I have been known to refer to the library shelves as a “book buffet”, where you can literally take as much as you can carry, and devour as you choose. It’s such a treat to talk with our patrons and learn what books whet your appetites, which tales had you up late at night, and what story you cannot wait to see appear in our New Releases Section. It certainly helps us put together our list of To Be Read books (because those lists can never be long enough, believe me!), and often gives us the inspiration to read a story that we never would have previously considered.
In the hopes of repaying your kindness, we love to share our favorite books, as well, in the hopes that they might give you some ideas on your next visit to the book buffet–we hope you enjoy!
From the West Branch…
Mists of Avalon: This retelling of the Arthurian legend by Marion Zimmer Bradley has become a modern-day classic, and for good reason. This version of the tale, however, is told through the eyes of Morgaine (usually known as Morgan Le Fay) and Gwenhwyfar (the Welsh spelling of Guinevere) as they struggle for power in a strange world where religion and superstition, faeries and knights live side-by-side. Even readers familiar with Arthur’s legend will find a lot to enjoy here, because while Bradley remains faithful to the cannon, she also reimagines this world and its inhabitants, offering an honest, engaging new perspective on an ages-old story.
From the Director’s Desk…
The Night Circus: Erin Morgenstern’s smashing debut novel has been described as a book “in which the prose is as beautiful as poetry”, and the characters literally come and live with you, even after you finish reading. She tells the tale of a circus that appears at night, without warning, and dazzle spectators with its breathtaking spectacles. But behind the scenes, there is a war being waged between two powerful magicians, Celia and Marco–a war that only one of them can win. And when Celia and Marco fall unexpectedly, disastrously in love, they kick off a chain of events that will leave no one around them untouched…..This is an addictive fairy-tale with wonderful little historic details and a hyper-detailed world that simply shouldn’t be missed!
From the Circulation Desk…
The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair: I think we’re going to have to talk about this book more, as there is a great deal going on here, and so many references and homages and nods-and-winks to other works of literature that it will keep bibliophiles awake at night. On the surface, this is a closed-case mystery about a beautiful young girl who vanished thirty-three years ago from a small town in New Hampshire. When her body is discovered buried in the backyard of a noted professor and celebrated author, old sins begins to surface that changes everything this sleepy town thought it knew about itself. When the professor’s protege and best friend arrives in town, determined to seek the truth about the case, the result is this book…a scrapbook of memories, full of interviews, recollections, truth and lies that is absolutely fascinating. I haven’t reached the end yet, but the struggle not to read ahead and find out the truth is killing me!
From the Reference Desk….
When Women Were Birds: Fifty-Four Variations on Voice: “There are two important days in a woman’s life: the day she is born and the day she finds out why”: This book is unique in format and difficult to describe, but the words on these pages are some of the most powerful I have ever read. Through 54 brief pieces that read like a combination of memoir and prose poem, Terry Tempest Williams explores family, in particular mothers and daughters; nature; spirituality; and what it is to be a woman. The language is beautiful and the message is empowering. For the reader who seeks truth and beauty, strength and love, and a sense of peace and transformation, there is much hope and wisdom here.