Mandel Public Library Staff Picks For October

From the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach:

October 19, 2020

by Emily & the Mandel Public Library Staff

Happy spooky season! Don't worry if you're a scaredy-cat like me; our October picks have something for everyone, from suffragette witches to swoon-worthy romance, plus some apocalypse reading for good measure (it is still 2020, after all). Take a look at what the library staff has been enjoying this month - you might find your next favorite!

Books & Audiobooks

Sarah's Pick: The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

Three sisters find their way back to each other after a long separation and begin to practice forbidden magic in secret. This exciting and ultimately very moving novel takes on the oppression of women and the working class through the power of strong social networks and a little bit of magic. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys magic, witches, or just a plain good story.

Sandra's Pick: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

This is a fictional book based on the true story of the Dozier School in Marianna, Florida (called the Nickel Academy in the book). It won a Pulitzer Prize, and it was chosen as the 2020 Read Together Palm Beach County title. It's a very moving and disturbing book based on how boys were treated in a reform school during the Jim Crow era. There was abuse, torture, and even murder of students by guards and employees. Very well written and highly recommended. On November 9, join us on Zoom for a conversation with Ben Montgomery, the journalist who spent nearly a decade investigating child abuse and deaths at the now-shuttered reformatory.

Sophie's Pick: The Poppy War Trilogy by R.F. Kuang

Inspired by the conflicts of 20th century China, the start of the trilogy follows Rin, an orphan accepted into a prestigious military academy. As war brews, Rin must learn to hone her shamanic powers and her ability to call on the Phoenix, a vengeful and bloodthirsty god. The characters, worldbuilding, and writing are brilliant, and Rin is easily one of my favorite protagonists of all time. In the riveting sequel, The Dragon Republic, she grapples with the cataclysmic consequences that end the first book. The finale releases in November 2020, and I can’t wait!

Leah's Pick: Elysium, Or, The World After by Jennifer Marie Brissett

Something about this book just grabbed me and wouldn't let go. It's an apocalyptic survival story told to the reader through a jumbled computer program. So the storyline and characters are completely fluid, and you're never exactly sure where you are in the story. Amazing concept; the recurring themes explore different facets of human relationships, set in a not-too-far-off future - I wish it had lasted longer! I will definitely be reading this author again.

Amris' Pick: Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

In honor of the release of Brosh's long-awaited second book, Solutions and Other Problems, I have to recommend Hyperbole and a Half. Based on the webcomic of the same name, Hyperbole is a collection of autobiographical comic essays, ranging in topics from depression to the training of her pet "Simple Dog."

Antoinette's Pick: The Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski

I dove into this book after watching the Netflix series The Witcher. As an avid gamer, I'm wondering why I never dove into the game before, but I love the tales it weaves with its new look on elves, magic, and just the whole fantasy world. Fans of Tolkien will like the fresh but familiar concept, and modern fantasy lovers will enjoy this as well.

Faith's Pick: The Destiny Series by Beverly Jenkins

This is a historical romance trilogy I read for the Sweethearts Book Club. I'd only read one or two historical fiction novels before, and no historical romance, but I gave this one a shot and I LOVED it! I would definitely recommend this series for anyone who wants to try out a Beverly Jenkins novel. The stories are set mostly in California in the 1890s and focus on three brothers falling in love.

Tara's Pick: What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

In this novel, Alice wakes up after a head injury with no memory of the last 10 years. In some ways, it's like a fresh start. Will she get back together with her estranged husband, or see what happens with the new guy she's dating? Sue and I are both listening to the e-audiobook in cloudLibrary. It's great because the narrator has an Australian accent. Like her other book, The Husband's Secret, this is all about relationships and the surprising directions they can go over the years: relationships with spouses, siblings, friends, parents, and children.

Emily's Pick: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks

This graphic novel is written for young adults, but as an adult needing an autumnal feel-good read, it was absolutely perfect. Josiah and Deja are seasonal best friends who work at a pumpkin patch two months of the year. On their last night working the patch before they graduate high school, Deja decides it's time to finally make Josiah talk to the girl he's been crushing on since they started working there three years ago. Their quest takes them on a journey around the patch that is full of hilarious mishaps and snarky teenage banter. It is a funny, heart-warming, and beautifully-illustrated graphic novel perfect for fall.

Movies & TV Shows

Jeremy's Pick: Over the Garden Wall

Rewatching this show is my October tradition. In this Emmy-winning animated miniseries by Adventure Time alum Patrick McHale, brothers Wirt and Greg find themselves lost in the Unknown, where animals play music, bluebirds keep dark secrets, and an entity known as The Beast stalks the woods for lost souls. It's a perfect combination of moody, charming, hilarious, spooky, and heartwarming. The 10 snack-sized episodes feature the voices of Elijah Wood, Christopher Lloyd, John Cleese, and Tim Curry, plus songs that'll stick in your head for weeks, several "rock facts," and at least one "WAIT, WHAT?!" moment.

And more!

Ionnie's Pick: Therapy for Black Girls (podcast)

When I found this podcast, I was in sore need of comforting conversation with other Black women, around mental health and well-being. With all that is going on with COVID, election season, Life, Love and other shenanigans, listening to this podcast on my daily morning walk has served as an escape for me - a much-needed gateway to reflection and sanity. The mental health professionals, therapists, and researchers that Dr. Joy interviews share their insights and resources to help us focus on ourselves as we survive this never-ending real-time drama known as "Living in 2020 America."

This press release was produced by the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.