KDL Recommends

Given one last chance at redemption, Father Time, the inventor of the world’s first clock, must teach two earthly people the true meaning of time—a journey that leads him to a teenage girl who is about to give up on life and a wealthy businessman who wants to live forever.

Recommended by Marlys at KDL’s Wyoming branch

BIOGRAPHY CAHALAN

An account of the author’s struggle with a rare brain-attacking autoimmune disease traces how she woke up in a hospital room with no memory of baffling psychotic symptoms, describing the last-minute intervention by a doctor who identified the source of her illness.

Recommended by Yuko at KDL’s Service Center

“2001, A Space Odyssey, by Arthur C. Clarke—I recommend the audio version. The book makes the movie comprehensible.”
—Rachel at KDL’s Service Center

“You just have to read this book! (especially if you are a “cat person”!!)”
—Yuko at KDL’s Service Center

BIOGRAPHY DOUGLAS

“I found Grace, Gold, and Glory: My Leap of Faith by Gabby Douglas and Michelle Burford to be one of most inspiring and touching biographies I have read in a long time. Her journey of getting to the 2012 Olympics in London is truly an amazing one. Great read for anyone who liked Soul Surfer.”
—Barb at KDL’s Byron Township branch

SF TEEN DUEY

“I TOTALLY have to recommend Skin Hunger by Kathleen Duey, which I tore through in an hour, and which I have been describing to people as being exactly like Harry Potter, assuming that Harry was emotionally and physically abused by Dumbledore, and that Ron and Hermione were in this unendingly awful codependent relationship where they just fed off each other’s misery, and that Neville starved to death. So basically 100% the same. And 100% as awesome.”
—Monica at KDL’s Wyoming branch

“Dan Fesperman’s Layover in Dubai is a fast paced, interesting read with well-developed characters. The main character, Sam Keller, an auditor for a pharmaceutical company gets more than he bargained for when he is Dubai on his way to Hong Kong. In this well-researched thriller, Fesperman has managed to capture various shades of Dubai, not just the glitz and glamour usually associated with the city.”
—Seema at KDL’s Kentwood branch

“I spent my time reading this book hating and loving this father who kidnaps his daughter to spend time with her during a custody battle. He is definitely not a reliable narrator but he misses his daughter. Book groups will love discussing this one!”
—Michelle at KDL’s Service Center

RELIGION IDL

Traces how the three authors, American women who belong to three respective faiths, worked together to understand one another while identifying the connections between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, during which they openly discussed the issues that divided them and drew controversial opinions about their commonalities.

Recommended by Marlys at KDL’s Wyoming branch

HIST TEEN LAFEVERS

“I’ve had Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers on my “to-read” list ever since some fellow staff raved about it, so when I stumbled on it on our eBook site recently, I immediately downloaded it. The book combines lots of my favorites – a great historical setting, a strong female lead character, and a hint of fantasy. A good choice for those who enjoyed Graceling by Kristin Cashore or Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. It did get me thinking, though: are female assassins the next new “thing,” after vampires and zombies? :) Oh, and I just discovered that there’s a sequel out in April – yay!”
—Sheri at KDL’s Service Center

HIST J LEEDS

“Luc is a boy who, though born into nobility, was also born with only ear. Because of this, he is cast out and leads the life of a commoner, right up until he’s captured by pirates! Set in the late 1400s and brimming with historical tidbits from the time, I couldn’t put this book down. The story of Luc’s true family, the pirates selling slaves, and Luc’s quest to find his way home all make for an excellent read.”
—Liz at KDL’s Plainfield Township branch

““Psychiatrist—heal thyself” (and your family, and personal history, as well as all your patients in all their settings—oh—and watch out for those personal relationships!). Dr Regina Moss’ family epitomizes the cliché that psychiatrists have the most messed-up families. This author gradually reveals more and more in this layered, intriguingly well written novel about a family which literally fell apart. I’m glad to say it’s not all a downer, though. A fascinating read.”
—Suzanne at KDL’s Cascade Township branch

HISTORY US MICHIGAN MAR

“This book gives great insight into how Detroit became a large city and how it came to the current state it is in. Not only does he tell the history of the city, he brings history to life through the stories of the city’s residents and their trials and tribulations.”
—Craig at KDL’s Cascade Township branch

BIOGRAPHY L’ENGLE

“I just finished Listening for Madeleine: A Portrait of Madeleine L’Engle in Many Voices, which contains interviews of people who knew the author Madeleine L’Engle and/or made a connection with her in person or through her books. The interviews were collected and edited by children’s literature historian Leonard S. Marcus, and he did a wonderful job of showing the complexity of examining a person’s life and legacy. However you feel about Madeleine L’Engle and her work, the interviews offer an insightful look at L’Engle, those who knew her, and how we construct ourselves and others.”
—Dawn at KDL’s Gaines Township brach

SF TEEN PRATCHETT

“Dodger by Terry Pratchett is a fun read—not only Dickens-esque but Dickens is one of the characters. So is Benjamin Disraeli…and Sweeney Todd…Dodger bests them all!”
—Deb at KDL’s Cascade Township branch

TEEN SAENZ

“I recently read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, by Benjamin Alire Saenz. This book won a lot of awards: The Stonewall Book award (2013); Printz Honor (2013); YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults (Top Ten 2013); and the Pura Belpre Author Award (2013), and for good reason. It is a beautiful coming-of-age story of two Mexican-American teenage boys, and a touching exploration of friendship, family, and sexual identity. Absolutely unforgettable.”
—Kris at KDL’s Comstock Park branch

E SALTZBERG

“My pick for March is Andrew Drew and Drew, written by Barney Saltzberg. The fun new Easy book encourages kids to pick up a pencil and draw! It’s neat to watch as Andrew’s “lines” turn into art! Enjoy!”
—Robin at KDL’s Spencer Township branch

MYS SANSOM

“This author engages all the senses in this fascinating mystery series featuring lawyer, Matthew Shardlake. It is set against the backdrop of Tudor England. Dissolution takes place in the year 1537. The country is divided between those faithful to the Catholic Church and those loyal to Henry VIII and the newly established Church of England. Thomas Cromwell, the King’s Vicar General, sets Matthew the task of discovering why a royal commissioner was brutally murdered in a monastery on the south coast of England. Matthew and his young assistant discover all kinds of wicked goings-on when they investigate the matter and their own lives are soon put in danger as they delve deeper. This is the first in the series. The others are: Dark Fire, Sovereign, Revelation, and Heartstone. If you enjoy historical fiction, political intrigue, and hard-boiled mysteries, this series is for you.”
—Cathy at KDL’s Kentwood branch

BIOGRAPHY 921 LACKS

“The story of the woman whose cells, taken without her knowledge or permission, became one of the most important tools in modern medicine. The book raises numerous questions about medical ethics, the ownership of genetic material, and the right to privacy. The perfect book for a discussion group.”
—Mark at KDL’s Krause Memorial branch

Moving his young bride to an isolated lighthouse home on Australia’s Janus Rock where the couple suffers miscarriages and a stillbirth, Tom allows his wife to claim an infant that has washed up on the shore, a decision with devastating consequences.

Recommended by Byron Township branch

“Beasts of the Southern Wild is an excellent movie!”
—Shaunna at KDL’s Grandville branch

“I viewed a “sleeper” DVD – Hysteria (R) not for everyone, obviously. But there’s no nudity, no bad language, and only one kiss in the whole movie…it’s a romantic comedy with adult themes.”
—Laura at KDL’s Plainfield Township branch

“Treme Season 2 is even better than the first. Great music, food and characters make this series one of my favorites. Plus, it’s set in New Orleans.”
—Shaunna at KDL’s Grandville branch