March 2022 Staff Picks

Brenda’s Pick: A little chaos DVD co-written, directed and starring Alan Rickman

A little chaos” is a charming story set during the time of King Louis XIV and the building of the incredible Versailles garden. Alan Rickman (the king) and Kate Winslet as Sabine de Barra who assists renowned landscape architect Andre Le Notre (Matthias Schoenaerts) create a great triangle of characters. Totally enjoyable period drama…

Brenda’s Pick: The Mountains Wild by Sarah Stewart Taylor

This novel set in Dublin is a crime mystery encompassing past and present missing persons. Detective Maggie D’Arcy travels from New York to try and untangle new evidence concerning the disappearance of her cousin 23 years previous. As she goes back in her memories a sense of character emerges along with evocative descriptions of Ireland. A surprisingly satisfying book for a non-mystery reader…

David’s Pick: Shuggie Bain by Stuart Douglas

Winner of the 2020 Booker Prize, this tough but occasionally funny novel tracks the botched childhood of Shuggie, the youngest of three children of a woman battling substance abuse and dealing with the abusive men in her life. It’s grim in parts but we do get glimpses of the titular character’s resilience and indestructibility despite everything.

Jayme’s Pick: Ida and the whale by Rebecca Gugger

What lies behind the sun, the moon, and the stars? Ida can’t stop thinking about these and other very important questions. Then one night, a flying whale wakes her and takes her on an amazing journey—where some of her questions are answered and even more created. This gentle, philosophical tale is a visual treat sure to fill curious little listeners with wonder.

Jayme’s Pick: The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse by Charlie Mackesy

A boy, a mole, a fox and a horse wander the countryside. They watch the sun set and the moon rise. They ask questions and tell stories, learning a little about one another and a lot about life. For instance: Home isn’t just one place, flying isn’t only for birds and it’s brave to ask for help. Those in need of peace will find it between the covers of this elegant picture book for adults and children. Beauty, wisdom, humor and perspective are in here, too, equally accessible to humans of every age — especially ones who are on each other’s last nerve.

Natalie’s Pick: Stray by Stephanie Danler

After writing a bestseller novel, a coming-of-age NYC story called Sweetbitter, Danler shares a more personal memoir of growing up in a family troubled by trauma, addiction, and breakdown. The writing is honest and simple, set mainly in Southern California and ultimately about letting go of one’s parents to move forward, find peace, and not feel bound to repeat the past.