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Ahoy! In honor of the September 19th holiday, International Talk a Pirate Day (aye, a real holiday), I am recommendin’ one of the best books on pirate history that has recently washed ashore: Enemy of All Mankind by Steven Johnson. Before ye had Blackbeard, long before ye had Long John Silver, there was Henry Every. Dubbed “the King of the Pirates”, Henry Every is not just one of the few pirates who managed to escape the law with all his loot intact; his single act of piracy is one of the most profitable crimes ever and had one of the most devastatin’ effects on global politics. A tale spannin’ the seven seas, Johnson’s exploration of the subsequent fallout from Every’s crime is a fascinatin’ glimpse at a world that had just been recently connected.
The thing I’ve enjoyed the most while reading Akane-Banashi has been learning about rakugo, a traditional form of storytelling that originated during Japan’s Edo period. The story itself focuses on Akane, who sets out to reach the highest rank in the field, both to prove its legitimacy and to avenge her father after his expulsion from the profession when she was a child. The use of expressions and stylistic changes to denote different speakers during the rakugo performances – which are performed alone – has made it an exceptional read. Additionally, the inclusion of the art form is overseen by a professional in the field, which ensures the accuracy of the performances.
I love a traditional ‘locked room’ mystery. In this case, a castle on an isolated island where all communications devices are locked away and there’s no way out until the weekend is over.
As a traditional mystery this one hit all the right notes. But what makes this book fun to read is that all the potential villains or victims are writers. Specifically, mid-list genre writers of romance, horror, science fiction, YA, and thriller. All hungry to make it big. Some disparage the genre of others. All competing for the prize of finishing the last novel of the castle’s owner, the deceased bestselling writer.
I learned a lot about the editors, publishers, star writers, mid-list writers and a lot of it was not pretty. Author Evelyn Clarke is the writing team of bestselling author V.E. Schwab and screenwriter Cat Clarke. Knowing this makes you wonder how accurately they described the world of writers and publishing.
So, the mystery might actually be, is this just a good story or did we get a glimpse behind the curtain.
It’s fun to read horror books that play around with the typical narrative style. This book does that fantastically! The book follows the Barretts as they try to deal with their 14 year old daughter as she starts to show symptoms of acute schizophrenia. As her mania continues to get worse, the family starts to question what is truly going on with their daughter, to the point of wanting to perform an exorcism. Needing the money to help with her treatment, the family opens their home to a camera crew that pays them to record a reality show of the exorcism. We, as the reader, are finding out about the story from interviews with the youngest daughter. The story leaves you on the edge of your seat, questioning what is real, extreme, or played up. I loved it!
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the original publication of The Catcher in the Rye. For quite a few of us it was required reading in high school or college, and more than 65 million copies have been sold. The novel recounts the happenings of Holden Caulfield as he visits New York City for a few days after being expelled from his elite prep school. The free-flow writing style captures Holden’s teenage feelings of confusion and loneliness, and his unique observations of those around him.
Whether it’s your first time reading this book, or like me, choose to reread it after many, many years, you will understand its continued appeal for generations of readers.
Famesick is a treat from beginning to end and arguably my most loved nonfiction selection of 2026. Between her hit HBO show, Girls and this memoir-- Lena Duhnam is a powerhouse writer who I find so incredibly witty and honest. If you are a Girls fan or if you are looking for compelling stories following the highs and lows of fame, womanhood, and chronic illness then this is the book for you!
If you like your book to captivate you and then emotionally destroy you, then this book will be your cup of tea. Alternatively, if you prefer books that keep you guessing and have dark twists, then this would also fit the bill. Wei is a village girl who offers herself as a concubine to a cruel prince that everyone fears. She thinks that she can change him, that he isn’t as bad as they say, but her delusion is quickly slashed and she must find a way to endure the horrors that befall her. Unique and morally complex, this book will shock and devastate its readers after it locks them in from page one.
Fast paced, witty, and conceptually interesting, The Justice of Kings checks almost all the boxes I look for in a fantasy novel. You follow Helena, the apprentice clerk to an Emperor’s Justice. Helena and her master, Sir Konrad Vonvalt, travel the outskirts of the Sovan kingdom, enforcing imperial law and handing down sentences with the help of Sir Konrad’s horrific magical abilities. When the murder of a noble woman compels our protagonists to investigate, the situation they dig themselves into threatens to unravel the fabric of the entire empire. This was my favorite “fun read” from this summer and I’m excited to get deeper into Swan’s bibliography. I highly recommend checking out The Justice of Kings if you’re a fantasy or mystery fan.
With Zach Cregger’s next movie coming out this month, I always like to go back and revisit where he got started. Weapons came out last year and showed that horror films are more than just scares, with Amy Madigan winning Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars for her chilling role as its main villain.
If you’re looking for a supernatural thriller where every twist and turn grips you, check this out during spooky season..
LISTEN
Recommended by Beca
you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love by Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album, and her most emotional one yet! I’ve been following Olivia Rodrigo since her debut single, and have gotten the chance to see her live 3 times in the last 4 years. Her first two albums dealt with first love, heartbreak, dating, and trying to figure out who she is. This recent release is the true rise and fall of her most recent relationship. She explores different sounds that she’s only teased in previous albums, but they fit her and her aesthetic so perfectly. Her voice transcends different genres in ways other artists never could. The first half of this album feels like a love album, but by the end you will feel the emotional devastation. Both sides of the album mash up really well, and don’t feel like two different things. It feels more like you’re listening to someone tell their story through music, something Olivia Rodrigo does really well!
A collection of some of Nina Simone’s earliest famed releases. Through these songs, you get a sense of Simone’s passion for piano and instrumental arrangement–take a listen to “Love Me or Leave Me” and be entranced by her playing. Moody without being overpowering, Mood Indigo is a treat for anyone craving a jazzy tune rife with themes of love and loss. Simone’s skill shines across generations of music.
I often find exploring, fishing, and completing side quests to be my favorite part of games. Dredge encompasses all of those while also balancing an atmospheric and eerie world without ever being outright terrifying. At its core, it is a fishing game--and it does that beautifully. Each island in its mysterious archipelago holds secrets and quirky characters that pull you deeper into its unsettling world. The longer you stay awake, the more your sanity drains, leading to some things that can only be unveiled in a stay of pure insanity. With spooky season right around the corner, this is a perfect, cozier-spooky kind of autumn experience.
The perfect tool for holiday gift giving prep. Prepare your yarn for the season of crafting. This winder has a smooth experience and allows the user to create even and usable cakes of any yarn. I especially enjoyed the ability to use this winder from any table with the built in clamping system. The only down side is that it may already be in use!
Wired magazine is a great choice when you don’t know what you don’t know. Stories that cover a wide range of topics from AI to a list of brain boosting toys to a story about bullying and Monica Lewinsky.
Use the Libby App by Overdrive to check out an unlimited number of magazines. Thousands of titles, both current and past issues, are available 24/7 and downloadable for offline reading.
Join our virtual film discussion. Watch the movie beforehand on Kanopy or Hoopla and then join us on Zoom to talk about it. If you need help using Zoom, see our guide here
