Books Recommended by Library Staff

Library Staff Share Their Top Picks

Librarians, are by profession, well read. Often offering advice on what to read next based upon a customer’s personal preferences. But, what do Memphis Public Library & Information Center staff (librarians and other library professionals) consider their personal favorites…

One of my favorite books is:

LITTLE WOMEN

By LOUISA MAY ALCOTT

One of my favorite books is Little Women. I find myself relating to a different character each time I reread it because I am in a different stage of my life. This book is one of the reasons my daughters are named Amy and Beth because I wasn't quite comfortable naming a child Josephine after my favorite character.

Recommended by: Linda Dinwiddie, Material ServicesOne of my Favorite Books is…

LOVE IN A COLD CLIMATE

By NANCY MITFORD

A 20th century Jane Austen.

Recommended by: Pamela McFarland, Marketing

CRANFORD

By ELIZABETH GASKELL

Nineteenth century small-town life. Really sweet and lovely, but not one bit hokey.

Recommended by: Pamela McFarland, Marketing

I CAPTURE THE CASTLE

By DODIE SMITH

England. A story that should be dark and tragic, but is instead warm and funny.

Recommended by: Pamela McFarland, Marketing

TRAVELING MERCIES

By ANNE LAMOTT

One of my Favorite Books is…Religion, recovery, and real life.

And the F word.

If it's for you, you'll know.

Recommended by: Pamela McFarland, Marketing

ACT LIKE A LADY, THINK LIKE A MAN

By STEVE HARVEY

It's letting ladies know how to handle a man before marriage, after and any man you would like to know that you are for real. How men think and its not the way we think.

Recommended by: Emma Woodard, Circulation

THE EXORCIST

By WILLIAM PETER BLATTY

The battle between good and evil. Demon possession. I like suspense and this book definitely had it.

Recommended by: Ann Marie, Circulation

THE PRODIGAL HUSBAND

By JACQUELIN THOMAS

This book is a test of true love.

Recommended by: Lisa Hightower, Circulation

FIRST LADY

By CARL WEBER

The first lady at the church dies and tries to pick her replacement from the grave with her friends' help. A page turner!

Recommended by: Lisa Hightower, Circulation

THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO PEEL PIE SOCIETY

By MARY ANN SHAFFER

Through letters from an English author to the townspeople of Guernsey, we learn of their hardships during the German occupation. You grow to love them and hate for the last letter to come. I like the vivid small acts of heroism and how the people cared for one another. Affirms the power of books to nourish people during hard times.

Recommended by: Jeri McBryde, Circulation

THE ROAD

By CORMAC MCCARTHY

Told in sparse, crisp and dark prose. In a post-nuclear world of gray skies and ash, we follow an unnamed man and his young son on the road to survival. They show a love as great as the grief they share as they hide from the bad guys, look for the good guys while scavenging for food and shelter.

I feel McCarty is a modern time prophet. I saw what the future would be, when the batteries run out and nuclear war brings a slow death to the earth as we know it.

Recommended by: Jeri McBryde, Circulation

STANDING IN THE RAINBOW

By FANNIE FLAGG

Like a trip in time back to when life was simple, and everybody knew their neighbors. This is a book that you don't want to end because the characters seem to come to life and you feel like you could really tune your radio to Neighbor Dorothy's program. The good news is that there's a sequel, Can't Wait to Get to Heaven, where you can visit not only Elmwood Springs, Missouri again, but yes, heaven too.

Recommended by: Becky, Circulation

YEAR OF WONDERS: A NOVEL OF THE PLAGUE

By GERALDINE BROOKS

Anna Frith survives the plague in her isolated English village in the year of 1666. With death and destruction all around her she not only survives the horrors, but eventually finds it has also become a year of wonders.

Recommended by: Becky, Circulation

THE HORSE'S MOUTH

By JOYCE CARY

My favorite book about a drunken, broke, but visionary artist inspired by William Blake in post-war London. The protagonist, Jully Gimson, is not a likeable fellow, but you can't beat the descriptions of how an artist sees the world. I wanted to name my first-born after him, but my English husband thought "Gully" sounded too southern!

Recommended by: Lisa Lumb, LINC/211

BEYOND THE OCCULT

By COLIN WILSON

My favorite non-fiction book that explores every inch of parapsychology with a critical eye; he started out a non-believer in things unseen and is now a believer; I named my first-born after him. He writes exquisitely bad fiction, but I love all his non-fiction books.

Recommended by: Lisa Lumb, LINC/211

REBECCA

By DAPHNE DUMAURIER

The book is about a young woman who falls in love with a mysterious gentleman and marries him. Afterward learning his dark secret. Is their love strong enough to survive? It kept me hooked until the very end. Very well written.

Recommended by: Sally Bunday, Circulation

WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS

By WILSON RAWLS

About a boy, his dogs, and the lessons he learns along the way. It is also about life and loss and the meaning of true friendship. After reading it you will feel as if nothing is impossible and anything can be achieved if you just work hard enough. It will make you laugh and cry every time you read it.

Recommended by: Sally Bunday, Circulation

POISON STUDY

By MARIA V. SNYDER

A girl, Yolena, one day from execution is saved by a choice, die tomorrow or become the ruler's food taster. Yolena agrees. Just to make sure she does not try to escape she is fed a poison which requires a daily antidote. If that was not enough she must also suppress the magic growing within her, which is outlawed in her land. All around her tensions grow to the unforgettable climax. This book kept me at the edge of my seat until the very end.

Recommended by: Sally Bunday, Circulation

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF

By RICK RIORDAN

After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like himself, and joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods. Keeps you reading from cover to cover.

Recommended by: Sally Bunday, Circulation

THE LITTLE BOOK OF COACHING: MOTIVATING PEOPLE TO BE WINNERS

By KENNETH BLANCHARD This book of coaching is a great motivator for people in business and outside of business. Its advice is useful in real life as well.

Recommended by: Christina, Business/Sciences

THE SHACK

By WILLIAM P. YOUNG

Very uplifting, heart touching! It closed the gap on my personal relationship with God.

Recommended by: Sandra Boone, Circulation

GIRLFRIENDS

By ANITA R. BUNKLEY

3 different stories about 3 girlfriends. Rebuilding their lives and their love lives. Tells what true friendship really is. 5 stars from me!

Recommended by: Sandra Boone, Circulation

UP TO NO GOOD

By CARL WEBER

There is always a man around the corner, and church trustee James Black should know he's usually that man carrying on affairs with married women and sleeping with one conquest after another. He has charm and good looks, and he knows how to use them until the tables are turned and the he suddenly falls in love with the woman of his dreams. But his new found love quickly generates a ripple effect of shocking proportions. It is a page turner you will not want to put down and it has a surprising ending!

Recommended by: Tandra Lynch, Circulation

FIRST LADY

By CARL WEBER

Charlene Wilson, first lady of First Jamaica Ministries, has lived a good life with two wonderful children and her beloved husband, T.K. Wilson. Now the Lord is calling her home at the age of 44. She's ready to go but what will happen to T.K. after she's gone? T.K. is just like any other man when it comes to women, especially bible-toting, man-hungry church women. That's why Charlene has planned a way to hang around in spirit to make sure her replacement is a good one…Does it have you curious? Check out the book-You won't be disappointed.

Recommended by: Tandra Lynch, Circulation

GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY

By MARY MONROE

Shy, overweight Annette Goode is only 7 years old when Mr. Boatwright, a boarder in her house, begins sexually abusing her and no one believes her, not even her mom. She keeps this information to herself for years until gorgeous, self-assured Rhonda Nelson becomes her new friend. Annette confides in Rhonda and finds the strength and courage to survive to adulthood. But Rhonda has skeletons in her closet that could doom them both. Surprising twist at the end! Check out the other two books in the series-all are page turners.

Recommended by: Tandra Lynch, Circulation

SISTER BETTY! GOD'S CALLING YOU AGAIN!

By PAT G'ORGE-WALKER

Sister Betty always wore a big cross around tiny neck, carried a much-too-big bible and constantly smiled for no apparent reason. Sometimes while laying her hands on your head and praying her false teeth would fall forward. Before they hit the floor she would snatch up the teeth by their metal hook and put them in her pocket and keep right on smiling, showing her pink, rubbery gums. If you want a good laugh, check out the books by this author. Tears will flow down your face from laughing.

Recommended by: Tandra Lynch, Circulation

CARELESS IN RED

By ELIZABETH GEORGE

Another Inspector Lynley mystery by a master of psychological British mysteries. Mystery lovers HAVE to read all of them!

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

THE SENATOR'S WIFE

By SUE MILLER

A young wife learns about marriage, life, death - and Washington - from her new neighbor.

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

THE BIRTH OF VENUS

By SARAH DUNANT

Enthralling story of Florence in the 1500s!

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

AN INCOMPLETE REVENGE: MAISIE DOBBS

By JACQUELINE WINSPEAR

If you haven't read a Maisie Dobbs mystery, you just aren't a REAL mystery lover! Maisie is a WWI nurse turned investigator. In this book, she deals with gypsies in a small Kent village.

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

THE ROAD

By CORMAC MCCARTHY

A man and his son wander through post-apocalyptic America. An astonishing book! It won almost every possible prize for fiction and the movie adaptation is due out this year.

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE

By JONATHAN S. FOER

A young boy deals with the death of his father in WTC 9/11 by searching for details about his father's life.

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

HALLAM'S WAR

By ELIZABETH PAYNE ROSEN

The Civil War in our own backyard - seen from the eyes of a West Tennessee family. The author provides fodder for soul-searching as she reveals how "good" people justified slavery.

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

THE END OF CALIFORNIA

By STEVE YARBROUGH

Another small town Mississippi murder mystery from one of my favorite Southern authors.

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

THE PRIVATE PATIENT

By P.D. JAMES

This mystery has everything - old house in English countryside full of people who all have a motive for murder. It will keep you guessing and keep you reading! (Check out the many older books by P.D. James too!)

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

IN THE WOODS

By TANA FRENCH

Edgar Award winning mystery set in Ireland. A complicated modern murder has overtones of a 1980s child abduction.

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

COAL BLACK HORSE

By ROBERT OLMSTEAD

A 14-year-old boy is sent to find his father during the height of the Civil War. Descriptions of the war-time South are compelling and heartbreaking.

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

THE PESTHOUSE

By JIM CRACE

Imagine a future with no machines and rampant lawlessness! This is a future of America that people are desperate to leave!

Recommended by: Kay, Administration

THREE CUPS OF TEA: ONE MAN'S MISSION TO FIGHT TERROR AND BUILD NATIONS--ONE SCHOOL AT A TIME

By GREG MORTENSEN

This story of commitment and courage connects one man with the peasants of the remote mountainous areas of Pakistan. It provides a face for another point of view.

Recommended by: Ruth Morrison, Business/Sciences

THE WILD TREES: A STORY OF PASSION AND DARING

By RICHARD PRESTON

An incredible book about the giant trees of the world and those who explore them. The descriptions of life in the forest canopies will leave you dreaming of climbing a tall one and you'll never look at trees quite the same way again!

Recommended by: Sarah, Business/Sciences

YOU GOT NOTHING COMING: NOTES FROM A PRISON FISH

By JIMMY LERNER

You wouldn't think that a man in prison for killing someone could write a good book, but guess what? Jimmy Lerner can. This is his memoir of his first year in prison and it is a remarkable account-at times funny, at times heartbreaking, but always honest and incredibly enlightening.

Recommended by: Sarah, Business/Sciences

TRUE NOTEBOOKS: A WRITER'S YEAR AT JUVENILE HALL

By MARK SALZMAN

This is a very eye-opening account of Salzman's experiences while teaching writing to kids at one of L.A. County's detention facilities. Pretty amazing things can happen when you give kids the chance to express themselves. (And if you've never read any of Salzman's fiction, check it out! He's one of my favorite fiction writers.)

Recommended by: Sarah, Business/Sciences

MILA 18

By LEON URIS

This is one of those epic novels that will stay with you forever… The book gives a fictionalized account of Warsaw during WWII and culminates with the Jewish uprising in the Nazi-mandated ghetto. Uris is a master at crafting characters and artfully intertwining them while remaining true to historical record.

Recommended by: Sarah, Business/Sciences

ELLA MINNOW PEA

By MARK DUNN

A small sovereign nation off of the coast of the United States is built around the legacy of one Nevin Nollop, the author of the shortest English sentence to contain all 26 letters-"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." But, as the letters begin to fall off of the statue erected in Nollop's honor, they begin to fall out of use as well. A very clever social commentary is the fantastic result!

Recommended by: Sarah, Business/Sciences

THE ALIENIST

By CALEB CARR

A great mystery set in turn-of-the-century New York. This novel tells of the hunt for a serial killer and of the development of modern investigative techniques-profiling, forensic science, etc. You will not be able to put it down!

Recommended by: Sarah, Business/Sciences

THE LADIES AUXILIARY

By TOVA MIRVIS

Set in Memphis, this wonderful book tells the story of Batsheva, a new arrival within the tight-knit Orthodox Jewish community. Her presence forces people to confront and question long-held beliefs and customs and analyze the nature of their own religiosity. Although set in a specific community, the themes are universal. Highly recommended!

Recommended by: Sarah, Business/Sciences

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO

By ALEXANDRE DUMAS

This is an action novel, set in France, Italy, and several Mediterranean islands during the historical events of 1815-1838. With a focus on themes such as vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Recommended by: Laura Cunningham, History

THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING

By MILAN KUNDERA

Set in 1968 Prague, the novel explores ideas such as the significance of human action and the importance of human lives.

Recommended by: Laura Cunningham, History

THE DISINHERITED: A NOVEL OF THE 1930S

By JACK CONROY

This is a wonderful survival story set during the Great Depression. Readers will be able to see remarkable parallels to present-day society.

Recommended by: Laura Cunningham, History

PAUL R. COPPOCK'S MIDSOUTH

Edited By HELEN M. COPPOCK AND CHARLES W. CRAWFORD

From 1971 until his death, Paul Coppock wrote a history column, "Mid South Memoirs," about interesting peoples, local history, and Mid South places.

Recommended by: Marilyn Umfress, History

CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN

By FRANK B. GILBRETH, JR. AND ERNESTINE GILBREATH CAREY

A dozen children plus parents who are efficiency experts adds up to hilarious stories about childhood and the guests of their famous parents.

Recommended by: Marilyn Umfress, History

THE HOLY BIBLE

King James Version

The Bible is the best guide for living. It is filled with interesting stories and events that speak to the heart.

Recommended by: Beverly Jackson, Marketing

THE AUDACITY OF HOPE

By BARACK OBAMA

This book was written when now President Obama was a senator of Illinois. He talked about his vision for a new kind of politics that pulls Americans together. Basically, Senator Obama wants to give the American people hope. The book is filled with humor about his experiences on the campaign trail, family, daughters Sasha and Malia, and wife Michelle. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book.

Recommended by: Beverly Jackson, Marketing

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

By EMILY BRONTE

I love this book because it is an amazing love story and the characters are so intriguing. It is also written beautifully.

Recommended by: Mary Lee Bales, Marketing

OF MICE AND MEN

By JOHN STEINBECK

The ultimate story of friendship and making decisions that can completely alter your world.

Recommended by: Mary Lee Bales, Marketing

COLD MOUNTAIN

By CHARLES FRAZIER

A true southern tale centered on the heartache that the Civil War caused and how love can truly keep you alive.

Recommended by: Mary Lee Bales, Marketing

A LESSON BEFORE DYING

By ERNEST GAINES

This is an inspiring saga of two men separated by a harsh circumstance and also connected to one another by that same circumstance.

Recommended by: Mary Lee Bales, Marketing

HAVING OUR SAY: THE DELANY SISTERS' FIRST 100 YEARS

By SARAH & A. ELIZABETH DELANY WITH AMY HILL HEARTH

A memoir that is both humorous and serious about being black in America that spans several decades. The insight from sisters, 101 and 103, was delightful and informative.

Recommended by: Verjeana, History

PROMISES IN DEATH

By J.D. ROBB

The latest book in a series that features a New York female detective from 2060 that is "hard as nails" with a soft heart who always solves her cases with the help of her rich, handsome husband. This book is a must read even if you hate mysteries.

Recommended by: Verjeana, History

THE DEFINING MOMENT: FDR'S HUNDRED DAYS AND THE TRIUMPH OF HOPE

By JONATHAN ALTER

Examines the banking crisis of 1933 and the New Deal-government regulations instituted by President Franklin Roosevelt that saved America's banking system and transformed the nation's economy.

Recommended by: Wayne, History

IMZADI

By PETER DAVID

An elegantly written novel that uses the Star Trek universe to explore the true nature of love.

Recommended by: Wayne, History

MIDDLESEX

By JEFFREY EUGENIDES

A woman in my book club described this book perfectly-it is a privilege to read. Eugenides description of Callie's confusion about life is heartbreaking and beautiful. "Emotions, in my experience aren't covered by single words… I'd like to have a word for 'the sadness inspired by failing restaurants' as well as for 'the excitement of getting a room with a minibar.' I've never had the right words to describe my life, and now that I've entered my story, I need them more than ever."

Recommended by: Gina, History

SMILLA'S SENSE OF SNOW

By PETER HOEG

The death of a child could be purely accidental, but Smilla suspects otherwise. Fueled by her knowledge of both the behavior of snow crystals and the behavior of the odd child from her apartment building, she seeks justice but finds much more. This is one of the few books that I began to read again the moment I'd finished.

Recommended by: Mary Seratt, Youth Services

THE ART OF HAPPINESS

By HIS HOLINESS, THE DALAI LAMA

In good economic times and bad, most Westerners seek happiness outside themselves, and feel that it is just beyond reach-on the next vacation or with the next purchase. This accessible, sensible book written by the head of the Tibetan Government in Exile offers a different, workable way to look at happiness.

Recommended by: Mary Seratt, Youth Services

AWAKENING COMPASSION

By PEMA CHODRON

We are so quick to imagine that we understand the motives of other people and quick to act based on our perceptions. Maybe there is a different way to react to people that is better for all of us. Pema Chodron is a skillful teacher and lecturer. She writes clearly using examples from her own journey to light our path.

Recommended by: Mary Seratt, Youth Services

BUSMAN'S HONEYMOON

By DOROTHY L. SAYERS

Mystery: A romantic LOVE story as well.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

GAUDY NIGHT

By DOROTHY L. SAYERS

Mystery: Precedes and leads up to Busman's Honeymoon.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

By HARPER LEE

Novel: Never grows old and a good repeat read.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL

By EMMUSKA ORCZY

Novel: Good LOVE story for a romantic with a lot of adventure.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

CYRANO DE BERGERAC

By EDMOND ROSTAND

Play: Of word play, adventure & love. Good read for a romantic.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

RIDDLE-MASTER (TRILOGY)

By PATRICIA A. MCKILLIP

Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Best written trilogy I know.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES

By RAY BRADBURY

Sci-Fi/Fantasy: This one still and always is a good repeat read.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

FINE ART OF THE TIN CAN

By BOBBY HASSON

Art: inspirational, imaginative and helpful.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

MODERN APPROACH TO BASKETRY…

By DONA Z. MEILACH

Baskets: coiling techniques, helpful pictures.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

200 CROCHET BLOCKS

By JAN EATON

Crochet: so many pattern choices to learn & explore.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

50 SENSATIONAL CROCHET AFGHANS…

By BOBBIE MATELA

Crochet: best collection of full size patterns I have seen & I want to create at least half of them.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

FELTMAKING

By BEVERLY GORDON

Felt: First book that I ever found on this subject and it's still my favorite.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

BONSAI MASTERCLASS

By PETER CHAN

Gardening: How to take plants from their natural setting. Just a beautiful read for the non-gardener.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

FOUR SEASONS OF BONSAI

By KYUZO MURATA

Gardening: Another beautiful read.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

500 BEADED OBJECTS

By TERRY KRAUTWURST

Beadwork: Fantastic to see all the imagination and creativity there is in the world.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

1,000 JEWELRY INSPIRATIONS

By SANDRA SALAMONY

Jewelry: A good look at what a good imagination can create in current fashion accessories.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

MACRAME CREATIVE DESIGN IN KNOTTING

By DONA Z. MEILACH

Macrame: Knots are fun.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

THE BIBLE

By GOD THROUGH HIS PEOPLE

Truth: Best book in the world and it's for everyone.

Recommended by: Donna, Cataloging

THE HOLY BIBLE

It's the book of life. The beginning and the end. If you have any questions about what is going on in your life, read the Bible and you will find your answer.

Recommended by: Linda, Circulation

THE PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST

By JOHN PIPER

It tells us 50 reasons why Jesus came to die for us.

Recommended by: Linda, Circulation

FASTING

By FRANKLIN JENTEZEN

This book gives you the three ways to fast. Fasting is what prepares you for a new anointing. Fasting is like spring cleaning for your body. It keeps you sensitive to His spirit enabling you to live holy.

Recommended by: Linda, Circulation

ANSWERED PRAYER

By FREDERICK K.C. PRICE

The power of praying with faith.

Recommended by: Linda, Circulation

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