Westerly Sun Column | Staff Picks for Good December Reading

As the end of the year rapidly approaches, I asked our library staff about the books and movies they enjoyed most over the last 12 months. Surprisingly, there were almost no duplicate answers! If you’re looking for something to read or watch in the coming weeks, here are our recommendations for you.

If you’re looking for something published in 2023, Circulation Associate Stevie raved about “The Celebrants,” a novel by Steven Rowley that follows a group of five friends post-college graduation, and a unique pact that they made. Colleen in Collection Management liked “Clytemnestra” by Constanza Casati, a novel set in ancient Greece that would appeal to fans of Madeline Miller — and many others! Young Adult books were popular this year, as Teen Associate Lynn, Tween Librarian Ben, and Head of Youth Services Rebecca all chose books from this genre: “Threads that Bind” by Kika Hatzopoulou, “Bea Wolf” by Zach Weinersmith, and “Chaos Theory” by Nic Stone, respectively.

New doesn’t mean better, though! There are plenty of older reads that were recommended, including “North and South” by Elizabeth Gaskell, a social novel originally published in 1855 that children’s Associate Claire just read for the first time. Our Circulation Associate, Meghan, recommends “The Firekeeper’s Daughter” (2021) by Angeline Boulley, describing it as a terrific read that will “stay with me forever.” Head of Adult Services Caroline enjoyed the thriller “Killers of a Certain Age” (2022) by Deanna Raybourn, while Circulation staff Marilyn got a kick out of the audiobook version of “Remarkably Bright Creatures” (2022) by Shelby Van Pelt, noting that the actor who voiced the snarky octopus Marcellus was an absolutely perfect choice. Finally, Business Office Manager Sara highly recommends “No Two Persons” (2023) by Erica Bauermeister, a book that — fittingly — is about how the same book can mean something different to each reader.

It was a big year for movies, and it’s probably no surprise that “Barbie” is on our list! Park employee Lee got a kick out of the sports comedy “80 for Brady,” while Keara from Circulation found “A Haunting in Venice” to be delightful … despite it being about murder and revenge. The ensemble comedy-drama by Wes Anderson, “Asteroid City,” was also named a favorite, and our Director of Development Stacey just finished “Eileen” (2016) by Ottessa Moshfegh in anticipation of the newly released flick based on the novel.

Stacey isn’t alone in enjoying book-to-screen adaptations! Both Stevie and I loved the TV series “Daisy Jones and the Six,” based on the novel of the same name (which I’ve recommended before, but will again now). Kelli, our Director of Marketing & Communications, flew through “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart,” a miniseries based on a 2019 book by Holly Ringland, while Rebecca found a great deal of merit in “Stamped From the Beginning,” a documentary based on Ibram X. Kendi’s 2016 National Book Award winner.

This is just a snapshot of a much larger list! Stop by the library for the full list of recommendations to keep you busy through December.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian