Paige Dillard

Job: Librarian I, Lemon Grove Branch Library, San Diego County Library

She recommends: “Legendborn” by Tracy Deonn (Margaret K. Mcelderry Books, 2020; 501 pages)

Why? When Bree Matthews begins a residential program for high school students at the University of North Carolina, little does she know that she stepped onto a campus where magic, mystery, legend and demons exist. When Bree begins to experience a magical power, she quickly understands that she needs to learn more about the other students on campus and why she is suddenly seeing demonic beings that need to be vanquished. Joining forces with the heirs of King Arthur’s throne, Bree discovers the meaning of grief, her own family’s history, love and the responsibility that comes with great power. This first book in Deonn’s “Legendborn Cycle” is filled with magic, mystery, adventure and romance.

James Jensen

Job: Bookseller, Warwick’s

He recommends: “All About Me: My Remarkable Life in Show Business” by Mel Brooks (Ballantine, 2021; 480 pages) Why? This book should be in the Smithsonian Institution since Mel Brooks is a national treasure. As the title states, it’s all about Mel Brooks and his rise from a kid in Depression-era Brooklyn to the award-winning actor, director and writer that took Hollywood and Broadway by storm. Aside from a heartwarming biography, Brooks provides an entertaining and often hilarious look at the early days of television as well as the crazy behind-the-scenes workings of hit plays like “The Producers” and envelope-pushing movies like “Blazing Saddles.” Told like he was sitting across from you at the Carnegie Deli, “All About Me” is a true delight.

Welcome to our literary circle, in which San Diegans pass the (printed) word on books