Staff picks

Nicole says: "Wow! This woman can write! I am so glad that Mark Spragg recommended Laura Bell to me. Her first book is part memoir, part portrait of the brutal and beautiful landscape of northern Wyoming. This is a short and beloved book ideal for bookclubs (tons of discussion) as well as lovers of the west. Bell is careful not to idealize her home, but instead adopts it as a sibling, flaws and all."

Besse says: If you love a good fairy tale, or a tragic love story you will fall head over heels for this novel from first time author Ali Shaw. In a strange world inhabited by moth winged cattle and albino creatures rumored to be capable of turning a man to stone, Ida Maclaird's feet are slowly turning to glass, and she has no idea how it happened or how to stop it. But, when she meets Midas Crook, amateur photographer, florist and introvert, she begins to feel a hope for the future that can only be sparked by love. Perfect for anyone who loved the Twilight series but was eager for a bit more depth. 

Megan says:  Through "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," Rebecca Skloot chronicles the life of Henrietta, her battle with cancer, and how her cells have helped revolutionize medicine. Riddled with ethical concerns and modern relevance, this work of narrative nonfiction is sure to captivate.

Anuschka says: I loved this memoir of Zimbabwe.  It stands out from the many African biographies by not being about mass murder and cruelty. It is also the first I've come across that talks about life in Zimbabwe after the fall of Rhodesia, and the rise of Mugabe.  Refreshing and insightful.

Sandy says: This book has a special place in my heart, being a co-author!  Join me for a special storytime on March 16th as we sing songs and spot birds while following the adventures of Bing, Lulu, Uno, Eggbert and Sammi!

Besse says: The Lacuna is Barbara Kingsolver's best book yet. It is not only a book that transcends cultures, but also time. It beautifully portrays the ability of words and language to create culture as well as to destroy it. With guest appearances by Frida Kahlo, Leon Trotsky and Diego Rivera this is a must read for Kingsolver fans!

Sandy says: How refreshing to sample an unknown book off the shelf, adopt it as a personal favorite, then watch it evolve into bestsellerdom!  Such has been my ride with The Elegance of the Hedgehog, a truly delightful and unique novel.  Barbery's distinct voice and engaging intellect weave together the memorable characters and light plot...both more about ideas than action.  Just like her novel, the author's personalities, Paloma and Renee, challenge the reader to discover their finest qualities.  Their friendship transcends age and circumstance...and leaves us with a warm, affirmative belief in the human spirit.  I can't wait to read Barbery's next!

Megan says: Frustrated by his own tendency towards sports injury, Christopher McDougall travels deep into the heart of Mexico's Copper Canyon seeking to understand the seemingly super-human running power of the reclusive Tarahumara Indians. For those looking for an adventure story to captivate the mind and inspire the body, look no further than "Born to Run."