As a chill finally enters the air, perhaps we can take a moment between the hustle of Halloween and Thanksgiving to settle down with some good stories. Of course, the staff at the library have several good book ideas to share. Mary has been revisiting some old classics, including “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck (FIC Ste) and “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” by Richard Bach (FIC Bach). She also enjoyed a more recent title, destined to become a classic: “The World According to Garp” by John Irving (FIC Irving). She calls it “good enough to read over and over.” Ivette also recommends a new classic: “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman (FIC Backman). This must-read bestselling story was adapted into a movie called “A Man Called Otto” (DVD FIC Man) starring Tom Hanks.
What about taking this time to connect with nature? Our library naturalist, Steph, has several books to recommend. “Heart of the Hive” by Hilary Kearney (595.799 Kearney) explores the mind of the honeybee and how each bee works together in the hive. “What an Owl Knows” by Jennifer Ackerman (598.9 Ack) is a perfect follow-up to Steph’s latest owl education program and digs into the new science of these mysterious birds. “The Forever Dog Life” by Karen Beeker (636.7085 Beeker) shares over 120 recipes, longevity tips, and new science for better bowls and healthier homes. Finally, “Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants of Eastern and Central North America” (581.63 Thayer) covers 678 edibles, with over 1,800 color photos and detailed descriptions.
For our fantasy readers, Cindy recommends “The Dragon’s Path” by Daniel Abraham (FIC Abraham Dagger v.1): “The former assistant to George RR Martin gave rave reviews about Daniel’s book. Once you pick up the book, you won’t put it down!” Emily loved “The Serpent and the Wings of Night” by Carissa Broadbent (FIC Broadbent Crowns v.1), the first in a new incredibly popular series, and Crystal loved “Middlegame” by Seanan McGuire (FIC McGuire Alchemical v.1), which won several great fantasy awards. Christie recommends the fantasy series “The Watch Hill Trilogy” by Karen Marie Moning, the first of which is “The House at Watch Hill” (FIC Moning Watch v.1).
For our large print readers, Dellie recommends “Fifteen Summers Later” by Rae Anne Thayne (LP FIC Thayne). This book explores a cult and the power of sisterhood. She also enjoyed the Amish fiction title “A Healing Touch” by Suzanne Woods Fisher (LP FIC Fisher) and a title from the popular Cork O’Connor mystery series, “Spirit Crossing” by William Kent Krueger (FIC Krueger).
If you are looking for some wonderful Thanksgiving dinner ideas, Montica says “The Best of Thanksgiving” (641.568 Bes) is “the perfect cookbook to give you ideas of things to fix for Thanksgiving.” But what about a horror flick after your turkey dinner? Dennis recommends the aptly named horror comedy “Thanksgiving” (DVD FIC Thanksgiving).
Dennis also recommends “Pete Rose: My Story” (921 Rose, P): “Pete Rose died recently at the age of 83. I thought it might be a good time to revisit this 1989 book by Rose and Roger Kahn. No one in baseball had more hits than Charlie Hustle.”
Finally, in recognition of International Games Month, Susanna suggests checking out “Parlor Games: Traditional Indoor Games to Amuse and Delight” (793 Par): “Entertain your guests with parlor games. This volume includes “The Minister’s Cat,” as seen in Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”
All of these titles are currently on display on the first floor of the library through the end of November. Come in and check one out with your library card. Many of them are also available to check out digitally on our free Libby app. Our regular open hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday 9 and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
Megan Taylor is assistant manager in the Adult Services Department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
