Staff Picks

Books by Karen M. McManus

By Karen M. McManus

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5

Rated by Tiffany R

Mystery fans looking for a new author to binge will want to know the name Karen M. McManus, who hit the New York Times and International Bestseller Lists with her first three published mysteries One of Us is Lying, Two Can Keep a Secret, and One of Us is Next. Haven't heard of McManus and wondering why?

Goon

By Magnolia Home Entertainment

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4

Rated by Amanda W.

Canceling hockey amid a global pandemic was the socially responsible thing to do, I remind myself regularly. In the absence of watching actual games, I've been re-watching some movies with hockey themes. The first one I bring to you is the heartwarming, comedic, and frequently violent, story of Doug Glatt in the movie Goon.

Atomic Habits

By James Clear

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4

Rated by Josh N.

There are a lot of things I start but never finish. I have a lot of good intentions that never really get going. On the flip side, I have some bad habits I have a difficult time breaking myself of. It's easy to feel discouraged and lazy when I can't get myself to follow through and stick with something or to quit something that hinders your life.

The Calculating Stars

By Mary Robinette Kowal

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4

Rated by Hebah A.H.

One of my personal reading goals I set when Covid-19 first started turning things upside down was to read more of the books on my own personal shelves, things I'd bought but not read yet. I wasn't counting on my reading mojo plummeting, and truthfully, as far as timing went, I might have chosen a bit more wisely than to read a book that begins with a cataclysmic event that will likely be a human extinction event in time.

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird

By Josie Silver

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4

Rated by Kari E.

For Lydia Bird, love can overcome anything, even death.  

When Lydia's fiance, Freddie Hunter, is tragically killed in a car accident she cannot imagine life moving on without him. Unable to sleep, her mum finds a doctor who is conducting trials on a new sleeping pill. This magical pink pill allows Lydia to fall asleep and jump back into her old life with Freddie. Her dream life with Freddie is continuing on without her.  

Kids Are Sources of Chaos and Disorder

By

5

Rated by Chris K.

All good children's stories are the same: young creature breaks rules, has incredible adventure, then returns home with the knowledge that aforementioned rules are there for a reason.

Of course, the actual message to the careful reader is: break rules as often as you can, because who the hell doesn't want to have an adventure?

― Brian K. Vaughan, Saga, Vol. 3

Connection Writing Contest Winner

By Joel Holland

5

Rated by Helen H.

Johnson County Library is pleased to announce that Joel Holland has won our writing contest in the open category on the theme of Connection with "Contemplating Connection as Zimmer’s “Chasing Cornfields” Plays in my Bedroom."

The Good Karma Hospital

By Amanda Redman

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4

Rated by Helen H.

Are you growing frustrated hearing about films and series you simply must watch, only to find they are on yet another streaming platform that will come with yet another monthly fee? Me too. That’s why I finally decided to give Acorn TV: the Best British TV and Film, a try. It’s free with your Johnson County Library card!

Finding Inspiration in the Past

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4

Rated by Bet M

The past two months of quarantine shutdown have been bizarre to say the least. Surprised by how hard it's been to focus on simple tasks and know how to deal with whatever each day might bring, I turned to another time in history where the whole world was under threat and people had to deal with a cloud of confusion that hung over everything--World War II. Obviously COVID-19 is not the same as WWII by any means, but I was inspired and encouraged to read the stories of how women in particular faced the challenges of such a world-impacting crisis.

Getting Arts-and-Craftsy with eLibrary Resources

By

5

Rated by Hebah A.H.

Changing our complete daily routines and schedules, Covid-19 has upended, well, a lot of things. Many of us are spending a lot more time at home, whether working from home if we’re fortunate or through normal social gatherings being curtailed by social distancing. Among the homebound, there’s one group uniquely suited to being indoors, potentially limited to activities and supplies on hand: crafters.