Toil and Trouble: A Memoir,  by Augusten Burroughs

Do witches exist? And if so, do their spells really work? After reading this delightfully magical memoir, I certainly hope so. Known for his wicked humor in the face of real challenges, Burroughs does not disappoint in this latest tale, in which he comes out as a witch, descended from a centuries-long lineage of powerful witches. It really doesn't matter whether Burroughs is putting us on - as some have suggested - this story is a hoot, filled with colorful characters, taut situations, fabulous dogs, and lots of love. Suspend your disbelief, or embrace your magical desires, and climb aboard for the ride. ~ Jane

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The Lost Girls of Paris, by Pam Jenoff

The very best historical fiction pulls you into the past as if you were walking in someone's shoes. This book, a WWII era story of the brave women who sacrificed so much to help win the war, does just that. These were everyday women, quickly trained, and thrown into the very heart of the undercover circuits on the ground in Europe. This story will keep you turning the pages! ~ Bernice

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The Last Thing You Surrender: A Novel of World War II,

by Leonard Pitts Jr.

Pulitzer winner Leonard Pitts is a favorite of those of us who routinely read the editorial page in the Sunday newspaper. He should also be a favorite of those who appreciate a thorough and talented fiction writer. The proof is in this recent novel, a detailed and engrossing story set against the background of World War II. Through the lives of assorted characters, Pitts tells stories of brutal imprisonment, heroism, friendship, violence, compassion, rampant racism, and healing. It's a complete and engrossing novel; one not easily forgotten. ~ Ann

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The Grammarians,  by Cathleen Schine

Laurel and Daphne are identical red-headed twins, obsessed with words. In the first half of their story they wreak havoc among family, friends and teachers as they navigate the mysteries of growing up. Hilarity abounds! In the second half, maturity mediates their pranks as they seek jobs and more adult relationships, and their unique closeness begins to drift. Words are still their friends, but as life intervenes and individuality broadens their experiences, the twins become very different. This is an utterly charming story, written with warmth, tenderness, and intelligent humor. Schine makes these women so real, I want to meet them and inhabit their world! ~ Susan

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White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, by Robin Diangelo

Everyone - and especially every white person - should read this book. It details the nature of white fragility, particularly as it applies to American culture. Since every white person benefits from the historically imbalanced position of whites in our society, we can do better by reading this hard-hitting book, acknowledging our privilege, and learning about the various ways that racism can be called out and addressed properly. I could say more, but will let the book speak for itself. ~ Jenna

How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-world Problems,  by Randall Munroe

Entertaining and educational! Munroe's silly stick figures and quirky scientific applications are thought provoking and funny. You will look at the world in a whole new way! ~ Bernice

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The President Sang Amazing Grace,  by Zoe Mulford

Poignant, alarming, important, remarkable: all these words can be used to describe how President Obama made us feel about our sense of mortality, purpose, and security in this world when he sang "Amazing Grace" after the South Carolina church shooting in 2015. It was the most touching thing any President could do to respect and honor those who were the victims of, or affected by, the tragedy. Although it hurts (and some parents may elect not) to read this beautiful book, I urge as many as possible to share it with their loved ones, young and old. Ages 4 & up. ~ Jenna

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