Thorns, Lust and Glory: The Betrayal of Anne Boleyn by Estelle Paranque, recommended by Megan R.
If you are fascinated by Anne Boleyn, this is a must-read! Paranque artfully brings to life Anne’s great wit and her power in political struggles, and her world is brought to life with new perspectives. This book is perfect for history lovers and those drawn to tales of ambition and betrayal!
The Boxcar Librarian by Brianna Labuskes, recommended by Trish
Inspired by true events, a thrilling Depression-era novel from the author of The Librarian of Burned Books about a woman’s quest to uncover a mystery surrounding a local librarian and the Boxcar Library – a converted mining train that brought books to isolated rural towns in Montana. – Provided by publisher.
Who doesn’t love a story with bits of history, secrets, and plot twists – and libraries! This novel has it all and is a must read for history and library lovers.
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center, recommended by Leah
This is a funny and sweet book. A sort of “enemies to lovers” story. As an advocate for romcom/chick-lit, Center lets that shine through this story. It’s a lovely novel about love and writing. As long as she keeps writing books, I’ll keep reading them!
Heartwood by Amity Gaige, recommended by Megan S.
42-year-old Valerie Gillis has gone missing while hiking the Appalachian Trail. Her story unfolds in this novel, told from multiple perspectives: Valerie, the game warden in charge of finding her, and an elderly resident of a retirement community who is drawn into the investigation. I really enjoyed that this is a novel of suspense that doesn’t veer into ridiculous plot twists. It feels like something that could really happen, and it’s told in a narrative way that is very engaging. I was curious to see how the story would end, and it made me want to visit Maine! (I’ll take a pass on hiking the Appalachian Trail, though, at least for now!)
Book Nooks by Vanessa Dina and Claire Gilhuly, recommended by Megan C.
Calling all stylish bookworms! Be inspired to curate a reading corner or simply styled book display at home! Book Nooks is packed with pictures of bookish spaces to recreate, from kitchen cookbook nooks to whimsical spaces for children’s books, greenhouse gardening corners, and ideas that fit a range of home aesthetics. In addition to beautiful interior shots, you’ll find reading lists from favorite authors and celebrities. “As bookworms know, home is where the books are. As stylists know, books are an essential element of home décor. A home without books is less, well, homey and less stylish.”
Becoming Little Shell: A Landless Indian’s Journey Home by Chris La Tray, recommended by Karen
In a well-written telling of the history of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Chris La Tray intertwines history and personal memoire along with research and interviews to share the powerful story of Indigenous history with those who wish to know more. The author’s storytelling is honest, passionate, and witty, which makes for an amazing read. The notes and bibliography sections at the end are priceless.
Staff Book Club Pick: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
This book was the first graphic novel, or “graphic memoir,” many of us have read, and we all enjoyed it! (There really is “a first time for everything!”) We loved the illustrations, and they made the emotions clear. It’s very relatable, while also feeling like a little slice of history, since this European adventure takes place in 1989 and a lot has changed since then. We thought this was a great portrayal of teens and would recommend the book to teens and adults (especially to adults who don’t like or haven’t read graphic novels before).