Reading Recommendations: A different point of view

Point of view is a key element of every story on the shelf. POV affects how a reader understands and interacts with the story being told. When it comes to titles from a unique perspective, Northwest Shoals Community College library director Lori Skinner has these titles to recommend:

“The Reason I Jump”

By Naoki Higashida

Naoki Higashida’s award-winning memoir, “The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism,” is a moving, powerful and intimate glimpse into an autistic mind. Diagnosed with severe autism at the age of 5, Naoki Higashida developed an alphabet grid and began to write poems and stories. At the age of 13 he wrote this memoir, in which he attempts to answer delicate questions such as, “Why do you line up your toy cars and blocks? What’s the reason you jump? Why don’t you make eye contact?” and many others.

“Room”

By Emma Donoghue

In “Room” by Emma Donoghue, we experience the story fully in the voice of 5-year-old Jack. We learn that Jack is the son of a young woman and her abductor, and both are kept locked in a 10-by-10 room, which is his whole world. When Jack’s mother devises an escape plan that works, they both undergo a journey from one world to another. Considered a modern masterpiece, this evocative setting and voice create a strong atmosphere and portrait of love between a mother and her child.

“Three Bags Full”

By Leonie Swann

If you are looking for a murder mystery with an unusual twist, be sure to check out “Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story” by Leonie Swann. This international bestseller seeks to solve the murder of an Irish shepherd, George, who is pinned to the ground with a spade. George, beloved by his flock, has made a habit of reading to the sheep each night, which has made them far savvier about human motivation than one would expect. Led by Miss Maple, the smartest sheep in the flock, they seek to solve the murder of their beloved George by embarking on reconnaissance missions and discussions about crime. If you love this one, be sure to check out the sequel, “Garou.”

“The Thing About Jellyfish”

By Ali Benjamin

When middle-schooler Suzy’s best friend dies in a drowning accident, she stops speaking and retreats into a silent world.  After learning of a jellyfish with a deadly sting, she becomes obsessed with learning everything she can about them, with the idea that this is what caused her friend’s death. Ali Benjamin’s “The Thing About Jellyfish,” both a New York Times bestseller and a National Book Award finalist, is a beautiful story about overcoming grief, embracing forgiveness and growing through life’s experiences.

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Lori Skinner is the head librarian for Northwest Shoals Community College. She can be contacted at 256-331-6288 or lori.skinner@nwscc.edu. NW-SCC Libraries are open to the public and look forward to serving your library needs. The library has an app, Librista, available on android and Apple devices.