September Staff Picks

If you feel like you need to escape into a good story as we inch closer to the fall season, check out our September staff picks! This month we have recommendations ranging from rich fantasy tales to powerful realistic fiction and movies. 

Susanna loved reading “Witch King” (FIC Wells Rising v.1) by Hugo and Nebula award-winning author Martha Wells. She says, “Just before old allies can renew their wartime treaty, the demon kai is betrayed and left for dead. Well’s fantasy novel balances rich world building with engaging prose and fantastic characters.” Christie also recommends a fantasy book by another award-winning author: “Nimisha’s Ship” by Anne McCaffrey (FIC McCaffrey), which is a “blend of high fantasy and sci-fi from a master of the craft!” McCaffrey, who has been publishing fantasy since the 1950s, was the first woman to win a Hugo Award for fiction and the first to win a Nebula award. If you love fantasy and sci-fi, both McCafferty and Wells are authors to have on your to-read list. 

If you prefer to stay more grounded in reality, Brenda recommends “Rolling Toward Clear Skies” by Catherine Ryan Hyde (LP FIC Hyde): “Maggie Blount is a doctor that helps in disaster areas. After a hurricane she bonds with two sisters who have become orphaned. She fosters them at her home, but her two daughters are not adjusting to the new blended family. Catherine Ryan Hyde writes such real stories! Very realistic!” Another intense realistic fiction is “The River is Waiting” by Wally Lamb (FIC Lamb). Mary says, “A story of tragedy for a young family struggling with new fatherhood, loss of a job, and a secret addiction. Can those he hurt ever forgive him?” And Lisa G. recommends the all-too-real, heartbreaking, yet inspiring novel “Still Alice” by Lisa Genova (FIC Gen): “A story about Alzheimer’s disease told from the patient’s view. Such a great book.”

If you are ready for a movie night, Mischelle recommends giving “Mr. Church” (DVD FIC Mr.) a try, despite some of the reviews: “I read reviews after I watched this. I thoroughly disagree with their negativity. Eddie Murphy was fantastic playing completely opposite of his usual comedic roles.” This movie explores the friendship that develops when a little girl and her dying mother retain the services of a talented cook, played by Murphy. Mischelle was also impressed with the movie “One Life” (DVD FIC One), which tells the true story of Nicholas “Nicky” Winton, a young London broker who helps rescue hundreds of predominantly Jewish children just before the beginning of World War II: “Despite the horrifying subject, this movie shows there are good, caring people in the world. Anthony Hopkins drew me to this, but I loved Helena Bonham Carter as his mother.” And of course, to celebrate the beginning of football season, Dennis recommends watching (or re-watching) “one of the greatest football movies ever made. Rudy, Rudy…Rudy!!” (DVD FIC Rud). 

Discover these titles and more currently on display on the first floor of the library through the end of the month and ready to check out with your library card.