December 2024 Staff Picks

Alan’s Pick: Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse

Despite being written almost 100 years ago, this small novel has a lot to say that is relevant to contemporary life. The book is considered to be a counter-culture classic for its anti-war sentiments, descriptions of drug use and free love, long before the hippies of the 1960’s made such sentiments popular. Steppenwolf is a challenging read, but ultimately, it is a very rewarding one.

Alan’s Pick: Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell

Though less well known than his novels, Animal Farm and 1984, George Orwell’s memoir of his experiences fighting in the 1936-37 Spanish Civil War, Homage to Catalonia, contains some of his best writing. Orwell’s compelling writing style captures the spirit of the era, and brings the confusion, chaos and futility of this forgotten war vividly to life.

Brenda’s Pick: Patrick and the Whale (DVD)

Patrick Dykstra is a lawyer who worked to fund his whale photography trips until the whale visitations took over his life. His free-diving photos of whales from around the globe are incredible as are the relationships that occur from his encounters. As our knowledge of the whales of the world expands so does our empathy for their intelligence and their sense of family.

David’s Pick: And the Roots of Rhythm Remain by Joe Boyd

Joe Boyd is an American who ended up in London in the 1960s, producing Pink Floyd, Nick Drake, Fairport Convention, REM, and others, before founding the world music label Hannibal in 1980. This survey of global music is dizzying, encyclopedic, and massively inspiring.

David’s Pick: Perfect Days (DVD)

Nothing much happens in the life of a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo, but life goes on around and inside him regardless. A gorgeous contemplative film from the director of Paris Texas, Wings of Desire, and Buena Vista Social Club.

 

Leanne’s Pick: Paint with thread : a step-by-step guide by Emillie Ferris

This beautifully illustrated step-by-step book guides you through the process of needlepainting. Using just a single thread and one simple stitch – the ‘long and short’ stitch – you can create paintings on fabric using only thread. This book has five patterns that you can work through, each with excellent directions and pictures that show each step of the project. Ferris also includes lists of what you will need to complete each project, making this book ideal for both beginners and advanced embroiderers. As a beginner myself, I’m looking forward to completing the stunning bee picture shown on the cover of the book!

Mel’s Pick: Treasure Hunters Club by Tom Ryan

A cozy murder mystery set in Nova Scotia- this enjoyable read is full to the brim with pirate lore, long held grudges, secret societies, some unexpected twists, and of course treasure!

 

Sonia’s Pick: I Wish I Could Tell You
By Jean-François Sénéchal and Chiaki Okada

With simple language and luminous grease-pencil drawings, this book explores the death of a grandmother and a child’s efforts to describe that loss in a letter. A touching exploration of grief that will resonate with both children and adults.