Addy’s pick: “Out on a Limb” by Hannah Bonam-Young
Funny. Romantic. Emotional. Hanna Bonam-Young is one of my favorite new romance authors. The way that she describes the characters on the page is authentic, especially as she pulls from her own lived experience as a person with a disability. Romance tropes include forced proximity, slow burn, and friends to lovers. Months later … and I cannot stop thinking about this book!
Kirsten’s pick: “The Book of the Unnamed Midwife” by Meg Elison
This was an older, 2016, science fiction book that came through the returns. I find a lot of “new reads” when I get to return the books at the library. It’s a really unique take on the apocalypse. Most of the reviews list it as a “feminist” novel, I’m not sure why this is a bad thing, but it was really great read. This book also won the Phillips K Dick Award for distinguished science fiction.
Honorable mention, Stephen King’s, “You Like It Darker” short story “Rattlesnakes”. That was just scary!
Becca’s pick: “Heartless Hunter” by Kristen Ciccarelli
Easy to follow writing, engaging characters, a marvelous enemies to lovers trope with an enjoyable plot twist that sets up the second book nicely. Cat and mouse trope is another one to add. There is light spice in this book, but nonetheless warning for those who prefer closed door romance. The mystery to the novel goes form background running as you learn the characters and world, to unraveling right in front of your face. There is death, betrayal, nefarious entertaining shadow characters, and the world is easy to follow if too much fantasy world building makes you lost. But I would rate this as an easy comfort read.
Tina’s pick: “Days at the Morisaki Bookshop” by Satoshi Yagisawa
I found this book charming and comforting as it told the story of twenty-something Takako learning to regain a foothold when she has to start again after being left by a callous boyfriend. Takako rediscovers family and makes new friends in the supportive community surrounding her uncle’s bookstore as she also begins to learn of the wisdom in the books in her uncle’s store.
Cliff’s pick: “The Fighters” by CJ Chivers
A series of accounts from soldiers and airmen in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, spanning from 2001 to 2018. One of the tragedies of war is that there’s no good way for the people who have been there to convey the experience to those who haven’t, but books like these help. Published before our withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, it’s clear from the accounts of those who fought that the war was an unwinnable quagmire from the start.
Laura’s pick: “Declutter Like a Mother” by Allie Casazza
Learn how to clear clutter from your mind, your life, and your home. Discover Allie’s secrets to discover the abundance–of less!
