by Bethany & Staff
In a reading rut or just looking for a guaranteed good read while you wait for your latest hold to come in? Never fear! The library is back with another batch of fresh staff picks, guaranteed to keep you smiling, laughing, and exploring big ideas, from page to screen.
About an alternate reality where immorality has tangible effects and explores the consequences of that. It is an interesting commentary on the influence of religion in the western world and the exploration of identity within that realm. I enjoyed the characters' desire to do right even when at times what was right seemed impossible to figure out.
Comer explores who he believes the character of God to be and pushes against traditional post-modern theology in an honest and digestible way. I enjoyed it both as a thought piece and a tool for discovery.
A gritty yet heartwarming story following a group of three as they try to take on God himself, as well as their inner demons. If you like dark humor, extreme violence, and love westerns it’s a must read! There’s also a TV adaptation to enjoy when you’re done reading!
Recently Magneto has been made into an anti-hero because it's becoming harder to pretend he is wrong. This graphic novel is a great one for any fans to jump into, to see a shift in Magneto as he is head of the school with new Mutants and trying to teach them to be better than he was, but still hold to some of his ideas. You get to watch some of his hardened exterior eventually melt away to take care of the mutants in the mansion.
It's been interesting reading the current line of Scarlet Witch in the Marvel 616 universe. She owns a magical shop and is constantly trying to atone for her mistakes by helping people out. In Volume 2 she is trying to help people while helping the clone of her recently deceased adopted father. It's interesting to see how the relationship morphs into a brotherly bond with him and what they have to face together. As usual, Marvel tugs at the heartstrings and causes so many different feelings as you read this book.
A refreshing take on domestic suspense with real life Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes. Evie Porter has everything in life – an impressively cool job and a beautiful home, now that she’s moving in with her successful boyfriend. But Evie Porter doesn’t exist. She’s a front and the role of “Evie” is just part of the latest job. I don’t want to give away the ending, but I was pleasantly surprised by this Sunshine Book Club pick!
Alternately, told from the points of view of Tova, a 70-year old widowed aquarium cleaning lady, a bored, intelligent giant Pacific octopus and master escape artist, Marcellus and a troubled, 30-year old man who struggles to secure employment. I loved the intriguing ways these characters' lives unfold and entwine to expose their "humanity". Also, if every reader isn't instantly charmed and impressed by Marcellus' brilliance and compassion then I may lose hope for humanity as a whole
The interest in this timeless classic spiked recently thanks to a Netflix TV series, but readers who love psychological thrillers have been enjoying this captivating novel by Patricia Highsmith since 1955 when it was first published. In 1956, the Mystery Writers of America nominated it for the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel. In 1957, the novel won the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière as best international crime novel. In 2019, BBC News listed
The Talented Mr. Ripley on its list of the 100 most inspiring novels. It has been adapted numerous times for screen, including
Purple Noon (1960) starring Alain Delon,
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) starring Matt Damon, and
Ripley (2024) starring Andrew Scott.
This book follows Molly, a maid at the regency grand hotel, as she navigates her guests’ sudden illnesses. Molly is a lovable character who has immense trouble reading people, which leads to some very unfortunate situations. The prose is enjoyable, and while the timeline gets a little funky at times, it is still a wonderful read.
Happy Reading!
