Staff Picks Books, Janelle M

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Sometimes when you wait for a new book from a favorite author and it takes years... the built-up expectations can leave you a little let down. But in this case, Early Riser by Jasper Fforde did not disappoint! Like his previous work, Fforde creates a strange and wonderful cast of characters and builds a unique and fascinating world around them. This amazing standalone novel was worth the wait and I'm excited for whatever Fforde dreams up... (read more)
Recommended by Janelle M.

Spinning Silver

Naomi Novik

This beautiful book is so much more than a simple reimagining of a well-known fairy tale. The plot is driven forward by a cast of strong, intelligent women who, while trying to simply survive themselves, also end up saving their loved ones and at least two nations. As with any good fairy tale, the treacherous and beautiful faerie elements live just at the periphery of the mundane, and slip into the lives of the characters in frightening and... (read more)
Recommended by Janelle M.

The Madwoman Upstairs

Catherine Lowell

As the last surviving Brontë, Samantha Whipple has a strenuous relationship with the works of her famous ancestors, especially as she's starting her first year at Old College, Oxford. Upon arriving at Old College, being assigned to "the Tower" dorm room is only the first sign of the strange things that will befall Samantha. At turns a mystery and an academic adventure (with an ongoing discussion on various theories of reading), this is a fun read... (read more)
Recommended by Janelle M.

The Dark Days Club

Alison Goodman

Goodman really did her research! This YA Urban Fantasy title is strongly rooted in Regency-era London, from the bigger happenings in the world to the details of a Lady's preparations for a ball. This is the first book in a while that has kept me awake well into the night, unwilling to put it down. But don't take my word for it!
Recommended by Janelle M.

Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living

Shauna Niequist

In today's instant culture of beautifying and perfecting filters we hide behind, of hustle and strain and anxiety, this book is a breath of fresh air. Told in mini-essays, Niequist's very personal story — about her own awakening to a more present, thoughtful, love-filled way of life — is a suggestion that contentment doesn't come from running ourselves ragged.
Recommended by Janelle M.

This Invitational Life: Risking Yourself to Align with God's Heartbeat for Humanity

Steve Carter

I am not usually an underliner or highlighter when it comes to my books. I take notes now and again in the book or in my journal, but I often leave books unmarked — that was NOT the case with this book. On almost every page there is something that I felt needed to be underlined or highlighted! The author's heart for living out his faith and inviting others to join him is spilled across the pages, and it is contagious. Do yourself a favor and read... (read more)
Recommended by Janelle M.

Invisible Library Book 1

Genevieve Cogman

I really enjoyed this book. It was like a tasty chocolate fondue fountain. There's mystery, there's fantasy, there's sci-fi. From librarians to fae, dragons, detectives, and dirigibles, multi-dimensions/multi-worlds, it's got a bit of everything. It is very much for those of us who are readers and who have always wanted to be able to step into our favorite stories. If you enjoy Jasper Fforde, Neil Gaiman, or Ben Aaronovitch, you should give this... (read more)
Recommended by Janelle M.

Thrilling Adventure Hour

Ben Acker

If you have not heard of The Thrilling Adventure Hour graphic novel, then you are missing out. This graphic novel is the tangible brain child of Ben Acker and Ben Blacker, the writers of The Thrilling Adventure Hour podcast, a "new time podcast in the style of old time radio." Whether or not you've heard the podcast, the witty stories and advertisements will take you from a mild chuckle to a hearty guffaw while introducing you... (read more)
Recommended by Janelle M.

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