We’ve raced into May, but hopefully you’ll have time to enjoy some reading this month. Our staff at Crawfordsville District Public Library have some great book recommendations that are all currently on display on our first floor through the end of the month.
Dennis says, “It’s the month of May, so why not take a look back at the winning cars and drivers of the greatest spectacle of racing,” as he recommends his staff pick: “The Winning Cars of the Indianapolis 500” by James Reinhardt (796.72 Rei). He also recommends another title by this author, “The Indianapolis 500” (796.72 Rei). Reinhardt “is a tour guide at the Speedway and gives a great rundown of happenings at the track while also focusing on its history and race day traditions!”
If you want a good mystery, we’ve got several suggestions. Brenda’s pick this month is a newly released title, “Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter?” by Nicci French (FIC French). Brenda says this one is “a thriller about two families shattered by tragedy and the secrets that have been waiting decades to be revealed. The story moved quickly and kept the secret of the killer until the end. Excellent crime drama! This is the first time I have read a novel by Nicci French — a husband and wife team of Sean French and Nicci Gerrard. Now I want to read more from this duo!”
Mary recommends a mystery that takes place in our Hoosier state: “Bones Under the Ice by Mary Ann Miller” (FIC Miller Jhonni v.1): “An Indiana sheriff works to solve her first murder case. The small town is full of suspicion and gossip. A feud between two families could be the motive!”
My own staff pick this month is the newest title by bestselling mystery author Riley Sager, “The Only One Left” (FIC Sag). It’s a great gothic thriller that moves between 1929 and 1983. A young woman is assigned as a caregiver for an elderly woman who was accused of Lizzie-Borden-type murder decades ago.
If you love horror, Dennis recommends “Holly” by Stephen King (FIC King): “The master of horror is at his best as he brings back one of his best characters, Holly Gibney. Here she gets involved in a tough, gruesome case involving a missing person, and runs into a pair of highly unlikely villains! This one is a page-turner, so enjoy the ride!”
Looking for a good historical fiction title? Mischelle’s pick this month is “We Were the Lucky Ones” by Georgia Hunter (FIC Hun), which is based on the true story of a family of Polish Jews during World War II. She says, “as sad and unsettling as this story is, it’s vital that stories like these are heard.”
What about a graphic novel? Susanna recommends “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel (GN 921 Bechdel, A): “The author illustrates memories of her father in this graphic novel. I love this book, and I just saw the fantastic musical adaptation!”
We’ve got some wonderful Young Adult recommendations as well. Ivette’s pick this month is “Clap When You Land” by Elizabeth Acevedo (YA FIC Acevedo). This bestselling novel-in-verse is about two young girls who live worlds apart and a family secret that may bring them together. Christie’s pick is the first of an extremely popular young adult fantasy series “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J Maas (YA FIC Maa): “An assassin gets a chance to win her freedom by becoming the king’s champion through a brutal competition, but ancient forces are stirring and she must also defeat a darkness that has crept into the castle!”
Find these titles, and more, on display and ready to check out with your library card. Many are also available to check out digitally on our library’s Libby app. Our regular open hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
Megan Taylor is assistant manager in the Adult Services Department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
