November 2023 Shelf Talk

ADULT

“The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel’ by Douglas Brunt 1913: the steamship Dresden is halfway between Belgium and England. On board is Rudolf Diesel, whose new internal combustion engine is on the verge of revolutionizing global industry forever. But Diesel vanishes during the night, and headlines around the world wonder if it was an accident, suicide or murder. Now, New York Times bestselling author Douglas Brunt reopens the case and provides a new conclusion about Diesel's fate.

“The Art Thief ” by Michael Finkel For centuries, works of art have been stolen in countless ways from all over the world, but no one has been quite as successful at it as the master thief Stéphane Breitwieser. Carrying out more than 200 heists over nearly eight years — in museums and cathedrals all over Europe — Breitwieser, along with his girlfriend, stole more than three hundred objects until it all fell apart in spectacular fashion. Unlike most thieves, Breitwieser never stole for money. This is a riveting story of art, crime, love and an insatiable hunger to possess beauty at any cost.

“Remi Bone” by William L. Myers, Jr.

Remi Bone is a hardworking mechanic, a single father raising his late wife's daughter and dying of heart failure. But his daughter Kayla was just admitted to the college of her dreams. How will she afford college with two dead parents? Before he dies, Remi decides to stockpile as much money as possible for Kayla's future. When a chance to participate in a lucrative gun-for-hire scheme arises, Remi, out of desperation, agrees to execute a hit on a shady Philadelphia drug dealer. This becomes only the first of several murders Remi is hired for, and soon, Remi's the most soughtafter hitman in town.

“The Breakaway” by Jennifer Weiner Thirty-three-year-old Abby Stern has made it to a happy place. True, she still has gig jobs instead of a career and the apartment where she's lived since college still looks like she's just moved in. She's got good friends, her bike and her bicycling club in Philadelphia. She's at peace with her plus-size body — most of the time — and she's on track to marry her childhood sweetheart. Yet, Abby can't escape the feeling that something isn't right… or the memories of one thrilling night she spent with a man two years previously. Things get complicated fast, and Abby is forced to reconsider everything she believes.

YOUNG ADULT

“One of Us is Back” by Karen M. McManus It's been almost two years since Simon died in detention, and the aftermath has been hard to shake. First, the Bayview Four had to prove they weren't killers, Then a new generation outwitted a vengeful copycat. Now, the entire Bayview Crew is back home for the summer, and everyone is trying to move on. Only, this is Bayview, and life is never that simple. When a member of the Bayview Crew disappears, it's clear this game is serious — and whoever's in charge isn't sharing the rules. Or maybe there aren't any.

“This Time It’s Real’ by Ann Liang When seventeen-yearold Eliza Lin's essay about meeting the love of her life unexpectedly goes viral, her entire life changes overnight. Now, she has the approval of her classmates at her new international school in Beijing, a career-launching internship opportunity at her favorite magazine… and a massive secret to keep. She's never been in a relationship before, let alone in love. Desperate to hide the truth, Eliza strikes a deal with a famous actor in her class: she'll help him write his college applications if he poses as her boyfriend. But when her relationship starts feeling a little too convincing, all of Eliza's carefully laid plans are threatened. Can she still follow her dreams if it means breaking her own heart?

“Under This Forgetful Sky” by Lauren Vero Sixteen-year-old Rumi Sabzwari has spent his entire life behind the armored walls of St. Iago, which protect citizens of the Union of Upper Cities from the outside world's environmental devastation. But when rebels infect his father with a fatal virus, Rumi escapes St. Iago, desperate to find a cure. In the ruined city of Paraíso, Rumi meets 15-year-old Paz, who agrees to guide him on his journey. As they travel together, Rumi finds himself drawn to Paz — and behind her tough exterior, she begins to feel the same way. Can the two learn to trust in each other enough to imagine a different world?

“Okay for Now” by Gary D. Schmidt Heartbreaking and hopeful, this novel centers on Doug, 14, who has an abusive father, a bully for a brother, a bad reputation and shameful secrets to keep. Teachers and police and his relatives think he's worthless, and he believes them, holding others at arm's length. Newly arrived in town, he starts out on the same path: antagonizing other kids, mouthing off to teachers, contemptuous of everything intimidating or unfamiliar. Who would have thought that the public library would turn out to be a refuge and an inspiration, that a snooty librarian might be a friend or that snarky redheaded Lil would like him? With more than his share of pain, including the return of his oldest brother from the Vietnam War, will Doug find anything better than “okay for now?”

CHILDREN’S

Have you seen my invisible dinosaur? by Helen Yoon Help! This little girl has lost her best friend. He’s a dinosaur (not the extinct kind) and he’s enormous. He was last seen before she gave him a bath and washed off all the mud. She’s tried to lure him with snacks and puts up Lost Dinosaur posters, but nothing has helped. Where is her dinosaur? Simple drawings help us adults remember the sweetness of childhood and an imaginary friend.

“Whale Fall: exploring an ocean-floor ecosystem by Melissa Stewart, illustrated” by Rob Dunlavey This fascinating nonfiction picture book for upper elementary grades is filled with stunning illustrations that detail the end of life for a whale. When a whale dies, its massive body silently sinks down through the inky darkness, finally coming to rest on the silty seafloor. For the whale, it's the end of a 70-year-long life. But for a little-known community of deep-sea dwellers, it's a new beginning. The sensitive words and outstanding illustrations are well suited for reading aloud.

“Air Raid Search and Rescue” by Marcus Sutter, illustrated by Pat Kinsella Historical fiction pairs with canines in this pawbiting first book in “Soldier Dogs” a thrilling adventure series perfect for fans of Max and the I Survived books. This book is inspired by the brave military dogs who helped our troops win World War II. Future books in the series feature other historical events.

“Danny and the Dinosaur” by Syd Hoff This is just a reminder of the classic for early readers that was published back in 1993. Children still adore the comical adventures that Danny and his dinosaur continue to have even now.