March is National Reading Month, a celebration dedicated to fostering a love of reading. Can you think of a better place to celebrate National Reading Month than at the library? We can’t!
Our librarians are happy to help you find good reading material. You can always visit one of our Information Desks, give us a call or use our online “May We Suggest” service. Fill out a May We Suggest form explaining what you enjoy reading and what formats you prefer. A librarian will tailor a booklist just for you, and it will be in your inbox within days. Don’t be shy or think that your reading tastes are too obscure—our librarians are up to the challenge.
Here are a few of our book-loving staff members sharing some of their favorite books and recent reads to give you some ideas.
Erin S., Librarian
Favorite Read:
"I've been reading and re-reading Dealing with Dragons by Patricia C. Wrede for several decades.
Princess Cimorene was born into privilege, but chafes at the boring princess lessons her parents expect her to enjoy. Taking her destiny into her own hands, Cimorene runs away and seeks support from the Dragons, where she finds both friendship and purpose.
The series as a whole has adventure, humor and a practicality that I appreciate. I would recommend it to any reader who enjoys lighthearted stories with heroes who take responsibility, similar to Tiffany Aching or Anne Shirley."
Current Read:
"I was just finishing a fairly heavy nonfiction book, and this short science fiction with a bright cover offered a much-needed contrast. In the same way as the Murderbot series by Martha Wells, Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz drops the reader right into the action.
A kitchen full of robots awakens to some kind of disaster, but they aren't certain exactly what's happened. By the end of the first chapter, I'm invested in the characters—robot and human alike—and can't wait to find out how they navigate their next steps.
At less than 200 pages, this is a quick and cozy read that seems just right for fans of Murderbot, T.J. Klune's In the Lives of Puppets, or Becky Chambers' Psalm for the Wild-built."
Dave R., Circulation Assistant
Favorite Read:
"In Murder Falcon, writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson uses the medium of comics to tell a story that's a love letter to the redemptive power of heavy metal music.
It's a heartfelt tale of friendship, music and a band whose songs empower the titular anthropomorphic, cybernetic character on his mission to save the world from a marauding army of giant monsters. So, it's full of all the things that make life fun and exciting."
Current Read:
"Stephen King's The Outsider is the perfect blend of crime and horror. It follows several detectives as they delve into a shocking murder that tears apart a small town, and they uncover a strange and sinister entity.
As the investigation progresses, the chief detective must set aside his skepticism and face the fact that the suspect they're chasing might be both a metaphorical and a literal monster.
On top of that, the book is part of King's Holly Gibney series and continues the exciting journey and development of that character."
Colleen O., Substitute Librarian
Favorite Read:
"Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman is one of my favorites and is a go-to when I recommend titles. It got me back into reading after my children became self-sufficient and I had free time again.
CeeCee had a rough start in her young life. After a tragedy hits, she is sent to live with an unknown great-aunt and her life changes dramatically. She's thrown into a world of prosperity and Southern eccentricities, which also seems to be run by women.
The book has been described as a mix between The Help and Steel Magnolias. I remember just wanting to live in that world of women taking care of and protecting women."
Current Read:
"I wanted to read The Names by Florence Knapp after reading the description. The story asks: 'Can a name change the course of a life?'
This book had a little bit of everything I enjoy: historical and realistic fiction, intrigue, self-actualization and much more. I also enjoy reading authors from different countries and debut fiction titles. This book was very captivating from the beginning."
Kris L., Building Monitor
Favorite Read:
"While it's a children's book, I didn't actually read The Little Prince until I was an adult. I was instantly struck by the book's take on friendship, imagination, love, caregiving, loss and the bonds of belonging to one another.
This is a book that I would truly recommend to anyone, and if there's someone who has never read it, I would love to hear their first impression."
Current Read:
"I grew up on Star Wars, from the movies to the picture books to all the action figures and vehicles my parents had to buy, to the games and novels that came later.
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View is full of stories adopting the perspective of a character who may have only two seconds of screen time, creating a backstory for them and connecting them to the Star Wars universe. For me, this shows that everyone has their own story.
Many of the authors are renowned in their own right, so I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys short stories or space opera."
Stacey S., Librarian
Favorite Read:
"Eragon is one of my favorite books of all time. It is a story about a boy who finds a dragon egg in the mountains and sets off on a Tolkien-inspired adventure. With a magic language system and immersive world building, you will get lost in a beautiful world of elves, dwarves, magic and more.
Anyone looking to step up their fantasy reading without going full high fantasy will enjoy Eragon, similar to The Last Dragon on Mars and Dragon Captives."
Current Read:
"Akane-banashi. This manga follows Akane, an ambitious high school student determined to avenge her father's rakugo.
Breaking into a male-dominated field while trying to find herself proves challenging. Akane is always ready to face all without sacrificing her own sparkle.
Readers who enjoy strong female leads being awesome at what they do like Apothecary Diaries and Usotoki Rhetoric will like this series."
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