Staff Picks

At From My Shelf, you can count on the simple fact that everyone who works here LOVES books. We read books. This is not just a job; it's our passion. Here, on this page, each of us will recommend a book to you, suggesting a new book every month. Check in frequently to see what we're reading lately, and why.

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Here are some recommendations from what we've been enjoying most lately:

Kevin:      Forgotten Tales of Pennsylvania, by Thomas White
  
Kevin says: "Historian Thomas White has spent countless hours pouring over books about the big events in Pennsylvania history, and along the way has stumbled across those little tidbits of history that get ignored in school. His book, Forgotten Tales of Pennsylvania, covers the strange stuff--those bizarre anecdotes, legends, and forgotten stories that I like the best.  Most of the tales are short, to the point, and fun to read. If you enjoyed Flatlanders and Ridgerunners by Jim Glimm or The Monsters of Pennsylvania by Patty Wilson, or if you just enjoy quirky stories, then pick up a copy of Forgotten Tales of Pennsylvania"

Kasey:     Scat, by Carl Hiaasen

  Kasey says: "Carl Hiaasen is always a trip! As much as I've 'LMAO' at his  mysteries & thrillers for the older crowd, I love his slightly gentler but still essential Hiaasen smart-aleck touch in young adult eco-adventures. 'Scat' feels especially contemporary, and relevant to our area, since the main character's dad is a National Guardsman sent to Iraq, and the local ecological threat comes from companies drilling for natural gas and oil. This may take place in Florida, but it has resounding echoes that hit home for me."

Jen:     Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine

   Jen says, "The Morganville Vampire series has it all -- action, adventure, romance and tons of vampires! 'Kiss of Death' is the latest installment in this series chronicling the stories of a number of individuals living in Morganville, this town where the vampires rule."

Donna:      The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert

Donna says, "Way before Gilbert became famous for Eat, Pray, Love, she was earning her reputation as a writer with excellent nonfiction prose like this finalist for the National Book Award. It's a cool examination of masculinity in American and a personal look at what most might consider a true "outsider" in terms of traditional masculinity. It's also just a good read, by a fine writer, about a fascinating character."

Hobo:   The Devious Book for Cats, by Fluffy and Bonkers.

  Hobo says, "Anita and Joe, who are Fluffy and Bonkers' humans, (who helped the dogs write 'The Dangerous Book for Dogs', and who also wrote the 'New Vampire's Handbook: A Guide for the Recently Turned Creature of the Night', and who write for 'The Onion',) recently stopped by our bookstore to visit! I already thought this book was w-aaaa-yyy cool, but now that I have an autographed copy, that's even better! Joe & Anita bought a copy of my book, saying that cat authors have to support each other!" 

William:

Cat on the Edge, by Shirley Rousseau Murphy

"I can't believe more people in this area don't know about this series! I love the Joe Grey mysteries -- they're a really great combination of fantasy, mystery, and good 'cat' fiction. I grew up on the 'Warriors' series by Erin Hunter, and my mom suggested I try these for something different and more 'grown-up' to read. I highly recommend trying this one, which is the first in the series."

Rachel:   our lovely high school summer intern!

Rachel says, "In The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins weaves together many elements to create an amazing story. The story of Katniss, a 16 year-old girl living in a post-apocalyptic society, is filled with love, drama, betrayal, and the will to survive. Katniss is sent into the games in her sister’s place. She has to use her knowledge of the wild to survive and rebel against the Capital. People who enjoy many types of books will like the way the way The Hunger Games blends them all together. There are two more books in the trilogy, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. Mockingjay is set to be released in late August."