Thursday, December 21, 2017

The Librarian Suggests: The Best Of

What I Read This Year (and Loved):
Shakespeare and Co, Paris by Krista Halverson - If you love reading books about books, then make sure to add this (very famous) independent bookstore on your travel bucket list. A bookstore opened by an American in the 1920s acts as both a sanctuary for book lovers and a hotel for writers on their way
Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Annie Spence - A librarian who writes love letters and break-up notes to the books in her life. Anyone who loves books will appreciate and laugh at loud at what she has to say to some of her favorite and not so favorite books. . 

The Lottery by Shirley Jackson - Given that this story is only ten pages and was written in the forties (and written by a woman), it certainly gives a lasting impression. Think Leave It To Beaver meets The Hunger Games meets The Stoning of Soraya M. It's horrifying, you'll be screaming at the book by the end. 

The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis - For her research, the author spent several months interviewing women and young girls in refugee camps in Pakistan and used the interviews as the basis of this story. With her father wrongfully accused and taken away, a young Afghani girl cuts her hair, dresses as a boy and works in the market by day and looks for her father by night. A beautiful story that shows us the lives of young women in the Middle East.

Here We Are Now by Oliver Jeffers - There are many reasons why Oliver Jeffers is one of my favorite children's authors/illustrators. He's Irish (I don't know why that's important, but it is), every one of his stories is unique, the illustrations are stunning and his books really make you think. "From land and sky, to people and times, these notes can be your guide and start you on your journey. You'll figure lots of things out for yourself. Just remember to leave notes for everyone else..." This book is not just meant for children, it's an excellent reminder (and leaves an important message) for adults as well. 

What I Watched This Year (and Loved):
It may be no surprise that The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel was my favorite show this year. Not in a feminist sort of way but I think it was a show that was really needed. At least we know Amy Sherman-Palladino hasn't lost her magical touch at making great television. And obviously, the second season of Stranger Things!!!

What I Listened Too This Year (and Loved):
A little late to this podcast, but I've been binging Leandra Medine Cohen's podcast, Monocycle over the last week and I love it so much. It feels like your in the middle of a great conversation with a friend. They are short, ten minute episodes on literally any subject you can think of. There were so many wonderful podcasts I listened to this year, both fictional and gabfest/cultural discussion types of shows but I don't know, Leandra just knows how to grab people and make you think about our daily lives, our habits and behaviors. 


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