Juliane Recommends "It Sucked And Then I Cried"

Based on the title, I didn't know if I'd like this book or if I felt it was written for me. As a relatively new mother, I'm drawn to nonfiction memoirs from other mothers, but this one also tackles the heavy topic of post-partum depression and how the author struggled with major mental breakdowns. Even though I personally had a relatively easy pregnancy and post-partum recovery, I am so happy I read this book. The author's writing style is charming, self-effacing, and markedly real. She unabashedly discusses everything ranging from the sin of feeding your infant Pop Tarts to reconnecting with her dog after bringing home baby. She struggles with a fussy baby in ways that new mothers will easily relate to. One of my favorite passages is, "…I did consider parenthood a job. It was the most difficult job I ever had, a job where my boss had to approve my bathroom breaks, a job that required me to wipe my boss's ass. And not only was I really good at it, but I was also stupid enough to love it." Mothers and fathers alike will enjoy this book and will come to understand why the author, Heather Armstrong, was recently featured in the Forbes list of "The Most Influential Women In Media" for 2009. Her website and daily blog, dooce.com is as equally enjoyable as her book.

Jamie recommends "Suspense and Sensibility"

As a fan of Jane Austen looking for an Austen-related book to read before this year’s One Book, One Community program, focusing on the works of Jane Austen, when I stumbled upon this book. Author Carrie Bebris has written a set of mysteries that cast Mr. Darcy and Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, favorites from Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, as newlyweds thrown into a mystery. This novel is the second installment of the series. My curiosity was piqued to see if Bebris would in fact take the characters from Pride and Prejudice and have them mingle with my favorite characters from Sense and Sensibility. She didn’t disappoint. Having Elinor and Marianne Dashwood come face-to-face and interact with the former Miss Elizabeth Bennet was interesting to read. This novel takes Jane Austen, mixes it with elements of the supernatural and is a fun read for anyone who wants the stories of Jane Austen expanded in the most unexpected ways.

Marilena recommends "Mirrors: Stories of Almost Everyone"

Eduardo H. Galeano, noted Uruguayan author, runs through 5000 years of history taking snapshots of moments in time from a slightly different angle than one might find in a history textbook, if at all. Easy to read, some funny, some sad, always ironic, the vignettes are half page each. Only the title suggests their purpose to be mirrors to who we are today.

Suitable for an adult audience or young adults with strong knowledge of world history.

Lisa recommends "Kidzapalooza"

Kidzapalooza is the family-friendly portion of the Lollapalooza festival that takes place in Chicago and Los Angeles. The lineup highlights the best of the best kids’ music performers. This compilation includes favorites, such as The Jimmies, Ralph Covert, and Lunch Money. It is a great addition to any family music collection that will have all ages rockin’ out.

Recommended for kids, but parents will enjoy it too!

Matt recommends "The Origins of the Urban Crisis: Race and Inequality in Postwar Detroit"

This book is thirteen years old, but remains an invaluable resource for students of metro-Detroit’s history. Thomas Sugrue traces in careful detail some of the various, complex social factors that led to the decline of Detroit and the rise of the suburbs. He pays particular attention to the devastating effects of discriminatory housing and employment practices, both official and grassroots, as well as deindustrialization and racial violence. The book is academic, but moves at a brisk pace and held my interest throughout. Readers will come away with a more nuanced understanding of a complicated, troubling time in recent history whose effects continue to shape our lives.

Jennifer recommends "Graceling"

In another land where people with different colored eyes a "graced" with a special talent, two of the most feared and respected come together and set out to save their world from corrupt kings. Readers will find themselves cheering for Katsa and Po to succeed. I have not read a book this excellent in a long time. I had a hard time putting this book down, not only because Katsa and Po are intriguing characters, but because the plot keeps you turning the pages. I loved this book and think it would be great for older teens or adults that love a good adventure with romance, struggle, a need to find out about yourself and some fantasy thrown in for good measure.

Deb recommends "Flygirl"

Ida Mae Jones faces more than the normal challenges of early women aviators, the prejudices of the South and the military to realize her dream. It’s 1941 and she wants to help the war effort not by collecting scrap metal and growing a victory garden but by becoming a pilot in the Women Airforce Service Program (WASP). Her daddy taught her to fly in his crop-dusting plane and she has the desire and determination that make her a good candidate. But the biggest hurdle is a personal one: she must pass for white. And with her light skin she just might be able to. In Flygirl Sherri Smith has crafted an exciting story about a little known part of our history during World War II. An afterword gives a brief history of the WASP. An excellent read for ages 12 and up; adults will enjoy it as well.