Manchester District Library Staff Picks for July of the New Books

by the Manchester District Library staff

Donna Kittel:

Title: The Emperor’s Revenge, a novel of the Oregon Files
Author: Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison

This is an action adventure novel with several sub-plots interwoven throughout the book. Of course it all comes together, perhaps a little too quickly, at the end. Be sure to look for a nod to other Cussler series characters within the book. A fun read especially if you follow this series.

Title: Bays of Sighs (The Guardians Trilogy Book 2)
Author: Nora Roberts

This series reminds me of her “Key” series but using an interesting combination of humans with special talents, an immortal, mystical creature, and a witch/warlock. The usual quest is involved. Your interest is kept by good fighting evil in clever ways. As always, Ms. Roberts leaves you wishing she would write faster. The next installment comes out in December.

Title: Braving It; a father, a daughter, and an unforgettable journey into the Alaskan wild
Author: James Campbell

I really enjoyed this book. Being from Wisconsin, I knew many of the places and events discussed and yes, even the “cheese heads skits.” My family has camped and canoed the Wisconsin River many times, so I felt the book was very authentic in discussing camp and water safety and the very necessary research which needs to be done before a trip. I don’t think I am skilled enough to take on the Alaskan wilderness but love that someone did and chose to share it. Speaks to being in the moment and cherishing it and knowing oneself. Reads much like a novel with pictures to bring home the beauty of Alaska.

Title: Journey to Munich
Author: Jacqueline Winspear

This is a great series in which we meet Maisie Dobbs, an investigator and psychologist. The series begins several years before World War I and goes up to the start of Hitler’s reign in Germany. You would do well to read them in order as previous experiences are mentioned in later books. Ms Winspear does a wonderful job of making you feel as though you are there, accompanying Ms Dobbs as she learns who she is, how to love, and cope with loss. Did I mention she also solves some very interesting cases? I enjoy the challenge of trying to solve the case as I read along, and was not disappointed with these books. Very well written with some surprises that don’t disappoint.

April Smith:

Title: Lily and the Octopus
Author: Steven Rowley

Lily is a 12-year-old dachshund living with her 40-something owner (companion) Ted Flask.  The octopus is a growth on Lily’s head.  Since Ted is a very lonely man with only few friends, he humanizes both Lily and the octopus.  Lily becomes all the good things in his life: his partner in playing games (although Ted has to roll the dice and move the pieces in Monopoly, holding cards, etc.) The octopus becomes all the bad things in Ted’s life. He has conversations and adventures with both of them.

His fantasy world is funny, sad, disturbing, and fascinating. Do not read this book if you are unwilling to laugh at Ted’s imaginative way of looking at his world, or unwilling to cry as reality enters his life.

This title is also available in our Large Print collection.

Mireille Prusak:

Title: Roses and Rot
Author: Kat Howard

Two sisters, one a writer and the other a dancer, receive invitations to study at a prestigious artists’ retreat. While there, they begin to experience seemingly random odd events that become more and more foreboding and impossible to explain in any rational way. Fans of fairy tales and folklore will pick up on what’s going on pretty quickly, but it’s a thoroughly enjoyable, magical ride. Highly recommended, especially for those who enjoy the work of Neil Gaiman and Charles de Lint.

Title: I Hate Fairyland Vol. One: Madly Ever After
Author: Skottie Young

This adult graphic novel explores what happens when a little girl named Gert is taken away to Fairyland and grows up there, becoming a sarcastic, wise-cracking 30-something still trapped in a 6-year-old’s body. She should have completed her quest and been returned home a long time ago, but she’s just not very good at it. Hilarious and fun, though be warned that it’s rather violent.

To find any of these books, or to explore the rest of the New Book collection, stop by the Manchester District Library at 912 City Road.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.