We tapped our local library for some recommendations for National Book Lovers Day. From children’s and young adult stories to books adults will love, here’s what they’re reading.
“Lake of Souls: The Collected Short Fiction” by Ann Leckie, recommended by John Peitzman, Library Assistant
“Lake of Souls” is a wide-ranging collection of excellent short stories by one of the more highly acclaimed and unique voices in recent science fiction, with stories ranging from dinosaurs in space to making deals with river gods to secure empires. Leckie writes non-humans and adapted or marginalized humans excellently, with stories and characters that are alien and true at the same time.
“Ninetails” by Sally Wen Mao, recommended by John Peitzman, Library Assistant
“Ninetails” is a collection of nine tales (yes, of course) using the Asian folklore creatures the nine-tailed fox to shine light on the liminal lives and spaces of Asian and Asian-American women throughout the last century as they attempt to live their lives dealing with sexism and racism. The author’s first prose after work in poetry is a masterpiece collection of vibrant characters, ranging from hopeful to vengeful, brimming with anger and solidarity.
Recommended by Maeve Dodds, Children’s Librarian:
“The Witchstone” by Henry H. Neff (Adult)
This witty and hilarious tale follows Laszlo, a demon, who is terrible at his job – Curse Keeper. He manages the Drakeford Curse and couldn’t care less about it until his boss gives him an ultimatum. Laszlo soon finds himself on a high stakes adventure across the world to break the curse with Maggie Drakeford of the Drakeford Curse. This is a fast-paced and fun read.
“The Mountain King” by Anders de la Motte (Adult)
The first in a new Scandinavian detective series, we meet Criminal Inspector Leonore Asker. She works on high-profile cases until she is sent to work in the Department of Lost Souls; a unit that works on cold cases. She soon finds herself trying to solve a cold case that was started by her predecessor. This will have readers on the edge of their seats with many twists and turns that are hard to solve.
“The Book of Doors” by Gareth Brown (Adult)
Cassie is a bookseller in New York City who befriends an old man. One day, the man passes away and leaves Cassie his most prized possession – The Book of Doors. This is no ordinary book, but a book that can take you anywhere in the world, so what could go wrong? Along the way people start to hunt Cassie down for the book and only Drummond Fox, a man with a secret library, can help her. This is a fast-paced, magical adventure waiting to be read.
“What the River Knows” by Isabel Ibañez (Young Adult)
It’s 1884 and Inez travels to Egypt to solve the mystery surrounding the death of her parents. She soon finds herself unraveling a mystery she should have left alone as she soon realizes the dangers she has put herself in from those wanting to keep the facts of the deaths a secret. The setting makes this mystery adventurous and infatuating; a great historical fiction.
“Sam & Dave Dig a Hole” by Mac Barnett (Children)
In this delightful tale, Sam & Dave are convinced they will find something spectacular if they just keep digging. Of course, not all is as it seems and frustration soon sets in. As a hint, the readers should pay attention to what is on the beginning and end page. What differences do you see?
“The Good Little Mermaid’s Guide to Bedtime” by Eija Sumner (Children)
Not all mermaids are nice and sweet; this mermaid is scary and fierce. Good mermaids go to bed on time and don’t fuss, but not this mermaid. She is a predator who will fight bedtime to the very end! This book is fun and told back and forth between a good mermaid and a “scary” mermaid.
Recommended by Jay Goldstein, Adult Services Librarian:
“Psalm for the Wild Built” by Becky Chambers
The robots of Panga have gained self-awareness and left the factories to go into the wilderness. Hundreds of years later, a monk questioning their path runs across a robot, and in this new first contact, the robot asks the question: “What do people need?” They are going to talk to a lot of people to get that answer. This story asks serious some questions and is still the most hopeful science fiction book I have read in a long time.
Visit the University City Regional Library to pick out your next book. Happy reading!
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