“Treasure in the Trunk” by Linda Graf (City of Light Publishing)
Albany County resident Linda Graf wanted the challenge of creating a wordless picture book that non-readers or English as a second language (ESL) students could enjoy by making up the story in their own words. The beautifully illustrated pictures follow two siblings and their Boston terrier as they explore the upstairs gloomy attic where they discover an old trunk with remarkable treasures inside.
“Up From Second Street: …and Other Memoirs” by Jim Flanigan (Troy Book Makers)
Flanigan grew up in South Troy, and he captures so well the time period of the city in the mid-20th century. He has filled this memoir with many heartwarming stories of growing up in such a close-knit neighborhood. He began his career as a teacher at the high school and college level before moving on to work for 35 years at the Rensselaer ARC. He also served on the North Greenbush Town Board for 24 years. It’s obvious as you read this book his genuine need to help others and serve the greater community. He is also a natural storyteller.
“Schenectady Genesis, Volume ll: The Creation of an American City from an Anglo-dutch Town, ca. 1760-1800” by John F. Gearing (Independently Published)
Niskayuna resident
John Gearing has written a follow-up to the first volume, and this detailed book follows four tumultuous decades in the early history of Schenectady, from the end of the French and Indian War through the War of Independence and on to Schenectady’s own fight for independence from Albany. The story is filled with charts and illustrations that bring to life the sights and sounds of Schenectady during this thrilling Colonial time period. The book captures the significance of Schenectady at this time and the important role it played in the early days of our country.
“Finding Lille” by Kate Ferris (Shires Press)
Saratoga Springs author Kate Ferris has created a likable character, Lille Thompson, who is young, wealthy and newly widowed. She must learn how to survive during the Gilded Age and find what will bring her happiness and how to turn away new suitors who expect her to act a certain way. The story is set in 1903 and takes place in New York City, the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence River and Saratoga Springs.
“Fatherhood at 19…No Tutorial Books: A memoir about Fatherhood” by Curtis L. Witters (Lil Villa Publishing)
Curtis Witters believes being a father is one of the most important experiences any man can have. He has written a touching and very readable memoir about his experiences being a dad with humor and sensitivity. This is a great gift idea, especially for men who are soon to be dads for the first time, but it’s a book sons should also read to reflect on the significance of their own dads.
“The Learned-it-in-queens Communications Playbook: Winning Against Digital Distraction” by Julienne Ryan (Independently Published)
Ryan, who lives in the Hudson Valley, has conducted numerous workshops in the Capital Region, and this book is an insightful guide on how to communicate better during our often confusing digital age. She uses humorous anecdotes from her childhood growing up in Queens and reminds us that digital devices are tools that we can control. I loved her eight down-toearth communication techniques.