Looking for a good book? These local librarians have some recommendations.
We all have one. Many of us have at least one.
Books that changed our lives.
A mesmerizing character. An unforgettable plot. A message that reverberates.
They are works that transport us, resonate with us, open worlds for us, lift us or get down into the gutter with us. Above all, long after the final page is turned, they stay with us.
Because readers are always in search of something good to read, I asked the people who truly know books — local librarians — for their recommendations.
Here are the books that changed them or validated them or simply made them think. Feel free to send me your choice and I’ll add it to a future list of reader recommendations.
Michaela Haberkern, Aurora
Public Library: “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year in Food Life” by Barbara Kingsolver.
“The author and her family spend a year focused on eating food grown on their own farm and from very local producers. It completely changed the way I think about eating seasonally and mindfully. I love this author and think she is an amazing storyteller.” The book also is funny. “The chapter about raising turkeys and their challenges in reproduction made me laugh even as I learned something I didn’t know about turkeys.”
Julia Churchill, Oak Lawn Public Library: “Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell.
Reading this book as a young teenager was eye-opening, O’Dell says.
“It showed me women could be strong, fierce beings, that we can survive and thrive in the face of adversity. And that I had that power in me, even though society was not encouraging that in women at the time.”
Mary G. Adamowski, Orland
Park Public Library: “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman.
Ove seems to be a curmudgeon who doesn’t care for anyone, but as the novel progresses the reader learns that he is enveloped in a profound sadness. But the determination and perseverance of new neighbors just might melt his cold heart.
Mary Foster, Geneva Public
Library: “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande.
This book breaks down the realities of living beyond the average lifespan of 80, Foster says.
“My husband and I have cared for three sets of aging parents, and in the last several years four parents passed away in a hospital or a senior care facility. This reality makes this book especially meaningful to me.
“‘Being Mortal’ offers perspectives on living a full life versus just living. To honor the memories of our departed parents, we hope to share clearly our wishes with our children to avoid the guilt or doubt of whether they did right by us in the end.
“This is a book that all should read.”
Marisol Bribiescas, Fox River Valley Public Library District: “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” series by Holly Jackson.
This young adult mystery/ thriller series has readers guessing and re-guessing the outcome, Bribiescas says.
“What I really enjoyed was following Pip, a new ‘Nancy Drew’ type of character who is clever and fearless and full of determination. There are so many twists and turns, and each character has secrets of their own that Pip unravels along the way, just to get closer to the truth: What really happened to Andie Bell five years ago?”
Natalie Finlon, Orland Park Public Library: “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini.
“This hauntingly beautiful story gives the reader a multifaceted view of Afghan history between the 1970s and 2000s. It follows the lives of two seemingly unconnected Afghan women whose bond will become unforgettable to readers.
“The story has everything: action, friendship, love, hope, loss and redemption. Additionally, the book’s discussion of Afghan women’s rights is especially salient to today’s Iranian protests. A high school history teacher recommended this book in 2008, and I have carried its message with me ever since.”
Margaux Morrone, Geneva Public Library: “Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow” by Jessica Townsend.
Part classic Cinderella story, part high fantasy, this middle grade novel is lovingly written to celebrate the black sheep in every reader, Morrone says.
“When seemingly simple Morrigan Crow meets the colorful Jupiter North, her dreary life takes a turn toward the extraordinary, leading her to the magical land of Nevermoor. As an adult reading this book, I cried for the little girl being genuinely appreciated for the first time in her life.”
Mary G. Adamowski, Orland
Park Public Library: “Ask Mr. Bear” by Marjorie Flack.
This children’s classic book, published in 1931, tells the story of a boy in search of the perfect birthday gift for his mother, Adamowski says. Danny shares his dilemma with some farm animals, and each offers a gift: The hen offers a fresh egg; the goose offers feathers for a pillow; the goat suggests his milk for cheese. But Danny’s mother has all of those things.
Finally, Danny visits Mr. Bear who doesn’t have anything for his mother’s birthday, except an idea.
“I don’t want to give away the ending, but this soothing story tells little ones and grown-ups” what makes the best present.
Colleen Waltman, Homewood Public Library: “The Boxcar Children” by Gertrude Chandler Warner.
“I was impressed by so many of the characters, especially the older ones, and am certain my own approach to certain aspects of life stems from this book.”
Being kind, caring, resourceful, independent, responsible, thrifty, selfless for family, yet able to appreciate a splurge from time to time — “these are all takeaways for me that still resonate to this day.”
Lauren Maxwell, Geneva Public Library: “The Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett.
“Historical fiction has always been a favorite genre, and this is one of my all-time favorites.”
A sweeping story about family, politics and faith, it is set over the many years it takes to design and construct a gothic cathedral, this novel inspired Maxwell to take a college course about the design and construction of European cathedrals and created a bucket list dream of visiting the likes of Salisbury, Westminster, Reims and Notre Dame.
Lauren Maxwell, Geneva “A Ring of Public Library: Endless Light” by Madeleine L’Engle.
“This is the first book that I can remember reading late into the night, under the covers.”
It is written for children, but takes their feelings and perspectives seriously, Maxwell says.
“It started me down the path of reading all L’Engle’s books . ... I still return to these books anytime I need a comforting read.”
Kimberly K. Harris, William Leonard Public Library
District, Robbins: “Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It’s Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind” by Louie Giglio.
This book “is undoubtedly (timely) in this new season of resolutions. Published in May, 2021, it is insightful commentary on a familiar passage of scripture, Psalms 23 — full of motivation and encouragement to win the battle of the mind.”
Rebekah Noggle, Geneva Public Library: “Throne of Glass” by S.J. Mass.
“I have always considered myself a ‘serious’ reader.” But after reading this book, Noggle said she realized reading also could be for fun. Its engaging characters, mystery, political intrigue and adventure will stay with you long after the series is done, she says.
Tom Malinowski, Geneva Public Library: “A Trip to the Stars” by Nicholas Christopher.
“In the first chapter Loren is kidnapped while exiting the planetarium with his step-aunt Alma. This moving book alternates chapters between the two characters on how this traumatic event changes their lives. Filled with memorable details and surrealism, it is one of the few books (that made me) cry buckets at the end. I make time to read this book every couple of years to remember the painful hope of both characters in wanting for their eventual reunion.”