Great Books For Adults and Kids: Patch Picks

In honor of national Read Across America Day, I wanted to offer you a few great suggestions for must-read books. Who better to offer their picks then our always well-read local librarians:

• 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life by John Kralik These uncertain times often leave us looking for answers in our personal and professional lives. This memoir details how the author discovered all he had to be grateful for by the simple act of writing thank you notes. - Lou Carlile, Head of Technical Services,
• Everywhere the Cow Says "Moo!" by Ellen Slusky Weinstein Did you know that in French, a Rooster says, “Ko-ko-ree-ko,” and that in Japanese, a dog says “Wan-wan wan-wan,” yet the cow always says “Moo”? This is a fun picture book that can be enjoyed by all ages that highlights the ways different languages express animal noises. - Nora Durbin, Head of Youth Services, Palos Heights
• Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See  It is such an interesting story, told through the eyes of eighty year old, Lily. The story takes place in 19th century rural China.  In reading this book, I also learned a great deal about the customs and culture of China. Much is written on the subject of foot binding, which I found fascinating. The story is sometimes sad, sometimes heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking. The characters are very well-developed. The story is fast-moving, I had a difficult time putting it down, and really hated to see it end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction. - Mary L. Johnson, Head of Public Services, Palos Heights
• Fatal Error by J.A. Jance - My favorite book is almost always the last one I read which in ths case is Fatal Error by J.A. Jance (who is a favorite mystery author of mine). Ali Reynolds returns to become involved in solving a cyber crime when her friend becomes the prime suspect.  The clue that solves the murder is clever. Jance once again takes a modern day issue and turns it into a thriller.
• Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand It is a powerful story of a man who began his life as a juvenile deliquent, became an Olympic athlete, and whose desire to live gets tested as an Army Air Corps bombadier. It is one of those books you just can't put down - Jeannine Kacmar, Librarian,