Our Staff Favorites

Just as Charles Dickens did before with David Copperfield, Barbara Kingsolver examines the deep-seated issues facing society through the narrative of a child born in poverty. Readers need not have engaged with Dickens to understand the power of this story in illuminating the struggles faced by those in poverty, the unhoused, and those suffering from addiction. Trade Victorian England for rural Appalachia and add Kingsolver’s talent for captivating storytelling, and you can see why this book is a triumph.

“It’s no wonder it won the Pulitzer, that’s clear. Apart from shining a light on some of the people who get overlooked in our country, the narrator is very engaging and I found myself unable to put it down!” –Susan

In a world that may look eerily similar to our own, America is governed by new strict laws about “preserving American culture” in response to economic and social instability. People disappear, children of dissidents are taken away as punishment, and librarians are forced to pull anything off the shelves deemed “unpatriotic”. That includes the work of Bird’s mother, a poet of Chinese descent who left the family three years prior. The twelve-year-old Bird lives with his father, a university librarian, and has learned to disavow his mother, has tried to forget she existed. Until an anonymous note draws him into the mystery of her leaving, and he embarks on a quest to find her, a quest through this new and perilous America.

“A masterful take on speculative fiction with insights that illuminate real world current events.” –Susan

A teacher at an elite academy in Connecticut is accused of engaging in a relationship with a student, which he vehemently denies. When the girl disappears, Charles Bliss must find her in order to clear his name, but the story isn’t so simple as that. A twisty tale with a protagonist that might have more skeletons in his closet than he would like to admit.

“A real page turner, a good psychological thriller that literally had my jaw on the floor by the end!”

–Susan

A chronicle of one year in culinary exploits by noted food enthusiast (and award-winning actor) Stanley Tucci. This book is a fairly unfiltered commentary on exactly what the title says. Food is an elemental part of life, and its procurement and preparation takes up a lot of our time. But far from being quotidian, the wit and charm of the author shine through in his (pardon the pun) bite-sized diary entries.

In the newly-created Ministry of Time, an employee is assigned to monitor and care for the first time traveller, referred to as an “expat”, from an ill-fated Arctic expedition in the 19th century. As the two grow fonder of each other, the complexities of time travel start to manifest in unfortunate ways.

“I’m no sci-fi fan but this time-travel love story/thriller is completely engaging and delightful. The worldbuilding is wholly creative, and I marvel at the imagination of the author. Time-travel can get complex quickly, but here it is handled very capably, making it compelling and user-friendly. And don’t sleep on the love story either!” –Lori-Jo

A refreshing story about two people, each recovering from their own divorces, who meet on a coast-to-coast walking trip across northern England. With nothing but time and miles of countryside ahead, they discover each other’s complicated reasons for undertaking the journey, as well as a budding affection for each other. A slow-burn story of a relationship that takes its time getting to a rather unexpected outcome.

“You can probably guess that the two will get together at some point, but getting there is very engaging, and where they end up is not what you would think.” –Lori-Jo

A narrative in the life of a twentysomething bisexual shapeshifter in the 90s, a tableau of queer culture at a particular point in time, and a story that, like its narrator, defies categorization.

“A unique approach to exploring gender and sexuality.” -Ivy

Thrust into the national spotlight by her performance in Uncut Gems and loved by her fans for her bold fashion choices and unabashedly eccentric personality, Julia Fox is more than just one in an endless stream of viral celebrities. This book is a testament to that, shedding light on her troubled upbringing, detailing her public and private hardships, and reflecting on the real person at the heart of the persona.

“Told with humor and self-empathy. Highly recommend the author’s reading of the audiobook.” –Ivy

The sequel to science fiction masterpiece Dune, this novel begins twelve years after the end of the first, where Emperor Paul Atreides sits on his throne on Arrakis. Beset on all sides by schemes and political intrigue, he must balance the weight of his massive authority with the destiny he perceives through his precognitive ability. Effectively the third act of Paul’s story, less action-packed than the first book, yet rich with philosophical and sociological quandary.

“Much less the epic sci-fi adventure of the first novel, but still intellectually fascinating, with a story that delves into what it means to be human, the nature of power, and whether we are truly in charge of our destiny.” –Rory

The very first entry of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld omnibus sets the tone for the rest of the series, fantastically absurd and cleverly plotted, with incredibly imaginative worldbuilding. Enter the city of Ankh-Morpork, where failed wizard Rincewind finds himself the unwilling tour guide of sorts to a visitor from across the sea, a tourist on vacation as it so happens. Their journey takes them across the wide expanse of this fantasy world, with misadventures at every turn.

“I recommend this book highly to anyone wanting to get away from a certain children’s fantasy author and into a similarly humorous and often heartfelt magical adventure. Way more than seven books!” –Rory

The story of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, a controversial character for multiple reasons, not the least being a somewhat unflattering (by today’s standards) portrayal of a formerly enslaved Black man. Written with a sharp wit and a tender touch that Mark Twain might admire, Everett defines and gives dimension to the eponymous character, outlining his often overlooked qualities of compassion, intelligence, and agency.

“An interesting retelling of a classic from a different angle, it made me want to go back and read Huck Finn again to see if I can see the same perspective in the original. Very cleverly written!” –Trish

Fans of Little Women will likely enjoy this similar tale of four sisters and their bond of loyalty. When a boy from a grief-stricken home meets the Padavano sisters, he is both taken in by them and taken by their charm. But a dark past threatens the bliss of his found family, and tests the limits of the sisters’ devotion to one another. A coming-of-age story about how tragedy reveals the strength of our relationships and ourselves. 

“I shed a few tears, not necessarily from sadness, but more so from the emotional and moving storytelling. I also liked the accessible style of Napolitano’s writing.” –Trish

Two childhood friends reconnect in college and end up collaborating on a video game which, to their surprise, takes the world by storm. The next thirty years bring fortune and fame, yes, but also heartache and strife for the two as they face those old human foibles, greed, ambition, and betrayal. A story of human connection and imagination against the backdrop of the history of video games.

“A moving story about how meeting one person can change your life, and how our shared passions connect us despite our differences. The references to gaming are a nice nostalgic touch.”

–Trish

 An introduction to and extension of the author’s work through the BEMA podcast, helping to broaden the scholarship of the Bible by understanding it as a product of both Eastern and Western philosophy and culture. Quoting the author, reading the Bible without understanding the context and mindset of its creation is “like hearing only the left hand of the pianist, only the bass notes.”

“If you’re looking to peel back the layers of the onion and glimpse more meaning in the Bible, I recommend this book as well as the BEMA podcast.”

-Brandy

Margaret Hale, a young woman in 19th century Britain is uprooted from her carefree life in southern England to the industrial hamlet of Milton in the north, and must learn to appreciate the decidedly unrefined milieu of her new home. Partly a coming-of-age story following a young woman coming into her own, partly a social novel examining the plight of the working class in Britain’s Industrial Revolution, and with a touch of romance between Margaret and a wealthy factory owner, John Thornton.

“Heartbreakingly earnest, real in its rawness. Margaret has a relatable clumsy awkwardness in her attempt to make friends in the midst of a culture shock.” –Brandy

Lady Constance Chatterley, Connie to her close friends, lives a life free of want but also free of passion in the manor house of her war hero husband, who was paralyzed from the waist down by a combat injury. When she meets the handsome but distant groundskeeper, Oliver Mellors, an attraction blooms between the two, and Connie realizes she’s been missing out on the physical side of love. Once banned for being too explicit, this classic romance examines love, social class, and a woman’s maturation as a sensual being.

“Found myself blushing constantly while reading, but I can see why it’s now considered a classic. Is true love mental or physical, or do you need both?” –Nancy

Phoebe Stone did not come to the Cornwall Inn for the wedding, as every other guest did. In fact, she’s mourning the dissolution of her own marriage and has planned a luxurious seaside getaway in Newport, Rhode Island as a final act of sorts. An absurdly funny and heartwarming tale ensues as the bride-to-be and Phoebe find themselves at odds, and yet drawn to each other in the chaos of their respective lives.

Centuries after the mechanized laborers of Panga gained sentience and wandered off, disappearing into the annals of folklore, a tea monk is surprised by a robot returning from the wilderness and asking a simple question: “What do you need?” Unable to return until this question is answered, the robot and the tea monk set off to find out what it is that everyone needs, a cryptic and yet profound task. 

“My son recommended this book and I, in turn, recommend it highly. A hopeful future, with lovely prose and beautifully rendered characters.”

–Melanie

Set in the 1960s, Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott—a brilliant chemist whose career is derailed by a society not ready for a woman in science. When she unexpectedly becomes the star of a beloved cooking show, Elizabeth defies expectations by using her platform to teach women about chemistry, self-worth, and independence. Sharp, heartfelt, and quietly subversive, this novel explores sexism, identity, and the science of resilience. It’s a story about forging your own path, even when the world wants to write your script for you.

"What stayed with me most about this book was Elizabeth’s unwavering determination to define her own worth. Her story blends intellect, resilience, and subtle rebellion with moments of warmth and humor. The book doesn’t shy away from the obstacles women face, but it celebrates the strength we find in ourselves to rise above them." -Laurin

Addie LaRue made a deal to live forever—but in exchange, no one remembers her. Spanning centuries and continents, this hauntingly beautiful novel follows Addie’s quiet rebellion against a curse that makes her invisible to the world. Until one day, someone remembers her. V.E. Schwab delivers a sweeping, lyrical meditation on art, identity, and the ache to leave a mark. It’s a love story, a ghost story, and a celebration of a life truly lived—however invisible it may seem

“Addie’s story is about choosing a free life over a pre-determined one, and the cost of that choice. There’s something achingly beautiful in the way she keeps creating, loving, and leaving her quiet marks on the world, even when no one remembers her. This book made me think about how deeply we want to be seen and how much meaning we can instill, even if it's in the shadows. This book reminded me that the power isn’t in being remembered, it’s in living fully and sharing deeply with others in the present moment." - Laurin

Timely as ever, Rachel Maddow has released this nonfiction work inspired by her research into the history of far-right politics in America for her podcast Ultra. Readers may (or may not) be surprised to learn that total fascism very nearly could have gained power in America almost a century ago. Fringe homegrown elements and European agents were certainly abundant in the late 30s, but this book details behind the scenes, where major elected officials conspired to tacitly support the fascist movement because it conveniently aligned with their interests, namely anticommunism and white supremacy. A fascinating example of how our history is not so simple as we presume.

“Maddow has an unparalleled gift for putting a magnifying glass on historical events, doing the research and showing us that history may not repeat itself but it does often rhyme.” –Susan

The American evangelical community appears to be one of the most polarizing elements of society in our country, and this book delves into the thick of it to document how it got to be that way and why it is a problem. Journalist Tim Albert traces the path of modern evangelicalism, moving across the breadth of time and from small town congregations to megachurches, investigating the sordid marriage between religion, money, and politics that paved the way for the movement’s prevalence. More than just documenting, Albert also criticizes the movement for cheapening the faith, for creating safe spaces for abusers of power, and for associating the church with messages that go against the teachings of Christ.

“The rise of Christian nationalism as seen from within previously thoughtful evangelical communities. Really drives home how many good honest people of Christian faith have been led astray by demagogues and the promise of earthly power.” –Susan

A multigenerational saga spanning from 1900 to 1977 and based on the author’s own family history, the story centers on the character of Mariamma, a Christian Malayali girl and child bride in Kerala, India, as well as her descendants. Her new family suffers from a curse of sorts, a predilection towards death by drowning, made more precarious by the abundance of water in Kerala. Winding like a river, the story touches on love and loss, faith and doubt, and the complex lives of those living during great social upheaval.

Set during 1975, a time cultural historians call “the golden age of serial murder”, this haunting story of obsession and hope takes place in a small town in Missouri, the hunting ground for a serial killer targeting young girls. The intervention and kidnapping of a local boy sets off a mystery to be solved by his friend – a mystery that, in its unraveling, will uncover secrets and lies hidden beneath the veneer of a humble Midwest community.

From the author of the wildly popular Thursday Murder Club series comes a new detective story featuring Steve, an older, set-in-his-ways retired police officer, and his daughter-in-law Amy, a private security agent with a penchant for adrenaline-seeking. While on a remote island protecting a famous author, the appearance of a dead body, a bag of cash, and a deadly hitman have Amy calling Steve for backup. The duo have to solve a crime, protect the asset, and most importantly, stay alive long enough for Steve to get home for trivia night at the pub.

“Action packed, smart, and funny, funny, funny!” –Lori-Jo

The first in a series, this book introduces the intelligence operatives working at Slough House, MI5’s subdivision for misfits, mavericks, and overall screw-ups. These “slow horses” are relegated to menial clerical work, but when an opportunity arises in the form of a high-profile kidnapping and extortion scheme, River Cartwright and his fellow agents jump at the chance of redemption and decide to get involved. Methodical and detailed while being plotted brilliantly, this spy thriller is a shining example in its field.

“Sometimes espionage stories get so technical or laden with jargon that my brain wants to explode, or there are so many convoluted twists that it starts to collapse under the strain. Slow Horses is neither, with a great plot, well-developed characters, and action that, while complex, is staged in a way that the reader doesn’t get lost. By far my favorite series in the spy genre.” –Lori-Jo

Four remaining contestants on a reality dating show are taken to an island for the final challenge, surviving in the wilderness while also charming their less-than-spectacular prospective beau. Unfortunately, the island is home to Patricia, an inhuman presence with an all-too-human longing for connection. Spoofing the concept of reality shows is relatively easy, but balancing that with telling a heartfelt queer love story, a creature feature, and satirizing U.S. media culture, now that is a challenge.

“It’s The Bachelor but the cast are being tormented by Bigfoot. So funny!” –Ivy

Forced into slavery by the financial ruin of her family, Amara is sold to the owner of Pompeii’s largest brothel, the Lupanar, and must rely on her wits to plot a way to freedom. Along the way, she finds comfort and friendship in the other “she-wolves” of the Lupanar, and learns just what freedom may cost her.

“Beautifully written, with an ensemble of female characters you grow to love.” –Ivy

One of the seminal works of Japanese horror mangaka Junji Ito, featuring sublimely grotesque artwork and an intriguing story. The seaside town of Kurouzu-cho is fairly quiet, its inhabitants going about their mundane lives when the curse appears. It manifests subtly, slowly, in a myriad of ways, yet all concentrated around one thing: spirals. Shuichi’s father becomes obsessed with the shape of spirals, unnerving his family. Kirie’s hair spontaneously forms a spiral and takes on a life of its own. A schoolmate of theirs develops a spiral-shaped scar on her forehead that grows day by day. These phenomena take over the town, twisting and coiling until everyone is drawn into the horror.

“A masterpiece of art and storytelling, truly wondrous to behold. Each page is so rich with detail, a feast for the eyes. Also a really refreshing premise for horror, relatively simple in theory but Ito manages to take it in a thousand different directions creatively. I’ll never look at a spiral pattern the same way.” –Rory

One of the first examples of what you might call “revisionist fairy tales”, this story imagines a life for the Wicked Witch of the West before Dorothy ever landed in Oz, and gives her a name as well: Elphaba. Through her story, Maguire shows an Oz that is magical, yes, but also morally gray and rife with political tension, wealth disparity, and other social issues, showing that wickedness is not as simple as being born into it, or even being deemed wicked by others.

“This was actually a reread for me before I saw the movie, and I must say both have their strengths. I am inclined to prefer the book because of the inventive worldbuilding and its implications, the complex morality, and of course the dry humor.” –Rory

 Inspired by the remarkable true story of Lexington, one of the most celebrated racehorses in American history, this novel is written in three threads that tie into one another; the horse himself and the bond between him and Jarret, his enslaved caretaker in Antebellum Kentucky; an art dealer puzzles through the origin of an oil painting of Lexington in 1950s New York City; in the present day, a scientist and an art historian at the Smithsonian come together to study the skeleton of Lexington, unintentionally uncovering the hidden accounts of Black horsemen and their contributions to history.

“Tied together history, science, and a beautiful story that made me want to keep reading. Recommended for fans of historical fiction.” –Trish

A father’s disappearance is the catalyst for a riveting mystery and family drama, pitting the members of the Korean-American Parkson family against each other. Family secrets are revealed, and the nature of their patriarch’s disappearance begins to take shape.

“A whirlwind of emotions! The mystery element hooked me from the first page. Also, I was intrigued by the use of footnotes in a fictional story.”

–Trish

A guide for anyone who struggles to keep their living space uncluttered, from licensed therapist, life coach, and internet mental health advocate KC Davis. Structured in small, easy to digest chapters, the lessons that Davis employs focus on self-compassion, as well as reducing shame, a toxic feeling that can paralyze us from taking steps to better our lives.

“For the neurodivergent ones among us, this book is written for our shorter attention spans with short pithy chapters, and tips that are ACTUALLY HELPFUL! I loved that it seeks to liberate the reader from the guilt of not keeping the perfect house.” –Brandy

Another mystery for the much belovéd Christie creation, Hercule Poirot. The fastidious Belgian detective comes out of retirement to solve the murder of a wealthy widower. Great for fans of classic detective stories, especially ones whose central crimes are solved in a meticulous fashion. What it may want in terms of thrills, it makes up for in the curious character of Poirot and his enthusiasm for problem-solving. 

“A fun and quick read with delightful twists and turns!” –Brandy.

A collection of previously published stories and poems by the acclaimed author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Not directly related to the legendarium for which he is famous, these stories nonetheless convey Tolkien’s preoccupation and fascination with, as he called them “fairy stories”, the precursor to today’s fantasy literature, which Tolkien himself spent much of his life codifying.

“For those looking for short-form Tolkien with the fantasy fun of The Hobbit without committing to the undertaking that is Lord of the Rings.” –Brandy

Based on the real story of the spy network that helped defeat Germany in World War I, this novel spans thirty years, from the Great War itself to the aftermath of World War II. Eve is a retired British spy playing recluse after a stunning betrayal broke apart the notorious Alice Network, drinking her days away in isolation. Charlie is an American college girl whose parents have sent her away to Europe to deal with an inconvenient pregnancy, but her real goal is to find her cousin Rose, who went missing in Nazi-occupied France. A journey of courage and redemption ensues as they delve into the past.

“Strong female characters abound in this story, which I had no idea had a basis in real history. The real Alice Network were so brave and intelligent and inspiring, and this book brings their amazing story to life.” –Nancy

After the sudden death of an MFA student working on a brilliant debut novel, his professor (a burnt out author in a creative slump) surreptitiously decides to finish writing the book and pass it off as his own. In the midst of the consequent rush of success, the professor receives an anonymous email with an accusation that sends him into a paranoid spiral. What follows is a tense thriller with a literary bent as a plagiarist endeavors to uncover the architect of his downfall.

“Were there flaws? Yes. Were there things I figured out before the reveal? Yes. Did I finish it in two days because it was so well written and engaging? Hell yes.” –Melanie

n the present day, a young playwright faces an uphill battle as a woman in her field while debating whether to publish a play based on the life of her ancestor, the poet and Shakespeare contemporary Emilia Bassano. In Elizabethan times, Emilia herself faces much the same dilemma, until an idea occurs to her, the same idea as her modern descendent: why not submit the work under a male nom de plume? While the question of Shakespearean authorship has been settled in the Bard’s favor, the premise makes for a creative and inspiring interwoven story of two women and the challenges they face in getting recognition for their work.

“Thoroughly researched, stunningly written, I was captured from page one. Emilia’s story is juxtaposed with the modern day, where women from every background are still invisible in many spaces.” –Melanie

In this imaginative and deeply introspective novel, Matt Haig explores the question we all quietly carry: what if I had lived life differently? Between life and death, Nora Seed finds herself in the Midnight Library, a place where infinite versions of her life exist—each shaped by the choices she could have made. As she steps into alternate paths, she begins to uncover what truly gives life meaning. With warmth, wit, and a bit of magical realism, this story reminds us that regret is not the end of our story—it’s a doorway to understanding.

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"What I loved about The Midnight Library is how it makes you feel the truth that every choice shapes us, even the smallest ones. It’s a story that brings comfort to uncertainty, showing that no life is without purpose. For anyone who’s wrestled with “what could’ve been,” this book offers a quiet kind of hope. It’s not about escaping to a better timeline—it’s about finding meaning in the one you’re already living." - Laurin

With gentle wisdom and profound clarity, Eckhart Tolle challenges us to rethink who we are and how we live. A New Earth invites readers to shift from ego-driven patterns to a deeper state of presence, awareness, and spiritual awakening. Grounded in mindfulness and accessible reflection, this book is less about changing the world and more about changing how we see it. A timeless guide for those seeking clarity, purpose, and peace in a noisy, distracted world

“This book doesn’t promise transformation, instead Tolle simply points you back to what already exist. His words helped me see how often ego drives our thoughts, actions, and even our formed identities. It’s a quiet, lasting reminder that peace doesn’t come from becoming someone else, it comes from living authentically and releasing your grip on the ego."

- Laurin