Recommendation

Hunger by Roxane Gay

Chris says:
An incredibly powerful story. Emotional as it is insightful, this memoir takes a look at the intersection between food and trauma.

Tracy says:
Stunning, honest, and brave. Roxane Gay is a superb talent, and I was by turns heartbroken, inspired, and awed by every word she wrote. Her story is both universal and achingly personal.

The Patriot

Cheryl says:
This movie is filled with action, history, and excitement. Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger are great. The movie takes you along for an incredible, heartbreaking ride through the American Revolution.

Best of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Lindsay says:
I loved Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood growing up, and now my son absolutely loves Daniel Tiger. Daniel will teach your little one how to do things from sharing, to even using the potty.

Southernmost by Silas House

Donna says:
Local author, Silas House, makes you feel as if he is a family member. I have read all five of his books, with Southernmost being the newest. Like the rest of his books, once you pick it up, you cannot put it down. Southernmost is a novel regarding a contemporary issue from a “backhome” point of view.

Swan Song by Robert R. McCammon

Beth says:
Another post-apocalyptic masterpiece!! If you liked The Stand, you will like this book—great character development, the struggle to survive, and good vs. evil will draw you in and keep you reading until the epic battle is fought and won. But won by whom?

 

Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose

Shelby says:
When you read this book, you feel as though you were there as events were unwinding. From the day the 101st division was created to the capturing of the Kehlsteinhaus, you’ll want to read until the very end.

Not Too Late by Norah Jones

Donna says:
I love Norah Jones’s voice. Her range is tremendous. I have seen her in concert, and her personality is such that you feel like she is in your living room singing. This same concept comes across on her CDs. Her songs are all about life and love, and living them.

 

After Laughter by Paramore

Jill says:
Paramore’s music has taken a huge step forward with their latest album. There is a strong ’80s influence, and I love the juxtaposition of upbeat melodies with melancholy lyrics.

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

Raychel says:
Photojournalist Will Navidson discovers that somehow his house is bigger on the inside than the outside…and it’s growing larger. Told from different points of view that add to and detract from the story, House of Leaves is unlike any other book.

Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King

Raychel says:
Dolores Claiborne is my all-time favorite King book. All the characters are incredible. This is one of King’s best works to show that the real monsters aren’t always supernatural—sometimes they’re people.

Legend

Lindsay says:
Excellent movie. You really can’t beat Tom Hardy’s way of bringing his characters to life.

The 57 Bus by Dashka Slater

Tracy says:
A powerful story about the flawed legal system, gender identity, and perception, centered on two teens whose lives were changed by an impulsive crime—one the victim, the other the perpetrator.

 

Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds

Tracy says:
I was stunned by the power, emotion, and insight Reynolds was able to infuse into this short book that essentially takes place in a matter of minutes. Reminds me of a strange, magical mashup of Walter Dean Myers’s Monster and A Christmas Carol.