We’ve made it through the winter, and whether you are looking to tune in with nature, seeking some emotional well-being, or just want to relax with a good book, the staff at CDPL are here to share some of their favorite reads that are all available at your library. With the weather warming up and gardening season in full bloom, Jodie recommends checking out Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy: “If you ever wondered what’s the big deal with native plants, this book is great!” Or what about getting crafty with your plants? Steph recommends Crafting with Nature (745.5 Ren), which shares which plants and herbs are best for growing, gathering, and crafting.
For all our golfers out there, Bill recommends My Life in and Out of the Rough by John Daly (796.352 Dal), which is a “great read about the life of John Daly both on and off the course.”
If you are seeking physical or mental wellness, Joni suggests checking out Yoga Happy by Hannah Barrett (613.7046 Bar): “I really enjoyed the flow movement suggestion–they’re easy to do, provide just enough challenge, and offer a great refresher or starting point for those new to yoga.” And Kaela says You Will Get Through This Night by Dan Howell (158 How) is “a wonder-ful easy-to-read, humorous book on embracing anxiety and depression. Practical things to try and tools to learn, and many laughs to be had. For those of you with mental health struggles, you’re not alone.”
For a great story, Kaela highly recommends A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (FIC Bac): “Such a wonderful book emphasizing the importance of human connection. Make sure to read the book AND check out the new DVD–A Man Called Otto! It will NOT disappoint! Just be pre-pared to shed some tears!”
For a comfortable classic, Susanna recommends reading (or re-reading) The Hobbit, or There and Back Again by JRR Tolkien (FIC Tol), the fantastic tale “of how a respectable hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, was convinced to steal a mountain from a dragon, and, in the process, stole something much more important.” And Mary recommends The Princess Bride by William Goldman (FIC Gol): “One of the most popular books of 1973, 50 years ago. A classic tale of true love and high adventure – the good parts.” If you fell in love with the movie, perhaps you would enjoy the book, too!
If you enjoy reading about the royal family, Brenda calls the new bestseller Spare by Prince Har-ry (921 Harry) insightful and moving: “Harry has a great deal to say about his own mistakes and questionable behavior. Harry chooses to move and protect his family in a way that he was never protected. There will always be critics, but I enjoyed Spare!” Or if you want to watch the stories of British royalty unfold, don’t miss the popular Netflix series, The Crown, which the library has on DVD. Dennis says, “this series is a winner! Season 1 takes an inside look at the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II, who ascended to the throne at age 25. Great cast and storytelling!”
Dawn recommends some wonderful children’s chapter books, which are great for all ages. She says that in The Magician’s Elephant by Kate DiCamillo (j FIC DiCam), “the author hopes that we, the readers, find some love and magic here. I did.” And for National Poetry Month Dawn says that the novel-in-verse Love That Dog by Sharon Creech (j FIC Cre) is one of her favorite books.
For our large print readers, Dellie suggests Beach House Summer by Sarah Morgan (LP FIC MOR): “Love the storyline. Hate to see the book end.” She also loved Like the Wind by Robin Lee Hatcher (LP FIC HAT): “A great book that anyone could learn a lot from about life.”
All these staff picks, plus even more, are on display on the first floor of the library throughout April and may be checked out with your library card anytime during our open hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday throughThursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday-Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
Megan Taylor is assistant manager in the Reference and Local History Department.
