We’re pleased to announce the following are our February selections for the Featured Book of the Month program!
Adult Title
The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe
This is the inspiring true story of a son and his mother, who start a “book club” that brings them together as her life comes to a close. Over the course of two years, Will and Mary Anne Schwalbe carry on conversations that are both wide-ranging and deeply personal, prompted by an eclectic array of books and a shared passion for reading. The issues they discuss include questions of faith and courage as well as everyday topics such as expressing gratitude and learning to listen. Throughout, they are constantly reminded of the power of books to comfort us, astonish us, teach us, and tell us what we need to do with our lives and in the world. Reading isn’t the opposite of doing; it’s the opposite of dying.
The End of Your Life Book Club is this year’s On the Same Page selection.
Teen Title
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
“First in the Lunar Chronicles series, this futuristic twist on Cinderella
retains just enough of the original that readers will enjoy spotting the subtle
similarities. Cinder is a talented teenage mechanic and cyborg - part human,
part robot - who has been living in New Beijing with a demanding adoptive
mother and two stepsisters. Several events abruptly turn Cinder’s world
upside down: a chance meeting with the handsome Prince Kai; a plague
pandemic threatens her beloved sister Peony; Cinder learns she is immune
to the plague; and the evil Lunar Queen Levana arrives on Earth, scheming
to marry Kai. Cinder unfolds with the magic of a fairy tale and the breakneck
excitement of dystopian fiction.”
— Publishers Weekly
Children’s Title
Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
“In this skillfully constructed first novel, Buyea conveys the impact that an
inspiring new teacher has on his fifth-grade class through the alternating
voices of seven complex students, including class clown Peter, thoughtful
new student Jessica, relentlessly teased Danielle, and mean-girl Alexia. Mr.
Terupt’s unconventional teaching style proves capable of reaching even his
most difficult students as the year progresses; his gentle guidance leads
to some potent lessons about tolerance, self-advocacy, and responsibility.
However, some in the community disapprove of his lax disciplinary measures
and hands-on educational methods. When an accident during a snowball
fight lands Mr. Terupt in the hospital, readers—like students in the class—
are left to decide who, if anyone, is to blame.”
— Publishers Weekly
Look for displays of all our Featured Book of the Month titles at your local branch and the Main Library!