Staff Picks

The Da Vinci Code: A Novel

The Da Vinci Code: A Novel
Author: Brown, Dan
Picked By: Georgia Laudenslager
Review: It is a really good, quick read for someone who likes fast-paced mysteries.

Made to stick : why some ideas survive and others die
Author: Heath, Chip & Heath, Dan
Picked By: Helen Yoas
Review: Why do we remember things, who cares, and why? Two brothers from the worlds of both business and education developed a fascinating formula that works on learning, advertising, and life in general. It’s an interesting and thought-provoking book that’s also really entertaining.

The Historian
Author: Little, Brown
Picked By: Nicole Staron
Review: I love this book because it's an interesting mixture of past and present, fact and fiction, and natural and supernatural. It's not a book that I would recommend reading over the period of a day or two, but one that needs to be savored and enjoyed.

Angel's Game
Author: Ruiz Zafón, Carlos
Picked By: Pat Scott
Review: In an abandoned mansion in 1930s Barcelona, a young writer discovers a locked room that houses the secrets of the previous owner and is hired by a reclusive French editor to write a book that will change the hearts and minds of the world. I love this book because its compelling story, with many plot twists, is set in a lush gothic atmosphere.

The Other Queen
Author: Gregory, Philippa
Picked By: Tracey Amey
Review: I liked this in-depth look at Mary, Queen of Scots, imprisonment in England and the factors that contributed to her eventual execution. Reading the story through Mary's eyes and her captor's eyes made it very personal and interesting.

Classic Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals
Author: Ray, Rachael
Picked By: Jean Bremigen
Review: I love this cookbook because it helps with my busy lifestyle in preparing good meals quickly for my family.

The Collectors
Author: Baldacci, David
Picked By: Linda Szuhaj
Review: This book deals with rare books held at the Library of Congress, spies and murder among other things. This book has suspense and twists at every turn that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Just Cupcakes
Author: Crocker, Betty
Picked By: Blair Smith
Review: I chose this book because I love cupcakes and am learning how to bake them. This is the perfect book for beginner cupcake bakers!

Things Fall Apart
Author: Achebe, Chinua
Picked By: Desirae Cunningham
Review: Considered by many to be one of the masterpieces of modern world literature, it tells the story of a tribal leader in Nigeria at the start of British colonial rule. One of my favorite things about this book is that it is interspersed with some of the Igbo culture including vocabulary and folklore. It is probably obvious from the title that this is not a happy story, so if you’re in the mood for a great tragedy, this book is beautifully written and has an ending that will haunt you.

It's all too much : an easy plan for living a richer life with less stuff
Author: Walsh, Peter
Picked By: Judy McConnell
Review: As spring rapidly approaches, this is a great book to read. Peter Walsh shares inspiring stories of people freed from too much stuff, and offers tips and plans to unclutter your home and your life!

Twenty Wishes
Author: Macomber, Debbie
Picked By: Jenny Maurer
Review: I was torn between 2 series. Debbie Macomber writes easy reads about Blossom Street and this one is about 20 wishes that this woman wants to accomplish. It is a nice look at life.

Lean Mean Thirteen
Author: Evanovich, Janet
Picked By: Jenny Maurer
Review: Janet Evanovich writes LOL books about a bounty hunter and her wacky family life. Great for a fun summer read.

The Lost Symbol
Author: Brown, Dan
Picked By: Robert Kemrer
Review: This book is a great read. Dan Brown is an amazing author!