The Road We Took

The years before World War II were years of increasing tension, especially in Germany. Antisemitism was on the rise as Hitler came to power, and bitterness about how the country had been treated after World War I only made matters worse. The Road We Took is a snapshot of this time, seen through the eyes of two Jewish violinists, a German boy sent to Dachau, and an American Boy Scout coming home from an international trip. The stories weave together in a way that can best be described as Dickensian, and the tension mounts with every chapter as the four each do their best to escape the country before it’s too late.

It’s an ambitious story, but unfortunately, the reality falls short of what the book could be. The characters, especially the antagonists, were all flat and one dimensional. The first few Dickensian twists took me by surprise, but before long I began to expect them. The writing style failed to grab me, and the author’s attempts to explain everything made me feel as though I couldn’t be trusted to make my own judgments or know anything at all about this period of history. I didn’t enjoy the book, and I don’t know anyone who would.


The Last Words of James Joyce

James Joyce is arguably the most influential writer of the twentieth century. His life and works have been studied by many experts and little is unknown about Joyce’s writings. In his research Augie Hiatt -- a doctoral student -- believes he has found a lost work by Joyce: an epic poem written for his daughter Lucia. Now, Augie is dead. Was it this find that killed him, or his connection with the porn industry or maybe an ex-lover? As the clues pile up, Detective Stamos must dive into the dark world of academia to solve this murder.

The Last Words of James Joyce is a new mystery by James Broderick, journalist, writer, and English professor. He delivers his crime novel in the classic three-act structure while poking fun at the worlds of literature and academia. Broderick brings together memorable characters: from a victim who turns to writing porn to pay the bills, to religious fanatics as suspects and a punk-rock-loving detective. This fascinating novel goes beyond just outrageous characters and a fun storyline. Broderick delves into the life of Lucia Joyce, making this book an entertaining mystery with a dash of historic fiction.


Tupac Behind Bars

Tupac Behind Bars, written by Michael Christopher, examined a lesser-known period of the late rapper Tupac Shakur's life when he was incarcerated for an alleged sexual assault at the historical hundred fifty-year-old Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, NY.

Author Christopher, also referred to as Mr. C by the famous Shakur, worked as a correctional officer at the Clinton Correctional Facility. Christopher and Shakur built an unorthodox friendship as the two navigated life within the facility and discussed the complexities of life with perspectives from polarized worlds.

 Furthermore, Christopher does provide the reader with a unique viewpoint of Shakur's musical legacy. However, the conversations between Christopher and Tupac were a testament to the artists' character and his deeply held beliefs about life, love, and death, which unveiled Shakur's soul and how he viewed his work as an actor, rapper, poet, and writer.

Although the book provides a unique lens to examine the late rapper's life behind bars, the narrative is difficult to follow due to the lack of quality editing present in a few chapters. Moreover, Tupac Shakur fans will find the book an enjoyable read that will aid in preserving the life and work of Tupac Shakur in Hip Hop Memoriam and 1990's nostalgia.


Beyond Loss in a Pandemic: Find Hope and Move Through Grief After Someone Close to You Dies

There are five stages of grief that an individual goes through after the loss of a loved one: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. There is no set time limit for the painful trek through these emotions. Depending on the individual and their ability to cope (not to mention their relationship to the loved one), grieving can take months or years.

In 2020, due to the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lockdowns that followed in its wake, and the mandated measures intended to prevent further spread, the ability to properly mourn the death of a family member/friend was thwarted. Certain states’ restrictions led to distancing at funeral homes, the fear of possibly catching COVID-19 keeping people from gathering to pay their respects. The loss of someone near and dear was compounded by the inability to pay proper respect to the dearly departed’s life in an optimal way. The restrictions also made it difficult to work through the daily grind while grieving.

The emotional lows brought on by the passing of someone close are difficult, even more so when alone. The importance of support networks (family, friends, community) can’t be emphasized enough. Author Linda Donovan stresses that even if one can’t physically assemble with your support network, the phone and the internet (i.e., Zoom) can alleviate that distance. The physical absence of the deceased shouldn’t deter the grief stricken from communicating with them, as doing so may prove cathartic. The act of writing in a journal and conveying your emotions to the loved one could buoy the spirits. Journaling can also aid in working through thoughts of anger and regret that have either been repressed or lay dormant.

No one can tell you how long your sorrow should last, as everyone handles their grief differently. The importance of not suffering in silence and being willing to show vulnerability is not a negative, as there will always be someone willing to help if you let them. The void in an individual’s life when a loved one leaves this world (by whatever means) can’t be filled, yet the individual can be able to move forward with time and effort.

Beyond Loss in a Pandemic provides alternatives for dealing with grief while not forgetting to live your own life. The author’s valuable insights have been formed through a lifetime of work and experience. This book is about a tough subject, but when handled deftly as the author does, it serves as a valuable resource for a wide audience to read.


Whether we want to admit it or not, we are essentially controlled by our mind and emotions. In Healing Trauma in Children with Clay Field Therapy, Cornelia Elbrecht dives deep into the benefits of touch for the psych; in this case, touch through the vessel of clay. Clay could sound like a material used by an artist or student in art class, but when you break through the layers, it is much more. It represents the variety of layers that we as humans contain. Part one sets out the framework of clay field therapy and why this topic matters to children, especially those with trauma. Part two explains the nine developmental building blocks. Part three concludes with case examples to prove the success of this mode of therapy.

With a background and interest in mental health, I found this book to be enlightening and felt like I had taken a mini collegiate course. I am constantly amazed by how strong yet fragile the human mind and body are. I learned so much in this book that I can apply to those around me. I am familiar with play and sand therapy, and I love that there is another option besides talk that can bring about healthy change.


Four Funerals, No Marriage: A Memoir

History/Bio Roundup

When Lord Byron coined the phrase “truth is stranger than fiction,” he was likely thinking of scenarios similar to those recounted in the histories and biographies included in this roundup list. From spies to chefs, prisoners to activists and caregivers, these books tell the stories of a remarkable bunch of people living in extraordinary times and coping as best they could.

The Dressmakers of Auschwitz: The True Story of the Women Who Sewed to Survive by Lucy Adlington

In a truly remarkable story of grit and survival against the odds, Lucy Adlington’s The Dressmakers of Auschwitz relates the experiences of a group of young Jewish women who were imprisoned at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. The conditions at the camp were horrendous and the likelihood of long-term survival for inmates was very low, but the twenty-five women received an extremely unlikely lifeline when Hedwig Höss, the wife of camp commandant Rudolf Höss, decided to open the Upper Tailoring Studio. Odd as it sounds, Auschwitz-Birkenau was home to a number of mundane-sounding enterprises that certain inmates were forced to work for, and Höss’ studio was a dressmaking workshop patronized by the wives of SS officers and camp guards. As the war had, unsurprisingly, decimated the fashion industry in Berlin, these women needed to procure the finery required for Nazi functions from somewhere, and the studio provided an opportunity for inmates with good sewing skills to escape the gas chambers, at least for a while. Using a wealth of historical records as well as interviews with survivors, Adlington elucidates the astonishing experiences of the twenty-five dressmakers.

The Kitchen Whisperers: Cooking with the Wisdom of Our Friends by Dorothy Kalins

The Kitchen Whisperers is a very personal account by Dorothy Kalins, founding editor of Savuer magazine and contributor to many successful cookbooks, of the extensive culinary wisdom she has collected over a lifetime of cooking, eating, and discussing food. From Kalins’ perspective, the most important cooking lessons are not those received from books, television, or the internet; rather, they are the tips, tricks, and snippets picked up by watching real cooks, whether seasoned professionals or enthusiastic amateurs, at work in their own kitchens. Whether deliberately or otherwise, it is these people who have the greatest impact on the dissemination of cookery knowledge. Of course, Kalins’ lengthy career in the culinary world means that many of her inspirations and mentors are internationally renowned chefs such as Marcella Hazan and Michael Anthony, although she also reminisces about the lessons she has learned from friends, relatives, and fellow home cooks. Included among Kalins’ interesting stories and recollections are recipes ranging from her mother’s meatloaf to David Tanis’ Swiss chard gratin, which are sure to inspire readers to attempt to cultivate some culinary experience of their own.

Irma’s Passport: One Woman, Two World Wars, and a Legacy of Courage by Catherine Ehrlich

Catherine Ehrlich relates the tale of Irma’s Passport from two perspectives, her own and that of her grandmother Irma. Having been born in a picturesque village in Bohemia, Irma moved to Prague to study languages just prior to the outbreak of World War One. In Prague, she mixed with members of Europe’s intelligentsia, including Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein, although the war resulted in the death of her first husband and prompted her to move to Vienna. There, Irma’s path in life changed somewhat when she married Jakob Ehrlich, an advocate for Vienna’s Jewish community. With the outbreak of World War Two, Irma lost her second husband, but she and her son were able to flee to London following surprising intervention by Adolf Eichmann. Once in London, Irma again found herself mixing with high society, although this time round she had discovered her voice as an activist and worked tirelessly to help others escape from Nazi Europe. Her campaigning eventually took her to New York, where she settled and continued her work with refugees. Using the detailed journals kept by Irma as well as recollections from her later life, Ehrlich is able to tell her grandmother’s extraordinary story in her own words, and she also muses on the impact that her grandparents’ experiences have had on her own life.

Sleeper Agent: The Atomic Spy in America Who Got Away by Ann Hagedorn

A keen baseball player who was also a good student and popular with his contemporaries, George Koval appeared to be an archetypal all-American boy; however, in reality, Koval was the Soviet Union’s most successful sleeper agent. Born in Iowa in 1932 to Russian Jewish parents who had emigrated to the USA to escape anti-Semitism, Koval returned to the Soviet Union with his family due to their desire to live in accordance with their socialist ideals. While there, he was recruited as a spy and persuaded to return to the USA to continue his education and secure employment that would allow him access to confidential information. As a gifted science student, Koval was able to enroll at Columbia University, where he studied alongside scientists who would eventually work on the Manhattan Project. After being drafted, Koval’s science background meant that he was posted to a facility that produced uranium and plutonium. While there, and during subsequent postings, he had access to highly secret information concerning the atomic bomb project, which he fed back to Moscow. The information revealed by Koval proved instrumental in the development of the Soviets’ own atomic bomb, but quite remarkably, he was able to get away scot-free after the war. Sleeper Agent by Ann Hagedorn is a gripping account of Cold War espionage and the way in which a single individual changed the course of history.

Four Funerals, No Marriage: A Memoir by Mike Keren

Mike Keren’s Four Funerals, No Marriage is a highly emotive memoir chronicling his experiences of caring for ill and dying relatives while also attempting to navigate an increasingly confusing and homophobic world. Keren had a difficult relationship with his parents, who had chosen to move North Carolina to spend their retirement hundreds of miles away from their New Jersey-based children. However, after deciding that they didn’t like North Carolina much after all, his parents returned, only for his father to be hospitalized after having a stroke while on a house-hunting trip and his mother to do likewise soon afterwards after experiencing another in a series of heart attacks. While this was going on, Keren’s partner’s mother was recuperating after having a hysterectomy and attempting to cope with the chemotherapy she required to treat her ovarian cancer. Hugely dissatisfied with what he perceived as the uncaring nature of the healthcare system––a system he had previously abandoned after deciding to quit his career as a clinical psychologist––Keren opted to take on the caregiver role for both his parents and his in-laws. What followed for Keren was a heartbreaking yet darkly humorous experience of caring for others while simultaneously trying to find a way to care for and heal himself.


Chickens Don't Ski!

Chickens Don’t Ski: A Lily Saves the Day Book by Laura Willingham is a little bit funny and a little bit cute.

It’s about a chicken named Lily and her parents. When Winter Fest comes around, it’s too snowy to make it to town. Lily’s friends are all going, but Lily lives far from town and her parents don’t think they can go. But then Lily goes out in the shed and makes skis… for chickens! It was really smart of her to make skis for her whole family. And very kind. She and her parents could make it town after all. This book was funny and brought us joy. They packed blueberry muffins and picnic stuff. It maked me feel happy for Lily and her parents. The pictures were cute and Lily is cute. Lily can teach kids how to be helpful and kind to their families. And also how to solve problems. Lily never gived up. Kids can help too if they just don’t give up. I want to read the other books about chickens!


Singing Lessons For the Stylish Canary: A Novel

Historical Fiction

From the enlightened days of the Renaissance, to the battlefields of the Napoleonic Wars, to the darkest times of the Second World War, and on to the heady days of the Summer of Love, the five works of historical fiction included in this roundup article will transport readers to other times and places, entertaining and educating as they do so.

Singing Lessons for the Stylish Canary by Laura Stanfill

Laura Stanfill’s Singing Lessons for the Stylish Canary offers a salutary lesson in the art of maintaining fulfilling relationships while focusing on several generations of an unforgettable French family and their steady progress toward the end of an era. A living legend in the small town of Mireville, master serinette maker Georges Blanchard is affectionately known as “The Sun-Bringer” due to a seemingly miraculous incident that occurred during his childhood. Georges expects that his son Henri will one day take over the family business and become a master craftsman in his own right, although Henri has other ideas. Uninterested in the world of music boxes, Henri would rather dedicate his time and effort to making fine lace, and when he finds a stack of letters hidden among his father’s possessions, it seems that he might have a chance to do just that. The letters reveal that Henri is not actually Georges’ firstborn son, as an affair with an American customer led to the birth of a baby boy some years before Henri’s own birth. When Henri travels to America in search of his half-brother, he learns that there’s a whole lot more to life than Mireville, music boxes, and lace.

Sharpe’s Assassin by Bernard Cornwell

Brilliant but wayward soldier Richard Sharpe should be due a well-earned rest following the British victory in the Battle of Waterloo, but both fate and the establishment have other things in store for him. Having risen up the ranks to become a lieutenant-colonel, Sharpe is a highly trusted and undeniably effective weapon of war, which is why he is personally chosen by the Duke of Wellington to undertake a covert mission in France. Although Napoleon’s army has now been defeated, the Duke is concerned about rumors of a fanatical group of French revolutionaries who are said to be plotting a terrible revenge from the shadows of Paris. Such rumors have given rise to the fear that the end of one war might mark the beginning of another, and Sharpe is dispatched to Paris to track down a spy who should have vital information about the alleged plot. Things never go smoothly for Sharpe, so it’s no surprise that there is also an assassin stalking the streets of Paris, who is determined to find and kill the spy before the British can get their hands on them. Sharpe’s Assassin by Bernard Cornwell marks the twenty-second thrilling outing for Richard Sharpe and it is every bit as exciting, dangerous, and bloody as his previous adventures.

The Stolen Lady by Laura Morelli

The Mona Lisa is said to hide many secrets behind her enigmatic smile, which is a big part of the reason while Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece has captured the hearts and minds of people down through the years. Laura Morelli’s The Stolen Lady tells the stories of two such people, two disparate women separated by centuries but united by their importance to the history of the Mona Lisa. In the Florence of 1479, servant Bellina Sardi accompanies her mistress, Lisa Gherardini, to her new home following her marriage to the moderately wealthy and considerably older Francesco del Giocondo. It should have been a fairly comfortable existence, but when Francesco commissions Leonardo da Vinci to paint a portrait of his new bride, Bellina finds herself embroiled in a complex web of secrets and lies. In the Paris of 1939, archivist Anne Guichard agrees to help the staff of the Louvre evacuate as many of the museum’s great works of art as possible before the Nazis arrive in the city. Although they manage to smuggle numerous pieces to the relative safety of the French countryside, the danger posed by the Nazis is never really far away, and when it comes to keeping the art secure, Anne realizes that her own family might have a significant role to play.

The Lurking Place by Clarence Major

Set during the late 1960s, the heyday of both the Beats and the Bohemians, Clarence Major’s The Lurking Place explores the intersection of ambition, ideology, romance, and artistic endeavor during a period of significant upheaval in American life. James Eric Lowell is trying to find success as a poet in New York City during the tumultuous Summer of Love. He is also trying to protect his own love life by maintaining a relationship with his lover Sophia despite the family pressures and racism that the two of them continuously face. Times might be changing, but society remains slow to accept interracial relationships. As a young Black man, James finds it difficult to ensure that his poetry receives the attention it deserves, which means that he finds it equally difficult to fit in and feel at home with the prevailing poetic movements in America at the time. As the action shifts from New York to Mexico, James struggles to finish his debut manuscript and dedicate sufficient time and effort to his relationship with Sophia. Although he is able to coolly and incisively observe those around him, James is unsure which direction he would take if forced to choose between his desire for success and his desire to be with Sophia.

Three Sisters by Heather Morris

Heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting, Three Sisters by Heather Morris describes the unbreakable bond that exists between sisters and gives them the strength to survive even the darkest of times. Siblings Cibi, Magda, and Livia made a promise to their father when they were little girls, vowing that they would always stay together no matter what happened. Although their father could surely not have expected as much, both the girls and their promise are tested almost beyond endurance during the bleakest days of World War II. When she is just fifteen, Livia is captured by the Nazis and transported to Auschwitz. Mindful of her promise and anxious to protect her sister, nineteen-year-old Cibi follows Livia to the camp, determined to either save her or die with her. Once there, the two of them have to fight both to stay together and to simply survive. Seventeen-year-old Magda stays behind when her sisters are taken to Auschwitz, hiding with her mother and grandfather in neighbors’ houses or the forest when the Nazi patrols come looking for people to round up. She’s only able to stay hidden for a while, however, eventually also being transported to the infamous death camp. After the three sisters reunite, they agree to make a new promise in honor of their father: they will all survive.


A Thing Called Snow

Fox and Hare were born in the springtime and grew up through the summer. By the time fall comes around, they are very best friends. Each had a special talent. Fox can smell things far away while Hare can hear things from a long way off. They both love to jump and bounce and leap around. One day a bird stops by and tells them soon they will be playing in snow, but before they can ask what that is, the bird flies away. Fox and Hare go through the woods asking their friends Bear, Moose, Salmon, and Goose what snow is, and each gives them a different answer. They are a long way from home when the stars come out. They decide to sleep by the lake and go home in the morning, but morning brings a wonderful surprise.

Yuval Zommer is both illustrator and author of this enchanting picture book. Each animal character has an important role, and they all seem to care about each other. The story is cute and will engage little ones, but the real highlight here are the sweet illustrations filled with delightful details that will keep little eyes on the pages.


Beyond Loss in a Pandemic

Losing a loved one is a transformative event in an individual’s life. “Beyond Loss in a Pandemic” seeks to provide aid and comfort to those who have lost before, during, and after the pandemic. There is still the process to be gone through, but the empathy and sympathy of Author Linda Donovan will make navigating that process more manageable." --Philip Zozzaro, Manhattan Book Review


Aggretsuko: Down the Rabbit Hole

Meet Retsuko, a fox who needs to balance her life. She may just seem like a tired fox who overworks, but when Retsuko feels overwhelmed and angry, meet Aggretsuko, an aggressive fox who fights for her personal freedom. Aggretsuko stars in her own dramatic dream about being forced to work for her freedom, and not feeling like enough, despite the fact she works day and night. So when Retsuko goes on a vacation with her friends, her dream starts down the rabbit hole—where her need for life balance becomes more challenging and confusing. Will Retsuko find her freedom before she wakes up?

Aggretsuko: Down the Rabbit Hole is a good but very confusing book. For instance, Retsuko sometimes just appears in some places and grows and shrinks randomly. I know the whole book is about her dream, but it makes the book very confusing and hard to understand what’s going on. The art is very cute, though. My favorite character is Kabae the hippo because he teaches you how to cook omurice (omelet over rice) at the end of the book. Recommended for Aggretsuko fans.


Off-Limits

A little girl sees a new sign on her dad’s office door, it says “off-limits”. One single peek wouldn’t hurt, would it? An interested and curious child is going to discover a work office for her dad, then turn it into a world of her own. I loved this book and the two characters in it, however, the little girl is my favorite character. I also loved the great story and thought the art was really nice. The art is very colorful and the story is both cute and silly in a beautiful way. There are a lot of things that you could craft with: sticky tape, lots of paper clips, binder clips, colorful sticky notes, and then of course: paper, notebook paper, rainbow paper, glittery, shiny, glossy paper! So much fun for an inventive child. My favorite part was when the girl finally notices what a huge mess she has made on the inside of her father’s office. I recommend this book to people who like books about cute children and funny stories.


How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days

How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days is the rom-com you didn’t know you needed. The story begins as an anthem for single ladies in their 40s. Best friends Bethany Lu and Dawn are enjoying their independence and refuse to settle for what society or, more importantly, their parents deem appropriate. When the announcement goes out about Keanu’s upcoming nuptials, long-time Keanu fangirl Bethany Lu refuses to accept what she believes to be an outlandish claim. He simply wouldn’t do that to her and all his fans. Bethany Lu does the only logical thing, she creates the K-90 plan and embarks on a Keanu scavenger hunt across the country. It’s not until the journey takes her away from home and out of her comfort zone that she realizes what she was looking for was in front of her all along.

A smooth and easy read, this cheeky story toes the line of outlandishness in the most endearing way. Swoon-worthy moments combined with ridiculous celebrity cameos leave a perpetual smile on your face. This is the road trip to take when you don’t want to leave the house.


Birdie's Bargain

Birdie is ten when her father has to go back to Iraq for the war. She’s certain he’ll be killed, but she’d been to Bible camp three summers, so she knows her only hope is to make a bargain with God that she will be really good if God will take care of Daddy, bringing him home safe. She’d also learned if she didn’t pray right or believe right, she would burn for eternity in the flames of hell. Birdie tries really hard to pray and believe right even when things at school go badly. She’s bullied by some boys and even by Alicia Marie who claims to be her best friend. But the bad news is coming for Birdie both about her dad and Alicia Marie.

Katherine Paterson has written a compelling story that youngsters should find relatable if they are religious, but many who are not will be put off by the abundance of religion in the story. What Birdie and her family face with her father’s deployment and having to move in with Birdie’s grandmother is plenty to carry readers through. The writing is excellent and the characters are well-rounded and interesting.


Anthem

It’s 2009 and a happily married couple listen to their daughter sing at her school pageant, hope and change are on the horizon. Cut to the present day. A pandemic has begun, but not one attributed to an open-air wet market or biolab. The youth of America has begun to kill themselves in droves, the only commonality being “A11” being written on the suicide notes. Many families are crippled with grief, while Simon Oliver’s family puts his sister Claire’s death in the rearview mirror. Simon’s only constant in his anxiety ridden life was his sister, without her he is adrift. His parents send him to the Float Institute for treatment. As the suicides continue, Simon finds a fellow patient who sees the light through the dark insanity. The way is a collision course through the depths of humanity, where salvation involves a heavy body count.

Anthem is an emotionally stark and brilliant work of fiction from the talented mind of Noah Hawley (Before the Fall). Humanity has never seemed so forlorn, but the multi-faceted and resolute characters highlighted throughout the book carry the torch to get the story home. This release is a must-read book for the New Year and years to come.


Besties Work It Out - Signed / Autographed Copy

Beth is facing a dilemma. She is wants to surprise her mother with a day at the spa for her birthday. Thankfully, Beth has Chanda to help her make the money she needs. So when the two get hired to watch the house and dog of the glamorous Ms. Langford, things are looking great. Until disaster strikes and their friendship shatters into pieces. Can Beth and Chanda put the pieces back together… before Ms. Langford comes home?

Besties is a silly, sweet story about working things out after a broken friendship. The art and colors are adorable. I like the way the artist drew Beth’s and Chanda’s clothes and all the dogs in the book, because the dogs are so cute! I also like the way all the unique characters are designed. This book is a great spinoff from the Click series, which is also by Kayla Miller. I couldn’t stop reading either book—they’re so good! I recommend Besties to people who like Click and friendship stories in graphic novel form.


Everyday Cook: Vibrant Recipes, Simple Methods, Delicious Dishes

From the very first page, it is quite apparent that Everyday Cook is everything that it promises to be: “vibrant recipes, simple methods, delicious dishes.” With its bright yellow border pages and recipes that look like they will pop off the page, readers will be able to feast with their eyes as well as their stomachs. Readers will instantly know what they are in for with recipes like Thai BBQ Fighting Chicken with Crunchy Salad. Bright, vivid, and full of photos, this book makes dinners easy and enjoyable, complete with meal plans, 15/30-minute meals, one-pot meals, and bake-ahead sections.

In his tenth cookbook, Donal Skehan celebrates classic cooking while inspiring each home cook to create a kitchen that works for them. Due to his desire to make dinners achievable, nourishing, vibrant, and delicious, he starts with chapters that encourage and inspire, and then jumps right into a delectable medley of recipes. With classic menu items such as Chicken Noodle Soup and Chicken Curry, he then moves onto classics such as Chicken Piccata, Lettuce Wrap Smash Burgers, and Crispy Egg Fried Rice Bowls. This book is bound to become a go-to classic.


Interrupting Chicken: Cookies for Breakfast

Little Chicken is back with Papa and he is as hilarious as ever! Little Chicken has interrupted all the bedtime stories, and now she wants cookies for breakfast. Little Chicken is so imaginative and loves books, so she tries to wake up and persuade Papa into having cookies for breakfast! As always Little Chicken creates big commotion in order to get what she wants! You must read this book to see if Little Chicken gets cookies for breakfast!

This book does not disappoint! The Interrupting Chicken series is always full of fun and laughter. Little Chicken is hilarious. I really like the small stories inside the book. It is a fun and interactive book! This book is perfect for the whole family to snuggle up and have some fun together.


I Don't Want to Read This Book

Sometimes you just don't want to read a book, but you do it anyways, because the front cover makes you curious to see what is inside. That is exactly how I felt when I saw the cover of this book, You Don't Want to Read This Book. Why would someone call a book like that? Perhaps they wanted to make the reader curious about what was inside, because it worked for me. As soon as I saw this book, I knew I had to read it because I was so curious.

I Don't Want to Read This Book is a curiosity-sparking book for readers of all ages. This book has really fun illustrations that are unique and unlike anything I have ever seen before. This book is a must-read book and I highly recommend it!

G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers


Doctors and Friends

Doctors and Friends is the second book I have read by Kimmery Martin and it did not disappoint. This book had me engaged from cover to cover. Readers follow a group of female doctors who became friends in medical school and reunite after a horrible artiovirus pandemic threatens the nation. The author says that she wrote this book even before the Covid-19 pandemic hit which I found to be a bit freaky. During the book, the main character Kira, a virologist, finds herself in the predicament of a lifetime. It brings to discussion an ethical question that doctors must sometimes face - if I can only save one person, whom do I save and how do I make that decision?

The comradery between the women is both realistic and heartfelt. The book also deals with the topics of infertility and the death of loved ones. For fans of medical suspense, this is the next book you'll want to grab off the shelf. Martin's characters, plot, and a realistic sense of urgency in the medical world will have you on the edge of your seat.


Batpig: When Pigs Fly (Batpig, 1)

Gary is a perfectly normal pig… until the day a radioactive bat bites him and gives him superpowers. Now he’s Batpig, with the duty of defending his city. Only one of his best friends, a bat named Brooklyn, knows his secret. Too bad his other best friend, Carl the fish, can’t keep a secret for longer than four minutes. Now Gary’s stuck with everyday superhero duties like stopping litter and rude language and keeping up with his friendships. And there’s the occasional apocalyptic threat, like a giant evil lizard and a psychopathic butcher. Can Gary manage to be a proper superhero and still hold onto his friends?

This was a funny and cute book! While the book could seem like it’s meant for a younger audience, kids of all ages can enjoy it, as there are elements of humor geared toward both older and younger children. I liked the relationships between Gary and his friends. They (as well as a lot of the stuff they get up to!) are instantly relatable. All three of them were fun to read about for different reasons, and they all made their marks as unique characters. I will look forward to more about Batpig!


There's a Mouse in My House

Bear discovers a mouse in his house. Bear doesn’t know how the mouse got in, but Mouse has already moved in and unpacked all his stuff! Bear doesn’t know what to do. Bear tries to send Mouse away, but he refuses, and Bear can’t throw Mouse out because Mouse is very adept at martial arts. Bear suggests many other places Mouse could go, but he isn’t interested. Mouse is tiny, but he eats a LOT of food and leaves little for Bear. Mouse even ruins Bear’s sleep, listening to dance music late into the night. A knock comes at the door, and before Bear knows what is happening, a bunch of Mouse’s friends move in!

Ross Collins has written a rollicking, rhyming story that is filled with fun and will build anticipation with little ones listening as the silly antics of Mouse take over the story. The characters are perfect for the two- to four-year-old set. The illustrations are laugh-out-loud funny and will really engage young listeners, keeping their eyes on the pages as they search for all the fun details. This is a real winner.


Dava Shastri's Last Day

Catch Up Roundup

If you’re looking to catch up on some of the top-notch novels that have been published in recent months but perhaps passed under the radar somewhat, then look no further than this roundup. The five featured titles offer glimpses into the worlds of enthralling characters living through extraordinary times and they’re a whole heap of fun to read.

Dava Shastri's Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti

Despite being one of the planet’s richest women and so not really having to bother herself with what other people think, Dava Shastri has always been preoccupied with protecting her reputation. Yet, everything changes when she is diagnosed with brain cancer, and faced with her own mortality, Dava decides to throw caution to the wind and find out what people really think of her. Much to the surprise of her four adult children, she announces both her diagnosis and her decision to leak news of her death to the newspapers before it actually happens. She expects that this will give her the chance to read glowing obituaries that focus on her artistic and philanthropic endeavors, but in fact reports concerning her death result in two long-buried secrets being brought to light, secrets that not even her children knew about. As a consequence, Dava is forced to dedicate what remains of her time on Earth to coming to terms with the past and reconciling with those she has hurt. Kirthana Ramisetti’s Dava Shastri's Last Day is an emotional and often very humorous account of one woman’s attempts to achieve peace before it is too late.

Sing Her Name by Rosalyn Story

While Celia DeMille’s beauty and talent for a time won her worldwide fame as a singer and allowed her to amass a considerable fortune, nineteenth-century racial prejudices meant that she wasn’t able to enjoy her success for long or cement her position as a musical legend. Instead, she ultimately ended up dying alone and penniless. For her part, contemporary New Orleans waitress Eden Malveaux has an excellent singing voice despite being untrained, although family troubles have meant that she has been unable to properly pursue a career in music. She has been the guardian of her younger brother since their parents died, and she devotes all of her time and effort to ensuring, not always successfully, that he stays out of trouble. When Eden and her brother have to relocate to New York City following a hurricane, it seems to offer the chance for her brother to escape from the dangerous elements he has been mixing with and for Eden to finally pursue her dreams. When she ends up in possession of Celia’s scrapbook and treasured necklace, Eden finds herself drawn to a world she never even imaged. Sing Her Name by Rosalyn Story is a powerful and inspiration story about two extraordinary women and the role that music played in their lives.

Blue-Skinned Gods by SJ Sindu

Ten-year-old Kalki Sami was born with blue skin and so believes himself to be the reincarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. Apparently convinced that their blue-skinned son can work miracles and heal the sick, Kalki’s parents opened an ashram in their home state of Tamal Nadu in India so that he can dispense wisdom and cures to trusting pilgrims. However, his failure to cure his aunt causes Kalki to question his parents’ motivation and everything he has ever been told about himself. As tragedy after tragedy befalls his family, Kalki is plagued by worries and self-doubt as he grows toward adulthood and the need to take responsibility for his own thoughts and behaviors. Things become even more complicated when Kalki and his dad go on a sort of world tour to publicize his seemingly miraculous abilities, and a visit to New York that leads to an encounter with a long-lost friend might just serve as the tipping point for Kalki’s independence. SJ Sindu’s Blue-Skinned Gods is a fascinating story of self-discovery that takes in a range of cultures and beliefs not commonly found in contemporary fiction.

The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher

Persephone May grew up in the foster care system after being abandoned as a baby. Having been alone for all her life, she wants nothing more than a place where she can truly belong. Unfortunately, her presence seems to be associated with strange occurrences such as levitating objects and weather disturbances, which quickly drive away anyone who might otherwise be willing to include her in their family. As a consequence, even as an adult, Persephone never stays in one place for long, and she certainly never makes friendships or attachments. When yet another uncontrolled incident of power means that she has to leave yet another job and town, Persephone decides to accept an invitation to the mysterious Wile Isle, which might just be offering everything she has ever wanted. However, life on the isle soon proves to be far from uncomplicated, as Persephone finds herself dealing with long-running curses, deeply buried secrets, and deadly family feuds. Paige Crutcher’s The Orphan Witch is magical tale of mystery, intrigue, and the importance of finding your place in the world. It’s a quirky story of good versus evil that is sure to engage readers.

Red Thread of Fate by Lyn Liao Butler

A touching tale of hidden sorrow, precious secrets, and surprising romance,  Red Thread of Fate by Lyn Liao Butler follows Tam Kwan as she seeks to rebuild her life following a tragedy and reevaluates her ideas about what family really means. Two days before Tam and her husband Tony are due to complete the paperwork necessary to adopt a young boy from China, Tony and his estranged cousin Mia are killed in a car accident. In the midst of her devastation following the loss of her husband, Tam is shocked to discover that she has been named guardian of Mia’s five-year-old daughter, Angela. As Tam adjusts to her new life raising Angela, she has to decide if she is also willing and able to complete the adoption of the young Chinese boy on her own. When a secret from her past comes to light just as she is making headway with Angela, Tam finds herself pursing the puzzles of the past and deciding who she wants to be, and with whom, in the future. It all makes for a powerful story with a mystery at its heart.


Crazy in Poughkeepsie

When Mick comes home from summer camp, he finds an old man and a dog staying in his room. The old man is a guru, and Mick’s brother Maurice had brought him home from his travels. Mick and the guru get into the habit of walking around Poughkeepsie with the dog every day. Soon they hook up with Vern Chuckoff, Mick’s friend from camp, and his friend Molly, who, it seems, is crazy. They discover an old factory that is filled with ghosts, including the ghost of a whale named Luna. Luna is not happy where she is. She needs to be transported to where other whale ghosts are. The guru arranges to buy a circus wagon for that transport. Thus begins an incredible journey for Mick, Vern Chuckoff, crazy Molly, Luna, the guru, and the dog.

Daniel Pinkwater has written a very clever and funny story that will keep middle graders, even reluctant readers, fully engaged and turning pages right through to the end. The characters are fully formed and fascinating. The story is very compelling and the writing is superb, with snappy dialogue and excellent description. If quirky is something readers enjoy, this is the book for them.


Dragon Ball Super, Vol. 14 (14)

Dragon Ball Super: Vol. 14 takes place immediately after the events ending the previous volume. The evil Moro has escaped from the Galactic Patrol and is in combat with Vegeta, which will decide the fate of the Earth. It appears as if Vegeta might defeat Moro once and for all; his training has been very helpful! Silly reader, things are never as they appear in Dragon Ball Super! Again, appearances are deceiving. Moro is now on top, and it seems there is little hope for Vegeta. The hero will need some help from allies while discovering his inner strength if he to have a chance of defeating his strongest villain yet.

Reading Dragon Ball Super: Vol. 14 is quick, exciting, and informative as the reader continues with chapters sixty-one through sixty-four of the ever-changing story. The reader will find themselves flipping through the pages at rapid speed as they attempt to compare their reading skills with the quick pace of the fighting. Within the pages are answered questions and violence to restore justice among the planets in the universe.


Woody's Leap of Faith

Julie Boden Schmidt tells the charming tale of Woody the wood duckling in her book, Woody’s Leap of Faith.  Woody, unlike his siblings, hatched from his egg quite literally terrified of entering his new world. After trying to retreat back into his egg for fear of the unknown, his mother gently coaxes him out and promises to take care of him. Overwhelmed by Buzz, his bold sunglasses-wearing brother, and Zoey, his tutu-wearing ballerina sister, Woody wants nothing more than to return to the quiet peacefulness of his egg.

The next morning, the young ducklings learn the comfort of their nest is short-lived; today is the day they must jump from their nest and move to a new one. Buzz, loud and always eager for adventure, is thrilled. Zoe, although not as loud as Buzz, is equally happy to have a go at flight. Woody, on the other hand, cannot think of a worst task and blatantly refuses to jump. Absolutely horrified by the thought of failing, Woody cannot bring himself to be anything but paralyzed in fear.

As the ducklings begin to warm up for flight, Woody believes he will pass out in sheer terror. His dad tells him that he must jump, but the pressure from his family to succeed is making it all the worse for Woody. As he watches Buzz jump out, he fearlessly does backflips on his way down, remarking how easy and fun it was. Zoe follows; although hesitant at first, she gracefully lands, performing ballerina spins and twirls as she touches the ground. Woody, the last duckling left, must face his fear if he is to be with his family or be left behind.

Overall, I thought this book was an adorable story capturing perfectly the importance of courage. It shows young readers the benefits of bravery, and how more often than not, troubles are not as bad as they at first seem. Additionally, this book had absolutely stunning illustrations. The large, beautifully drawn images had so much detail and life to them. I also loved the formatting; with feather details on each page and boxes around the words, the book is easy to follow and fun for young readers. I would recommend this story to all readers, but especially to those in the four to nine age group. I think readers of this age, whether being read to by a caretaker or reading solo, would appreciate this book the most.


Woody's Leap of Faith


The Great Stupidity

I think it would be fair to say that the past year and a half has been a hot mess. As if a previously unknown disease sweeping the world wasn’t bad enough, we were faced with many conflicting messages about what ought to be done, sometimes even conflicting messages from the same people. It was hard to know who to trust, or whether we could trust anyone at all. With mortality rates rising and panic spreading, it’s no wonder people drew comparisons between COVID-19 and the Black Death of 1350.

One of those people is Andy Lazris, in a satire which I hoped would delight me. After all, after an exhausting year and a half of lockdowns and people turning against each other at the slightest provocation, we all need a chance to laugh.

But I’m sorry to say I didn’t so much as chuckle.

While at times Lazris’s book made some excellent points (I especially liked his skewering of people who claimed to know exactly how to stop the bubonic plague, despite having at best faulty knowledge, as shown through the historical practice of flagellants) and the protagonist’s blithe optimism put me in mind of Voltaire’s Candide, I found his breezy style to be amusing rather than hilarious and most of the characters rather flat and dull. The side characters were one dimensional, but that fit the style and I found them delightful, especially the monks who gave up on morality and took to hedonism. The protagonists, however, were less interesting, and I wound up drifting along for the ride rather than actively following along.

What most kept me from enjoying the book, though, was that it simply wasn’t well written. Between the old-fashioned words that didn’t always make sense (wherefore, for example, is not actually an old way of saying where) and the exclamation marks scattered every which way, I found that it was stylistically a slog. On top of that, the resolution came about too suddenly and felt more like a deflation than a resolution.

Every satire has an argument to make, satires of current events especially so. This can sometimes make it hard to enjoy a book if you take exception to some of the author’s arguments. Lazris and I, for instance, seem to stand on different sides of the debate between personal liberty and public safety. I say this to point out that some people may enjoy this book solely because they are glad to see mask mandates openly mocked. While I found the book tiresome, those who want their opinions validated will likely find enough to keep their interest.


Rock and Roll

Rock and Roll, two enormous boulders, sit way up high in the mountains, close enough to see each. They’ve stood the test of time, watching more sunrises and sunsets than they can count. They admire the world and all its beauty despite the tumultuous weather they’ve endured. Plants and animals have marked them with fossilized imprints. One day, something miraculous happens - humans come to visit. They adorn Rock and Roll with embellishments, and they begin to wish for the other’s ornamental treasures. Jealousy tears them apart, leaving them as fragments of themselves. Humility washes over them as if they’re born anew.

This is a masterfully crafted book that’s message is multi-layered in its complexity. On the surface, and applicable to its youngest readers - those ages five to seven - the story relates to nature, friendship, envy, and restoration. At its core, lies the deeper sentiment that excess often leads to destruction.

Set in a rainbow of vibrant hues - from fluorescent orange to sapphire blue - the illustrations are gorgeous - appearing in eye-catching spreads of fossil patterns. Young children will be drawn to their rich quality and crystalline appearance. They’ll likely be what draws their attention most.


The Tinysaurs Send Love

It is Valentine's Day and the Tinysaur family is excited! They are excited for happy valentines and everything happy that happens on Valentine's Day. The Tinysaurs notice that no one else is acting really happy and that the mailman didn't deliver anything to make them happy! The Tinysaurs decide to fix that by making and doing nice things for people, like blowing up balloons and making cakes. Unfortunately, trying to be nice to other people is harder than they thought––the balloons keep popping and nothing is going as it should! Can the Tinysaurs help their friends and neighbors so that there will be happiness all around?

I liked The Tinysaurs Send Love because I like when people do nice things for others. I love to make things, like pictures, for my friends, and I would not be happy if everything I tried didn't work! The Tinysaurs did good problem solving, which was fun to read about. I liked the pictures in the book because they were colorful with pinks and reds. Kids will love this book as it's getting closer to Valentine's Day and love it afterward too!


George Washington's Wars with his Slave, Ona Judge

George Washington is a familiar figure in American history. Revered as the father of the nation and the first president (not to mention the general who led the colonies through their revolution), his legacy has lately become more tarnished. He was always known as a slaveowner, but in recent years fewer people have been willing to brush over that part of his history. To some, it seems he can only be one thing or the other, only hero or villain.

Enter James Chichetto. In beautiful, rich verse, he presents us with the Washington so many of us grew up hearing about: the war hero, the statue of a man who rose above the rest to become the president all others would be measured against. At the same time, however, he presents us with Ona Judge, an enslaved woman kept by Martha Washington. Her words provide a counterpoint to Washington’s, never directly calling him out but always reminding the reader of another narrative which has been for too long overshadowed. The two voices weave in and out, never quite speaking to one another but always in tandem. To leave one out would be to forget a part of history.

Perhaps, this book says, George Washington (and American history itself) is too complex and contradictory to be boiled down to being one thing or the other. Perhaps we can be inspired by the wondrous even as we are repelled by the horrific. Perhaps, out of the combination of both, we can learn to be better.

Chichetto’s poetry is beautifully written, with a clear love for his subjects. I enjoyed the flow of the verse, and the rhymes that occasionally sprang out from the lines. The poems never felt as though they were stretching for a rhyme, or altering themselves to fit the form of verse. Instead, the verse let itself be shaped to fit the poems, which is as poetry should be.

The one trouble I had was with getting into the book at the very beginning. For one thing, it can be dense for such a small book. It’s not the sort of thing you dive into; you have to approach it on its own terms, and that may mean going into it slowly. For another, some of the early verses rely on knowledge of Washington that I did not have, which made them harder to follow. This book, while very good, might be best enjoyed by those already familiar with his biography.


Saint Death's Daughter (1) (Saint Death Series)

Coming of age stories are a trope that has been around for a long time in fantasy fiction, especially young adult fantasy fiction. It feels as if what the genre and age group is all about is trying to find oneself and especially if there is danger involved. The problem is that there are a number of books that follow this idea and they are average and way too long. That is what this book is in spades. The idea itself sounded interesting especially from an author who has won an award for fantasy writing. Instead, most of the characters are unlikeable and if the main character we are supposed to root for is also unlikeable, then it can make a slog of a read. Maybe if this book was tighter and the action moved quicker then it might have worked better. It is just that one kind of gets bored with all the negotiating toward adulthood and the adult things she must face such as crushes, assassinations, and more. While the chapters are short, the book could have been shorter overall.


Quicksilver

Quinn Quicksilver has a pretty ordinary life, aside from being abandoned as an infant and growing up in an orphanage. He aspires to be a writer, but while working for a regional magazine he starts to experience some extraordinary things, like this strange magnetic pull he can’t define and can’t ignore. It saves his life and propels him toward his destiny. He struggles to come to terms with this new normal and the innocence lost. On the way, he meets other extraordinary people and together they find themselves on a quest to save all humankind.

This one definitely builds suspense right to the end, with an undercurrent of enlightenment just beyond the reader’s grasp that finally becomes clear. Quinn’s internal struggle is apparent and we watch as his character matures through the course of the story. It’s a slow burn in the beginning, but it picks up about halfway through. This is really a mix of Jane Hawk meets Odd Thomas, and I would love for this to be a series! The quintessential struggle between good and evil, old and new, and vivid landscapes and characters make this one a great read. I would recommend this for anyone who loves sci-fi thrillers.


My Body

My Body is a collection of essays by model and actress Emily Ratajkowski, which all center on her body. Her essays encompass her experiences within the modeling industry and how she is treated as a desirable object and little more, although they also consider her internal perception of her body. Beginning in childhood, Emily realized that her physical appearance had the potential to take her places and she could use it to achieve her financial goals. Conversely, her beauty also exposed her to misogyny, sexual exploitation, and overall bad behavior by the men who control the modeling industry.

My Body is well written, introspective, and deep. It offers an interesting lens through which to view a toxic industry, although Ratajkowski does not hesitate to admit her role in accepting the bad behavior. She excels in pushing the reader to open their eyes to a complicated balance between recognizing sexist treatment and using it to one’s advantage. I found Ratajkowski’s unpacking of her complex relationship with her body really interesting, and she brought up points I never would have considered if not for this book.


The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars

You are an intricate part of the universe, rising like the sun, filling the sky with beautiful illuminating rays. You brighten the lives of those around you as you grow and develop an identity of your own. Your vibrancy extends to those near and far; your inspirations travel distances, effecting the days and nights of those who stand in their wake. Love from your family shapes and connects you in a multitude of ways. Your glimmer and glow emanate like the stars. So, remember to replenish your light, child, and your luminescence will continue to be an ever-present gift.

This book is an ode reaching out to young children. It’s masterfully illustrated and full of positivity and magnificence. Youth will find it a breath of fresh air that feeds their souls with tenderness and optimism. The words encourage them to shine in their brilliance, marking others’ lives with luminosity and inter-connectedness, and also to see life as a pool of limitless possibilities.

The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars is a perfect pick for early readers. It’s written at approximately a second grade level and is relatively brief. Those ages four to eight will treasure it deeply.


Clean Air

Ten years ago, at a point called The Turning, human life became incompatible with the earth’s pollen-saturated air, and half the population died. Now, survivors live in airtight pods, and though society is prosperous, there is no more outdoor life. Izabel is grateful for her family’s safety, but she misses how the world used to be--risky, gritty, real. Then the quiet perfection of Izabel’s community is literally punctured when a serial killer begins slashing the airtight pods, killing the families within. At the same time, Izabel’s young daughter, Cami, begins talking in her sleep--and saying things that suggest she knows where the killer will strike next. With the help of a psychiatrist, a law-enforcement officer, and a tarot reader, Izabel positions herself as a key figure in the manhunt--and uncovers a new life path.

Blake has created a wholly engrossing and plausible future in Clean Air, where climate inaction has resulted in nature taking a kind of revenge that no one could ever have predicted. Izabel fixates on the past by watching reruns of old TV shows and reading newspapers from before The Turning; these glimpses of former “reality” are pleasingly surreal. Even readers who don’t gravitate toward dystopian storylines will find much to admire here.


Santa in the City

This book was great and we even read it after Christmas. Santa in the City was a book about a girl who was worried that Santa wouldn't make it to her because of where she lived. She had all these questions and asked her family so many questions about Santa. One night she went to sleep and woke up to see that Santa did exist and he would make it to her.

I liked that there were so many Black characters in this book. Santa was Black, the people in the girl’s family were Black––there were lots of Black characters. It was also cool to hear all the creative stories her family told her to explain why Santa was real. She had so many questions burning in her mind that needed to be answered.


Ashia’s Table: Family Recipes from India and beyond

Migrants often bring with them their culture, language, and of course their cuisine. These evolve as they adapt to their new home. This book showcases how the cuisine of one migrant evolved and adopted as the author blends culinary traditions from Malawi, Britain and New Zealand into Indian cuisine, and sometimes blends Indian culinary traditions into local cuisines.

Recipes are divided into five main sections: Grazing and Bites (twelve recipes) contains essentially appetizers, Light Lunches (thirteen recipes) contains smaller portions which can be scaled up, The Main Even (twenty-six recipes) are primarily dinner recipes, On The Side (twelve recipes and six chutneys) are sides, and A Touch of Sweetness (nineteen recipes and three beverages) contain primarily desserts. Each recipe takes two pages with the recipe on one side and a picture of the finished product on the other. This helps provide a visual for what the end product should look like. In the case of breads (naan, roti, and paratha) pictures of intermediate steps are also provided.

The recipes tend to be straight forward for readers with medium cooking skills. Some of the ingredients may be harder to obtain, but not anything difficult if there are stores that cater to providing ingredients for ethnic or Indian cuisines. Overall, an excellent book for those willing to try fusion Indian cuisine.


Golden Boys

YA For the Forever Young

If you prefer your young adult fiction to feature some romance or maybe a poetic memoir, then the books included in this list will appeal to you. There’s a mix of contemporary, paranormal, and science fiction to dip into as well as a hint of horror and some LGBTQ+ vibes.

And They Lived . . . by Steven Salvatore

Steven Salvatore brings us an emotionally vibrant story that celebrates self-acceptance. It is the perfect novel for young adults, especially those who are questioning their sexuality and/or gender, and their allies. Chase Arthur, a Disney-obsessed romantic and promising animator, is preoccupied with finding the love of his life. The trouble is, he has body dysmorphia and is recovering from an eating disorder caused by his father, and he is also struggling with his gender identity. In the thick of starting college, Chase meets Jack Reid, who seems to be a dream come true: a romantic with a longing to experience all that there is beyond his small world. However, Chase soon discovers that Jack has to deal with many hurdles when overcoming his internalized homophobia due to his conservative upbringing. When Jack gets a surprise visit from his family, it throws Chase and Jack’s relationship into disarray. Chase soon finds that he needs to learn how to love and accept himself above all else in order to thrive. The author of Can’t Take That Away, Salvatore gives us another beautiful story with And They Lived; your heartstrings will be pulled and you won’t regret it.

Star Child: A Biographical Constellation of Octavia Estelle Butler by Ibi Zoboi

In Star Child, renowned author Ibi Zoboi shines the spotlight on starry-eyed Octavia Butler, the New York Times Bestselling author of Parable of the Sower and Kindred, in both poems and prose. This is a must-read for any fans of Octavia Butler, and Zoboi truly highlights the inspirational and memorable nature of Butler’s work, particularly her formative years and how she integrated her life into her work. This book is a one-of-a-kind read, especially in its form and content, and you can definitely say it is groundbreaking for science fiction and for biographies. Butler was raised around the time of the Space Race and the Civil Right Movement, which informed her views from that point onwards, as is evident in her literature. Zoboi makes it very clear that she admires Butler, using poetry and prose to offer an account of Butler’s life, and it is beautifully done. If you have not previously read anything by Butler, this memoir is the perfect introduction to her work.

The Kindred by Alechia Dow

The bestselling author of Wings of Ebony, Alechia Dow gives us an action-packed science fiction story about the power of love and its ability to change the world in The Kindred. In order to save a galaxy from insurgency, kindred mind pairings were put together to make sure every person has a voice, regardless of class and hierarchical structure. Joy Abara lives an uncomplicated life. Well, aside from the fact that her kindred pairing is with the notorious Duke Felix Hamdi, she is very much a working-class girl. Felix, on the other hand, is a well-known playboy who chooses to rebel against his noble obligations in the hope of one day being free to make his own choices. However, circumstances are working against him and he finds himself next in line for the throne after the royal family are assassinated. To make matters worse, he is accused of committing the murders. Additionally, Felix realizes that he is a target and so is Joy as his kindred match. During their first meeting, they decide to bolt to another planet and end up crash-landing on an underdeveloped planet called Earth. They soon find that, as they are now out of sight, they are able to further develop their kindred attachment, as well as their growing emotional bond, in order to uncover a wrongdoing that could determine the fate of the galaxy.

Golden Boys by Phil Stamper

Raised in a small town, best friends Gabriel, Reese, Sal, and Heath are facing their last year of high school, with every one of them heading in a different direction afterwards. Golden Boys is the story of the boys’ last summer together as a close-knit group as well as of the complexities of finding their own identities and exploring their feelings. Stamper relates a heart-warming and captivating coming-of-age tale of queerness that you will undoubtably find gripping from the first few pages onwards. As a reader, you will be torn between wanting the characters to stay together in their safe and comfortable bubble and wanting them to individually explore exciting new things away from each other. Every character is distinct and believable, and they all bring things to the table. Golden Boys sees all four boys overcoming their own issues and barriers in order to grow, and it is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading.

Extasia by Claire Legrand

The New York Times critically acclaimed author of Sawkill Girls, Claire Legrand brings us an eerie novel about a brave girl who decides to join a witch's coven in an effort to uncover the malevolent force that threatens her village. Her new novel, Extasia, shows us a world that has been destroyed, with a few survivors who all live in Haven, a village that is tormented by grisly deaths. With the protagonist becoming one of the four saints of Haven, she works with her sisters to protect the village against the evil that abides beneath the black mountain. There are also strange and vicious creatures that pursue her, as well as witches that call to her from past the outer walls. She soon finds that the village’s fate is in her hands, but she is ready to take on the fight. This lyrical novel may even make you feel ill at ease at times, as it is certainly enthralling. It is definitely worth reading.


Here’s to Us

YA Roundup

If you enjoy reading young adult fiction with a side of passion, warmth, determination, empowerment, and LGBTQA+, then this roundup article includes five books that will be perfect for you. All five are compelling reads, and while some are more lighthearted than others, all are equally accomplished.

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune is a tender and witty story that will undoubtedly fill your heart with warmth. Wallace refuses to let go of his life when a reaper knocks at his door. Finally, full of indignance, Wallace reluctantly accepts that he is dead. He is offered assistance with crossing over by patient ferryman Hugo, whose door to the other side is located in his tea shop. Through Hugo, Wallace meets many people with captivating stories and begins to realize that his imperious manner and work-centered life were not as fulfilling as he thought. This is a story that inspires and impresses with very skillful worldbuilding. You will quickly become devoted to the main characters and tumble into their world on a wonderful emotional journey. It will leave you reveling in all the benevolence of humanity, not forgetting the scones and tea, in addition to a chipper ghost dog!

When We Make It by Elisabet Velasquez

This empowering debut young adult novel by Elisabet Velasquez will deeply touch your life, likely causing you to laugh and cry out loud. Passionate, stormy, and honest, When We Make It is a coming-of-age story that will move you and leave you rooting for the main character long after you have finished reading. Sarai is a first-generation Puerto Rican eighth-grader who sees the beauty and pain in life with full clarity and without the sentimental idealism that people normally associate with poetic talent. Along with her older sister, she takes you through the pressures of mental illness, sexual assault and toxic masculinity, poverty, and the gentrification of her home in Brooklyn. Openly questioning things around her, along with her Boricua identity, she learns to navigate through her teenage years with determination and braveness. Despite the odds appearing to be stacked against her, Sarai comes out on top, learning to embrace and celebrate herself. This book will tune into your heart and make you feel seen.

Before We Disappear by Shaun David Hutchinson

Jack Nevin is a master of thievery and trickery, and with his consistent supply of stolen tricks, he proves to be a profitable and invaluable assistant to a revered stage magician of the early 1900s, The Enchantress. However, Jack’s pilfering catches up with him and the pair are forced to make a getaway to America. Luckily, they are able to find steady work on the West coast at Seattle’s Alaska–Yukon–Pacific World’s Fair Exposition, which improves their financial outlook, although they are forced to reconcile with the fact that they are not the shining stars of the show. Jack tries to uncover the secrets of this seemingly transcendental performance, but he discovers much more than he expected. He forms a bond with the behind-the-scenes master of tricks, and due to this growing affection, he is forced to choose between his employer, who has given him everything in life so far, and the boy who promises to give him so much in the future. Shaun David Hutchinson’s Before We Disappear is a love story that provides all the twists and turns of a well-crafted heist story. Lovers of historical fiction and fantasy will also enjoy the book and be captivated by its many forms of magic.

You Feel It Just Below the Ribs by Jeffrey Cranor

Set in an alternative twentieth century, You Feel It Just Below the Ribs by Jeffrey Cranor is a haunting tale about loss and trauma as well as human attachment and betrayal. It delves into the cleverly constructed corners of dystopian fantasy, being ultimately melancholic in tone and quietly beautiful, although it has the pace of an edgy intellectual thriller. Miriam grows up during the Great Reckoning, a war than spans decades and wipes out much of humanity, including her friends and family. Alone and heartbroken by her loss, she avoids any other human contact, focusing solely on her work. Time passes, the war ends, and the New Society is founded, forcing all survivors into lives of reclusion to prevent tribal loyalties from forming, including families. Miriam, already used to a life of exile, now sees everyone suddenly being forced to live as she does. A researcher at heart, she becomes involved with organizing this detachment process. Unfortunately, she does not realize that the world as she knows it is on the brink of another dark and sinister change. Over time, she begins to see the disturbing nature of this new system and decides to take a stand against it from within.

Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera

Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera is the captivating follow-up to the pair’s romantic bestseller, What If It’s Us. It is a thrilling read on its own, but it’s even better if you have previously enjoyed the first novel. A breezy tale with a tone of optimism, it is a story that wears its heart on its sleeve. Ben has been working on his fantasy manuscript with writing partner and fabulous kisser Mario throughout his first year of college. Arthur has recently returned to New York City for an internship on Broadway, although he is in a perfectly happy long-distance relationship with his boyfriend from his hometown. Yet, sparks fly when Ben and Arthur happen to come into close contact again, reviving old passions. They decide to persevere on their well-trodden, comfortable and separate paths, knowing that things between them didn’t work out the first time around. Little do they realize, however, that the universe seems to have other ideas in mind and paves the way for a series of encounters that make them both question their feelings for each other.


D is for Drool: My Monster Alphabet (I Need My Monster)

I found the I Need My Monster books in the library several years ago, and since I read the first one, I have loved them all! I have a few of my own at home and like to read them every once in a while. I like that the books aren't scary, even though they're about monsters. So when my mom showed me D is for Drool: My Monster Alphabet, I was really excited! I wasn't sure if the book would be too little for me since I have known my alphabet for a while now. After reading through it, I learned new words for the letters of the alphabet, such as G is for googly-eyes, S is for spikes, V is for vanish, and W is for wart and wings––things I didn't know before.

I really liked this book because the words are crazy and the pictures are colorful and exciting. Kids of any age will like this book, even if they don't know about the I Need My Monster books but just like the idea of monsters.


LEGO Space Projects: 52 Creative Models

LEGO Space Projects is a must-have for any LEGO enthusiast. The spacecrafts range from easy to difficult, so there are options for any builder. Almost everything about the book is simple to read and understand; the only possibly tricky thing would be having all the pieces needed to complete each project. Something new to me is a website to purchase individual LEGO pieces! There are two options as buying directly from the LEGO site is always an option.

My kids and I love to play with LEGO and build imaginative things, although I struggle with the imaginative part and prefer having directions to guide me. LEGO Space Projects helps me by providing instructions; some projects are longer than others, depending on their difficulty level. Playing with LEGO is nostalgic and peaceful, a great form of therapy for adults and kids after a long day of listening to directions. With LEGO, you can choose to follow the instructions or not – it's the only time of the day where you get to make the rules!

If you want a challenge or love space, you'll find many space projects that are recognizable and enjoyable to build in this book.


Homemade Robots: 10 Simple Bots to Build with Stuff Around the House consists of a brief introduction to the tools that are used to build small robots without micro-controllers, along with ten robotics projects.

The introduction to the tools is fairly brief, but with practice you can probably master soldering and drilling. The projects require the purchase of non-everyday items such as servo motors and empty paint cans, even though it says that they are built with “stuff around the house.” All the ideas are good and the concepts are well explained, but the specification of parts and steps is lacking. If you have good maker skills and an assortment of some of the more common materials, this book would be a good choice. It is especially well suited to experienced makers who have never worked with robotics and want to dive into a new type of making.

I think all library systems should stock this book. It would make a good addition to a university library, even though the language used is simple. It gives good explanations, and any mistakes I made were probably my fault. I think makers should buy this book, but less experienced people should consider a more introductory book.


The Mystery of the Sorrowful Maiden (A Laetitia Rodd Mystery)

Mrs. Rodd has been called in to solve another case; this time round it’s The Mystery of the Sorrowful Maiden. The case begins with a friend asking her to help a woman receive a fair settlement from her husband, who is trying to leave her and marry a younger woman. All the players involved are stage actors and so Mrs. Rodd reluctantly has to enter the world of the stage, where she discovers many of her biases are not far off. The details of the case become more sordid by the minute, and it isn’t long before the bodies begin to pile up. When everyone has a motive for murder, how do you discover the real culprit? Mrs. Rodd will have to use all her expertise to discover the villain.

This is a perfect addition to the Laetitia Rodd series. I really enjoy the added commentary, which gives the feel of Mrs. Rodd looking back and reminiscing about her old cases. I highly recommend this book, and if you have not read any of this series before, now is a great time to start. These mysteries are perfect for reading while sitting by the fire with a cup of tea.


Litani

In 1984, teenage Frankie Jubilee is forced to move in with her estranged mother, Linda, in Litani, Minnesota. When Frankie arrives in Litani, she realizes something is off. There are no children playing outside, and her neighbors are very standoffish. She soon discovers that the town is in danger. A satanic ring is terrorizing local children, and throughout the story, Frankie learns more about damaged Litani and her father’s history with the strange town.

Litani focuses on the victims of child abuse and can be hard to read at times. Frankie was a great protagonist, and her tendency to uncover the truth was compelling. Her friendship with Crane was depicted very well. Yet, the character of her mother was difficult to believe. Her interactions with Frankie seemed overly scripted, and at times she overshared.

Although the book was engaging, the plot was a bit messy and had abrupt transitions. For instance, the police knew that something disturbing was going on at the brewery, but crimes continued to happen there with no intervention. Towards the end, I wasn’t as invested in the result. Overall, this was a good book but not a must read.


A Good Day to Pie

Lady Benton witnesses a murder. Or does she? The victim’s body is nowhere to be found, and the ‘murderer’ died in a motorcar crash a few years ago. This is the bizarre situation confronting Inspector Ian Rutledge of Scotland Yard when he arrives at the coastal village of Walmer in Essex. Still suffering from shell shock, the damaged WWI veteran regularly hears the voice of his corporal, Hamish Macleod, shot on his orders for refusing to lead another pointless attack. With Hamish ever-present in his rearview mirror, Rutledge sifts through possible explanations for Lady Benton’s ‘sighting’. Was the car crash an accident? Did the young mechanic who disappeared from the nearby wartime airfield at that time desert? What is the surly innkeeper at The Monk’s Choice hiding? Or is Rutledge dealing with something that pre-dates the war? Matters are complicated further when two dead bodies turn up in the course of the investigation. Rutledge works painstakingly through the evidence, eliminating red herrings, drawing out suspicious villagers, and coping all the while with his own demons. The premise – the witnessed ‘murder’ – feels slightly manufactured, but the plot is devious enough to keep readers guessing, and the denouement adds a dash of action-oriented excitement.


The Starless Crown (Moon Fall, 1)

James Rollins is an internationally bestselling author know for his Sigma Force series and compelling thrillers that keep readers gripped to the page, but did you know he has also written fantasy, under the pen name James Clemens? Well, with the conclusion of his thriller series, he now returns to the genre with the first book in the Moon Fall series, The Starless Crown.

In a harsh world where death seemingly waits at every corner, things can often seem bleak, nevertheless, there is always hope, sometimes through magic, sometimes through prophecy. Nyx is a fourteen-year-old girl in the Cloistery of Brayk. She has been nearly blind from a young age and is picked on because of her disability and her short stature, but still manages to excel through school. She is also having dreams and visions of the approaching apocalypse, then everything changes in a catastrophic event. Nyx will be brought together with the thief Rhaif, Prince Kanthe ry Masif, and the former knight Graylin sy moor to uncover ancient secrets.

The first of four books, The Starless Crown sets the stage with this interesting, complex characters, as well follow their journey in coming together and beginning their quest.


Real Easy: A Novel

When Ruby and Lady Jade go missing from the Lovely Lady, all the other strippers start to wonder if they are next on the list of a disgruntled patron. The disappearances of the two women, whose real names are Samantha and Kimberly, is the start of Mari Rutkoski’s suspenseful first novel Real Easy.

One of the most interesting parts about the book is its focus on the female gaze and experiences. There’s little titillation at what these women do for a living, and little attention paid to how the men they interact with feel about these women. Rutkoski offers glimpses into the seedy lives and fetishes of a few male characters, but this is a book about women—their fears, their hopes, their secrets—and it is refreshing to read something that could so easily turn campy or sensational but never does.

Georgia, another stripper at the Lovely Lady, has the most compelling story. She keeps an eye on everything while lying about her own past; she is meticulous in her habits out of safety. As her character grows stronger, the choices she makes put her more at risk, but each move is believable given the excellent development over time Rutkoski creates through chapters told episodically, focusing on different characters each time.

All manner of women—mothers, cops, sisters, lovers—populate Real Easy, and the suspense is built well though, if you’re really paying attention, the responsible party is pretty clear from the start.


From a legal battle for clean water to how we can tackle the plastic crisis, these five books not only offer different ways to address environmental pollution, but also offer a unique perspective on the inspiring world of medicine and its evolution.

Desperate: An Epic Battle for Clean Water and Justice in Appalachia by Kris Maher

Set in a West Virginia community in the Appalachian Mountains, this legal drama follows a tenacious environmental lawyer, Kevin Thompson, on a campaign to secure for clean water for the people of Mingo County. For two decades, the families of this coal mining community had found that when turning on their taps, they were met with discolored sludge. Following this, many in the community seemed to become seriously ill. Thompson, along with other lawyers and a band of young activists, fought a seven-year battle against West Virginia’s mighty coal company, Massey Energy, and exposed the merciless shortcuts that had led to the deadly contamination of the drinking water. Desperate takes a compelling look at corporate greed and corruption, as well as at the fight for the rights of the little guy. It documents the years-long case with a cinematic style, and Kris Maher’s effective reporting evokes strong feeling in the reader, providing a reason to believe that justice does still prevail, even against the odds.

Earth Detox: How and Why we Must Clean Up Our Planet by Julian Cribb

Earth Detox is a book that pulls no punches regarding the chemicalization of our planet and how the slow poisoning affects everything living thing on it. Science policy expert Julian Cribb handles this difficult yet important topic with zest and indicates that the barrage of chemicals and pollutants we throw into the atmosphere and oceans is six times larger than our greenhouse gas emissions. Many of these chemicals have not even been tested for safety, and they have been found in the most unthinkable places, from traces of arsenic found on the slopes of Mount Everest to flame-retardant chemicals identified in deep sea squid. These billions of tons of toxic chemicals are everywhere and in everything, including smart phones, medications, food, and clothes. Essentially though, this is more of a book about hope than despair. Cribb lays down ten existential threats that he states must be addressed and maps a way forward so that future generations can live as normally as possible and in harmony with the planet. The essence is sharing solutions in order to move toward a safe and healthy world for all living things.

Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis by Erica Cirino

Erica Cirino’s Thicker Than Water is an open-hearted and frank examination of the throwaway culture that embodies the richest nations of this world, which then inevitably ends up on the doorstep of the world’s poorest nations. The impact is much bigger than most people think. Almost every person living today uses plastic on a daily basis, which has usually been designed for up to only a few minutes use at a time. This plastic inevitably ends up in our oceans, as the recycling process is far more complicated than we thought and so much plastic gets rejected. Cirino is a talented journalist and this account of her globe-hopping journey to meet scientists and activists who are trying to tackle the plastic issue illuminates the health impacts on wildlife and human life. The plastic crisis is an urgent issue and this book helps the reader to understand how we created the problem, but it also offers ways forward to help end the crisis. Technical innovations such as trash wheels, booms and grates, and simply picking up rubbish do help, but ultimately the solution lies in education, science, and systemic change. However, the problems of backlash from large industries, including fossil fuel companies who counter the lack of demand by creating plastic from ancient carbon stocks, complications of recycling, and our own unwillingness to let go of a life of convenience, threaten any good work already done. This book will help people to rethink their living habits and educate humankind about a better and healthier future for our planet.

Fauci: Expect the Unexpected: Ten Lessons on Truth, Service, and the Way Forward by National Geographic

Infectious disease specialist Anthony Fauci, the White House’s famous doctor, offers us an inspiring look at the influences in his life and the lessons that he has learned, giving us a rare glimpse into the world of a renowned medical expert. Fauci already had three decades worth of experience before becoming the most acclaimed doctor in America after dedicating himself to the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and in Fauci: Expect the Unexpected, he offers inspirational excerpts on governance, finding happiness in times of strife, and preparing to face unanticipated events. Fauci has spent his career fighting incredibly dangerous diseases such as AIDS, Ebola, and now COVID-19, and he has dedicated his life to dealing with heavy professional responsibilities. In this book, his insightful anecdotes offer ways to deal with obstacles and setbacks, especially in difficult times. The inspiring quotes taken from interviews in the eponymous National Geographic documentary will help people to move forward with respect to achieving a kinder future.

Patient Zero: A Curious History of the World's Worst Diseases by Lydia Kang and Nate Pedersen

From the authors of Quackery, Patient Zero chronicles various outbreaks of diseases, along with when they appeared and how they circulated. From reading this book, you will come to know the science behind the discovery of the diseases and how medicine has evolved to help us to deal with them. Kang and Pedersen offer medical accounts of different diseases and viruses, such as bubonic plague, HIV, polio, and smallpox, and tell us the human stories left in the wake of each, along with the investigation into the successes and failures, scientific theories, and examinations. We learn about the historical tragedies of patient zeros and how they led to medical breakthroughs. The authors also introduce us to how politics and religion manipulated information regarding the diseases. This is a morbidly entertaining and very accessible book with a good number of illustrations, so even the most reluctant reader should enjoy it. The only downside to reading it is the realization of how many nasty diseases are still out there and how easy it could be to experience another pandemic in our lifetime.


Spy School the Graphic Novel

Spy School the Graphic Novel is a book about a boy named Benjamin Ripley who attends a spy school to learn how to be a spy. During the book, Ben tries to learn all there is about being a spy while trying to figure out who a secret assassin is.

I really liked the characters in the book. I feel like all the main characters completed each other and really made the book seem real. Since it was a graphic novel, there were drawings on each page. They were in-between a cartoony and detailed style and that made it very fun to look at.

I would recommend this book because the storyline was very captivating and I couldn't stop reading it!

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers


Oathbound: (The Royal Rose Chronicles Book 1) (Volume 1)

Emma, daughter of the infamous Arabella the Ruthless, dislikes pirates almost as much as she detests the sea. Having lost her family to various vices and tragedies, she’s managed to carve out a life for herself working at a small port-side tavern. It’s there that she discovers she is dying from the same illness that slowly took her father. When a former member of the king’s navy turned privateer offers her passage to the very island where the cure is believed to grow, she is faced with the choice of living out the next few months of her life in peace or taking a chance to live. Against her better judgement, Emma finds herself initiated into the rag-tag crew of the Royal Rose and on a quest to find the haunted treasure of Barnabe De.

This story has all the beloved elements of a classic pirate tale, including ferocious sea monsters, captivating merfolk, legendary treasure troves, and haunting black ships. What sets the story apart is the charmingly flawed cast of characters. Although the crew is riddled with conflicting motivations, they somehow manage to work together, even when promises and secrets threaten to tear them apart.


Born for Trouble: The Further Adventures of Hap and Leonard

Hap Collins and Leonard Pine are brothers in arms who trouble always seems to find. However, when the chips are down, they are a duo you would want fighting for you. Born for Trouble offers up five new adventures for the pair where danger is omnipresent. “Coco Butternut” finds Hap and Leonard hired to retrieve the remains of a deceased show dog, which was absconded with from a local cemetery. The ransom exchange yields another discovery and soon events spiral out of control. “Hoodoo Harry” is the nickname of a woman who drove a local bookmobile. The bookmobile nearly kills Hap and Leonard, causing them to investigate the whereabouts of its owner and the dead bodies contained within it. And so it goes, the conclusions of each story are uncertain, only chaos is assured.

Born for Trouble is the latest collection of short stories involving the delightfully incorrigible pair of Hap and Leonard (Of Mice and Minestrone, Blood and Lemonade) written by Joe R. Lansdale. The mayhem and carnage of the wicked and depraved are offset by the dark humor and bravery of Hap and Leonard. Each entry in the new anthology stands alone in being funny, dark, readable, and thought provoking. A joy from start to finish.


Where the Drowned Girls Go (Wayward Children, 7)

New Science Fiction and Fantasy

This roundup comprises five of the best new science fiction and fantasy novels published in the last few months. Action-packed and astoundingly imaginative, they all offer to transport readers to exciting otherworldly locations populated by extraordinary beings. In fact, if you aim to explore strange new worlds and seek out new life and new civilizations, then these are the books for you.

Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire

In Where the Drowned Girls Go, the seventh volume in Seanan McGuire’s Wayward Children series, a new anti-magical school is introduced and its students are forced to rebel against the overly authoritative faculty, which makes for a tense and fantastical read. When Eleanor West first opened her Home for Wayward Children, she had to acknowledge the fact that she wouldn’t be able to help all those who arrived at her door, although she determined to do her best to assist as many as possible. She’s surprised, however, when Cora turns out to be one of the children who might need to pursue their fate elsewhere. For her part, Cora is desperately seeking a different life, a different prophecy, and the ability to make her own fate. At Cora’s urging, Eleanor reluctantly agrees to transfer her to the Whitethorn Institute, a school that is run according to very different principles than the Home for Wayward Children. Once there, Cora soon realizes that something distinctly sinister is going on and that she might just be the only one capable of overcoming it.

The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe

With  The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer, Janelle Monáe and a host of collaborators have put together a collection of powerful short stories that explore what life is like under a near-future totalitarian regime and if there is any possibility of escape. Set in the Afrofuturistic world that informs one of Monáe’s albums, the stories interrogate issues such as sexuality, race, and gender, and they do so against a backdrop of a world in which thoughts can be controlled, modified, or even erased by a select group of powerful elites. As a consequence, the lives of all individuals—whether human, AI, or something else entirely—are overseen by a cabal of megalomaniacs who have assigned themselves the power to control the fate of everything. Well, that was the case until Jane 57821 took the chance to break free and start thinking for herself. The stories in this collection build on and expand the world inhabited by Jane 57821, fleshing it out in all its repressive horror and amazing opportunity.

The Devil’s Dictionary by Steven Kotler

An empathy tracker and emotional forecaster, Lion Zorn is unique. He is also uniquely placed to know why the world is the way that it is and what the future is likely to hold, although he mostly concentrates on more day-to-day matters. Still, his skills are very useful to have in a highly competitive market, despite occasionally brining him into contact with the less desirable members of society. When what should have been a standard em-tracking mission suddenly goes wrong and his fellow em-trackers start disappearing, Lion is left without allies and with a serious puzzle to solve. As he searches for the truth, Lion finds himself on a collision course with the shadowy parties behind the mega-linkage, a continent-spanning national park that was billed as the best way to avoid environmental collapse and protect the planet’s biodiversity. Filled with action and intrigue, Steven Kotler’s The Devil’s Dictionary is pure cyberpunk weirdness that both thrills and amazes.

Mickey7 by Edward Ashton

A thought-provoking blend of weighty science fiction concepts and hazardous moral dilemmas, Mickey7 by Edward Ashton is part futuristic farce and part all-too-likely horror story. Seeking away to escape both his debts and the boredom of life on Midgard, the original Mickey signed up as an expendable on a mission to colonize the ice planet of Niflheim. He probably should have enquired further into why the position was vacant despite the mission being so prestigious, although he soon learned that the expendable is the person sent to do all the dangerous and likely deadly jobs that no one else on the crew wants to do. For the sake of efficiency, each time a Mickey dies, a clone is created that has most of the memories of the original guy and the subsequent iterations. For the Mickeys, space travel turns out to be not much fun after all, but when Mickey7 is erroneously declared missing and presumed dead, the newly created Mickey8 diligently reports for duty, which is when things really take a turn for the weird.

Curfew by Jayne Cowie

In the Great Britain of the not-too-distant future, women have taken charge of society and imposed a curfew on men, who must all wear electronic tags and stay in their homes between the hours of 7pm and 7am. While women no longer need to fear being out after dark, the curfew hasn’t proved great for all of them. In the case of single mother Sarah, for example, the curfew law resulted in her husband being sent to prison, although it isn’t going to do much to protect her now that he’s been released. Their daughter Cass also has issues with the curfew and the restrictions that it puts on the lives of boys like her friend Billy, which makes her determined to prove that he’s not a threat to anyone. Meanwhile, teacher Helen has applied for a cohab certificate with her partner, Tom, so that they can finally live together and have a baby. When one of these three women is murdered during the night, it seems clear that the killer can’t have been a man, but is that really the case? Jayne Cowie’s Curfew is a complex futuristic thriller that poses important questions while also delivering a heart-pounding story.