This Month's Staff Picks
Eileen
Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
It's Christmas, and for the first time in years the entire Birch family will be under one roof. Even Emma and Andrew's elder daughter—who is usually off saving the world—will be joining them at Weyfield Hall. But Olivia, a doctor, is only coming home because she has to. She's just returned from treating an epidemic abroad and has been told she must stay in quarantine for a week...and so should her family. In close proximity, not much can stay hidden for long, and as revelations and long-held tensions come to light, nothing is more shocking than the unexpected guest who's about to arrive....
Platforms: book, Libby ebook and audio
Kelly
Rose's Baking Basics by Rose Levy Beranbaum
Let the baking begin! The book covers the basics of baking for sure but with a twist. Imagine a pie crust with cream cheese added or beer bread, say nothing of the wonderful cookie, cake, pie, tart and other bread recipes contained in this cookbook. The photos are wonderful and the instructions plainly written out. This is one for not only the seasoned baker but novices too. There are also great tips and tricks with accompanying photos for baking methods not usually seen in cookbooks. There are also recipes for toppings and fillings in a separate section. So put your apron on if you are an apron person as am I and crack this one open and get baking while we make the most of the colder NH months.
Platforms: book
Linda
Mark: A Call To Action
Imagine a world with complete accessibility.
These words exemplify the approach Mark Bookman had in regard to defining what it means to be disabled. Mark was disabled but he was not defined by his disability.
This documentary is an introduction to Mark, his way of thinking and the strategies he used to unite people and effect change. Mark’s approach to problem solving was inclusive. Perhaps most of all he can be described as the consummate listener.
Although Mark passed shortly after filming was completed, his legacy will endure. This 85 minute documentary is educational and well worth watching. As Mark says, “We’re all getting older.”
Platforms: DVD
Rebecca
The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer
Jewish family, Christmas obsession, and a chronic illness have always kept Rachel Rubentein-Goldblatt from having the epic love story she has always longed for. While she has been a successful Christmas romance novelist for a while, her publisher now wants her to branch into a Hanukkah romance. In order for Rachel to meet her deadline she must enlist the help of her archenemy. In this rom-com holiday novel you see the inner workings of a love coming together. Loved the “invisible illness” representation in this novel.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
Platforms: book, Libby (audio)
Samantha
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (film)
The Two Towers (2002), directed by Peter Jackson, is the second installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and is just as fantastic as the first movie. Storylines are masterfully woven together to continue the epic journey, picking up right where The Fellowship of the Ring left off. Balancing character development, action, and worldbuilding, The Two Towers is an excellent continuation of the trilogy while remaining mostly faithful to Tolkien’s original vision.
Platforms: DVD
Past Staff Picks
Staff picks November 2024
Staff picks October 2024
Staff picks September 2024
Staff picks August 2024
Staff picks July 2024
Staff picks June 2024