Uma recommends " The Duchess : Camilla Parker Bowles and the love affair that rocked the crown"

"The Duchess : Camilla Parker Bowles and the love affair that rocked the crown" by Penny Junor is a complete biography of Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.  Junor wonderfully narrates Camilla's personality, hobbies and determinations. She delves deep into the role Camilla ultimately played in the split of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, while revealing many hidden truths about Camilla and Charles' love affair. This gripping biography is a great read for anyone who is fascinated by the British Royal Family.​ Recommended for adults.

Kira recommends 'Spyro: Reignited Trilogy'

Some of us remember when the first Spyro game, aptly titled 'Spyro the Dragon' was released for the PlayStation (as in the PlayStation 1) back in the late 90's. It was quickly followed by two more Playstation platformers, 'Ripto's Rage' and 'Year of the Dragon'. After that, a whole slew of Spyro games, from Gameboy to Gamecube games were released, to the more recent 'The Legend of Spyro' trilogy and the Skylanders game with its collectable figures. The most recent addition to the Spyro collection is the Spyro: Reignited Trilogy, which is a remastered collection of the original 3 Spyro games for the PlayStation 4 and XBox One. For those who have been fans since the first game debuted on the original PlayStation, for those who came somewhere in the middle, for those who only know Spyro from Skylanders, or even those who have never played a Spyro game but want to play something new and fun, the Spyro: Reignited Trilogy is a treat for gamers of all ages. It's a fun platformer that's fairly easy to pick up, even if you've never played Spyro before. Upon opening the game, you have the choice to play Spyro the Dragon, Spyro: Ripto's Rage, or Spyro: Year of the Dragon. You can play them in any order, and it is not necessary to complete the last game(s) in order to continue. However, if you are the type of person who needs to 100% (or 120%) every game you play and collect every trophy, then be warned-  this game has been called 'the Dark Souls of Spyro games', as certain achievements can be trying.  The remaster offers updated graphics and voices, smooth animation, and an incredible game experience.

Natalie recommends "Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: and Other Lessons in Life

This book was a very good read about Michaal Caine's life and his lead up to to this point in his life.  I also enjoyed the little words of advice in each chapter.  This is and adult autobiography and is available in regular and large print.

Kate recommends "Houseplants for a Healthy Home"

If you enjoy houseplants, but you’re not sure how to select and care for them, check out Houseplants for a Healthy Home. This short, accessible book has all the information you need to start a collection of beautiful plants that may provide health benefits. Some plants are thought to remove airborne toxins common in household cleaning products, while the leaves and flowers of others may have additional positive effects on one’s wellbeing.

The fifty plants included in the book range from succulents to orchids. They are all easy to grow and none require specialized equipment. The brief introduction explains the materials needed to grow plants, including fertilizers that will help to ensure success. It also contains ten simple guidelines that pertain to all houseplants. Listings for the individual plants include basic information about the plant’s appearance, size, possible health benefits, as well as growing instructions. Lovely illustrations of each plant provide even more incentive to start your indoor gardening project!

Uma recommends "How Luck Happens"

“How Luck Happens” by Janice Kaplan and Barnaby Marsh reveals the idea that random incidents that happen in our lives are not by mere luck, but rather that there is a bit of science behind them. The book uncovers a captivating subject in a reachable and an enjoyable style. After reading this book, I was able to relate to circumstances in my own life that seemed like coincidences at the time; however, in hindsight became clear that a kind of systematic science drove those incidents.

Would you like to read and  find out how to use the science of luck to transform work, love and life?

Celia recommends "Sister BFFs"

If I were to write a graphic novel about my relationship with my sister, it would be surprisingly similar to Sister BFFs by Philippa Rice. The petty fights mixed with unconditional love are delightfully captured as the sisters navigate job interviews, dating, chores, social media, trial subscription boxes, and other struggles of underemployed twentysomethings still living at home. If you’re looking for a short, funny read and especially if you have a younger sister, this graphic novel is for you.

This title is particularly recommended for new adults.

Phil recommends "The Kelloggs: The battling brothers of Battle Creek"

Michigan history buffs will love this story of two extraordinary brothers - John Harvey Kellogg, health guru and founder of the Battle Creek Sanitarium and William Keith Kellogg, founder of the Battle Creek Toasted Corn Flake Company.  John Harvey’s sanitarium was legendary, with clients such as Mary Todd Lincoln, Amelia Earhart, Booker T. Washington, Dale Carnegie, Henry Ford, and John D. Rockefeller, Jr.  William Keith’s cereal company became a household name and influenced how Americans started their mornings.  The Kellogg brothers’ animosity toward each other was as epic as their accomplishments.

I particularly enjoyed this book because I was born and raised in Battle Creek and my grandpa used to work for Kellogg’s and the Sanitarium – he carried Eleanor Roosevelt’s luggage! 

This book is appropriate for adults.