by Emily and the Mandel Public Library Staff

We're back with our monthly Staff Picks blog to share with you what our library staff has been reading, watching, or listening to lately that we think you should know about! As always, we have a diverse array of recommendations, from romance to memoirs and more! Enjoy!

Books

Kimi's Pick: There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Kikuko Tsumura

Have you ever read trivia on the back of a wrapper and wondered "whose job is it to write this stuff?" Well, this protagonist shows you the absurdity of that (and other) odd jobs. You will probably enjoy this book if you enjoyed reading Convenience Store Woman, Before the Coffee Gets Cold, and The Midnight Library.

Antoinette's Pick: It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture that Doesn't Understand by Megan Devine

Everyone experiences grief in different ways, and instead of examining the five steps of grief, this book is a warm hug and lets you know that your feelings are valid and important. It helps you navigate your pain, hurt, and feelings among people who are trying to help you and how to handle people who are trying to rush your process.

Faith's Pick: Old West series by Beverly Jenkins

Beverly Jenkins is one of the best romance authors writing, and her mastery of historical romance is unparalleled. This series focuses on the Carmichael family, Aunt Eddy and Nieces Portia and Regan, as they find their happily-ever-after in the late 1800s western territories. Jenkins seamlessly weaves in important historical events that would have affected this African American family, all while delivering a delightful cowboy romance.

Sophie's Pick: Himawari House by Harmony Becker

In this cozy and evocative graphic novel, three students live in a Tokyo sharehouse, each one grappling with coming of age, first loves, and discovering who they are. Becker is the extremely talented artist of George Takei's memoir They Called Us Enemy, and the illustrations in Himawari House are as lovely as the story.

Ionnie's Pick: The Having: The Secret Art of Feeling and Growing Rich by Suh Yoon Lee and Jooyun Hong

With everyone becoming “Sophisticated Investors” in the search of more and more, The Having is a refreshing take on what it means to be rich and feel wealthy. This book follows the 10-year journey of a journalist who meets and befriends a money guru, who is sought out by wealthy people from across the world. The principles highlighted in this story are encouraging for those of us just looking to improve our relationship with money. This is not another psychology of money book, but one that speaks to the role of emotions regarding money. Simple, yet elegant. Easy and profound.

Theresa's Pick: Billy Summers by Stephen King

Stephen King’s latest book is not horror fiction but a tale of a likable hit-man, Billy Summers, who wants to make amends for the past and have a positive impact. I’m a HUGE fan of S. King, and this book does not disappoint!

Bethany's Pick: The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman

The Thursday Murder Club series continues in this cozy-adjacent mystery featuring your favorite gang of septuagenarian sleuths, complete with a diamond heist, cheating ex-husbands, and a possible murder.

Audiobooks & Music

Emily's Pick: Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

This memoir combines the witty and wonderful Stanley Tucci with mouth-watering descriptions and recipes of food from around the world. Tucci reflects on the various stages of his life through the lens of what he ate and cooked, revealing family recipes as well as recipes from some of his favorite restaurants. Charming, heart-warming, and hunger-inducing, it's a perfect light read or listen for around the holidays. I particularly recommend the audiobook to enjoy Tucci's hilarious and expert narration.

Jessica's Pick: Happier Than Ever by Billie Eilish

This is the second music album from Billie Eilish. It was released on July 30, 2021, with songs written by Eilish in collaboration with her brother Finneas O'Connell, who is a producer. The pop-rock songs on this album are honest about the singer's rise to popularity and all the negativity that can come with being famous. Eilish's songs document her anxiety and troubles, yet she is resilient. While it may not be the most upbeat album, the songs are still powerful and tell the struggles of growing up.