Library Staff Recommendations

From Vicki Lenz, Circulation Supervisor
Give Us a Kiss: A Country Noir by Daniel Woodrell (literary)
A story of some not-so-law-abiding citizens of the Ozarks, the author is one of the best to come along in a very long time.

Run the Risk by Scott Frost (suspense)
This book is intense, gripping, never lets you relax for a second. The end has a good twist, too. This is Frost’s first book.

The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman (popular fiction)
Sure to be a favorite of librarians everywhere for its astonishing take on whom should have access to library records, this is Alice Hoffman at her best.

Bangkok 8 by John Burdett (mystery)
An honest police detective (a creature so rare, there is a Thai word for him) is trying to find out who is responsible for the death of his partner. This glimpse into life in Bangkok is fascinating.

Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning (romance)
This is one of those romances that you want to re-read as soon as you finish.

The Illuminator by Brenda Rickman Vantrease (historical)
An intricate glimpse into medieval life, this novel features a heretic artist who does illuminations (big, colorful, art-filled letters that begin each book of the Bible). The real political, fiscal, and legal power during the middle ages was held by the clergy. Those who believed the Bible should be translated into the language of the common people threatened that power.

From Dan Beauvillia, Reference Library Assistant
Full Circle, Michael Palin (919.04 Pal)
Palin’s account of his trip around the Pacific rim, from the tip of Alaska along the coast of Asia to New Zealand and up the coast of the Americas, has the humor one would expect of a Monty Python alumnus, but what really brings the story to life are Palin’s beautiful descriptions and brilliant similes. He’s a wonderful writer who transports the reader to locales both exotic and familiar.

Film: Keeping the Faith
This Edward Norton-Ben Stiller-Jenna Elfman comedy didn’t get much attention when it first came out, but it’s a terrific movie about adult friendship that’s not only very funny, but also rather sweet.