You can get a good sense of what we at the Lackman Library have been reading, watching, and listening to by looking at our Staff Picks display. But that doesn't always tell the whole story. Sure, Leslie recommends a particular book, but why does she recommend it? Is it as simple as "it's really good"? Or is there more of a story behind it? Plus, the things we put out on the display aren't always what we're into right now, it's an audiobook Shannon listened to last year or a movie Josh watched five years ago. They're still good, but they're not always fresh in our minds.
So here is what some of the Lackman staff are enjoying right now.
Becky, YS librarian: "Rear Window. I'm a middle-aged woman with an elderly mom living at home. We don't agree on much when it comes to movies--her favorite movie is Mister Roberts and mine is The Big Lebowski--but we both love this one. It makes me want to live in a close-knit apartment community, although I'd certainly close my blinds more often than the characters in this film do. Recommended for families looking for a thriller that's not adrenaline overkill, or a gentle character study that won't put you to sleep."
Jeanne, page: "Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead. Two of my favorite authors collaborating on a book for kids 8-12 or thereabouts. 'Visiting her grandmother in Australia, Livy, ten, is reminded of the promise she made five years before to Bob, a strange, green creature who cannot recall who or what he is.'"
Shannon, YS librarian: "Legendary by Stephanie Garber. This is the second book in the Caraval series. Garber has crafted a wonderful fantasy world full of magic, secrets, and mystery that I am loving being sucked into for the second time. It's a constant struggle to discern what's real and what's not real in the world of Caraval."
Dawna, YS librarian: "A Handmaid's Tale. This is based on the novel by Margaret Atwood. Set in a dystopian world, the story follows Offred, a handmaid, as she starts a new post with Commander Waterford and his wife."
Heather, clerk: "Magnus Chase series by Rick Riordan this summer--with the first title aptly named The Sword of Summer...which takes place in winter... Loved the series and would recommend to kids and adults alike!"
Joyce, page: "I listened to the audio version of My Antonia, the classic by Willa Cather. The difficulties of being a newcomer in this country are still a relevant theme. As a history buff, I love the description by an author who lived through that time, as opposed to a historical fiction writer."
Leslie, branch manager: "This is Us, season one and season two. People had been telling me how wonderful this show is for quite a while now. Not being one for television dramas, I reluctantly checked out the first season and finally got around to watching it the last night before it was due. Ah oh, I was hooked! The writing drew me in immediately--such warm, flawed, and captivating characters. It is touching, moving, and inspirational. I’m on to Season 2."
Josh, information specialist (that's me!): "Because summer is leaving us, I just finished Farewell Summer by one of my favorite writers, Ray Bradbury. It's a sequel to his classic Dandelion Wine. Not really fantasy, more looking at the fantastic beauty and mystery in the world around us and in our hearts. Funny and touching and poetic, this was a perfect book to move from summer to fall."
Hopefully this gives you some more insight into what the Lackman staff enjoy, and we always welcome questions about recommendations. We also like to hear what you've been enjoying lately, so feel free to tell us. We need recommendations, too!