Christian's Picks
Christian is our very tall events + social media manager, who happens to have a fine taste in books. He also works in receiving and at the main desk, so stop by if you need some recommendations!
APRIL 2022
The Archer is a simple narrative about learning, practicing, and mastering a skill -- living a life with a definite purpose. Like the flight of an arrow, Coelho suggests that life should be lived without fear of failure or regret unless you are willing to miss the target before you shoot. Fans of The Alchemist or of any of Coelho's other novels will find this to be true to form -- mystical storytelling with implies spiritual meaning.
MARCH 2022
Northwind is a wilderness survival story about a young boy, like much of Paulsen's previous work.Leaving his village after disaster, Leif heads northward in a canoe with little more than himself and his hopes to outlast the elements. Follow along as he explores the inlets, bays, and fjords of the coastline -- complete with big bear and orca whale encounters that are exhilarating.This is Gary Paulsen's final book, and worth the read for any of his fans or someone looking for a quick adventure read!
FEBRUARY 2022
In the not so distant future, society has collapsed into chaos because of economic and climate crises. The lucky are forced top steal and murder for their next meal, and pyromaniacs start and follow wildfires to reap from the paths of destruction.Lauren Olamina begins a trek northward to escape a painful past, and along the way forms a band of travelers intent on reestablishing a society with purpose and stability.For Black History Month, consider reading one of the first black female authors of science fiction.
A Pleasant read, Small Things Like These is a book that can easily be finished in one day because of its brevity and pace. What starts as a remembrance of simpler times and forgotten moments quickly transitions into an emotional mystery.An Indie Next selection for December 2021!
NOVEMBER 2021
At an eclectic coffee shop in Tokyo, customers visit for more than a cup of coffee or tea. This coffee shop can help you travel through time, but there is a twist: You cannot change the present while in the past. You must sit in a very specific seat, which at the moment is being used by a ghost. And you must return before the coffee gets cold.Kawaguchi originally wrote these short stories for the stage in Japan, and his award winning plays are now international bestsellers. Each book is made up of 4 short stories about 4 different patrons looking to travel through time. Pleasant but emotionally complex, the stories will have you questioning what you would do with the ability to travel through time.
OCTOBER 2021
There is more to London than what meets the eye. Neverwhere is a fantasy story of monsters, angels, murderers, and saints in the city of "London Below". Gaiman is excellent at building characters and worlds with depth and quirks that make them all the more endearing. Neverwhere is both an epic quest to save self and world, and a subtle commentary on homelessness and mental illness. It's truly one of a kind.
SEPTEMBER 2021
September is here, and that means Red Wings hockey will be back in Traverse City for training camp! In hopes that this year is better than the last few for the team, The Russian Five is a great read to remind you of the late 90s dynasty in Detroit.This is a story of defection from Russia, with each player's experience playing out like a spy novel, from their draft and journeys to America, culminating in the story of the tragedy that seriously injured 2 of the 5. The work of getting the Five to Detroit was well worth it, as they were an integral part of the '97 and '98 Stanley Cup championships.
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MARCH 2021
Sudhir, a first year grad student in Chicago, documents his time spent with those living in the Robert Taylor Homes, the well known projects of Chicago's south side.. What began as a study of the living conditions in project housing quickly becomes an inside look into gangs, policing (or lack thereof), family life, and the impossible challenge of upward mobility for the residents of RTH. Her from Sadhir and JT, a gang leader, about why gangs are so enticing to young men in impoverished communities and why the work the gang does dances along the fine line of moral ambiguity.
JANUARY 2021
After 2020, a year with little adventure, join Santiago on a hunt for treasure from Spain to the Pyramids. Along the way, he learns more about the true treasures to be found in everyday life while overcoming a series of setbacks. Coelho's writing prompts you t9o search for connections between Santiago's journey and your own, with lessons that are relevant to anyone in search of their "Personal Legend".