List
Book Chat with Library Staff, Part Two
Allyson and Becca, with many Skokie Public Library staff members, got together to bring you what they have been reading, listening to, and enjoying recently.
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Stillness Is the Key
2019 by Holiday, RyanGet this itemThis book centers itself around the concept of stillness, something I think we all could use a little bit of right now. It weaves in a lot of different ideologies through different philosophies and religions in a way that’s not too dense. It’s easily digestible and one that is really applicable pretty much to anyone. Recommended by Paul
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Yes No Maybe So
2020 by Albertalli, BeckyGet this itemWhat’s interesting about this book to me is that the main characters, Jamie and Maya, are 17 years old, so neither of them can vote, but they’re really involved politically in their state and in their election. I would also call this a teen activist rom-com. There’s a lot going on, but there’s also some romance to keep it a little lighthearted. Recommended by Denise
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The House in the Cerulean Sea
2020 by Klune, TJ.Get this itemThis book is a charming delight. It is magical realism. And it’s a story about love, about the family that you make, and about finding a place where you belong and fit in. It’s funny, it’s lovely, and it’s exactly the kind of book I needed during this time. Recommended by Becca
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The Book Charmer
2019 by Hawkins, KarenGet this itemWouldn’t it be great if we could talk to books? That’s exactly what Sarah Dove can do, and I’m jealous. But more than anything, I enjoyed this book because it’s heart-warming, it’s about healing, finding a place where you belong, and being a part of a community. Not to mention, it also made me laugh one minute and cry the next. Recommended by Penny
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Pet
2019 by Emezi, AkwaekeGet this itemThis book defies genre. It’s about how to save the world from monsters if no one will admit they exist. It has a definite folkloric feel to it, that kind of classic good-versus-evil story. It also has a really beautiful friendship. The relationship that Jam has with Pet is very tender, even though Pet is this horrific-looking kind of monster. It’s a fabulous read. Recommended by Becca
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Pastry Love
2019 by Chang, JoanneGet this itemIf you've been digging through cookbooks, searching for something more challenging to bake, this may be the book for you. It's for the dedicated baker who is easily bored by cakes and pies, and wants to move on to something more challenging. Or, for someone who just loves great food photography and can appreciate enticing photos of delicious pastries. Recommended by Caitlin
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Red, White & Royal Blue: A Novel
2019 by McQuiston, CaseyGet this itemThis book charmed my socks off. It's a millennial enemies-to-lovers romance starring the First Son of the United States and the Prince of Wales. This book is escapist fun, it’s cute, and it’s a little bit steamy. I really liked the modern-day epistles sprinkled throughout. It is exactly the type of book that I love reading in the summer. Recommended by Allyson
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How We Fight for Our Lives: A Memoir
2019 by Jones, SaeedGet this itemYou may know Saeed Jones as the host of “AM to DM.” He’s a poet, and the writing is gorgeous. It’s also intimate and raw, beautiful and heartbreaking. I listened to the audiobook, and it seemed like I was having a deep conversation with the author. I really, really appreciated the book. Recommended by Allyson
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Bitter Root
2019 by Walker, DavidGet this itemThis comic book is by an all-Black creative team: David Walker, Chuck Brown, and Sanford Greene. I love their previous works and I’m excited that they had this chance to work together. The main characters, The Sangerye family, are amazing! If you enjoy monster-fighting, kick-butt Black heroes, I highly, highly recommend Bitter Root. Recommended by Rachael
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Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America
2019 by Zoboi, IbiGet this itemThis book is great for anybody who feels like they don’t necessarily fit in. The author wants it to "help teens feel like they can be their free, uninhabited selves without the constraints of being Black, too Black, or not Black Enough. That you can just simply be as you are," and I love it. I think this is the book I would absolutely loved to have had as a teenager. Recommended by Laurel
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Clap When You Land
2020 by Acevedo, ElizabethGet this itemThis book is told in verse, in alternating perspectives of each sister. It navigates grief, love, secrets, and forgiveness. If you’re interested in trying audiobooks, this is a really good one to start with. The story is beautiful and powerful, and the narration enhances just how good this novel is. Recommended by Allyson
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Slay
2019 by Morris, BrittneyGet this itemThis contemporary young adult novel has a thriller aspect to it, which is really fun and interesting. It’s definitely a reflection of the greater worlds: safe spaces and how you fit within those spaces. And it’s a really fun, fast-paced story. I’m not much of a gamer myself, so I don’t feel like you have to be to love this book. Recommended by Becca
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