Adult
The Grace Year
by Kim Liggett
“Look around,” Kiersten says as she stares me dead in the eyes. ‘We are the only Gods here.’” Being a reader (podcast listener and movie watcher) of all things murder and mystery I expected to like this book… I didn’t, however, expect to finish it in one sitting. The Grace Year tells the story of the girls from Garner County spending their 16th year, their Grace Year, in a distant wilderness camp to rid themselves of magic. It is thought that without doing so their “magic” will run rampant and men will not be able to control themselves around these girls. Nobody talks about what happens during the Grace Year but every year girls come back disheveled, missing body parts, or not at all. This is a fast-paced book that combines horror, survival, and a healthier dose of feminism than its counterparts; a truly dark read that will linger on your mind.
– Emily at Tyrone
Here’s to You, Jesusa!
by Elena Poniatowska
In the 1960s, Elena Poniatowska, one of Mexico’s most respected and celebrated writers, a woman of wealth and privilege, developed an unlikely friendship with an impoverished and illiterate campesina she called “Jesusa”. In telling Jesusa’s story, Poniatowska told the story of Mexico’s most impoverished and disenfranchised people, while at the same time drawing strength from Jesusa’s experiences and wisdom. Available as a Book Club in a Bag.
– Mark at Krause Memorial
Mrs. Everything
by Jennifer Weiner
Mrs. Everything is a story of two sisters who were raised in Detroit in the 1950s. The two sisters are so different from each other but I found myself relating to each of them in my own way. This story shares how each sister overcome hardships in their lives but manage to keep a strong relationship with each other through it all. This is a great and heartfelt story!
– Hollie at Wyoming
Teen
A Bride’s Story
by Kauru Mori
At 11 volumes so far the manga is a wonderful historical slice of life story that takes place in 19th century central Asia. It is about Amir, a bride from a nomadic tribe sent to be married to a groom who is eight years younger than her. The story focuses on the daily life of the new couple and the people around them. The books are beautifully drawn and full of incredible details. The artwork is amazing.
– Megan at the KDL Service Center
When We Were Vikings
by Andrew MacDonald
This book takes place in the mind of Zelda, a high functioning young adult diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome. This novel is funny, and very relatable. Zelda is obsessed with Vikings, and this make the novel super quirky and fun. If you want a feel good read, this is for you
– Hollie at Wyoming
