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.
The pursuit of the Golden State Killer told from the perspective of one of the forensic scientists who was resolved to find the killer. Paul Holes gives an honest recounting of the difficulties of investigating heinous crime.
Read MoreMeet Elizabeth Zott, uncompromising scientist with a heart of gold and steel in her spine. Enjoy author Garmus’s witty banter in this novel of 1950’s workplace sexual relations. Very funny!
Read MoreA novel of time travel and big questions for humanity. More pandemic fiction from Mandel, in a cleverly plotted novel.
Read MoreA gentle, sensitive set of four stories set in a modern day Tokyo diner, that will charm you and give you a boost of hope.
Read MoreIt’s the rise of the plants and their choking pollen in this postapocalyptic world, and a serial killer is on the loose. Great climate disaster-mystery mashup, good for your book discussion group.
Read MoreImagine a mass phenomenon where some women suddenly become dragons and disappear. This novel takes on that big idea and explores the consequences.
Read MoreTake a trip back to the seventies, for an excellent fictional story of Opal & Nev, afro-punk duo, and learn more about the intersection of rock, race, and gender equality. Highly recommend.
Read MoreWith beautiful Westerly, RI as its setting, a present-day tragedy of teens without direction or moral compass.
Read MoreNo spoilers here! Your first recommendation for a great vacation read, if a crime-horror mashup is your thing.
Read MoreThis could be my favorite book this summer, maybe this year. A gentle, humorous story of kindness and love for family, friends, and neighbors.
Read MoreIs Joan okay? If her family could back off with their demands, she could maybe think about what she wants in life. The demands of being a woman, a Chinese American, are all getting a bit much for Joan. Expect gentle, ironic humor from this charming novel.
Read MoreCrossroads, a study of a family during the Vietnam era of 1971, is the first of a trilogy by Jonathan Franzen. Check it out!
Read MoreA cautionary tale told in the tone of Vonnegut, this novel describes how our current circumstances create unbearable anxiety in our future, our young people.
Read MoreA pandemic novel, but far, far more. Nagamatsu tries to explore all of human history in this speculative novel.
Read MoreTwo brothers set off on the legendary Lincoln Highway to seek their futures in 1950s California, only to be conned, threatened, and delayed by an unscrupulous character.
Read MoreWhat happened to Agatha Christie when she disappeared for eleven days in 1926? Gramont spins an entire back story for this event, in true Christie fashion.
Read MoreStephenson takes us a few steps into the future, when climate change threats are addressed by independent geoengineering efforts, sparking a new climate cold war.
Read MoreSet in a remote renovated chapel in the wild Scottish Highlands, the romantic setting is perfect for long suppressed secrets to emerge, with violent consequences, as a couple trying to rekindle their relationship resolve more than they anticipated. A fun weekend thriller, surely soon to be a movie.
Read MoreStories of war told by four voices, uncovering the true trauma, violence, and desperation experienced by many in our world. A timely and important novel, given the conflicts in the world today.
Read MoreEnjoy this titilating, suspenseful novel. Don’t expect literature— but expect to be entertained.
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