Stephanie Bange, director, Wright State University Resource Center, recommends "Wild Things! Acts of Mischief in Children's Literature" by Betsy Bird, Julie Danielson and Peter D. Sieruta, published by Candlewick and released in August 2014. "This is a treasure-trove of book-lover lore for bibliophiles, specifically those of children's books. If you like to hear stories behind stories, this is for you!" Stephanie adds that the authors "weave their incredible wealth of children's book knowledge and experiences with authors into several delightful conversations around trends and themes found in children's books. Perfect on a chilly winter day, with a hot cup of spicy apple cider!"
Debe Dockins, community outreach and development coordinator, Washington-Centerville Public Library, recommends three books. First "We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves," about a girl reared with a chimp, by Karen Joy Fowler. "While not a holiday book and not one I would ever pick up if I'd first read a description (because I just wouldn't), I absolutely loved this writer's voice, her character development, and plot line," says Debe.
Debe also recommends “Unbroken,” by Laura Hillenbrand, and calls it a “phenomenal read,” and adds that her mother Lois Tashjian recommends Jane Smiley’s new book, “Some Luck,” about a farming family in Iowa, with each chapter set in a new year.
Ben Murphy, adult materials selection specialist, Dayton Metro Library, recommends two books, starting with "The Christmas Cat" by Melody Carlson. He describes the book thusly: "In order to receive his inheritance, Garrison must first find new 'furever' homes for his grandmother's six cats. Through his search, he might also just happen to find true love. With Christmas cheer, adorable cats and a touch of romance, this makes for a purrfect holiday read!"
Ben also recommends “Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas: Being a Jane Austen Mystery,” by Stephanie Barron, in which famed author Jane Austen attends a holiday party on Christmas Eve, 1814 and investigates the death of one of her fellow snowbound guests dies in an apparent accident. Ben says, “This fun whodunit features Regency era Christmas festivities, allusions to classic Austen novels, and a murder mystery to top it all off.”
Elizabeth Schmidt, reference librarian, Wright Memorial Public Library, recommends three books: an essay collection, a novel and a well-known popular novel:
• “This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage” by Ann Patchett. “I loved this essay collection by this vivid, crisp wordsmith and a talented storyteller. The opening chapters highlight her journey as a writer,” says Elizabeth. “Other essays focus on love and friendship, her dog, her grandmother, her Catholic School upbringing, opera, and yes, her husband. The audiobook features the author reading.”
• “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion, which is also the 2015 Dayton Big Read selection. The novel focuses on a socially challenged genetics professor looking for love is, says Elizabeth, “a rare combination of funny, feel-good and highly discussable. Everyone in Dayton will be talking about it this spring!”
• “Outlander,” by Diana Gabaldan, is, says Elizabeth, one of her all-time favorite books, adding “Though some will be troubled by a few disturbing scenes, fans of the TV series who haven’t read the books will love this (the first of the series).”
Caitlin Wissler, reference librarian, Washington-Centerville Public Library, says she loves "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" by Jean Shepherd, first published in 1966 and the source for the popular 1983 movie "The Christmas Story." Caitlin also recommends and loves the the Lemony Snicket holiday books such as "The Lump of Coal" and "The Latke Who Couldn't Stop Screaming."
Next week: local bookseller recommendations.
Upcoming literary events
• My Dec. 27 column will feature local author Jacqueline T. Moore, whose first novel, “The Canary,” debuted just this fall; the work of historical fiction is set in 1890s Galveston, Texas, and features spunky widow Myra Gallaway. Learn more online at www.jacqueline-t-moore.com and meet Jacqueline at these reading and signing events:
Saturday, Dec. 13, 2 p.m., Blue Jacket Books, 30 S. Detroit St., Xenia
Saturday, Dec. 20, 10:30 a.m. Tipp City Public Library, 11 E. Main St., Tipp City
• Saturday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m., Barnes & Noble, 9455 Civic Center Blvd., West Chester: Joanne Huist Smith will discuss and sign her well-received memoir, “The 13th Gift.”
• Saturday, Dec. 13, 4 p.m., Blue Jacket Books, Xenia: Book launch for Cindy K. Steffen’s collection of nature poetry, “Sightings,” and Craig A. Steffen’s memoir, “A Family Apart.”
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