Shortlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize, and named a best book of the year by the New York Times, NPR, Elle, Time and more, The Shadow King is an "unforgettable epic from an immensely talented author who's unafraid to take risks" (Michael Schaub, NPR).

"I loved the book because it took me to a point in history about which I knew nothing. I love reading untold stories of those who are forgotten or never known (I love Ruta Sepetys). The cadence of the writing is nothing short of exceptional - there's a reason this was short listed for the Booker prize. It's always fascinating to read a lyrical account of a brutal event or set of circumstances." - jenniferk

"I enjoyed the book's focus on the inner consciousness of characters who in a different kind of novel might be portrayed as either pure victims or villains. War experiences in popular English-language entertainment and a lot of books are presented in terms of the horrors of war, or a simplistic kind of heroism, but this one gives attention to immediate sensory experiences and interesting moral questions about not just war but its aftermath." - elisabethc

From Sara Donati, the international bestselling author of The Gilded Hour comes an enthralling epic about two trailblazing female doctors in nineteenth-century New York.

"I recommended it to the retired women doctors that I know. I was surprised they knew to keep things antiseptic and sterile at that time. I was also surprised how respected they were since I have heard stories of the disrespect shown to women students and doctors in the 1970s and this was so much earlier. I highly recommend this book." - joycew

"I was excited to see Where the Light Enters as a selection since I really enjoyed the first book in the Waverly Place series, The Gilded Hour. It was helpful but not necessary to have that character knowledge before reading Where the Light Enters. I liked many of the same characteristics that were part of the first book. The time period is fascinating as are the characters: strong women working against convention to make their place in the world." - paulak

"I loved it so much I bought the book on Audible and the first book in the series as well in both Kindle and Audible. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style, and her accuracy to history while writing fiction." - lloyden

We have heard from many people that they are finding it difficult to focus on books they would normally enjoy amid the ongoing pandemic and political and social upheaval.

You are not alone. It can be challenging to maintain focus on reading under ordinary circumstances with the frenetic pace of our daily lives, so it makes sense that it would feel downright impossible during an extraordinary time.

Remember to be kind and patient with yourself, and perhaps you and your book club will find inspiration in our "Uplifting Books" book club category (all with reading guides) which includes books that may contain dark themes and real-life issues, but do so while focusing on kinder human connections with a decent splashing of hope.