It’s time for book-a-days once again. If you missed any of the others, find them here. Let’s get right into ’em:
ADULT:
From Cathy:
The Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Garden: 326 Fast, Easy, Affordable Ways to Transform Your Yard One Project at a Time by Sally Roth
Adults
Like the idea of flower gardening, but not sure you have a big chunk of time to set aside? Take a look at The Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Garden: 326 Fast, Easy, Affordable Ways to Transform Your Yard One Project at a Time. Besides winning a prize for the longest title, this book has a lot going for it. It really does give you manageable small projects. It also shares ways to grow your own baby plants to use in your next project. Just pick and choose where you want to start!
From Rachel:
Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen
Comic book/graphic novel
This is Sarah’s second collection of comics (the first being Adulthood is a myth.) Hilarious for anyone who has ever had days where they didn’t feel like “adulting”, and for those who have ever dealt with social anxiety.
Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick
Adult / memoir
I don’t usually read memoirs or biographies, but Anna has just the right amount of snark, and seems very down to earth.
From Cara:
Lady Killers – Deadly Women Throughout History by Tori Telfer
adult – nonfiction
This is a captivating look at many killers who were female – the book gives a history and criminal detail on each of these ladies in short story detective style with a sense of humor. The reader gets insight on the life experiences, allowing speculation on whys and hows of their crimes. Telfer also gives us history on the societies at the time (including some laws, values, etc) illustrating what might have been a motive for the crimes, and also the evidence placing an occasional snarky comment here and there, making it a very interesting, well written fun read….how can anyone resist learning more about the Giggling Granny, Iceberg Anna, The Beautiful Throat Cutter or The Angel Makers of Nagyrev?
From Monica:
The Cimarron Legacy series by Mary Conneally
Adult
There are 3 books: Long Time Gone, Too Far Down and No Way Up. All Mary Connealy books grab your attention from the very first chapter. Her books are based in the old west. They have a little intrigue, a little history and a little romance.
From Chris:
Huntsburg: Early Pioneer Families and Settlement in the Western Reserve by Elaine M. & Carl J. Seliskar
Adults
This is a well written, thoroughly researched local history title of interest to current or former Geauga County and Huntsburg Township residents.
Huntsburg Township was established in 1808 and named after Dr. Ebenezer Hunt, one of two men in Massachusetts who purchased the land in 1799 from the Connecticut Land Company. This book chronicles the development of the Township along with the lives of past residents, complete with their written memories. Of particular interest are the old photographs of both people and buildings from the past.
Teen:
From Sarah:
Far From the Tree by Robin Benway
Teen/Adult crossover
Could not put this down. Highly recommended crossover for teens and adults. This story of three reunited siblings who were given up by their birth mother is compelling and believable and has so many talking points. It would be a great book club selection.
Eliza and her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
Teen/Adult crossover
First of all comics, web comics, and fandoms are totally not my thing. That said, I liked the characters and thought this story about two introverted anxious socially awkward, creative and sensitive teens was authentic and engaging.
CHILDREN’S:
From Rachel:
Duck & Goose Honk! Quack! Boo! by Tad Hills
3 – 7 years
Another great book by Tad Hills! Duck & Goose Honk! Quack! Boo! is great Halloween story about two best friends, Duck & Goose. These feathered friends have all kinds of adventures together and this latest one will have you and your child laughing for sure! Duck is really looking forward to dressing up and getting his bag full of treats. Goose is not so sure after their friend Thistle warns them to “beware of the swamp monster!” I would definitely recommend this book or any other of the Duck & Goose series by Tad Hills. If you love beautiful illustrations and funny feathered friends you will not be disappointed!
From Cara:
Moto and Me – My Year as a Wildcat’s Foster Mom by Suzi Eszterhas
youth – ages 0 – 12 (but my teenager enjoyed it too) – nonfiction
This is a fascinating narrative about the author living in Africa for a year on a photography shoot. While on her journey, a young wildcat is found abandoned on a road by travelers, and is brought to the animal reserve where she’s staying. The stunning photos take us from Moto’s rescue to his release, all the while educating on how these cats live, eat, and play. Moto is a mischievious little guy whose images and story will capture your heart.
