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

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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

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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

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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!