Chosen by: Cadah, Owner of Poor George
This novel was so gentle and beautiful. Though short, under 100 pages, each sentence is deliciously dense with detail and best absorbed slowly. The inner monologue of memories of the main character slowly unveils their relationships and pushes the story of their travels along. This is a great book for someone to relax with or for someone who wants to feel like they are standing alone, bathing in the silence of a Japanese forest. “
Chosen by: Emily
This riveting book is not an emotionally easy read, but it’s an incredibly important one. Unlike many pieces of narrative nonfiction, the participants in this story speak completely for themselves, laying bare the horrors that are taking place right under our noses in New York’s most infamous prison. I found myself pausing several times throughout this book and wondering how our country is still treating people this way in 2023. If you aren’t already an abolitionist you will be after reading this book.
Chosen by: Ava
This is a unique horror story that talks about personal and generational trauma and loss through mythology and metaphor.
I enjoyed this book for its beautiful description of Cree culture, especially highlighting the power and importance of the female members of the family. I found it it to be incredibly poetic and psychologically rich.
Chosen by: David
This joyful history book paints a convincing case for human’s intrinsic Goodness. Through fascinating examples of our capacity for genuine care and collectivism, including stories of war, a close look at “Lord of the Flies” and the mystery behind Easter Island, Bergman provides a much-needed outlook of hope and possibility. A beautiful reminder of the altruistic decency we are all capable of!
Chosen by: Heidi
A friend sent me the poem “Instructions on Not Giving Up” (p.66) and I was instantly hooked on Ada Limón. This collection will give you the raw ache in your throat that only really good poetry can. Read it and welcome spring to the world with fresh eyes.
Chosen by: Michael
Conover immerses himself in the community of modern day homesteaders in the valley of Colorado. He buys some “cheap land” and gets to know the people that are drawn to the area. He doesn’t romanticize or criticize the people he writes about, bringing them and the place so fully to life that you feel like you are there. A fascinating look at a part of our country that is very different from what most of us know. I’ll definitely be checking out Conover’s other books!
Chosen by: Julie
This was a premise I could not resist: A murder occurs in the tiny, isolated town of Point Mettier, Alaska, where every resident lives in the same high-rise apartment complex, and they all have something to hide; an avalanche cuts off access into and out of the town, and strands an investigator from Anchorage among the suspects and oddballs, who don’t take kindly to “others.” As secrets are uncovered and alliances formed and broken, the investigator, who is haunted by her own past, must sift through layers of lies if she’s going to solve the mystery. Written by an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, this one is thrilling, taught, and plain fun.