The Staff Shelf: Kepler’s Books

When we walk into a bookstore, the first place we go is the staff recommendation shelves—it’s how you get a quick sense of the personality of the store. The very best bookstores are merely a reflection of the eclectic, deeply felt opinions of the book-lovers who work there. As part of our Interview with a Bookstore, we asked the staff at Kepler’s Books what’s on their shelves.

SLIDESHOW: Kepler’s Books Staff Shelf

: NANCY (BOOKSELLER) RECOMMENDS: A New York magazine writer takes a job investigating the 30-year-old cold case of a prominent Louisiana family whose toddler has gone missing. The first in a trilogy, this sweeping southern mystery was one I didn’t want to put down.

: PRAVEEN (COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER) RECOMMENDS: A breakthrough new book by an MIT scholar on why human civilization is successfully rebelling against the second law of thermodynamics. Hidalgo builds on previous works by Darwin, Boltzmann, and Schrödinger and is causing a paradigm shift in our understanding of why individuals, organizations, and economies prosper.

: NANCY (BOOKSELLER) RECOMMENDS: Each chapter is a new story revolving around the same character, a woman with an incredibly discerning palate. But with humor and pathos, it’s not just about food, but also about family. I even tried one of the recipes!

: CAITLIN (BOOKSELLER) RECOMMENDS: The most whimsical, informative, OBSESSIVE, amazing book about the difference engine/analytical engine/Charles Babbage/Ada Augusta King, Lady of Lovelace/Victorian England/primary sources ever made. My heart is just completely consumed by this book and will be for a long time.

: SINA (BOOKSELLER) RECOMMENDS: The social mores of Iran, the jealous nature of both men and women, the need to remain whole as a family, self-worth and sacrifice are all major themes of this tightly-knit novel. Flawed characters and beautifully crafted language make this a great book club read.

: MARILYN (BOOKSELLER) RECOMMENDS: Long before Justices O’Connor and Ginsburg served on the Supreme Court, they set new paths for women in law and politics while establishing their careers. Their experiences as women added a new dimension to the court’s decisions on wide ranging cases. This book brings a welcome look into the Court and its Justices through changing times.

: CRESSIDA (BOOKSELLER) RECOMMENDS: Jason’s memoir shines a light onto the rare profession growing increasingly important: airborne firefighters, who parachute into burning areas too remote to otherwise reach. He shares the history of smokejumping, the pioneers who began the program in 1939, and the trials he underwent to join these memorable few. A compelling, timely read.

: KIRSTEN (SHIFT MANAGER) RECOMMENDS: Nottawa High School teenagers have been invited to join a site that offers promises to grant their every need, regardless of consequences. It starts out with harmless pranks which soon turn into crimes. Students start to realize the difference between a WANT and a NEED. After all, no one gets something for nothing.

: BECCA (KIDS SPECIALIST) RECOMMENDS: Ever wondered how a spider spins its web, or how whales catch fish? Learn insider secrets of the animal world in this fascinating step-by-step picture book. Fun and funny, this is terrific nonfiction packed with details and gorgeous illustrations that bring the natural world to life.

: Henkes is the author of my heart. His books make the world seem kinder, more hopeful. And Waiting is Henkes at his best. A perfect read-aloud – relaxing, charming, reflective – about five toy animals who spend their day looking out a window, waiting. This is a book to treasure.