Love is in the air at the Mechanics' Institute. February’s Staff Picks are devoted to love and romance.
Heather recommends The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton.
“The fact that the great Martin Scorsese - known for films teeming with violence, crime, and gang identity - translated this book into a film should tell you all you need to know about the very real dangers of falling in love with the wrong person during the Gilded Age. This romance, set in high society 1870's New York, is masterfully written, and the plot twists and turns like an episode of whichever Shonda Rimes show is your favorite right now. I like my romance with a dash of bitters, so if you do too, pick up The Age of Innocence, and be thankful that you can marry (or divorce) whomever you want to.”
Taryn recommends The French Lieutenant’s Woman by John Fowles
“Tight corsets and Victorian muffled passion - seriously, one of the best novels I've read.”
Heather and Kristin both recommend How the French Invented Love by Marilyn Yalom.
“ A seductive and fascinating read on how the French concept of love developed and changed over the years while never losing the unique elements that make romance in France different from anywhere else in the world.”
Curious about the science behind what makes us love? Checkout Why we love : the nature and chemistry of romantic love by Helen Fisher. Helen offers radical new answers to the age-old questions: "What is love?", "Why do we fall in love?" and, "How can we keep love alive?"
Don’t have time to read? Love graphic novels? Check out Gareth Hinds' adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, The most excellent and lamentable tragedy of Romeo & Juliet : a play by William Shakespeare. Classic comics more to your liking? Try Walt Disney’s Valentine’s Classics.
Into memoirs? Try Gloria Vanderbilt’s It Seemed Important at the Time. Read about Gloria’s steamy affairs and decided for yourself if Truman Capote’s character, Holly Golightly, in Breakfast at Tiffany’s was based on her.
There are plenty more lovely books to choose from.... stop by the Staff Picks Display on the second floor library and find your own true love!
