Wauconda Area Library - Staff Picks

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barber, Alison Anderson

The first third of this book is difficult to get through, as it consists solely of the existential, somewhat hopeless philosophizing of the two main characters, each isolated from everyone around her. Stick with it. Once you get past the first third, you will be completely sucked in, and by the end of the story you'll understand why the first third was necessary. This is one of the best novels I've read in recent years.

Check the library catalog or go to Amazon.com to read more about the title.

Recommended by Lynn, Adult Services

The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them by Elif Batuman

It's hard to describe this book. It's sort of an intellectual travel memoir. If you like the author's personality and sense of humour, as I did, you'll enjoy it. If not, you probably won't.

Check the library catalog or go to Amazon.com to read more about the title.

Recommended by Lynn, Adult Services

After a Dead Dog: Dangerous Love, Dark Secrets, Sudden Death by Colin Murray

A wonderful first novel, set in present-day Kintyre (Scotland), which gives the story a unique tone. The protagonist is believable as a man trying to find his way out of events that are far bigger than himself and yet preoccupied with his own private concerns.

This item is available through inter-library loan.  Go to Amazon.com to read more about the title.

Recommended by Lynn, Adult Services

The Spirit Lens and The Soul Mirror, Novels of the Collegia Magica by Carol Berg

Novels of intrigue set in a medieval fantasy-type world have been done before, but these are fresh somehow. The characters are believable, and many of them are not exactly what they seem; the stories have substance without being overly taxing. I really enjoyed them and am looking forward to the third book, which comes out next year.

Check the library catalog or go to Amazon.com to read more about the titles.

Recommended by Lynn, Adult Services