Barb's Pick: Unorthodox

Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots, by Deborah Feldman, is a compelling memoir that shares what female life is like within the Satmar sect of Hasidic Judaism. This book is an intriguing story of a young woman intent to live her own life despite her community's objections.

Barb’s Pick: Bad Reputation

Bad Reputation, by Matt Hader, is a fast-paced read following small-town outcast, John Caul, who at seventeen accidentally burnt down the high school gym the night before the new season. For twenty years, the townspeople shun him and call him Sparky, which makes John plan a lighthearted revenge…

Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well

Barb of Fiction/AV/Teen Services recommends Nearing Home:  Life, Faith and Finishing Well by Billy Graham:

In Billy Graham’s eloquent book, the renowned author speaks of specific areas to help us understand our roles as we age. By sharing his stories, we learn about building strong foundations and understanding the gifts of aging. He talks about facing life’s transitions, including the passing of years, retirement, when a loved one passes on and making wise decisions. This book is not just for those who are nearing the end of their lives. It is a handbook on how to prepare for your older years while you are still young. This is an easy-to-read book full of stories of Billy Graham’s life as he “nears home and finishes well.”

Barb's Pick: Tower of Power

If you like funky soul music try The Very Best of Tower of Power. Tower’s rhythm section lays down a groove like no other. Their horn-driven sound combined with superb lyrics and an outstanding lead vocalist leads to one of the most dynamic groups you’ll ever hear.

Barb's Pick: Rich Man, Poor Man

Watch the epic 1976 mini-series, Rich Man, Poor Man. The story follows the trials and tribulations of two brothers, ambitious Rudy and bad luck Tom, from WWII to the late 60’s. It is an entertaining, nostalgic movie that represents the beginning of the TV mini-series genre.

Barb's Pick: 127 Hours

If you want a tension driven movie, watch 127 Hours, based on Aaron Ralston’s book, Between a Rock and a Hard Place. Director Danny Boyle, of Slumdog Millionaire fame, puts you right there in the narrow canyon with your arm stuck by a huge bolder.

Sarah's Key

Barb of the Fiction/AV/Teen Department recommends Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay:

I highly recommend this compelling story of an American journalist, Julia Jamond, who is asked to write an article about the 1942 roundup of Jews by the French police in the Vel d’Hiv section of Paris. Julia becomes completely engaged in the story because her in-laws move into the apartment that ten-year-old Sarah lived in on the fateful night in 1942 when Sarah and family were forcefully taken from their home to be put in French camps and then to Auschwitz. You become absorbed in the story of young Sarah and her treasured key in 1942 and Julia and her family in 2002. Sarah’s Key is a book you cannot stop reading.

Barb's Pick: This Year I Will

Start the New Year off with a great, easy to read book, This Year I Will. This is the motivational book to read to help make those resolutions become permanent, rather than on and off. M.J. Ryan helps you lock onto your unique formula for renovating your life! 

Barb's Pick: My Cousin Rachel

In Daphne du Maurier's My Cousin Rachel, Philip Ashley falls for his mysterious cousin. Philip is in love with Rachel, but is she good or evil? Does Rachel really love Philip, or is she out to destroy him to get her hands on Philip’s fortune and the great Cornwall estate? 

Barb's Pick: Good Hair

Chris Rock’s Good Hair is a fantastic documentary focusing on African-American hair. It’s funny, witty and interesting. There are compelling facts about real hair, fake hair and the hair industry as a whole. Chris Rock does a great job of educating and entertaining us at the same time.