to return readers to the times when the word "entertainment" was "charmingly old-fashioned, like courtship or back alley abortions." While her tongue is firmly in cheek, novice party-planners will actually find some helpful hints along the way as Sedaris offers instructions and real recipes.
Why Julie liked it: I’ve always liked David Sedaris’ humor and his sister Amy’s is very similar. I love reading cookbooks and this book incorporates tongue in cheek advice with the sort of irreverent humor I enjoy, it was a great read.

Bad Girl Creek
By Jo-Ann Mapson
Genre: Women’s Literature
Recommended by Janice
Description: From Publisher’s Weekly The bestselling author of such hits as Hank & Chloe and Blue Rodeo launches a trilogy with this sentimental novel of communal life and reinvented family, centering on four women who come together, tending to each other and healing old wounds.
Why Janice liked it: I liked Bad Girl Creek because it is about women's friendships. The characters are interesting and I couldn't wait to see how the story developed.

Guess How Much I Love You
By Sam McBratney
Genre: Children’s
Recommended by Bradley
Description: From Publisher’s Weekly Fresh as a fiddlehead fern in spring, this beguiling bedtime tale features a pip of a young rabbit and his indulgent parent. Searching for words to tell his dad how much he loves him (and to put off bedtime just an eentsy bit longer), Little Nutbrown Hare comes up with one example after another ("I love you as high as I can hop!"), only to have Big Nutbrown Hare continually up the ante.
Why Bradley liked it: This is a timeless story about the special power of love and affection. It is appropriate for children of all ages, two to ninety-nine…

Tallgrass
By Sandra Dallas
Genre: Mystery/Historical Fiction
Recommended by Pete
Description: During World War II, a family finds life turned upside down when the government opens a Japanese internment camp in their small Colorado town. After a young girl is murdered, all eyes (and suspicions) turn to the newcomers, the interlopers, the strangers.
Why Pete liked it: I really enjoyed this as simply a good story and it introduced me to an author I would never have stumbled onto. I had not known that there was an internment camp in Colorado so the historical setting was interesting.

The Testament
By John Grisham
Genre: Legal Thriller
Recommended by Suzie
Description: From Amazon.com Troy Phelan, a 78-year-old eccentric and the 10th-richest man in America, is about to read his last will and testament, divvying up an estate worth $11 billion. Phelan's three ex-wives, their grasping spawn, a legion of lawyers, several psychiatrists, and a plethora of sound technicians wait breathlessly, all eyes glued to digital monitors as they watch the old man read his verdict. But Phelan shocks everyone with a bizarre, last-gasp attempt to redistribute the spoils, setting in motion a legal morality tale of a contested will, sin, and redemption.
Why Suzie liked it: I really liked The Testament because like most of John Grisham’s books, you never know how it’s going to end until the very end, and the characters were fascinating.

Coma
By Robin Cook
Genre: Medical Thriller
Recommended by Becky
Description: From the Publisher They call it "minor surgery," but Nancy Greenly, Sean Berman, and a dozen others, all admitted to Memorial Hospital for routine procedures, are victims of the same inexplicable, hideous tragedy on the operating table. They never wake up again.
Why Becky liked it: Many years ago I read the medical thriller Coma. His detail is so vivid you can almost see things happen as you read. It’s one of those books you can’t put down until you are finished. It’s just that good.

A Kitten’s Year
By Nancy Raines Day
Genre: Children’s
Recommended by Blinn
Description: From Publisher’s Weekly In this fast-forward frolic through a kitten's first year, the artwork's meticulous and decorative style offers a pleasing counterpoint to its young subject's liveliness. Day's (The Lion's Whiskers) supple text is essentially one sentence: "A kitten / peeks at January, / toys with February, / dreams December, / and wakes up a cat."
Why Blinn liked it: This picture book shows each month in the life of a kitten with wonderfully detailed pictures. The kitten looks so realistic you want to reach out and pat her as she peeks at January, toys with February, etc. A great book for cat lovers!

St. Dale
By Sharyn McCrumb
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Recommended by Myrna
Description: From Publisher’s Weekly A group of stock car racing fans embarks on a bus tour of Southern speedways—seven states in eight days—as a tribute to legendary NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt in this meandering road novel modeled after the Canterbury Tales.
Why Myrna liked it: In this modern retelling of the “Canterbury Tales” a diverse group of people are making a pilgrimage to all of the Nascar Racing Tracks in memory of racing legend Dale Earnhart. As we meet each person we learn that each has their own special reason for making this pilgrimage. This is a special book about life, miracles, and Nascar.

The Neverending Story
By Michael Ende
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended by Julie A.
Description: Shy, awkward Bastian is amazed to discover that he has become a character in the mysterious book he is reading and that he has an important mission to fulfill.
Why Julie Liked it: The way it's written makes you continue to imagine stories for the characters.