Staff Suggestions
Enjoy "browsing" our popular staff recommendations and feel as if you’re in the store talking to one of our knowledgable booksellers. Have fun, they’re addictive!
A nail-biting thriller showcasing a mother’s unconditional love for a daughter two years estranged, and a feisty heroine who will do whatever it takes to survive and make her way home. Barry’s debut thriller is a rollercoaster ride of emotions that will leave you exhilarated and breathlessly waiting for her next book.
— Terri
Do you want to escape into an amazing story that reads like science fiction and feels just a little too real? Kind of like dreaming? To watch the impact of a highly contagious illness that spreads freely and leaves its victims asleep…but unable to wake up? Full of ethical dilemmas, beautiful writing, and the full spectrum of human behavior. This book haunted me!
— Kathy W.
In this sure-to-be divisive reimagining of history, City of Women author David Gillham asks readers: What would Anne Frank’s life have been like if she’d survived the Holocaust? After much research from her diary, Gillham gives us an idea of how the Frank family struggled to live with trauma, fear, and grief. Although difficult to read at times, this is ultimately a story of hope, forgiveness, and love.
— Barb
As my first exposure to Tessa Hadley's writing, Late in the Day engrossed me completely. Centering around four longtime friends, whose lives are enmeshed in ways revealed as the novel progresses, Hadley captures all the messiness and complexity of long-shared histories. Her fantastic writing gives life to each character as she compellingly reveals their past and present circumstances and weaves a story of choice, loss, and change that you won't be able to put down.
— Kelly
Lisa Jewell’s latest opens with a murder and then works back in time. Someone is always watching, lurking outside a house, taking photographs, peering from windows. No one is as they seem. Told from multiple perspectives, this thriller kept me guessing until the end. And then there’s that last sentence...
— Marilyn
The basis for the new Netflix series, Kondo's version of tidying will leave your home easier to keep clean and filled with the things that bring you joy. Focus on one area or tackle your entire house at once, as she does on the show.
— Laura
The graphic form is perfectly paired with the story of Frederick Douglass, using images to help convey the parts of his story that are unknown or difficult to tell. A powerful introduction to an important American voice, this book is also appropriate for YA readers.
— Laura
This brilliantly written psychological thriller will grasp you so tightly you will find it impossible to put down. These two authors have done it for me once again. For those who loved The Wife Between Us, you will positively love this book. I enjoyed the countless plot twists thrown at me just when I thought I knew what was going to happen. This is the must-read novel of 2019!
— Dylan
Like “Fatal Attraction” in a twisted upside-down way. Jessica falsely enters a psychology study and the lies just spiral from there on. Is she being set up, or is she being used as bait to trap someone else? An intense tale of passion, murder, and twisted truths, you won’t be able to guess the end of this one!
— Terri
Told in a reverse narrative, you know exactly how it ends on page one. Do not let that discourage you! This book left me chasing after the answer to one single question. Why? If you are seeking a gripping page turner, this is the one for you!
— Mandy
A captivating and brief novel, Ghost Wall uses every ounce of its literary power to full effect. Set in the north of England, the lines between the modern circumstances of our characters and the Iron Age Britons whose lives they seek to experience become increasingly, and fascinatingly, blurred. Building to a perilous climax for teenage Silvie, this novel's dynamics and writing will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
— Kelly
It’s not often I find a historical fiction novel that truly holds me in its pages, but there was something about The Latecomers that entirely mesmerized me. Taking place not just in Connecticut and New York, but also in the same county of Ireland my family migrated from, the connections I felt to this story and these characters ran deep. A magnificent piece of literature for the historical fiction and local history buff alike.
— Dylan
Whether you are living off the land, huddled in your bunker, or searching for big flavors that will surprise and satisfy, this strange, fascinating and ultimately compelling cookbook delivers!
— Laura
This impactful account of a seasonal job at an Amazon fulfillment center in Leipzig, taken by a German writer out of financial necessity, intriguingly blurs the line between novel and memoir. By placing you, the reader, in her shoes as she navigates the exhausting, humiliating, and frustrating sides of her assignment, Heike Geissler has written a brilliant book that explores relatable aspects of working life and of balancing life's necessities. A compellingly written work, at turns playful and devastating.
— Kelly
What an incredible sequel to Year One! Packed with adventure and magic, Nora Roberts seamlessly stitches together characters of old and new, bringing them together in this new and sometimes dark world. This book and series is a great mixture of sci-fi, fantasy, and dystopian thriller, making it a must-read for any fans of these genres.
— Dylan
For fans of The Night Circus.
Magically crafted, Diane Setterfield’s characters and towns are each separate, yet contribute to the whole, much like the river itself and its tributaries. It flows mysteriously and swift over the course of a year to a conclusion where all meet for a completely satisfying finish.
— Terri
Family dysfunction, abuse, and the fear of change keep Frederick and Caroline stymied until they learn to rebuild the bridges of their pasts to move forward into the future. A moving novel that compassionately explains how people carry pain and then free themselves, often with help from unexpected people.
— Andie
A very impressive new voice in contemporary literature, Sally Rooney has produced a novel that embodies the tensions and conflicts of modern relationships, in all their forms. Her characters are intelligent, observant, and relatable in their flaws and anxieties. The book, like the relationship that protagonist Frances becomes involved in, entangles you more and more intimately as it progresses, until you are wholly consumed with the story.
— Kelly
We think of a health spa as relaxing, calming, healing. Well, not when Liane writes about one. Put nine people together under the direction of a controlling owner and, well, anything can happen…and does! Funny, enjoyable, and, at times, surprising, I loved how Nine Perfect Strangers allowed me to escape into a quirky confined world for just a little while.
— Lori
In this unique memoir, naturalist Sy Montgomery focuses each chapter on a different creature and the impact they have had on her life. Full of insight and meaningful encounters, this book opens our hearts to understanding and feeling empathy for animals ranging from dogs to tarantulas. It is a special read that could teach us a lot about human relationships while focusing on non human ones. A great gift for the animal lover in your life!
— Tonya
As rapturously fascinating as many of the works that the women profiled in this book created, Ninth Street Women engrossingly details the personal and artistic lives of five complex painters.
Though they were in the thick of the abstract expressionist movement, history has largely overlooked these women in favor of their male counterparts. Packed with personal anecdotes, historical context, and accessible explorations of their work, this extraordinarily in-depth look at their (sometimes disastrous) personal lives and contributions to the art world in New York and beyond is as vibrant as the art scene in which the women flourished.
— Kelly
Do not be put off by this title. With a witty yet true-to-life portrait of sisterly rivalry and family relationships, Braithwaite takes us through the minefield of the love/hate of family relationships. I found myself chuckling at each misstep. A brilliant debut – I can’t wait for her next one!
— Terri
A slim but layered novel, this debut is full of suspense, satire, and wit. Korede is becoming annoyed with her younger sister's habit of ending relationships via murder, but can't quite bring herself to say no when she's summoned to dispose of another body. Impossible to put down once you've started, this wonderfully written and compulsively readable novel both delights and horrifies.
— Kelly
Looking for an easy read? Need a good page-turner? Look no further! Diane Chamberlain doesn’t disappoint with her latest work of historical fiction, which is filled with family drama and time travel! A great book for those who loved The Time Traveler’s Wife or The Stolen Marriage.
— Dylan
What a fantastic celebration of music - and yes, classical music! We know classical music can reduce stress levels and spark creativity. Now, Clemency Burton-Hill, an award-winning violinist and BBC Radio host, has compiled an exciting piece of music for every day of the year. As she says for "medievalists to millennials," from Bach to Gershwin, this music has just become more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. I’m already a music-lover and this is definitely a new favorite book!
— Barb
Although I cannot play an instrument nor carry a tune, I have a deep love and value of music. In my household, we immerse ourselves in it. So to say the title of this book completely caught my attention would be an understatement. And once I read it, it totally made my heart sing. With a single page dedicated to a different piece of music, I'm discovering works I'd never heard of or am reminded of others I'd forgotten. Thanks to the wonder of Google, I can pull up the music and at least listen to part of it while simultaneously reading about it. So what are you waiting for? Pick up this book and start bringing joy into your daily life.
— Susan
Rebecca Solnit is for: Women. Men. Feminists. Historians. The budding activist. The person wanting to be informed and engaged with the political climate in America. From one of the greatest thinkers of our time, this collection of essays is not only accessible but extremely thought provoking. Rebecca Solnit should be required reading.
— Mandy
A sequel to The Story of Arthur Truluv, although this book can be read as a stand-alone. The character of Lucille returns in this heartwarming story about friendship and community. She reminded me of my own beloved grandmother, who often eased my mind and made this world a better, safer place by baking delectable treats and always being there for her neighbors. You will feel hopeful after reading this. Simple acts of kindness really CAN change the world.
— Tricia
Like Reacher himself, Child is clear and to-the-point, giving us a new view on our old favorite, Jack Reacher. Past and present converge in a twisting take on a classic Edgar Allan Poe tale , a deadly game, and a family mystery. Never a disappointment!
— Terri
Chronologically the first in the James Bond series, Forever and a Day is fun, fast-paced, exciting, and romantic. Set in the sun-soaked French Riviera in the years following the Korean War, the story begins with James Bond being promoted to MI6’s Double-O division after the murder of another agent. Officially given a license to kill, 007’s first mission is to connect the dots between the murdered agent and a brutal Corsican drug syndicate. In addition to pitch-perfect banter and a truly evil villain, Horowitz gives Bond fans everything they could possibly want: car chases and fight scenes, martinis and gambling, gunplay and foreplay. Ian Fleming would be proud.
— Brian
Grabbed from the very first chapter, I couldn’t put this down! Expertly crafted and told from varying viewpoints, Boyne creates a piece of fiction that could easily be mistaken for a biography, with insight into the publishing world that makes you wonder how much is based on true events. After all, stories can be found anywhere...
— Terri
Broad City fans, or fans of Abbi Jacobson herself: you need to read this book. I chose to listen to I Might Regret This on audiobook through Libro.fm during my commutes, and it was such a lovely companion while Abbi talked about her cross-country road trip.
You will discover how talented Abbi is as a writer, and, if you didn't know already, how funny she is. Abbi lets us into her creative mind where she ponders lack of connection in society, falling in love for the first time, and getting to the core of why she is a workaholic. This book includes drawings, lists, and essays that you will find relatable, from sleep studies to worst-case scenario musings and over-analyzations about the present or future. A proponent for vulnerability, Abbi Jacobson is just like us.
— Taryn
An absolutely masterful writer of short stories, Lucia Berlin has recently found widespread posthumous acclaim. The stories contained in this most recent volume of her work are observant, funny, touching, and full of life. Berlin's fiction borrows heavily from her own experiences, which brings a relatable truth to the lives of her protagonists, and her stunning prose is particularly effective at capturing feelings of alienation and loneliness. Her work is not to be missed.
— Kelly
A young man shares the stories and lessons of his life from ages 8 to 43 in this timely piece written as a letter to the his mother. Heartbreakingly honest, this is the story of abuse and its aftermath. The story of what it means to grow up poor and black in Jackson, Mississippi. The story of coping with trauma through overeating. Coping with trauma through bulimia. Coping with trauma through reading, writing, and revising. The triumph of coming through to the other side. This is hands down the most beautifully written book I have read in the last 5 years. (And I read a lot of books).
— Mandy
OH. MY. GOD! This insane debut blew me away. One of the best thrillers I’ve ever read, it is gripping, intense, and impossible to put down. Highly recommended for fans of The Wife Between Us or Gone Girl.
— Dylan
We've all played the game: If you could pick five people to have dinner with, living or dead, who would you choose? Serle masterfully turns this premise into a captivating book. Sabrina's journey includes her best friend, her estranged father, a beloved professor, her boyfriend, and Audrey Hepburn! Packing an emotional punch regarding family, friendship, love, and loss, I cried as this book drew to its brilliant close. Truthfully, I wish it had never ended.
— Tricia
Ryder Carroll’s genius method changed my life when I discovered it four years ago. I’m so incredibly excited that he’s written a book about it.
Whether you are a new to bullet journaling or have been doing it for years, Ryder’s book is a fantastic way to re-evaluate how and why you bullet journal. Half of the book is the details – what bullet journaling is, how to practice it and use it to become more productive, and how to make it work for you. The other half offers lessons in mindfulness and how to use your bullet journal to document your life in a way that is helpful to move you forward.
I love how flexible the Bullet Journal Method is and I loved how much this book helped me re-evaluate how I bullet journal, discovering new techniques. I look forward to revisiting it again when I feel it’s time to change this up. Happy Bullet Journaling!
— Lindsey
The big flavors of Mississippi Vegan are perfect for fall! This is a new taste palette for me, and the book is full of clear directions, helpful tips and, of course, lots of vegetables. Yum!
— Laura
Both a relevant meditation on how we choose to view challenging ideas, from Darwinism to climate change, and an engrossing tale of the people who find themselves living in a disintegrating planned Utopia. We are somehow left with a story of joy, and even hope.
— Laura
The magic from VH1's Emmy-nominated collaboration with Martha Stewart transfers to the page with Snoop's latest endeavor. He includes recipes from his world wide travels, but then keeps it G with his "certified hood classics". Crank up the tunes from his playlist and mix up a batch of his infamous gin and juice. This guy is gettin' the burn on in his kitchen! Sorry, no recipes with cannabis, but the book does cover the munchies, ya dig?
— Tricia
This visually engaging foray into economics translates complex concepts and facts into accessible infographics. The authors, a journalist and a graphic designer, create an economic "The Way Things Work," allowing the reader to "see" the global economy and how we are all connected by it.
Early chapters build perspective with increasingly larger economic units, from individuals and companies to the national and global economies. Later chapters offer timely insights into sustainability, how to profit without being greedy, the health of the individual, and what the future of technology may hold. The Global Economy as You've Never Seen It truly is a fun and educational exploration into the systems that link us all and what we ought to consider moving forward.
— Mandy
As a fan of the The X-Files TV series, I couldn't resist reading this book. It took me back to episodes that I still think of to this day and to some of the scariest TV I have ever watched!
In addition, a fascinating introduction gives insight to how and why this series was created and what other shows helped pave the way for its creation and success. A great read, not only for fans, but for anyone interested in the making of a TV show.
— Joy
Spoiler alert: There is a poem in this book about Kanye West called “Kanye West is not Picasso”! This collection of poems, lyrics, and miscellaneous items (even a text message) is quintessential Leonard Cohen. He poignantly express his dissatisfaction with modern culture and reflects on the past, which he still carries close to his heart.
— Tonya
This has to be one of the best books I have read all year! A fantastic mixture of gothic horror and thriller makes this prequel an absolute page turner. I think one of my favorite things about this novel is how these two authors managed to conjure up a story with such detail I felt like I was right alongside the characters. Dracul is another one added to my must reads list for this year.
— Dylan
This bio shares every aspect of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s feminist Identity, from her work with the ACLU in the turbulent 60’s, to a view of our current administration. Justice Ginsburg has made her mark on our society and takes a place in history as an unparalleled defender of equality! This book will inspire you from beginning to end. It brilliantly documents her journey and will make you want to read it again.
— Carlene
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