Check out the books, movies, TV shows and more that we're enjoying! (And some that we're not.)
Looking for some book suggestions? Use our "What's Next?" form and staff will recommend 4-5 titles for you to enjoy.
Watch Cary staff recommend titles on "Page Turner" on New England Cable News.
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What Are Cary Staff Reading? |
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Barbara Kingsolver's novel Demon Copperhead is a modern retelling of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. A reader does not have to have read Dickens to appreciate this gripping, funny, tragic book. The novel's protagonist, Damon, won Helen K. over even while she shivered with nerves, wondering if he was going to be a heartbreaking unreliable narrator. No spoilers will be found here.
Adult Fiction
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This graphic novel is a sweet romance that is perfect for fans of Check, Please! or any recent grad who isn't sure about their path in life yet.
Adult Graphic Novel
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Queer, disabled hockey/figure skating romance? Yes please! This novel is an utterly charming Hallmark movie waiting to happen.
Adult Romance
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Carole Boston Weatherford is rapidly becoming one of my favorite picture book nonfiction authors and her text paired with Frank Morrison's stunning illustrations have created a winner that is a must read.
Children's Biography
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A perfect graphic novel for any reader who just wants their own space within their family. With an important message that while change can be scary, it can often come with some positive things too.
Children's Graphic Novel
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Beautiful and bittersweet character driven novel with a strong sense of place and time. Roya is a fully realized protagonist, surrounded by richly drawn supporting characters. The description of the Stationery Shop in 1950s Tehran from the title is almost a character in of itself. And speaking of descriptions, my mouth watered whenever I read about Roya preparing meals or giving characters Persian cooking lessons. As I say about a lot of books I read, don't read this one on an empty stomach!
Adult Fiction
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This has been the most popular book in Lexington (and most of the Minuteman Library Network) for several months, and with good reason. This novel, set in the late 1950s, about Elizabeth Zott, chemist turned cooking show host, is witty, sad, and thoughtful. Pet lovers will also adore Six-Thirty, my new favorite fictional dog.
Adult Fiction
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Craft's deft and thoughtful way of discussing issues both serious and humorous is wonderful. The best part about reading this book however was when a young girl spotted me reading it on a plane and excitedly called out "Yay! I love those books! They are the best!" Best validation I have ever received for my reading choice.
Children's Graphic Novel
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Debut novel from the lead singer of the Bangles. Fast paced and the Oxford setting is lovely.
Adult Fiction
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Fascinating glimpse into the background of the Roanoke colony, and the reverberations through the centuries.
Adult Nonfiction
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Book upon which The Serpent Queen series on STARZ is based
Adult Biography
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Takes on modern history of jazz and older history of jazz, with interesting views of how jazz's heritage has been represented.
Adult Nonfiction
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A hot dog and COVID travelogue, meatpacking industry critique, and comedic writing all stuffed together.
Adult Nonfiction
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Haven't finished but I am enjoying
Adult Fiction
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The audiobook (available on Hoopla) has a delightful narrator!
Adult Fiction
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Adult Science Fiction/Fantasy
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Meena is a photojournalist who hasn't had a sense of home and family in a long time. When she unexpectedly inherits a Boston apartment from someone she doesn't know, it changes her life for the better. She finds friendship, her past, her culture, and a possible romance.
Adult Fiction
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I was curious to read a covid story set in Wuhan and told from the viewpoint of a teenager.
Mei comes from a single parent household. Her father is a doctor. With people starting to fall ill, he brings home a lot of food and some masks for Mei and goes back to the hospital. Mei doesn't realize how bad it's becoming with more people falling ill. With her father at work, she's on her own when the lockdown occurs. She and her friends do what they can to help their immediate neighbors.
Tween Fiction
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I was entranced by Jennifer Homans' new biography of Balanchine. An historian and a retired professional dancer, Homans is uniquely qualified to survey Russian / American Cold War history, and the impact on the art of dance by the greatest modern choreographer.
Her book was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Biography this year, and well-deserving.
Adult Biography
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Following his well-received The Darwin Affair, Mason has constructed another exciting historical mystery, this time set in the Crimea at the end of the Russian-British war. Mason interweaves his fictional characters with historical persons like Florence Nightingale--all involved in a convoluted murder mystery. As usual with Mason, the reader knows who did it long before the fictional characters figure it out, but that's part of the suspense. If you're intrigued by the real Florence Nightingale, you might like to read Mason's inspiration: Nightingales : The Extraordinary Upbringing and Curious Life of Miss Florence Nightingale by local author Gillian Gill. It's fact, but reads like fiction.
Adult Mystery
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I spent hours drawn into the interesting essays, poems, interviews and photos.
Adult Nonfiction
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A fun summer read!
Adult Fiction
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Compelling read, great plot!
Adult Fiction
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One of the sweetest picture books I’ve ever read! I loved it!
Children's Picture Book
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The perfect read while you wait for the new season of Bridgerton.
Teen Historical Fiction
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If you like the "stuck in a time loop" trope, this is the book for you!
Teen Romance
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An assortment of books about music and the people who make it. I listened to the audiobooks for all 3 of these and appreciated that for Shine Bright and This is What it Sounds Like, you could find playlists on Spotify featuring all the songs that Smith and Rogers talk about. If you enjoy reading about songwriting, the music industry, and the psychology behind music and what it means to us and the artists, these books might hit the spot! |
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