News

Staff Pick: Band of Sisters

Catherine

Karen S recently enjoyed Band of Sisters by Lauren Willig, a brand new novel of historical fiction set against the British home front circa March 1918. Here is her review:

In the final year of World War I, a group of Smith College alumni known as the Smith College Relief Unit went to France to give aid to the remaining residents of destroyed French villages near the front line. Miraculously, every member of the unit made it home safe, both in life and in Lauren Willig’s latest historical novel.

Staff Picks: A New Day

Catherine

Coleen recently enjoyed A New Day by Brad Meltzer and Dan Santat, a funny children's book about the days of the week. Here is her review:

Colourful cartoon-like appeal abounds in the picture book A New Day, which features anthropomorphic days of the week having their own audition-style competition. Sunday feels underappreciated and suddenly quits, leaving the other days of the week to take on the task of trying to replace her.

Staff Picks: The Nature of Fragile Things

Catherine

Marg recently enjoyed The Nature of Fragile Things by Susan Meissner, a "electrifying, atmospheric" historical novel set in early 20th Century San Francisco. Here is her review:

I have been a fan of Susan Meissner’s since I read The Fall of Marigolds several years ago and I have been anticipating reading her latest offering The Nature of Fragile Things for some time now, needless to say I was not disappointed.  

Staff Pick: The Exiles

Catherine

Kristin recently enjoyed The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline, a sweeping historical novel set during the early days of Australia's settlement by the English. Here is her review:

Staff Pick: The Captive

Catherine

Julie recently enjoyed The Captive by Fiona King Foster, a gripping, tightly written country noir for fans of Winter's Bone, The Kept, and The Donnellys Must Die. Here is her review:

Staff Pick: The Woman Outside My Door

Catherine

Marg recently enjoyed The Woman Outside My Door, a creepy, fast-paced domestic thriller from debut author Rachel Ryan. Here is her review:

Staff Pick: Lupe Wong Won't Dance

Catherine

Karen recently enjoyed by Lupe Wong Won’t Dance by Donna Barba Higuera, a funny children's story that any reader will get a kick out of.

Staff Pick: The Other Windsor Girl

Catherine

Kristin recently enjoyed The Other Windsor Girl by Georgie Blalock, a juicy novel of historical fiction that is evocative of The Crown. Here is her review:

Staff Pick: Together, Apart

Catherine

Chantell McMahon recently enjoyed Together, Apart written by several popular YA authors, including Erin A. Craig, Auriane Desombre, Erin Hahn, and Bill Konigsberg. Here is her review:

Staff Pick: Closer to Nowhere

Catherine

Patricia recently enjoyed Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins, a powerful novel about two cousins aimed at middle grade readers. Here is her review:

Closer to Nowhere by Ellen Hopkins is a powerful middle grade novel that explores timeless topics like bullying, mental illness, crime, family angst and grief. The books is written in verse from the perspectives of Hannah and Cal. They are cousins forced to live together and they have nothing in common…or do they?