WCLS

Nancy Pearl (former Seattle Public librarian who now can be heard on NPR) recently named seven books whose characters she felt had personality coming out of their ears - the kind of characters you feel like you know, fall in love with (or maybe have other strong emotions about), and miss when they are "gone."  Have you read any of the titles on her list?  As usual, the librarian extraordinaire has picked titles that are a little off everyone else's radar, giving some reading gems exposure they deserve.

Sometimes, a virtual trip to a remote and faraway location is the best we can manage; several books on Alaska read this fall really communicated a feel for the state's personality and people.  Peter Jenkins, a native of Connecticut, shares a feeling of discovery in Looking for Alaska, his account of 18 months spent exposing himself (and his family) to as many types of Alaskan people and situations as possible in his search for what defines this vast land.  Tide, Feather, Snow by Miranda Weiss honestly explores the ways in which transition to life in Alaska was difficult and also the valuable lessons she learned through the challenges presented by the land and the harsh climate.  If you've ever wondered what it would be like to grow up in the Alaskan bush, living in a sod house far from any civilization, try Seth Kantner's Shopping for Porcupine (which also includes his wonderful photos).  Other biographies I've enjoyed are Fifty Miles from Tomorrow by former Alaskan congressman William Hensley and Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs by Heather Lende.

The Seattle Times book review staff recently nominated their top reads of 2011, and published a "best of the year" list.  (Yes, another one.)  A few of the selected titles are pictured here, or see the whole list.  See other lists by Whatcom Adult Librarians for more reading ideas. 

This is a great time of year for readers who enjoy reading holiday-themed fiction -- tales that bask in the spirit of the season and rejoice in family, faith and second chances. Or, if you like your holiday fun on the edgier side, try a Christmas thriller instead. C.C. Benison's Twelve Drummers Drumming celebrates the best aspects of this time of year -- with a little bit of murder on the side! This first book in a new series stars Father Tom Christmas, the vicar in an idyllic English village. His job gets complicated, however, when the choir director's daughter is found dead. Suspense fans will get a kick out of this dark tale set in a picturesque village.  Click here for a list of other holiday-themed mysteries.