Mary's Picks
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
What would happen if we cried out to God for help and someone claiming to be God actually appeared before us? This is a uniquely uplifting story that suggests the answers to our prayers may be where we least expect them.
FIC Alb
The Atlee Pine series by David Baldacci
Best series I read this year! At age 6, twins are separated by a kidnapping. One child is left for dead and the other is taken away from her family. This series follows one twin doing her best to find her sister, who has no memory of having a twin.
- Long Road to Mercy
- A Minute to Midnight
- Daylight
- Mercy
FIC Bal
Dawn's Picks
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
This book made me think, made me laugh loudly, and made me cry (sobbing). It was my top read for 2021! Lori Gottlieb compassionately helps her patients explore their inner lives, as her therapist helps her explore her own. By turns interesting, moving, and funny as well as sad.
616.89 Got
The Complete Guide to Indiana State Parks by Nathan D. Strange with photographs by Matt Williams
A must-have for lovers of our beautiful State Parks and the great outdoors! The authors describe and photograph the features that make each park beautiful and unique.
977.2 Str
Rachel's Picks
Dennis' Pick
The Runaways series by Rainbow Rowell
These are some of my favorite comics; the characters are so dear to my heart. I reread them this year when the last book came out (sad face) and I will always adore this series!
GN FIC Run v.1-6
The Morrigan Crow series by Jessica Townsend
Not since my first time reading Harry Potter have I had experienced this sort of whimsical, magical delight in a middle-grade book world! I can’t wait for more from this new author.
j FIC Tow
The Strain
One of my top finds of 2021 was definitely The Strain. If you’re a sci-fi/horror fan this 4 season series offers a great cast and plenty of action.
GN FIC Run v.1-6
Emma's Picks
The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
This was the best thing I’ve read in a long time. This book is so original. Not only was the storytelling fantastic, but the world-building was top tier. I could not put it down. It seemed like every page had a new twist and I never saw them coming. I actually had to pause the audiobook a couple of times to just let myself think through what had just happened.
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
This book was so much fun! I literally couldn’t put it down. I started reading it before one bed one night and the next thing I knew it was 2 am. The characters were fun and the plot was much more interesting than I would have expected. Even the world-building was great. I loved the way the magic system is based on commonly used words and phrases.
YA FIC Row
Superman: American Alien by Max Landis
This is one of my favorite Superman comics that I’ve read so far. It focuses on moments from the life of Clark Kent rather than telling an overarching Superman story and I really enjoyed that. A lot of Superman stories forget how important Clark is. Each comic in the collection is illustrated by a different artist whose work represents the feeling of the story, and the stories range from light-hearted and funny to quite deep, dark, and emotional. (note: probably not a comic for kids).
GN FIC Lan
Shelbi's Pick
The Saga series by Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staples
Not going to lie, I didn’t read this series for the first time in 2021… BUT 1) I’m personally not very happy with the list of books I did read last year, it’s a bit underwhelming, and 2) this series has been on a long hiatus but is returning with a new issue THIS MONTH! This series is a true masterclass in the art of storytelling and character development. I cannot recommend it enough to other readers, whether you’re a fan of the graphic format or not. The ragtag family at the center of the plot, the bounty hunters and spurned lovers chasing after them, even the villainous antiheroes who slowly evolve toward regular heroes… these characters and their relationships feel alive and vibrant with energy. I genuinely laugh out loud and cry while reading the first nine volumes, and will revisit them again and again.
GN FIC Vau
Steph's Pick
Herbal Houseplants by Susan Betz
This book is really informative on the different kinds of herbs that can be grown not only for culinary uses but herbal remedies and even as houseplants. I found this book helpful for a beginner herbalist. Also, there are tips on how to cultivate your herbs, and how to prune them to enhance their growth. Some herbs can even be shaped into topiaries or grown for their aromatics. I found this book helped me relax a little as a gardener, as my first few attempts at growing herbs were unsuccessful. Now I am confident that I can grow my own herbs indoors in the winter months and dry them for use all year long.
Brenda's Pick
Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris
This book is a sequel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz and is based on a true story of 16 yr. old Cilka who endures death and terror daily in a concentration camp. This beautifully written book will break your heart and is horrifying what the Germans and Russians did to human beings.
One of the best books I read in 2021 – although the subject matter is dark it is a moving testament to the power of kindness, strength, and hope.
FIC Mor
