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My Perfect Read

FCPL staff can help you find it. Last Updated: Oct 1, 2024 1:00 PM

Drew Bigelow

Drew Bigelow reading a book.

I grew up in libraries. I remember being that five-year-old kid following my mom around at her job at the public library in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, or being at her side when she volunteered at my brother's school's library, where the librarians me let check out as many books as I wanted (even though I didn't go to school there yet). No matter where I've been, where I've gone, libraries have always been there for me, helping me cultivate my love for books. And here I am, working for Fairfax County Public Libraries, ready to help others find that perfect book that they'll hopefully love themselves!

My taste in books is a bit all over the place. I tend to lean towards realistic fiction and science fiction/fantasy (if there is something even referencing witches in the title, I will be there), but I do enjoy a good horror story as well. There is something fun about getting scared, being kept on the edge of your seat, like with Katherine Arden's Small Spaces or Neil Gaiman's Coraline, both of which I highly recommend. I am also a hardcore picture book lover, with the firm belief that the best picture books are the ones that appeal to both kids and grown ups alike, like Jon Klassen or Mac Barnett.  I firmly believe that public libraries should have something for everyone, no matter what.

I started off as an art major at Virginia Commonwealth—switched over to English with a writing minor Sophomore year. I'm still drawing, mostly cartoons featuring talking walruses, witches, and whatever else pops into my head. I also enjoy writing a great deal, as well as puttering around in the kitchen and attempting to play video games.

Genres of Interest:

  • Fiction
  • Young Adult Fiction
  • Juvenile Fiction
  • Graphic Novels
  • Picture Books

Fiction

  • A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
  • Courting Mr. Lincoln by Louis Bayard
  • The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston
  • Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
  • The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
  • The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
  • Horrorstor, by Grady Hendrix
  • The Way of the Househusband, by Kensuke Oono (Manga)

Young Adult

  • House of Salt and Sorrow by Erin A. Craig
  • Bounce by Natasha Friend
  • The Lie Tree by Frances Hardinge
  • A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
  • The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
  • Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power
  • Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Juvenile Fiction

  • Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch by Julie Abe
  • Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
  • The Whispers by Greg Howard
  • The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
  • A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Matylda Bright and Tender by Holly M. McGhee

Graphic Novels (Young Adult and Juvenile Fiction)

  • Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol
  • The Phantom Twin by Lisa Brown
  • Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
  • Beetle and the Hollowbones by Aliza Layne
  • Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
  • The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner
  • Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker
  • Kerry and the Knight of the Forest by Andi Watson
  • Newsprints by Ru Xu

Picture Books

  • Chloe and the Lion by Mac Barnett
  • Julia's House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke
  • This is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen
  • Squids Will Be Squids by Jon Scieszka
  • Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great by Bob Shea
  • Giraffe Problems by Lane Smith
  • Lottie and Walter by Anna Walker

I am a full-time Library Circulation Aide at Kingstowne Library, and as of now I am typically available Monday-Thursday, 10 AM to 6 PM.  My schedule may shift, so please allow a day or two for me to get back to you.  And let's go find that next perfect read!

I'd like to help you find your perfect read, so please complete the Let's Get Started form, and I will be in touch!

 Let's Get Started!

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