November 6, 2021 is Book Lovers Day! As such, I have gathered a collection of favorite books from the North Channel Staff. How hard was it to get staff that reads constantly to pick their most favorite book? It took several days of back and forth and was so hard that some of these jokers (myself included) picked 2 books instead. Scroll through to see our staff picks and why these particular books are our most favorite. Also, you can click on the pictures to be taken to the book in our catalog to request.
Julie's Picks
Anne of Green Gables: The lives of brother and sister Mathew and Marilla Cuthbert are forever changed when spirited orphan, Anne Shirley, comes to live with them.
Julie's Thoughts: "Anne, like everyone, is flawed but realizes that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it...yet."
Corduroy: A toy bear in a department store wants a number of things, but when a little girl finally hugs him he finds what he has always wanted most of all.
Julie's Thoughts: "I love Corduroy because it teaches us about what friendship really means--even to a stuffed bear."
Kelly's Pick
Wonder: Ten year old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities, goes from being home-schooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan.
Kelly's Thoughts: "I love it because it is about being different. It's also about friendship and messing up, learning from mistakes and getting a second change at being a good friend. I recommend it to everyone, adults included."
Mariana's Picks
Homegoing: Sisters Effia and Esi are born into two different tribal villages in 18th century Ghana. from the tribal wars of Ghana to 20th century Harlem, this book moves through histories and geographies following Effia, Esi, and their children.
Mariana's Thoughts: "I love this book because the stories Gyasi tells are heart-wrenching and eye-opening. Especially to me, someone who wasn't born in the U.S. and isn't well-versed in U.S. history. It taught me a lot, all while keeping me engaged with beautiful writing."
Neverwhere: Under the streets of London there's a place most people could never even dream of. A city of Monsters and saints, murderers and angels, knights in armor and pale girls in black velvet. This is the city of the people who have fallen between the cracks.
Mariana's Thoughts: "It starts with doors...and after you go through this one, you will never want to come back out! Gaiman's writing is magical and full of whimsy, and he has a talent for telling modern fairytales and keeping you hooked from beginning to end. This is magical realism at its finest!"
Kathy's Pick
Twenty Wishes: Widow Anne Marie Roche, who owns a Seattle bookstore, creates a list of twenty wishes, and while acting upon her wishes, encounters an eight year old girl named Ellen who helps her complete her list with unexpected results.
Kathy's Thoughts: "I didn't know it was a series until I started reading and couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed each character and how that character was important to the series. It made me laugh and cry--that's the way I judge a good book. I was so hooked--I read the rest of the series."
Jennifer's Picks
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe: Fifteen year old Ari Mendoza is an angry loner with a brother in prison, but when he meets Dante and they become friends, Ari starts to ask questions about himself, his parents, and his family that he has never asked before.
Jennifer's Thoughts: "The relationship between all of the characters, teens and parents, are beautiful. And the relationship between Aristotle and Dante is pure cheesy goodness. I love everything about it."
Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World
Peter Pan: Peter Pan is the story of a little boy who refuses to grow up. He takes Wendy Darling and her brothers to the island of Neverland. Adventures about with Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys, Indian princess Tiger Lily, and the pirate Captain Hook.
Jennifer's Thoughts: "I love Peter Pan because I have always been drawn to the idea of holding on to your childhood for as long as possible. I just identify with Peter-I don't ever want to 'grow up'!"
Kim's Pick
In the Neighborhood of True: Would you hide your religion to fit in? In the very white, Christian world of Atlanta in 1958, NY transplant Ruth decides not to tell her new high school friends and boyfriend that she is Jewish, but when a violent act rocks the city, Ruth must figure out where her loyalties lie.
Kim's Thoughts: "I loved that the realistic characters, period details, language and humor seemed spot-on for the late 50's! Particularly eye-opening is the reminder of hate and anti-Semitism behind the bombing of Atlanta's oldest synagogue, which was a center for early civil rights advocacy."
Tess's Pick:
Tuesdays with Morrie: Mitch Albom's second chance. He rediscovered Morrie, a former college professor, in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to. Their rekindled friendship turned into one final "class".
Tess's Thoughts: "This is one of thse books that will always be relevant. it taught me a lot of lessons, including the one from this quote, 'Don't let go too soon--but don't hold on too long.' This statement struck me the most and it speaks volumes."
Eric's Pick:
Les Misérables: In a time of economic strife and famine, this novel follows former convict, Jean Valjean. Against all odds, Valjean rises from a galley slave to a mayor while being pursued by a fanatical police inspector Javert who has dedicated his life to re-capturing Valjean.
Eric's Thoughts: "I bought this book back in high school and it took me a while to crack it open. Once I finally began, I couldn't put it down. While world that is built is fantastical, to this day I sympathize with Jean Valjean, a man ever in search of redemption from a world unable to give it."
Let us know some of your favorite books in the comment section below! Be sure to add what books you will be reading for Book Lovers Day.
This blog was written by Jennifer L. and first appeared 11/6/2021.
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