March 2024 - Staff Reading Suggestions

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JAMES

by Percival Everett

(releases 3/19/2024)

Percival Everett manages to stay true to the tone and style of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn while at the same time creating something completely different with runaway slave Jim as the narrator. James - the book and the character - is brilliant! The text of this novel is full of irony and razor sharp commentary. I loved it!

-Martha and Staff

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THE HUNTER

by Tana French


Tara French's newest book is a treat for her many fans and for all lovers of Irish fiction. A sequel to "The Searcher," this mystery follows Cal Hooper and Trey Reddy in the days following the return of Trey's father who has devised a scheme to enrich the village townspeople and of course, himself. Vivid and poetic this novel focuses as much on the central characters' lives as on the mystery at the heart of the story. It is a pleasure to spend time with her characters in this quintessential Irish village. 

-Lisa

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BURN BOOK

by Kara Swisher

From the woman who made Mark Zuckerberg so nervous in an interview he famously sweat through his grey hoodie, noted journalist and media entrepreneur Kara Swisher shares her unique first hand account of the rise of Tech. In this memoir she recounts how her experiences formed her view of the once blossoming and now omnipresent industry, and discusses the current problems and potential solutions posed by its unfettered growth. This is a great read to better understand one of the largest parts of the world’s Economy, and those who drive it. 

-Katie

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HELP WANTED

by Adelle Waldman

Set in a big box store in an economically depressed upstate New York town, this is a stunning ensemble piece; an ode to the working class, the indignities of low wage work and the mirage of upward mobility. The focus is on the 4am to 8am shift in the warehouse, populated with a diverse, colorful cast. Impending management changes at the store force this group to band together as Waldman explores each character with compassion, intelligence and dry humor.

-Laura

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KILL FOR ME, KILL FOR YOU

by Steve Cavanagh

(releases 3/19/2024)

From the best selling author of "Thirteen" this new thriller is a twisty, fast paced story that is really hard to put down. When two women meet in a support group for victims of trauma in New York City, they decide to make a pact to exact revenge on the men who shattered their lives. Putting a fresh spin on Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train," you will not want to miss this ingenious and surprising story. I loved it! 

-Lisa

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SECRETS OF THE OCTOPUS

by Sy Montgomery

(releases 3/19/2024)

Montgomery beams with pride and wonder as she shares stories and new research of octopuses, proving their wizardry of the natural world. The explorations of their intelligence is beyond fascinating.

-Diana

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WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA?

By Dervla McTiernan

(releases 3/26/2024)

I’ve been a huge fan of McTiernan’s work since her debut, "The Ruin," and this one hits all the marks. Nina is missing and her long-time boyfriend, Simon, is the obvious suspect. We learn right away the “who”, the book revolves around the why and what and the fallout in the community as Nina’s family searches for answers. How far will they go to find her and how far will Simon’s family go to protect him? Oooh - it keep me up late! So good!

-Di

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THE BERRY PICKERS

By Amanda Peters

A Mi’kmaq family from Nova Scotia arrives in Maine to pick blueberries for the summer. A few weeks later four year old Ruthie, the family’s youngest child, vanishes. In an alternate story line, young Norma grows up the only child in a wealthy, emotionally distant family in Maine. Plagued by dreams/nightmares that haunt her childhood, she is consistently told to banish the visions. The disappearance of Ruthie and the loneliness of Norma are tightly intertwined stories that take almost 50 years to unravel. Is there any other earthly force more powerful than a mother's love for her children?

-Morley

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GREAT EXPECTATIONS

By Vinison Cunningham



A historic presidential campaign changes the course of a young Black man’s life in this highly anticipated debut novel from one of The New Yorker’s rising stars.

 -Kathy

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And How Does That Make You Feel?: Everything You (N)ever Wanted to Know About Therapy

by Joshua Fletcher


Fletcher is a therapist who gives us a fascinating but fictionalized glimpse into his practice where he specializes in anxiety disorders. He listens to both his clients and the humorous inner voices in his own mind — the Critic, Detective, Compassion, and my favorite, Irreverence! The title says it all. A fun read that’s perfect for fans of "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone."

-Beth

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BYE, BABY

by Carola Lovering


Fans of Lisa Jewell, Ellory Lloyd and Lucy Foley will enjoy this twisty thriller of two best girlfriends keeping dark secrets. The mystery opens with Billie hearing the terrified screams of her best friend, Cassie, as she discovers her baby has gone missing. Billie is equally terrified to look down and see that she is holding Cassie’s baby: how did she get into Billie’s arms and why? Told in alternating perspectives, “Bye, Baby” explores female friendship, childhood trauma and motherhood. Addicting!

-Morley

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FRUIT OF THE DEAD

by Rachel Lyon


I read this book months ago and then “forced” two of my colleagues to read it so that I could discuss it with them. I am still thinking about this dark, contemporary retelling of the story of Persephone and Demeter that will hold you in thrall. Set on a private island, a young woman is lost in a world of drugs and temptation, all the while her mother is desperate to find her and bring her home. The chapters alternate between their voices and we see them struggle with love, addiction, agency, power and the bonds of family. All I can say is read this and then come to the store and tell us what you think. The ending...

-Di

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ON HER OWN

By Lihi Lapid

(releases 3/19/2024)


This is a beautiful story of love/hate of country, immigrants, families, and flawed humans. All the characters in this book make decisions that impact their families in negative ways, yet they also intersect in clever and surprising ways, too. At its' heart, it is a love story to Israel for those who opt to stay and those who choose to leave.

-Martha

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THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B

By Lisa Unger


You know I love ghosts and old buildings with a history! This is a well done murder mystery with a touch of spirits and leftover energy in a post-war building on Park Avenue built over a burned down church. A young couple inherits their uncle's $5M apartment out from under his estranged daughter. Great spring break read!

-Missy

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THE FUNERAL LADIES OF ELLERIE COUNTY

By Claire Swinarski


This debut novel is the perfect choice for a three-generational-book club with your grandma and mom and sisters. This heartwarming story reminds me of my own family, friends, and the reliable church ladies. This story is about the power of community. The message is that we have to be there for one another. We have to love and we have to forgive, but first we have to just show up, and it is best to do that with a casserole, a book and a hug. 

-Martha

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ANITA DE MONTE LAUGHS LAST

By Xochitl Gonzalez


This book is a smart, cutting story with dual perspectives and timelines that asks; who gets celebrated and why? It’s part a coming of age story, part ghost story and powerful social commentary. Don’t miss this wildly creative examination of art, the artists we leave behind, and their haunting effects.

-Katie

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YOUNG ADULT FICTION SUGGESTIONS

RUNNING MATES

By Emily Locker


Emily Locker's debut YA novel, "Running Mates," is a modern-day high school love story. Annabelle, an impassioned liberal finds herself training with the all-American handsome conservative, Gabe. With their worlds thrown into disarray, the two must navigate their complex feelings for each other. It's a heartwarming, funny and poignant story that reminds us to love despite all our differences. 

-Erin


*Join author Emily Locker for an in-store event on Monday, April 8th. For additional details or to RSVP call: 847-234-4420

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COOKBOOK SUGGESTIONS

JOYFULL

By: Radhi Devlukia-Shetty


"JoyFull" is kitchen and healthy living at its best. From the Invitation to Ayurveda, early morning tips to awakening your body, and clean morning-through-evening recipes, this cookbook will help you create a plant-based meal and lifestyle to embrace. Don't miss the chai oatmeal and sticky hoisin udon noodles- which I made yesterday and devoured!

-Diana

 
 
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