A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Recommended by: Ms. Pollak
This book is simply amazing. It is long, but totally worth it when you get to the end. You'll laugh, you'll cry... trust me.
Note: This was one of the most popular recommendations, chosen also by Ms. Balaschak, Ms. Hackmeyer, Mr. Hansen and Ms. Ganatra.
Audience: This is a dark comedy with heavy, mature themes. Recommended for 15+
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Recommended by: Ms. Hackmeyer
It's a sweet novel about second chances, a love of literature and quirky characters.
Such a Fun Age
by Kiley Reid
Recommended by: Ms. Batastini
It's a very thought-provoking book where characters felt like more outlandish versions of people I know. It definitely makes you reflect on our society, history, economy and the relationships that form as a result.
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
Recommended by: Ms. Pollak
This is a more recent book, but I simply couldn't put it down! With allusions to The Odyssey, Huck Finn and other well-known stories, this beautifully-written novel is exciting, sad and extremely poignant. It's long, but trust me, it's worth every minute.
Last Call at the Nightingale by Katharine Schellman
Recommended by: Ms. Dessipris
NYC. 1924. Captivating Jazz Age. This novel features an underground dance hall where music and secrets flow by night. This magical world is juxtaposed by reality when the protagonist must make ends meet as a seamstress by day.
The Go-Giver: A Little Story about a Powerful Business Idea
By Bob Burg, John David Mann
Recommended by: Mr. Pavliv
This is a short read that packs the power of a million pages. Every day, I remind myself of the five tips from the book. Here's the first one: Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.
Revolutionary Road
by Richard Yates
Recommended by: Ms. Ramos
I love this book because it is so nuanced. I think the commentary on conformity is very relatable. I also enjoyed it because everything doesn't end up working out in the end. While the reader has closure, it's not a clean closure -- which is also relatable.
Warning: For mature readers (references to sexual encounters, use of profanity, and adult situations).
Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other by Sherry Turkle
Recommended by: Ms. Drozdowski
I had read this before the pandemic, thinking about how we are becoming more attached to our devices. The pandemic made us more reliant on technology, which keeps us connected, but we need to be wary of how we make connections. Turkle discusses the psychological effects of teens and college students being so connected via devices. Her writing is so elegant and the information is timely for today.
In the Garden of the Beasts
by Erik Larson
Recommended by: Ms. Kontos
This nonfiction selection is the story of the American ambassador to Germany from 1933-1937 detailing the rise of Hitler and antisemitism from the eyes of the people at the time who had no idea how it would ultimately turn out. Despite its length, the book is a captivating read with a plethora of primary sources that gives readers a detailed look at this critical, but often overlooked, time period leading up to WWII.
Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose
Recommended by: Ms. Ramos
It is a surprisingly brief play but has lot of depth. It makes you think about implicit bias and the role that it plays in our legal system. The conversations between the characters are thought-provoking and lead the reader to debate the ideals of what is right or the best for society.
Dune by Frank Herbert
Recommended by: Mr. Panebianco
One of the best science fiction works of all time. It intertwines philosophy, religion, politics and ecology in the backdrop of a universe thousands of years in the future.
Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler
Recommended by: Ms. Burk
I loved the special friendship between 89-year-old Isabelle and her thirty-year-old hairdresser, Dorrie. Isabelle asks Dorrie to take her on a road trip from Texas to Cincinnati for a mysterious funeral. The story and their two personal histories are told in both of their voices. It is a novel of forbidden relationships, tragic consequences and wonderful friendship.
(Similar to The Help and Driving Miss Daisy.)
Mrs. Rochester's Ghost by Lindsay Marcott
Recommended by: Dr. Mendez
Twists and turns. Pretty unpredictable!
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Recommended by: Ms. Paterno
Beautifully written, heart-wrenching coming-of-age mystery of a young girl who finds comfort and solace in nature while navigating a world that seems to be against her.
Have You Seen Luis Velez? by Catherine Ryan Hyde
Recommended by: Ms. Paterno & Ms. Dobbs
Ms. Paterno: It is a heartwarming story of hope, kindness, understanding and acceptance between two strangers who eventually build a wonderful, unlikely friendship.
Ms. Dobbs: A beautiful story of the accidental friendship between a teen boy and his elderly blind neighbor. A true feel-good book.
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult
Recommended by: Ms. Schmitt
It was an eye-opening story that provides a different perspective. Jodi Picoult is my favorite author so I love all of her books. I especially love when she writes about a topic that I am not familiar with so that I can learn while I read!
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
Recommended by: Ms. Schmitt
I never enjoyed history class (sorry) so I do not typically read historical fiction. However, this novel taught me all about the Holocaust through a fictional character based on real life stories.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Recommended by: Ms. Ganatra
Ove, a cantankerous old Swede, wants to be left in peace, but his pesky neighbors keep getting in the way. A heartwarming tale that I found hilarious and moving. Highlighting the need for connection in a modern world, this novel typifies how important it is to make sure we check in on each other.
Warning: This book contains some instances that may trigger readers, including suicide attempts.
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (Pevear and Volokhonsky translation)
Recommended by: Mr. Cannici
The devil himself comes to Stalinist Russia to prove the existence of Jesus and toy with the absurdity of the lives and minds of people indoctrinated into the baroque bureaucracy of Communist society. Plus there's an anthropomorphic cat who plays chess, drinks vodka and carries a pistol, so... what are you waiting for?
Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
Recommended by: Ms. Ganatra
"Humorous is the only way to tell a sad story."
What a gut-wrenching and brilliant book! LOVE!
The Storyteller's Secret by Sejal Badani
Recommended by: Ms. Hamer
I fell in love with the main character, Jaya. She took me on her journey determined to learn about her family's past. I could not put this book down until I learned the mysteries of her family. The story is heartwarming and beautifully written.
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Recommended by: Mr. Hsieh
The Hobbit doesn't really need any introduction, but it is a solid fantasy story with an adventure.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Recommended by: Ms. Zieser
Witty, well-written biography that should be read over and over again to provide perspective on what truly matters in life.
The Overstory by Richard Powers
Recommended by: Mr. Hansen
I'm a big believer in being in the right time and place when you read. My favorite books, The Overstory included, met me at just the right time to maximize impact. The Overstory is epic, if not in narrative scale than in page count, which has always piqued my interests. I love being able to be fully immersed in a different world. Powers uses the scale of the narrative, along with the brilliant intertwining of his characters to provide readers with a whole new way of looking at the natural world around us. This novel is best read in the summertime, outside in nature, probably with a good amount of time set aside.
The Martian by Andy Weir
Recommended by: Mr. George & Ms. Riggi
The book is exciting, allows the reader to problem solve along with the main character, and, while being science fiction, it is rooted very strongly in real science -- so you're also learning science in a fun way!
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
by J.K. Rowling
Recommended by: Mr. George
Generally thought of as a "children's book series", the Harry Potter series inspired a late love of reading for me. The series started out as "cute", but by this, the 3rd book in the series, it gets darker, while still maintaining a fun, humorous pace. It introduces great characters and thought-provoking storylines. The series hit me at a point in my life years ago when I wasn't much of a reader anymore, and showed me reading is fun, if you're picking books you enjoy! I think this is by far the best book in the series, and is where the series started being as enjoyable for adults as for kids!
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Recommended by: Ms. Matar
I am a big Margaret Atwood fan. I've read The Handsmaid's Tale several times and could not wait for the sequel.
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Recommended by: Mr. Sicoli
The writing... the storytelling... the music & magic.
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace
by Jeff Hobbs
Recommended by: Ms. Matar
This is a quick nonfiction read that highlights how even the smartest of people can make negative life-changing choices.
The Lord of the Rings
by J. R. R. Tolkien
Recommended by: Ms. Aumack
Tolkien's writing is gorgeous. Many complex adventures within one grand quest. Opposing themes, good vs evil, fate vs. free will, hope and despair, death and immortality, the overwhelming danger of power. Re-read it over and over again and each time you will find and connect with something different.
Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
by Doris Kearns
Recommended by: Mr. Majewski
There is no better companion when you are entertaining the thought of being a leader. Putting together a team of individuals suited to brining about a positive end is essential in any field and Lincoln's decisions ring true across any age and challenge.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Recommended by: Ms. Balaschak
You can't beat Charles Dickens for characterization and satire. Though a few of the characters in this book are a bit cartoonish, the ending of the book is so beautiful and profound. And it has one of the best opening sentences of any book! "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Recommended by: Ms. Zalewski
It's a funny, witty and uplifting read about human connections and friendships. Eleanor is a rather unconventional heroine. I loved viewing the world through her eyes.
The River of Doubt by Candice Millard
Recommended by: Mr. Ianni
Candace Millard's writing reads more as a novel than it does as a historical book. It also tells this amazing story of Theodore Roosevelt that I have never known about--- his assistance in navigating an uncharted river within South America.
I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes
Recommended by: Ms. D'Andrea
I truly could not put this book (thriller/suspense/spy fiction) down. It was a story of the faceless people whose heroic actions remain a secret in the interests of national security and the corrupt evil regimes they are fighting against.
The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
Recommended by: Ms. D'Andrea
This is another novel (historical fiction) that pulled me in. We are talking about girl power here!! The spies are sneaky and show ingenuity.
The Lords of Discipline
by Pat Conroy
Recommended by: Ms. Nardiello
This book is a coming-of-age story with a little bit of everything-- brotherhood and betrayal, secrets and scandal. It made me laugh and cry. It's a long, but excellent read!
The Last Goodnight: A World War II Story of Espionage, Adventure and Betrayal by Howard Bloom
Recommended by: Ms. Gallo
A great read about an American debutante who turned spy for the Allies during WWII. Her classified tasks helped the war efforts, yet it was her personal life that suffered for her passion for adventure and inability to be satisfied with what she accomplished.
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Recommended by: Ms. Savio
This is historical fiction. I enjoyed learning about another time and place I didn't know much about (Pack Horse Librarians in Kentucky during the Great Depression). I liked the strong female characters and the meaningful friendships that develop. I also liked the way the story valued books, community activism and taking a stand for something you believe in.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Recommended by: Ms. Savio
I found this book (adventure/family drama/coming of age) a page-turner as I was always eager to see what would happen next and the writing just flowed easily taking me on this exciting and sometimes scary journey. I also liked learning about what daily life is like in the wilds of Alaska, since that is an adventure I am not personally going to ever experience. I thought there were lots of interesting characters in the story and I felt like I really knew them by the end of the book.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
Recommended by: Ms. Price & Ms. Zepp
Sra. Price: It's 500 pages and I wish it were a thousand. The characters, the writing, the storyline.... everything about it is both beautiful and profound.
Sra. Zepp: I love this work of magical realism.
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
Recommended by: Ms. Abrahamsen
The setting and the main character make this mystery a gripping read. The novel is set in England in the 1950s with a strong female protagonist, an 11 year old future chemist enthusiast.
A History of the World in 6 Glasses
by Tom Standage
Recommended by: Mr. Lawlor
This nonfiction selection offers a fun look at how world history was influenced by the production, trade, and consumption of six popular beverages. Cheers!
Orphan Train
by Christina Baker Kline
Recommended by: Nurse O'Connor
This historical fiction novel is about a 12-year-old girl in the foster care system who bonds with a wealthy elderly woman. It's a fast-paced read about an unlikely friendship.
Jurassic Park
by Michael Crichton
Recommended by: Ms. Riggi
I grew up loving the movie and finally got around to reading the book about two years ago. I honestly don't know why I never thought to read it but it came highly recommended and from the very beginning I was hooked. It's a little gruesome at times, but if you can stomach death by dinos, this is the book for you. It's slightly different from the movie version but if you liked the movie, you'll love the book!
Opening Day by Jonathan Eig
Recommended by: Mr. Troyano
This nonfiction selection is about Jackie Robinson's first year in the MLB. The book kept me curious as I read each chapter to learn what would happen next. The racial and verbal abuse Robinson endured, along with the pressure to succeed really showcased his resilience and concentration for the task at hand. It is wonderful to read about this great man and how much he contributed to his team's success.
They Call Me Coach by John Wooden with Jack Tobin
Recommended by: Mr. Troyano
For the college basketball fan, this book discusses the drastic change in this sport over the decades, especially when you compare the 20th century with 21st century college basketball. This nonfiction selection offers insight on learning the fundamentals on how to play the game in a team concept. It features coaching perspectives from the 1940s through the mid '70s.
Rome 1960 by David Maraniss
Recommended by: Mr. Troyano
I have a general interest in The Olympic Games. This book reveals the friendships developed during training & competition. Plus, it's a look back on the Olympic Games in the 20th Century-- how they were conducted and presented, in contrast to our current Summer Olympic Games. The simplicity of some of these sports at that time certainly shows a lack the of technology that we are used to today.
