Tag Archives: staff recommendations

“Jolabokaflod”

Staff Recommendations, Staff Writer, ,

Of all the months, December is probably the one with the most traditions. One you may not have heard of gets my vote for the best possible holiday tradition of all: in Iceland, people celebrate Christmas with a tradition called Jolabokaflod, which translates to “Christmas book flood” in English.

Jolabokaflod began in World War II, when almost everything was rationed. However, paper was not rationed.  Since there were no limits on books, that became the go-to gift. Giving each other books has become an essential part of the Christmas season for Icelanders. And, because gifts are traditionally opened on Christmas Eve night, people tend to spend that evening reading.

For over 70 years, every household in Iceland has gotten a book bulletin from the publishers of books in their country. This catalog helps people choose books for their friends and family.

If you’re looking for ideas for your own gift giving, I suggest you pick up a copy of this month’s edition of BookPage, available free at the library. While you’re here, ask the staff for their recommendations too! We are always happy to share our favorites with you.

Here’s a few we enjoyed this year:

Life on the Mississippi: An Epic American Adventure: Buck, Rinker: 9781501106378: Amazon.com: Books

Life on the Mississippi: An Epic American Adventure, by Rinker Buck. History.
Travelling the Mississippi in a wooden flatboat like those used in the 1800s, Rinker Buck encounters danger and adventure.

The High Sierra: A Love Story by Kim Stanley Robinson


The High Sierra: A Love Story, by Kim Stanley Robinson. History, Americana, Nature.
Best known for his science fiction, in this book Robinson shares his love of the Sierra Nevada mountains and tells the history of its exploration and those who lived there.

Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library (A Lakeside Library Mystery Book 2) - Kindle edition by Danvers, Holly. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.


Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library, by Holly Danvers. Mystery.
Second in the Lakeside Library series by Wisconsin author Danvers (aka Holly Quinn), this book is perfect for those who prefer cozy mysteries.

The Runaway (A Peter Ash Novel): 9780525535508: Petrie, Nick: Books - Amazon.com


The Runaway, by Nick Petrie. Thriller/Suspense.
The latest in local author Petrie’s Peter Ash series, this title is sure to please the suspense lover on your list.


Happy Reading!

Lynn R.
Adult Services Librarian

Ingoing Freshman: Here are some Non-Fiction Books you might actually love!

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The 2022-23 school is year just around the corner, which means time to fit in that summer homework. Non-Fiction gets a bad wrap for being boring, but NF isn’t just encyclopedias and textbooks! There’s hilarious memoirs, fascinating graphic novels, and eye-opening historical accounts that wait for you in YA Non-Fiction.

If you’re having trouble finding a non-fiction book for your project, here are some books you won’t have to endure, but might actually enjoy:


Video games changed the game, as it were, when it comes to storytelling. In this book, Dustin Hansen discusses the history of how video games got us to where we are now!

In this account of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Brandy Colbert talks about how it came to pass, why it happened, and how it affected the community, country, and beyond.

Yep, there’s Non-fiction Graphic Novels! This memoir from writer of Nimona and creator of Netflix’s reboot of She-ra and the Pricesses of Power delves into the writer’s story of becoming a writer, and the highs and lows of being a creator.

Queer There and Everywhere tells the stories of 23 members of the LGBTQIA community that had a major impact on innovation and culture. It’s a collection of stories, which makes for a fun, quick, and interesting read!

This historical account of the Salem Witch Trials reveals the story of why the witch-hunt came to be, and the stories of the women who went through it.

This graphic novel shows the complexity of the culture of the Middle Ages, including the Plague, The Hundred Year War, and the Crusades, in this romp through the 5th – 15th centuries.

There’s more books to find and enjoy in the non fiction department! Check out our display at the very beginning of YA Non-Fiction for more suggestions on true stories you might actually enjoy.

Library Staff Recommends Adult Fiction/Non-Fiction

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Check out some library staff recommendations for adult fiction and non-fiction! We’ve got so many staff members with diverse interests and tastes. From Victorian era medicine to rom-coms, we’re sure you can find something that interests you!

Non-Fiction

  • Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen (recommended by Sue)
  • The Butchering Art by Lindsey Fitzharris (recommended by Gabe)
  • The Ghost in General Patton’s Third Army by Eugene Schulz (recommended by Emily)

Fiction

  • Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman (recommended by Grace)
  • 40 Sonnets by Don Patterson (recommended by Ben)
  • One Lark, One Horse by Michael Hofmann (recommended by Ben)
  • The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary (recommended by Allison)
  • The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis (recommended by Trisha)
  • Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (recommended by Sue)
  • Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (recommended by Grace)
  • Home Before Dark by Riley Sager (recommended by Gabe)
  • The House of the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (recommended by Grace)
  • Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (recommended by Allison)