We asked West Allis Public Library staff members for their favorite reads of the year. See their recommendations below!
- Stamped by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi: This is a ‘remix’ of Dr. Kendi’s book Stamped from the Beginning, written for teenagers by Jason Reynolds. Reynolds is a very talented and prolific author of books for teens and kids. He did an impressive job of taking Dr. Kendi’s book and writing it in a way that is relatable and digestible for not only teens but also adults. It is a book that explores racism and anti-racism from the beginning of those ideas, but as the first sentence states, ‘This is not a history book.’ - Beth
- The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan: I finished reading the Wheel of Time series, an incredible fantasy adventure. It has the major aspects of a hero’s journey but was very unpredictable. It was my goal to finish the 14th book before the TV series would air in 2021. Unfortunately, it seems I will have to wait a bit longer to watch the show. Though I feel accomplished finally having finished them all, it is a bittersweet victory because the story is over. - Gina
- The Sherlockian by Graham Moore: The Sherlockian by Graham Moore is a quick read, and a fairly gore-free introduction to the mystery genre. If you like Sherlock Holmes or just a quick mystery read, this one would be a great option. - Elizabeth
- Longbourn by Jo Baker: If you like Jane Austen’s novels and the insight into downstairs life in Downton Abbey, you will love this book. Set in the home of the Bennet family (of Austen’s Pride and Prejudice) the story is about Sarah, who is one of the Bennet family’s servants. Drama, romance and historical references all combine to provide an alternate perspective on the Bennets and Bingleys. -Elizabeth
- The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes: In The Giver of Stars, you'll meet five remarkable women as they become involved in First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s Depression-era Pack Horse Library Project of Kentucky. They are tasked with getting library books to needy families living in the remote hills of Appalachia. The history of this time is fascinating, and the backstories of each of these ladies and their eventual love and respect for one another and the people they serve makes for great reading. This is a book I highly recommend. - Karen
- In the Woods by Tana French: Tana French has quickly become one of my favorite authors as I’m reading through her Dublin murder mystery series. There’s something so incredibly haunting about In the Woods that instantly had me hooked and has been my favorite in the series so far. You never quite know where the story’s going to go, and the ending may leave you with more questions than answers...and I absolutely love it! -Nikki
- Piranesi by Susanna Clarke: I loved Clarke’s first novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell. In her second, equally terrific novel, Piranesi cannot leave the unusual house in which he lives with curious statues, human remains and tides that flood rooms. But he finds beauty in his surroundings even as he learns more about his mysterious visitor and himself. This magical, timely book shows us how powerful perspective can be. -Sarah L.
- Cat Dog Dog by Nelly Buchet: My favorite 2020 picture book was Cat Dog Dog by Nelly Buchet. A young couple gets married, and their offspring (pets) must learn to live together. The book uses essentially three words to tell the story (cat dog dog), but it blends so well with the charming illustrations. It’s very heartwarming, funny and has a lovely twist at the end. -Mary
- The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman: My favorite middle grade book was the wonderfully researched Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman. A story of enduring friendship that takes place in Pripyat, Ukraine, and the Soviet Union (now Russia) during the Chernobyl nuclear power station crisis. Two young girls forge a unique bond and consider themselves blackbirds which are symbols of eternal friendship. -Mary
- Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger: My favorite novel that I read in 2020 was Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kruger. It was published in 2013. Forty years after a fateful summer where five people were killed, the narrator Frank looks back at the impact on him, as a 13 year old, his family, and his small rural Minnesota town. -Mary
- Don't Touch My Hair! by Sharee Miller: A simple book with an amazing message about respecting people’s boundaries. The lessons taught are poignant, and I personally wished the book was around when I was growing up. I would highly recommend this book to adults and children. -Angelina
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria Schwab: 'Never make a deal with the gods that answer after dark.’ Wise words from Adeline’s neighbor that in a moment of desperation she decides to ignore. What follows is a deal with the devil that will allow her to live free but not be remembered. Follow Addie as she navigates the extent of her curse. Will she continue to confound death, or will she give up and walk to him with open arms? I am generally not a time-traveling story person, but I really liked this one—just be sure to note the date at the start of each chapter because it does skip around from past to present. -Sarah R.
- The Twelve Days of Dash and Lily by Rachel Kohn and David Levithan: The first book in a three-book young adult series, Levithan and Cohn’s Dash & Lily is the perfect YA meet-cute. It was recently adapted into a Netflix special, which was wonderfully rendered and a sheer delight this COVID-inflected holiday season, which inspired me to read all three books in the series. To give a sense of the book’s style, Cohn and Levithan have co-written several other books, most notably and most popularly Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Much like Nick & Norah, this series is clever, witty, endearing, and has just enough campy, melodramatic twists and turns that it makes for the perfect winter read, gently easing me into this otherwise too-often bleak time of year. -Adam
- Sourdough by Robin Sloan: I usually read a ton of books, but this year I found it really hard to focus on reading. This book brought me back to it. I listened to the audiobook, and it was the perfect mix of entertaining light story, escapist setting, and characters that were quirky and real. Maybe it will even inspire you to bake sourdough bread! -Jamie
- Nobody Will Tell You This But Me by Bess Kalb: Nobody Will Tell You This but Me by Bess Kalb is one of those books I didn’t want to end. This is the story of four generations of women shared in the voice of the author’s grandmother. Told through remembered conversations, and peppered with voice mails, emails and texts, this family history of love and struggle can be appreciated by readers of all ages. - Katie
