Ferndale Library Staff Recommends - Kerrie's Picks

Kerrie Patterson was originally planning to study Mortuary Sciences at OCC before it dawned on her that she seemed to be enjoying her previous gig well enough (working the circulation desk at Waterford's Public Library) to switch her academic aims, attaining Associates Degrees in Library Sciences and Liberal Arts. 

The Waterford native currently calls Madison Heights home; she joined Ferndale's staff about a month ago. She's expressed quite a contentment to be working with and for an open, easy-going and affable community such as Ferndale.

She'd already been a frequenter of both The WAB and the Magic Bag (an avid show-goer and live-music proponent, this one...). But she's also an avid reader, as you'll see below - take note - Kerrie may just clue you in on titles you've missed this year, perhaps potential candidates for your own assembling-year-end favorites.

Kerrie’s Staff Picks

By Kerrie Patterson

D:Konstruct – Stars Burning Out (CD)

One of the things I love about this library is the local music selection, and I’m also happy to help contribute to it. Now excuse the shameless plug; my boyfriend plays live keys for this band and does the back-up vocals on a few tracks. That said, I’d think they were a legitimately good band even if I didn’t know the guys, as they’re influenced by some of my favorites bands such as Depeche Mode and The Cure. This CD is a few years old so their newer stuff is more polished and I think they sound best live, so if you like their sound here, be sure to catch a local show sometime in early 2013 when they’re able to start booking again.

Queer as Folk – (Any season box set) (DVD)

Ferndale is a great city and I love how it embraces the LGBT community. Queer as Folk was an old Showtime favorite of mine years ago, and it was nice to see that this library actually carried it (it’s one of only two in our network that do). Be warned, however, that it is a very graphic and explicit show, so it’s not for the faint of heart, and definitely not for children.

Jeannette Walls – The Glass Castle (Book)

I tend to like literature that is dystopian and bleak, and this memoir fits the bill. It’s a quick read and left me absolutely amazed that someone could rise out of such a strange and horrific childhood and make something of herself. It’s a true story that’s stranger than fiction.

Hillary Jordan – When She Woke (Book)

Another dystopian one here, this time fiction. The premise of the crime and punishment system in this book is quite interesting, and unfortunately, the type of society isn’t too detached from real life. Fans of Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” will probably enjoy this one.

Marc Spitz – How Soon is Never? (Book)

Ferndale doesn’t own this one, but it can be placed on hold and sent from another library. Any fan of The Smiths should enjoy this humorous, fictitious tale of a die-hard fan attempting to get the band back together. Plenty of song and lyric references make it a fun read. How many will you find?

Ferndale Patch thanks Jeff Milo and Kerrie Patterson at the Ferndale Public Library for contributing to Patch! Check back soon for more ideas from library staff. Are you looking for recommendations on something specific? Email jessica.schrader@patch.com, and we'll pass on your questions to the library.