Staff Picks Reviewer: Elizabeth

Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder [Book]

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Elevation by Stephen King [Book]

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A quick read by a master of his craft, Elevation by Stephen King has all the best traits of the author in a short, easy to read format–perfect for a rainy afternoon! In typical Stephen King fashion, the story is set in Castle Rock where the day-to-day life of the locals seems just that…day-to-day. Scott Carey is part of those everyday challenges with one exception; he is slowly losing weight without getting any thinner. As his affliction becomes a gift, he faces the fact that he may be leaving Earth soon and wonders what he can and will leave behind. For readers, there are lessons to be learned and allegorical themes to be questioned. Stephen King is at his finest here and this short book leaves a lasting impression.

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger [Book]

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The historical and the literary worlds meet in this beautifully written novel, a perfect choice for a book group! The story is rooted in the literary tradition of Huckleberry Finn all while following the path of The Odyssey. The novel takes place during the Great Depression and it revolves around Odie, a 12 year old orphan who runs away from the horrendous boarding school he and his brother have been left in. As Odie and his band of friends make their way towards St. Louis, they encounter a wide array of characters: everyone from a drunken, one eyed farmer who is hiding a family secret, to a faith healer who is able to see the truth behind the lies. The book deals with many hard truths, including the hatred shown to Native Americans throughout American history and the abject poverty of the Hoovervilles that littered the country during the Depression. In the midst of that is a search for meaning, a search for faith, and an understanding that love of friends, family, and home can combat hatred.

How Lucky by Will Leitch [Book]

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On the surface, this novel is a mystery story about the disappearance of a young college student. Mystery novels are obviously numerous, but it is the narrator (Daniel) that sets this book apart and above other typical mystery stories. Confined to a wheelchair and virtually non-verbal, the novel is told through Daniel’s curious, sharp, and often hilarious point of view. He watches the world go by from his front porch and, after witnessing the abduction already mentioned, works with a loveable and quirky cast of characters to solve the crime. While entertaining from start to finish, this book also gives a unique look into the world of those that suffer from degenerative diseases, and gives a voice to those that are often overlooked or underestimated.

Bleak House [Book]

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Though the title, age, and overall length (almost 1000 pages!) of this book may turn some readers away, this classic is well worth a read! Dickens’ writing style is evident in full force here and his lengthy descriptions of everything from fog to court judges contain beautiful insights and nuanced observations. It is the characters of this book that really shine though; fans of everything from Anna Karenina to Bridgerton will love the wide array of expertly named characters. From the somber and mysterious Lady Deadlock, to the cold and calculating Tulkinghorn, readers are pulled into the drama of the court case that the whole story centers around. There are twists and turns, triumphs and tragedies; a perfect book for a rainy day and an intrepid reader!

The Queen’s Thief Series [Book]

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With some of the most unexpected twists in young adult literature, this “best series you have never heard of” is a great match for those looking for a mixture of Greek Mythology, adventure, humor, political intrigue, and mystery. The series follows that character of Gen, who begins the first novel languishing away in prison. With the proclamation “I can steal anything!” Gen is sent on a mission that brings him face to face with the gods and his destiny. The novels mature in both theme and writing style, much like the Harry Potter series, and by the end readers will have jaws tired from dropping from the twists that this intentionally vague review is leaving out. Lovers of Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson and genuinely good writing should flock to this series. Start with The Thief and make your way through the realm of Attolia, you won’t regret it!

Pandemic (Board Game) by Matt Leacock [Library of Things]

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Though we all may be sick of the subject matter, this team-style board game is a great way to escape from the pandemic by defeating it! This game has elements of Risk and other strategy games but would appeal to a group of friends or a family that want to work together instead of against each other to take down a global virus that spreads with every roll of the dice. Roles for players to take on include Epidemiologist, Field Operative, and Containment Specialist and the Geography of the world is explored from Manila to Lagos to Bogata to Miami. This fast-paced, cooperative, addictive game will be a favorite both pre and post pandemic.