The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Title: The Book of Boy
Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Review:
The Book of Boy is, I have to say, a very enjoyable and endearing story. Set against the medieval backdrop of 1350, declared a Holy Year by the pope, the plot is a simple, ‘episodic’ adventure-quest written in a simple style and with an unforgettable cast of characters. Each chapter is a story unto itself, little insights about life are provided along the way.
This easy read is a perfect ‘break book’ (read amidst a series of heavier writing) and it can be finished in a sitting (tea or coffee recommended).
Review by: Kat
A Brush With Shadows by Anna Lee Huber
Title: A Brush With Shadows
Author: Anna Lee Huber
Review:
This is part of the lady Darby series.
One of my favorite winter cozy reading mysteries. Lady Darby and her husband Sebastian return to his childhood home to locate his missing cousin. He comes home to an ailing grandfather and a missing cousin. This may just be a cozy read but it will keep you guessing till the very end! These books definitely keep me up at night till I finish!
Review by: Julie
The Perfectionists by Simon Winchester
Title: The Perfectionists
Author: Simon Winchester
Review:
One should read Simon Winchester not only for the interesting history lessons, but because of the great writing, in my opinion. In the Perfectionists he takes us on a trip through the industrial revolution from the perspective of more and more precision. As our technology has advanced, we have become more exacting in our measurements. Without this, we wouldn’t have the world we live in today.
Review by: Ben
Concrete Mama now back in print
Concrete Mama: Prison Profiles from Walla Walla now in stock.
Originally published in 1981, Concrete Mama revealed a previously unseen stark and complex world of life on the inside, for which it won the Washington State Book Award. Long unavailable yet still relevant, it is revitalized in a second edition with an introduction by scholar Dan Berger that provides historical context for the book's ongoing resonance, along with several previously unpublished photographs.
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Title: Daring Greatly
Author: Brene Brown
Review:
Maybe due to social or cultural stigma, many of us see vulnerability as a weakness, but I dare you to read this book anyways. Brene Brown combines years of research and data as well as personal experiences to create quite a thought provoking book on how to grow from a place of authenticity and self-worth. She brings up how shame stops us from living a life of authenticity and whole-heartedness. In the chapters, she teaches that having the courage to show up as our imperfect selves creates an emotional resiliency that leads to a more fulfilling life.
Review by: Rubi
The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
Title: The Defining Decade
Author: Meg Jay
Review: I am a relatively young person in my mid-twenties. I know I don’t have all the answers, but this book helps me feel like a few of the answers are at least within reach. Dr. Jay has a doctorate in clinical psychology, and through this book has written about her experiences counseling and guiding young adults. She takes an in-depth look into how being deliberate about the choices made in work, love, the brain, and the body influence life satisfaction in later years. I completed this short read in two days, but I already know that I’ll be thinking about the impact this book has had on my life for a while. I would recommend this book to every young adult and to every person who has a young adult in their life – it’s that good.
Review by: Allison
Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy
Title: Marilla of Green Gables
Author: Sarah McCoy
Review:
Finally! The story of Marilla Cuthbert has been brought to life. Sarah McCoy does a lovely job of sharing the story of siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert before Anne arrives in the halls of Green Gables. I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Prince Edward Island to witness the childhood of Marilla.
Review by: Jannelle
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Title: Why We Sleep
Author: Matthew Walker
Review:
I love sleep! I especially love having a good night’s sleep and waking up feeling well-rested. Within the first few pages of his book, Matthew Walker doesn’t waste any time jumping into the science of sleep. Walker begins with theories on why we sleep, expands to talk about dreams, and concludes with discussion of how modern society has impacted our sleep. This can be read both as a self-help book and as a scientific exploration into one of the most important biological functions of the human body. I would recommend this book to just about anyone with a curious mind.
Review by: Allison
The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
Title: The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Author: Stuart Turton
Review:
Imagine waking up in the middle of the woods with no recollection of who you are, a woman screaming and one name – Anna - on your mind. This is the beginning of a crazy, twisty murder mystery that leads to the 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle! This is a mystery unlike any you’ve read by debut author Stuart Turton.
Review by: Jannelle
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Title: Strange the Dreamer
Author: Laini Taylor
Review:
Strange the Dreamer is a superb young adult novel full of adventure and magic. Laini Taylor breaks out of the traditional YA mold wit this refreshing addition to the genre. I recommend this book, not just to young adults, but for adults as well.
Review by: Aly
Sacra Gaea by Michael Carroll-Smith
Title: Sacra Gaea
Author: Michael Carroll-Smith
Review:
Today, more than ever in the history of humanity, we should consider the fate of our planet. It is the source of our food, our clothing, our shelter, our water and air. And it is home to so much natural beauty.
Take a few moments to read and reflect on the one and only place in the universe that is our home.
Review by: Ben
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Title: Where the Crawdads Sing
Author: Delia Owens
Review:
Set in 1969 in a small town on the North Carolina coast, Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of Kya Clark, or - as the locals call her – “Marsh Girl”. Abandoned by her family, Kya has raised herself in the North Carolina marshes, digging mussels and catching fish to trade at Jumpin’s Fish & Bait for basic necessities. When the local golden boy, Chase Andrews, is found dead, Kya becomes the primary suspect. I LOVED this book! It is impossible to not fall in love with Kya. Historical Fiction at its best.
Review by: Jannelle
She has her mother’s laugh by Carl Zimmer
Title: She has her mother’s laugh
Author: Carl Zimmer
Review:
Science writer Carl Zimmer’s new book on genetic inheritance brings an inquisitive, conversational tone to some of the largest scientific questions facing our generation. Zimmer’s strength in storytelling gives this book a novel-like feel, while still introducing biological concepts in simple, understandable ways. I would recommend this book if you want something casual to read, but still want to learn a little something new.
Review by: Allison
Paper: Paging Through History by Mark Kurlansky
Title: Paper: Paging Through History
Author: Mark Kurlansky
Review:
Paper is so common nowadays that we don’t think much about it. But historically it was in short supply. For a time it was only made from rags, and not until later was it made from wood pulp.
But just try to imagine the world without paper. The mind boggles. Page through history with this book about paper, and you’ll appreciate it even more.
Review by: Ben
Star Wars Workbooks
Title: Star Wars Workbooks
Review:
Do you have a grade school child at home this summer? Do you want to keep them entertained, but also make sure they don’t forget everything they learned at school? These workbooks are a fun, engaging method to trick your child into remembering their multiplication tables or into learning how to spell. The problems in the workbooks align with the National Core Standards that your child will probably be tested on later in the school year, so at least a little bit of what they do at home should be familiar with what they’ll be working on in school. Be the Jedi Master you always knew you could be; your Padawan is waiting.
Review by: Allison