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To Be Taught, If Fortunate : A Novella by Becky Chambers “A quiet, contemplative story filled with awe of space and discovery. The author strikes the perfect balance of relationships between the diverse crew, the science encountered during their journey, and greater philosophical issues at play. I highly recommend it, even if you think you don't like "space books." ---Leigh
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“This book is about human/wildlife conflict and what happens when humans and the natural world try to coexist. Besides appearances by jay-walking moose and bears that break and enter, there are murderous trees and poisonous plants. Peppered with Mary Roach's trademark humor, great editorializing and scientific knowledge, this book is a very enjoyable read.” ---Nancy
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The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner “Imagine moving across the country to marry a person you have never met. Susan Meissner’s novel, The Nature of Fragile Things follows Sophie Whalen as she travels to San Francisco to start a new life as wife and mother, in response to a mail-order bride ad. Sophie’s new home is the exact opposite of the New York tenement she left behind, filled with comfort, security, and the daughter she always wished for. These treasures are enough for her to overlook the strange behaviors of her husband. Then tragedy strikes, as the massive 1906 earthquake devastates San Francisco and the beautiful illusion of her life unravels, Sophie must survive the consequences and protect her family. A captivating novel, with engaging characters, and plenty of plot twists.” —- Jackie
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Planet Earth Is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos “This book. All ages should read this book. It is told through the lens of a mostly nonverbal autistic girl. Set during the days preceding the tragic launch of the spaceship Challenger, our main character is waiting for her sister who promised to watch the launch with her. The book shows their relationship and slowly reveals where her sister is and culminates with the launch.” ---Mary
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Fresh from Poland : New Vegetarian Cooking From The Old Country by Michał Korkosz “Whether vegetarian or not, any reader will find beauty and inspiration in this book. Michal Korkosz allows you to think beyond the traditionally meat-based food Poland is known for and brings his modern view to the vegetarian-rich cuisine of Poland. Korkosz has an entire chapter dedicated to pierogies which takes them to a gourmet level and he encourages you to experiment beyond the recipes in his book. An award-winning food photographer, his beautiful food photography combined with his personal stories introducing each recipe will entertain you as well as make you hungry.” --- Kathy K.
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“As an avid reader, I found it difficult to “pick just one”! One of my favorite reads of 2021 was Ghosts: a novel by Dolly Alderton. It’s a romantic comedy, a genre that I usually don’t like. However, Ghosts was poignant with well-developed and quirky characters. Nina, the protagonist, is dealing with many contemporary issues such as a father with dementia, friends with kids and career concerns. Her new partner says “I love you” and promptly ghosts her. The reality of life in 2021 and the complications of all types of relationships are aptly and lovingly portrayed in this wonderful novel.” --- Janet
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The Premonition : A Pandemic Story by Michael Lewis “How does the science project of a thirteen-year-old girl become the model of social distancing -- a word that we know all too well today, a dedicated public-health officer -- who claims her personal life is a dumpster fire, and a secret White House team of doctors -- who call themselves the Wolverines, all factor into fighting a pandemic? If this question interests you, then Michael Lewis' latest novel, The Premonition: A Pandemic Story, is just the book for you! Michael Lewis leads readers on a journey as he revisits the early days of 2020 as the world grapples with the emergence of a novel coronavirus, how the legacy of the Bush administration and the exposed underbelly of the health industry all converge into a story that is truly a page-turner.” ---Maureen
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