The Renewal Notice

Come on by your favorite MPL location and enjoy the latest selection of books and DVDs recommended by our dedicated staff!

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March Staff Recommendations

Fiction

• Only Time Will Tell, by Jeffrey Archer. [Main Library] “Book one of the five-part Clifton Chronicles series, which begins with a tale of Harry Clifton’s life in 1920 Bristol, England. Harry, the son of a deceased dock worker, dreams of a better life by gaining a scholarship to an exclusive boys’ school, but his good fortunes will also seal his fate. You will enjoy the masterful weaving of one of Jeffery Archer’s most intriguing historical fictions.” ~Rolando

• The Lincoln Lawyer, by Jeff Connelly. [Lark Branch] “The main character, Mickey Haller, is interesting and I felt the story was good too.”  ~Sean

• Sharpe’s Eagle, by Bernard Cornwell. [Main Library] “Set during the Napoleonic Wars of the early 1800’s, this novel follows a British soldier who is forced to risk his life to capture one of Napoleon’s treasures because of his superior officers cowardice. For those who enjoy military history or action novels.”  ~Robert B.

• Fall of Giants, by Ken Follett. [Main Library]  “Ken Follett’s first novel in his Century Trilogy, which begins by following the fates of five interrelated American, German, Russian, English, and Welsh families during the First World War. An excellent work of historical fiction for those who love the genre or those who love great stories.”  ~Rolando

• Partners in Crime, by Rolando Hinojosa. [Palm View Branch]  “If you like Ed McBain’s 87th Precinct series or Dell Shannon’s Lt. Luis Mendoza mysteries, you will enjoy “Partners in Crime” which follows members of a Rio Grande Valley sheriff’s office solving crimes in the 1970’s.”  ~John

• The Biter Season, by Tami Hoag. [Lark Branch]  “It is another one of her crime novels in Minnesota and i like the main characters/detectives.”  ~Sean

• The Marriage of Opposites, by Alice Hoffman.  [Main Library] “This engrossing novel spans generations and tells the story of the family of the famous painter Camille Pissarro, known as the Father of Impressionism. The novel takes you from the idyllic island of St. Thomas to the streets of Paris and back again, and is told from the points of view of different family members. The main character is actually Camille’s mother, and the novel begins when she is a girl. What sets this novel apart is that her story is just as engrossing as the famous painter’s.”  ~Julia

• China Rich Girlfriend, by Kevin Kwan. [Main Library] “This entertaining novel is the sequel to 2013’s “Crazy Rich Asians.” Told from different points of view and interconnected plot lines, the story centers around a crime cover-up involving many different members of Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai ultra-high society. While the plot is engrossing, the immersion into this world of opulence so different from our own is the best part of the novel. The author even includes footnotes to explain cultural references, with a humorous insider’s tone.”  ~Julia

• My Year of Meats, by Ruth L. Ozeki. [Lark Branch] “A brilliantly written commentary on the American beef industry and the contrast between American and Japanese cultures.”  ~Elizabeth

• The Martian, by Andy Weir. [Main Library] “Best book I’ve read in forever.”  ~Gabriel

• Kahawa, by Donald Westlake. [Main Library] “You’ve heard of the Great Train Robbery? Co-conspirators up that game to the next level in Idi Amin’s Uganda in the late 1970’s.”  ~John

 

Young Adult Fiction

Picture  Books

•  Z is for Moose, by Kelly Bingham. [Palm View Branch] “Is it my turn yet? Love it!”  ~Maria

•  Who Needs a Bath? by Jeff Mack. [Lark Branch] “This book brings comedy to the struggle of parents wanting their kids to bathe, and them not wanting to. ”  ~Diana

•  The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins, by Dr. Seuss. [Palm View Branch] “As the celebration of Dr. Seuss and his birthday comes up this would be a great story to read.”  ~Joanna B.

 

• Snow Crash, by Neal Stephenson. [Main Library] “A fantastic cyberpunk novel that weaves together the stories of a the worlds greatest swordsman/pizza delivery driver, a mafia owned fast food franchise, a computer virus that targets humans and other wonders of the fragmented future of America. Fast paced, funny and packed with action!”  ~Robert B.

 

Graphic Novels

• Alex + Ada, Vol. 1, by Jonathan Luna. [Palm View Branch] “If you’ve seen the film Ex Machina then you’ll enjoy this graphic novel about how A.I. and humans have evolved with future technology.” ~Verónica

• A Bride’s Story, by Kaoru Mori. [Main Library] “This manga is breathtakingly gorgeous, with unforgettable characters. A historical tale of life, love, and survival that offers a glimpse into the unique culture of nomadic tribes during the nineteenth century Silk Road era.”  ~Elizabeth

 

Nonfiction

• 1,411 Quite Interesting Facts to Knock You Sideways, by John Lloyd. [Lark Branch] “This is a nice book of random facts but there is an index if you want to look a certain subject. ”  ~Sylvia K.

• The Mexican Slow Cooker, by Deborah Schneider. [Palm View Branch]  “Wonderful recipes that you can start before work and enjoy when you get home.  I especially love the Frijoles de Olla.”  ~Andra

• Sweetie Pie’s Cookbook, by Robbie Montgomery. [Lark Branch]  “Looking for scrumptious comfort food and menu ideas? This is the cookbook for you!”  ~Christina B.

• Modern Romance, by Aziz Ansari. [Lark Branch]  “I thought it was interesting, especially the data that he got from focus groups and other discussions.”  ~Sean

• Rostros del Cine Mexicano, by Carlos Monsivais. [Palm View Branch] “Take a trip down memory lane with this collection of images from Mexican cinema.” ~Priscilla

• The Art of STAR WARS, the Force Awakens, by Phil Szostak. [Lark Branch] “Even if you haven’t seen the movie yet, you can still enjoy the art and some of the details about making the film. ” ~Sylvia K.

• The Essential Rumi, by Jalal al-Din Rumi. [Main Library] “Rumi was a poet, a mystic and a teacher. This book collects some of his finest verse to help readers direct their thoughts and understanding to a new level of peace.” ~Beverly

 

Biography

• The Lost Years of William S. Burroughs, by Rob Johnson. [Main Library] “One of the founding members of the Beat generation, William S. Burroughs, and his little known exploits in the Rio Grande Valley and Mexico.”  ~Bobby

• Until Tuesday: a Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him, by Carlos Montalvan. [Main Library] “How veterans can get helper dogs to help cope with PTSD.”  ~Aminda

BLU Ray/DVDs

• American Ultra, directed by Nima Nourizadeh. [Palm View Branch] “A hilarious and action packed love story about two small town stoners named Mike and Phoebe who turn out to be top secret CIA agents.” ~Verónica

• Baby Genius. Baby Animals, by Genius Brands International, Inc. [Palm View Branch] “Two great adventures!”  ~Maria

• Hitman: Agent 47, directed by Aleksander Bach. [Palm View Branch] “If you like the television series Dark Angel with Jessica Alba you will love this movie about special agents that are engineered to be super fighters.” ~Joanna B.

• The King’s Speech, directed by Tom Hooper. [Palm View Branch] “Great historical movie about King George VI and his overcoming a speech impediment.” ~Andra

• Ripper Street, a BBC America co-production. [Main Library] “Inspector Reid and his men fight to take control of a small town haunted by Jack the Ripper. Will they succeed? Sorry, can’t tell you, but you’ll find out this show is ripping good!” ~Naomi

• The Last Tango in Halifax, directed by Euros Lyn and Sam Donovan. [Main Library] “This British drama begins with high school sweethearts reuniting after more than 50 years, thanks to social media. But how will their families accept this new romance? Get comfortable because this series explores every human emotion and very real situations that keep you wondering what could possibly happen next!” ~Beverly

 

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