Every month, staff at our Downtown branch read books in a specific fiction genre or nonfiction subject, to familiarize themselves with titles they might not have discovered otherwise. For August, they read nonfiction in the area of nature, environmentalism, and discovery. Here's what staff members read and what they had to say about it:
A Wolf Called Romeo, by Nick Jans
Nick Jans has been photographing wildlife, and especially wolves, for over 20 years. He tells the story of a wolf they named Romeo who appears suddenly near his home on the outskirts of Juneau, Alaska. It is rare to see a wolf in the wild, never mind having a wolf befriend the local canine community. A good story, well written, and a must-read for someone who knows nothing of wolves. Great recommended resources in the back of the book for more information about wolves. 4 stars
Never Cry Wolf, by Farley Mowat
Naturalist Farley Mowat spent the summer alone studying the wolf population, and developing a deep affection for the wolves. Very well written with great descriptions. 5 stars
The End of Night, by Paul Bogard
A wonderful book, very well written, about the rapid disappearance of darkness. Bogard talks about the issue of light pollution, the benefits of darkness, and what we can do to get it back. 5 stars
There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars, by Bob Crelin
A great children's book that almost mirrors The End of Night for kids. 5 stars
A Sand County Almanac, by Aldo Leopold
Published in 1948, this is the precursor to Silent Spring. A Sand County Almanac is often hailed as a foundational work of the modern environmental movement. It’s slow moving, but it talks about preserving the marshlands before anyone else. 3 stars
Cosmos, by Carl Sagan
Written in 1980, this is still an important piece of writing and should be required reading in schools. Carl Sagan is a very gifted writer who has written what is considered “the best-selling science book ever published in the English language... a magnificent overview of the past, present, and future of science.” 5 stars
Showing posts with label Staff Favorites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Staff Favorites. Show all posts
Monday, September 8, 2014
Monday, August 25, 2014
Staff Picks: Suspense and Thrillers
Every month, staff at our Downtown branch
read books in a specific fiction genre or nonfiction subject, to familiarize
themselves with titles they might not have discovered otherwise. For June, they
read suspense and thriller novels. Here's what staff members read
and what they had to say about it:
Shutter Island, by Dennis Lehane
Blue Heaven, by C. J. Box
Bangkok 8, by John Burdett
Shutter Island, by Dennis Lehane
Gripping, very good writing. Liked the
beginning, the movie is almost word for word. Make time to read it all in one
go. 3 ½ stars
Great book, won the 2008 Edgar Award. Lots
of plots going on, it all takes place within a 48 hour time frame. Great
description, a stand alone, a definite grabber. 5 stars
The Butterfly’s Daughter, by Mary Alice Monroe
Begins with the monarch butterfly migration,
very interesting, and good description. 4 ½ stars
Starts off with a bang where the main
character’s partner is killed. First in a 5 part series. 3 stars
Monday, July 7, 2014
Staff Picks: Fantasy and Science Fiction
Every month, staff at our Downtown branch read books in a specific fiction genre or nonfiction subject, to familiarize themselves with titles they might not have discovered otherwise. For June, they read Fantasy, Science Fiction, and graphic novels. Here's what everyone read and what they had to say about it:
The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Real Magic, by Emily Barker
Big epic fantasy with some romance. Fans of Outlander and A Discovery of Witches should check this one out. 5 stars
The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss
A big epic coming-of-age story about a young magician. A little bit like Harry Potter for adults. George R.R. Martin fans would love this book. 5 stars
Dark Witch, by Nora Roberts
Roberts' diehard fans hated this book, but I thought it was ok, decent writing, ok story line, typical romance novel. 3 ½ stars
Newsflesh trilogy, by Mira Grant
Fun Zombie series. 5 stars
Fables Vol. 1: Legends in Exile, by Bill Willingham
Once upon a time before Once Upon a Time came to television. Very fun. 5 stars
The Sparrow, by Mary Doria Russell
This book haunts you, it is beautifully written, very emotional. I've never read anything like it. 5 stars
Saga, by Brian Vaughan
A futuristic version of Romeo and Juliet but they live to have a child. 5 stars
The Thinking Woman’s Guide to Real Magic, by Emily Barker
Big epic fantasy with some romance. Fans of Outlander and A Discovery of Witches should check this one out. 5 stars
The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss
A big epic coming-of-age story about a young magician. A little bit like Harry Potter for adults. George R.R. Martin fans would love this book. 5 stars
Dark Witch, by Nora Roberts
Roberts' diehard fans hated this book, but I thought it was ok, decent writing, ok story line, typical romance novel. 3 ½ stars
Newsflesh trilogy, by Mira Grant
Fun Zombie series. 5 stars
Fables Vol. 1: Legends in Exile, by Bill Willingham
Once upon a time before Once Upon a Time came to television. Very fun. 5 stars
The Sparrow, by Mary Doria Russell
This book haunts you, it is beautifully written, very emotional. I've never read anything like it. 5 stars
Saga, by Brian Vaughan
A futuristic version of Romeo and Juliet but they live to have a child. 5 stars
Monday, May 19, 2014
Staff Picks: Poetry
Every month, staff at our Downtown branch read books in a specific
fiction genre or nonfiction subject, to familiarize themselves with
titles they might not have discovered otherwise. For April, they celebrated National Poetry Month by reading poetry and plays. Here's what everyone read and what they had to say about it:
Dizzy in Your Eyes by Pat Mora
Not a poetry lover, but loved this book. 5 stars
Cactus Poems by Frank Asch
Very good children’s poetry book. 5 stars
Every Thing on It by Shel Silverstein
Not a poetry person at but loved, loved this book. For children and adults alike. 5 stars
Anything by E.E. Cummings
His poetry is delicate and visual. 5 stars
Heartless (a Play) by Sam Shepard
3 stars
Haiku U by David Bader
Very funny, 100 great books from Aristotle to Zola in 17 syllables. 5 stars
Good Poems edited by Garrison Keillor
5 stars
I Could Pee on This: and other poems by cats by Francesco Marciuliano
Very fun and silly poems. 5 stars
I Could Chew on This: and other poems by dogs by Francesco Marciuliano
Very funny poems, something a dog would say if they could speak. 5 stars
Inherit the Wind (a Play) by Jerome Lawrence
Excellent especially if you like courtroom drama. Reads easier if you envision yourself trying out for the play. 5 stars
The Smallest Muscle in the Human Body by Alberto Rios
Excellent poet who teaches at ASU. 5 stars
My Name is Jorge on Both Sides of the River by Jane Medina
In both English and Spanish, just wonderful. 5 stars
Howl and other poems by Allen Ginsberg
4 stars
The Best Loved Poems of the American People
Broken down by subject; would have been higher in ratings but there was no Whitman. 3 stars
Poetry for Young People
This series is a wonderful introduction to poetry for young people. 5 stars
Dizzy in Your Eyes by Pat MoraNot a poetry lover, but loved this book. 5 stars
Cactus Poems by Frank Asch
Very good children’s poetry book. 5 stars
Every Thing on It by Shel Silverstein
Not a poetry person at but loved, loved this book. For children and adults alike. 5 stars
Anything by E.E. Cummings
His poetry is delicate and visual. 5 stars
Heartless (a Play) by Sam Shepard
3 stars
Haiku U by David Bader
Very funny, 100 great books from Aristotle to Zola in 17 syllables. 5 stars
Good Poems edited by Garrison Keillor
5 stars
I Could Pee on This: and other poems by cats by Francesco Marciuliano
Very fun and silly poems. 5 stars
I Could Chew on This: and other poems by dogs by Francesco Marciuliano
Very funny poems, something a dog would say if they could speak. 5 stars
Inherit the Wind (a Play) by Jerome Lawrence
Excellent especially if you like courtroom drama. Reads easier if you envision yourself trying out for the play. 5 stars
The Smallest Muscle in the Human Body by Alberto Rios
Excellent poet who teaches at ASU. 5 stars
My Name is Jorge on Both Sides of the River by Jane Medina
In both English and Spanish, just wonderful. 5 stars
Howl and other poems by Allen Ginsberg
4 stars
The Best Loved Poems of the American People
Broken down by subject; would have been higher in ratings but there was no Whitman. 3 stars
Poetry for Young People
This series is a wonderful introduction to poetry for young people. 5 stars
Monday, April 28, 2014
Staff Picks: Business & Economics
Every month, staff at our Downtown branch read books in a specific fiction genre or nonfiction subject, to familiarize themselves with titles they might not have discovered otherwise. Last month's subject was Business & Economics. Here's what everyone read and how they rated it:

The Little Book of Economics: how economics works in the real world
By Greg Ip (5 stars)
The Why Axis: hidden motives and the undiscovered economics of everyday life
Uri Gneezy (3 stars)
The Economist Magazine (5 stars)
Young Money: inside the hidden world of Wall Street’s post-crash recruits
By Kevin Roose (3 ½ stars)
Empty Mansions: the mysterious life of Hugette Clark and the spending of a great American fortune
By Bill Dedman (4 stars)
Naked Economics: undressing the dismal science
By Charles J. Wheelan (3 stars)
Punching Out: one year in a closing auto plant
By Paul Clemens (3 stars)
Detroit: an American autopsy
By Charlie LeDuff (2 stars)
Windfall: the booming business of global warming
By Funk McKenzie (5 stars)

The Little Book of Economics: how economics works in the real world
By Greg Ip (5 stars)
The Why Axis: hidden motives and the undiscovered economics of everyday life
Uri Gneezy (3 stars)
The Economist Magazine (5 stars)
Young Money: inside the hidden world of Wall Street’s post-crash recruits
By Kevin Roose (3 ½ stars)
Empty Mansions: the mysterious life of Hugette Clark and the spending of a great American fortune
By Bill Dedman (4 stars)
Naked Economics: undressing the dismal science
By Charles J. Wheelan (3 stars)
Punching Out: one year in a closing auto plant
By Paul Clemens (3 stars)
Detroit: an American autopsy
By Charlie LeDuff (2 stars)
Windfall: the booming business of global warming
By Funk McKenzie (5 stars)
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Staff Favorites of 2013
Why should newspapers, magazines, and websites get to have all of the best book list fun? We decided to make our own Best Books list and below you’ll find our favorite Adult Fiction titles published in 2013. Check out Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and our Book Lists page to discover even more books CPL staff loved reading over the past year.
Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman -- Check out our review.
Vatican Waltz by Roland Merullo
Breaking Point by C.J. Box -- More adventures of our intrepid Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett! If you haven't read them before start at the beginning with Open Season so you can get to know Joe.
Inferno by Dan Brown
Joyland by Stephen King
The Circle by Dave Eggers -- If you do use social media and think about who has access to your information, this book will scare the heck out of you!! Who is tracking your information and habits every time you search for something, or comment online? How can that information be used? While some may think this book is unrealistic, others will realize that many of the "stories" in the book are already actually happening. - Rosanna
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Longbourn by Jo Baker -- Check out our review.
The Partner Track by Helen Wan -- Debut novel about the inner workings of a prestigious Wall Street firm. Ingrid Yung, a brilliant and attractive associate is on the fast track to becoming a partner, but must decide if she is willing to sacrifice her core values to make it to the top. - Saren
Fin & Lady by Cathleen Schine -- Check out our review.
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes --I loved this book, especially the story of Sophie during WWI in her German-occupied village in France. I thought that the modern day story of Liv slowed down the momentum a bit. Sophie was so strong, her story was engrossing, and I cared about what happened to her, but Liv's character was lacking something...Or maybe it was because her story seemed a little disjointed. However, the use of alternating stories/time periods worked well in my opinion. So very good -- highly recommend it! - Marybeth
Ladies' Night by Mary Kay Andrews
The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud
Llama of Death by Betty Webb -- The third installment of the Gunn Zoo mystery series by Arizona author Betty Webb. Innocent animals accused of murder but our zookeeper Teddy Bentley is on the case. Filled with crazy characters and a good mystery!
Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole
The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton -- A welcome return for Grafton's female private detective hero Kinsey Milhone. Two seemingly unrelated deaths intersect with Kinsey's past and present. Engaging characters and a complex mystery make this a perfect rainy day read. - Lucy
Want more Best Books of 2013 lists? We’ve linked to a few lists from around the web below and you can find even more of our favorites on our Book Lists page and on our Pinterest boards.
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| Chandler Public Library Staff Favorites |
Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman -- Check out our review.
Vatican Waltz by Roland Merullo
Breaking Point by C.J. Box -- More adventures of our intrepid Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett! If you haven't read them before start at the beginning with Open Season so you can get to know Joe.
Inferno by Dan Brown
Joyland by Stephen King
The Circle by Dave Eggers -- If you do use social media and think about who has access to your information, this book will scare the heck out of you!! Who is tracking your information and habits every time you search for something, or comment online? How can that information be used? While some may think this book is unrealistic, others will realize that many of the "stories" in the book are already actually happening. - Rosanna
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Longbourn by Jo Baker -- Check out our review.
The Partner Track by Helen Wan -- Debut novel about the inner workings of a prestigious Wall Street firm. Ingrid Yung, a brilliant and attractive associate is on the fast track to becoming a partner, but must decide if she is willing to sacrifice her core values to make it to the top. - Saren
Fin & Lady by Cathleen Schine -- Check out our review.
The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
Ladies' Night by Mary Kay Andrews
The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud
Llama of Death by Betty Webb -- The third installment of the Gunn Zoo mystery series by Arizona author Betty Webb. Innocent animals accused of murder but our zookeeper Teddy Bentley is on the case. Filled with crazy characters and a good mystery!
Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole
The Engagements by J. Courtney Sullivan
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton -- A welcome return for Grafton's female private detective hero Kinsey Milhone. Two seemingly unrelated deaths intersect with Kinsey's past and present. Engaging characters and a complex mystery make this a perfect rainy day read. - Lucy
Want more Best Books of 2013 lists? We’ve linked to a few lists from around the web below and you can find even more of our favorites on our Book Lists page and on our Pinterest boards.
- Publishers Weekly
- Entertainment Weekly -- Fiction | Nonfiction
- NPR -- Book Concierge
- Washington Post
- New York Times
Monday, November 19, 2012
Basha Library staff picks
Check out November's suggestions from Basha Library staff!
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
The Anteater of Death by Betty Webb
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Tiger Can't Sleep by S.J. Fore
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Weird Al by Nathan Rabin and Al Yankovic
Phantom by Jo Nesbo
Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson
King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay
Black List by Brad Thor
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
The Anteater of Death by Betty Webb
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Tiger Can't Sleep by S.J. Fore
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
Weird Al by Nathan Rabin and Al Yankovic
Phantom by Jo Nesbo
Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson
King of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
Books Can Be Deceiving by Jenn McKinlay
Black List by Brad Thor
An Invisible Thread by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski
Monday, October 22, 2012
Basha Library staff picks
Check out October's suggestions from Basha Library staff!
Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut
Low Pressure by Sandra Brown
44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith
Heidi Heckelbeck Has a Secret by Wanda Coven
Handmade Silk Paper by Kath Russon
Tithe by Holly Black
Star of the Morning by Lynn Kurland
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace from LEGO
SilverFin by Charlie Higson
The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
12.21 by Dustin Thomason
Stalemate by Iris Johansen
Monday, September 24, 2012
Basha Library Staff Picks
Check out September's suggestions from Basha Library staff!
Out of Sight by Elmore Leonard
Chasing Sunsets by Eva Marie Everson
The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
Home Front by Kristin Hannah
Dawn Light by Diane Ackerman
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
The Stormchasers by Jenna Blum
Jesus' Son by Denis Johnson
Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann
Force of Nature by C.J. Box
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
Candyfreak by Steve Almond
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