Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 08/12/2009 - 9:49pm.
I like to read books that entertain me and that expand my perception of the world around me. I also enjoy practical books- reference books are like comfort food for me because I know that for the questions that have answers I can find them right at my fingertips. My favorite authors (in chronological order) are Roald Dahl, Madeleine L'Engle, W. Somerset Maugham and Haruki Murakami. These are authors who at some point in my life I've been obsessed with reading EVERYTHING that they have ever written.
ISBN-13: 9781400034208 Availability: On Our Shelves Now Published: Vintage, 09/01/2003
Let me first say that this is one of my all time favorite books. This story takes place mostly during the 20 or so years after WWI. Larry, having survived the war, is disenchanted with the decorum of his life in upper class Chicago. Wanting instead to experience life he leaves the woman he had loved for so long to find himself in Europe and beyond. This book has made me feel better about the unconventional decisions I have made in my life, and inspired me to make more. Emily H.
ISBN-13: 9780618194575 Availability: On Our Shelves Now Published: Clarion Books, 09/01/2006
As a 20-year-old aspiring photographer this book struck my fancy as something that speaks to the whimsy of one's imagination and the mystique that childhood is steeped in. Weisner's ability to draw us into his elaborate pictures never ceases to amaze me. Full of inspiring images that are sure to spark a wonderful dialogue between you and your child. Take the time to go through this one a few times. You'll notice something different every time. Emily H.
ISBN-13: 9781400043668 Availability: Special Order - Subject to Availability Published: Knopf, 01/01/2005
Though at first glance this book looks a bit daunting do not fear! The story of a boy trying to define himself in a world where he has been forgotten unfolds in an amazing way. Murakami creates a world with talking cats, spontaneous amnesia and murder all with a mystical tilt, a story that spans generations and affects everyone involved very deeply. At the end of every chapter I would say to myself "this story can't get any more complex, any more bizarre" and yet it continued to surprise me. If you are familiar with Murakami this one is most similar to Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, in style. Enjoy the adventure.
Emily H.
ISBN-13: 9780439813785 Availability: On Our Shelves Now Published: Scholastic Press, 03/01/2007
This book evokes cinematic techniques and includes drawings that act like story boards. Hugo is a 12-year-old orphan who lives in the walls of a train station in Paris. His deceased father had been a clock maker and had been fixing a mechanical man who he believed would write a message of some sort once he was fixed. Hugo dedicated himself to fixing this machine and had to steal little mechanical toys from the train toy shop every once and a while to find spare parts. One day he's caught and fears that all of his secrets will be discovered and dreams shattered. If you're a fan of classic cinema you'll enjoy the inclusion of Georges M
ISBN-13: 9781563055591 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Workman Publishing, 01/01/1995
Given to me my freshman year of college this book was one of the most valuable reference books on my shelf. Full of practical advice ranging from academic to health. How to study, Financial Aid, personal finance, nutrition and resume hints. What else could you want? Perfect for the one who just left home! Emily H
ISBN-13: 9780307265838 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Knopf, 05/01/2007
Murakami's back with yet another thrilling adventure; a complex plot riddled with interconnected characters, and spaces. Two sisters divided by dimensions. One sister trapped while the other wanders the streets late at night. Jazz band practice, Denny's, Love Hotel's and blood thirsty gangs. If you are not familiar with Murakami's work this is a nice short novel to jump in with. Emily H.
ISBN-13: 9780786839025 Availability: Usually Ships in 1-5 days Published: Hyperion, 04/01/2007
There were 2 things I loved about this story. One was that it's local, this is a story describing one of his feats- jumping off the Harvard Bridge; and two, the relationship between Houdini and his wife and how important to his work she was. In all my years I had never realized. This is perfect for a young one interested in local history and magic. Emily