At NoveList, our recommendations are crafted by real people who live and breathe books. Every title we suggest is backed by the expertise of passionate readers, current and former librarians, and published authors who understand what makes a story resonate.
In this new blog series, we’re pulling back the curtain to introduce you to the people behind the recommendations and asking them to share a book to recommend. First up: Autumn Winters, our Recommendations Lead, whose love for gritty, heartfelt stories and deep connection to teen readers shines through in everything she does.
Autumn served teens and adults in a public library for 12 years before joining NoveList. Her favorite readers either have particular tastes or don't even think they like to read at all.
Describe the work you do for NoveList.
I decide what books, authors, and series in NoveList get handwritten recommendations. I hire, train, and manage the wonderful advisors who write our handwritten recs. I lead the team that edits their work. And I do half of the Recommended Reads lists for people ages 0-18. Pretty dreamy, right?
What’s the title and author of the book you recommend?
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
What is this book about?
Some super cool poor kids who really love one another get fed up and start a class war. No? A literary greaser breaks everyone's heart on Earth by daring to enjoy sunsets. No? Let’s just say “how to be tuff.”
Why do you love this book? What made it stand out to you?
The fact that an actual teenager invented young adult literature by writing this book means so much to me as a bone-deep teen librarian. Also, I did not know books could be like this when I read it as a kid.
Who would you recommend this book to?
Fans of Rex Ogle, Jason Reynolds, Angie Thomas, and Stephen King. Every middle schooler who considers themselves to be “a real one.” People who like urban fiction and lots of drama.
If you could invite one character from this book to dinner, where would you take them and why?
I’m taking Johnny to Olive Garden for unlimited breadsticks because that kid is starving.
Describe the perfect setting for reading this book.
In your room with the door closed on an October Saturday in seventh grade.
Do you have any other messages for readers?
If you're looking for a book in NoveList and think we are missing a great read-alike, click ‘suggest a new read alike.’ It will come straight to me.
Angela Hursh is Manager of Library Marketing Content and Services for NoveList. She is reading Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang.
Autumn Winters is Recommendations Lead for NoveList. She is reading The Royal We: A Memoir by Roddy Bottum.
