March 2025
Chris’ Audiobooks Picks:
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney (2024)
A complex exploration of family and romantic relationships told through the separate, yet intertwined, perspectives of two Irish brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek, 10 years apart in age, who are both grieving the loss of their father after a difficult battle with cancer. Expertly narrated by Éanna Hardwicke. Available on Playaway and downloadable from Libby.
Don’t Cry for Me by Daniel Black (2022)
Told through a series of letters from a dying black man written to his estranged, adult gay son, this year’s One Book One Region selection explores complex themes of masculinity, race, and family all told against the backdrop of the changing landscape of southern America in the 2nd half of the 20th century. Narrated by the author. Available on CD and downloadable from Libby and Palace.
Laura’s Pick:
How to sell haunted house by Grady Hendrix (2023)
As advertised, there is a house to sell. And it is haunted, which presents a bit of a problem for the wannabe sellers, an estranged brother and sister keen to sell as soon as possible. Stuffed to the rafters with puppets (the evil kind) and family secrets, this house may be the (literal) death of them unless they team up. Hendrix knows how to chill, thrill, and make you laugh at awkward moments—and maybe inspire you to call your sibling on the phone more often.
John’s Picks:
Look Up by Ringo Starr (2025)
The twenty-first studio album by the former Beatle and his first full release of new music in over five years after a string of successful EPs. In a departure from Starr’s more rock-oriented material, this new album is more in the country-western genre. Produced and co-written by T-Bone Burnett, the record features guest appearances from Joe Walsh and Alison Krauss, among others. At eighty-four years young, Starr proves with this album that it is never too late to reinvent oneself.
I Dream of Joni: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell in 53 Snapshots by Henry Alford (2025)
A new biography of the legendary singer-songwriter, Joni Mitchell, told through a wide array of secondary sources. Presented in a non-linear structure, each chapter recounts a specific moment in time of Mitchell’s life, which provides a unique reading experience. Though many biographies about Joni Mitchell have been published before, this might be one of the most accessible, especially for readers just discovering her for the first time.
Rocketman (2019)
A musical biopic on the life of Sir Elton John directed by Dexter Fletcher and produced by John himself alongside his husband, David Furnish. Taron Egerton portrays the title role while Jamie Bell costars as John’s longtime songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin. Depicting aspects of John’s life by using actual songs from his own catalogue, the film is a unique take one of popular music’s most successful artists.
Lauren’s Pick:
The City in Glass by Nghi Vo (2024)
The demon Vitrine has loved and nurtured the city of Azril for generations, watching it grow and flourish under her influence. Until the day the angels came, and in one fell swoop, destroyed it all. Now Azril is haunted by the ghosts of what once was, and by Vitrine, who seeks to return it to its former glory. But she in turn is haunted by the angel she cursed. He is a presence she can’t ignore, even though they are meant to destroy each other. This novella is a love letter to a fallen city, delving into the themes of love, grief, and redemption.
Rashmi’s Children’s Picks:
The Fairy Tale Fan Club : legendary letters collected by C.C. Cecily by Richard Ayoade (2024)
(New Children's Fiction Recommended for ages 8- 12 yrs)
In The Fairy Tale Fan Club, author Richard Ayoade imagines a world where kids can send fan mail to their favorite fairy tale characters. The book features letters from characters like the Big Bad Wolf, Rapunzel, and the Emperor, answering funny and curious questions from fans. With witty humor and quirky illustrations, this book offers a fresh and hilarious twist on classic fairy tales. It’s perfect for anyone who’s ever wondered what fairy tale characters would say if they could talk back!
Abuela's Library by Lisette Norman (2024)
(Children's New Picture Book Recommended for ages 4- 8 yrs)
Alfonso and his Abuela love to spend Saturday afternoons finding books at the library and reading them together beneath their favorite tree. But when their beloved tree is cut down, Alfonso comes up with an idea to turn the stump into something magical for their whole community. This heartfelt story shows how love, creativity, and the power of books can turn loss into something beautiful and lasting.
Ashlee’s Children’s Pick:
Dentist day by C. L. Reid ; illustrated by Elena Aiello (2025)
(Recommended for ages 4- 8 yrs)
This book is part of the early reader series, Emma Every Day, and follows a young deaf girl as she navigates how to communicate with different individuals. There is an ASL fingerspelling guide in the beginning of the book and various words are spelt out using the manual alphabet throughout the chapters. This story also discusses feelings of worry among children that are anticipating their dental appointments and how to cope with these feelings.