*Harriett recommends: Red Island House by Andrea Lee*: "How do you imagine paradise? With a rich Italian husband who builds you a vacation villa on a lush tropical island? What if you’re a Black American professor of literature and that villa is in lush Madagascar?"

Wendy recommends Mr. Humble and Dr. Butcher: A Monkey's Head, The Pope's Neuroscientist, and the Quest to Transplant the Soul by Brandy Schillace "A perfect gift for anyone involved in medicine and for fans of the macabre. This is a true story, but Schillace's deft writing will make you think you're reading a gothic horror novel. If you like reading true stories about quirky and bizarre topics, join the Peculiar Book Club, led by author Brandy Schillace!"

Elisabeth recommends Garden Physic by Sylvia Legris: "It's not uncommon for a book to claim to be 'like nothing you've ever read' but this utterly fanciful and strange gathering of garden lore and poetry, history and strangeness really, truly, is unlike any other garden book I know. It's illustrated by the author and the perfect little gift for any lover of plants or inventive literature on your list!"

Miranda recommends: That Way Madness Lies: 15 of Shakespeare's Most Notable Works Reimagined by Dahlia Adler "This is a collection of fun modern day YA retellings of Shakespeare, highly recommend for those whose Shakespeare Struggles might be helped by having the stories in more accessible language--or anyone who enjoys retellings!

Freddy recommends: Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses by Robin Wall Kimmerer: "Whether you've known and loved Robin Wall Kimmerer via her beautiful book Braiding Sweetgrass for years or are just now discovering her, this, her first book, is a treasure. She takes readers on a quiet walk through the forest and introduces us to the simple but elegant life of the mostly unnoticed world of mosses."

*Leigh Recommends Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village by Jay Cooper and Maureen Johnson:* "A hilarious spoof on the English Village Cozy Mystery genre for the mystery lover in your life. The hilarious illustrations are an added bonus!"

*Toni recommends: They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Abdurraqib:* "This smart essay collection is for anyone you know who loves music, smart cultural insights, fantastic writing, subtle humor, and so forth. He is just truly one of the best writers out there right now. His poetry is darn good too!"

John Recommends God Is Always Hiring: 50 Lessons for Finding Meaningful Work by Regina Brett: "A timeless book that uplifts the spirit of the reader. Regina Brett offers up heartwarming stories told with a journalist's sharp eye and straightforward language."

Miesha recommends The Noodle Shop Mystery series by Vivien Chien: "Indulge your mystery craving with Lana Lee, the sweet and salty amateur sleuth in Vivien Chien’s Noodle House Mystery series. Lana Lee is a waitress at her family’s Ho-Lee Noodle House restaurant who wants to serve food, but people keep dishing out murder. All the novels take place in familiar Cleveland suburbs and the AsiaTown market. This series will satisfy the palate of mystery readers who love Cleveland locations and delicious food."

Julie recommends: Friends Forever by Shannon Hale:
"Whether you've got a reluctant reader or a voracious graphic novel lover, no one captures middle school life and growing pains with more compassion and humor than Shannon Hale and Leuyen Pham in their beloved Friends Series."

Brenda Recommends: Remainders! "We have an excellent selection of brand-new books that have been reduced to half or less of their original prices. These are mostly publisher’s overstocks of recent titles, many still shrinkwrapped! There are beautiful art, photography and natural history books, fantasy illustrations, children’s books and even a history of Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Most of these are one of a kind, perfect for gifting, and at special bargain prices. Limited quantities; come check them out while they last!

Local Voices

Molly Perry: The Letter from Sweet Abubundance
Sunday, December 12, 2021, 1pm
~Sundays~
The color is disappearing from the cartoon world of Sweet Abundance! Does that mean it will disappear, too? Jimmy, Jamal and Lilly receive a letter begging for their help, sending them off on another adventure. Little did they know, Eddie, a mean bully from school, followed them into Sweet Abundance. Will they be able to help? Come along and see what happens!

Molly Perry is an elementary school teacher. Her children, grandchildren, and students have often been her inspiration and biggest supporters. She happily lives in University Heights, Ohio.

Local Voices

Michele Rudolph: Far From Their Eyes
Sunday, December 12, 2021, 2pm
~Sundays~
Far From Their Eyes is a collection of essays, short stories, poems, interviews and artwork from people with connections to Ohio and to migration.

Michele Rudolph is a professional Storyteller and teaching artists. She uses storytelling to share the rich history and culture of Africans and African Americans. Michele is a retired Social Worker and resides in Cleveland, Ohio.