A dystopian sci-fi novel powered by a love triangle romance, a rising rebellion, and will make you second guess what man is worth winning over the main character’s love - cause is there really a clear answer? I waffled back and forth before settling. Nothing is as it seems, and while mildly predictable, it’s still easy to get caught up in the world and be intrigued by it. Book one of an ongoing series, you can bet this book ends - you guessed it - on a cliffhanger. I still greatly enjoyed the book and I got all the vibes from the following books I listed below - especially the first one.
This book is perfect for fans of Uglies, Divergent, and The Handmaid’s Tale.
Black-owned: The Revolutionary Life of the Black Bookstore by Char Adams
Bookstores have become a place far beyond that of just simply buying a book. It is a place where people can enjoy a nice cup of coffee, attend events and just simply become inspired and see familiar faces. Not only do I enjoy a good bookstore but I also enjoy a place with history, a place that mirrors who I am. The author of this book provides great insight into the history of black bookstores and their “roles as centerpieces of resistance and liberation.” She delves into the very beginning of its history in 1834 to the present. Owners who have come and gone but left a lasting legacy of struggles, political movements and celebrations. If you’ve ever wondered how they’ve come to be and why, how things are now, and of the individuals that have paved the way for future black-owned bookstores, this book is a great read.
1932. The Roaring Twenties had just abruptly ended with the Great Depression, prohibition is nearing its conclusion, and fascism is on the rise in Europe. Hicks McTaggart works as a private detective at the Unamalgamated Ops Agency in Milwaukee, where his routine duties range all the way from investigating small town crimes to large-scale bootlegging operations. Hicks’s daily life is interrupted when he is assigned the task of locating Daphne Airmont, heiress to a multimillion dollar Wisconsin cheese fortune (who also happens to be his old flame). What seems like a straightforward job soon descends into a whacky, globetrotting fever dream, typical of Thomas Pynchon’s usual style. At 88 years old, it is amazing that Pynchon, one of America’s greatest authors, can still produce such amazing novels. Shadow Ticket is my choice, easily, for 2025’s book of the year.
Bird Talk: Hilarious Accurate Ways to Identify Birds by Becca Rowland
As the seasons are changing, I have been out enjoying nature a bit more before more snow arrives. I have noticed a red-bellied woodpecker outside my home, a white heron by the Des Plaines River (albeit, during the summer), your typical everyday sparrows, and beautiful cardinals that visit now and again. In my effort to identify more birds in my backyard and nearby forest preserve, I came upon this hilariously specific graphic novel titled Bird Talk. A mix of jokes and actual information, I found myself fascinated and attempted to figure out what the remaining birds during this fall season were by their sound. Does it sound like a dog barking? It may be a barking owl! How about if it sounds like a phone vibrating on the table? It could be a common raven, who tends to make brr brr sounds. A quick read, with engaging humor, realistic drawings (so you can spot the birds accurately), and fun facts for those who are new to bird watching, or for those who already enjoy it.
I may be over a decade late to the party, but The Expanse series has been the most enjoyable read I’ve had in at least a few years. Set in a 23rd century where the Earth is a one world government, Mars is an advanced, independent military force, and the asteroid belt is filled with people just trying to get by, this sci-fi political thriller grips you immediately and doesn’t let go. The characters are great, the setting is well developed, and the status quo is constantly changing. If you’re a sci-fi reader and the 9 installment series seemed a little daunting to pick up, this is your sign to start, you will not regret it!
Looking for a cozy, charming, sapphic romance reminiscent of a Hallmark-style story set in a picturesque English village? This may be your book! The plot follows Fran, a cynical music executive, and Ruby, a singer she once wronged, as they are forced to co-organize a local holiday festival. Their initial friction evolves into a heartwarming enemies-to-lovers arc fueled by witty dialogue and undeniable chemistry. While the story leans into classic festive tropes like mulled wine and small-town charm, it also explores deeper themes of professional trust and personal redemption.
If you’re a fan of family-centered melodrama, The Official Story is the movie for you. Follow Alicia, a mother in post-dictatorship Argentina, as she grapples with the fact her adopted daughter may have been kidnapped from another woman. The story confronts difficult subjects around human rights through Alicia’s intensive search for the truth. The tension and suspense will keep you hooked!
Raye is an artist that I feel hasn’t hit the popular mainstream just yet, but will with her upcoming second album next year. Raye was nominated for this year's Grammys for Best New Artist, and she performed her song Oscar Winning Tears there. WHERE IS MY HUSBAND! is the first single off the unnamed album. Not only is it a great song, but the production of it is unreal. There’s a lot of layers to uncover in the song. Raye was a co-producer on it, and in two videos she posted she dissected parts of her song layer by layer. After hearing her talk about it, I relistened to the song, and I could hear everything she had pointed out, which just made me love it more. If you end up liking the song, I highly recommend listening to the rest of her discography. She is a newer artist, but her range is spectacular!
What do Wham, Johnny Cash, Yo-Yo Ma, Henry Smith and Frank Sinatra have in common? They are among the wide variety of artists represented in the 80 songs on this album.
Entertaining and looking for holiday music? You can stream the 80 songs on this album. If someone doesn’t like one song, the next one might be something they like.
PLAY
Recommended by Amy
Recommended by Camryn
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective: The Thames & Other Cases
Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective is the least “board game” board game you’ll ever play, but also the most engaging game you’ll play, too. In this cooperative game, you and your friends will work to solve a variety of cases with the goal of solving them in fewer steps than Sherlock Holmes. I’ll tell you right now - you won’t. So it’s ok if you lose abysmally to Sherlock. Solving the mystery together (or by yourself) is half the fun! The board for this game is just a map of London, and you navigate the map visiting locations, gathering clues, and piecing together information to find the culprit of the crime. It’s a great game to play together during any holiday gathering you have this season.
Digimon Story: Time Stranger is an excellent addition to an already strong franchise, acting as the spiritual successor to 2016’s Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth and Hacker’s Memory. I’m a big fan of Digimon in general, and Time Stranger has been an absolute blast to play; the story is incredible, the characters are memorable, and the gameplay isn’t overly repetitive (a big problem with past Digimon titles and JRPG’s in general). There are so many different digimon with designs ranging from cute little guys to giant mechanical creatures, so there’s something to fit everyone’s tastes (in case you’re wondering, my favorite is Tokomon).
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