Ferndale Library Picks: End of Summer Round-Up

Ferndale Library Picks: End of Summer Round-Up
(Jeff Milo, FPL Circulation Specialist)
Can it be? Summer’s almost over? Where did it go? (And, boy, was it chilly!) Our Director, Jessica Keyser, will be helming this edition of Library Recommendations with a list of titles she’s been enjoying all season long. Be sure to check out our main page http://www.ferndalepubliclibrary.org/ – for further information on upcoming Library Programs this autumn, like the special on Herman Miller and the History of Modern Design
Take it away, Jessica…
Jessica’s Picks: Summer Round-Up
Come Closer by Sara Gran,
Fic Gran
Come Closer is the story of Amanda, an up-and-coming architect who seems to have it all. Amanda’s life quickly unravels as she starts having wild mood swings and violent impulses. Are these symptoms of too much stress, as her husband believes, or is a more sinister force at work? Come Closer is a very short, fast-paced tale that can likely be read in one sitting, though I caution readers not to dive in right before bed, as it is a truly creepy story that may cause insomnia or bad dreams!
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood,
Fic Atwood
Oryx and Crake is the first installment of Margaret Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy. The novel pulls you into a dystopian future in which all of humanity (save one man), has been wiped out by a worldwide plague. Atwood seems to draw a lot of inspiration from current events, and the future she imagines seems possible based on the current state of the world. The novel ends with a cliff hanger, and I am anxiously waiting to read the second book in the series to find out what happens.
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd,
Fic Kidd
Not everything I read this summer was dark and depressing. The Invention of Wings is quite the opposite, in fact. It is a historical novel based on the life of Sarah Grimke, an early abolitionist and feminist from South Carolina. I am truly impressed with how thoroughly researched and beautifully written this book is, and I have been heartily recommending it to anyone looking to get lost in a great book.

Unrepentant Geraldines ,
Tori Amos, CD Amos
It is no secret that I am a huge Tori Amos fan. I was thrilled to listen to her new album that came out earlier this year, and to see her live at the Fox Theater last month. Unrepentant Geraldines has been described by many as “vintage Tori” and I would have to concur with that description. This is the first album in many years that she has made that has her signature combination of pop rock, piano and quirky, inspired lyrics. My favorite tracks on this album, if I was forced to choose, would be “Oysters” and “Forest of Glass.”
Ernest and Celestine Directed by Benjamin Renner,
DVD Children’s E
This is a charming and sweet adaptation of the children’s book series of the same name. It is rare for a film to capture the essence of a book so perfectly, but Renner truly does a masterful job with this piece. It probably helps that he was able to cast the very talented Forest Whitaker, Mackenzie Foy, Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy and Nick Offerman to perform in this animated film. I loved everything about this film, and probably enjoyed it even more than my son. I highly recommend it for a family movie night, date night, or just sit at home on a weeknight movie.
The Book of New Family Traditions (Revised and Updated): How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays and Every Day by Meg Cox, available through TLN
This is a wonderful resource for families looking for ways to create meaningful traditions for holidays, milestones, and just the everyday. It is these traditions that children carry in their hearts throughout their lives. I loved the simplicity of many of the ideas in this book, like having a standing soup dinner once a month in which you make a big pot of soup, and anyone who comes brings a loaf of bread to share. This is a book full of sweet, easy ideas and I hope lots of people find inspiration in its pages. I know I did.
The Ferndale Public Library is a leader in building and sustaining Ferndale as a creative city that attracts and nurtures talent, mobilizes ideas, stimulates innovation, and encourages diversity.  The library is a center of cultural vitality and participation that enhances the quality of life for all Ferndale residents. Learn more at http://www.ferndale.lib.mi.us.
For previous Ferndale Library Picks see…
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/08/01/library-picks-wgabriel-bray-music-mystery-monty-python/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/07/15/ferndale-library-picks-with-board-president-pat-dengate/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/07/01/ferndale-library-picks-with-kelly-bennett/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/06/18/ferndale-library-roundup-best-of-summer-for-youth/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/06/03/ferndale-library-roundup-who-needs-hogwarts/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/05/15/ferndale-library-roundup-bff-roadtrip-edition/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/05/01/ferndale-public-library-round-up-best-in-books-and-more-2/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2014/04/15/ferndale-public-library-round-up-best-in-books-and-more/

Save this post to PDFPrint this post