October 2021 - Staff Reading Suggestions |
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THE GIRLS IN THE WILD FIG TREE: HOW I FOUGHT TO SAVE MYSELF, MY SISTER, AND THOUSANDS OF GIRLS WORLDWIDE
by Nice Leng'ete
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Fleeing FGM (female genital mutilation) at an early age by running away and hiding in a tree, Nice Leng’ete defied Maasai tradition and thus began her crusade to save other girls from the same fate. Recognizing the danger, health risks and life-altering ramifications of FGM, this memoir details Nice’s fight to give young girls an
alternative rite of passage. I learned a lot about a culture that I was unfamiliar with and was drawn into her bravery and tenacity to fight an upstream cultural battle.
-Morley
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ON ANIMALS
by Susan Orlean
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You won't find bigger fans of Susan Orlean than us booksellers here at the store. Orlean's previous book, The Library Book, was a favorite of ours and our customers. Her newest compilation of stories are about
her love for animals, both her own and those she has met and seen in her travels. I laughed, smiled, and got a little teary at times as well. In a recent New York Times review, Margaret Renkl said it best:
Orlean "has never written a skippable word in her life." I couldn't agree more.
-Molly and Morley
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TASTE: MY LIFE THROUGH FOOD
by Stanley Tucci
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Raised in an Italian household, Tucci believed from an early age that food could bring everyone together, sharing around a bountiful table. Tucci chronicles his life as a gourmand; cooking and eating around the world. He has developed close relationships around his love of food, and shares them; and, later, his fight with tongue cancer. Peppered with mouth watering recipes, this is a feast for all.
-Laura S
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FIVE STRANGERS
by E.V. Adamson
Kite Hill is a popular destination for joggers, walkers and romantic couples seeking the beautiful views overlooking London. On Valentines Day this beauty is shattered be a violent murder/suicide witnessed by five strangers. Afterwards, an anonymous text is sent to one of the witnesses, a disgraced journalist who has recently been fired from her job. Once she receives this text she starts to question her own eyewitness account. -Kirsten
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THE BOOK OF FORM AND EMPTINESS
by Ruth Ozeki
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This book will resonate with fans of Mark Haddon’s Curious Incident of the Dog with its blend of sympathetic characters, riveting plot, and vibrant engagement. With everything from jazz, to climate change, to our attachment to material possessions, The Book of Form and Emptiness is classic Ruth Ozeki—bold, wise, poignant, playful, humane, and heartbreaking. A very rewarding read.
-Susan P
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OH WILLIAM!
by Elizabeth Strout
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Kathy's pick:
Pulitzer Prize winner Elizabeth Strout explores the mysteries of marriage and the secrets we keep, as a former couple reckons with where they’ve come from—and what they’ve left behind.
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THE BOOK OF HOPE: A SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR TRYING TIMES
by Jane Goodall, Douglas Abrams and Gail Hudson
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An inspiring read to find hope through action, one step at a time. Jane Goodall and co-authors explore how we can cultivate hope in our children and the world through stories from Jane’s legendary career. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages.
-Diana
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ALL IN: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
by Billy Jean King, Johnette Howard and Maryanne Vollers
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BJK’s inspiring memoir provides a portrait of this champion that covers her brilliant tennis career as well her activism that benefits men and women to this day. Her tenacity and success in fighting for
equality- gender, racial, sexual, financial and political- is immeasurable. The women’s professional tour owes everything to Billie Jean and her pioneering work. This book is not just for tennis fans. Ten out of ten!
-Di
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THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY
by Amor Towles
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Amor Towles, the author of Rules of Civility and A Gentleman in Moscow, brings us a riveting story which takes place in just 10 days in 1954. After serving his sentence for involuntary manslaughter, eighteen-year-old Emmett returns to Nebraska eager to leave his past behind him. He rejoins his younger brother Billy, who convinces Emmett they should head west to reunite with their estranged mother. This "road" novel unfolds from multiple points of view as the brothers are joined by a cast of characters as they travel across the country in their search for new beginnings. This is storytelling at its best, and a definite "Do Not Miss".
-Molly and the Entire Staff
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THE MAD WOMEN'S BALL
by Victoria Mas
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It’s a man’s world, and Eugenie does not fit the mold of the typical Parisian woman of the late 1800’s. Her conservative and wealthy father won't stand for her unusual behaviors and commits her to a Paris asylum for women. The women in the asylum are preparing for their annual Ball, a night for doctors and wealthy patrons to see
these women on display, with the crowd hoping to see a “fit” and a cure. Eugenie and many others are there due to their strong wills and need an insider’s help if they are to ever be released. Based on a true story, this international bestseller is now an acclaimed book and film in the U.S.
-Beth
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In a departure from his typical courtroom fare, John Grisham surprises us with an engaging and supremely readable story of a young man lifted from the hardships of life in South Sudan by coming to the attention
of US basketball scouts through the efforts of his devoted coach. This is is an engrossing story of one young man’s effort to overcome his circumstances of birth, while facing new, but equally challenging,
conditions on and off the courts in the world of college and professional sports. Sooley will appeal to both men and women, this
book engages on every level.
-Susan P
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THE KITCHEN WHISPERERS: COOKING WITH THE WISDOM OF OUR FRIENDS
by Dorothy Kalins
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Don’t miss this culinary journey as the founding editor-in-chief of Metropolitan Home and Saveur magazines shares her memories of the beloved cooks and chefs who have inspired her writing, cooking and entertaining. A warm embrace to ignite your creativity!
-Diana
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RED ROULETTE: AN INSIDER'S STORY OF WEALTH, POWER, CORRUPTION, AND VENGENCE IN TODAY'S CHINA
by Desmond Shum
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Desmond was born in Shanghai to very traditional Chinese parents, educated in Hong Kong, and found his way into the highest echelon of Chinese business after marrying his very ambitious wife, Whitney. Whitney focused her business life on connections, both private and political. Together, they made millions of dollars in real estate. Their capstone project, the Beijing airport and business complex, was set to net them millions more. But Whitney disappeared in the midst of this, her whereabouts still unknown today. Lavish spending (a 15 mm pink diamond for example) and connections to the premier’s wife didn’t keep them from falling out of grace with the ever increasingly conservative Communist government.
-Beth
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Children & Young Adult Selections
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A new middle grade read from the author of the children's blockbuster Wonder. Set in the 1800s, 12-year-old Silas decides to make a perilous journey to rescue his dad who has been taken by gun toting
strangers. He is joined by only a mysterious horse and his friend Mittenwool, who happens to be a ghost. Silas is forced to face his fears and learn his family secrets in this heart pounding coming-of-age story. Part western adventure, part ghost story,
Palacio has created another masterpiece.
-Laura S
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Address:
662 N. Western Avenue
Lake Forest IL 60045
Phone: 847-234-4420
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