The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, recommended by Diana
In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, shares his observations regarding a correlation between adolescent cell phone usage and the loss of personal interactions.
In the early 2010s rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rose sharply, more than doubling in many circumstances. Haidt lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that hit many countries at the same time. Haidt investigates the nature of childhood, including why children need play and independent exploration to mature into competent, thriving adults.
This book was a definite eye opener for me.
The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue, recommended by Megan C.
For fans of Sally Rooney’s Normal People or Gabrielle Zevin’s Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, The Rachel Incident is an underrated triumph. Insanely quotable, this witty and pensive novel explores the messiness of young adulthood. In 2010s Ireland, Rachel is a university student and bookseller when she meets James… and it’s friendship at first sight! The pair embark on a bohemian, chaotic, riotous reality as they explore love, identity, education, and purpose in their 20s.
The Book with No Pictures by BJ Novak, recommended by Lisa
I’ve read this book to hundreds of children over the years and it’s still one of the funniest ones out there. Perfect for readalouds. Children will have a great time copying the noises you’re “forced to read” and will ask you to read it to them again and again.
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton, recommended by Megan S.
I have a special place in my reading heart for books that deliberately mash up genres. I love books that play with convention, break the fourth wall, and make you think. A post-apocalyptic murder mystery was therefore right up my alley. We follow along with an almost-omniscient AI as she observes a tiny bit of civilization, carved out of a ruined world where an insidious fog kills everything it touches. The naïve, oddly innocent residents of this civilization are guided by three elders, but when one of them is murdered, it’s up to one of them to solve it before their home is overrun by the fog. I couldn’t put this book down – I wanted to read every chapter, find every twist, and learn more about this world, yet at the same time I didn’t want the book to end. A definite favorite!
The Paris Daughter by Kristin Harmel, recommended by Trish
It is Paris, 1939 and Germany is invading is France. Two mothers are forced to make unthinkable choices to save their children and themselves from Nazi occupation. A moving story of friendship, deception, and loss. A must read.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin, recommended by Leah
So heartwarming! This is the second book I’ve read by Gabrielle Zevin and I have to say, I am a fan. This is such a sweet story. Gabrielle is so good at writing time passing. I think sometimes authors do that and it leaves you lost or wanting more, or even just missing information. When Gabrielle does this, it works. We can shelve this one under books about books!
Staff Book Club Pick: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
This month’s book club pick generated much discussion about our families and the importance of food growing up. In some cases, such as Zauner’s memoir, food holds a vital place in the household, and memories are entwined with meals as much as people and places. Families can find connection and healing through food, and children can learn to accept and find pride in their heritage through comforting traditions such as particular meals. We discussed how grief is not linear, everyone grieves differently, and it always feels as though you never have enough time with your loved ones. This book is a coming-of-age story and an engaging, emotional, and honest look at grief.