Library Staff Picks!
Are you ready for a good read, but not sure where to start looking? Or tired of reading the same old thing you always read? Well, here’s where you can expand your horizons by checking out one of our “staff picks” to read inside on a snowy day, or outside when it’s warm and sunny. (Hey, you never know what the weather will be like in Illinois!)
April 2008
————————————————————————————————————–The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
by J.K. Rowling
JUV. PZ7.R79835 H39 2007
This is the final book in the Harry Potter series and definitely makes the entire series. You finally get the answers you were looking for.
– Recommended by Rachel, Library Student Worker
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The Informant
by Kurt Eichenwald
HV8144 .F43 E53 2000
Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a multinational food processing conglomerate based here in Decatur, was the subject of the largest price fixing scandal in United States history. A true account of the characters involved during the 1990’s time period, this book is now the basis of a movie that will be filmed in central Illinois this spring starring Matt Damon.
– Recommended by Joe Hardenbrook, Educational Technology Coordinator & Research/Instruction Librarian
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How to Survive an Atomic Bomb
by Richard Gerstell
UF767 .G39
Out of Post WWII, Korea, and Cold War fear, this book from 1950 is chock-full of un-scientifically-true, yet very reassuring, advice about how to survive during and after an atomic bomb attack. Remember, as it says in the preface- “If an atomic attack does come, this book may save your life.”
– Recommended by Debbie Myers, Instructional Services Coordinator & Research/Instruction Librarian
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Beach Road
by James Patterson
PS3566.A822 B433 2006
I love Beach Road because it’s an “easy read”. The chapters are suspenseful and move quickly. James Patterson, always has a unpredictable twist in the end. This book is worth your time and a great way to relax in between studies.
– Recommended by Andrea Carter, Circulation Associate
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The Sandman: Endless Nights
by Neil Gaiman
PN6727.G37 S26 2003
I love this novel. The illustrations are beautiful! In addition to the wonderful art, the stories Neil Gaiman writes are full of Desire, Despair, Death and all other human emotions. If you were to ever read a graphic novel this is one to grab. My favorite story is ” Dream”.
– Recommended by Nicole G., Library Student Worker
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Eat Drink Man Woman
Dir. by Ang Lee
A-V. PN1995.9.F67 E36 2000
Ange Lee at his best. The title says it all about this tale of an aging widower (and Chinese chef) in Taiwan and his relationship with his three daughters and all of their awkward romantic escapades. The food is the backdrop and you’ll want some Chinese takeout as you’ll get hungry as you watch the movie!
– Recommended by Todd Rudat, Archives & Research Associate
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The Butter Battle Book
by Dr. Seuss
JUV. PZ8.3.G276 B8 1984
This book is a cautionary tale about intolerance and how hate and war can escalate to preposterous proportions. Its message is as timely today as when Seuss wrote it during the Cold War.
– Recommended by Gavena Dahlman, Circulation Associate
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Die Brücke (The Bridge)
Directed by Bernhard Wicki
A-V. PN1995.9.F67 B73 1995
I know, a black and white movie with subtitles! But honestly, take a chance and watch this powerful true story of lost youth and the ravages of war.
– Recommended by Todd Rudat, Archives & Research Associate
March 2008
————————————————————————————————————–The Memoirs of a Beautiful Boy
by Robert Leleux
PS3612 .E44 Z46 2008
OK, I admit it. Sometimes my emotions border on Schadenfreude (does that make me a bad person? Never mind; I do not want to know). However, in Leleux’s memoir, you can’t help but to feel for him. Abandoned by his father when he was a teen, left with no money, and the responsibility to rein in his over the top mother with a penchant for plastic surgery, each day is a new challenge for Leleux. First he needs to break free from his mother, all while she tracks down a new, rich husband. Then he discovers something about himself that was obvious to most others. If you like David Sedaris or Augusten Burroughs, then you will enjoy this. A fast read: great book for Spring Break!
– Recommended by Joe Hardenbrook, Educational Technology Coordinator & Research/Instruction Librarian
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Heaven Lake
by John Dalton
PS3604 .A4355 H43 2004
I read Heaven Lake last year before traveling to China. After having read the excellent reviews, I eagerly looked forward to learning about Chinese culture through this novel, described as “an evocative, beautiful exploration of modern-day China,” and “powerful and rewarding reading,” (Booklist 2/1/2004). It is easy to get engrossed in the story of Vincent, a young college graduate from Illinois who decides to go to China to do church work and teach English. Be forewarned: this is not a tale of a squeaky-clean missionary! While working and traveling in China, Vincent sinks to levels he thought himself incapable of, but finds that he is able to rise above his transgressions to become more self-aware, confident, and capable of love. Heaven Lake, Dalton’s first novel, certainly lived up to its reviews.
– Recommended by Cindy Fuller, Library Director
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The Sneetches and Other Stories
by Dr. Seuss
JUV. PZ8.3. G276 S4 1989
Dr. Seuss is one of my all time faves. His creative words, rhyming style, and illustrated characters always amazed me as a child. Even today, his books make me smile because, as always, his zany characters are rooted with deeper meaning.
– Recommended by Nicole G., Library Student Worker
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