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May 02, 2007

MAY STAFF FAVORITES

Unexpected Pleasures

One of the many joys of working in a library is seeing the vast diversity of reading material that brings pleasure to everyone. Sometimes it's refreshing to leave your comfort zone and read something you wouldn't normally choose. So, this month, staff members are sharing the titles of books they were forced to read for whatever reason, but unexpectedly enjoyed. Hope there is a gem in here for you!

The Distant Land of My Father by Bo Caldwell
--Priscilla had given up on reading fiction because nothing really grabbed her. This strong story of China, family, and family misperceptions turned her back into a fiction reader.

Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver
--This was a book discussion title for Sally, who had thought that it was chicklit for some reason. It turned out to be a complex, yet easy to read, story of several intertwining lives set against the backdrop of one summer in Appalachia. The kind of book in which you smell the flowers, are in the forest, and can see the dilapidated farmhouses. The kind of book that has an entirely satisfying ending, but you really don't want it to end.

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
--Ruth has never liked John Irving, but her mother strongly recommended this particular novel. Ruth ended up profoundly moved by Irving's story of faith, friendship and fate.

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
--Erica had to read this in college, but ended up fascinated by this chronicle of not only the things American soldiers in Viet Nam carried into battle -- M-16s, grenade launchers, candy, Kool-Aid, and cigarettes -- but more importantly, the things they carried inside, and the nightmares they carried home.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
--Emily had to read this one in high school and, surprisingly, became immersed in the rich tale of redemption through suffering.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
--Pat had no interest in reading a story about a circus, but her daughter said she would love this romantic saga taking place during the Great Depression. Now she recommends it to everyone looking for something a little out of the ordinary.

Posted by SallyT at May 2, 2007 02:48 PM