By Samantha Totman, Senior Circulation Librarian
Cozy fall weather is finally here, and we’re celebrating with books about witches, spies, romance, and even some grilled cheese! Check out our librarians’ favorite September reads below, or stop by the Library and look for the green Staff Picks labels.
Barbara, Reference
The Book of Charlie: Wisdom From the Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old-Man by David Von Drehle
Book | Large Print | eBook | eAudiobook
After moving into a new neighborhood, the author begins a relationship with the centenarian across the street. This book recounts Charlie’s life and the friendship they shared. Charlie White traveled on foot across the country while a teenager and eventually became a heart surgeon, who developed some of the earlier techniques for open heart surgery. Their conversations throughout reflect on the experiences of both men as they learn more about each other and develop a close friendship.
The Canary Girls by Jennifer Chiaverini
Book | Large Print | CD Audiobook
To replace the men who left to fight in The Great War, women were hired to work in the munitions factories. While doing their part to support the war effort, these women risked their health because of the chemicals involved in making munitions, many of whom developed a yellow tinge to their faces and exposed limbs, giving them the name ‘Canary Girls.’ To keep their spirits up while family members went off to war, the women in these factories established soccer teams; it was on the football pitch that lasting friendships were formed creating a supportive environment for these women.
The Collector by Daniel Silva
Book | Large Print | eBook | CD Audiobook | eAudiobook
I listened to the audiobook version of this novel, narrated by Eduoardo Ballerini. Gabrielle Allon is hired to determine who killed an African shipping magnate after which a valuable painting was stolen. Working with a known thief, Allon becomes involved in the conflict issues between Russia and the West. Underlying the theme of the book is also the theft of Vermeer’s The Concert that was stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.
The Other Eden by Paul Harding
Book | eBook | CD Audiobook | eAudiobook
This is my current audiobook, also narrated by Eduardo Ballerini. Inspired by the history of Malaga Island, an island off the coast of Maine, and one of the first integrated communities, the author recounts the story of the integrated residents and the role of a ‘well-meaning’ White doctor who wants to educate the young children on the island and force the residents off the island to turn it into a vacation destination for White families. Once again the story of endurance and human dignity is told against injustice and racial intolerance. The Other Eden is on the shortlist for the 2023 Booker Prize.
Trust by Hernan Diaz
Book | Large Print | eBook | eAudiobook
This novel was the September selection for the Book Club that has met in my home for 25 years. Beautifully written in four sections, each with its own format – a novel, an autobiography, memoir, and diary – this novel is a fascinating read about money, power, class, marital relationships within a novel of shifting perspectives about the lead characters of the novel.
Joan, Youth Services
Where There’s a Will by Beth Corby
Book
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
Book | Large Print | eBook | CD Audiobook | eAudiobook | Playaway
Kathe, Reference
The Given Day by Dennis Lehane
Book | Large Print | eBook | CD Audiobook | Playaway
A historical novel set around 1919, full of tales about family, friends, love, hate, the Spanish flu and the Boston Police department.
Katherine, Head of Circulation
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
Book | Large Print | eBook | eAudiobook
The Witch is Back by Sophie Morgan
Book
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Torzs
Book | eBook
Pat, Head of Reference
Jack of Spies by Davis Downing
Book | Large Print
The first in a series of World War I era espionage novels featuring British spy Jack McColl. The action moves from China to America as Jack gathers intelligence for the British government regarding the confluence of German, Indian, and Irish plots against Britain. His life is complicated when he meets – and falls for – Caitlin Hanley, an Irish-American suffragette whose family has revolutionary leanings.
Dead Man’s Wake by Paul Doiron
Book | Large Print
Latest in the Mike Bowditch Maine Game Warden mystery series. What happens when a severed arm shows up in the lake where Mike is enjoying some time off with his soon to be fiance Stacey Stevens? Plot twists and misdirects will keep the reader on their toes!
Rachel, Reference
Sadie on a Plate by Amanda Ellliot
Book
11/22/63 by Stephen King
Book | Large Print | eBook | CD Audiobook | eAudiobook
Samantha, Circulation
Bellies by Nicola Dinan
Book
I was extremely moved by this emotional and enlightening story.
Where Are Your Boys Tonight?: The Oral History of Emo’s Mainstream Explosion, 1999-2008, by Chris Payne
Book
As someone who grew up in New Jersey during the peak of emo fever, I knew I had to read this. This is a readable and thoughtful oral history for any music lover.
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz
Book | eBook
An adorable graphic novel with wonderful art and a hilarious adherence to its cheese theme.