Recreational Reading Collection: Staff Picks

Staff Picks

Radical Hope: Letters of Love and Dissent in Dangerous Times by Caro De Robertis (Editor)
ISBN: 9780525435136
Publication Date: 2017-05-02
I found Radical Hope at a time when I wasn't feeling much hope. These letters, essays and meditations really lifted me up when the state of the world was pushing me towards despair, frustration and anger. I think we all need a little dose of positivity and hope, especially as we deal with difficult things. There are so many insightful and affirming chapters of this book and they're pretty short, so you can quickly see what resonates with the reader and where the reader is. Recommended by Michael
Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard
Call Number: BOREC NF DIL
ISBN: 0061233323
Publication Date: 2013-09-10
I first read A Pilgrim at Tinker Creek in my second year of college. It opened my eyes to the crazy adventures going on in the natural world, right under our noses. A giant water beetle liquefies the innards of a small frog, then slurps them up like a smoothie, causing the frog to deflate like a balloon before the author's eyes. Annie Dillard writes with wonder and a lovely sense of humor. Recommended by Dani.
Old Man's War by John Scalzi
Call Number: BOREC FIC SCA
ISBN: 0765309408
Publication Date: 2005-01-01
The Colonial Defense Force wants you! Old Man’s War is a eye-opening space opera that follows army recruit John Perry on his adventures across the galaxy with a diverse and captivating cast of characters. What makes Perry, and by that means the rest of the book, so unique compared to other Sci-fi thrillers what happens when they discover the interstellar war that humanity has been fighting in for decades is not as it appears... Without the risk of spoiling anything be prepared to follow along with the twists and surprises that make this Hugo Award Finalist so captivating. Recommended by Stella
Live! from Death Valley by John Soennichsen
ISBN: 9781570614484
Publication Date: 2005-08-09
Part guidebook, autobiography, and historical narrative this book chronicles Soennichsen’s intimate experiences as an avid explorer of one of the world’s mysterious places, Death Valley, California. Drawing from the author’s journals and weaving historical accounts and modern day tales to paint a vivid picture of a place that’s very much alive and has fascinated the human psyche for generations. I’ve explored this part of the Southwest and can vouch for its allure and beauty. Your next adventure?! Death Valley National Park! Recommended by Cora

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
ISBN: 9780307949332
Publication Date: 2012-07-10
I have always found it affirming to hear how other people grapple with the kinds of questions and challenges that I have encountered in my own life. "Tiny Beautiful Things" has thoughtful, nuanced writing about topics that speak to many of us--romance, risk-taking, parent-child relationships, friendship, money. It's a book that has helped me to know myself better, so I share it in hopes that it might have some wisdom that helps someone else make new connections in their own life, too! Recommended by Laura
Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs
Call Number: BOREC FIC BRI
ISBN: 9780441020010
Publication Date: 2013-03-05
This is #7 in the engaging and well written Mercy Thompson urban fantasy/sci-fi series. Mercy is a great central character, a "walker" who can turn into a coyote. In 'Frost Burned' Mercy is challenged to rescue her werewolf husband, and in doing so must further explore her own history and powers. A fun read! Recommended by Sarah
The Bassoon King: My Life in Art, Faith, and Idiocy by Rainn Wilson
Call Number: BOREC NF WIL
ISBN: 9780451469434
Publication Date: 2016-11-29
TV fans know him all too well as Dwight from the hit show, The Office. Rainn Wilson shares his candid memories growing up in Seattle and early influences from the Baha'i faith to his “weird” parents. Fans of The Office will revel in this amusing memoir that charts his sometimes rocky path from being the nerd in the band room to the comedic actor in the television studio. Bonus - the Forward is written by Dwight! Recommended by Cora