May 2023 - Staff Reading Suggestions
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WALKING WITH SAM
by Andrew McCarthy
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Having walked the Camino de Santiago on his own 25 years ago, Andrew McCarthy asks his 19 year-old son to accompany him once again in hopes of an “emotional transition” for the two of them. I relished their repartee and conversation as they journeyed across Spain; it was a walk spent re-connecting, healing, discovering each other but most of all, about love. I was moved to tears, and, of course, now want to experience this for myself!
-Di
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HIS MAJESTY'S AIRSHIP
By S.C. Gwynne
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Hydrogen Airships fueled the dream of global air travel in the 1920s-30s, a time when airplanes were not only uncomfortable but dangerous. A few men were determined to make the thin skinned gasbags work to transport passengers in luxury and dominate warfare. This is their story, one of optimism and risk taking while chasing progress.
-Beth
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Another thrilling aviation disaster story from the author of staff favorite “Falling”. Six minutes after takeoff, the flight from Hawaii is in ditch-mode and has no option but to land in the ocean. Drastic decisions are made and a small group of passengers and personnel are trapped on board as others exit into the sea. A rescue mission up above and a fight for survival for those trapped as the plane sinks below. Prepare to finish this in one sitting!
-Di and Leeni
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THE EAST INDIAN
by Brinda Charry
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Inspired by a little-known historical figure—the first Indian immigrant to arrive in Jamestown in the 1630s—-The East Indian is the story of a boy’s odyssey into adulthood in colonial America. Richly imagined characters and keen explorations of identity, place and the power of imagination drive this luminous achievement. Readers of Esi Edugyan and Yaa Gyasi will be enthralled.
-Kathy
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GOOD NIGHT, IRENE
by Luis Alberto Urrea
(releases May 30, 2023)
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A WWII story unlike any other! Based on the author's mother's experiences as a Red Cross volunteer, this story transports us to Germany to get to know and love the "donut girls" and the soldiers they serve. An up close and personal look at these young men and women, their friendships and romances, all while facing the unimaginable horror of war.
-Beth
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FRACTURED SOUL
by Akira Mizubayashi
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For musicians, music lovers and all humans. "Fractured Soul" will fracture your heart and mend it again. From the broken soul post of a violin to the broken heart of a young boy comes a story of the sounds of the soul. Music tells the story of our darkest melancholy and deepest joy. This story will stay with you.
-Martha
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THE WISHING GAME
by Meg Shaffer
(releases May 30, 2023)
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I used a night light like a kid with a flashlight under the covers and read this in one sitting. Children's author Jack Masterson is the Willy Wonka of books and Clock Island is the chocolate factory. This adult novel will make you feel 10 again. 5 stars!
-Martha
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WHITE CAT, BLACK DOG
by Kelly Link
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Kelly Link’s short stories are VERY IMAGINATIVE. Most, if not all, feature elements of the supernatural, but are nonetheless mesmerizing and engaging. Short story readers will love these tales, fans of magical and supernatural realism, likewise. Others, who just appreciate compelling narratives, will also find this book a rewarding read. It is well written, and the individual stories give it natural breaking points - but you won’t want to. She is an excellent story teller.
-Susan and Kathy
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SWAMP STORY
By Dave Barry
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If you loved Skinny Dip by Carl Haison, this book is for you. Set in the Everglades, Swamp Story has everything from treasure hunters to TikTok sensations. Nothing is sacred and (almost) everything is funny! Perfect escape.
-Beth
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HALCYON
By Elliot Ackerman
(releases May 23, 2023)
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Martin befriends an aging attorney and his wife while renting a cottage on their Halcyon estate. As Martin writes his Civil War novel from the cottage, he learns the secrets and mysteries surrounding the Ableson couple and their family, and gets entwined in delicate relationships with everyone connected to Halcyon. Politics, family relationships, controversial cryogenics and Civil War history make Martin evaluate and reconsider his beliefs in life and history.
-Diana
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LIFE IN FIVE SENSES
By Gretchen Rubin
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I highly recommend Gretchen Rubin's latest work on finding happiness and well-being in our everyday world. Her exploration of our 5 senses and how to focus mindfully on each sense and the value it can bring to each day is both informative and reflective. She also offers a quiz to discover what your most neglected sense may be!
-Diana
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THE BOOK OF CHARLIE
by David Von Drehle
(releases May 23, 2023)
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I loved this charming true telling of a man who lived to be 109. Author David Von Drehle moves across the street from Charlie, whom he meets washing his girlfriend's car in his driveway at the young age of 102. As Von Drehle describes him, Charlie (born in 1905) has one foot in the old world and one foot in the new world. Part history lesson, part memoir, part life lessons....A great book for Father's Day.
-Morley
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THE HALF MOON
By Mary Beth Keane
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From the author of "Ask Again, Yes, " comes the story of a couple in a small town who must navigate the complexities of marriage and infertility. The couple questions the choices they've made and what they ultimately want out of life.
-Erin and Morley
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Address:
662 N. Western Avenue
Lake Forest IL 60045
Phone: 847-234-4420
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