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General Recommendations

BostonPL_BPL Staff Picks: April 2020

By:

BostonPL_ReadersAdvisory

Boston Public Library

Staff-created list

Every month staff from the Boston Public Library recommend their favorite books, from adult fiction and nonfiction to graphic novels, children’s picture books, and everything in between. We hope this list inspires you to keep reading, especially in our current climate where everyone needs to stay home as much as possible. These are all available as eBooks and eAudiobooks you can access from home. Place a hold or check one out today and enjoy a good book! #BPLStaffPicks

By:

BostonPL_ReadersAdvisory

Boston Public Library

19 items

19 items

Nature's Temples

Nature's Temples

The Complex World of Old-Growth Forests

by Maloof, Joan

eBook - 2016

Nonfiction. Ecologist and forest advocate Maloof offers a detailed but accessible account of the intricate relationships that make old-growth forests such...Show more Nonfiction. Ecologist and forest advocate Maloof offers a detailed but accessible account of the intricate relationships that make old-growth forests such rich preserves of biodiversity and forges of evolutionary change. While covering the obvious (trees) and the familiar (birds), Maloof also gives attention to frequently overlooked beings like molluscs, liverworts, and lichens, revealing the rich variety of life in a truly thriving forest. This is a wonderful escape into scales of time and realms of life that utterly transcend those of humanity. -ChrisG. Show less

Nonfiction. Ecologist and forest advocate Maloof offers a detailed but accessible account of the intricate relationships that make old-growth forests such...Show more Nonfiction. Ecologist and forest advocate Maloof offers a detailed but accessible account of the intricate relationships that make old-growth forests such rich preserves of biodiversity and forges of evolutionary change. While covering the obvious (trees) and the familiar (birds), Maloof also gives attention to frequently overlooked beings like molluscs, liverworts, and lichens, revealing the rich variety of life in a truly thriving forest. This is a wonderful escape into scales of time and realms of life that utterly transcend those of humanity. -ChrisG. Show less

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The Eyes of the Dragon

The Eyes of the Dragon

by King, Stephen

eBook - 1987

Fantasy. A kingdom is in turmoil as the old King Roland dies and its worthy successor, Prince Peter, must do battle to claim what is rightfully his. Here is epic fantasy as only Stephen King could envision it. An awesome read! - Denise D. Fantasy. A kingdom is in turmoil as the old King Roland dies and its worthy successor, Prince Peter, must do battle to claim what is rightfully his. Here is epic fantasy as only Stephen King could envision it. An awesome read! - Denise D. Show less

Fantasy. A kingdom is in turmoil as the old King Roland dies and its worthy successor, Prince Peter, must do battle to claim what is rightfully his. Here is epic fantasy as only Stephen King could envision it. An awesome read! - Denise D. Fantasy. A kingdom is in turmoil as the old King Roland dies and its worthy successor, Prince Peter, must do battle to claim what is rightfully his. Here is epic fantasy as only Stephen King could envision it. An awesome read! - Denise D. Show less

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Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief

Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief

by Lusk, Julie

eBook - 2015

Nonfiction. Yoga Nidra is a practice based on a lucid, sleep-like state of relaxation-focuses specifically on alleviating both the mental and physical man...Show more Nonfiction. Yoga Nidra is a practice based on a lucid, sleep-like state of relaxation-focuses specifically on alleviating both the mental and physical manifestations of stress, so you can live a better life. The book includes a variety of rich meditations to practice if you're stuck in the house. -Anonymous Show less

Nonfiction. Yoga Nidra is a practice based on a lucid, sleep-like state of relaxation-focuses specifically on alleviating both the mental and physical man...Show more Nonfiction. Yoga Nidra is a practice based on a lucid, sleep-like state of relaxation-focuses specifically on alleviating both the mental and physical manifestations of stress, so you can live a better life. The book includes a variety of rich meditations to practice if you're stuck in the house. -Anonymous Show less

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The Husband's Secret

The Husband's Secret

by Moriarty, Liane

eBook - 2013

Fiction. Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—so...Show more Fiction. Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive. Romantic and suspenseful. - EileenS. Show less

Fiction. Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—so...Show more Fiction. Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret—something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive. Romantic and suspenseful. - EileenS. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 5 on 15 Volumes

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Apeirogon

Apeirogon

A Novel

by McCann, Colum

eBook - 2020

Fiction. In Apeirogon, McCann highlights the real stories of Bassam and Rami, two fathers who appear to have nothing in common but the fact that they've b...Show more Fiction. In Apeirogon, McCann highlights the real stories of Bassam and Rami, two fathers who appear to have nothing in common but the fact that they've both tragically lost their daughters. Through their stories, McCann spins a tale, one that crosses centuries and continents, stitching together time, art, history, nature, and politics in a tale both heartbreaking and hopeful. Fans of McCann's other work (like me) will not be disappointed! -Liz B. Show less

Fiction. In Apeirogon, McCann highlights the real stories of Bassam and Rami, two fathers who appear to have nothing in common but the fact that they've b...Show more Fiction. In Apeirogon, McCann highlights the real stories of Bassam and Rami, two fathers who appear to have nothing in common but the fact that they've both tragically lost their daughters. Through their stories, McCann spins a tale, one that crosses centuries and continents, stitching together time, art, history, nature, and politics in a tale both heartbreaking and hopeful. Fans of McCann's other work (like me) will not be disappointed! -Liz B. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 4 on 2 Volumes

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The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks

by Lockhart, E.

eBook - 2009

Teen Fiction. Frankie Landau-Banks has returned to Alabaster Prep for her sophomore year. She's ready for another year of classes, of debate practice, and...Show more Teen Fiction. Frankie Landau-Banks has returned to Alabaster Prep for her sophomore year. She's ready for another year of classes, of debate practice, and seeing her mostly mild-mannered friends. She doesn't expect to gain a popular boyfriend, become covertly embroiled with his secret (all-male) society, and begin to topple the patriarchy. This realistic young adult novel with a sharp, insightful voice, a complicated heroine, a dash of bittersweet romance, sly social commentary, campus pranks... the works! I think this novel is brilliant: a must-read! - JessicaM Show less

Teen Fiction. Frankie Landau-Banks has returned to Alabaster Prep for her sophomore year. She's ready for another year of classes, of debate practice, and...Show more Teen Fiction. Frankie Landau-Banks has returned to Alabaster Prep for her sophomore year. She's ready for another year of classes, of debate practice, and seeing her mostly mild-mannered friends. She doesn't expect to gain a popular boyfriend, become covertly embroiled with his secret (all-male) society, and begin to topple the patriarchy. This realistic young adult novel with a sharp, insightful voice, a complicated heroine, a dash of bittersweet romance, sly social commentary, campus pranks... the works! I think this novel is brilliant: a must-read! - JessicaM Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 1 on 1 Volume

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Sleep Smarter

Sleep Smarter

21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to A Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success

by Stevenson, Shawn

eBook - 2016

Self-Help. This book is fascinating and super helpful when It comes to sleep. Stevenson explains the effects of sleep deprivation on our health, noting th...Show more Self-Help. This book is fascinating and super helpful when It comes to sleep. Stevenson explains the effects of sleep deprivation on our health, noting that deprivation can happen even when it doesn't seem like you're losing much sleep. It all adds up! Did you know it even affects diabetes? What's even better, he gives a lot of advice on how to get the best sleep, from what you eat to when you work out, and how much sunlight you take in every day. I learned a lot about sleep and health in general just from reading this book. I highly recommend it. -JordanD. Show less

Self-Help. This book is fascinating and super helpful when It comes to sleep. Stevenson explains the effects of sleep deprivation on our health, noting th...Show more Self-Help. This book is fascinating and super helpful when It comes to sleep. Stevenson explains the effects of sleep deprivation on our health, noting that deprivation can happen even when it doesn't seem like you're losing much sleep. It all adds up! Did you know it even affects diabetes? What's even better, he gives a lot of advice on how to get the best sleep, from what you eat to when you work out, and how much sunlight you take in every day. I learned a lot about sleep and health in general just from reading this book. I highly recommend it. -JordanD. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 1 on 2 Volumes

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Girl, Woman, Other

Girl, Woman, Other

by Evaristo, Bernardine

eBook - 2019

Fiction. Uplifting page-turner on the lives of women in contemporary Britain, each chapter switches voice among the 12 characters set in modern Britain. T...Show more Fiction. Uplifting page-turner on the lives of women in contemporary Britain, each chapter switches voice among the 12 characters set in modern Britain. The lyrical writing explores Afro-diasporic histories, colonialism, identities, and feminism in the most intimate way that I have read in a long time. Bernardine Evaristo became the first black woman to win the Booker Prize for Fiction with this novel. Run, do not walk, to this book! Kathleen C. Show less

Fiction. Uplifting page-turner on the lives of women in contemporary Britain, each chapter switches voice among the 12 characters set in modern Britain. T...Show more Fiction. Uplifting page-turner on the lives of women in contemporary Britain, each chapter switches voice among the 12 characters set in modern Britain. The lyrical writing explores Afro-diasporic histories, colonialism, identities, and feminism in the most intimate way that I have read in a long time. Bernardine Evaristo became the first black woman to win the Booker Prize for Fiction with this novel. Run, do not walk, to this book! Kathleen C. Show less

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Love and Rockets Library Vol. 1: Maggie the Mechanic

Love and Rockets Library Vol. 1: Maggie the Mechanic

by Hernandez, Jaime

Downloadable Graphic Novel - 2007

Graphic Novel. Maggie the Mechanic: a Love and Rockets Book collects all the genre bending and blending stories from the original run of Los Bros Hernande...Show more Graphic Novel. Maggie the Mechanic: a Love and Rockets Book collects all the genre bending and blending stories from the original run of Los Bros Hernandez groundbreaking Love and Rockets comics. Follow Maggie and friends on their crazy punk rock sci-fi romance wrestling adventures, all rendered in Jaime’s beautifully crisp black-and-white artwork. -Maty C. Show less

Graphic Novel. Maggie the Mechanic: a Love and Rockets Book collects all the genre bending and blending stories from the original run of Los Bros Hernande...Show more Graphic Novel. Maggie the Mechanic: a Love and Rockets Book collects all the genre bending and blending stories from the original run of Los Bros Hernandez groundbreaking Love and Rockets comics. Follow Maggie and friends on their crazy punk rock sci-fi romance wrestling adventures, all rendered in Jaime’s beautifully crisp black-and-white artwork. -Maty C. Show less

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Six Memos for the Next Millennium

Six Memos for the Next Millennium

by Calvino, Italo

eBook - 2016

Nonfiction. A series of lectures Italo Calvino would have given at Harvard University had he not died in 1985. He completed five "memos" on &quo...Show more Nonfiction. A series of lectures Italo Calvino would have given at Harvard University had he not died in 1985. He completed five "memos" on "lightness," "quickness," "exactitude," "visibility," and "multiplicity." I love these lectures for their poetic illumination of Calvino's visionary, liberating aesthetic sensibilities. -Meia G. Show less

Nonfiction. A series of lectures Italo Calvino would have given at Harvard University had he not died in 1985. He completed five "memos" on &quo...Show more Nonfiction. A series of lectures Italo Calvino would have given at Harvard University had he not died in 1985. He completed five "memos" on "lightness," "quickness," "exactitude," "visibility," and "multiplicity." I love these lectures for their poetic illumination of Calvino's visionary, liberating aesthetic sensibilities. -Meia G. Show less

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Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors

Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors

The Rajes Series, Book 1

by Dev, Sonali

eBook - 2019

Fiction. Not only is this modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice about a large, boisterous, and (royal) Indian family a fast and uplifting read, the freq...Show more Fiction. Not only is this modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice about a large, boisterous, and (royal) Indian family a fast and uplifting read, the frequent descriptions of the incredible food created by the main love interest/chef/this retellings’ Darcy will have you breaking out a cookbook to re-create yourself. -Melissa Show less

Fiction. Not only is this modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice about a large, boisterous, and (royal) Indian family a fast and uplifting read, the freq...Show more Fiction. Not only is this modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice about a large, boisterous, and (royal) Indian family a fast and uplifting read, the frequent descriptions of the incredible food created by the main love interest/chef/this retellings’ Darcy will have you breaking out a cookbook to re-create yourself. -Melissa Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 17 on 3 Volumes

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Murder on the Orient Express [Movie Tie-in]

Murder on the Orient Express [Movie Tie-in]

A Hercule Poirot Mystery

by Christie, Agatha

Downloadable Audiobook - 2017

Mystery. A Christie classic: lots of suspects trapped on a train in the snow with a dead body and Hercule Poirot. You’ll have all the clues in the end, bu...Show more Mystery. A Christie classic: lots of suspects trapped on a train in the snow with a dead body and Hercule Poirot. You’ll have all the clues in the end, but will you be able to solve the mystery? Great fun whether you like to solve it yourself or have it all explained for you. Read by Kenneth Branagh, who directed the 2017 movie version. - Taf Show less

Mystery. A Christie classic: lots of suspects trapped on a train in the snow with a dead body and Hercule Poirot. You’ll have all the clues in the end, bu...Show more Mystery. A Christie classic: lots of suspects trapped on a train in the snow with a dead body and Hercule Poirot. You’ll have all the clues in the end, but will you be able to solve the mystery? Great fun whether you like to solve it yourself or have it all explained for you. Read by Kenneth Branagh, who directed the 2017 movie version. - Taf Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 0 on 2 Volumes

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The Seas

The Seas

by Hunt, Samantha

Unknown - 2019

Fiction. It follows a young woman who lives in a small coastal Maine town that is so far north that the only roads out of town lead south. Her life isn't...Show more Fiction. It follows a young woman who lives in a small coastal Maine town that is so far north that the only roads out of town lead south. Her life isn't much to write home about, and yet in her small life the language used to describe it make it strangely compelling. Is she really a mermaid? Will the object of her love ever return it? Even if I never get answers, I'm enjoying the journey immensely. -Rebecca H. Show less

Fiction. It follows a young woman who lives in a small coastal Maine town that is so far north that the only roads out of town lead south. Her life isn't...Show more Fiction. It follows a young woman who lives in a small coastal Maine town that is so far north that the only roads out of town lead south. Her life isn't much to write home about, and yet in her small life the language used to describe it make it strangely compelling. Is she really a mermaid? Will the object of her love ever return it? Even if I never get answers, I'm enjoying the journey immensely. -Rebecca H. Show less

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Seinfeldia

Seinfeldia

How a Show About Nothing Changed Everything

by Armstrong, Jennifer Keishin

eBook - 2016

Nonfiction. Transport yourself back to the simpler times of the 1990s with this hilarious history of the making of Seinfeld. Filled with backstories of y...Show more Nonfiction. Transport yourself back to the simpler times of the 1990s with this hilarious history of the making of Seinfeld. Filled with backstories of your favorite characters and episodes, such as The Soup Nazi, the Junior Mint, The Jacket, and Festivus, Seinfeldia shows how the tv show cemented its place as a permanent part of American culture. A must-read for any Seinfeld fan, it is a fun escape into a world where stakes are low and the biggest problem you have is getting the last loaf of marble rye from your local bakery. -Sarah M. Show less

Nonfiction. Transport yourself back to the simpler times of the 1990s with this hilarious history of the making of Seinfeld. Filled with backstories of y...Show more Nonfiction. Transport yourself back to the simpler times of the 1990s with this hilarious history of the making of Seinfeld. Filled with backstories of your favorite characters and episodes, such as The Soup Nazi, the Junior Mint, The Jacket, and Festivus, Seinfeldia shows how the tv show cemented its place as a permanent part of American culture. A must-read for any Seinfeld fan, it is a fun escape into a world where stakes are low and the biggest problem you have is getting the last loaf of marble rye from your local bakery. -Sarah M. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 1 on 1 Volume

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The Diva Rules

The Diva Rules

Ditch the Drama, Find Your Strength, and Sparkle Your Way to the Top

by Visage, Michelle

eBook - 2015

Self-Help. Michelle shares her rules and advice for living life to the fullest from her unique perspective and experience in the entertainment industry. ...Show more Self-Help. Michelle shares her rules and advice for living life to the fullest from her unique perspective and experience in the entertainment industry. With her no-nonsense style and super sassy voice Michelle's advice will help you find success no matter what hand you're dealt in life. -Shane J. Show less

Self-Help. Michelle shares her rules and advice for living life to the fullest from her unique perspective and experience in the entertainment industry. ...Show more Self-Help. Michelle shares her rules and advice for living life to the fullest from her unique perspective and experience in the entertainment industry. With her no-nonsense style and super sassy voice Michelle's advice will help you find success no matter what hand you're dealt in life. -Shane J. Show less

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Les Misérables

Les Misérables

by Hugo, Victor

Unknown - 2011

Fiction. The classic, epic tale of crime, justice, and revolution in early 19th century France remains a beautiful and affirming to this day. Woven around...Show more Fiction. The classic, epic tale of crime, justice, and revolution in early 19th century France remains a beautiful and affirming to this day. Woven around the central story of reformed convict Jean Valjean, Hugo takes many meandering paths to explore the lives of his characters with compassion and poetic eloquence. Moving at its own pace, this story will last you a long time and stick with you even longer. - Stephen Show less

Fiction. The classic, epic tale of crime, justice, and revolution in early 19th century France remains a beautiful and affirming to this day. Woven around...Show more Fiction. The classic, epic tale of crime, justice, and revolution in early 19th century France remains a beautiful and affirming to this day. Woven around the central story of reformed convict Jean Valjean, Hugo takes many meandering paths to explore the lives of his characters with compassion and poetic eloquence. Moving at its own pace, this story will last you a long time and stick with you even longer. - Stephen Show less

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Crown Duel

Crown Duel

by Smith, Sherwood

eBook - 1998

Fantasy. Fulfilling a deathbed promise to her father, Mel and her brother lead their people in a rebellion against the greedy tyrant king. When Mel falls ...Show more Fantasy. Fulfilling a deathbed promise to her father, Mel and her brother lead their people in a rebellion against the greedy tyrant king. When Mel falls into the clutches of an enemy commander, she finds herself embroiled in a web of danger and politics. Featuring a flawed but deeply sympathetic heroine, this fantasy brims with unique world-building, adventure, political intrigue, and romance. - Thea Show less

Fantasy. Fulfilling a deathbed promise to her father, Mel and her brother lead their people in a rebellion against the greedy tyrant king. When Mel falls ...Show more Fantasy. Fulfilling a deathbed promise to her father, Mel and her brother lead their people in a rebellion against the greedy tyrant king. When Mel falls into the clutches of an enemy commander, she finds herself embroiled in a web of danger and politics. Featuring a flawed but deeply sympathetic heroine, this fantasy brims with unique world-building, adventure, political intrigue, and romance. - Thea Show less

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Daughter of the Forest

Daughter of the Forest

Sevenwaters Series, Book 1

by Marillier, Juliet

eBook - 2010

Fantasy. A true fantasy classic in my opinion. I love Juliet Marillier's prose, and she has a tremendous gift for vivid historical settings. I was immedia...Show more Fantasy. A true fantasy classic in my opinion. I love Juliet Marillier's prose, and she has a tremendous gift for vivid historical settings. I was immediately deeply invested in Sorcha and her brothers. The story is based on the fairy tale The Wild Swans, so I knew how it would end before I started, but I was still frantically reading as I got toward the climax, trying to see how Sorcha would get out of this mess! - VeronicaKM. Show less

Fantasy. A true fantasy classic in my opinion. I love Juliet Marillier's prose, and she has a tremendous gift for vivid historical settings. I was immedia...Show more Fantasy. A true fantasy classic in my opinion. I love Juliet Marillier's prose, and she has a tremendous gift for vivid historical settings. I was immediately deeply invested in Sorcha and her brothers. The story is based on the fairy tale The Wild Swans, so I knew how it would end before I started, but I was still frantically reading as I got toward the climax, trying to see how Sorcha would get out of this mess! - VeronicaKM. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 3 on 1 Volume

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The Silent Patient

The Silent Patient

by Michaelides, Alex

eBook - 2019

Mystery. Six years ago, Alicia Berenson shot her husband five times and gave no explanation as to why. In fact, after murdering her beloved Gabriel, she n...Show more Mystery. Six years ago, Alicia Berenson shot her husband five times and gave no explanation as to why. In fact, after murdering her beloved Gabriel, she never speaks another word. She silently spends her days imprisoned in a psychiatric unit, where new psychotherapist Theo Faber is determined to help her. Just when I was positive that I solved the mystery, there was another twist that I never saw coming! -KirstenD. Show less

Mystery. Six years ago, Alicia Berenson shot her husband five times and gave no explanation as to why. In fact, after murdering her beloved Gabriel, she n...Show more Mystery. Six years ago, Alicia Berenson shot her husband five times and gave no explanation as to why. In fact, after murdering her beloved Gabriel, she never speaks another word. She silently spends her days imprisoned in a psychiatric unit, where new psychotherapist Theo Faber is determined to help her. Just when I was positive that I solved the mystery, there was another twist that I never saw coming! -KirstenD. Show less

Not Currently Available.Holds: 246 on 19 Volumes

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