Librarian Reading Recommendations
Author: Rachel Lawyer, Library Instruction Assistant | rachel.lawyer@usu.edu
For August’s reading list we asked library staff for their recommendations of books in our collection, and the following is a selection of those books. Check out more librarian book recommendations, or make your own recommendation, by visiting our book display in the lobby of the Merrill-Cazier Library throughout the month.
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Recommended by: Jenny Jensen, Government Information Special Projects Technician
“The perfect introduction to Brandon Sanderson's body of work and a spectacular fantasy novel about overcoming odds, toppling empires, and putting in the work to change the world for the better.”
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner
Recommended by: Savannah Rowbotham, OER Program Student Assistant
“Follow the stories of three women, Nella, an eighteenth-century mystery apothecary, Eliza, a young scullery maid and a friend of Nella, and Caroline, a present-day wannabe historian whose marriage is hanging by a thread. All share a secret and all desire revenge. If you like historical fiction, mystery, and stories about women who fight against injustice, this book is for you.”
The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature by Matt Ridley
Recommended by: Kelsey Winter, Stacks Manager
“I recommend this book to anyone curious about human nature. No need to be a biology student, the author does a wonderful job of explaining complex science! So, go ahead and pick up this book if you have ever asked yourself a question like: Why are our courtship rituals so confusing? Are we meant to be monogamous? Why do we even have different sexes? Why is it so difficult to get pregnant? Why are babies so helpless, while other creatures walk their first day? Where are we going as a species?”
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata
Recommended by: Sarah Berry, Digital Archivist
“This unique book is about a neurodivergent woman who works at a convenience store in Japan. The main theme is nonconformity and challenging society's definition of what is "normal." It was Sayaka Murata's first novel to be translated into English. If you like quirky fiction with dark humor, this book is for you!”
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede
Recommended by Kathie Anderson, Resource Sharing Assistant
“Shows a many different perspectives on what happened on 9/11. Told from the point of view of passengers on grounded flights, who had very little knowledge of what was happening for a while. It goes through the day and following weeks, of how the mostly American passengers, but many Europeans and others dealt with the situation. Along with the Canadian people who were trying to help.”
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Recommended by: Katie Luder, Outreach Librarian
“The perfect combination of gothic suspense like the classic Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier with the Mexican inspired horror of a Guillermo del Toro film, this book follows 1950's socialite Noemí from her life in Mexico City to the countryside to investigate her cousin Catalina's mysterious new husband. This book is genuinely scary, but also has a lot of information about Mexican history and culture, that I really enjoyed! Trigger warnings for body horror, violence, and sexual assault.”
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Recommended by: Dory Rosenberg
“An excellent gothic mystery with an ending that sticks with you.”
Locke & Key by Joe Hill
Recommended by: Branson Roskelley, Digitization Coordinator
“You might have seen the Netflix show based on these graphic novels. If you have, brace yourself for a bit of a deeper dive into a grittier tone than that found in the TV series.
This was the first graphic novel series that really captured my attention, and has become one of the standards by which I judge the medium. Between Gabriel Rodríguez's incredible artwork and Joe Hill's masterful storytelling, this series offers a thrilling and immersive experience that puts it in a league of its own in the world of graphic novels.
Trigger Warning: Substance abuse by a parent and violence.”
Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life by Steve Martin
Recommended by: Lara Petersen, Library Instruction Assistant
“You might know Steve Martin from Only Murders in the Building (or SNL or Three Amigos!). But did you know he is a true renaissance man who excels as a comedian, actor, musician, novelist, screenwriter, and playwright? He wrote this excellent memoir in 2007.”