BETHLEHEM, Pa. - According to Josh Berk, executive director of Bethlehem Area Public Library, "one of the joys of working in a library is being around books all day."
"It may not surprise you to learn that we are a book-loving bunch," Berk said.
- The staff at Bethlehem Area Public Library has released its list of favorite books of the year
- They include new books, classics, fiction and even children's books
- All but one are available at Bethlehem Area Public Library
The library's staff also each year "likes to look back and reflect on the best book we read in that time period," Berk said.
"These aren’t necessarily new books, just favorites that are new to us," Berk said. "We love nothing more than introducing new books to happy readers."
And for 2022, the staff shared its choices with LehighValleyNews.com.
"So check out the list below, then check out these books from your local library!" Berk said. Nearly all of the books are available at Bethlehem Area Public Library.
"And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle," by Jon Meacham. Recommended by David.
"What the author does in this fine book is to present us with an Abraham Lincoln for today — he emphasizes the atmosphere of racism in America before and during the Civil War, focusing on how Lincoln grew in his understanding of slavery and its [negative] impact on the country. I also appreciated Meacham's particular care in handling the Lincoln marriage. This may seem like well-tilled material, known to all, but the author manages to present his material in fresh — and inspiring — ways. Lincoln may have been a complicated man, full of contradictions, hidden depths and personal flaws, but he emerges from these pages as a thoroughly admirable person who rose above himself to embrace the 'better angels' of his nature."
"Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation," by Ari Folman and David Polonski. Recommended by Sonya.
"We've all read the "Diary of Anne Frank," but this beautiful adaptation grants you the ability to revisit the story in a new way. The illustrations are intricate and evocative, from them the reader is able to experience Anne Frank's humor and sharp wit represented on the page. The adaptor and illustrator did an amazing job honoring her legacy."
"Babel," by R. F. Kuang. Recommended by Christine.
"This novel follows four students studying at the Royal Institute of Translation (aka Babel), a fictional branch of Oxford University, in 1828. The students must weigh the alluring pursuit of knowledge (and all of the luxuries that come along with such prestige) against serving the colonizing British Empire and betraying their homelands. Not only was this the best book of 2022 for me, but it quickly became my favorite book even earlier this year."
"Benjamin Franklin's Last Bet," by Michael Meyer. Recommended by Mary Catherine.
"In his will, Franklin left money to be lent to tradesmen to establish their careers, with instructions that the interest from the loans was to be reinvested in training others in the future. He calculated how many people would be helped and how the fund would grow. Finally, he left instructions for how the eventual proceeds were to be used for the benefit of the cities of Philadelphia and Boston. The author gives us an interesting background regarding Franklin's life and times in the first part of the book, then traces how the funds were used [and misused]. He shows us how Franklin's vision played out into the 19th and 20th centuries. It is a very interesting exploration of a brilliant man's unusual vision!"
"Demon Copperhead," by Barbara Kingsolver. Recommended by Michelle.
"Strap yourself in as Barbara Kingsolver takes you on an epic journey with 'Demon Copperhead.' Demon was born to an 18-year-old junkie mother on the floor of her single-wide trailer in Southern Appalachia. The book follows Demon through the foster care system. The story is at times hilarious, seeing the world through young Demon's eyes. At other times this story is heart-wrenching, as it addresses societal issues of poverty, the opioid crisis and the human devastation left in their wake. Demon is a personality that will live with you long after you finish this book."
"Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands," by Kate Beaton. Recommended by Matt.
"In this graphic novel memoir, Kate Beaton covers everything from harsh realities of the Canadian economy to isolation, misogyny and sexual harassment on the job and more. The black-and-white pages are filled with both stark, bleak imagery and small panels of undeniable charm and humor. Beaton excels at blending trauma with comedy, taking the reader on an unforgettable coming-of-age journey."
"The First Kennedys," by Neal Thompson. Recommended by Mary Jane.
"Thompson articulately explains the Kennedy family saga beginning with Bridget Murphy and Patrick Kennedy, as well as many other Irish emigrants who escaped untold suffering during Ireland's potato famine in the 1840s. Misery continues during their rough Atlantic crossings on 'coffin ships,' where many perished from disease and starvation. Upon arrival in East Boston, the Irish Catholics were unwelcomed, facing mass job and housing discrimination and impoverished living conditions. Bridget and Patrick's offspring would eventually produce the 35th president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. A historical page-turner of the Kennedy family story."
"The Heartstopper" series, by Alice Oseman. Recommended by Amresee.
"I read all four books and watched the series as well. 'Heartstopper' is a young adult graphic novel series that follows British teenagers navigating their way around school, love, friendship, and mental health. It is a great read!"
"These aren’t necessarily new books, just favorites that are new to us. We love nothing more than introducing new books to happy readers."Josh Berk, executive director of Bethlehem Area Public Library
"Hexenkopf: Healing, History, and Hexerei," by Ned D. Heindel. Recommended by Brad.
"This local history text is a wonderful and thorough examination of Pennsylvania Germanic 'powwowing' and its important connection to famous Hexenkopf Mountain in southeastern Northampton County. The book does a great job of describing the practices of these local spiritual healers, as well as providing context within the larger American culture. I even learned about a Hexenkopf operetta written by J. Fred Wolle of the Bach Choir, and about the Hexenkopfers baseball team, both from the early 20th century."
"Lessons in Chemistry," by Bonnie Garmus. Recommended by Ellie.
"One of my favorite reads of this past year was 'Lessons in Chemistry ' by Bonnie Garmus. The book takes place way back in the 1960s — way before the MeToo Movement. The main character, Elizabeth Zott, must deal with sexual harassment in the workplace as well as many men who refuse to recognize the brilliance of her mind. The book is very humorous as well as mind-boggling at the narrowness of people's attitudes during that time period."
"Nine Lives," by Peter Swanson. Recommended by Stef.
"This year I must say my favorite book was 'Nine Lives' by Peter Swanson. Nine people receive a list in the mail containing their own name and the names of eight others. The group has seemingly nothing in common and most of them dismiss the oddity without much thought — until each person on the list begins to die. Twisty, well-written and completely worth the read!"
"The Ogress & the Orphans," [children's book] by Kelly Barnhill. Recommended by Julia.
"A group of intelligent children notice the town is not doing so great, to say the least. The town is consumed with its hatred and dislike of anything wonderful — such as the selfless Ogress who lives on the outskirts of town. It's up to the orphans and the Ogress to change the minds and hearts of bitter people. A wonderful new fairy tale that almost feels nostalgic, despite coming out this year."
"This Time Tomorrow," by Emma Straub. Recommended by Kristen.
Most Popular Books at Pennsylvania Libraries in 2022
- ”Dog Man” by Dav Pilkey
- ”The Baby-Sitters Club: A Graphic Novel” by Ann M. Martin
- ”Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
- ”Babymouse” by Jennifer L. Holm
- ”The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig
- ”The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah
- ”Adventure Time: Original Graphic Novel” by Pendleton Ward
- ”Narwhal and Jelly” by Ben Clanton
- ”The Bad Guys” by Aaron Blabey
- ”The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave
Many libraries in Pennsylvania, including a large number in the Lehigh Valley, participate in a statewide library catalog known as SPARK. It lets the libraries share materials and look at data across the state to see the state’s most popular books of the year.
This year’s list includes new twists on old favorites, fun books for kids, blockbuster best-sellers and even a book about a library of sorts.
Here is the list:"This book is a sweet look into the relationship between a father and daughter as his health is failing. She finds herself time traveling back to her teen years, where she wonders what she could have done differently while also developing a deeper understanding of her father. This love story between father and daughter was very engaging and a great one by a wonderful author."
"Tracy Flick Can't Win," by Tom Perrotta. Recommended by Josh.
"My new favorite was also the return of an old favorite, as author Tom Perrotta brings back the great Tracy Flick. Tracy is known by many as the Reese Witherspoon character in the movie 'Election,' based on Perrotta’s 1998 novel. Now Tracy is an adult in the messy contemporary world we live in, and Perrotta introduces a range of fascinating new characters as well. I related deeply to Tracy’s joys and challenges and was definitely surprised by the twisty ending."
"East of Eden," by John Steinbeck. Recommended by Vincent.
"'East of Eden' is epic and sprawling in scope, following its protagonists and their families across generations as they struggle to find meaning and fulfillment in the Salinas Valley of California. Vivid, complex characters will frustrate you, break your heart, then piece it back together again. Steinbeck's incredible facility with prose and his innate sense of life's most profound questions make 'East of Eden' an unforgettable journey."
