Life on the Front Lines

Hi Readers,
Today, a treat for you, the top three books of the year from members of our lovely staff.  This was a difficult decision for every one.  I was even given more than three by some and forced to do the hard work myself.

Remember, you can find information on all of these books on our website.  Or give us a call (262.241. 6220) and we'll be happy to put a book on hold for you or order it if we're out of stock.

Lanora:

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Say Her Name by Francisco Golden

Anne:
Tolstoy and the Purple Chair by Nina Sankovitch, Rin Tin Tin by Susan Orlean, and 80 Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts

Lindsey:
So Be It by Sarah Weeks, A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

Liz:
Driftless by David Rhodes, Wingshooters by Nina Revoyr, and Inconceivable by Carolyn Savage

 

 

Rani:

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, Across the Universe by Beth Revis, and City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

 

 

Barb:

Young Fredle by Cynthia Voigt, Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai, and Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

Dave:

Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, Open City by Teju Cole, and Wildwood by Colin Meloy

Jenny:

Poison Tree by Erin Kelly, Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, and Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

 

 

Susan:

1. Open City by Teju Cole: Also on the Wash Post's top 10. A peripatetic novel in the Joycean tradition. Deep and satisfying, especially when you figure out what's really going on.

2. Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides: Brilliant. Funny. Touching. Eugenides.

3. The Radleys by Matt Haig: Witty, saucy, satirical take on the whole vampire genre with plenty for book groups to discuss.

Hannah:
1. Habibi by Craig Thompson: If you've never read a graphic novel, you should start here.  It's intelligent and beautiful.

2. We the Animals by Justin Torres: Boyhood refined to its most powerful prose.

3. 18 Minutes by Peter Bregman: Best time management book I've ever read.

Matt:

1.Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach: The best novel I've read in years. A powerful narrative, full of unforgettable characters and dynamic moments. It is set in Wisconsin and it deals with baseball. This book is full of win.

2.Game of Thrones by George RR Martin: The greatest fantasy novel I've ever read. It doesn't rely on common fantasy crutches like elves, dwarves, and magic. (Although there are touches of magic.) I never thought I would read a book that could beat Tolkien's series, but this is that book. George RR Martin's cast of characters is so real and so human its scary.

3. Scorecasting by Jon Wertheim: Stats and sports are like chocolate and peanut butter to me. Supremely fascinating and thoroughly researched. Biggest reveals from the book: you should almost always go for it on 4th down, and home field advantage is a real thing.

Joyce:
1. The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin: This story of a retired search and rescue dog who is hired by a chicken to find her two missing chicks is one of the funniest books I've ever read and a terrific read aloud!

2. Wildwood by Colin Meloy: Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis have created in words and art, a fascinating new world in what is one of the best books I've ever read!

3. Small as an Elephant by Jennifer Richard Jacobson: This story began with an immediate punch when Jack wakes up in his tent to find his mother is gone taking all her camping gear and the car! The suspense of his journey toward home and the story behind his mother's disappearance create a tension filled story I'll never forget.

Thanks for reading with us.  We're always happy to gush about books... if you need some of that in your life, just stop by the store.

May your holidays be low-stress and generally enjoyable,
Hannah