No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister, recommended by Leah
The title of this book comes from the phrase “no two persons read the same book,” and this book captures the very essence of that sentence. Erica does an amazing job of showing nine different lives while somehow still telling a beautiful story. I’m amazed how this book can have such short stories and tell so much within that time. It truly is an example of great writing. While this book is separated into 9 perspectives, they are still all connected in interesting ways. I love how this book shows the impact a book can have in a person’s life and how it can affect each person so differently.
Pageboy by Elliot Page, recommended by Meg
This is an inspiring memoir that courageously explores the journey of self-discovery and authenticity. Page’s candid storytelling and unwavering resilience create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. Through moments of vulnerability and triumph, Page’s positive message of embracing one’s true self shines brightly. This memoir is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-acceptance and the joy of living authentically.
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave, recommended by Amy
Owen is about to be arrested for securities fraud when he vanishes. He left his new wife Hannah in charge of his teenage daughter, Bailey, who wants absolutely nothing to do with her stepmother. When Hannah tries to track him down, she learns that her husband isn’t who he said he was. Hannah and Bailey set out to discover the truth of Owen’s identity and why he really disappeared. They soon realize that their lives will never be the same again.
From the first page I was hooked, and I had to know how it was going to end. My favorite part of the story is the relationship that builds between Hannah and Bailey as they work together to solve the mystery. They both discover how much they need each other. This is a story you can’t put down!
The Long Ago by Michael McGarrity, recommended by Trish
Fans of McGarrity will love this new novel! Ray Lansdale comes home on a short leave to Montana to take up the search for his missing sister. Right after graduating, Barbara escapes Montana to find a new life for herself. She marries and loves her new life, but her husband is drafted for the Vietnam War. The story has many twists and turns. Read and find out if Ray finds his long-lost sister.
The Deepest of Secrets by Kelley Armstrong, recommended by Dennis
Rockton, a hidden town in the deep woods of the Canadian Yukon, is a place where people pay to hide from their past and to keep their secrets hidden. What happens when those secrets start being revealed? Residents start dying and Detective Casey Duncan and Sheriff Eric Dalton have their hands full trying to discover who is releasing the information and who is killing residents. Meanwhile, the board who runs the city have decided to close the town down. Where will the residents go? What about the money they paid to live there? This is the seventh book in the Rockton series. I read all of them and recommend the series.
Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America by Matika Wilbur, recommended by Megan S.
Matika Wilbur has spent the past decade traveling across the country, interviewing and photographing Native people. Her Project 562 – referring to the 562 federally recognized Native tribes in existence at the start of her journey – has culminated in this book, which combines rich, beautiful photographs with fascinating interviews. Wilbur is thoughtful and respectful to the people and land she encounters, and it’s obvious how close she grew to many of her subjects. Reading this book taught me so much, and I’m in awe of how much work Wilbur put into this. This is truly a love letter to these people.
Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay, recommended by Megan C.
Are you an avid member of our Summer Reading Program? Are you looking for a beach read to hold you over until the temperature drops? Then check out Summer Reading! As a neurodivergent learner, Samantha Gale considers the library to be the last place she’d want to spend her vacation. But when her brother occupies his summer at the library’s robotics competition and her head is turned by the dreamy interim library director, Sam finds her summer looking a little more bookish than expected. This irresistible read flips traditional tropes and represents dyslexic learners. Find it on Libby or put it on hold today!
Staff Book Club Pick for August
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
Beginning in August, AJPL staff began a monthly book club. Our first book was The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green. In this book of essays, Green, a noted young-adult author, reflects on the world around him. He winds his way through many different topics, from the world’s biggest ball of paint to scratch and sniff stickers to Indianapolis and sunsets. We learn about Green’s outlook on life, his journey and his struggles, as well as other interesting tidbits about the Anthropocene – the era of humans on Earth.
Our staff recommends that you listen to the audiobook version, which is available on CD, through cloudLibrary, or through Libby. They felt this version was more like having a conversation with the author. Staff reported that the book made them “think of things in your life that would make you want to write essays,” and recommend the book for people who want to learn more about John Green. While some staff members felt the book was meandering, others thought that it was an interesting, informative journey. The mix of memoir and trivia inspired some people to stop to reflect and consider if we really do live on a human-centered planet.