Memoirs & Biographies

Check out these picks from our staff that offer a glimpse into people’s lives.

Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich, recommended by Roseann:
Be careful of volunteering ideas at work–you, not someone else,may wind up implementing them. This is what happens to Barbara Ehrenreich when in the aftermath of welfare law changes in 1998 she suggests actually living on the minimum hourly wage of $6-7. Great idea–says the editor–and you do it. Moving from Florida to Maine to Minnesota, working as house cleaner, cashier she learns even two jobs do not really a living make. Excellent choice for teenagers who may think college only delays their getting a start in the job world.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook

A Woman of No Importance by Sonia Purnell, recommended by Roseann:
What an ironic title! Despite a poorly equipped background as a socialite and a self-inflicted gunshot wound that left her with a prosthetic leg, Virginia Hill worked for Winston Churchill’s intelligence sector as she became the first Allied woman deployed behind enemy lines, created spy networks and,of course, battled against deeply set male chauvinism that even extended to the paltry US government recognition that she received at the war’s end. As Mitch Mc Connell once said of Sen. Elizabeth Warren, “Nevertheless she persisted.”
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook
Overdrive Audiobook

Yes Please by Amy Poehler, recommended by Barbara and Selena:
Fans of Amy Poehler will enjoy this behind the scenes look into Ms. Poehler’s life. There are sections that cover her time doing improv, when she was at SNL, as well as sections about Parks & Recreation and what she has been doing since Parks & Rec ended. There are funny and serious sections and it was an enjoyable read.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook
Overdrive Audiobook

Let’s Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson, recommended by Selena:
I loved this book. I thought it was hilarious and I laughed out loud throughout. I definitely recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading her next book. Note: The book does contain vulgar language on occasion.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook
Overdrive Audio

Wild by Cheryl Strayed, recommended by Selena:
Wild tells the story of how after losing her mother, Cheryl Strayed solo hikes the length of the Pacific Crest Trail, from southern California to Washington state. Along the way she reflects on her life. This book was thrilling and well-written. Very enjoyable.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook
Overdrive Audiobook

Other titles you may enjoy:

Ghosts of War by Ryan Smithson
Recommended by Leann
Available on Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook, Hoopla Ebook, Hoopla Audiobook

Heavy by Kiese Laymon
Recommended by Catherine
Available on Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Recommended by Joelle
Available on Overdrive Ebook

Naturally Tan by Tan France
Recommended by Chrissy
Available on Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook

Killing It by Camas Davis
Recommended by Catherine
Available on Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook

Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Annie Spence
Recommended by Lauren
Available on Overdrive Audiobook, Hoopla Audiobook

Do you have any favorite Memoirs or Biographies? Let us know in the comments.

Suspense, Thrillers, and Mysteries, Oh My!

Do you enjoy a good page turner? Books that keeping you guessing until the end? Or maybe a book with a great surprise twist? Check out these staff picks.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, recommended by Dawn:
If you like a book with many twists and turns that lead to unexpected surprises, this book is for you!
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook
Overdrive Audiobook

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Golden in Death by J.D. Robb, recommended by Lauren:
For fans of the series, this is yet another solid entry. For people who are jumping into these books for the first time, I would suggest you start with book one. The victims of the murders are the kinds of people you just can’t help but like, which makes the tragedies they suffer all the more horrible. The resulting chase between the killer and Eve is super satisfying, especially in the closing pages.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook
Overdrive Audiobook

Guardians by John Grisham, recommended by Roseann:
Grisham’s ability to tell a compelling story within a legal framework is very much in evidence here. As he wrote at the conclusion, the real life conviction of a man imprisoned for years for the murder of his wife which relied heavily on a blood spattered flashlight inspired Grisham to write this his latest.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook
Overdrive Audiobook

How the Light Gets in by Louise Penny, recommended by Roseann:
Louise Penny’s mysteries are all top notch but this may be her masterpiece (I have read it twice and may go back yet again). Inspector Gamache tries to solve multiple problems: the disappearance of a celebrity, trouble on the force and approaching destruction. The plot is tightly woven and will not disappoint the reader. As is true with all Louise Penny mysteries, don’t read them on an empty stomach. The description of food offerings at the Bistro will send you racing to the refrigerator for Brie and wine.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook
Overdrive Audiobook
Hoopla Audiobook

The Mystery of the Three Quarters by Sophie Hannah (writing as Agatha Christie), recommended by Roseann:
Sophie Hannah takes Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot and adds her own distinct touch. Poirot who is usually approached by others in peril now finds the shoe on the other foot as several irate people berate him for accusing them of Barnabas Pandy. Does the man exist, is he dead, who has used Poirot’s name and reputation in vain are just some of the Belgian’s dilemmas.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook

Overdrive Audiobook
Hoopla Audiobook

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James, recommended by Selena:
A supernatural mystery involving a motel in upstate NY. A young woman in the present investigates the mysterious disappearance of her aunt in the 1970s and encounters some ghosts along the way.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook
Overdrive Audiobook

The Murder Room by P.D. James, recommended by Roseann:
P.D. James often said that she started writing mysteries to get herself in shape to write novels. But thankfully for her readers, she discovered that she could deliver much needed insight about the human psyche within the confines of a mystery. As always James, prizes the setting. This one is a winner, the Dupayne Museum, on the edge of London, and its stellar attraction: the Murder Room which highlights grisly crimes committed during the interwar period of 1919-39. Adam Dalgliesh is called to the scene when the brother in the dysfunctional owner family perishes in his flaming car. Both this and the next murder bear uncanny resemblance to crimes from the Murder Room. Stay with this one–it is a winner. Equally worthwhile is the PBS version with Martin Shaw’s fine interpretation of Dalgliesh not only dealing with the crime but also with the romantic complications posed by Emma Lavenham who poses a serious threat to his bachelor existence.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook

Twisted Twenty-Six by Janet Evanovich, recommended by Dawn:
I really enjoy Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. This was a hoot because Grandma got remarried! That in itself should tell you you will be laughing most of the way through the book.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook
Overdrive Audiobook

The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths, recommended by Holly:
The best mystery series let the reader learn something while enjoying the whodunit. Crossing Places is the first of a series featuring Ruth, a forensic archaeologist living at the edge of a remote ocean-side English marsh. As you may imagine, bones show up in the marsh, Ruth checks them out, and somehow ends up in the role of mystery-solver. Everything about this book is done well; the all too human characters are colored in just a few sentences and there’s a deep sense of place. Even the salt sprayed wind whipping through the marsh lashes the reader. You will feel as if you’re there, and as a bonus, you’ll learn a bit about archaeology! Readers who enjoy the Louise Penney and Julia Spencer-Fleming mysteries will happily delve into this unique series.
Available Formats:
Overdrive Ebook
Hoopla Ebook

Other Mystery/Thriller Titles You May Enjoy:

The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan
Recommended by Selena
Available on Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith
Recommended by Catherine
Available on Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook

Every Fifteen Minutes by Lisa Scottoline
Recommended by Chrissy
Available on Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
Recommended by Selena
Available on Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook

Another Time, Another Place

Looking for books that take place in a different time period? Our first re-entry into Staff Picks will focus on Historical Fiction, books that take place sometime in the near or distant past.

The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel, recommended by Diana:
The long-awaited conclusion to Mantel’s classic historical trio! Expansive and poignant, a heartbreaking finale for Cromwell.
The third book in the Wolf Hall trilogy.
Available formats:
Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook

Belgravia by Julian Fellowes, recommended by Roseann: Get a jump on this latest Julian Fellowes work before its TV version airs. The characters are as rich as their surroundings and the plot is well developed. I like the way Fellowes deftly combines the characters’ fictional doings with the facts of history.
Available formats:
Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook
Hoopla Audiobook

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn, recommended by Marcia:
This story was amazing. I would love to learn about the real life character.
Available formats:
Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audio
Hoopla Ebook, Hoopla Audiobook

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The Last Letter to Your Lover by Jojo Moyes, recommended by Dawn:
All the Jojo Moyes books I have read so far have not disappointed me. This wasn’t what I originally expected, it was actually better.
Available formats:
Overdrive Ebook

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The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald, recommended by Roseann:
After World War II, a young woman decides to open a book shop in a small English town. Sounds like a great idea-right? Not to the local grand dame who stoops to every means possible to close it. After you read it, try to watch the movie version and choose which ending (they differ considerably) you prefer. The movie also stars Bill Nigby who makes any film the richer for his presence.
Available formats: Overdrive Ebook , Overdrive Audiobook

Some other historical fiction titles you may enjoy:

Planet Earth is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos
Recommended by Joelle
Available on Overdrive Audiobook

The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai
Recommended by Catherine
Available on Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook

Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts
Recommended by Vicki & Marcia
Available on Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook

The Tattooist of Aushwitz by Heather Morris
Recommended by Marcia
Available on Overdrive Ebook, Overdrive Audiobook

Staff Picks Update: We’re Going Digital!

Our staff picks had been previously moved to Goodreads, but we are reviving this blog once again! Our Goodreads shelf will remain active, so think of this blog as a bonus where you can find reviews by genre, longer reviews and links to where you can access the content digitally while the library building is closed.

Stay tuned for lots of great recommendations from library staff.

Our Staff Picks Have Moved!

We have moved our Staff Picks from this WordPress blog to to our Goodreads account.  You can also get reading recommendations delivered directly to your inbox with our NextReads newsletters. Click on the newsletter titles to see a sample newsletter.  To sign up, check the boxes of the newsletters you’d like to receive and fill in your information at the bottom of the page. If you’d rather search for your next read on your own, try our new NoveList database.  You can search by genre, read-alikes, series, appeal factors, and more!

Reunion by Hannah Pittard

Reunion

This is a new author to me.  If you enjoy reading about estranged and dysfunctional families, then I think you would enjoy this one — I did. It’s a quick read and told through the narration of the main character, Kate Pulaski.

The first line of the book is, “On June 16, at roughly eight-thirty in the morning, I get the phone call that my father is dead,” which makes you want to keep reading.  At least I did.

Kate’s life is pretty well in shambles before she finds out about her father’s suicidal death.  Her siblings tell her she has to travel to Atlanta for the funeral, which she can neither afford nor wants to face.  The book covers the next four days of her coping with face-to-face encounters with her four stepmothers and many half-siblings.  As Kate haphazardly deals with her messed up life, she also comes to terms with her relationship with her father.  The book has sibling relationships, adultery, childhood issues, and so much more, so enjoy.

Her : A Memoir by Christa Parravani

Her

This was a fascinating memoir written by the author about her identical twin sister, Cara. I was drawn to this book because I had heard that the two girls had been raised and went to school in the Capital District and there are certainly many references to local landmarks. As you may imagine, the girls are more than close growing up and share many interests. However, Cara veers down a different path as she spirals into drug abuse. She also is the victim of rape and that also serves to send her into further descent. Christa tries to help her sister over and over again with various results. Unfortunately her sister dies of a drug overdose and leaves Christa behind to try and pick up the pieces. Christa then sees all too clearly that the odds are not in her favor of surviving – over 50% of surviving twins don’t live past 2 years after their twin dies. Christa then has her own struggles as she tries to reconcile what happened to her sister and slowly but surely fights back to live in the present. This is a powerfully written book, at times funny and heartbreaking but ultimately shoings how strong the human spirit is.

Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan by Jane Maxwell

Jane - the woman who loved Tarzan

(Audiobook)  It’s 1905 in Cambridge, England.  This story follows the adventures of Jane Porter from her time as the only woman student in Cambridge University’s medical program to her ill-fated travels in Africa with her father.  There they search for fossils that will prove Darwin’s theories.  Jane, after being injured, is rescued by Tarzan.  Various reviews of the book are critical of many aspects of the story that vary from the original Tarzan of the Apes series.  This book is, however, authorized by the Edgar Rice Burroughs Estate.  I was prepared to like the audiobook and, in spite of changes in the story, found this to be a fine romance with strong characters, well read and performed, and very enjoyable.  Jane is a woman ahead of her time and takes a dominant role as the main character.

The Dinner by Herman Koch

The Dinner

This novel revolves around two brothers and their wives having a five-course dinner in a very upscale Amsterdam restaurant in the Netherlands. They have come together for an uncomfortable conversation. One of the brothers, Serge, is a famous politician while the other brother, Paul, is a “retired” history teacher. The brothers don’t get along.  As the story unfolds, you learn that Paul, the narrator, actually loathes his older brother and can’t understand how his sister-in-law can tolerate him. Their 15-year old sons, however, do get along, and it is discovered that they have done something extremely awful, which is the reason for this uncomfortable dinner. The boys’ actions are so shocking that the whole nation is upset after seeing video footage of the incident on the nightly news. The boys’ identities are not generally known because their faces were never seen. However, the parents do know what their sons have done.  As the dinner progresses, it’s amazing and alarming to see how far these families will go to protect their children, even when they have committed a crime. This is a very quick read because, as the tension in the story builds between each course, you don’t want to stop reading until you see how these two very different families deal with their compulsion that their children can do no wrong.