A first-person story of a woman who coping/maybe-not-coping with the death of a colleague, loss of her career, and unrequited, obsessive love for her mentor. It's a strange but satisfying ride; I thought it might get too weird and dark, but it was unexpectedly relatable and hopeful, and beautiful throughout.--Erica

Encore -- Hex / Rebecca Dinerstein Knight.

Children's picture book: When a child has a "bad speech day" at school, his father gives him a new perspective on his stuttering.

Encore -- I talk like a river / by Jordan Scott ; illustrations by Sydney Smith.

2020 was a rough year and I really needed a good laugh. This raunchy, hilarious collection of essays by Samantha Irby had me laughing out loud.--Ashley

Encore -- Wow, no thank you : essays / Samantha Irby.

Children's chapter book: 	
ZJ's friends Ollie, Darry and Daniel help him cope when his father, a beloved professional football player, suffers severe headaches and memory loss that spell the end of his career.

Encore -- Before the ever after / Jacqueline Woodson.

Children's picture book: 	
Illustrations and easy-to-read text reveal ways nature affects our everyday lives, such as providing food and clothing, and showing when to go to bed and when to get up.

Encore -- Outside in / by Deborah Underwood ; illustrated by Cindy Derby.

An exuberant poetry collection celebrating friendships, Blackness, queerness, love, and loss.--Brita

Encore -- Homie : poems / Danez Smith.

Teen graphic novel exploring folklore and history with great art.

Encore -- The daughters of Ys / written by M. T. Anderson ; art by Jo Rioux.

Teen novel: When a Connecticut teenager inherits vast wealth and an eccentric estate from the richest man in Texas, she must also live with his surviving family and solve a series of puzzles to discover how she earned her inheritance.

Encore -- The inheritance games / Jennifer Lynn Barnes.

Excellent for those who are caregivers, but also as a reminder of who we are and how to be present. --Steve

Encore -- Real change : mindfulness to heal ourselves and the world / Sharon Salzberg.

A fantastic study of Churchill’s leadership during World War II, as well as a very interesting exploration of his family and personal life. Erik Larson offers a thoroughly researched and  well-written book.--Margaret

Encore -- t:(Splendid and the vile)

Immersive story set in 19th century Bombay. The main character, a British Indian soldier, solves a mystery and by walking with him, we learn a bit of what it was like for folks living during that time in India.--Steve

Encore -- Murder in old Bombay / Nev March.

Explores how fungi impacts almost every aspect of our worldand how vital they are to human existence-- information that I never would have known, had I not picked this book up!--Carson

Encore -- Entangled life : how fungi make our worlds, change our minds & shape our futures / Merlin Sheldrake.

Branigan Library

Our year-end list of books that Branigan Library read and recommends. Click the title and put your copy on hold!

Best of 2020

Recommended for you