This list of staff recommendations originally appeared in the Library's February 2011 e-newsletter.

In honor of this cold month's holiday celebrating love, staff members offer some warmth with their favorite tales of romance.

The Princess Bride by William Goldman (1973). Just your usual "girl falls in love with boy, boy becomes pirate, girl becomes engaged to prince, boy kidnaps girl, prince kills boy, boy returns from dead, boy rescues girl from evil prince, girl and boy live happily ever after, maybe" love story. Awesomely romantic. (Ingrid Richter, Head of Systems)

Portrait of Jennie by Robert Nathan (1940). A wildly romantic fantasy about an artist meeting, and painting, a girl who may or may not be real. Beautiful New York City atmosphere. (Diane Srebnick, Development Assistant)

The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough (1977). Famous or infamous due to its 1983 miniseries adaptation, my favorite piece of schlock is surprisingly rich in its portrayal of Australian life and culture from the 1920s to the 1960s, plus everything from World War II to Vatican II--including, of course, forbidden love. (Sara Holliday, Events Coordinator)

At Swim, Two Boys by Jamie O'Neill (2002). Set on the brink of the Easter Rising, At Swim, Two Boys is the story of Jim and Doyler, two young Irishmen whose friendship turns romantic as the riots near. O'Neill's novel is charming, messy, difficult, and tender, but always engaging. It's particularly great for fans of Irish literature or historical novels, but it should appeal to anyone looking for a great read. (Patrick Rayner, Circulation Supervisor)

The Persian Bride by James Buchan (2000), the only love story that has ever made me cry on the subway, is at once a gripping tale of impossible romance and a brutal slap of war and torture. Set over a quarter century in Iran, this title is both a tour de force and a hazy, elegiac, opium-laden dream. Not for the faint of heart or stomach. (Julia Weist, Children's Librarian)

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813). It may be cliché, but the romance of the two strong-willed and independent characters of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy is still my favorite literary love story, no matter how well-mannered and respectable. This classic by Jane Austen shows how overcoming one's own preconceptions and biases to see through to the truth of another's character can lead to a most rewarding and fulfilling relationship. (Brandi Tambasco, Circulation Assistant)