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Julia
Don't judge a reader by their staff picks. Yes, my list may seem heavily female and fantasy oriented. There is so much more to my library! I also happen to enjoy mysteries, non-fiction, memoirs (about walking places), legend/folklore/mythology, and science fiction as well (admittedly Star Wars!).
See more of my Staff Picks here!
Julia's Staff Picks:
$26.00
ISBN: 9781555978174
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Graywolf Press - September 11th, 2018
Bookseller; Julia
Comments:
This historical retelling of the birth of Liberia and it’s complicated connection with the U.S. will draw you in. Skipping back and forth between Virginia, Jamaica, and West Africa. Between Gbessa born in the village of Lai who was cursed at birth, June Dey a slave with supernatural strength, and Norman Aragon son of a British colonizer and a Maroon slave who can become invisible. “She Would Be King” is a beautifully woven tapestry layered with history, mythology, and magic.
$16.99
ISBN: 9780823439607
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Published: Holiday House - August 14th, 2018
$26.95
ISBN: 9780385543507
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Doubleday - August 7th, 2018
$16.99
ISBN: 9781534413504
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Published: Saga Press - June 26th, 2018
$16.00
ISBN: 9780802128263
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Grove Press - June 12th, 2018
$19.95
ISBN: 9781947440005
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Published: Harry N. Abrams - March 6th, 2018
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
I loved reading this. The way Graciela was written is beautiful & intriguing. I studied photography & she was not brought to my attention before(although one of her images is familiar), now I am going explore more of her photography!
$25.95
ISBN: 9780525520375
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Knopf - June 5th, 2018
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
Wow. I wasn't sure at first if I wanted to read this. Like so many other times I am glad I didn't shy away from reading. I would have missed out on something great.
"There There" is a complicated knot of characters. At first they only seem connected by where they live or are from: Oakland, CA. This story (or stories) twists and weaves through different points of view and multiple generations. The culmination of this novel is the Big Oakland Powwow, where we witness how these twelve people who are all linked through layers of their pasts, their location, and their identities become a part of each other's tales yet again through a single tragic event.
Tommy Orange does something brilliant here. He has written a book about violence, pain, addiction, poverty, pride, family, love, identity, loss, and hope: and he has written it beautifully and honestly. There is no vignette, nothing gentle, but this book is full of heart and is well crafted. It is both satisfying and brutal.
Read now.
$16.95
ISBN: 9781943200733
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Published: Compendium Publishing & Communications - February 1st, 2018
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
What do you do with a chance?
I'd say you go ahead and grab it, but sometimes that's easier said than done. Who among of us at any stage in our lives doesn't need this lovely little reminder to be brave and take chances.
Once again Kobi Yamada and Mae Besom has brought us a beautiffully illustrated story of bravery and hope.
$26.99
ISBN: 9780765392466
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Published: Tor Books - March 27th, 2018
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
This is a fantastic feminist twist on Shakespeare's King Lear with a bit of fantasy thrown into the mix. I have some familiarity with King Lear- I know the basics, but I do not think you need to know the story of Lear to enjoy this book. If you know the play, however, I have no doubt that you will enjoy this take on the classic tale.
As the story takes hold we see the youngest daughter grow in strength as her already fierce sister crumble alongside their kingdom. Enjoy this beautiful, lush new world!
$16.99
ISBN: 9781683690252
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Published: Quirk Books - March 6th, 2018
Bookseller: Julia
Title: Princesses Behaving BadlyComments:
Princesses Behaving Badly is a fun and fast read full of historical tidbits.
These mini-biographies hold the right amount of "quirk" and information to keep the non-historian like me interested.
Although some of the information may be slightly on the fable side of history, there are a variety of starting points to read further on once your interest is caught!
$17.99
ISBN: 9780062662804
Availability: Backordered
Published: HarperTeen - March 6th, 2018
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
Tears, for me it ended with tears. I had this moment reading a book about a girl that is not me. I am not from a big city, I am not from a Catholic or even religious family, I am not Latina or speak any other language, Xiomara is a girl with a very didn’t background. But Elizabeth Acevedo has written a story that is me. Xiomara is so many of us. She captures a struggle all too familiar- our teens. And Acevedo has written her beautifully. Powerfully.
$27.00
ISBN: 9781101885963
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Del Rey - December 5th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
Katherine Arden has brought us another rich and vibrant story with her second book. This is a magical, dark, and gorgeously done tale of historical fantasy. I love the Russian folklore and the characters overflowing with life. Everything wonderful about "The Bear and The Nightingale" is here in "The Girl in the Tower".
Don't pass up this series.
$32.95
ISBN: 9781605373560
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Clavis - November 15th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
"I Give You My Heart" is a lovely picture book for adults and children alike. Very much a meditative book on nature, the creation of life, and our part in it. This is a lovely story of a young boy who is given a special gift that will change him forever.
The laser-cut details are a perfect component to the wonderful illustrations.
$16.99
ISBN: 9781449486792
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Published: Andrews McMeel Publishing - October 3rd, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
Oh, the range of emotion in this collection. I felt instantly connected with these poems, much as I was with "Milk & Honey". I found myself sending pictures of poems as I read them to my mother. Knowing, just knowing she would feel what I was feeling. So many beautiful little gatherings of words.
$19.99
ISBN: 9780399167898
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Published: Philomel Books - November 14th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
Once again Oliver Jeffers bring us a book to love. In a similar vein as "A Child of Books" where we are introduced to the beauty of books," Here We Are" introduces us to the world. Jeffers subtly gives us his great sense of humor accompanied by simple, but useful explanations of our world. The illustrations are wonderful, full of fun details. If you are not already a fan, this could be your chance to become one.
$16.00
ISBN: 9781555977672
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Published: Graywolf Press - March 7th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
I cannot claim to KNOW poetry, but there is writing in Whereas by Layli Long Soldier that speaks to me.
- "still I say baby soft like a poet two even syllables as.in. bo.dy. or I.was." Left, Two
- “And let the body swing.
From the platform.
Out
to the grasses.” 38
I do not have the language to elaborate why, but I recommend this collection of poetry.
$17.99
ISBN: 9781481438254
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books - October 24th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
Jason Reynolds is fast becoming a favorite of mine. His books never fail to satisfy, entertain, or get me thinking.
How long is an elevator ride? 30 seconds? Short enough to maintain your need for revenge, misguided by anger and hurt? Long enough for your ghosts to convince you otherwise? Or not?
In Long Way Down we may not get a clear cut answer. What we do get is a chance to witness, to glimpse a young man's struggle to follow the
RULES as he has been taught, the rules of his world, his neighborhood.NO CRYING
NO SNITCHING
GET REVENGE
$17.99
ISBN: 9780316508889
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Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - October 31st, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Title: Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan CrowComments:Morrigan Crow was born with a curse, but who cares about the details. This book was really good. I Enjoyed it thoroughly. Everyone I talked to that read this book has said the same thing. It is as good as Harry Potter, but totally different.
I really think this is the start of a fantastic new series.
HAVE FUN!!
$18.99
ISBN: 9780545930802
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Published: Scholastic Press - October 10th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Title: All the Crooked SaintsComments:
Once again Maggie Stiefvater has entranced me with her words.
Have you discovered her yet? If not let this be your first Stiefvater book.
There is just something about the way she writes that screams "I love doing this", I just get a sense Maggie really enjoys the craft. Also, she writes magic into every sentence.
$17.95
ISBN: 9781622039371
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Sounds True - November 1st, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Title: Breathe and BeComments:This book is filled with beautiful illustrations. Each one showing us how the be. Be with the world around us, enjoying the tiny details we find. With each breath we become more in tuned to our environment. Also, this will be a lovely read a nap or bedtime. Whether you are looking for a quiet moment or reminding yourself & your little one to take in and be with their surroundings, this book is a great reminder.
$18.99
ISBN: 9780803741492
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Kathy Dawson Books - September 19th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Title: Jane, UnlimitedComments:
Kristin Cashore is a pretty awesome writer. Her first three books were great; I love them. As soon as I wrapped my brain around what she was doing with Jane Unlimited I realized this was a great book also.
What are you into?
Doctor Who pajamas?
Mystery/thrillers?
Outer Space?
Magical paintings?
Haunted Libraries?
Espionage?
Cool umbrellas?
The Multiverse?
Think choose your own adventure only you don't even have to choose.
This was an awesome adventure to go on.
$18.95
ISBN: 9781910277263
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: words & pictures - September 5th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Title: It Starts with a SeedComments:
This book does a great job explaining how a seed grows into a tree. It will be a great book to read aloud to a class or an individual.
Plus my favorite part;
really lovely illustrations.
Enjoy!
$17.99
ISBN: 9780525429180
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Dial Books - September 5th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Title: Sarabella's Thinking CapComments:
My first thoughts are what lovely pictures. I could just sit here flipping back and forth examining them over and over.
But this story about Sarabella and her tendency to daydream is just as lovely. The story explores the difficulty of turning off the daydream button and turning on the school button. And for Sarabella, maybe finding a little bit of balance between the two.
$25.99
ISBN: 9780062362599
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Published: Harper - June 13th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Title: Hunger: A Memoir of (My) BodyComments:
This was an incredible book to read. Roxane Gay has written a memoir that is as direct as it gets. Straight up. It reaches out and grabs at you in so many ways. Roxane's honesty is sad, a little disturbing, & beautiful. Though not my story I felt it in my bones. We don't get excuses, or justification, or an apology for the condition of her body- we are given a reason. A horrible event that had a tremendous effect on a young woman.I admire Roxane for writing this memoir, her lack of apologyis admirable. It is bold. Roxane Gay is my hero.
$16.00
ISBN: 9780802127372
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Published: Grove Press - November 14th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Title: Difficult WomenComments:
Difficult Women is a collection of beautifully written stories about the pain and anger hidden deep down inside screaming for release. Some of them are shocking, maybe even ugly. But they are very real. Completely & brutally honest. They are stripped bare & they are brave.
"a collection of stories of rare force and beauty, of hardscrabble lives, passionate loves, and quirky and vexed human connection."
Roxane Gay's writing is phenomenal. The diverse cast of women in these stories come from places of privilege, poverty, and everything in between. They cover topics of violence, love, hate, sex, guilt, trauma, loss, motherhood, race, relationships, and abuse. Each story/woman is distinctly her own person and at the same time universally all of us.
As dark as this collection is, it is also full of strength, endurance, love, and even hope.
$27.99
ISBN: 9780765377654
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Published: Tor Books - April 25th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Title: Within the Sanctuary of Wings: A Memoir by Lady TrentComments:
A fitting conclusion to the memoirs of Lady Trent. Isabella takes us on one last adventure where she faces the perils of nature & politics, only to come across her greatest discovery. This final chapter was as pleasurable as the previous books.
$16.99
ISBN: 9780062385680
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Published: HarperCollins - March 7th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Title: Forever, or a Long, Long TimeComments:
Forever, or a Long Long Time is about two adopted children, who have lived in foster care most of their lives that have to learn to be part of a family, to be with people. To get to that point they go searching into the past to discover what they don't remember. Where they come from, who has loved them and how they were found by their adoptive mother.This story is heart-wrenchingly beautiful and precious. It's about trauma, family, childhood, love. Follow Flora and Julian on a journey to find trust and accept their forever home.
$16.00
ISBN: 9781101885956
Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 Days
Published: Del Rey - June 27th, 2017
Bookseller: Julia
Title: The Bear and the NightingaleComments:
"This book is so authentically written, so beautifully crafted that reading it made me feel at home at once."
I cannot say enough how much I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Bear and the Nightingale; I haven't loved a book this much in a while.
Recommended for fans of: Uprooted by Naomi Novik, Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, and Neil Gaiman.
This is a breathtaking story set in medieval Russia, somewhere in between the northern wilds and the kingdom's capital in a small village caught between the old and new religions. It charts the life of Vasya from birth, who was born with a wildness about her, as she navigates the shifting dynamics in her village.
This tale will envelope you in its history and magic. This debut novel wonderfully blends fairytale and historical Russia.
$16.00
ISBN: 9780804172448
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Published: Vintage - June 2nd, 2015
Bookseller: Julia
Comments:
Ev hits it right on the mark. She has captured everything I can't with her review.
Ev:
In a moment of eerie, unsettling coincidence, I began reading this novel just a day or two before the news broke of the first U.S. Ebola case. Post-apocalyptic fiction generally doesn't appeal to me, but I took a chance on Station Eleven, based on some great reviews and Ann Pratchett's enthusiastic blurb... and spent the next few days lost in a near-future world of terror and beauty, where ordinary life has become exceptional and the extraordinary, commonplace. A wondrous, unforgettable read.
$11.99
ISBN: 9781620142769
Availability: Backordered
Published: Tu Books - August 15th, 2016
Bookseller: Julia
