Tag: books

New York Times 10 Best Books of 2014

The 10 Best Books of 2014, chosen by the New York Times from their annual list of 100 Notable Books.

The 10 Best Books of 2014, chosen by the New York Times from their annual list of 100 Notable Books.

FICTION

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (CD book)

Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill (audio download, eBook)

Euphoria by Lily King

Family Life by Akhil Sharma

Redeployment by Phil Klay (eBook)

NONFICTION

Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

On Immunity: An Inoculation by Eula Biss

Penelope Fitzgerald: A Life by Hermione Lee

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert (CD book)

Thirteen Days in September: Carter, Begin, and Sadat at Camp David by Lawrence Wright

Best Teen Books of 2014

Our friends over at Kirkus Reviews have published their list of the Best Teen Books of 2014. We are more than delighted to share this list with you! All quotes are from Kirkus Reviews.

The Islands at the End of the World by Austin Aslan. “A suspenseful and engaging series opener made all the more distinctive through its careful realization of setting. (Science fiction. 12 & up)”

Never Ending by Martyn Bedford. “Beautiful and illuminating but as hard as therapy. (Fiction. 14-18)”

Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey by Nick Bertozzi. “A top-shelf rendition of one of the greatest survival stories to come out of the Age of Exploration. (source list) (Graphic historical fiction. 10-16)”

Heap House by Edward Carey. “Magnificently creepy. (Horror. 10-16)”

The Tyrant’s Daughter by J.C. Carleson. “Smart, relevant, required reading. (author’s note, commentary, further reading) (Fiction. 13 & up)”

Dreaming in Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices, edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale. “Original and accessible, both an exuberant work of art and a uniquely valuable resource. (Anthology. 12-18)”

A Hero at the End of the World by Erin Claiborne. “A smart, funny and emotionally engaging tale perfect for any reader who longs for another train ride to Hogwarts. (Fantasy. 12 & up)”

Death Sworn by Leah Cypess. “A thoughtful exploration of identity and responsibility wrapped in a twisty, suspenseful mystery and set in a gorgeously realized fantasy world. (Fantasy/mystery. 12 & up)”

Jesus Jackson by James Ryan Daley. “Smart and sweet, comforting and moving. (Fiction. 12-16)”

Vango: Between Sky and Earth by Timothée de Fombelle, translated by Sarah Ardizzone. “Beautiful writing, intricate plotting, and breathless reveals—plus several plucky female leads—make this a must-read. (Historical fiction. 12 & up)”

Exquisite Captive: Book One of the Dark Caravan Cycle by Heather Demetrios. “Readers will wish they had a jinni to grant them the next book in the series. (Fantasy. 15 & up)”

Earth Star by Janet Edwards. “Amaz—simply amaz. (Science fiction. 11-16)”

Eyes Wide Open: Going Behind the Environmental Headlines by Paul Fleischman. “For high schools that assign one book for all students to read and discuss: This is the one. (source notes, bibliography, suggested resources, glossary, acknowledgements, image credits, index, website) (Nonfiction. 14-18)”

The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion, and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming. “A remarkable human story, told with clarity and confidence. (bibliography, Web resources, source notes, picture credits, index) (Nonfiction. 12 & up)”

The Carnival at Bray by Jessie Ann Foley. “Powerfully evocative. (Historical fiction. 14 & up)”

Two Girls Staring at the Ceiling by Lucy Frank. “Riveting, humanizing and real. (Verse fiction. 13-17)”

A Creature of Moonlight by Rebecca Hahn. “Deliberate at first, Hahn’s debut is cumulatively stunning. (Fantasy. 12 & up)”

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer. “A sparkling, timely tour of the complicated intersection where life meets art. (Fiction. 12 & up)”

Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty by Christine Heppermann. “Full of razors that cut—and razors to cut off shackles: a must. (author’s note, index of first lines, index of photographs) (Poetry. 13-17)”

Why We Took the Car by Wolfgang Herndorf, translated by Tim Mohr. “In his first novel translated into English, Herrndorf sits squarely and triumphantly at the intersection of literary tall tale and coming-of-age picaresque. (Fiction. 14-17)”

The Devil’s Intern by Donna Hosie. “Just outstanding fun for those who enjoy snarky comedy and suspense. (Paranormal suspense. 12-18)”

Girl Defective by Simmone Howell. “Funny, observant, a relentless critic of the world’s (and her own) flaws, Sky is original, thoroughly authentic and great company, decorating her astute, irreverent commentary with vivid Aussie references; chasing these down should provide foreign readers with hours of online fun. (Fiction. 14 & up)”

And We Stay by Jenny Hubbard. “As graceful as a feather drifting down, this lyrical story delivers a deep journey of healing on a tragic theme. (Fiction. 14-18)”

Love is the Drug by Alaya Dawn Johnson. “Utterly absorbing. (Suspense. 13 & up)”

The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim by E.K. Johnston. “It may ‘[take] a village to train a dragon slayer,’ but it takes an exceptional dragon slayer to deserve a village—and a storyteller—like this one. (Fantasy. 12-18)”

The Gospel of Winter by Brendan Kiely. “Often bleak, eventually hopeful and beautifully told. (Historical fiction. 14 & up)”

Into the Grey by Celine Kiernan. “A gripping, highly original ghost story. (Fantasy. 12 & up)”

Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future by A.S. King. “With any luck, Glory’s notebook will inspire a new wave of activists. (Fiction. 14 & up)”

Beyond Magenta: Transgender Teens Speak Out by Susan Kuklin. “Informative, revealing, powerful and necessary. (author’s note, glossary, resource list) (Nonfiction. 12 & up)”

Spinoza: the Outcast Thinker by Devra Lehmann. “Clarity, accessibility and spot-on relevance to issues facing modern society make this a must-read. (sources, notes, index) (Nonfiction. 13 & up)”

we were liars by e. lockhart. “Riveting, brutal and beautifully told. (Fiction. 14 & up)”

How It Went Down by Kekla Magoon. “This sobering yet satisfying novel leaves readers to ponder the complex questions it raises. (Fiction. 14 & up)”

Egg & Spoon by Gregory Maguire. “An ambitious, Scheherazade-ian novel, rather like a nesting-doll set of stories, that succeeds in capturing some of the complexities of both Russia and life itself. (Historical fantasy. 12 & up)”

Dirty Wings by Sarah McCarry. “A breathtaking companion volume, fully readable on its own and devastating in the context of its predecessor. (Urban fantasy. 14-18)”

The Freedom Summer Murders by Don Mitchell. “Essential. (Nonfiction. 12-16)”

Althea & Oliver by Cristina Moracho. “Mesmerizing. (Fiction. 14 & up)”

A Matter of Souls by Denise Lewis Patrick. “Shocking, informative and powerful, this volume offers spectacular literary snapshots of black history and culture. (Short stories. 12-18)”

Tomboy: a graphic memoir by Liz Prince. “Spectacular; a book to make anyone think seriously about society’s preordained gender roles (Graphic memoir. 14 & up)”

Hidden Like Anne Frank: Fourteen True Stories of Survival by Marcel Prins and Peter Henk Steenhuis; translated by Laura Watkinson. “Terrifying, haunting and powerful. (foreword, glossary) (Collective memoir. 12 & up)”

Gabi, a girl in pieces by Isabel Quintero. “A fresh, authentic and honest exploration of contemporary Latina identity. (Fiction. 14 & up)”

Frida & Diego: Art, Love, Life by Catherine Reef. “Compelling reading for art lovers. (timeline, source notes, bibliography; index, not seen) (Nonfiction. 12-16)”

Jackaby by William Ritter. “A magical mystery tour de force with a high body count and a list of unusual suspects. (Paranormal mystery. 12-18)”

The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski. “Breathtaking, tragic and true. (Fantasy. 12-18)”

She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick. “It’s no coincidence that Sedgwick has crafted yet another gripping tale of wonder. (Thriller. 13 & up)”

Far From You by Tess Sharpe. “An absorbing story full of depth and emotion. (Mystery. 14-18)”

Grasshopper Jungle by Andrew Smith. “By that measure, then, this is a mighty good book. It is about everything that really matters. Plus voracious giant praying mantises. (Science fiction. 14 & up)”

Blue Lily, Lily Blue: Book III of the Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater. “Expect this truly one-of-a-kind series to come to a thundering close. (Fantasy. 14 & up)”

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki. “Keenly observed and gorgeously illustrated—a triumph. (Graphic novel. 13 & up)”

A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman. “A beautiful integration of art, religion, compassion and connection. (author’s note) (Verse fiction. 13-17)”

Dirt Bikes, Drones, and Other Ways to Fly by Conrad Wesselhoeft. “As complex as life itself, this novel addresses serious topics without taking itself too seriously. (Fiction. 14-18)”

 

National Book Award Finalists

The National Book Foundation announced finalists for the 2014 National Book Awards, which celebrate the best of American literature. Winners will be announced on November 19.

The National Book Foundation announced finalists for the 2014 National Book Awards, which celebrate the best of American literature. Winners will be announced on November 19.

FICTION

Rabih Alameddine, An Unnecessary Woman

Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See (CD book)

Phil Klay, Redeployment (eBook)

Emily St. John Mandel, Station Eleven (audio download, eBook)

Marilynne Robinson, Lila

NONFICTION

Roz Chast, Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?

Anand Gopal, No Good Men Among the Living: America, the Taliban, and the War through Afghan Eyes

John Lahr, Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh

Evan Osnos, Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China

Edward O. Wilson, The Meaning of Human Existence

Dare To Be Scared! Horror Novels for Teens

We have a creeptastic selection of fantastic books. Here is a compilation of our horror novel selections from September 2014.

Aguirre, Ann. Mortal Danger. 2014. 376p. YA AGU

Baron, Ruth. Defriended. 2013. 248p. YA BAR

Bick, Ilsa J. White Space. 2014. 551p. YA BIC

Carroll, Emily. Through the Woods: Stories. 2014. YA GRAPHIC CAR

Chupeco, Rin. The Girl from the Well. 2014. 267p. YA CHU

Clare, Cassandra. City of Heavenly Fire. 2014. 725p. YA CLA

Garner, Em. Contaminated. 2013. 330p. YA GAR

Grant, Mira. Feed. 2010. 599p. YA GRA

Green, S.E. Killer Instinct. 2014. 257p. YA GRE

Hill, Joe. Locke & Key. 2008-2014. YA GRAPHIC HILL

Kooistra, Alison. The Night Wanderer: a graphic novel. 2013. 108p.  YA GRAPHIC KOO

Kraus, Daniel. Scowler. 2013. 289p. YA GRE

Lettrick, Robert. Frenzy. 2014. 298p. YA LET

May, Elizabeth. The Falconer. 2014. 378p. YA MAY

Ostow, Micol. Amity. 2014. 361p. YA OST

Snyder, Scott. American Vampire. Volume One. 2010. YA GRAPHIC AMERICAN VAMPIRE

Stolarz, Laurie Faria. Welcome to the Dark House. 2014. 357p. YA STO

Sullivan, Kiki. The Dolls. 2014. 371p. YA SUL

Vanhee, Jason. Engines of the Broken World. 2013. 262p. YA VAN

Vega, Danielle. The Merciless. 2014. 279p. YA VEG

New Book Friday: October 2014

All of a sudden, bam! The weather got cooler and chillier. Some of these books will help keep you warm (Hello, Knits for Nerds), while a few are guaranteed to give you chills (hello Amity, and Welcome to the Dark House). Don’t forget to stop by the library this month!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

   

   

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

Most Popular Authors!

We’re going through all the book reviews submitted by teens this summer – and we’re proud to announce the most reviewed authors!

First place, with 8 reviews is Richelle Mead. Because of the amount of reviews, we will be ordering more copies of her teen books for the Young Adult section.

Second place, with 7 reviews is John Flanagan!

Third place is divided between two authors, who were each reviewed five times. Jennifer L. Armentrout and James Patterson. More of Ms. Armentrout’s books will be ordered for the Young Adult collection.

Fourth (and final place!) is appropriately divided between four authors, who were each reviewed FOUR TIMES! Nelson DeMille, John Green, Marie Lu, and Betty Smith were all read and reviewed.

 

Thanks to all of our participants in the Teen Summer Reading Club! Your book reviews were FANTASTIC! 🙂

Are You Afraid of the Dark? Really Scary Stories for Teens

Yeah, you’re going to want to sleep with the lights on. Enjoy these creepy when the sun is out!

Andrews, V.C. Flowers in the Attic. 2005, 1979.
Ensconced in the attic of their grandparents’ fabulous mansion by their abusive grandmother and dangerously selfish mother, Cathy, Chris, and their two younger siblings endure years of torment and become desperate to escape. You will not easily forget this story.

Barraclough, Lindsey. Long Lankin. 2012, 2011.
When Cora and her younger sister, Mimi, are sent to stay with their great Auntie Ida in an isolated village in 1958, they discover that they are in danger from a centuries-old evil and, along with village boys Roger and Peter, strive to uncover the horrifying truth before it’s too late. Sleep with a nightlight on.

Beaudoin, Sean. The Infects. 2012.
Seventeen-year-old Nero is stuck in the wilderness with a bunch of other juvenile delinquents on an “Inward Trek.” As if that weren’t bad enough, his counselors have turned into flesh-eating maniacs overnight and are now chowing down on his fellow miscreants. These kids have seen zombie movies. They know the rules. Unfortunately, knowing the rules isn’t going to be enough.

Bray, Libba. The Diviners. 2012.
Seventeen-year-old Evie O’Neill is thrilled when she is exiled from small-town Ohio to New York City in 1926, even when a rash of occult-based murders thrusts Evie and her uncle, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult, into the thick of the investigation. Make sure your calendar’s free – you won’t want to put this down.

Hale, Kathleen. No one else can have you. 2014.
When the homecoming queen of a quiet and peaceful Midwest community is found murdered, the victim’s best friend, Kippy, equips herself with her friend’s secret diary and rallies her own tenacious spirit to track down the killer. You won’t look at cornfields the same way again.

Kraus, Daniel. Scowler. 2013.
In the midst of a 1981 meteor shower in Iowa, a homicidal maniac escapes from prison and returns to the farm where his nineteen-year-old son, Ry, must summon three childhood toys, including one called Scowler, to protect himself, his eleven-year-old sister, Sarah, and their mother.

McNeal, Tom. Far Far Away. 2013.
When Jeremy Johnson Johnson’s strange ability to speak to the ghost of Jacob Grimm draws the interest of his classmate, Ginger Boltinghouse, the two find themselves at the center of a series of disappearances in their hometown.

McNeil, Gretchen. Possess. 2011.
Enlisted to help in dangerous cases of demonic possession, a teenaged exorcist discovers a race of part-demons intent on raising their forefathers to the earth in human form.

Sedgwick, Marcus. My swordhand is singing. 2006.
In the dangerous dark of winter in an Eastern European village during the early seventeenth century, Peter learns from a gypsy girl that the Shadow Queen is behind the recent murders and reanimations, and his father’s secret past may hold the key to stopping her.

Strand, Jeff. A Bad Day for Voodoo. 2012.
When your best friend is just a tiny bit psychotic, you should never actually believe him when he says, “Trust me. This is gonna be awesome.” This book will have you both cringing and cracking up.