We’re pleased to announce the following are our January selections for the Featured Book of the Month program!
Adult Title
The Taste of Salt by Martha Southgate
“Southgate follows her two critically acclaimed novels, The Fall of Rome and Third Girl from the Left, with a novel featuring African American oceanographer Josie Henderson, who resides in Woods Hole, Massachusetts with her white husband. Her decision to live and work near the ocean, away from her hometown of Cleveland, was prompted, almost without her being aware, by the alcoholism of her father and younger brother Tick. When Tick shows up expectantly at her door, Josie is suddenly confronted with her past and her own romantic addictions. Writing largely from the perspective of her protagonist, Southgate does a wonderful job of telling Josie’s story, touching on racism, sexism, alcoholism, and emotional infidelity.”
— Library Journal
Teen Title
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Read the book and then see Steven Spielberg’s new movie, War Horse! It is 1914, and Joey, a farm horse, is sold to the Army and thrust into the midst of World War I on the Western Front. When Joey is dragged away, his heart aches for Albert, the farmer’s son he is forced to leave behind. In the Army, the beautiful red-bay horse is trained to charge the enemy, drag heavy artillery, and carry wounded soldiers not much older than Albert off the battlefields. Amongst the clamoring of guns, and while plodding through the cold mud, Joey wonders if the war will ever end. And if it does, will he ever find Albert again?
— Publisher
Children's Title
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Happy 50th Anniversary to The Phantom Tollbooth! For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason! Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams …
— Publisher
Look for displays of all our Featured Book of the Month titles at your local branch and the Main Library!