Y/N by Esther Yi

 

Title: Y/N 
Author: Esther Yi
Genre: Literary Fiction

Y/N (an abbreviation for "Your Name" used in writing fanfiction when the author invites you to imagine you're the protagonist of the story) is about a Korean woman who lives in Germany. She develops a dangerous parasocial relationship with a K-Pop idol known only by his stage name, Moon. When Moon announces he's retiring from the public eye, she resolves to fly out to try and meet him.

The book's protagonist, who never gets her own name, becomes increasingly detached with reality the more she sinks into her imaginary relationship with Moon. There's no question how reliable she is as a narrator, the answer is; not at all. 

Y/N is vivid and strange, feeling like some sort of disjointed dream, but it invites the reader to decide just what to believe about the story being told.

- Kate

Check out Y/N by Esther Yi @ the library!

The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

Title: The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina
Author: Zoraida Córdova
Genre: Magical Realism, Contemporary Fiction

Orquídea has always been a mysterious type of person, someone whom even her children and grandchildren don't truly know much about in many ways. However, she has always demonstrated how important family is to her, and raised her children knowing that family is something that you prioritize and that you treasure. When she writes all of the far-flung members of her own family to tell them that her time of death is near, all are told to come and get their inheritance. They arrive to find that Orquídea's magic has barred all from entering her home, growing thorns and vines around to prevent those who arrive and knock. Finally, one of her granddaughters goes up and asks the door for entrance, and they are all able to see Orquídea, nearly rooted to the floor in the entranceway, visibly turning into a tree. This is just the start of what is quite a story, involving magic, a living fallen star, ghosts, and circuses!

- Katrina

Check out The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova @ the library!

All The Gold Stars by Rainesford Stauffer

Title: All the Gold Stars: Reimagining Ambition and the Ways We Strive
Author: Rainesford Stauffer
Genre: Non-fiction

An exploration of ambition and the role it plays in our lives, this book argues that there needs to be a broader and more inclusive understanding of ambition. It focuses a lot on moving from only an external, career based ambition to a more communal, relationship based ambition. This is explored through numerous examples and is a great book for anyone looking to reorient their lives and identities away from jobs and towards the other parts of their lives, whether that be friendship, family, spirituality, community, or even self-care.

- Meagan

Check out All the Gold Stars by Rainesford Stauffer @ the library!

Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton

Title: Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard
Author: Tom Felton
Genre: Memoir

Who hasn't imagined growing up in a world as filled with magic as Hogwarts is? It turns out, the answer to that question is Tom Felton, who apparently barely knew anything about the Harry Potter books before winning the role of Draco in what turned out to be 8 movies! This memoir offers a fantastic insight into Tom's life, before, during, and after those movies. It hasn't all been as magical as waving a wand to get what he wants - but he has gotten to learn from some of the best in the business! 

- Katrina

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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

 

Title: Remarkably Bright Creatures
Author: Shelby Van Pelt 
Genre: Fiction

A book about a Pacific octopus in captivity really doesn’t sound like it could amount to much. Let “Remarkably Bright Creatures” prove you wrong. An octopus named “Marcellus” and a cleaning lady at the aquarium named Tova develop a treasured bond that transcends them. It’s a story of hope and what is possible when you don’t give it up.

- Tiffany

Check out Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt @ the library!

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

 

Title: The Girl You Left Behind
Author: Jojo Moyes
Genre: Historical Fiction

The title of this book is also the title of a painting which is at the center of this beautifully told novel. Sophie is the "girl" in the painting which her famed artist husband painted of her prior to his leaving to fight at the front. It is 1916 France and the Germans have taken occupation of their small village. Sophie does her best to survive and care for her family, but ultimately a harrowing decision was met by devastating consequences.

A shift in the story brings the reader to almost a century later London where Sophie's portrait is hanging in Liv Halston's home; a wedding gift from her deceased husband. What ensues is a heartbreaking story as the painting is found to be one of the many works of art stolen during the war and heirs have come forward to reclaim it as rightful ownership. An ugly legal battle threatens to bring additional heartbreak and financial ruin to Liv as she refuses to let go of the Girl You Left Behind. I loved the alternating historical story as it was woven throughout the more current story of today.

- Karen

Check out The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes @ the library!

I Know You by Annabel Kantaria

 

Title: I Know You
Author: Annabel Kantaria
Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller

A psychological thriller about a pair of expecting first time mothers, a childless socialite, a divorcée, and lonely computer tech. “I Know You” follows what happens when social media becomes an extension of your real life. It will keep you questioning who the imposter could be. And there is most definitely an imposter.

- Tiffany

Check out I Know You by Annabel Kantaria @ the library!

The Year of Miracles by Ella Risbridger

Title: The Year of Miracles
Author: Ella Risbridger
Genre: Memoir, Cookbook, Cooking Memoir

While Ella Risbridger is still managing grief over her long-term boyfriend's death, the pandemic hits. And yet this book is filled with hope and love and recipes tied to moving stories and fond memories. Risbridger is a gifted wordsmith, and her writing is marked with vulnerability and charm. Read this book straight through, or take a break to make one of the recipes when the mood strikes. For memoir enthusiasts, foodies and fans of Molly Wizenberg.

- Sarah

Check out The Year of Miracles by Ella Risbridger @ the library!

The Woman In Me by Britney Spears

 

Title: The Woman In Me
Author: Britney Spears
Genre: Memoir

There aren't a lot of people that haven't at least heard of Britney Spears. Her music - and her story - are a cultural touch point. I would say I'm a casual fan - I know her big hits, or at least most of them, and know a little of her life story. But having picked up this book, I am left surprised at how little I knew about what she was truly experiencing! It was a fast and intriguing read, and I was amazed at how honest it seems like she is being, all of the way through! A great read to rediscover the person behind the cultural icon!

- Katrina

Check out The Woman In Me by Britney Spears @ the library!

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

 

Title: Yours Truly
Author: Abby Jimenez
Genre: Romance

I adored all of the characters in this amazing romance. This book has fake dating, playful characters, a cute dog, and so much more. I laughed and cried while reading- would highly recommend.

- Bridget

Check out Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez @ the library!

Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

 

Title: Pineapple Street
Author: Jenny Jackson
Genre: Fiction, Audiobook

This family drama and novel focusing on the upper class follows three women: older sister Darley, who keeps her money woes secret; younger sister Georgiana, whose love life is messy; and their sister-in-law Sasha, who didn't grow up privileged and isn't quite accepted by her husband's clan. Jackson writes with humor and warmth and offers these women satisfying opportunities for growth. If you like audiobooks, the narrator's read is spot-on and a delight. 

- Sarah

Check out Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson @ the library!

365 Days to Alaska by Cathy Carr

 

Title: 365 Days to Alaska
Author: Cathy Carr
Genre: Children's, Middle Grade Fiction

This was an awesome, fast read that was about a young girl living off the grid in Alaska. When her parents suddenly divorce, Rigel must go with her mom to live in a Connecticut suburb. She makes a secret pact with her dad--if she can stick it out for a year, she can return to Alaska. As her new and old worlds collide, Rigel must decide what she truly wants her future to look like. Super cute middle grade read!

- Julia

Check out 365 Days to Alaska by Cathy Carr @ the library!

I Was Born For This by Alice Oseman

 

Title: I Was Born for This
Author: Alice Oseman
Genre: Young Adult

Angel is a huge fan of The Ark, a boy band that has many fans. She finds a like-minded friend in Juliet, who she meets online. They bond over their love for The Ark. When they finally meet in person their friendship changes and a series of events lead to them meeting The Ark. Angel realizes The Ark are not who she thought they were at all. This is a relatable book about being a fan, anxiety, and the illusion that everyone has their life together all the time. It’s the first in a series so there will hopefully be more to come for The Ark and Angel.

- Lisa

Check out I Was Born for This by Alice Oseman @ the library!

The Nordic Theory of Everything by Anu Partanen

Title: The Nordic Theory of Everything
Author: Anu Paranen
Genre: Nonfiction, Self-Help

This book compares and contrasts life in the US and Finland. This book provides some insight on different cultural norms and how to better improve your life. This could be a great read for the new year!

- Julia

Check out The Nordic Theory of Everything by Anu Partanen @ the library!

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

 

Title: The Bear and the Nightingale
Author: Katherine Arden
Genre: Fantasy

A beautiful and haunting Russian folktale, this work brought me back to childhood and enjoying fairy tales. Weaving magic, corruption, spirits, and adventure- this book will keep you rapt the whole time!

- Bridget

Check out The Bear and the Nightingale by Kristen Arden @ the library!

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

 

Title: Small Great Things
Author: Jodi Picoult
Genre: Realistic Fiction

This masterpiece by Jodi Picoult touches on many different culturally relevant topics, and it is told from a multitude of perspectives. The story mostly revolves around a Black nurse that is instructed not to care for the baby of a white supremacist couple. When the child dies in her care, the nurse is charged with murder and taken to court. This book has a lot of twists and turns and can be difficult to read at times but touches on many important issues people of color face in America.

- Julia

Check out Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult @ the library!

Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan

 

Title: Christmas by the Book
Author: Anne Marie Ryan
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Holiday Fiction

Nora and Simon have owned the local bookshop since Nora's mother (the previous owner) died. They have raised their daughter in the flat above it as well. But having fallen on hard times, they have gotten behind in their bills and are reluctantly being forced to face the idea of selling the store and moving out in the new year. However, as part of their last Christmas in the shop, they decide to have others write in and nominate someone who could use some cheering up over the holidays, and randomly choose 6 people to send out 6 Christmas-themed books, all done anonymously. The story explains just how these surprise books affect those that receive them, as well as change the story of the booksellers as the holiday draws to a close! A wonderful feel-good story for the holiday season.

- Katrina

Check out Christmas by the Book by Anne Marie Ryan @ the library!