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Madison C

Madison C

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The Martian : a novel

by Andy Weir

SCIENCE FICTION Weir Andy
Science Fiction

"Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he's sure he'll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he's alive--and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won't have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old 'human error' are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn't ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills--and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit--he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?"

If you ever find yourself stranded on Mars, "The Martian" would be an excellent "how to survive" guide to keep on hand...plus a fully-fueled rocket to get you back home. This character-driven story is told with incredible wit and humor, despite the dire circumstances astronaut Mark Watney finds himself in. If you are looking for a book about surviving against the odds and the unbreakable human spirit, "The Martian" is the perfect read! -Madison C

The one hundred years of Lenni and Margot : a novel

by Marianne Cronin

FICTION Cronin Marianne
Fiction

Seventeen-year-old Lenni Pettersson has been told she's dying, but still has plenty of living to do. She lives on the Terminal Ward at the Glasgow Princess Royal Hospital. In their arts and crafts class she meets Margot, an 83-year-old, purple-pajama-wearing, fruitcake-eating rebel. Their friendship blooms, and though their days are dwindling both are determined to leave their mark on the world. With the help of Lenni's doting palliative care nurse and Father Arthur, the hospital's patient chaplain, Lenni and Margot devise a plan to create one hundred paintings showcasing the stories of the century they have lived: stories of love and loss, of courage and kindness, of unexpected tenderness and pure joy. -- adapted from jacket.

Do you ever find yourself asking, "Is there a book that is capable of making me ugly-cry into a wad of tissues?" Well, "The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot" will surely help. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, this novel explores the power of friendship and the preciousness of life. A novel that will be sure to stay with you for years after reading! -Madison C

The sixth extinction : an unnatural history

by Elizabeth. Kolbert

576.84 /Kolbert
History, Science

Provides a moving account of the disappearances occurring all around us and traces the evolution of extinction as concept, from its first articulation by Georges Cuvier in revolutionary Paris up through the present day. The sixth extinction is likely to be mankind's most lasting legacy, compelling us to rethink the fundamental question of what it means to be human.

Who would have thought that humans might actually be the problem? Elizabeth Kolbert, apparently. "Sixth Extinction" is a compelling, eye-opening read about the human-led "sixth extinction" event taking place before our eyes. Part-history on the evolution of the scientific understanding of extinctions, part-commentary on the extinctions actively taking place, this novel forces readers to ask the question: "What will be humankind's lasting legacy?" -Madison C

Jurassic Park : a novel

by Michael Crichton

SCIENCE FICTION Crichton, Michael
Adventure, Science Fiction

On a remote jungle island, genetic engineers have created a dinosaur game park. But as always there is a dark side to the fantasy and after a catastrophe destroys the park's defence systems, the scientists and tourists are left fighting for survival.

A novel that further captivated readers since the release of the 1993 cinematic masterpiece (in this staff person's opinion), "Jurassic Park" is perfect for any reader who has long imagined what it would be like for dinosaurs to roam the Earth...and why cloning ancient dino-dna may not be the best plan. A story of dinosaurs sprinkled in with commentary of the downsides to greedy capitalism, "Jurassic Park" is a must-read! -Madison C

Anxious people : a novel

by Fredrik Backman

FICTION Backman Fredrik
Diverse Characters, Humor, Mystery

Taken hostage by a failed bank robber while attending an open house, eight anxiety-prone strangers--including a redemption-seeking bank director, two couples who would fix their marriages, and a plucky octogenarian--discover their unexpected common traits.

As a self-proclaimed "anxious person," I can attest that this Fredrik Backman novel is perfect for readers looking for a relatable story that explores the complexities of being human in a world that won't stand still. With a wonderfully diverse cast of characters, "Anxious People" is rich in humor, wit, and surprise twists. -Madison C

Boys in the valley

by Philip Fracassi

FICTION Fracassi Philip
Horror

"St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys. Turn of the century, in a remote valley in Pennsylvania. Here, under the watchful eyes of several priests, thirty boys work, learn, and worship. Peter Barlow, orphaned as a child by a gruesome murder, has made a new life here. As he approaches adulthood, he has friends, a future...a family. Then, late one stormy night, a group of men arrive at their door, one of whom is badly wounded, occult symbols carved into his flesh. His death releases an ancient evil that spreads like sickness, infecting St. Vincent's and the children within. Soon, boys begin acting differently, forming groups. Taking sides. Others turn up dead. Now Peter and those dear to him must choose sides of their own, each of them knowing their lives - and perhaps their eternal souls - are at risk"

If you thought the struggles of adolescence was enough to make you shudder, try mixing in a malevolent spirit and a setting where no one can hear you scream, and you have "Boys in the Valley." This novel is a gripping and suspenseful read that will speak to fans of dark, atmospheric horrors in a story that is "Lord of the Flies" meets "The Exorcist." A book to read with the lights on! -Madison C

The rise and fall of the dinosaurs : a new history of a lost world

by Stephen Brusatte

567.9 /Brusatte
Nature, Science

A sweeping narrative scientific history that tells the epic story of the dinosaurs, examining their origins, their habitats, their extinction, and their living legacy.

For anyone who is still a child at heart and misses being asked what their favorite dinosaur is, "The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs" is the book for you! As someone who grew up wanting to be the next Dr. Alan Grant of paleontology, I can say with confidence that Steve Brusatte's book is the perfect fit for anyone fascinated by the wonders of paleontology and golden age of dinosaur discoveries. -Madison C

Vicious

by Victoria Schwab

SCIENCE FICTION Schwab Victoria
Science Fiction

Victor and Eli started out as college roommates-- brilliant, arrogant, lonely boys who recognized the same sharpness and ambition in each other. In their senior year, a shared research interest in adrenaline, near-death experiences, and seemingly supernatural events reveals an intriguing possibility: that under the right conditions, someone could develop extraordinary abilities. But when their thesis moves from the academic to the experimental, things go horribly wrong.

If you're a fan of morally ambiguous main characters, superpowers in the real world, and destructive journeys of vengeance, "Vicious" is just the book for you! For any reader that is a fan of dark, action-packed stories that sprinkle in superheroes (and villains you can't help but root for). -Madison C

The way of kings

by Brandon. Sanderson

SCIENCE FICTION Sanderson, Brandon
Diverse Characters, Fantasy

A new epic series by the best-selling writer of Robert Jordan's final Wheel of Time novels introduces the world of Roshar through the experiences of a war-weary royal compelled by visions, a highborn youth condemned to military slavery and a woman who would save her impoverished house.

The first in a series, "The Way of Kings" is full of epic adventures, complex characters, and richly detailed world-building. Set in a world already in the midst of a war, readers will soon learn that there are far worse things on the horizon for the protagonists of Roshar. This high fantasy novel is full of acts of heroism, self-discovery, and the difficult choices people must make in times of crisis. "The Way of Kings" will transport any reader into this world of unforgettable characters. The Knights Radiant will stand again! -Madison C

Ender's game

by Orson Scott Card

SCIENCE FICTION Card Orson
Dystopian, Science Fiction

A veteran of years of simulated war games, Ender believes he is engaged in one more computer war game when in truth he is commanding the last fleet of Earth against an alien race seeking the complete destruction of Earth.

In this classic novel, Orson Scott Card explores the complexities of war and the consequences of pushing the human spirit to its breaking point. "Ender's Game" is an unforgettable read about the costs of heroism and the value of compassion, told from the eyes of a child. -Madison C

Into thin air : a personal account of the Mount Everest disaster

by Jon. Krakauer

796.522 /Krakauer
Science, Sports

Journalist Jon Krakauer, standing on the summit of Mt. Everest, saw nothing that "suggested that a murderous storm was bearing down." He was wrong. The storm, which claimed five lives and left countless more in guilt-ridden disarray, would also provide the impetus for this epic account of the May 1996 Mt. Everest disaster.

A first-hand account of the 1996 Mt. Everest disaster, "Into Thin Air" almost reads like a fiction novel, exploring the small decisions and unavoidable moments that led to the loss of five lives on the Nepal-side of the mountain. For readers who are drawn to stories about surviving against the odds and the unrelenting will of the human spirit, "Into Thin Air" will take you on an unforgettable journey on a quest to reach the world's highest peak, and the costs along the way. -Madison C

All systems red

by Martha Wells

SCIENCE FICTION Wells Martha
Science Fiction

A murderous android discovers itself in "All Systems Red", a tense science fiction adventure by Martha Wells that interrogates the roots of consciousness through Artificial intelligence. In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety. But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn't a primary concern. On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied 'droid -- a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as "Murderbot." Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is. But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.

The entire Murderbot Diaries series is one of my all-time favorite reads, starting off strong with the first book, "All Systems Red." The self-named android, "Murderbot" is a surprisingly relatable protagonist who, despite being a deadly security unit, only wants to watch TV shows and avoid dealing with its emotions (who doesn't?!). Full of dry humor and clever observations, the cynical Murderbot is one of the most human characters readers will come across. -Madison C

Interests: Science, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Diverse Characters

About Me

Hi! I work as a Library Aide, where you can find me on the second floor at the Page Station. Before moving back to Iowa, I lived in Washington, DC for six years (so if you need any travel tips or tricks for our nation's capital, just let me know!).

What do you like to read?
To be honest, it completely depends on my mood (BUT, I'm never in the mood to read historical fiction or memoirs...sorry Kristin Hannah and Barbra Streisand). I do love sci-fi and fantasy novels, along with horror and murder mysteries.

What are your hobbies? In no particular order:
If I'm not working at the library, you'll most likely find me out Herky hunting, at the nearest used bookstore, or trying to complete the New York Times crossword puzzle (unless it's a puzzle past Wednesday, in which case, I don't do because it's too hard for my beginner-level crosswording skills).

Share a surprising fact about you.
I'm a diehard "Predator" movie franchise and comic book fan. If you ever want to talk about the Alien/Predator universe, I'm always up for a conversation!

Do you have pets?
Yes, two adopted cats named Ella and Perihelion (Peri for short)! I'm 98% certain Ella is an alien, and I'm 100% certain Peri is a complete derp who loves to terrorize Ella.

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Madison C

My Shelf

About Me