As we plan out our vacations for the summer, don't forget to pack a book for those down moments like laying in sun or lounging in a hammock. We asked our staff about their favorite books and why they love them.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
I liked this book because it gave me a different perspective on police brutality and what people of color have to face on a daily basis when it comes to discrimination and hate against them just because of the color of their skin.
-Gracie Tucker
Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison
A beautifully-written tragedy about betrayal, abuse, and abandonment in the South. For me, it puts life in perspective- that everything isn't sunshine and rainbows. Life is hard, and sometimes the hand we are dealt is crap. It made me very grateful to not have grown up in that kind of environment, but also, opened my eyes that we are not all raised the same.
-Melynda Hensley
Looking for Alaska by John Green
I began reading John Green about 4 years ago, and I have never been disappointed with his books. John Green is such a skillful, attentive, and detailed writer, and each of his works have a meaningful and significant theme. Green's book, Looking for Alaska, is by far my favorite of his books, and I found the most significance and application out of it's story. As a young adult writer, John Green incorporates the themes of hope, death, finding one's self worth and independence in this book, which are all themes I find personal importance in. I have read this book a total of 3 times, and will probably read it again soon... there is always something I miss, and discover something new every time I read it!
-Rissa McDonald
Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II by Robert Matzen
Most of us remember Audrey Hepburn as an iconic actress. This book is an account of her life during WWII and the long-term effects the war had on her life. These were extremely difficult times: surviving the Nazis; battles; and starvation. This is the side of Audrey she kept private, but it gives the reader a better understanding of Audrey, the person.
-Lori Woosley
The Song of Achille's by Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles is a steamy romance between the Greek hero, Achilles, and his campanion, Patroclus. The style of writing is lovely and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. If you enjoy a good heartbreak story, and the romance trope soulmates who don't end up together, this book is for you!!
-Brooksie Martin
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
A murder mystery novel in which 10 characters are forced to revisit and reconcile with the horrors of their pasts after their mysterious host spills their darkest secret to the nine other strangers they are stuck on the island with. This book is one of my favorite reads because it be likened to a maze; the author provides endless clues and makes you believe you have solve case, but as soon as the expected resolution presents itself, there is a dead end to your theory and another path is presented. Not only is it a true mystery, but is also encourages you to look past a person's physical appearance, or the way they present themselves, as what's underneath can be entirely different and far more complicated- the true meaning behind the phase: "Don't judge a book by its cover."
-Amelia Clark
Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis by Patti Callahan
It's a beautiful story about love and life. It's captivating and based on the true story about how C.S. Lewis met his wife and how they became friends and fell in love.
-Marissa Norton
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
The book was written about five women who took on the task of delivering library books to families in the mountains of Kentucky. I enjoyed following their struggles and victories which in the end brought an entire community together.
-Linda DeHart
The Water Keeper by Charles Martin
This is a story about a man who lives alone on an island with secrets but deals with the horrible effects of human trafficking with a depth of love that few people ever know.
-Janet Holt
Claire by Liz Sower
Pulled from my favorite podcast, "Ghosts in the Burbs," Claire is a paranormal murder mystery that will leave you wanting more. Who doesn't love that?
-Kimberly Ramey
I don't know about you, but I'm super excited to check out these new titles and authors. Bring on the summer because I'm ready to catch up on my reading!
