Note to Shelf: December 2023

Created on December 4, 2023, 4:03 pm

Last Updated December 5, 2023, 10:46 am

Let's see what our librarians are enjoying this month!
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Inger shares that, "Just in time for the holidays comes a delightful and heartwarming book, A Winter in New York by Josie Silver. Iris, a young chef from England, relocates to New York in an effort to put as much space between herself and her emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend. Plus, she is curious to discover the place where her recently deceased mother once lived. Quite by chance, Iris meets several people who knew her mother, including Gio, a handsome widower who runs the family gelato shop. Unfortunately, the shop is in danger of collapse. Iris has the means to help Gio, but how can she help without revealing who she is? Will long forgotten secrets upend not only Iris’s newfound happiness, but also the lives of Gio and his extensive Italian family? This lovely story pairs well with a steaming hot beverage and a warm fire on a cold winter day. Thoroughly enjoyable and as cozy as a Hallmark movie."
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Joanne tell us that, "Daniel Mason’s brilliant and contemplative new book, North Woods, is a story about a house in the woods in Massachusetts and the illustrious history of the occupants who inhabited it. With twelve stories corresponding to the months of the year, we meet a sordid cast of characters. Each one resides in the house under various circumstances. The story begins with a pair of young Puritan lovers who are chased out of their village and stumble upon the spot in the woods. Along the way we learn of its other inhabitants, many who are troubled or in trouble: from a young black mother fleeing slavery to a naturalist painter realizing his forbidden true love. Mason brilliantly weaves a web of characters whose stories intersect throughout history. It is a great for fans of atmospheric novels."
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Babs exclaims, "Finally, there is a sequel to the John Grisham’s book The Firm! His latest novel, The Exchange, picks up fifteen years after the Firm with Mitch and Abby McDere living in Manhattan. Mitch is now a partner at the world’s largest law firm. When an elderly mentor in Rome asks him for a favor which takes him far from home, Mitch finds himself in the middle of a sinister plot...one that could put his family and colleagues in extreme danger. Grisham's books are fast-paced, page-turners and this one does not disappoint. Be prepared for a late night because you’ll want to finish this in one sitting."
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Kristen shares, "Under the Eye of Power: How Fear of Secret Societies Shapes American Democracy by Colin Dickey takes readers on a tour through 300 years of American conspiracy theories. A culture historian, Dickey argues that American history is a cycle of moral panics, from the Freemasons and Illuminati to the Satanic Panic of the 80’s. He unpacks the causes and motivations for each event and the implications on the present day with meticulous research. A conversational tone and even pacing balance the sharp prose and keeps the book from being too dense or academic. Overall, Dickey presents a fascinating and timely way to look at American history that will leave readers with a deeper understanding of the nation."
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Erik writes, "“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” wrote researcher and storyteller Brene Brown. In her book, Dare to Lead, Brown argues that leaders who embrace vulnerability and their imperfections, and encouraging a culture of trust and authenticity within their teams, are more effective and better suited to navigate challenges and foster creativity. The recurring mantra of "people, people, people" emphasizes the importance of recognizing the human element in leadership. This simple statement holds weight. Each person is doing their best with the knowledge and resources available to them. Whether you are new to leadership or you are a seasoned veteran, Dare to Lead is an essential read for those seeking to become a better self, as a person and a leader."
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