January Patron of the Month
Karla
Vox by Christina Dulcher
A modern Handmaid’s Tale, Vox describes a disturbing future for girls and women, one that becomes more imaginable throughout this quick and riveting read.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Celia Owens
Owens’ descriptions of the swamp land and her unique character’s connection to her home are beautiful without being flowery. A murder mystery, a coming of age story, and a tribute to Nature—all at the same time.
The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel
The straightforward account of a man who managed to keep himself hidden in the Maine woods for 27 years. Stranger in the Woods presents us with a hermit who’s not a hero, and leaves us pondering whether anyone can live outside of society’s definitions without breaking the law.
Meg
Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
This book has forever changed the way I look at something I previously took for granted: trees! Even though I don’t consider myself a particular fan of science memoirs, I loved this book! Jahren is a wonderful writer who describes her personal life with honesty and makes high-level science approachable by the layperson without “dumbing it down.”
We are Okay: A Novel by Nina LaCour
One of my favorite young adult novels—I loved the characters and their unflinching honesty. The writing is very good, and although the novel is rooted in a contemporary setting, themes of loneliness, trust and growth surpass time and place.
The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living
Who doesn’t need a gentle reminder about the important things in life? Light a candle, curl up by the fire in a homemade quilt, sip a hot beverage with a friend nearby, and read this short book about happiness with a dash of cultural insight.
Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a Small Town
What a departure from Krakauer’s other books about alpine adventure! This journalistic investigation bogged me down a bit with complex names and court cases, yet I appreciate the way Krakauer cuts through the “victim myth” and analyzes the deficit of the justice system for dealing with this personal crime. It’s been 10 years since the events took place, yet with the current #metoo movement, the messages in this book are timely and ones we should share with our teenage boys and girls who are headed onto college campuses.
Katrina
I’m the Biggest Thing in the Ocean by Kevin Sherry
Nothing is going to get this little guy down!
Still Me by Jojo Moyes
A great example of exemplary character, of doing the right things just because they are the right things, regardless of the cost.
The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
Already a fan of Sanderson, these particular characters ended up being especially good friends. I liked learning who they were, where they came from, what drove them and why. The world and the magic were interesting and unique. It is a rare book that I will re-read, but I know one day I will thoroughly enjoy re-connecting with these friends.
Casey
The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu
This is the best book I have read in quite a while, and the first of a three-part trilogy that will forever change the way I look at the stars and notions about extra-terrestrial life. These books are incredibly imaginative and have thought-provoking visions of the future of humankind.
The Demon Cycle by Peter V Brett
This very dark and epic fantasy series will keep you riveted and thirsting for the next book. Brett’s characters are deeply flawed and scarred from living as prey in a hostile world. In fantasy novels, the world is very important to me, and this series delivers with richly detailed societies, languages, religions, and cultures. Another important fact is that this is a completed series; it's always nice to know that what you are investing your time in reading has an actual ending.
Oathbringer by Brandon Sanderson
Sanderson is one of my all time favorite authors. This is book three of his epic masterpiece: The Stormlight Archive. Sanderson always delivers quality action-packed books; his plot lines twist and turn so you never know what will happen next. His worlds and magic systems are incredibly imaginative and thoroughly developed.
Diane
Symphony for the City of the Dead by M.T. Anderson
The power of music and art, the terror of fascism and war, in a brilliantly researched narrative that reads like a thriller. The author skillfully reveals “truth” as shifting and elusive during times of sheer survival. “The chilling details of the Stalin regime and the plight of the Russian people even before the Germans arrived will be eye-opening to many teen readers. The book has all the intrigue of a spy thriller, recounts the horrors of living during the three-year siege, and delineates the physical oppression and daunting foes within and outside of the city. This is also the story of survival against almost impossible odds”. —Luann Toth, School Library Journal
The Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny
My guilty pleasure! A beautifully written mystery series set in Quebec. The characters are complex and their stories and landscapes are as important as the crimes. Filled with the Quebecois sense of place and culture, the author weaves history and vivid descriptions throughout the books. I could not stop reading these, and like many fans, am now determined to make a pilgrimage to the Eastern Townships of Quebec.
Brighty of the Grand Canyon by Marguerite Henry
I read this Junior classic aloud with my 11-year-old. We were both mesmerized by the tale of the feisty burro and the old west characters, with bits of Park history and the gorgeous descriptions of the Grand Canyon. Fantastic read before a family trip, or anytime.
Melody
The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
This book was charming, thoughtful and funny. There was also a bit of whimsy and a ghost for good measure!
Then She was Gone by Lisa Jewell
I couldn't put this book down. It was suspenseful and riveting to the very end.
Whistling Past the Graveyard by Susan Crandall
If you liked The Secret Life of Bees, you will love this well-written coming of age story set in the South in 1963.
Heidi
Educated by Tara Westover
This book by an Idaho author is heart wrenching and inspiring. It is a must-read for anyone, and a powerful memoir full of courage and grit.
How to be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery
As the title implies this is a nature memoir. It reflects on the truth and personalities of 13 animals from around the world and their importance in the author’s life. A lovely and profound read!
Friends of the McCall Public Library Book Sale January 26th - February 2nd 10:00-6:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00-2:00 pm
Used book sale will be taking place in the McCall Public Library conference room all week!
Snowman Building Contest
Saturday, February 2nd 12:00-2:00 pm
Build a small snowman within the allotted time. Free books and prizes for participants!
Let’s Talk About It
Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 pm
During this popular winter book discussion series, participants will gather at the library to explore themes and issues addressed by the season’s books, led by visiting scholars. The 2019 theme is “Global Perspectives.”
Great Decisions 2019
Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 pm
The Great Decisions Discussion Program is put together by the Foreign Policy Association, and designed to encourage debate and discussion of the important global issues of our time. The program provides materials that help people reach informed opinions on the issues and participate in the foreign policy process.
10 Years on Trails
Tuesday, February 19 at 6:30 pm
Follow along with trail crews and rangers through a season of maintaining public access in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area.
Anime Club
Friday, February 22nd at 6:00 pm
Join us for a screening of The Secret World of Arietty. Cosplay Contest! Come dressed up and win a prize! Make your own custom anime button. Bring your movies and Manga to swap. Ramen and popcorn will be provided.
Doing Democracy
Tuesday, February 26th 6:30-8:30 pm
The McCall Public Library invites you to join the discussion on a topic chosen by the community.
Travelogue Series: Exploring Laos
Thursday, February 28th at 6:30 pm
Welcome Cindy Lee back from her trip to the Far East! Join us as we learn all about her adventures in Laos.
After 40 years, we said goodbye to the old library counter. Using LOT funds we installed a new custom state-of-the-art counter! We made sure to take special care that this counter will be easily moved after our future library expansion project.
Thank You Library Donors:
Sean Gould
Anonymous
Steve and Claire D. Ryberg
Lynn Lewinski
Franklin Pearson
Sherree Sonfield
Christine Larocco
Albert & Nancy Butler
Kathryn O Blackmon
John E and Katherine P Milliner
Beverly Ferris Nightengale
Charlie Nightengale
Marcia Witte and Lyle Nelson
Krista Rauch
Idaho Women’s Charitable Foundation
Alice Poore
Payette Lakes Progressive Club
Kathy and Dale Nagy
Susan Yelderman
Elisa Barney
Jenny and Wayne Ruemmele
Ellen and Mike McKinney
Debra Bailey
