Staff members here at Silver Spring Library are by and large great readers with varying tastes. Here's what we're reading now that we recommend. Just click on the title to be taken to our catalog for availability and holds.
Our Branch Manager is reading a David Ignatius thriller, The Director. "He came to speak" at the libraries, Uzo says. "I've read all his books." Ignatius writes about the Middle East, spies, covert operations, and politics. Our catalog has this teasing description of the opening: "Graham Weber has been director of the CIA for less than a week when a Swiss kid in a dirty T-shirt walks into the American consulate in Hamburg and says the agency has been hacked, and he has a list of agents' names to prove it."
Oscar, Library Assistant is reading:
Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari. According to our catalog, the book is "A hilarious, thoughtful, and in-depth exploration of the pleasures and perils of modern romance from one of this generation's sharpest comedic voices." Ansari talks with scientists on what love and romance were like before and today and mixes scientific opinion and his own take on things. "Educational and funny," says Oscar.
Michele, Children's Librarian is reading:
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, this year's One Maryland One Book selection. Read more at our Reader's Cafe site. People all over Maryland are encouraged to read this book this year. The author will be appearing at Gaithersburg High School on September 26. MCPL is one of the hosts for this event. More event information. Michelle isn't ready to pass judgment yet, but says that the book is extremely well-written so far.
Judy, Children's Librarian:
"I just read Once Was a Time by Leila Sales, a lovely time travel book for upper elementary readers. It really grabbed me and I read about 2/3 in one sitting. This book is about World War II, secret scientific investigations, a portal through space and time, a small town library, and a missing and very missed friend. Oh, and a favorite book (A Little Princess)."
Kristina, Library Assistant (and Sarah, Library Desk Assistant):
Kristina is reading the very latest by James Patterson, The Store. She calls it a great mystery that also contains a love story. As someone whose first language is not English, she says the mystery gives her the incentive to keep reading to find out what happens. In the story, the Store IS WATCHING YOU! Jacob and Megan are writing a book to expose the store...a dangerous, forbidden book. If the Store finds out they will need to run for their lives, if they can.
Margo, Adult Librarian likes:
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah, currently host of the Daily Show on Comedy Central. Margo listened to the book, read by the author, on CD. Born a Crime is a highly popular title in Montgomery County Public Libraries, and you may need to place a hold on it. Born to a white father and a black Xhosa mother, Noah's birth was an actual crime. Margo finds the stories from Noah's childhood fascinating as they often contain cultural clashes and actual peril under Apartheid. "Noah weaves together a moving yet funny portrait of a boy making his way through a damaged world in a dangerous time."
Will, Library Page:
"I like some fantasy and good humor in my books." The Shambling Guide to New York City is an urban fantasy story from podcaster Mur Lafferty. It's all about a travel writer who must write a guide to the city for zombies and vampires ... all the undead. "An easy and quick read with a fun, compelling story," says Will. This book will appeal to adults, but also teens.
Levertes, Adult Services Librarian:
He is reading Underground Airlines by Ben Winters. Levertes writes: "Ben Winters recreates an America in which the Civil War never occurred. It's the 21st century, and there are four Southern states where slavery continues. A black bounty hunter named Victor has been working for federal law enforcement in return for having his freedom. He goes undercover to infiltrate an abolitionist cell up North in Indianapolis to find a most wanted runaway named Jackdaw. The unfolding of events are replete with suspense. It's a book that's keeping me intrigued with how events will continue to unfold."
Tom, Library Associate is reading:
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King. This book returns to the character and setting of King's famous book and movie, The Shining. Now middle-aged Dan Torrance must save a young girl from a tribe of murderous paranormals. Tom says he'd never read King until recently and that his books, including this one, are very readable and enjoyable.
Carolyn, Senior Librarian:
Carolyn is listening to the audio CD version of The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary approach to Live Younger, Healthier, Longer by Elizabeth Blackburn. "The book's premise is supported by scientific research performed over many decades, and offers useful tips about how to improve health, avoid stress, and live a longer, happier, and more balanced life. I like the audio version so much, that I am planning to purchase a copy for my home library."
Ed, Adult Services Librarian:
Ed is listening to the audio version of Fallen by Karen Slaughter. He describes the book as a compelling thriller about a daughter trying to save her former policewoman mother. The daughter comes home one day to find her mother missing and dead bodies in the house and she must defend herself. Be advised that the book is gritty and violent and has some bad language.
Carly, Children's Librarian:
How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days by Kerrelyn Sparks. Carly is listening and reading this fantasy romance. She has enjoyed Sparks' vampire romance series and says that this book has an actual story and great character development. "Hidden away because of her magic, Luciana is given an ultimatum by her father: marry the Beast of Benwick or stay in exile forever." You can make a request for the book through Marina Interlibrary Loan, but Montgomery County Public Libraries carries a number of Sparks' books.
Christine, Children's Librarian:
Sometimes I like a good adult science fiction novel or in this case a science fantasy novel. The first in a trilogy, The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin won the Hugo Award for science fiction novel in 2016. Jemisin builds an intricate, exceptional world on a future Earth that regularly experiences catastrophic weather, earthquakes, and volcanoes. This is a riveting and page-turning read with lots of plot twists.
Charles, Substitute Librarian is reading:
American Saint: The Life of Elizabeth Seton by Joan Barthel. Charles calls her life fascinating. In the 18th century, Elizabeth was born into a prominent New York City family. When she was born Catholicism was illegal there. "And when Elizabeth later became a Catholic, she was so scorned that people talked of burning down her house." The book is "the inspiring story of a brave woman": the nun who made a name for herself in Catholic education in a world ruled by men."
Happy Reading!Labels: programs and events, Readers Advisory, Silver Spring, Silver Spring Library
