Posted on March 3, 2021 at 8:27 AM by Michael Lang
Books are my connection to the world and the people around me. I’ve always been a pretty introverted person, and it’s been through books that I’ve been drawn to meet people. Whether though their recommendation of a book or mine, books brought us together.
This eclectic group of books represent some of the moments I’ve made connections to others through books and the world of reading.
Annotation: Four English children find their way through a huge wardrobe in an old house to the mysterious land of Narnia, which is suffering under the spell of the White Witch. First title in "The Chronicles of Narnia." For grades 4-7 and older readers.
DB 48501 Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce
Annotation: Daine, thirteen, alone in the world except for her horse, is rescued by Onua Chamtong, horsemistress for Queen Thayet, when Onua realizes Daine has a gift for dealing with animals. Daine is then enlisted by Onua and the mage Numair to help save the queen's kingdom. Prequel to Wolf-Speaker (DB 48502). For grades 5-8.
DB 63213 Just listen by Sarah Dessen
Annotation: Perennial nice girl Annabel is ostracized after vicious Sophie catches Annabel with Sophie's boyfriend. Music-obsessed Owen befriends Annabel and encourages her to be true to herself. But Annabel's family problems prevent her from telling the truth until a crisis occurs. Some strong language. For senior high readers. 2006.
DB 62431 The book thief by Markus Zusak
Death narrates the tale of nine-year-old Liesel from 1939 to 1943 in Nazi Germany. Liesel copes with a foster family, air raids, her friend Rudy, and a hidden Jew, sustained by the books she steals. Some strong language. For senior high and older readers. 2006.
DB 81122 Moon called by Patricia Briggs
Annotation: Mechanic Mercy Thompson can shift shapes to a coyote thanks to her Native American heritage, but she is outmatched when she gets tangled in the business of the local werewolf pack. Alpha Adam Hauptman's daughter is kidnapped, and Mercy agrees to help get her back. Commercial audiobook. 2009.
DB 72629 A discovery of witches by Deborah E. Harkness
Annotation: After scholar and witch Diana Bishop requests an alchemical manuscript from the depths of Oxford's Bodleian Library, she finds the magical power within the leather cover disturbing and hastily sends it back. But the book's reemergence causes a chain reaction through the paranormal community. Descriptions of sex. Bestseller. 2011.
DB 87767 Killers of the Flower Moon: the Osage murders and the birth of the FBI by David Grann
Annotation: An examination of the 1920s murders of wealthy Osage Indian Nation members in Oklahoma. When the newly-formed FBI bungled the investigation, Director Hoover turned to ex-Texas Ranger Tom White, who put together an undercover team, including one of the only American Indian agents in the Bureau. Contains some strong language and some violence. Commercial audiobook. 2017.
My love of books developed early on life and continues today. It is part of what lead me to becoming a librarian. Librarianship has connected me to you, our patrons, through the books I recommend, and, more important to me, those I receive. Working at Kansas Talking Books has deepened my connection to books and to other people. Let’s keep connecting through books and enjoy our reading journeys.
-- Maggie Witte, Outreach Librarian / Lead Readers' Advisor