Patch Picks: Grab a Great Book for National Read Across America Day

In honor of National Read Across America Day, this week's Patch Picks are five interesting reads as chosen by a local librarian. Joan Kahnhauser, the head adult reference librarian at , gives us these recommendations – and also wants us to return them on time.

• The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains – Nicholas Carr: The author of Is Google Making us Stupid? continues his analysis of the negative effects of the internet society. The book has ignited lengthy debate on the topic which can be enjoyable even after you finish reading it.
• Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modern Bestiary – David Sedaris: The latest from the acclaimed humorist takes a look at our world in the form of anthropomorphic animals. The collection of short stories is enhanced by illustrations by Ian Falconer. See how many representations of yourself you can find.
• Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch – Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman: A comedic story on the coming of the apocalypse as parodied by renowned fantasy writers. Is evil comfortable enough in our world to fight against its destruction?
• The Book Thief – Markus Zusak: A children's book about a girl's relationship with her foster parents in the era of Nazi Germany. Can literature be the basis of peace and destruction in the world? This one spent over 100 weeks on the New York Times Children's Bestseller List.
• Daniel Deronda – George Eliot: The final book by the Victorian novelist who used a male pen name to ensure that her work would be taken seriously. This one takes a look at the morals of the time as a young man searches for his place in the world. Do any of the lessons apply to the world of today?