Librarians' Best Books to Read at the Altadena Library

This week in Patch Picks we pull away from shopping picks and other consumer-related posts towards something free that everybody can enjoy:  reading.

Yes, not every book is free, and it is probably best we all buy a few now and again to make sure writers keep writing them, but another great option is to visit the Altadena Library.

So in honor of Read Across America Day, from the staff at that library, here are some books you might want to check out.

1) Blame, Michelle Huneven.  If you haven't heard about story of a local professor struggling to overcome alcoholism, you're missing out.  Librarian Pauli Dutton says the following of the book: "To see one person change so radically is incredibly inspiring and Huneven’s language is silky and delicious-- I wanted to taste its texture again and again."

2) House Rules, by Jodi Picoult.  From librarian Heather Firchow:  "It's about a family with a mom, two sons. One of the sons is Autistic (Asperger's) who is arrested as a suspect in a murder case. I really enjoyed the point of view writing that Picoult did from the two sons, the mother, the lawyer and the police officer - each person’s perspective into the murder case and the challenges that face each character, our society and their perception of people on the Autistic spectrum."

3) Savvy, by Ingrid Law. Firchow also recommends this novel for tweens- it's about a family where each member develops a supernatural power when they turn 13.  Firchow writes: "It even won over the boys in our group and it is from the perspective of a girl!"

4) Moon over Manifest, Clare Vanderpool.  Librarian Cassandra Stearns recommends this tale for children age 9-12.  The book deals with a young girl in depression-era Kansas who has to relocate after her father finds work building a railroad.  She is sent to his hometown of Manifest, Kansas where she spends her time trying to find out more about his childhood and family secrets.

5) Farewell My Lovely, Raymond Chandler.  Another local author favorite, this is one of Chandler's novels about private eye Philip Marlowe and takes place at scenes throughout Los Angeles.  It comes recommended by librarian Laureen McCoy.