Favorite Books We Read in 2018
Aaron Heil, Library Assistant
DB 90206: Why Comics? From Underground to Everywhere by Hillary L. Chute.
Description: Exploration of the art forms of comics and graphic novels--particularly those that are part of underground movements--through ten themes, including disaster, superheroes, sex, the suburbs, cities, punk, illness and disability, girls, war, and queer. Includes a discussion of fan culture. Some strong language and some explicit descriptions of sex. 2017.
Amanda Diggs, Production Manager
DB 28174: A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters.
Description: Detective Brother Cadfael, in charge of the herb gardens in the Benedictine monastery of Shrewsbury, has to deal with his superiors when they become obsessed with the notion of acquiring the bones of an obscure saint from a Welsh village.
Dylan Calhoon, Patron Services Manager
DB 59175: The Dark Tower: Dark Tower Series, Book 7 by Stephen King.
Description: Conclusion of the Dark Tower saga continuing from Song of Susannah (DB 58365). Jake Chambers and Pere Callahan encounter foes in the Dixie Pig Cafe. Roland Deschain ends his quest and is reunited with Susannah, Eddie, Jake, and Oy. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2004.
Eric Norris, State Librarian of Kansas
DB 70833: Earth Abides by George R. Stewart.
Description: A plague sweeps the globe, wiping out most of the human race. California intellectual loner Isherwood, who has immunity to the disease, and Em, a woman, survive. But can their descendants restore modern civilization? Some violence. International Fantasy Award. Commercial audiobook. 1949.
Mary Boller, NW Kansas Outreach Consultant
DB 86900: Caraval by Stephanice Garber.
Description: After their cruel father promises to give his daughter Scarlett away in an arranged marriage, Scarlett's beloved sister, Tella, spirits her away to finally see the mysterious show Caraval. But then Tella is kidnapped by the show's organizer. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2017.
Maggie Witte, Lead Readers’ Advisor/Outreach Librarian
Maggie couldn't pick a favorite because she read so many great book this year, but she was able to narrow it down to two.
DB 77099: Crazy Rich Asians, Rich Series Book 1 by Kevin Kwan.
Nicholas Young brings his girlfriend Rachel Chu home to Singapore to meet his wealthy family. But Rachel finds herself unable to cope with his rich and spiteful relatives--especially his mother. Strong language and some descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2013.
DB 67526: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows.
London, 1946. Writer Juliet Ashton corresponds with Dawsey Adams and other members of a literary society created as a front during the Nazi occupation of the British channel island Guernsey. Through letters, Juliet learns about their wartime experiences. Intrigued, Juliet sails to Guernsey, where she finds new inspiration. Bestseller. 2008.
Michael Lang, Kansas Talking Books Director
DB 91456 Bad blood: secrets and lies in a Silicon Valley startup by John Carreyrou.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist recounts his investigation into Silicon Valley startup company Theranos, which claimed its new machine would speed up and simplify blood testing. Describes interviews with insiders, research into the technology, threats he received as he uncovered fraud after fraud, and Theranos's eventual collapse. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2018.