The White Plains Library Staff have assembled their picks for the year, featuring cookbooks, DVDs, music, audiobooks, and plenty of plain old books. It's a wonderfully wide-ranging list, full of lots of surprises, and should help with your holiday shopping or just some entertainment for yourself. Enjoy!
Below you'll find a list with links to the catalog or resource where they're available as well as a blurb on why staff enjoyed it.
Books:
Peace Talks by Jim Butcher
Library Catalog
OverDrive and Libby: eBook and audiobook
Harry Dresden is a wizard living in modern day Chicago. Think of this book as Harry Potter for adults. This is the 16th installment of the Dresden Files and the entire series is terrific. Vampires, Vikings, Titans all roaming the streets of Chicago. What could be more fun??!!—Tim Baird, Adult Services
Henchgirl by Kristen GudsnukLibrary Catalog
Hoopla
I absolutely loved Making Friends as well as Making Friends: Back to the Drawing Board, which are both graphic novels aimed at kids and tweens from this author. That led me to reading Henchgirl since I thought the first two books I read by Gudsnuk were absolutely hysterical and this one also had me cracking up! This book is definitely for teens or adults – I found its ridiculously quirky plot about a young woman working as a henchgirl to a supervillain just to make ends meet incredibly strange, fairly dark, and totally amusing.—Ashley Bressingham, Youth Services
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
Library Catalog
Hoopla: Audiobook
OverDrive and Libby: eBook and audiobook
This children's chapter book is simultaneously filled with sadness as well as hope and it'll have you laughing on one page and tearing up the next. In this tale, Coyote and her father Rodeo take a road trip back home after traveling the country in a converted school bus for five years. Follow Coyote on her journey as she gets into many hilarious hijinks with an amusing cast of characters in order to save treasured memories of her mom and sisters from being destroyed forever.—Ashley Bressingham, Youth Services
The Invention of Sound by Chuck PalahniukLibrary Catalog
OverDrive and Libby: eBook and audiobook
Chuck Palahniuk delivers another great story full of interesting characters and more information than you want to know about child abduction and sound engineering for movies.—Erik Carlson, Youth Services
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max GladstoneLibrary Catalog
OverDrive and Libby
Winner of both the Hugo and Nebula awards for Best Novella, El-Mohtar and Gladstone alternate chapters to provide the two voices of reality-crossed enemies/lovers in this beautifully written love story, where science fiction — time travel, inter-reality war — is just the backdrop for a moving and poetic queer romance. I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time. When it was over I was both elated and saddened.—Josh Carlson, Youth Services
Truly Devious series by Maureen JohnsonSeries on OverDrive and Libby
Series on Hoopla
Series in Library Catalog
A 2021 Battle of the Books selection for the teen division, this suspenseful title combines elements of historical fiction, murder mystery, and boarding school drama. Be forewarned that the first two books have cliffhanger endings, so make sure to have the next one ready!—Kathlyn Carroll, Youth Services
Beauty by Robin McKinleyOverDrive and Libby
Library Catalog
I have loved and re-read McKinley's fairy tale retellings since I was a teenager, but somehow never read Beauty, first published in 1978. This beautiful rendition of the age-old tale Beauty and the Beast was immersive, and very comforting to me in this otherwise challenging year.—Kathlyn Carroll, Youth Services
I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes & Gordon C. JamesGrades Pre-K-3
Library Catalog
OverDrive and Libby: eBook and audiobook
In I Am Every Good Thing, author Derrick Barnes eloquently writes of the beauty and joy of Black boys and boyhood. Gordon C. James’ painterly illustrations are gorgeously vibrant. This is an important and beautiful book to share with all boys and girls. I especially liked how the text and illustrations lovingly embraced the joy to be found in all the seasons of Black boys’ lives!—Raquel Cavalcanti, Youth Services
From the Desk of Zoe Washington by Janae MarksGrades 4-6
Library Catalog
Hoopla: eBook and audiobook
In this middle-grade novel, Zoe Washington begins a loving relationship with her birth father through letters and music. Zoe learns that her father has been unjustly imprisoned since before her birth, and she sets out (with the help of her best friend) to exonerate her father. Janae Marks’ Zoe is a courageous and engaging young person who perseveres to follow her beliefs, and right a wrong. From the Desk of Zoe Washington is one of School Library Journal's Best Middle Grade Books of 2020, and one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Middle-Grade Books of 2020 Starring Young Changemakers.—Raquel Cavalcanti, Youth Services
The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food: A Cookbook by Marcus SamuelssonLibrary Catalog
OverDrive and Libby
After hearing Chef Marcus Samuelsson interviewed by NPR, I decided to buy this book for the foodies in my life. Samuelsson, who transformed his Harlem Red Rooster kitchen into a community kitchen when COVID struck, is an inspiration. Tasty recipes and gorgeously illustrated.—Christiane Deschamps, Collection Management
Class Act by Jerry CraftLibrary Catalog
OverDrive and Libby
This is the sequel to the award-winning graphic novel, New Kid. So many sequels lack some of the allure of the first book, but this one does not disappoint. It is clever and current and a joy to read.—Lauren Lichtenthal, Youth Services
Think Like a Monk: Train Your Mind for Peace and Purpose Every Day by Jay ShettyLibrary Catalog: Print and CD audiobook
OverDrive and Libby: eBook and audiobook
This is a simple to read self-help book that talks about the author's experience as a Monk. Shetty then applies his teachings into day to day life. He provides advice to help you reduce stress and improve personal relationships. I personally listened to the audiobook, narrated by the author himself and found myself listening to it over and over again. Not only does he have a great voice, but I enjoyed how he provides different ways to change your thinking and become more positive. At the end of every chapter there are tips and exercises to work on. This would definitely make a perfect gift, especially for those that have gone through so much this year.—Mariel Perez, Adult Services
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste NgLibrary Catalog
OverDrive and Libby
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng is an amazing story that portrays motherhood, family bonds, and nineties culture with socio-economic commentary. The story begins with the mysterious Mia Warren, an artist who moves to Shaker Heights, with her daughter Pearl. The intertwining story of two mothers—Elena Richardson and Mia—keeps the reader engaged. Amidst their differences, a custody battle emerges which divides the two very different women—Caroline Reddy, Youth Services
Is this Anything? by Jerry SeinfeldLibrary Catalog: Print and CD audiobook
OverDrive and Libby: eBook and audiobook
What does a comedian do when he can’t perform stand-up because of the pandemic? He writes a book highlighting 25 years of his most beloved material. I listened to the audiobook, read by Jerry Seinfeld himself, for my own private performance.—Sharon Rothman, Adult Services
Eat a Peach by David ChangLibrary Catalog
OverDrive and Libby: eBook and audiobook
David Chang is a chef, owner of Momofuku and other restaurants, and star of Netflix’s show, Ugly Delicious. On the journey to success, David’s memoir reminds us that its road is not a straight line. His funny, humble, and warm personality shines through.—Sharon Rothman, Adult Services
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady HendrixLibrary Catalog
OverDrive and Libby: eBook and audiobook
Hoopla: audiobook
Since I was a child, the most comforting genre to me has always been campy horror—think Vincent Price's filmography, R.L. Stine's Fear Street saga, or the cult classic Trilogy of Terror— and I needed some of its dark humor more than ever this year. Luckily, Grady Hendrix came to the rescue with his latest novel, The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires. What happens when a true crime book club made up of '90s housewives suspect their new neighbor of abducting local children? Lots of laughs, a cry or two, and some gore that is not for the faint of heart.—Kristen Thornton-De Stafeno, Adult Services
All Boys Aren't Blue: a Memoir-Manifesto by George M. JohnsonLibrary Catalog
OverDrive and Libby: eBook
Hoopla: audiobook
In this conversational “memoir-manifesto,” journalist and activist George M. Johnson offers encouragement and guidance for black queer youth and the people that love and support them. So much of this book is a lesson in love, forgiveness, understanding, and justice told through intimate anecdotes tinged with joy and humor. You may enjoy this book if you appreciated the 2016 film Moonlight.—Akeyla Todd, Adult Services
The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life by Alex TrebekLibrary Catalog: Print and CD audiobook
OverDrive and Libby: eBook and audiobook
When I listened to Alex Trebek's memoir in September, I was hoping for secrets, drama, and scandal. As a major Jeopardy! fan, I should have known better. This memoir was exactly what I needed — a reflection on a life well-lived. Trebek's positivity and humor radiates through his anecdotes and there is a clear appreciation for the opportunities and people in his life. The audio version is read mostly by Ken Jennings, with a few key chapters narrated by Trebek himself.—Akeyla Todd, Adult Services
Music
Power Up by AC/DC
Library Catalog
The Australian band's seventeenth studio album featuring the return of vocalist Brian Johnson. This is the first AC/DC album since the passing of founding member and rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young and serves as a tribute to him. The song “Shot in the Dark” is high octane rock, AC/DC at their best.—Tim Baird, Adult Services
No Fun Mondays by Billie Joe Armstong / Green DayLibrary Catalog
Hoopla
Green Day was a band that I was really into in 1994 (a pivotal musical year in my life), but after that I only occasionally tuned into them. American Idiot brought them back to my (and everyone else's) attention a decade later, and I enjoyed the follow-up 21st Century Breakdown five years after that for a listen or two. However, fast-forward another eleven years and I hadn't really thought much about the band or their music again. Then, at the end of March I see a link on social media to Billie Joe Armstrong covering Tiffany's (er, Tommy James and the Shondell's) “I Think We're Alone Now.” It turns out that, like all of us, Armstrong was stuck in lockdown and unable to go on the huge tour Green Day, Weezer and Fall Out Boy had planned. So, he decided to start recording covers of songs he liked from his home studio. And, it was good. Armstrong continued releasing new cover songs throughout the summer and fall and a compilation of all these tracks was released at the end of November. For me it is one of my musical touchpoints of the year, as I looked forward to the songs each week and began to explore the past decade of Green Day at the same time.—Josh Carlson, Youth Services
folklore: the long pond studio sessions by Taylor SwiftHoopla
folklore made me rethink Taylor Swift completely. Don't get me wrong, I adored the (overplayed) 1989 as pure pop perfection, but I love when artists grow up and realize the potential they have (also see Miley Cyrus' recent release Plastic Hearts and all of the music she released throughout the pandemic) and start making seriously good music. This particular version of the brilliant folklore contains the original deluxe edition of the album, as well as the live documentary film recordings of the songs released on November 25 (without the commentary by Swift and others in the video version on Disney+). Both versions of the album are wonderful, introspective and mature. Favorite tracks are “mirrorball,” “my tears ricochet,” and “exile” with Bon Iver (which lead me to revisit one of my favorite albums of 2019, Bon Iver's i,i).—Josh Carlson, Youth Services
Imploding the Mirage by The KillersLibrary Catalog
Hoopla
I've often thought Brandon Flowers to be his generation's Bruce Springsteen, with a knack for telling stories of everyday American folks over soaring rock anthems. The Killers just put a lot more synths and a bit more dance beats under their Americana. Imploding the Mirage wears its influences on its sleeve from Springsteen to Talking Heads. but it is always The Killers. From a band that has released six fantastic and increasingly mature albums over the past 16 years, along with several solo projects, this is their best one. So far.—Josh Carlson, Youth Services
EL ULTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO by Bad BunnyFreegal
With Taylor Swift releasing two albums this year, many are discussing how productive she's been during the pandemic, and I won't argue against that (like Josh, I also loved folklore and evermore doubly so), however, I would argue that Bad Bunny has been one of the most impactful artists of 2020. He released 3 albums this year, which in and of itself would be an amazing achievement, but he also became the first ever artist to hit the top of the Billboard 200 with an all-Spanish language album thanks to his final album of 2020 (and maybe of his career if we're to believe comments he made at the end of YHLQMDLG): EL ULTIMO TOUR DEL MUNDO. He also gave me the collaboration I've been waiting for: “LA NOCHE DE ANOCHE” with Rosalía. Dreams really do come true.—Kristen Thornton-De Stafeno, Adult Services
Television, Film, Multimedia, Other:
His Dark Materials, Season 2 (TV Series)
Season 1 available now on DVD
Based on the trilogy by Philip Pullman, the second season follows along with A Subtle Knife, where Lyra and Will meet in a parallel universe.—Erik Carlson, Youth Services
Audiobooks on our Libby appWear a mask, wash your hands, don't touch your face, and make sure you have an audiobook (or ten) on your phone has been my mantra this year. Audiobook listening is effortless with our free app, Libby. Get the app, borrow a book, and tap Play. Toss your phone in your pocket and listen while you attempt to make sourdough, go for a walk, or fail to get any sleep. Barack Obama's A Promised Land (available in Libby/OverDrive) and The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, read by Tom Hanks (available in Libby/OverDrive) were standouts for me this year, but so many lesser-known narrators crush it, too, voicing many characters, switching tone and accent so expertly that you'd think you were hearing a full cast. Full cast (group) narration is great, too — check out Meryl Streep and others reading Charlotte's Web (available in Libby/OverDrive), or The Only Plane in the Sky by Garrett M. Graff, which won the 2020 Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year (available in Libby/OverDrive) or Tony Kushner's Angels in America, read by Nathan Lane and a full cast (available in Libby/OverDrive). If you don't finish an audiobook, no worries, Libby remembers where you left off, and brings you back to that chapter the next time you borrow it.—Karyn DeLuca, Collection Management
The Bureau (TV series)Seasons 1-5 available on DVD
Smart, suspenseful and addictive, this international espionage series will keep you on the edge. It has been acclaimed as the best TV French series.—Any Grill, Adult Services
The Breadwinner by Deborah EllisAdapted by the feature film by Nora Twomey
Hoopla
The Breadwinner Graphic Novel
The Breadwinner DVD
Raise your words, not your voice. It is the rain that makes the flowers grow, not thunder.
—Rumi
The Breadwinner follows the story of a family in Afghanistan during the rule of The Taliban (2001). Parvana, the youngest daughter, watches as her family struggles to survive after the patriarch of the family (Baba) is arrested for reading forbidden books to earn a living. Parvana poses as a young boy to become “The Breadwinner.” An inspiring story about love, family, courage, and survival. Fans of Mulan, Kite Runner, Reading Lolita in Tehran, The Grave of the Fireflies, and Persepolis will enjoy this graphic novel—Caroline Reddy, Youth Services
Erik's Favorite Places:
Favorite Place to Work:
My couch
Favorite Place to Study:
My couch
Favorite Place to Learn:
My couch
Favorite Place to Read:
My couch
Favorite Place to Get Away:
My recliner
Thanks for this list of recommendations!!
Our pleasure, Lorraine!