November 2022 - Staff Reading Suggestions
A WORLD OF CURIOSITIES
by Louise Penny
(Releases November 29, 2022)
Hearkening back to some of her older novels, this luminescent mystery perfectly balances Penny's ability to confront the darkness in our world with breathtaking glimmers of love and hope. Set in Three Pines with beloved characters old and new, and revisiting a previous plot line, this book just became one of my favorites. Penny never lets us forget that forgiveness is our most powerful magic.
-Lisa
NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO PANIC
by Kevin Wilson
From the author of Nothing To See Here comes another quirky but endearing read. Teenagers Frankie and Zeke spend a summer fighting off boredom by creating and displaying their own original art, but don’t foresee the indelible mark it leaves on their small Tennessee town. The teens are outsiders, lonely and awkward, but they have much in common and form a tight bond. While they can’t imagine the consequences of their art on the town or on their lives, they can’t escape it, either. A nostalgic, coming of age story that addresses what is close to Kevin Wilson’s heart.
-Beth and Staff
WE ARE THE LIGHT
by Matthew Quick
It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so moved by a novel that I’ve cried the kind of tears that give you a stuffy nose and a bit of a headache. But it was so worth it, feeling like I lived alongside Matthew Quick’s Lucas Goodgame and his friends in We Are The Light. Quick is the author of Silver Linings Playbook, and has again shown his incredible insight into humanity in this emotional story. There is a tragedy at the Majestic Theater, one that nearly breaks those who have survived it. But Quick turns the tragedy into a full and total love story that encompasses a man, a boy, and their entire community. Healing, powerful, almost spiritual… and definitely a must read.
-Beth
LIBERATION DAY: STORIES
by George Saunders
The newest short story collection from Booker Prize winner Saunders is powerful, thought provoking and chilling. The power of Saunders' language is akin to a roller coaster ride--you slowly climb up, tip over the top, come crashing down and are ultimately left breathless.
-Laura S
WE ALL WANT IMPOSSIBLE THINGS
by Catherine Newman
I cannot adequately express in words how much I loved this book. I was either laughing out loud or sobbing. This is a beautifully written poignant story about friendship, marriage, motherhood and death. Basically a story of being human. Witty, hilarious and heartbreaking, this book will stay with you.
-Martha
THE FAMILY GAME
by Catherine Steadman
Harriet Reid is newly engaged Edward Holcomb, heir to a massive old-American money fortune. Like any new fiancé, she has jitters about meeting his high-profile family. When she crosses paths with her father-in-law to be, he discreetly hands her a tape to listen to privately. The contents of the tape will upend her world as a confession of murder, deceit and lies are laid before her and a game, a game that she is forced to unwillingly play, is set in motion. If you like Lucy Foley, Jane Harper or Ruth Ware, you will enjoy this twisty thriller!
-Morley
THE PRISONER
by B. A. Paris
Amelia was a survivor from an early age after her father's passing. But her real nightmare is just beginning when she wakes up alone in a dark room after she and her wealthy husband are kidnapped. As the days pass by and the kidnapper's ransom demands go unmet, she starts to wonder if she is safer in this dark room than in her marriage to a man she barely knows. Another thriller from B. A. Paris that will keep you up late reading to the end.
-Kirsten
SWANN'S WAR
by Michael Oren
As WWII rages overseas, Mary Beth Swann has assumed her husband's role as police captain on a small island off the coast of Massachusetts. The island is home to an Italian POW camp; and when the bodies of two prisoners wash ashore, Mary Beth must discover which of the colorful inhabitants of the island is actually a murderer. Well written, fast paced and a clever twist on the "locked room" mystery genre.
-Laura S
SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX: A NOVEL OF THRILLING SUSPENSE
by Lisa Unger
Fans of The Guest List, here’s your next fast-paced thriller. Every family that’s thought about taking genetic tests will wonder if they should after reading about Hannah, her husband Bruce, brother Mako and their newly found half siblings. Their family is suddenly much bigger (and badder) than they could have imagined. A secluded cabin, shaky family dynamics, a huge storm and a power outage… what could go wrong?
-Beth
MEREDITH, ALONE
by Claire Alexander
We meet Meredith on her 1,214th day of not leaving the house. Her life hasn’t been easy and after a particularly traumatic experience, Meredith gave up the outside world. She believes life is plenty full between her cat, jigsaw puzzles and her friend Sadie, but change is coming for Meredith and you will be rooting for her to overcome PTSD, anxiety and toxic family relationships and take that first step out her front door. Quirky, funny and ultimately hopeful- if you read Eleanor Oliphant, you will love this one!
-Di
THE LEMON
by S. E. Boyd
I read this in one sitting--I couldn't put it down! This is a dark comedy about our obsession with famous people and the truth about their lives. It's a fictional Kitchen Confidential.
-Martha
FLIGHT
by Lynn Steger Strong
A family is gathering for the first Christmas after their mother has died and this beautifully told story is full of hope, love, art, shame and grief. Take it slow and savor the conversations and interactions amongst the siblings and their spouses. An imperfect family tale, as we head into the holidays. Loved! 
-Di
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