These Reads are Topping our Lists in the New Year

Enjoying these cozy reading days of winter?  The mini-library is open for browsing and if you are wondering what to read next we have staff pick and popular books from 2020 selection carts, as well as, our newest releases ready for check-out. 

This months reading recommendations include :

The Chicken Sisters by K.J. Dell'Antonia : A delightful story that entertains with old family feuds, a reality tv food competition, friendships, love, and the messiness of family.

Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz: If you haven't read Magpie Murders I recommend starting with that book and then enjoying continuing with this inventive mystery that uses another author's (fictional)  mystery book to solve a crime.  Filled with twists and suspense and especially recommended for anyone who enjoys good British crime fiction or clever cozy mysteries.

Can't Even: How Millenials Became the Burnout Generation  by Anne Helen Peterson: This book resonated with two of our librarians. "An incendiary examination of burnout in millennials - the cultural shifts that got us here , the pressures that sustain it, and the need for drastic change." - Goodreads

When All Is Said by Anne Griffin -  "A tale of a single night. A story of a lifetime." - Goodreads. I highly recommend the audio version of this book as you will easily imagine yourself sitting next to Maurice in the Irish pub as he shares his story. Everyone in my book club enjoyed this one. It is a good pairing with The Midnight Library.

The Switch by Beth O'Leary: One of our librarians really enjoyed this on audio told with two narrators. She related that it is an uplifing book about a grandmother and granddaughter who switch houses for a season. It has "themes of community, starting over, and family." Reminisent of "The Vicar of Dibley and Major Pettigrew's Last Stand." 

Books that continue to be talked about:

Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam A fairly quick read invoking a lot of discussion. Described as a thriller with an examination of entitlement. Strong opinions on this one. Whether you are a thumbs up or thumbs down people recommended this interesting tale.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig  : If you had chance to make another choice or take another path would you want to relive that moment? Enjoy this story of a fantastical place where one can explore and relive certain regrets in their life. Our character Nora, who is struggling herself, has a chance to relive some her choices.  Will any end up leading to her vision of a perfect life? Fascinating theme and entertaining story.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennet :This book explores through multiple generations the lives affected by identical twins who live two different lives, one identifying as being black and one identifying as being white. Enjoy reading and discussing Brit Bennett's riveting storytelling that "considers the lasting influence of the past as it shapes a person's decisions, desires, and expectations, and explores some of the multiple reasons and realms in which people sometimes feel pulled to live as something other than their origins." - Goodreads

Caste by Isabel Wilkerson : Another highly recommended book that encourages discussion and introspection. This narrative non-fiction presents in the examination of caste systems in America, India, and Nazi Germany and told through the stories of people, such as, Martin Luther King Jr.,  an "eye-opening story of people and history, and a re-examination of what lies under the surface of ordinary lives and of American life today".

Put these just released books on your radar for future reads:

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah: Set in Texas during the Great Depression The Four Winds is a "powerful American epic about love and heroism and hope." - Goodreads Described as a " portrait of America and the American dream", the main heroine, Elsa, must choose between saving her farm or going west in search of a better life. 

Nick by Michael Farris Smith : Follow the author's historic fiction story of Nick Carraway as his journey after World War I that takes him from war torn Paris to New Orleans. Discover the man behind the famous narrator of The Great Gatsby. 

Better Luck Next Time by Julia Clainborne Johnson: Set in the 1930s this story is described as "a hilarious yet poignant examination of the ways friendship can save us, love can destroy us, and the family we careate can be stronger than the family we come from. I've heard good reviews about this one.  

A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes: Already short-listed for the Women's Prize for Fiction this book is mythical realism centered on the Trojan War. If you enjoyed Madeline Miller's books: Song of Achilles and/or Circe, try this one. 

The House on Vesper Sands by Paraic O'Donnell : A supernatural detective novel set in 1893 London. Victorian setting. Reviews say characters provide humor mixed in with an eerie storyline. This one looks intriguing. 

Keep Sharp: build a better brain at any age by Dr. Sanjay Gupta Neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta offers cutting research that can help you "heighten and protect brain function and maintain cognitive health at any age." This book already has a growing holds list.

I hope you find at least one great read from these selections. Let us know your recommendations.