Press Release: Baldwin Library Recommends Best Books of 2017
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Rebekah Craft <rebekah.craft@baldwinlib.org>Bcc:markekapel@yahoo.comDec 27 at 5:34 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rebekah Craft, Baldwin Public LibraryPhone: 248-554-4682Email: rebekah.craft@baldwinli b.org
Baldwin Library Recommends Best Books of 2017BIRMINGHAM, MI (December 27, 2017) – If you’re looking for a great read this winter, check out favorite titles of 2017 recommended by members of the Baldwin Library staff, Library Board and Friends of the Library.For AdultsFictionBeartown by Fredrick BäckmanBeartown was riveting and quite timely for me. The book focuses on high school hockey and the quest to be the best no matter what. When a violent act occurs and those involved must face the angst of covering it up. –recommended by Melissa Mark, Library BoardEleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail HoneymanEleanor struggles with her damaging past, an inability to connect with even well-meaning acquaintances, and trouble dealing with anything outside of her daily routine. But she is also a complex and sympathetic heroine. Her transformation doesn't happen overnight, but her dark humor and survivor spirit make for a character that is easy to care for and a book that is hard to put down. –recommended by Sarah and Denise, adult librariansA Gentleman in Moscow by Amor TowlesDespite Count Rostov’s confinement in Moscow's Metropol Hotel, his life is as rich and full as life can be. The novel is smart, funny, tender, romantic, historical, relevant, wise, and more. –recommended by Liz, circulation assistantThe Heart by Maylis de KerangalLyrically written with intensely emotional portrayals of grief and hope simultaneously, this translated-from-French novel describes the story surrounding teenagers on a road trip and a Parisian woman who needs a medical miracle to stay alive. The book inspired the 2017 French film Reparer les Vivants (Heal the Living). –recommended by Susan, adult librarianI'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain ReidYou won't solve the mystery until it's too late in this psychological horror thriller. –recommended by Dan, adult librarianLittle Fires Everywhere by Celeste NgThis book opens and closes as firefighters are managing an assumed arson at the Richardson’s stately home in the wealthy suburb of Shaker Heights, Ohio. Throughout the course of this mesmerizing, character-driven novel, the author reveals how the lives of three, very different, families are intertwined. --recommended by Rebekah, Associate DirectorA Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry ThomasAn original and inventive re-imagining of Sherlock Holmes and Watson as women in Victorian England, this mystery introduces Charlotte Holmes, a keenly intelligent and surprisingly vain woman who purposely ruins her good name as so to not be eligible for marriage, and instead is assisted by her new employer Mrs. Watson in becoming a private detective. –recommended by Kristen, Head of CirculationThe Underground Railroad by Colin WhiteheadThis book is a beautifully written page turner. It is an historical novel about a slave escaping and traveling north, full of interesting characters and an imaginative twist on the Underground Railroad. –recommended by Pam DeWeese, Friends of the Baldwin Public Library PresidentYoung Jane Young by Gabrielle ZevinTold in five parts from the perspectives of various women affected by 20-something Aviva Grossman's affair with a married Congressman from Florida, Zevin’s riff on the Monica Lewinsky scandal is authentic, insightful, clever and laugh-out-loud funny. –recommended by Maria, Head of Adult ServicesNon-FictionBeing Mortal: medicine and what matters in the end by Atul GawandeA sensitively written, riveting book on what it means to age, become infirm, and deal with life's end, whenever it comes, Gawande uses personal stories to lend immediacy to his well-researched, thought-provoking book on a topic most put off discussing; this book will get the conversation started. –recommended by Donna, youth librarianBirdmen by Lawrence GoldstoneThis great sequel to McCullough’s The Wright Brothers describes the decade-long battle in the air and in the courts between the Wright Brothers and Glenn Curtis to control the future of flight. It’s a thrill ride through the early days of manned flight, which includes the daring men and women pilots who pushed their aircraft to and beyond their limits and often paid for it with their lives. –recommended by Jim Suhay, Library Board PresidentDarwin's Backyard: How Small Experiments Led to a Big Theory by James T. CostaThis engaging biography uses anecdotes and personal correspondence to document how Darwin enlisted his wife Emma, their children, various maids and butlers, extended family, friends, and houseguests to help conduct backyard research to support (or sometimes shoot down) various theories. Every heavily-documented chapter ends with a replicable experiment. –recommended by Kathleen, adult librarianFor Children and TeensThe Hate U Give by Angie ThomasThis powerful YA book looks at racially-motivated police brutality through the eyes of a 16-year-old black girl named Starr, who sees her unarmed best friend get shot by a cop, and then has to decide if she should stand up for what is right. –recommended by Elisabeth, teen librarianThe Last Magician by Lisa MaxwellThis is a gripping, fast-paced fantasy novel for teens with an ending that will leave the reader breathless with anticipation for the next in the series. Maxwell's fantasized version of New York pulls the reader in with realistic details and cleverly crafted magical elements that blend seamlessly to create an alternate world. –recommended by Stephanie, Head of Youth ServicesNightlights by Paul Paolilli and Dan Brewer, illustrated by Alice BreretonI thought the story was cute, but I fell in love with the illustrations! The family in the book looks exactly like mine! –recommended by H, adult librarianThis entertaining middle grade chapter book will leave readers cheering for Stella as she learns to ride a bike, make new friends, react to bullies, and start talking a lot more. –recommended by Caroline, youth librarianThe Baldwin Public Library is located in downtown Birmingham at 300 W. Merrill Street. The Library’s hours are 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. The Library’s website www.baldwinlib.org has information on how to register for a Library Card and access all of the Library’s services.###--Rebekah Craft
Associate Director
Baldwin Public Library300 W. Merrill St.Birmingham, MI 48009248-554-4682
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