Join us in our quarterly Book Talk event with the staff to talk about upcoming new releases that you must read! People who purchase or special order the night of will get 10% off!
Our last on was in February, 2024, with Anderson and Carolyn.
The next one is May 2nd, 2024, with Anderson and Tyler!
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS, FEBRUARY ‘24
THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah
A remarkable novel of historical fiction from the incredibly talented Kristin Hannah! The Women is the amazing, harrowing story of a young woman coming of age and stretching her wings as a nurse during the Vietnam war. Hannah does not shy away from describing the harsh conditions and psychological trauma Vietnam soldiers faced during and after the war, while shedding light on the unrecognized sacrifices of the female nurses who served and suffered alongside them. Important, emotional and unforgettable!
Old Crimes: and Other Stories by Jill McCorkle
By the author of Life After Life, a splendid collection of short stories, each one as satisfying as a 300-page novel! Cleverly connected, you will occasionally recognize a character from an earlier story that shows up in a brief and meaningful way. Jill writes distinctly southern stories minus the stereotypical characters. Best of all, the disappointments, sorrows and pain are liberally sprinkled with sparkling humor.
MERCURY by Amy Jo Burns
Extraordinary! A lyrically written story set in 1990s rural Pennsylvania about the Josephs, an unforgettable family of three brothers and the women who hold them, and their roofing business, together. I adored every character in the remarkable novel about love and loyalty, loss and forgiveness. Perfect for readers who enjoyed The Connelly’s of County Down!
Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-reun
“If people started to believe that there’s something in life that only people who read can discover, stories in this world that only people who read can tell, wouldn’t more of them be seduced to peel back the pages of a book?” It was the only sentence I needed to fall completely in love with this book. Enjoy stepping into the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop as a new customer. Get to know the memorable characters and their stories the way you would any new friend.
FAMILY FAMILY by Laurie Frankel
I adore Laurie Frankel’s character driven novels -- I am not sure there is any other author who more accurately portrays all the wonderfully complex, infuriating and joyful things that make up a family. Family, Family is a heartwarming story about found family and unconventional choices told from the perspective of an actress that chooses adoption over and over again. The result is a messy, nontraditional family that is just oozing with love. A must read!
ANNA O by Matthew Blake
In this unique, fascinating thriller, a psychologist who specializes in sleep disorders is involved in a case where the crime was committed while the murderer was sleepwalking! Various levels of betrayal are gradally unveiled, resulting in a twisty, intriguing read!
Argyle by Ella Conway
As much intrigue surrounds the mysterious author of this book as the fast paced action in this new thriller. A thoroughly entertaining story and engaging character, Aubrey Argyle might be the 21st century’s James Bond!
FROZEN RIVER by Ariel Lawhon
I inhale anything the lovely Ariel Lawhon writes and THE FROZEN RIVER is no exception! A beautifully written, meticulously researched story about a 19th century midwife whose fascinating story was begging to be told. Both a history lesson and a mystery, Lawhon delivers another unputdownable read!
IRON FLAME by Rebecca Yarros
The sequel to Fourth Wing and worth the hype! I am traditionally not a fantasy reader but I was completely immersed in the brutal, exhilarating world Yarros creates - a war college for dragon riders! Filled with action, adventure and romance, this series had me furiously flipping pages from beginning to end! Tyler describes it as “Harry Potter for grown-ups!”
FIRST LIE WINS by Ashley Elston - EVENT APRIL 30TH
A fast-paced, cleverly plotted novel of psychological suspense with a wickedly smart protagonist. I was completely immersed in the secret identities and game of cat and mouse she plays with her mysterious boss, and twists I did not see coming!
THE BERRY PICKERS by Amanda Peters
A heartfelt family drama that follows an Indigenous family from Nova Scotia to Maine for seasonal work picking berries. Their lives are upended when their young daughter Ruthie disappears. A beautifully written story of desperation, love and loss, and forgiveness.
The Framed Women of Ardemore House by Bradley Schillace
American editor Jo Jones inherits the crumbling family estate in North Yorkshire. When the body of the groundskeeper ends up on her rug and an unusual family portrait disappears, Jo finds herself as much a suspect as a victim. Defending herself is difficult for Jo because she is autistic and her answers seem suspicious to the local detective. She accomplishes through research what she can’t with communication and soon finds an ally in a Welsh antique dealer. A fresh twist on a British village mystery, authentically written by an autistic author.
LISTEN FOR THE LIE by Amy Tintera
A darkly comic, fun, fast-paced thriller. Though never officially accused, a young woman believes she murdered her best friend years ago…but what if she didn't? A true crime podcaster enters to set the record straight in this electrifying whodunit!
The Silver Bone by Andrey Kurkov
Ukraine’s most celebrated novelist introduces a new series set in Kyiv in 1919. World War I has ended but to the East six factions vie for control of Ukraine making it impossible to know who to trust. When Samson Kolechko writes an eloquent report to reclaim items confiscated from his home, the new police recruit him to work as an investigator. Completely out of his element, the young detective finds himself embroiled in a case involving two murders and a bone made of silver. A charming young detective, rich historical detail and an unexpected touch of magical realism put this book at the top of my favorite mysteries list.
THE GREAT DIVIDE by Cristina Henriquez
I thoroughly enjoyed this character-driven historical novel set during the building of the Panama Canal. Through the compelling voices of individuals with varying social status - activists, fishmongers, laborers, journalists, neighbors, and doctors - we see impacts of the Canal’s construction as well as the United States' involvement in Panama. This vividly written story shows how the Panama Canal not only created a physical division in the country, but also divisions within families and communities.
The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill
Writers’ thrillers may be the new legal thriller and Gentill’s clever page turner excels!
Cindy agrees: Part mystery with murder and humor as well as a variety of characters and interesting plot!
NON-FICTION
FINDING ME by Viola Davis
A thoroughly enjoyed this raw, honest and powerful memoir from Viola Davis, In Finding Me, the producer and Academy Award winning actress, shares her life story - the good, the bad and the ugly. Viola has been through abuse, poverty and tragedy which she openly shares. Her traumatic childhood left her with lifelong scars. These scars she recognizes, nurtures, accepts and chooses to learn and grow from, making her the wife, actor and mother she is today.
Quantum Body: The New Science of Living a Longer, Healthier, More Vital Life by Deepak Chopra
Quantum physics is the study of matter and energy at the most fundamental level. The quantum body, thought to be an esoteric science, is emerging as a real and provable concept. Dr. Chopra explains the concept beautifully, and shares many excellent healing tools whether we understand it or not. Fascinating!
YOU COULD MAKE THIS PLACE BEAUTIFUL by Maggie Smith
Poetic, raw and thought-provoking observations on marriage, motherhood and finding oneself from poet Maggie Smith. She weaves personal anecdotes and experiences with universal truths that resonated with me as a wife and mother.
IN LIGHT OF ALL DARKNESS by Kim Cross
A compelling, well-written true crime novel about the 1993 kidnapping and search for Polly Klaas. Written by the daughter-in-law of one the the FBI agents involved in the investigation, this meticulously researched book discusses the case in depth and the impact it had on police/FBI procedures, forensics and laws that are now in practice today.
THE SUN DOES SHINE by Anthony Ray Hinton
An important, gut-wrenching memoir by Anthony Ray Hinton, a man who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent almost 30 years on Alabama’s death row for a crime he didn’t commit. Hinton writes with powerful detail about the events leading up to his arrest and the institutional and interpersonal racism he faced during his trial and sentencing. He shares about the many somber years he spent on death row and how he tried to cope, such as starting a book club, turning to his faith, and maintaining connections with his mother and his best friend. It was incredibly moving to read of Hinton’s eventual release and his lawyer Bryan Stevenson’s (author of Just Mercy) painstaking work to overturn his wrongful conviction. A must read!
OTHER STAFF FAVORITES
Wintering by Katherine May - Stacy’s Pick
Finding Margaret Fuller by Allison Pataki - Tyler’s Pick
What Would Mama Do by Lila Marie Pennington Ryals (Fairhope local author) - Tyler’s Pick
Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh - Leigh’s Pick