You Could Make This Place Beautiful: A Memoir
by Maggie Smith
Publication Date: April 11, 2023
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Cary's Review:
This book explores what happens when a woman commits to a renewed focus on herself in mid-life, and what it means to reckon with the multi-faceted roles expected of contemporary women. Open, honest and empathetic.
Adelaide
by Genevieve Wheeler
Publication Date: April 18, 2023
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Katherine's Review:
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started reading this book, but I ended up really enjoying it. While I can't say that I loved all the characters and found them relatable, I did think they were plausible. Don't go into this book thinking it's a rom-com or you'll be disappointed - it's a much deeper story and not always light-hearted. I did really enjoyed Genevieve Wheeler's writing and will keep an eye out for future books.
Swamp Story
by Dave Berry
Publication Date: May 2,
2023
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
A crime fiction novel set in the Florida Everglades. The characters include a wanna-be reality TV star, the owners of a bait and tackle shop with get-rich-quick schemes involving a melon monster, a cache of buried gold, and a young woman who just wants a better life for her child. Dave Berry at his funniest!
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The Ferryman
by Justin Cronin
Publication Date: May 2, 2023
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Katherine's Review:
A definite mind-bender. I love books that make you think you know what's going on only to find out you really have no idea and neither do the characters and you discover what's happening right beside them. This books will have you staying up late and continuing to turn pages long after you should have stopped.
Poison Ivy, Volume 1: The Virtuous Cycle
by G. Willow Wilson
Publication Date: May 16, 2023
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Robby's Review:
This graphic novel did everything I wanted from a Poison Ivy run. Its mix of body horror, morbidity, and psychedelia kept me wanting more.
The Book of Charlie
by David Von Drehle
Publication Date: May 23,
2023
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Mary's Review:
A true story by a
veteran Washington journalist who moves to Kansas City and meets Charlie, his
109 year old neighbor. The author sets out to write a book for his
children and ends up telling Charlie's secrets of life involving resilience, the
willingness to grow, thriving through a century of upheaval, and his
pursuit of a good and meaningful life. Part touching, part humorous, and
part history lesson on what's important in life.
Ink Blood Sister Scribe
by Emma Törzs
Publication Date: May 30, 2023
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I loved it! This is a thoroughly engrossing, atmospheric book with a fantastic magic system. It has been a long time since I have been so engaged and I really didn't want this one to end. Emma Törzs has done a fantastic job with this book and I really hope there's a sequel. But, if not, I'll read whatever she writes next.
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The Endless Vessel
by Charles Soule
Publication Date: June 6, 2023
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Katherine's Review:
This book just became my favorite of the year. I love books that have unique plot lines and where the author shows great creativity. This one really surprised me! It's also written really well so it's a wonderfully engaging read. And, if you enjoy endings that put a positive trajectory on an otherwise sad and hopeless future, you'll like this book for that reason too. I'll be keeping an eye out for more books by Charles Soule!
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Fresh Finds: Reviews of Newly Published Books
Library staff review books that they've read that are newly published.
Fresh Finds: Reviews of Newly Published Books
Library staff review books that they've read that are newly published.