Staff Picks - Adult

Created on August 8, 2021, 12:09 pm

Last Updated June 9, 2023, 11:52 am

1) Kairos
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The political is personal and vice versa in this novel that follows the dissolution of an affair during the collapse of the German Democratic Republic. Erpenbeck expertly examines themes of hope, obsession, and loss. This is one of the best books I've read in my life. - Eliza H
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Margaret has learned to survive in a haunted house but Hal's had enough. When their daughter comes to investigate his departure, Margaret struggles to hide her house's horrors. The reveal of the house's & family secrets are layered. The conclusion both chilling & satisfying. - Chrysalis C
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Aidan Thomas is a single father, a widower, an upstanding man in the community, keeping a woman captive in his shed. Told from the perspectives of his victims, his daughter, and his new love interest, this is a chilling, victim focused, addition to serial killer thrillers. - Chrysalis C
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4) Kafka
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A feverish and surreal manga interpretation of Kafka's work, this slim and slightly claustrophobic book is both a dizzying visual translation and a translation (into English from Japanese) of a translation (from the original German into Japanese). - Emily L
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A blend of memoir and cultural investigation that takes readers on a deep dive into the world of blindness. As he confronts his own gradual but progressive vision-loss, Leland explores the rich culture and community of blindness that is often invisible to the seeing world. - Laura B
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When Juicy - young, black, queer, sensitive, and emotionally aware - runs into the vengeful ghost of his dead father at a family barbecue, he is determined not to let his version of Hamlet play out as written by Shakespeare. - Alex Z
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Terra Ignota volume 1
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In a future utopia where criminals are punished through public service, public religion is illegal, and gender is irrelevant, a young boy with the power to bring his drawings and toys to life threatens to the balance of an society focused on economic and technological power.
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Great resource for people who have ADHD and for their loved ones. The author combines her own experiences with medical research in a clear and fun way that's more like talking to a friend than listening to a lecture. Filled with tips and tricks to make life a little easier. - Megan W
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Poppy war volume 1
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Everyone is shocked when war orphan Rin earns a spot at an elite academy, even more so when she develops the power to call down the gods. Based on Japan's WWII occupation of China, this fantasy epic focus on the utter brutality and destruction of war and the cost of victory. - Jennie R
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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can seem like a simple personality quirk to those who don't live with it, but New Yorker and MAD Magazine cartoonist Katzenstein's graphic memoir introduces readers to the complexity of growing up and living with OCD. - Alex Z
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Told from pro-golfer Jordan Baker's point-of-view, this retelling engages with "The Great Gatsby" on the sentence level. Vo makes Jordan a queer Vietnamese adoptee who has magical powers, a lens that adds depth and nuance to Fitzgerald's explorations of class and belonging. - Jennie R
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Noah and Cassandra are re-acquainted at Clarion Court, a retirement community. The old friends must decide if they can work towards the next step in their relationship. An endearing love story about finding love in later years. - Connie W
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13) Shutter
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Forensic photographer Rita Todacheene has a keen eye for crime scene details - and the supernatural ability to see and hear the ghosts they leave behind. The problem? These vengeful ghosts won't leave her alone until she brings their killer to bloody justice. - Alex Z
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When are circles, triangles, and squares considered the same shape? When viewed through Topology! Learn why in, "Math Without Numbers," a book that explores this and other mind-bending topics in abstract math. An accessible, fun read for all levels. - Cuong N
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An ode to books and their stories, this novel is a great palate cleanser after a heavy read or a demanding series. You will fall in love with Carl and 9 year old Sascha as the unlikely duo deliver books to a set of unique (and variously troubled) locals in their small town. - Emily G
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16) Brenner
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An unbelievably rich cycle of remembrances as told by the third generation heir of a Swiss cigar empire in its dying days. Burger touches the high point of 20th century, European modernism giving readers an embarrassment of linguistic riches and aesthetic illuminations. - Theodore R
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Abby has just moved into her new widowed husband's lake house and is haunted by his deceased wife and her own repressed desires in this stunningly illustrated horror graphic novel. - Elizabeth H
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This is a book everyone should read! This adult graphic novel memoir is about a whole life but the aspects dealing with the author's aging parents is difficult to read but valuable to anyone who still has a living parent. An important subject handled with honesty and humor. - Mike N
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A fun graphic novel for fans of mysteries and the Great British Baking Show. This whodunit parodies the characters and format of the show, leaving readers both satisfied with the tasty treat they've enjoyed and hungry for the next crime. - Marna L
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This delightful book is composed of five short stories that are slightly interconnected and all have a quirky librarian. They makes interesting suggestions to patrons who find what they did not know that they were looking for. A fun read that will bring a smile to your face. - Mike N
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