September Staff Picks
Summer may be ending, but our staff recommendations continue! Take a look at what our staff have been enjoying:
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie.
My perfect idea of a “Beach Read” is something easy to read, enjoyable and easy to put down to talk to family. That's why I brought Agatha Christie's very complex and interesting "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd," another Poirot book. However, even with all the names and places and characters, it was very easy to understand. Christie does a very good job of making her characters distinct enough to not cause confusion, even if two characters have similar names (Roger and Ralph, etc). The great detective Hercule "Papa" Poirot also spells out key parts of the mystery for other characters, making it easy to follow along. Also available on Libby & Hoopla
-Ally, Access Services Department
This magical chapter book features a 12-year-old boy who was cursed at birth - and now lives his life as a giant walking, talking rat. When he seeks to break the curse, his path crosses with a determined ratcatcher - who also happens to be a 12-year-old girl. Also available on Libby
-Kat, Youth Services Department
Comfort Me With Apples by Catherynne Valente
A short novella, this is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Madeline Miller’s short novel Galatea. From the POV of a Stepford-seeming wife, in a town where all the residents are constantly concerned with her happiness, Valente weaves an unsettling and confusing tale that clarifies at the end for a satisfying payoff. I listened to this, and it was only a little longer than two hours, so perfect for a car trip or a long walk. I love this length of story – more than a short story, but can be consumed all at once .Also available on Hoopla
-Cady, Adult Services Department
We Burn Daylight by Bret Anthony Johnston
Based on the events at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, this book excels in offering readers a tale of historical fiction, suspense, and romance all in one. Instead of focusing on the facts of the weeks-long siege or the leader himself, this story invites us to consider the lives of a couple of people both inside and outside the compound over a series of months. I found myself slowing down near the end, yearning for characters to avoid the impending catastrophe.
-Cassie, Youth Services Department
Man, I love it when gritty, salt-sprayed-and-wind-battered historical fiction turns out to be tender and queer.
-Kate, Access Services Department
I'm only one episode of season 2 of Pachinko out so far but it’s SO GOOD.
I’m reading The Hypocrite by Jo Hamya and Mina’s Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa.
I also just finished The Price of Humanity: How Philanthropy Went Wrong and How to Fix it by Amy Schiller which I found fascinating because it echoes many of the same principles we believe in at the Foundation regarding fundraising.
-Kerry, TCPL Foundation
Off the Books by Soma Mei Sheng Frazier
I love a novel that’s about family and found family with mystery, humor, and political intrigue! Extra points for recognizable Syracuse area references. Also available on Libby.
Kneecap directed by Rich Peppiatt.
Kneecap is a move that explodes like fireworks in a bag on the bus from start to finish. Love this tale of keeping the Irish language alive through 3 Belfast lads who spit rhymes in Irish while dodging the police and rough anti-drug brawlers. It’s a wild ride and I am glad I caught it in the theater. Hopefully it streams/comes to TCPL soon!
-Woody, Youth Services Department
Posted by Woody on September 03, 2024
Last Modified December 21, 2024