Thanks to store manager Carissa Unite, the staff at Oblong Books & Music in Millerton, NY, has put together the perfect list for folks looking to break from the annual stress the Holidays bring and and escape into a good book. Here are a few engaging staff recommendations for the discerning reader as well as the entire family:

Staff pick- Emma

Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times (Hardcover)

Author- Katherine May

Emma says:

We all started our own “winters” in March, some of us were more prepared than others. May writes delicately of the struggles of life, and the ways we may be able to prepare ourselves for such times. Which is something I feel we all need to learn to survive the emotional winter that is a world-wide pandemic. Grab a cup of tea, find a cozy blanket, and burrow into this book of thoughtfulness and comfort.

Order your copy here

 

 

Staff pick- Suzanna

Solutions and Other Problems (Hardcover)

Author- Allie Brosh

Suzanna says:

I absolutely loved this follow-up to Hyperbole and a Half – Brosh’s mind is a really weird place, and I sure like to visit it.

Order your copy here

 

 

Staff pick- Carissa

Hollywood Park: A Memoir (Hardcover)

Author- Mikel Jollett

Carissa says:

Brought up in the infamous cult Synanon until he was 5 years old, Mikel Jollett’s life is propelled into addiction fueled by emotionally traumatic events. Through all of his strife his brilliance, talent, and courage pull him through the darkness to the light. Beautiful, heartbreaking, and worth every page.

Order your copy here

 

 

 

Staff pick- Dick

The Best of Me (Hardcover)

Author- David Sedaris

Dick says:

This may be as close to an autobiography as we will see from David Sedaris. He is a close observer of the people around him and his account of events flows through a somewhat off kilter lens. But brilliant. You will cringe, be amazed and laugh out loud. Often this will happen within the same sentence. Treat yourself to these nuggets of humanity in the 21st century. David Sedaris, in case you didn’t know, is a unique voice in American letters.

Order your copy here

 

 

Staff pick- Suzanna

Transcendent Kingdom: A novel (Hardcover)

Author- Yaa Gyasi

Suzanna says:

Wonderful – Gyasi is a real talent.

Order your copy here

 

For the Kids or Teens

 

Staff pick- Carissa

Dear Justyce (Hardcover)

Author- Nic Stone

Carissa says:

Wow! Nic Stone is a powerful writer who brings us what she calls her most difficult book to write. Quan is in a detention center, writing letters to his friend Justyce about his experience being locked up. His story about how he got there is pieced together through events from his childhood leading into present day. This book, though fictional, examines the experience of being born Black and how the system is designed to detriment the Black population. This book should be required reading!

Order your copy here

 

Staff pick- Suzanna

Black Heroes of the Wild West: Featuring Stagecoach Mary, Bass Reeves, and Bob Lemmons: A Toon Graphic (Paperback)

Author(s)- James Otis Smith, Kadir Nelson

Suzanna says:

Fantastic! I learned so much from this book. This accessible graphic novel reveals stories from American history that are omitted from the canon.

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Staff pick- Suzanna

This Is Your Time (Hardcover)

Author- Ruby Bridges

Suzanna says:

This stunning book shares first-hand Ruby Bridges’ remarkable story. Though intended for children, adults too have much to learn from this civil rights icon.

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Staff pick- Suzanna

Becoming a Good Creature (Hardcover)

Author- Sy Montgomery

Suzanna says:

This is a perfect adaptation of Sy Montgomery’s life for little ones! I loved it.

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Staff pick- Nicole

The Wanderer (Hardcover)

Author- Peter Van den Ende

Nicole says:

I’m not sure what I just read—but I know it was beautiful. A wordless picture book about adventure in a strange world, and one to return to and re-examine.

Order your copy here

See everything Oblong Books & Music has to offer at oblongbooks.com