December 29, 2021
As another year draws to a close, the staff at the Marathon County Public Libary is reflecting back on the last 12 months and all of the many books we have collectively read over that time. Working in a place where we are literally surrounded by books, most of us have very long reading lists, which can make it difficult to choose a favorite. However, we've done just that!
Below, some of our staff members reveal what their favorite read of 2021 is. The books chosen didn’t have to be published in 2020, but rather read at some point in the last 12 months.
What’s your favorite book that you read (or listened to) this year? Have you read any of our staff picks? Let us know in the comments. And if you like what you see here, you can read our staff reviews all year long. Just keep an eye out for our reviews posted here on mcpl.us, on our Facebook page, on our Twitter page and on our Goodreads account.
"THE FOUR WINDS"
Audrey K., Spencer Branch Coordinator, says: "I generally do not care for historical fiction, but this book changed my mind. The story took place during the Dust Bowl, and I realized how little I knew about that era. I listened to the audiobook version and was drawn in by the fear in the characters' voices, the sadness and the triumph."
"STRONG, CALM AND FREE: A MODERN GUIDE TO YOGA, MEDITATION AND MINDFUL LIVING"
Laura D., Library Assistant at MCPL Wausau, says: "This book is a must-read for anyone needing to obtain some calm. This book guides readers through a 10-week plan of yoga and mediation with easy-to-follow instructions."
"#IMOMSOHARD"
Lynelle C., Library Page at MCPL Wausau, says: "With hilarious (and true) stories about childbirth to realistic (and normal) changes that happen after you have children, #IMOMSOHARD will make you laugh and give you inspire you as a mom! It really resonates with mothers with young children."
"DARK THINGS I ADORE"
Hannah D., Library Assistant at MCPL's Rothschild Branch, says: "This revenge thriller set deep in the woods of Maine features art college and art camp settings that were comforting to me while the plot forced me to the edge of my seat with suspense and tension."
"YEARBOOK "
Dan R., Library Marketing Specialist at MCPL Wausau, says: "Seth Rogen is a tremendous storyteller, and his voice shines through every story in this collection of hilarious and heartfelt autobiographical essays."
"THE FOUR WINDS"
Deborah A., Library Assistant at MCPL's Rothschild Branch, says: "The Four Winds was such a great, insightful book about courage and strength during difficult times."
"WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU"
Sarah M., Mosinee Branch Coordinator, says: "This book talks about the effects of traumatic experiences on the brain and why trauma-informed care is so vital."
"THE LAST CUENTISTA "
Elizabeth L., Library Specialist at MCPL Wausau, says: "This is an unforgettable story! Reading it made me wonder what we would save from Earth. What do we bring with us in the stories we tell?"
"THE ROSE CODE"
Taylor W., Children's Librarian at MCPL Wausau, says: "The Rose Code is a book centered around British codebreakers during WWII, and historical fiction is my favorite genre!"
"THE GIRL WITH THE LOUDING VOICE "
MJ N., Stratford Branch Coordinator, says: "This is a very inspiring book told from the viewpoint of a 14 year-old, modern-day Nigerian girl who must discover and use her 'louding voice' to resist the bleak destiny others have chosen for her...It's gripping, eye-opening and deeply moving, and I was completely caught up in her life."
"THE WONDER BOY OF WHISTLE STOP"
Ashley H., Library Assistant at MCPL Wausau, says: "I was so happy to read this story since Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe ranks as one of my favorites. Reading this book was like catching up with an old friend you haven't seen in years and it's one of those books you just don't want to end."
"A STUDY IN SCARLET WOMEN"
Laura W., Rothschild Branch Coordinator, says: "These reimagined Sherlock Holmes books feature Charlotte Holmes, a brilliant young woman who must pose as her brother Sherlock and solve cases in Victorian England - mayhem and mystery ensues! This is the first in a six-book series and I would recommend them all!"
"MS. BIXBY'S LAST DAY"
Katie E., Library Assistant at MCPL's Mosinee Branch, says: "This is a funny, yet heartfelt, middle-grade novel that shows how much impact one special teacher can have on a child's life."
Dan Richter / Library Marketing Specialist
image credit: MCPL