Having one of those days when you just don't know what to read or watch or listen to? Let our staff guide you as they suggest some of their most recent favorites!

I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger

Based in a believable future world, this exciting novel of good versus evil delivered for me. Highlights include a sensitivity towards the breadth of human relationships, a lot of thrilling sailing scenes on Lake Superior and a beautiful use of language. Recommended for fans of Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven. Also available on Libby & Hoopla

 -Cady, Adult Services Department

The Spaceman by Randy Cecil

Randy Cecil's picture book "The Spaceman" is a perfect read-aloud for children 3-8. It features a tiny interstellar scientist visiting very dull planets to collect soil samples - until they are stranded on a planet that turns out to be anything but dull! (Librarian pro tip: super fun if you can read it to your kid with a Shatner impression or a Mid-Atlantic accent, although this is perhaps more amusing for the adult than the kid.)

-Kat, Youth Services Department

City Summer, Country Summer by Kiese Laymon, illustrated by Alexis Franklin

City Summer, Country Summer is a heartfelt story about making friends. In this beautifully written picture book Kiese Laymon captures the feeling of summer vacation with extended family and new, if possibly brief, friendships. Art by Alexis Franklin is gorgeous and rich. It pairs well with the story to create a lovely emotional portrait of the kids. Wonderful.

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

This book features children who spontaneously combust! What’s not to love? It has absurdity, humor, and so much heart. I read it in one day. I couldn’t put it down. Also available on Libby & Hoopla

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman, Henning Koch (Translator)

Frederik Backman is masterful at creating characters who find connection with each other. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry is no exception. A seven-year-old girl, Elsa, has a special with her one and only friend: her eccentric grandmother. When her grandmother dies leaving Elsa with a stack of apology letters to deliver, a heartwarming adventure ensues. I loved this book so much! It’s always one of the first books I think of when someone asks for a recommendation. Also available on Libby

-Effie, Tech Services Department

Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

I can’t stop thinking about the book Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri. I listened to the audiobook while walking, and I often found myself wanting to keep walking rather than stop listening. In this memoir/autobiographical novel, Nayeri writes of his experiences with such a vivid and engaging voice. You can’t help but cheer for him as he faces a sometimes grim refugee experience, fleeing Iran for the United States with his mother and sister while leaving his father behind. This book is often hilarious but also delves into sad and difficult topics with great tenderness. It captures the refugee/immigrant experience vividly. I think anyone who has ever felt out of place would connect to this story. This book can be found at TCPL in the J Fiction section, but I would strongly recommend it for teen and adult readers as well. Also available on Libby & Hoopla

-Milly, Youth Services Department

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

I've recently been reading Dog Man on hoopla. I would use the physical books, but they are so popular that I can never get the next one I need, despite us having like eight copies of each one. I read Captain Underpants as a kid, and now reading George and Harold's grown up stories makes me feel more professional than ever. I'm up to book 5 in Dog Man and I am excited to continue reading! Also available on Libby & Hoopla

-Ally, Access & Circulation Department

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy 

A stunning story of the beauty, power and fragility of humanity and our planet along with a mystery tale woven in.  McConaghy creates a vivid, tangible sense of place and complex characters that will live on in my imagination. Also available on Libby & Hoopla.

-Cassie, Youth Services Department

Companion, directed by Drew Hancock

Companion is one of those movies where you don't need to know anything about it going in because that's definitely half the fun. Part cautionary AI tale, part twisted romance, Companion is full of social commentary and suspense.

Delicious Dungeon vol. 1 by Ryoko Kui 

A group of poor adventurers must fight their way through a monster filled dungeon to save their friend. But you can't fight monsters on an empty stomach, so thus bunch find themselves making delicious meals out of the monsters they defeat. Its silly, action packed manga fun... with recipes!

-Woody, Youth Services Department