Big Swiss by Jen Beagin
This book is about a woman who is a transcriber for a sex/relationship therapist. She becomes incredibly infuatiated by one of his clients and ultimately meets the client in person. They begin a relationship under lies and it’s just a matter of time before the truth comes to light. Big Swiss deals with heavy topics and the uniquely flawed characters make this book hard to put down.
- Recommended by Marina Locicero
Spy x Family by Tatsuya Endo
An action-packed comedy about a fake family that includes a spy, an assassin and a telepath!Master spy Twilight is unparalleled when it comes to going undercover on dangerous missions for the betterment of the world. But when he receives the ultimate assignment—to get married and have a kid—he may finally be in over his head! Not one to depend on others, Twilight has his work cut out for him procuring both a wife and a child for his mission to infiltrate an elite private school. What he doesn’t know is that the wife he’s chosen is an assassin and the child he’s adopted is a telepath!
- Recommended by Rosie Ewoldsen
Daughter of a Pirate Kind by Tricia Levenseller
Sent on a mission to retrieve an ancient hidden map―the key to a legendary treasure trove―seventeen-year-old pirate captain Alosa deliberately allows herself to be captured by her enemies, giving her the perfect opportunity to search their ship. More than a match for the ruthless pirate crew, Alosa has only one thing standing between her and the map: her captor, the unexpectedly clever and unfairly attractive first mate Riden. But not to worry, for Alosa has a few tricks up her sleeve, and no lone pirate can stop the Daughter of the Pirate King. Author Tricia Levenseller blends action, adventure, romance, and a little bit of magic into a thrilling pirate tale.
- Recommended by Rosie Ewoldsen
The Shadow Queen (Ravenspire 1) by C.J. Redwine
This was such a unique twist on the classic Snow White Story. I love how strong the main character is and how magical the entire world of Ravenspire is, it’s not just the Evil Queen who carries magic in this story. I also loved the way that the side characters are done and the way the love story is almost like a side plot, as opposed to being the main story. (Young Adult Fantasy)
Recommended by Rosie Ewoldsen
Beowulf by Burton Raffel (Translator), Roberta Frank (Introduction)
Beowulf is one of the earliest extant poems in a modern European language, composed in England before the Norman Conquest. As a social document this great epic poem is invaluable—reflecting a feudal world of heroes and monsters, blood and victory, life and death. As a work of art, it is unique. Beowulf rings with beauty, power, and artistry that have kept it alive for a thousand years.
- Recommended by Annie Welch
the Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Set during the Great Depression area of America, this story is about the adventures of 5 extraordinary women who risk their lives to deliver books throughout rural Kentucky. It's funny, inspiring, heartbreaking, and touching all in one, and I loved how the trait of heroism was portrayed in such a subtle way through the lives of these women. As a book lover myself, it was very moving to read about how much a group of people were willing to risk and sacrifice in order to protect their community's rights and access to literature.
- Recommended by Candyce Ha
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
This novel follows the life of a young girl named Kya as she grows up completely isolated in the marshes of North Carolina, and it is a beautiful and gripping coming-of-age murder mystery story. I loved how detailed all the imagery was throughout the book, and the vivid descriptions of the landscapes, characters, and plot were incredible. Perhaps it's because the author is an American zoologist, but I thought that Delia Owens' style of writing was so poignant.
- Recommended by Candyce Ha
The Twilight Queen by Jeri Westerson
Book 2 of the King’s Fool Mystery series
Protagonist Will Somers is Henry VIII’s court jester, but definitely not a fool, in this exuberant book set in Tudor England. If you are a fan of historical fiction and mysteries, then this riveting read, filled with period details and dialect, will keep you entertained and wanting more. And there are more to come.
Recommended by Gail Mishkin
Guesthouse for Ganesha by Judith Teitelman
This novel, infused with magical realism, is a story of loss, survival, and spiritual awakening, blending eastern and western sensibilities. The book takes place during the European holocaust and the Hindu Kali Yuga (the “Age of Darkness”). It follows the journey and transformation of Ester Grunspan, who uses her skills as a tailor to navigate war-torn Europe and eventually emigrate to India. The narrator of the story and Esther’s protector over the years is Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu God who destroy obstacles, bestows, wishes, and avenges evils. This is a beautiful and surprising book, unlike anything I’ve ever read, with an ending open to the reader’s imagination and interpretation.
Recommended by Gail Mishkin