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Check out our reviews and recommendations:
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Christine recommends: Spoiler Alert: A Novel by Olivia Dade.What it’s about: April is a geologist by day, and by night she writes erotic fanfiction about the epic TV show Guardians of the Gates, based on the Aeneid, now in its final (and controversial) season. When April posts a picture of herself cosplaying as a character from the show, she receives a lot of negative comments about her plus-sized body … and Marcus, one of the stars from the show, asks her on a date. Little does April know that Marcus is secretly writing Guardians fanfiction too, and he’s her BFF online. Why you should read it: This book is steamy and laugh out loud funny. It’s like a mashup of You’ve Got Mail and Game of Thrones fanfiction. I read it in one sitting. Some of my favorite bits were the script excerpts from Marcus’ films, including Sharkphoon, Do-Si-Danger (witness protection with a group of square dancers) and 1 Wheel, 2 Real (about a unicyclist who falls in love). April is a strong heroine who stands up for herself and lets Marcus know when he lets her down. Both April and Marcus learn to allow themselves to be seen and to speak up for themselves — and April does NOT have to lose weight to find happiness!
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Laura recommends: The Daughters of Erietown: A Novel by Connie Schultz What it’s about: This engaging story about multiple generations of a working-class family living in the rust belt begins in 1957, with top student Ellie, who dreams of nursing school and marriage to her high school sweetheart. Brick McGinty is the school’s star athlete, who wins a scholarship that would make him the first in his family to attend college. An unplanned pregnancy dashes their dreams of further education, so Ellie and Brick elope and vow to make the best of their new life. Filled with old-fashioned charm and deep empathy for even the less appealing characters, this sweeping family saga is a heartfelt and comforting read. Reviewers say: “This quiet, Anne Tyler-esque novel is also a reminder that gentler times were not always gentle, that life is filled with hardship even without existential threats” (The Washington Post); “While Schultz’s compelling narrative and realistic characters will keep readers turning pages into the night, her eye and ear for real-life details set this novel apart from other domestic sagas” (Bookpage). About the author: This is a fiction debut by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Connie Schultz. Formerly with the Cleveland Plain Dealer, she is a nationally syndicated columnist, and teaches journalism at Kent State University.
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Astrid recommends: The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix What it’s about: Unappreciated suburban housewives tend to their True Crime book club while battling a dark force in the shape of a charming neighbor. FYI: Don’t mess with the housewives! Is it for you? If you are on the squeamish side and break out in a cold sweat when rats (pgs. 128-132) and cockroaches (pgs. 295-298) are involved, you may want to pass on this one. If, however, you like horror with humor and don’t mind some gross stuff, you should enjoy this. Reviewers say: “Hendrix draws shrewd parallels between the serial killers documented in the book club's picks and Harris's apparent vampire persona, loading his gruesome story with perfectly-pitched allusions to classic horror novels and true crime accounts. This powerful, eclectic novel both pays homage to the literary vampire canon and stands singularly within it” (Publishers Weekly); “Fans of smart horror will sink their teeth into this one” (Kirkus Reviews).
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Stacey recommends: Washington Black by Esi Edugyan What it’s about: Washington Black is born into slavery and transcends it over the course of this lyrical, globe-encompassing novel. When Wash becomes the assistant to a scientific-minded adventurer, his life is transformed as he develops his artistic talent. But when the two escape Barbados to explore the world, they’re pursued by a slave owner who perceives Wash to be a runaway. Why you should read it: While there’s world travel and suspense in this novel, the spotlight is really on Wash’s rich emotional life. If you enjoy literary novels about characters discovering their true gifts, while connecting with others and experiencing the pain of betrayal, this historical novel is for you. Reviewers say: Publishers Weekly says, “Crafted in supple, nuanced prose, Edugyan’s novel is both searing and beautiful.”
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Kristin recommends: You Had Me at Hola: A Novel by Alexis Daria What it’s about: Soap opera actress Jasmine Lin has just come out of a messy public breakup. She decides to focus on her career, and staring in “Carmen In Charge” is the way to go. But acting opposite Ashton Suarez is testing her to her limit. Why you might like it: If you like your romances steamy while still having characters with depth, give this a try. The characters are drawn sympathetically with a dash of humor. The Latinx cast, with just a touch of Spanish language, provide an authentic multicultural experience. Reviewers say: “This romance by a RITA award-winning writer is a sizzling hot and fun ode to soap operas” (LibraryReads); “Sexy, compelling, and complex—a terrific romance from a rising star of the genre” (Kirkus Reviews).
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Roseanne recommends: Mrs. Everything: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner Reviewers Say: "Weiner brilliantly crafts this heart wrenching multigenerational tale of love, loss, and family . . . Weiner's talent for characterization, tight pacing, and detail will thrill her fans and easily draw new ones into her orbit. Her expert handling of difficult subjects will force readers to examine their own beliefs and consider unexpected nuances. Weiner tugs every heartstring with this vivid tale" (Publishers Weekly - starred review). About the Author: Jennifer Weiner is the bestselling author of seventeen books. She is a graduate of Princeton University and a contributor to the New York Times Opinion section. She lives with her family in Philadelphia.
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Misty recommends: Dead Man Walking: The Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty That Sparked a National Debate by Helen Prejean What it’s about: Sister Helen Prejean is a Catholic nun. I anticipated this book would be very one sided based on her religion. I didn’t become interested in the book until after I saw the movie. The movie combines the two executions included in the book into one death row inmate story. Sister Helen Prejean does an amazing job of exploring the topic of capital punishment through the role of a spiritual guide. Why you might like it: If you enjoy being deeply drawn into a story that you feel as though you’re there witnessing all of it, then you’ll appreciate Sister Helen Prejean's writing style.
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Aimee recommends: When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-CullorsWhat it’s about: In this memoir, Patrisse Khan-Cullors tells her story of living in a poor black neighborhood, growing up with multiple family members in incarceration, and becoming one of the founders of the Black Lives Matter movement. She elaborates on undiagnosed mental illnesses being misconstrued as resisting arrest, and the gut reaction of police officers. She touches on racial profiling and the multiple times her residency was raided, once with a 6-year-old girl present, because “someone fitting the profile” could maybe, possibly, live there. Everything that she, and all black Americans, experienced growing up lead to her forming Black Lives Matter with Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi, shortly after the acquittal of George Zimmerman, murderer of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed 17-year-old kid. Why it’s important: I chose to listen to this memoir, as it was read by the author. Hearing her tell her own story, in her own words, with her own voice, was powerful, and it broke me a few times. Given this current world, and its current problems, I thought it was important to educate myself on something I didn’t know much about. Hearing her stories and how her family has been treated was truly eye opening, and it’s extremely important for people of every race and color to understand what is happening behind this movement.
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