Betty recommends:

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

The joy, and comfort, of reading Ann Patchett is that you recognize the people and the feelings, but are guests of her extraordinary articulation. She just says it like we never quite would. In this ode to Patchett's favorite play--Our Town--we hear Lara describe to her three daughters a chapter of her life they didn’t really know about. Summer stock, celebrity costars, Tom Lake has all this and a very charming story about how the generations learn from each other. At a time when the news is more fraught every day, join Patchett and her crew in a cherry orchard and be charmed.

Rebecca recommends:

Bournville by Jonathan Coe

I think Jonathan Coe is a bit slept on in the US. His novels are always likable and readable, and he likes to examine big issues by telling the stories of ordinary lives. In his latest, we check in on Mary and her extended family at various pivotal moments in English history, beginning with VE Day and ending in March 2020. Bournville, an archetypal model village and the place of Mary's birth, ties the novel together as both a place and a motif. (If you can find it--it seems to have gone out of print--go back and read The Winshaw Legacy for a follow-up.)

Sally recommends:

Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward

publishes October 24th

This is the story of a girl named Annis who is a slave on a plantation in Louisiana. It is brutal and heartbreaking and her situation is seemingly unending. But it is also brilliant and poetic and beautiful and ultimately hopeful. Jesmyn Ward is a writer who makes magic with her words. This is a book to be read with open eyes and open hearts to the tragedies and strengths of ancestors.

Prison Book Program and Banned Books Week

Book bans and challenges are certainly on our minds recently, especially given that October includes Banned Books Week. A benefactor has generously agreed to match all donations towards this Prison Book Program this month. Is this the first you're hearing of our partnership with the PBP? Click the image to learn about this fantastic organization.

Lorna recommends:

Dear Unicorn by Josh Funk & Charles Santoso

I loved this clever picture book about a girl sharing art and letters with a pen pal as part of a school project. I never had a pen pal for school, but if I did, I would have wanted a unicorn. Josh Funk continues to amaze me with his fun, creative picture books. The art by Charles Santoso is perfect.