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Shari - Youth/Teen Services Associate (Bowman)
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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson BurnettMary Lennox likes nobody, and nobody likes her. Growing up in colonial India she is physically cossetted by servants, but emotionally neglected by all. When her parents die and she's shipped back to England to live with her new guardian, a reclusive uncle, it seems at first her loneliness will only deepen. Spoiled and unfriendly, she keeps everyone at a distance. And anyway who would she be friends with? Her uncle is almost never to be seen, and with Mary seemingly the only child in a huge northern manor house, it appears that nothing will change. That is, until Martha the maid sends her out into the grounds, and she finds a locked garden gate. "Do you know that one magical book that hooks you on reading? Everyone has one, and for me, this was it. I'm not sure what exactly it was about this particular book for me, whether it was the tragic plotline, a peculiar connection to the main character, or just the idea of a secret garden that comes back to life with the care given to mend it, but I remember this book being a perfect escape for me during a darker period of my life. And ever since reading it, I've dreamt of having a secret garden of my own." ~Shari |
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Kaitlyn - Youth Services Assistant (Handley)
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The giver by Lois LowryLiving in a "perfect" world without social ills, a boy approaches the time when he will receive a life assignment from the Elders, but his selection leads him to a mysterious man known as the Giver, who reveals the dark secrets behind the utopian facade |
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Sophie - Youth Services Assistant (Handley)
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Two seemingly homeless men are waiting for someone, or something, named Godot. Vladimir and Estragon wait near a tree on a barren stretch of road, inhabiting a drama spun from their own consciousness.
"If you're a fan of absurdism (or not!), check out this short play! I read this piece at a turning point in college, and I'm so thankful for the inspiration and insight it gave me at that time. Great for anyone having an existential crisis!" ~Sophie |
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Rushali - Information Services Assistant (Bowman)
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Love for Imperfect Things: How to Accept Yourself in a World Striving for Perfection by Haemin SunimNo one is perfect, but that shouldn't hold us back from love--for the world, for one another, or even for ourselves. In this beautifully illustrated guide, Buddhist teacher Haemin Sunim (whose name means "spontaneous wisdom") draws on examples from his own life and on his years of helping others to introduce us to the art of self-care. When we treat ourselves with compassion, empathy, and forgiveness, we learn to treat others the same way, allowing us to connect with people on a deeper level, bounce back from failure, deal with feeling hurt or depressed, listen more attentively, express ourselves more clearly, and have the courage to pursue what really makes us happy so we can feel complete in ourselves. With more than thirty-five full-color illustrations, Love for Imperfect Things will appeal to both your eyes and your heart, offering you comfort, encouragement, and wisdom so that you can learn to love yourself, your life, and everyone in it.
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Sarah - Youth Services Assistant (Handley)
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Pieces of April A daughter who was a misfit in suburbia tries to make amends with her family by cooking Thanksgiving dinner, which would be a nice idea if she could cook. "Watching this touching film is an annual tradition in my house." ~Sarah
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Nova - Archives Assistant (Handley)
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Everything Dead and Dying 2 by Tate BrombalDespite his best efforts to cling to his fantasies, reality has landed on Jack Chandler's doorstep...in the form of a bullet. The arrival of outsiders to Jack's hidden oasis of a rural community forces him to confront the zombie apocalypse he has been hiding from, and pick up arms to protect his undead family. "I'm thankful for all the wonderful resources our library has to offer! Hoopla is one of my favorites because it has a lot of comics. As someone who's fallen out of the habit of reading for pleasure over the years, comics and graphic novels have been a fun way for me to get back into it. I love the way this story is told, and I can't wait for the next one!" ~Nova Available as an eBook on Hoopla |
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Bonnie - Library Assistant (Clarke)
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What are you looking for? So asks Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian. For Sayuri Komachi is able to sense exactly what each visitor to her library is searching for and provide just the book recommendation to help them find it. A restless retail assistant looks to gain new skills, a mother tries to overcome demotion at work after maternity leave, a conscientious accountant yearns to open an antique store, a recently retired salaryman searches for newfound purpose. In Komachi's unique book recommendations they will find just what they need to achieve their dreams. "I enjoyed this book because it made me feel happy and reminded me that sometimes we can find more than we expected in a book. Some of them make us feel hopeful about new things." ~Bonnie |
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Alison - Clarke County Library Branch Manager
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The house in the cerulean sea by TJ KluneGiven a curious classified assignment to evaluate the potential risks posed by six supernatural orphans, a case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth bonds with an enigmatic caregiver who hides dangerous secrets "This book is very well-written and pulls you in from the start! It is full of love and hope and empathy and humor, and it came to me at a moment when I needed to read all of those things. A touch of magic is icing on the cake. I'm so grateful I found my way to this book! I've already put a hold on the sequel!" ~Alison |
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Mackenzie - Branch Assistant (Clarke)
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Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice by Virginia Roberts GiuffreThe unforgettable memoir by the late Virginia Roberts Giuffre, the woman who dared to take on Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. The world knows Virginia Roberts Giuffre as Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's most outspoken victim: the woman whose decision to speak out helped send both serial abusers to prison, whose photograph with Prince Andrew catalyzed his fall from grace. But her story has never been told in full, in her own words--until now. "I am thankful for the author's honesty and bravery." ~Mackenzie Also available as an eBook on Libby |
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Gwen - Information Services Assistant (Bowman)
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The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. TolkienWith his uncle Bilbo Baggins having mysteriously disappeared, Frodo finds himself in possession of a simple gold ring that has great and evil power. It is the Ruling Ring, taken long ago from the Dark Lord, Sauron, who now seeks to possess it again. Frodo must do everything he can to prevent this, and with the help of Gandalf the wizard, and a band of loyal companions, he begins a perilous journey across Middle-earth. Sauron's Black Riders are on their trail as they travel to Rivendell, attempt to cross the snow-swept Misty Mountains and, in desperation, enter the terrifying Mines of Moria. "I especially recommend the audiobook narrated by Andy Serkis (available on Libby)!" ~Gwen |
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Alyssa - Information Services Coordinator (Handley)
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All You Need is Time by Daisy the Great"I've been in a music mood recently, and this artist and album are both things that I have been extremely grateful for. Their music really speaks to me, and I love their genre-defying sound. On this album, I especially love 'Glitter' and 'Aluminum.'" ~Alyssa |
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Kpop Demon Hunters [Soundtrack from the Netflix Film]"If you know anything about KPop Demon Hunters, you know the movie is currently only available on Netflix, but the good news is that you can get the soundtrack (and even the deluxe version) on hoopla! Whether you've watched the movie or not, the music is phenomenal, and I've been obsessed with it since the movie came out in August. I've been really thankful for the music, especially "Golden," which has felt like my anthem for the past few months." ~Alyssa |
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Jemison - Information Services Assistant (Handley)
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Lockwood, the new tenant of Thrushcross Grange, situated on the bleak Yorkshire moors, is forced to seek shelter one night at Wuthering Heights, the home of his landlord. There he discovers the history of the tempestuous events that took place years before. What unfolds is the tale of the intense love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Catherine, forced to choose between passionate, tortured Heathcliff and gentle, well-bred Edgar Linton, surrenders to the expectations of her class. As Heathcliff's bitterness and vengeance at his betrayal is visited upon the next generation, their innocent heirs must struggle to escape the legacy of the past.
"Hauntingly beautiful insights into the human soul. The Bronte sisters authored some of the first gothic literature in history. As a kid I always watched the movie with my mom, and I love the book just as much. Keep an eye out for a new version of the film premiering in February 2026!" ~Jemison |
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Lydia - Youth Services Associate(Handley)
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Atmosphere: A Love Story by Taylor Jenkins ReidJoan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA's space shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space. Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston's Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates. As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. "This was a top 5 books of the year for me! " ~Lydia |
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Kristina Wood - Library Assistant (Clarke)
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A Game of Thrones by George R.R. MartinIn a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and sinister forces are massing beyond the kingdom's protective Wall. "Since this is for the theme: I'm grateful for this book and the series it is part of because it has a vibrant fan community. I've met a lot of great people, including one of my closest friends, and been able to stretch my creativity by making fan works." ~Kristina |
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Adrienne - Branch Manager (Handley)
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The Atlantic, The New YorkerAn American magazine and multi-platform publisher based in Washington, D.C. It features articles on politics, foreign affairs, business and the economy, culture and the arts, technology, and science. "I still like to flip through print magazines, but I'm always grateful to have Magzster when I hear about an article I want to read right away. There are also several great magazines we can't get - like Your Home and Garden - and some on more niche topics like Atomic Ranch." ~Adrienne To access magazines like these for free, choose "Continue with Library Card" at the login screen of Magzster! For more assistance, see the information desk at any of our locations. |
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Stephanie - Information Services Assistant (Handley)
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The Alice Network by Kate QuinnTwo women--a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947--are brought together in a story of courage and redemption. "Thankful for the tale of women spies during war-time, their sacrifice and courage." ~Stephanie |
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