Shelf Talk April 25

Here are some reading recommendations from the Dripping Springs Community Library for the month of April, chatted up by Century News columnist Alice Adam.

CHILDREN’S DEPARTMENT

Clifford Sees America by Norman Bridwell.This is a Level One Scholastic Reader and A brand-new, original Clifford early reader! In the story, Clifford sets out on a trip around America! The big red dog loves the lights of Times Square, races in the Indy 500 and licks the faces of Mount Rushmore. In San Francisco, Clifford blows us away by saving the day! We love Clifford!

YOUNG ADULT DEPARTMENT

Mike by Andrew Norriss.MEET FLOYD. He's a tennis star. Possibly good enough to win Wimbledon one day. MEET MIKE. He's... different. Apart from anything else, Floyd seems to be the only one who can see him. But Mike must have appeared for a reason. And finding out why is perhaps the most important thing Floyd will ever do.

This book is an enchanting coming-of-age tale, with a young man struggling to come to terms with his future and what he really wants out of life. Anyone who has tried to live up to their parents' desires and expectations will be able to connect with Floyd as he begins his journey of self-discovery." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

Mike is the imaginary friend and projection of a repressed wish that won't go away until Floyd confronts both his greatest fear and greatest desire: to succeed.

ADULT DEPARTMENT 

No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work by Liz Fosslien.A hilarious guide to effectively expressing your emotions at the office, finding fulfillment, and defining work-life balance on your own terms.

How do you stop the office grouch from ruining your day? How do you enjoy a vacation without obsessing about the unanswered emails in your inbox? If you're a boss, what should you do when your new, eager hire wants to follow you on Instagram? 

The modern workplace can be an emotional minefield, filled with confusing power structures and unwritten rules. We're expected to be authentic, but not too authentic. Professional, but not stiff. Friendly, but not an oversharer. Easier said than done!

As both organizational consultants and regular people, we know what it's like to experience uncomfortable emotions at work - everything from mild jealousy and insecurity to panic and rage. Ignoring or suppressing what you feel hurts your health and productivity -- but so does letting your emotions run wild.

Our goal in this book is to teach you how to figure out which emotions to toss, which to keep to yourself, and which to express in order to be both happier and more effective. We'll share some surprising new strategies, such as:

  *   Be selectively vulnerable: Be honest about how you feel, but don't burden others with your deepest problems.

  *   Remember that your feelings aren't facts: What we say isn't always what we mean. In times of conflict and miscommunication, try to talk about your emotions without getting emotional.

  *   Be less passionate about your job: Taking a chill pill can actually make you healthier and more focused.

Drawing on what we've learned from behavioral economics, psychology, and our own experiences at countless organizations, we'll show you how to bring your best self (and your whole self) to work every day.