The Library of Lost and Found
by Phaedra Patrick
In a nutshell, the book is about how one woman takes control of her destiny to write her happy ending. I usually don't like touchy-feely books like this, but after wading through several more serious type books, this was like a refreshing breath of air! Doesn't hurt that it took place in a bookstore either!
- Mary
The Enchanter's Flame
by Michele Notaro
I love a good romance story, particularly when it involves two men. I also love urban fantasy (that's fantasy which takes place in the real world). It is a very well written book with a great romance and phenomenal characters. I cannot wait to read the rest in the series. This book is just my cup of tea.
- Jake
Summertime
by Liz Rigbey
This is not a new book, published in 2003, but new to me. I have certain crime/mystery authors I just love, and it is very hard for me to find new authors that compare. I am typically disappointed and end up reading my favorites over again. This year I decided to search all the bestselling crime/mystery writers and get samplings of their various titles to test out. I brought a big pile of books home and only a few made the cut. This was one of them. Summertime has just enough uncertainty from the beginning – inherited family tragedy with a lot of missing information that slowly comes to light -- and a protagonist you can’t be sure of. Is she sympathetic or is there something slightly sinister? Plus fleshed out characterization and enough physical atmosphere & description to make “place” important without being bogged down in detail. Unfortunately, this author only wrote two more works of fiction so I will have to savor it.
-Cary
Blanca & Roja
by Anna-Marie McLemore
First off, this book was a fairytale retelling utopia for me, mainly based around the story of Snow White And Rose Red with two other tales threaded through it, so it grabbed me right from the beginning. I also loved the casualness of the diversity contained in the book, being true to their story without turning to tokenism. What really endeared this book to me, however, was how much more emotion the story was able to pull from me even once the plot was wrapped up, finding resolutions for the smaller struggles each of the characters had beyond the main story.
- Kaylee
Spearhead: An American Tank Gunner, His Enemy, and a Collison of Lives In World War II
by Adam Makos
Code Name: Lise. The True Story of the Woman Who Became WWII's Most Highly Decorated Spy by Larry Loftis
These two nonfiction books are so well researched and read almost like a novel. It's truly unbelievable the things they saw and did.
- Dawn
Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
I really enjoyed this book because Delia Owens has a Ph.D. in Animal Behavior and that knowledge and love of animals is reflected in the way she describes nature. Her descriptions made me really feel like I was walking with the main character and seeing nature for the first time.
- Krista
Calypso
by David Sedaris
I love the way that Sedaris writes his real life observations to read like fiction. His stories are amusing, sharp, heartfelt, and oddly relatable.
-Kristen
The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers
by Maxwell King
I have always been a fan of Mister Rogers (and still am) for the good things he taught children and adults about being caring and compassionate. I very much enjoyed this narrative about Fred Rogers’ childhood, life, family, and influences, as well as the creation of his television production. I especially enjoyed the reading by LeVar Burton in the audio version.
- Lisa
Paperdoll: What Happens When an Ordinary Girl Meets an Extraordinary God
by Natalie Lloyd
This is my favorite book so far, because it is an encouraging read for women to learn how true beauty, confidence, and purpose become clearer when we give our hearts to God. I appreciate Natalie Lloyd's courage to share her story with readers to reveal how God helps one journey through life's joys and sorrows.
- Tirzah
The Collapsing Empire
by John Scalzi
This is a space opera about a Galactic Empire on the verge of destruction when Humanity's method for faster-than-light travel suddenly stops working. It's a witty and action packed novel, and Scalzi does a good job making interstellar politics interesting.
- Jason
Middlegame
by Seanan Mcguire
Emotionally nuanced, genre-bending story with well-developed, deeply flawed, and endearing characters.
- Amanda
The Rose
Tiffany Reisz
Although it is a very...sensual novel, the descriptions and story is really beautiful, and is a very fun read for any adult that is interested in mythology, fantasy, and romance.
- Allie
Ask Again, Yes
by Mary Beth Keane
I loved reading this book! It is so well-written and the characters are so well-developed that I feel like I know them all. Mary Beth Keane does a fantastic job of drawing you into the story and keeping you engaged.
- Katherine
Sacred Duty: a soldier’s tour at Arlington National Cemetery
by Tom Cotton
When a person visits Arlington National Cemetery they see the pageantry and the ceremony. This book tells the story of the soldiers who comprise the Old Guard – their history, sacrifices, code of honor and their pride in honoring those who have served the United States in war and peace.
- Joyce
Educated
by Tara Westover
I don’t normally read memoirs, but this one had such high reviews, I had to give it a try. I’m so glad I did because it’s one of the most harrowing and powerful stories I’ve ever read. At times it was very difficult to read, but also so shocking I couldn’t put it down.
-Tara