Patch Picks: 5 Book Recommendations

Yesterday was the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day. In honor of this, Wyandotte Patch looked to some local librarians for help. We asked them to tell us what books they recommend for readers.

Here are the top book choices from five Wyandotte librarians.

1. LAURA GRAMLICH, REFERENCE LIBRARIAN

Still Missing (Adult Fiction) by Chevy Stevens

Still Missing is the story of an abducted woman named Annie who was abused by her captor until she escaped. “This book was a real page-turner,” Gramlich said. “The reader will want to know how Annie ends up escaping.”

A Thousand Cuts (Adult Fiction) by Simon Lelic

The setting for A Thousand Cuts is London in the aftermath of a school shooting. Gramlich said that the book has several narrators, making it interesting as each one gives the reader another important clue about the ending. 

The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer (Young Adult Fiction)

“There is just something about vampires,” Yoscovits said. “There is a fantasy element that the kids seem to attach themselves to with the Twilight series. The books are thrilling, the girls love them because of the love story imbedded within the plot.” 

The Percy Jackson Series (Teen Fiction) by Rick Riordan

Yoscovits said the series deals with fantasy, mythology and adventure. “The kids really enjoy them,” Yoscovits said. “It is fun for the kids when they make movies out of these books as well.” 

3. ANITA O'BRIEN, BACON MEMORIAL LIBRARY DIRECTOR

In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto (Adult Nonfiction) by Michael Pollan

The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (Adult Nonfiction) by Michael Pollan.

Pollan uses both books to take a critical look at the food production industry. He also has written other books on the topic. “The Michael Pollan books are a particular favorite recommendation of mine,” O’Brien said. “I think it is information that more people need to be aware of and the subjects profiled in his books have been, in my case, worthy of further exploration as well.”

4. KELLY RAY, BACON MEMORIAL YOUTH SERVICES LIBRARIAN

 I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More (Childrens) by Karen Beaumont

“I love this book because you can sing it while you read it,” Ray said. “Plus the kids can guess what is (being painted) next by the rhyme. Great to read right before you finger paint.”

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (Childrens) by Mo Willems

“All the pigeon books are fabulous, but this was the first,” Ray said. “I love talking like the pigeon.”

5. WALLY HAYDEN, BACON MEMORIAL HISTORICAL LIBRARIAN

Blood Meridian (Adult Fiction) by Cormac McCarthy

The book, set in 19th century Mexico, is a violent tale of a young man who joins a ruthless band of mercenaries.

Freedom by Jonathon Franzen

Freedom is the story of a seemingly perfect middle class family that eventually unravels due to lies, secrets and disappointments.

Next week's Patch Picks:  Five area summer camps.