Staff Pick: The Happy Hooker

As a crocheter, I've looked through multiple books for patterns and stitch directions, but I have to say that The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller was one of the best ones I've found.

What impressed me the most was the fact that it actually went into the history of crochet, and in an interesting way. And not only are the patterns pretty, but they are also quite useful.

I believe The Happy Hooker would be a good book for any level crocheter, from just getting started through advanced, to take a look at. It includes a description of the most common yarns that can be used for crochet, the tools that are commonly used, and forty different stitch patterns that can be used by beginners as well as advanced crocheters. Not only that, it gives precise directions for the beginner just becoming acquainted with crochet.

If you'd like to check out The Happy Hooker, you can place a hold on it here with your library card number and PIN.

-Amber

Staff Pick: Humans of New York

An instant #1 New York Times bestseller, Humans of New York began in the summer of 2010, when photographer Brandon Stanton set out to create a photographic census of New York City.

Armed with his camera, he began crisscrossing the city, covering thousands of miles on foot, all in an attempt to capture New Yorkers and their stories. The result of these efforts was a vibrant blog he called "Humans of New York," in which his photos were featured alongside quotes and anecdotes.

Humans of New York is the book inspired by the blog. With four hundred color photos, including exclusive portraits and all-new stories, Humans of New York is a stunning collection of images that showcases the outsized personalities of New York.

Surprising and moving, printed in beautiful full-color, Humans of New York is a celebration of individuality and a tribute to the spirit of the city. If you'd like to check out our copy, you can place a hold on it here with your library card number.

-Nancy J.