Staff Recomendations
Gypsy Kelso
The Glass Castle
by Jeanette Walls
It is a memoir of her amazing survival of a childhood most people can not imagine. She grew up with a home life so unconventional and bizarre that it seems a miracle that she even survived, let alone became a successful news correspondent and writer. She tells her life story in a simple, touching, and often funny way that makes the reader feel an incredible mix of sympathy and admiration for the little girl that she was. The stories she tells of her parents choices and their inability to see the impact those choices made on their children are both fascinating and frightening. Somehow Jeanette has managed to tell a potentially very sad story in a way that leaves you feeling uplifted and inspired. This book is an excellent read for anyone who ever thought their childhood was odd, and for anyone who needs clear proof that children can overcome incredible odds and succeed in life, no matter what challenges they face.
I know This Much is True Peace Like a River
by Wally Lamb by Lief Enger
Gypsy also HIGHLY recommends these books. Both are excellent fiction books that were at the top of the best seller lists about 10 years ago.
Robin Hohn
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
by Jean-Dominique Bauby
A wonderful autobiographical work that at times just amazes you, but at others can make you depressed, sick to your stomach, and even so emotionally overwhelmed you can't go on you are crying so hard. I highly recommend both the book and the movie (but read the book before seeing the movie.) But if you do pick this book up be prepared to be amazed at the strength and power of one man's mind and the courage of the soul to move on from a past life and except a new life.
Karen Hixon
She's not there : a life in two genders
by Jennifer Finney Boylan
The bestseller She's Not There is the story of a person changing genders. Hilarious and deeply moving, Jennifer Finney Boylan examines changing friendships, and rejoices in the redeeming power of family. I was alternating between laughter and tears the whole time. Boylan presents such a compelling, captivating and a very open presentation of her own life. It's been a long time since I read a memoir this good.
Natalia Gray
The long road to a tomato: tales of an organic farmer who quit the big city for the (not so) simple life
by Keith Stewart and illustrations by Flavia Bacarella
Great light read on today's topic of organic farming. No! It's not technical but it's about the guts and soul of an organic farmer, Keith, who has all sorts of anecdotal stories about the events and life of his farm. And, "Yes!" This book has pictures too. Flavia's artistical talent is wonderfully simple and down to earth. A must read!
Unfortunately our library doesn't carry this book but if you are interested in it we can Interlibrary Loan it for you.
Ruth Mahaney
The Coldest Winter
by David Halberstam
I have wanted to learn more about the Korean War. This book tells about the battles from the view point of the soldiers who did the fighting. I hadn’t realized that so many -Chinese, North Korean, UN troops and Americans- had died and been wounded. Learning about General Douglas MacAruthur, Kim, Mao, Stalin, and Truman, the men who made the decisions that resulted in the war, was fascinating.
Here If You Need Me
by Kate Braestrup
Kate is a Unitarian minister for the Maine Warden Service. The grief she felt when her husband died lead to her decision to become a minister. This book is not really about religion, it is a funny, uplifting book about grief and depression and the joy, fulfillment and happiness that can come out grief.
How Starbucks Saved My Live
by Michael Gill
Gill is a child of wealthy, famous parents and his privileged education lead to a high paying advertising career. As a middle aged man, he lost it all - his wife, home and business. He accepted a job as a barista at a Starbucks store and worked with young, black employees and learned to live a humble, happy life.