Looking for something new and different to read, look no further than this month’s staff picks! Each month we give a staff member a few prompts to pick some of their favorite books. May’s staff picks were chosen by our library clerk Kate.
What has been your favorite book this year?
My favorite book this year is probably The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer, available at Fort Branch. It’s historical fiction set just after WWII and told through letters, newspaper clippings, and other writing snippets, which makes for a super entertaining, engaging, and intimate style. This book is full of incredibly charming characters and heart-warming moments of humanity and companionship amid recovering from the damage of the war.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer is available at Fort Branch Library and on Libby as an e-book or audiobook.
What is a junior book that you think everyone should read?
A junior book I would recommend to anyone would be The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart. It is a blast to read, reminiscent of Lemony Snicket’s work, and I loved trying to solve the riddles and puzzles along with the characters. There is also a deep sense of mystery and intrigue to the world that keeps you invested and leaves you questioning everything under the surface of what’s presented.
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart is available at Fort Branch Library and on Libby as an e-book or audiobook.
What upcoming release you are excited about?
This one was released recently but looks very interesting and I was hooked the moment I spotted it on Goodreads. The Floating World by Axie Oh sounds right up my alley: a mythology-based romantasy with vivid world-building, ample adventure, high stakes, and magic. A lot of reviews compare it to Studio Ghibli movies and even Avatar: The Last Airbender, both of which I have adored since childhood. I will definitely be borrowing this one from our library once it’s available!
The Floating World by Axie Oh will be available at Fort Branch Library and on Libby as an e-book or audiobook when it releases later this month.