Weekly book reviews in most genres, including classics and not-to-be-missed. Books selected and reviews written by a librarian specializing in readers’ advisory.
A genuine story of love and survival, Craig Grossi speaks to the importance of these bonds for our humanity, and finding perspective and meaning in the good and the bad experiences of life.
Read MoreMary Roach is back, with stories of unfortunate human-animal failed relationships, how humans try to fix the conflicts, and animals succeed in evading those efforts. Highly recommend.
Read MoreAn early twentieth century investigation into supernatural phenomena at an island home off the coast of England, spearheaded by William James, goes dangerous and deadly in this gothic tale by Erik Larson.
Read MoreA memoir of love and loss of a mother, and the comfort of favorite, shared foods to preserve memory.
Read MoreAn epic ode to the enduring value of stories, the librarians who preserve and share them, and the libraries that preserve and make them available to all.
Read MoreBe you animal lover or merely animal curious, you will find much to love and learn in Orlean’s recent compilation of essays.
Read MoreThe Murderbot Diaries, a series of novellas and one novel, following the story of rogue SecUnit, Murderbot, as he tries to find his place in the world of a distant future. Highly recommended.
Read MoreBefore saying goodbye to 2021, here are my choices for books worth your time and attention.
Read MoreExcellent detective fiction series, set in Sweden of the nineties and oughts. Enjoy spending time getting to know Kurt Wallander, as he solves ghastly murders.
Read MoreRead these in order: My Name Is Lucy Barton, followed by Oh William! to truly appreciate the character development achieved by Elizabeth Strout. Highly recommended.
Read MoreRooney is the reporter on the psyche of the Millennial generation. Enjoy her latest exploration.
Read MoreEnter the world of late twelfth century abbey life, in this story of a powerful abbess, her loves and ambitions, in a male-dominated world. Beautifully written, with many questionable liberties taken with the historical record.
Read MoreA well-crafted gothic novel, which will put you off mushrooms.
Read MoreA richly layered novel about the meanings of house and home. Highly recommend the audiobook read by Tom Hanks.
Read MoreEnjoy this retelling of Homer’s epic story of the Trojan War, the hero Achilles, and his great love for Patroclus.
Read MoreFrom gravity to the multiverse, theoretical physicist Michio Kaku takes you on a tour of how scientists seek to explain the universe and everything in it. Required reading for all thoughtful people.
Read MorePart legal thriller, part science fiction, and part detective fiction, this mashup by Winters is entertaining, and asks bigger questions.
Read MoreGrady Hendrix does it again! A great successor to “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires.” Enjoy this send-up of 70s and 80s slasher movies, told in a darkly funny way.
Read MoreConor Knighton takes us on his yearlong journey to all our country’s national parks. Check out his fun Instagram, too!
Read MoreAre you tired of cancel culture, the majority shut down from honestly expressing opinions in a civil manner? Ben Shapiro lays out the way we got here, and what needs to happen to restore honest, open debate. This must happen to assure our democracy going forward.
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