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What it is: a fictionalized account of Varian Fry's real-life rescue of more than 200 artists and intellectuals from Nazi-occupied France. Fry's dilemma: the increasingly high-stakes decisions he must make about who (and what) to save. Reviewers say: "an accomplished storyteller at work. Altogether satisfying." (Kirkus)
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The Farm: A Novelby Joanne RamosStarring: Jane, a Filipino immigrant who signs up to be a "host" – a surrogate for the ultrawealthy – even though it means spending months at a spa-style compound known as Golden Oaks, away from her daughter Amelia. Also narrated by: Evelyn, Jane's older cousin who suggests she take the job as a host and who watches Amelia while Jane is gone; the smooth-talking Mae Yu, who runs Golden Oaks under strict rules; and Reagan, an aspiring photographer and "premium host". Read it for: a thoughtful look at money, class, race, privilege, ethics, and ambition
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What it is: a compelling coming-of-age story set in World War II Italy, inspired by the life of the author's grandmother. Starring: the tough, intelligent, complex, and often tragic Mariastella Fortuna, whose life is marked by near-death experiences. Read it for: complicated family dynamics spanning from Italy in the 1920s to present-day America.
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Lost and Wanted
by
Nell Freudenberger
What it's about: Wealthy, stylish Charlie (who is black) and nerdy scholarship student Helen (who is white) were best friends and roommates in college despite their differences. Twenty years later, Charlie is dead...but Helen continues to receive texts from her.
Is it for you? This complex, leisurely paced novel is as much a character study of Helen, now a respected scientist, as it is a story of female friendship. Deep discussions of physics add an intriguing layer of appeal.
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The Friends We Keepby Jane Green This book will be released on June 4th.Starring: three friends from college who have drifted apart, one now a supermodel whose career was derailed by an affair, one the heartbroken wife of an alcoholic, and one an actor hiding a painful past. At their 30th college reunion: hopes to reconnect are threatened by old secrets and complex histories. Why you might like it: Jane Green masterfully switches perspectives among complicated characters in an "excellent companion for the beach or summer travel—especially to a class reunion" (Publishers Weekly)
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Starring: Ruth Hartland, psychotherapist director of a trauma unit at a London clinic whose adult son Tom disappeared a year and a half earlier. In comes...: Dan, an unstable, traumatized patient who looks exactly like Rught's missing son. Read if you want: A page-turner with grief, love, and the meaning of motherhood at its heart – and an unexpected twist at the end.
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Miracle Creek
by
Angie Kim
What happens: a deadly explosion at an experimental medical treatment facility exposes cracks in a rural Virginia community -- and the courtroom case that follows turns out not to be as clear-cut as it first appears.
For fans of: the uncovering of untruths that drives Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies, or the compelling legal drama and family tragedy of William Landay's Defending Jacob.
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The Other Americans
by
Laila Lalami
What happens: A Moroccan immigrant living in California is killed in a hit and run. Was it an accident? Or was it murder?
Why you might like it: With a notably diverse cast and nine characters who share narrative duties, this complex novel draws an impressive portrait of an American community.
Reviewers say: "an eloquent reminder that frame of reference is everything when defining the 'other'" (Booklist).
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Normal People
by
Sally Rooney
What's it's about: the surprising (and secret) relationship between a wealthy high school outcast and a popular (but poor) athlete, and what happens when they go off to college.
Why you might like it: Set in Ireland and covering powerful themes of class and power, this novel offers complex characters and well-crafted dialogue.
For fans of: tales of first love, betrayal, self-discovery, and redemption.
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Demarest Free Public Library |
90 Hardenburgh Ave. |
Demarest, New Jersey 07627 |
(201) 768-8714 |
demarestlibrary.org |
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