Winter Staff Picks

Alicia’s Pick: Mr. Dickens & His Carol by Samantha Silva

“A novel that reimagines the story behind Charles Dickens’ Christmas classic.” – From the publisher.

Biju’s Pick: Where the Lost Wander by Amy Harmon

“In this epic and haunting love story set on the Oregon Trail, a family and their unlikely protector find their way through peril, uncertainty, and loss.” – From the publisher.

Dana’s Pick: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

“A gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history.” – From the publisher.

Marilyn’s Pick: Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

“It is 1985 in a small Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man faces into his busiest season. Early one morning, while delivering an order to the local convent, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past and the complicit silences of a town controlled by the church.” – From the publisher.

Cara’s Pick: Pizza Girl by Jean Kyoung Frazier

“In the tradition of audacious and wryly funny novels like The Idiot and Convenience Store Woman comes the wildly original coming-of-age story of a pregnant pizza delivery girl who becomes obsessed with one of her customers.” – From the publisher.

Marjorie’s Pick: Colored Television by Danzy Senna

“A brilliant take on love and ambition, failure and reinvention, and the racial-identity-industrial complex from the bestselling author of Caucasia.” – From the publisher.

Sarah’s Pick: Do You Remember Being Born? by Sean Michaels

“Scotiabank Giller Prize-winner Sean Michaels’ luminous new novel takes readers on a lyrical joy ride—seven, epic days in Silicon Valley with a tall, formidable poet (inspired by the real-life Marianne Moore) and her unusual new collaborator, a digital mind just one month old. It’s both a love letter to and an aching examination of art-making, family, identity and belonging.” – From the publisher.

Cara’s Pick: A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber

“A solo holiday trip inspires one woman to rediscover her passion—and remember that, sometimes, duets are more fun—in this romantic Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.” – From the publisher.

Cara’s Pick: The Inmate by Freida McFadden

“There are three rules Brooke Sullivan must follow as a new nurse practitioner at a men’s maximum-security: 1) Treat all prisoners with respect. 2) Never reveal any personal information. 3) Never EVER become too friendly with the inmates. But none of the staff at the prison knows Brooke has already broken the rules. Nobody knows about her intimate connection to Shane Nelson, one of the penitentiary’s most notorious and dangerous inmates.” – From the publisher.

Cara’s Pick: We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

“Get Out meets Parasite in this eerily haunting debut and Reddit hit—soon to be a Netflix original movie starring Blake Lively—about two homeowners whose lives are turned upside down when the house’s previous residents unexpectedly visit.” – From the publisher.

Debbie’s Pick: Tom Clancy Weapons Grade (A Jack Ryan Jr. Novel) by Don Bentley

“The aftermath of a shocking crime sends Jack Ryan Jr down a path that leads to international destruction in the latest entry in this #1 New York Times bestselling series.” – From the publisher.

Debbie’s Pick: Walk the Wire (Amos Decker #6) by David Baldacci

“Amos Decker — the FBI consultant with a perfect memory — returns to solve a gruesome murder in a booming North Dakota oil town in the newest thriller in David Baldacci’s #1 New York Times bestselling Memory Man series.” – From the publisher.

Debbie’s Pick: The Ghost Orchid (Alex Delaware #39) by Jonathon Kellerman

“Psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis confront a baffling, vicious double homicide that leads them to long-buried secrets worth killing for in the riveting thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling “’aster of suspense’ (Los Angeles Times).” – From the publisher.

Ellis’s Pick: Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots

Ellis’s Review: I love a good corruption arc/villain era book. I had a blast watching Anna uncover the real damage being done by superheroes and decide that it was time to do something about it. I loved her dynamic with her villainous boss as well as her coworkers. I enjoyed the ending quite a bit and can’t wait for a sequel to come out.

Ellis’s Pick: The Lost World of the Dinosaurs: Uncovering the Secrets of the Prehistoric Age by Armin Schmitt

Ellis’s Review: Who doesn’t love a good dinosaur book? This is a fun book about different dinosaurs that have been discovered from how they were first found to the conversations happening in modern paleontology about these creatures. The language used is fairly accessible (though I will admit, I had to search up a couple of technical terms here and there) and the author describes things well. I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in the dinosaurs and the climate they were shaped by–and how knowledge of that world can inform our understanding of our own climate as well.

Jackie’s Pick: Positive Discipline for Preschoolers: For Their Early Years – Raising Children Who Are Responsible, Respectful, and Resourceful by Jane Nelsen

“Discipline for Preschoolers will teach you how to use kind but firm support to raise a child who is responsible, respectful, and resourceful.” – From the publisher.

Marilyn’s Pick: Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

“In her long-awaited memoir, Ina Garten—aka the Barefoot Contessa, author of thirteen bestselling cookbooks, beloved Food Network personality, Instagram sensation, and cultural icon—shares her personal story with readers hungry for a seat at her table.” – From the publisher.

Marilyn’s Pick: Finding Freedom: A Cook’s Story; Remaking a Life from Scratch by Erin French

“From Erin French, owner and chef of the critically acclaimed The Lost Kitchen, a TIME world dining destination, a life-affirming memoir about survival, renewal, and finding a community to lift her up.” – From the publisher.

Marilyn’s Pick: Left on Tenth: A Second Chance at Life by Delia Ephron

“The bestselling, beloved writer of romantic comedies like You’ve Got Mail tells her own late-in-life love story, complete with a tragic second act and joyous resolution.” – From the publisher.

Marilyn’s Pick: Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe

“Patrick Radden Keefe writes an intricate narrative about a notorious killing in Northern Ireland and its devastating repercussions.” – From the publisher. *Recently turned into a drama on Hulu!*

Marjorie’s Pick: All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

“Delve into the magical, unforgettable world of James Herriot, the world’s most beloved veterinarian, and his menagerie of heartwarming, funny, and tragic animal patients.” – From the publisher.

Marjorie’s Pick: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

“Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou’s debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide.” – From the publisher.

Weilee’s Pick: A Man of Two Faces: A Memoir, a History, a Memorial by Viet Thanh Nguyen

“With insight, humor, formal invention, and lyricism, in A Man of Two Faces Viet Thanh Nguyen rewinds the film of his own life. He expands the genre of personal memoir by acknowledging larger stories of refugeehood, colonization, and ideas about Vietnam and America, writing with his trademark sardonic wit and incisive analysis, as well as a deep emotional openness about his life as a father and a son.” – From the publisher.

Weilee’s Pick: She-Wolves: The Untold History of Women on Wall Street by Paulina Bren

“The propulsive story of the women who sought, and gained, a piece of the action on Wall Street.” – From the publisher.

Cara’s Pick: Polar Vortex: A Family Memoir by Denise Dorrance

“For fans of Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?, a poignant, stirring graphic memoir–both heartbreaking and darkly funny–that perfectly captures the grief, nostalgia, and chaos of traveling home to care for an elderly parent in crisis.” – From the publisher.

Ellis’s Pick: Where? by Jordan Collins

Ellis’s Review: This book’s beautiful illustrations and minimal text pack a powerful punch as it asks us to examine the racism and othering that can come from asking “Where are you from?” The main character wanders through clouds of stardust and walks below mountains as he talks about all the places he’s from and the millions of years that have led to him being here. It’s a wonderful read and I can’t recommend it enough.

Jackie’s Pick: Dream Snow by Eric Carle

“It’s December 24th, and the old farmer settles down for a winter’s nap, wondering how Christmas can come when there is no snow! In his dream he imagines a snowstorm covering him and his animals–named One, Two, Three, Four and Five–in a snowy blanket. But when the farmer awakens, he finds that it has really snowed outside, and now he remembers something! Putting on his red suit, he goes outside and places gifts under the tree for his animals, bringing holiday cheer to all.” – From the publisher.

Jackie’s Pick: Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride (Mercy Watson #2) by Kate DiCamillo

“Mr. and Mrs. Watson’s porcine wonder, Mercy, loves nothing more than a ride in the car. It takes a fair amount of nudging and bribing and a “You are such a good sport, darling” to get the portly pig out of the driver’s seat, but once the convertible is on the road, Mercy loves the feel of the wind tickling her ears and the sun on her snout. One day the Watsons’ motoring ritual takes an unexpected turn, however, when their elderly neighbor Baby Lincoln pops up in the backseat in hopes of some “folly and adventure” — and in the chaos that ensues, an exuberant Mercy ends up behind the wheel!” – From the publisher.

Jackie’s Pick: The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

“A reckless young mouse named Ralph makes friends with a boy in room 215 of the Mountain View Inn and discovers the joys of motorcycling.” – From the publisher.

Margo’s Pick: Acorn Was a Little Wild by Jen Arena, Jessica Gibson (Illustrator)

“Jory John’s Bad Seed series meets After the Fall by Dan Santat in this charming picture book about a young acorn’s grand adventure and the incredible transformation that follows.” – From the publisher.

Margo’s Pick: The Most Boring Book Ever by Brandon Sanderson, Kazu Kibuishi (Illustrator)

“In this humorous epic adventure, a boy is, on the one hand, having an ordinary day. He does his math homework and his chores and takes a nap…all while a surprising adventure unfolds around him involving pirates, dragons, and other unexpected perils.” – From the publisher.

Margo’s Pick: You’ve Got This! by Lindsay Bonilla, Keisha Morris (illustrator)

“This joyful, rhyming picture book helps kids tackle scary moments with a mantra to inspire confidence.” – From the publisher.

Cara’s Pick: Late Night With the Devil (2023), Rated R

“Johnny Carson rival Jack Delroy hosts a syndicated talk show ‘Night Owls’ that has long been a trusted companion to insomniacs around the country. However, ratings for the show have plummeted since the tragic death of Jack’s beloved wife. Desperate to turn his fortunes around, on October 31st, 1977, Jack plans a Halloween special like no other- unaware he is about to unleash evil into the living rooms of America.” – From the studio.

Marjorie’s Pick: The Great Debaters (2007), Rated PG-13

“A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school’s first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.” – From the studio.

Marjorie’s Pick: Hidden Figures (2016), Rated PG-13

“Three female African-American mathematicians play a pivotal role in astronaut John Glenn’s launch into orbit. Meanwhile, they also have to deal with racial and gender discrimination at work.” – From the studio.

Marjorie’s Pick: Invictus (2009), Rated PG-13

“Nelson Mandela, in his first term as President of South Africa, initiates a unique venture to unite the Apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.” – From the studio.

Marjorie’s Pick: My Cousin Vinny (1992), Rated PG-13

“Two New Yorkers accused of murder in rural Alabama while on their way back to college call in the help of one of their cousins, a loudmouth lawyer with no trial experience.” – From the studio.

Erika’s Pick: Only Murders in the Building (2021-2024), Rated TV-MA

“Three strangers – who live in the same New York City apartment building and share an obsession with true crime – suddenly find themselves embroiled in a murder.” – From the studio.

Marilyn’s Pick: The Muppet Movie (1979), Rated G

“Kermit and his newfound friends trek across America to find success in Hollywood, but a frog legs merchant is after Kermit.” – From the studio.

Marjorie’s Pick: How to Train Your Dragon (2010), Rated PG

“A hapless young Viking who aspires to hunt dragons becomes the unlikely friend of a young dragon himself, and learns there may be more to the creatures than he assumed.” – From the studio.

Marjorie’s Pick: The Incredibles (2004), Rated PG

“While trying to lead a quiet suburban life, a family of undercover superheroes are forced into action to save the world.” – From the studio.

For more book recommendations, try Novelist. NoveList is an electronic resource that provides book recommendations based on appeal factors, curated lists, and read-alikes for titles you enjoy. Find the “Recommended Reads Lists” located on the left side of the home page, or find read-alikes of books you’ve read and enjoyed by entering the title in the search box.