November Staff Favorites

The books are flying off the shelves as quickly as the leaves are falling off the branches.  Time to cuddle up and find yourself a good read! Here’s what a few Mesa County Library employees have recently enjoyed, all available in our catalog:

Denise’s pick: Lost Connections by Johann Hari (2018) 
In Lost Connections, author Johann Hari explores the complexities of anxiety and depression, including the various ways these issues have been treated (or mistreated) throughout history. Hari seasons interdisciplinary research with anecdote, global case studies, and multi-cultural practices. The results are holistic, compassionate, and familiar, yet shocking and revelatory.

On one hand, the book unsettles readers as it calls attention to critical threads of mental health that have been frayed or severed by our current social norms, lifestyle, and medical norms. On the other hand, Lost Connections reveals tangible wisdom and actionable strategies that prioritize human connection, connection to values, connection to nature, and more, without undermining the role (and responsibility) that science and medicine play in the mental health landscape.

Tori’s pick: Pax by Sara Pennypacker (2016) 

Pax is the story of a little boy who found a baby fox and kept him as a pet. One day, his dad decides that the fox is no longer a suitable pet for the boy, and releases him into the woods. The boy decides the fox is his best friend, and he is going to pack a bag and go find the him.

Pax is a heartwarming adventure tale for both children and adults alike. It tells a story of true friendship as well as a story of finding yourself wherever you’re at.

Brevin’s pick: The Oath and the Office by Corey Brettschnider (2018) 

The Oath and the Office takes a look at the Constitution, each article, each amendment and how a president should look at them and his/her responsibilities to uphold the document. It is filled with examples of how previous presidents have related to each section of the constitution and references times that were handled well and times that were handled poorly, as well as federal court cases that dealt with constitutional law.

 The Oath and the Office is an easy and enjoyable read despite how dense it sounds. I learned a lot about the actual duties of the president and how they apply to the nation and its citizens and the day to day operations of the government. I found my beliefs being challenged almost as often as I was in agreement with Brettschnider. The information in this book is applicable to everyone, even if you aren’t planning on becoming president, no matter what your political beliefs are, and will be applicable so as long as we continue to use the constitution in our governing. Learning about the potential risks of having the wrong person in office and what the checks and limitations of the president are ended up being very encouraging and applicable to whatever time we may live in and who the president may be. This book can be an important information piece to becoming a well informed voter, citizen, and, if you are so inclined, a well informed president.

Logan’s pick: Changeling by Molly Harper (2018) 
In this Victorian London there are two social classes: Guardians, higher up nobles with the ability to use magic and rule the land and Snipes (short for guttersnipes). The snipes are working class that serve, obey and die for their magical betters. Snipes do not have magic nor the luxury of deciding anything in their lives. Right into the middle of this world we have Sarah Smith, a house maid who just levitated a vase in front of Mrs. Winters, her Guardian mistress, with a previously unknown magical ability. What’s to be done with a girl whose very existence could destroy society as we know it? Finishing school of course! The Winters ship Sarah, now Cassandra, off under the guise of a long lost cousin to learn how to blend into Guardian society and control her magic before they all come under fire from the harsh Guardian government. Will Cassandra survive this ordeal? Read the book to find out!

I loved this book because it is time-honored story with unique new twists. We have a magical school and posh Brit girls vying for social dominance but we also have murky history, necromancy and the possible end of the world. Even though this is a teen book, I think any age can enjoy it. If you ever thought that Jane Austen would be more fun with magic and adventure, this is the story for you!