Every so often, a book finds itself onto your bedside table.. a book that comes with no specific expectations aside from looking like it might be worth the time to read it. Every so often these books can wow us in a lasting, meaningful way. Here are some titles that turned out to be so much more than your Friendswood Library staff expected!
Do you have a book that took you by surprise? We'd love to hear about it! Comment below to share.
Slammed, Colleen Hoover
"It made me look at poetry in a completely different way!" - Ms. Karen, Assistant Library Director
Rules for Visiting, Jessica Francis Kane
"This book made me pause many times and think about my friendships in the 'real world', in a time when social media so often takes center stage. It made me reflect on how small personal connections make a mark on our lives, and how all these little things together build community. After reading this, I am excited to buy some postcards... and maybe, in time, dust off my little suitcase!" - Ms. Kat, Children's Department
Dog Man, Dave Pilkey
"I know this series is really popular, and it's always checked out...I figured I had an idea of why it is so loved and I wasn't wrong - the story and the art work are great - but there are so many extra things I didn't expect. Literary references and characters that are much deeper than I expected them to be." - Ms. Sti, Children's Department
My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Ottessa Moshfegh
[book] [ebook] [e-audiobook]
"Self-isolation is a choice made by the main character, which I found intriguing given current circumstances. While so many are struggling with social distancing, this book makes you consider that maybe a little alone time is all you need." - Ms. Emily, Circulation
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Jeff Kinney
[book] [ebook] [e-audiobook]
"It captures the funny reality of a tween and their family. It's not the perfect family and it's not the perfect kid, but together they make the perfect example of how funny family life can be." - Ms. Brenda, Children's Department
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, Anne Fadiman
[book]
"This is a book that surprised me and changed the course of my life. This was the first book assigned in my very first class at the University of Houston – Clear Lake, in an intro to Anthropology class. This book and the discussions we had in the class is the reason I decided to major in Anthropology, which was the most fulfilling education I have ever experienced." - Ms. Lisa, Admin Assistant
Cast Away: Poems for our Time, Naomi Shihab Nye
[book]
"It makes you think about how we're excited about things, and then not so exicted after a period of time. This book gives you a sense of appreciating life, and also our environment. " - Ms. Rose, Children's Department
The Hot Hand: the Mystery and Science of Streaks, Ben Cohen
[book]
"Wall Street Journal sports writer Ben Cohen explores streaks (think being in the “zone” or the “flow”) across multiple areas including basketball, video game development, and playwriting. I was not a fan of basketball but am now after reading this illuminating, yet playfully written think piece on the nature of winning streaks and performative excellence." - Mr. Dru, Reference Department