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A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
If you enjoy sweeping historical novels then you may want to dig into A Long Petal of the Sea (2020), one of the most recent books by the prolific Chilean-American author Isabel Allende. And if you especially appreciate books that shed light on dramatic past events less likely to be on our reading radar than, say, World War II, A Long Petal of the Sea just might be calling your name.
Meet our Readers' Advisory Team: Veronica
Join us each month as we interview a Readers' Advisor at WPL so you can get to know the team a little better! This month we are featuring Adult Services Librarian, Veronica. Continue below to find out Veronica’s favorite series, her tip for incorporating reading into your busy day, and more.
How long have you worked in libraries?
Almost 7 years
What is your favorite genre, series, or book?
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett probably needs no introduction. I have always loved how she fills her books with such relatable characters and a delightful sense of place and Tom Lake (2023) is no exception. This novel is told in the voice of Lara, a wife and mother to three daughters, all living back at home on their Michigan cherry farm to wait out the pandemic.
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng
Everyone in this historical fiction novel seems to have a secret. The expats living in Malaysia in the early 1900s live a life reminiscent of The Great Gatsby; parties, illicit love affairs, murder and an added touch of revolution. When the author, W.
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Organizational psychologist Adam Grant (Think Again, 2021 and Originals, 2016) returns with a readable, engaging work on potential, success, and talent.
Convert Your Memories
Have some old family videos you’ve been meaning to get transferred to DVD? Our Tech Center has a new VHS & DVD converter and 8mm converter available for in-house use! Reservations are recommended to secure your time slot, but walk-ins are also welcome. No library card required.
Meet our Readers' Advisory Team: Catherine
Join us each month as we interview a Readers' Advisor at WPL so you can get to know the team a little better! This month we are featuring Readers Services Coordinator, Catherine. Continue below to see what book she can’t stop raving about, tips for branching into new genres, and more.
How long have you worked in libraries?
5 ½ years – 2 ½ years here at Wheaton Public Library where I enjoy working in readers’ advisory and choosing and delivering books for our homebound patrons.
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
I just finished Happiness Falls (2023) by Angie Kim. The plot centers around a boy who has Angelman Syndrome, which is the same genetic disorder my daughter has. That level of representation was not something I ever expected to see in a mainstream fiction book.
The Feather Thief by Kirk Wallace Johnson
The Feather Thief (2018) is a fascinating combination of true crime and natural history which reads like a novel. Its author, Kirk Wallace Johnson, was on a fishing trip when his guide told him an anecdote about an unusual heist: the 2009 theft of hundreds of dead birds from a British natural history museum.
A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss
Get yourself a cup of coffee, a pastry, and get cozy while reading A Season for Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss. For fans of romance who like a cozy setting and delicious descriptions of food and drink, this book has all that and then some.
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
Looking for a sweet, cozy story? Check out this heartwarming novel from perennial bestseller Mary Kay Andrews. In Bright Lights, Big Christmas (2023), Kerry Tolliver is between jobs and helping out her family’s business by living in a tiny trailer selling Christmas trees in New York City.
Dear Edward by Ann Napolitano
How would a twelve-year old boy survive losing his entire family of origin, mother, father, and older brother, in plane crash? How would he cope with being the only survivor of the crash, which took, in addition to his family, nearly two hundred passengers and crew? How could anyone survive this?