Author: Molly

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What I’ve Been Watching Fall 2025 Edition

Posted on by Molly

Here is a list of movies I watched this fall and what I thought about them and what you should also watch or watch instead. Many of the movies came off of the New York Times list of the best films of the 21st century, so far. Get your free access to the NYT courtesy of Mead Library by clicking HERE if you’d like to see the list for yourself.

Memories of Murder (2003) dir. Bong Joon Ho
Rural South Korean detectives struggle and fail to bring a serial murderer to justice. Based on true events. This is a must-watch for disciples of international film, true crime, Bong Joon Ho, and Song Kang-Ho. Gripping, disturbing, gorgeous, and frustrating.

Companion movies: The Bone Collector (1999); Frenzy (1972); LA Confidential (1997); Zodiac (2007)

Michael Clayton (2007) starring George Clooney and Tilda Swinton
Fancy attorney “fixer” Michael Clayton must figure out who is killing off everyone related to a multi-billion dollar lawsuit in this taught thriller because he might be next. Great cast. Beautifully shot. Slick narrative devices. Morally grey protagonists. This baby has really got it all.

Companion movies: Collateral (2004); Erin Brockovich (2000); The Insider (1999); Nightcrawler (2014)

Spotlight (2015) starring Michael Keaton and Rachel McAdams
The incredible, harrowing, and heartbreaking true story of the Boston Globe breaking the Catholic sex abuse scandal in 2001. This won the Oscar for Best Picture and rightly so. We will be discussing this film at the Feb. 2026 meeting of Movie Club. I am screening it that week, too, check the calendar for details. I watched this slack-jawed and all in one go, and while my mouth is often slack, it is rare that I watch an entire movie all in one sitting.

Companion movies: Broadcast News (1987); Conclave (2024); Doubt (2008); Mystic River (2003)

Black Orpheus (1959) dir. Marcel Camus
A fabulous retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice set against the colorful backdrop of Carnival in Rio with an all-black cast. This dreamy interpretation captured international attention and was awarded the Palme D’or at Cannes.

Companion movies: Singin’ In the Rain (1952); The Red Shoes (1948); Touki Bouki (1973); The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1967)

The Intouchables (2011) dir. Olivier Nakache
Sweet and unexpected buddy comedy in which a good natured recidivist stumbles into employment as the caretaker of a wealthy quadriplegic aristocrat. Worlds collide here to great effect. There is an American remake starring Hal from Malcolm in the Middle and that little fella from Jumanji. I haven’t seen it and cannot attest to its charm or lack thereof. It’s called The Upside (2017). 

Companion movies: Amelie (2001); The Bucket List (2007); Captain Fantastic (2016); Notting Hill (1999)

The Menu (2022) starring Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy
A chef and his staff at the height of their celebrity and abilities have a strange reaction to the lofty position they have attained. This one gets bloody but it’s FUNNy blood, you guys. No it isn’t actually. Trigger warning, you guys, actually.

Companion movies: Pig (2021); Ready or Not (2019); Saltburn (2023); Triangle of Sadness (2022)

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024) starring Henry Cavill and Alan Ritchson
Large British men do man things in the service of His Royal Majesty during WWII. Although there were several Large Men featured throughout, I found the movie to be inexplicably boring despite looking slick as heck. What a waste of Large Men and their various abilities. I would watch Alan Ritchson grout tile tho, to be fair. Stick to Ritchie’s early work like Snatch (2000) and Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998).

Companion movies: The Dirty Dozen (1967); The Great Escape (1963); Inglorious Basterds (2009); Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015)

All of the movies listed above are available in the Monarch catalog on DVD, BluRay, and/or streaming formats. Don’t forget to check Kanopy and Hoopla when looking for something to watch. Are none of the titles I listed appealing? Consider using Mead’s Your Next Five Movies film-recommendation tool. Take a look HERE. We also offer a book recommendation tool Your Next Five Books if movies are not appealing at the moment.   

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Library Reads October 2025

Posted on by Molly

When I am in a reading slump I often shake myself out of it by learning what other people are excited about. Below, the top ten adult fiction and nonfiction books chosen monthly by America’s library staff have been listed. Most are currently available in the Monarch catalog in a variety of formats. 

Crafting for Sinners: A Novel by Jenny Kiefer (Quirk Books)
Ruth makes a big mistake by shoplifting from the religious craft store in her small town. Things get messy, and she’s trapped and fighting for her life. The rest is a scary bloodbath with clever uses for craft supplies. The zealots are after Ruth and others they deem sinners (gays, atheists, or just non-conformists). This quick read is very scary and super gory.
—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin TX
NoveList read-alike: Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix 

The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong (Ace) 
When a new depository is needed for minor magical objects, two seemingly very different women are chosen to lead the mission. Sent to a small depressed village, they develop an unexpected relationship, and magic starts to happen. This was an easyread romance that will keep readers captivated.
—Ron Haislip-Hansberry, Springfield City Library, MA
NoveList read-alike: Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree 

Red City by Marie Lu (Tor Books)
Lu’s tale follows two young outsiders with a powerful connection who are brought up to wield both power and magic on opposing sides of a gang war. Both deeply emotional and electrifying, this will remind readers of Fonda Lee and Erin Morgenstern.
—Gregg Winsor, Johnson County Library, MO
NoveList read-alike: Silvercloak by L.K. Steven

The Women of Wild Hill by Kirsten Miller (William Morrow)
Generations of women in the Duncan family have an important and magical legacy. Three members of the latest generation are going to turn the tide against patriarchal men, reclaiming the planet for the Old One and restoring Earth’s balance. Readers will find it hard to put down this magical and fascinating story.
—Judy G. Sebastian, Eastham Public Library, MA
NoveList read-alike: Strange Folk by Alli Dyer

Wreck by Catherine Newman (Harper)
Rocky is a mom who feels everything to the maximum degree. Her grown children and her dad still occupy most of her waking life. When tragedy strikes, she has to find a balance that will allow her to just breathe and be thankful for the life they have. Written with real emotions and much humor, many moms will relate to this followup to Sandwich.
—Linda Quinn, LibraryReads Ambassador, MA
NoveList read-alike: Small World by Laura Zigman

Bog Queen by Anna North (Bloomsbury)
The body of a woman is unearthed in Northern Britain in this intricate and engaging atmospheric thriller. It offers three female perspectives that reveal to readers the inner thoughts of a contemporary newly trained forensic anthropologist, a young druid healer from centuries past, and a voice from the wild peat moss bog.
—Shirley Braunlich, Lawrence Public Library, KS
NoveList read-alike: Daughter of Black Lake by Cathy Marie Buchanan

The Missing Pages by Alyson Richman (Union Square & Co.)
Harry is tragically lost when the Titanic sinks, having gone back to his cabin to retrieve a treasured book. His mother has the Harry Widener Memorial Library built at Harvard to honor his memory and to house his book collection. Years later, a young woman working at the library while dealing with her own devastating loss starts to notice strange ghostly events in and around the library.
—Beth Mills, New Rochelle Public Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: The Ghost and Mrs. Muir by R.A. Dick

Remain: A Supernatural Love Story by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan (Random House)
Part romance, part ghost story, part murder mystery, this novel’s chilling yet heartfelt exploration of the bonds of family is written in the emotionally resonant style of Sparks and infused with Shyamalan’s signature suspense. This is a seemingly familiar tale with a haunting twist.
—Cathleen Clifford, Groton Public Library, CT
NoveList read-alike: The Shape of Night by Tess Gerritsen 

Conform: A Novel by Ariel Sullivan (Ballantine Books)
This debut is a fascinating look at a dystopian future based on a strict caste system that relies on fear and heavy indoctrination to maintain peace. Emmaline, a relatable protagonist, is used as a pawn by both sides of a simmering rebellion, but will she settle for this fate? Readers will eagerly await a sequel.

BONUS PICK:
Vampires at Sea by Lindsay Merbaum (Creature Publishing)

NOTABLE NONFICTION
F*cked Up Fairy Tales: Sinful Cinderellas, Prince Alarmings, and Other Timeless Classics by Liz Gotauco (W. W. Norton & Company)

As always, staff at Mead Library are happy to help assist requesting materials or troubleshooting tech stuff. We are also happy to create book suggestion lists catered to individual taste. Consider using Mead’s Your Next Five Books service if it’s reading slump season in your neck of the wood.

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Library Reads September 2025

Posted on by Molly

Lists! Lists! Lists! Lists! Lists! I love lists. Library Reads is a list to look forward to. The book picks on this list represent what library workers in the U.S. are collectively excited about in the publishing world. It’s fine and dandy to have old favorites (Jason Pargrin; Becky Chambers; Shari Lapena; Daniel Pinkwater; etc for me) but it’s an awfully specific and good feeling that comes with reading a brand new author and getting that sense of discovery.

We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad (S&S/Marysue Rucci Books)
This atmospheric, wickedly funny prequel to Bunny is a treat. Readers get to know the bunnies and their first creation intimately. Arieus experiences many firsts: love, heartache, frat parties, being made a muse. Awad fans will rejoice and new fans will be made with this riotous little novel.
—Brooke G., DeKalb County Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: I’m Not Done with You Yet by Jesse Q. Sutano

People Watching: A Novel by Hannah Bonam-Young (Dell)
Milo, an eternal wanderer, and Prue, happily settled in her hometown, seem to have nothing in common. Through some tangled family challenges, they find that they have a lot to learn from each other. This wonderful romance features messy, moving, and complex characters who fight hard for their happily ever after.
—Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: Single Dads Club by Therese Beharrie

A Land So Wide by Erin A. Craig (Pantheon)
Greer, a mapmaker in the town of Mistaken who fantasizes about leaving, notices strange things happening. Then her lover mysteriously leaves town. In her attempts to save him, she learns about herself, her cursed town, and the lore surrounding both. This suspenseful and emotional romantasy is well plotted with great world building.
—Margaret Balwierz, Villa Park Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: A Spell for Change by Nicole Jarvis

The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy (Mariner)
Over the course of 20 years in New York and Los Angeles, Desiree, Danielle, January, Monique, and Nakia face both the universal hardships of growing up and the specific challenges of doing so in 21st century America. These intertwining stories of five Black women finding their way into adulthood create a deeply moving portrait of friendship.
—Jennifer Alexander, St. Louis County Library, MO
NoveList read-alike: Wahala by Nikki May

The Phoebe Variations by Jane Hamilton (Zibby Publishing)
Told in flashback, Phoebe, about to graduate high school, is forced by her adoptive mother to meet her birth family, jumpstarting a search for identity and belonging that reveals layers of uncertainty and mistrust surrounding her best friend and the family of 14 who take her in. Illuminating and lush, this literary jewel will spark numerous discussions.
—Ron Block, Cuyahoga County Public Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: Sam by Allegra Goodman

Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature by Becky Siegel Spratford (Saga Press)
With introductions and readalikes by renowned horror expert Spratford and essays from contemporary writers, this collection will be a great resource for library staff. The essays get to the heart of why horror is such an important genre and why it speaks to such a diverse audience, with personal and entertaining passages. Horror fans and anyone who recommends books will find this invaluable.
—Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, MI
NoveList read-alike: 101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered by Sadie Hartmann

The Librarians by Sherry Thomas (Berkley) This intriguing mystery is also an in-depth character study of a group of people working for a small public library in Austin, TX. No one is quite who they seem, but when two suspicious deaths happen in the area, with both victims having recently been in the library, the staff must band together to try to decipher what happened. Books about librarians are always a win/win, and this one is particularly well done.
—Douglas Beatty, Baltimore County Public Library, MD
NoveList read-alike: The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

You Weren’t Meant to be Human by Andrew Joseph White (Saga Press)
Heed the trigger warnings. This book is about a selfharming, autistic trans man who finds himself unwillingly pregnant and forced to carry to term. The story is compelling and explicit enough as is, but then there’s the Hive…which brings in a gross, sci-fi element. Very political, important, and memorable.
—Sarah Hamil, Twin Lakes Library System, GA
NoveList read-alike: Brainwyrms by Alison Rumfitt

BONUS PICK:

It’s Me They Follow by Jeannine A. Cook (Amistad)

NOTABLE NONFICTION:

We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution BY Jill Lepore (Liveright)

TOP PICK SEPTEMBER 2025:

Heart the Lover by Lily King (Grove Press)
A young woman meets two friends, Sam and Yash, in her senior year college literature class. Impressed with their intellect, she gets pulled into their circle and starts dating Sam. This coming-of-age story begins as they are all completing college, then finishes as they reconnect as adults. With beautiful writing and a character-driven story, this novel is perfect for fans of Sally Rooney.
—Sophia Geron, Chesterfield Public Libraries, VA
NoveList read-alike: We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman

The Library Reads archive is well worth a gander. It’s a fascinating cultural record that tracks trends and changes in readership over time. Take a look at the archive by clicking HERE. If you are the sort who does not like to make decisions but does love to Always Be Reading, please consider using Mead’s Your Next Five Books service and/or Your Next Five Movies if you’d rather have a movie night. Happy reading, viewing, and listening to you.

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A Month of Kanopy

Posted on by Molly

I like things that are free. I like libraries. Libraries have free things. Things like our amazing streaming service, Kanopy. Mead cardholders get 30 credits each month to spend on this video-streaming service. There is a staggering array of films from around the world, from throughout film history, and in a lovely array of genres to choose from. Films tend to be 2, 3, or 4 credits for each checkout. TV series are usually 3, 4, or 5 credits each. Most checkouts have a 2-to-7 day window in which to watch. Below, I listed how I spent my 30 credits over the month of July. My watchlist is getting longer by the day, and new movies are added each month, so it will be tough to run out of options.

But I’m a Cheerleader (1999) starring Natasha Leone and Clea Duvall
1h25m
2 tickets; 72 hour access
28 tickets left
This delightfully frothy confection of queer cinema pairs nicely with other camp classics like Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994), Die Mommie Die (2003), Polyester (1981), Valley of the Dolls (1967), and Psycho Beach Party (2000). But I’m a Cheerleader is filled with bright colors, thoughtful characters, and an unbelievable cast. What’s Bud Cort and Mink Stole doing here? Oh, they’re just playing Natasha Leone’s gay-panicking parents, that’s all. Say, is that RuPaul? It certainly is. A pre-stardom Melanie Lynskey and Michelle Willaims in supporting roles? Yes, please! Something that really struck me about this film is that while the candy-colored stage and costume design indicate a 1960s setting, the world in a broader context is meant to be contemporaneous to the 1990s. On top of being a fun visual motif, it indicated the archaic nature of homophobia and concealing one’s authenticity to appease a slow-to-progress society at large.
9 out of 10 stars.

Bottle Rocket (1996) starring Luke and Owen Wilson
1h41m
4 tickets; 48 hour access
24 tickets left
I think I watched this after Rushmore put Wes Anderson on the map like 30 years ago, but I have no clear memories of this viewing. My second watch-through in July did not stay with me, either. Bottle Rocket was the competent work of a young film maker flexing his growing whimsical cinematic muscles. The Wilson boys acting debut is charming enough, but the plot deeply annoyed me and I hated every character because I have a dead heart. I am afraid to report that Bottle Rocket left Kanopy at the end of July 2025. Check it out at Mead on DVD.
3 out of 10 stars

Endless Night (1972) starring Hayley Mills and Hywel Bennett
1h39m
2 tickets; 72 hour access
22 tickets left
The first glimpse we get of Hayley Mills depicts her literally frolicking through a verdant meadow. One would expect an attempt to distance oneself from one’s Heidi roots, but one digresses. Endless Night is based on the late-in-her-career Agatha Christie novel of the same name, and I am a total sucker for her work. I am also extremely suspicious of all Christie protagonists, so I had my eye on ol’ Hywel from the start. A big, fancy house is at the center of this plot. It features a room whose floor opens up to reveal a swimming pool and I got pretty hung up thinking of how damp and musty everything must be. Lots of fun, but slow moving in spots. Anyone who watches Mystery on PBS will enjoy this movie.
6 out of 10 stars

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad (1988) starring Leslie Nielson and Priscilla Presley
1h25m
2 tickets; 72 hour access
20 tickets left
Who doesn’t love a guaranteed experience? As a child of the 80s I watched the everlovin shit out of The Naked Gun, Airplane, and Top Secret. I have not seen Naked Gun in decades, so thought it would be a fun nostalgia watch. And it was! Mostly. I had to tap out for the last 15 minutes because I ran out of credulity. I wish Priscilla Presley had starred in more films because I really enjoyed her acting. She is the right amount of genuine and game for physical dum-dum comedy. Also, the opening scene of OJ getting himself all sorts of injured remains one of the funniest sequences in American film history. PERIOD. The Naked Gun left Kanopy in July, but Kentucky Fried Movie is available at the time of this blog’s publication.
7 out of 10 stars

Now, Voyager (1942) starring Bette Davis and Claude Rains
1h57m
4 tickets; 48 hour access
16 tickets left
After the abject and unrepentant silliness of The Naked Gun, I needed a palette-cleanser, so I chose this wonderful 1942 Bette Davis melodrama, Now, Voyager. Davis plays the repressed, frumpy adult daughter of a controlling and imperious elderly heiress. She has a nervous breakdown and spends time at a rich lady asylum run by Claude Rains. She loses weight and stops wearing glasses, and is now pretty. She goes on a cruise instead of returning to the home of her controlling mother and falls in love with an unavailable man. More melodramatic stuff happens and there is a lot of ritual cigarette smoking. Now, Voyager also appears to have left Kanopy at the end of July, but as of August 2025 we still have access to several other incredible Bette Davis movies including Whatever Happened to Baby Jane and Dark Victory. 
10 out of 10 stars

Dragnet (1951) written, directed, and starring Jack Webb
4h32m (10 episodes)
4 tickets; 5 day access
12 tickets left
I love police procedurals and Dragnet appears to be an ur text. Dragnet originated as a radio show, which shines through the dialogue of the televised version. I loved the black and white early fifties film stock. The print they used for digitization included a lot of cool artifacts (flaws in the film like faded stock, scratches, and distortion) which lends some good 1950s verisimilitude. I thought the plotting would be more stilted and conservative, but I found these ten episodes thrilling and thoughtful.
8 out of 10 stars

The Bookshop (2017) starring Emily Moritmer and Bill Nighy
1h52m
2 tickets; 3 day access
10 tickets left
I borrowed this on a hot day. I wanted something that felt far away from the heat, but that would not make me think too hard. The cast is filled with great actors I enjoy watching, so I gave it a try. Emily Mortimer wears this really amazing plaid wool coat that I cannot stop thinking about, so kudos to the costume department. Otherwise, I am not sure why this film exists. Pretty thin on the plot and I did not find the ending revelatory or satisfying in any way.
4 out of 10 stars

The Escape Artist (2013) starring
2h53m (three episodes)
3 tickets; 72 hour access
7 tickets left
An English limited series starring David Tennant as a talented junior barrister? Total no-brainer! Although, had I used more brain power initially I would have realized I had already watched this ten years ago when it first aired on PBS. It took me the better part of the first episode to come to this realization. Note to self, I can reliably re-watch tv series after 10 years and it will be a semi-novel experience. At least I only burned 3 tickets. This is a spooky one with themes of violence that can be sexual in nature, so beware.
8 out of 10 (from what I remember)

Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003) directed by Thom Anderson
2h53m
2 tickets; 72 hour access
5 tickets left
Documentaries about film and film history are one of my favorite things in the world. This near 3-hour long meditation on films set in Los Angeles takes us through neighborhoods and architecture that no longer exist. We learn about the Zoot Suit Riots and Angel’s Flight and Bunker Hill and how the myth of Hollywood will always overshadow the city of Los Angeles. Anderson clearly loves the city he grew up in. There’s this famous Roman Polanski quote: “Los Angeles is the most beautiful city in the world, as long as it’s seen at night and from a distance.” Los Angeles Plays Itself is a full-throated, and effective rebuttal to this sentiment. For being 20+ years old, this is a progressive doc in which racial and economic factors in the Hollywood machine are considered and discussed.
9 out of 10 stars

Crime Is Her Game (2014)
11h45m (8 episodes)
5 tickets; 7 day access
0 tickets left
Since I had 5 credits left at this point I thought it would be nice to choose a longer series that I could watch over the course of a week. This French import checked a lot of boxes for me. We’ve got an unlikely crime-solving duo, some fish-out-of-water hilarity, shiny costumes, eccentric guest characters, and lots of nonsense. Also, sanitary, off-screen murders that no one ever mentions again after the episode concludes.
8 out of 10 stars

July Kanopy stats
Movies: 5
Runtime: 9h59m

TV series: 3
Number of episodes: 21
Runtime: 19h10m

Documentaries: 1
Runtime: 2h53m

Total number of checkouts: 9
Total watch time: 32h2m
If this is a typical cumulative runtime for a month of Kanopy-watching, it looks like one credit equals roughly one hour of watch time. I actually had to scramble at the end of the month to use up my credits, so I never felt like I had to “budget” them.

Stray observations and criticisms:

When watching a tv series there is no autoplay option that I could find. I had to back up to the episode list and scroll down to find where I’d left off. THEN one must click to select the episode, and then click the little “play now” symbol. Not intuitive and sort of confusing. This is a minor complaint but I’m in my 40s now so I can if I want. 

The “Browse” feature forces the user to scroll horizontally, so only six or so film titles are visible at a time in any particular category. I like to scroll vertically, and the horizontal scrolling has this annoying way of cutting off the film listed on the far right-hand side of the screen. I will say I prefer Kanopy’s interface over whatever the hell is going on at Disney+.

Keep in mind I am using Kanopy as a child-free adult. Children’s programming on Kanopy is free, Free, FREE for families, but I do not have any base of knowledge about what’s available and worthwhile. If streaming is not your bag, Mead is home to a delightful and diverse collection of DVDs and BluRay. Consider using our Your Next Five Movies service for film suggestions, and see you at the movies. (By which I mean free matinees start on Mondays in September. See the lineup HERE). 

Posted in Adult, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Horror, Mystery, Nonfiction, Romance

Library Reads July 2025

Posted on by Molly

Here they are, the top ten books of the month selected by library workers across the country. I really look forward to this blog publishing for many reasons. I like to read lists. I like to hear what other people are excited to read. And I like learning about up-and-coming authors before they hit the mainstream. This is the blog that introduced me to Sarah Gailey, Grady Hendrix, Lucy Foley, Martha Wells, Alix E. Harrow, Nnedi Okorafor, T. Kingfisher and dozens of other incredible authors. I love discovering a new favorite author and the understanding that the world will never run out of fresh voices and ideas. And now, I present to you, the Library Reads picks for July, 2025:

How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold (Poisoned Pen Press)
Seven strangers, all horror writers, are brought together for a reading of the will of Mortimer Queen. They have to survive the night in a classic old house. There are riddles, secrets, tales within tales, and a bit of gore wrapped up into an intricate and pulse-pounding evening. This debut is sure to appeal to fans of mystery and horror.
—Douglas Beatty, Baltimore County Public Library, MD
NoveList read-alike: The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

Typewriter Beach by Meg Waite Clayton (Harper)
A Hollywood starlet is sent to a cottage until her “condition” goes away. She creates a masterpiece with the outcast screenwriter next door. Years later, the screenwriter’s granddaughter returns, finding closure with the legendary actress. Under the shimmer of 1950s movie magic and the shadows of the McCarthy era, this romantic, moody mystery spotlights life in front of the camera.
—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
NoveList read-alike: Death Upon a Star by Amy Meade

Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox (Minotaur Books) 
A sweet 16 party at a Texas mansion takes a deadly turn. A host of unsavory narrators add to the story, revealing a myriad of shocking secrets. Multiple intertwined characters help create a sense of urgency and intrigue, contributing to a buildup of suspense to a shocking conclusion.
—Cyndi Larsen, Avon Free Public Library, CT
NoveList read-alike: The Block Party by Jamie Day

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes by Sandra Jackson-Opoku (Minotaur Books) Savvy Summers is trying to keep her soul food cafe on the South Side of Chicago open, despite a customer being murdered via one of her own pies. She and her coworker, Penny Lopés, attempt to solve the case while fending off developers. This series has fun characters and good food, as well as interesting history and culture.
—Becky Abbott, Santa Fe Public Library, NM
NoveList read-alike: Body & Soul Food by Abby Collette 

Not Quite Dead Yet: A Novel by Holly Jackson (Bantam)
Jet Mason has seven days to solve her own murder after being attacked on Halloween. Throughout the week, she uncovers shocking hidden truths about her family and community. This incredibly propulsive adult debut from a YA powerhouse author lives up to the incredible hook. Feisty, snarky Jet is such a fun lead, and the ticking clock towards her death will keep readers flying through the pages.
—Jenna Friebel, Oak Park Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: Don’t Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine 

The Library at Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw (Tor Nightfire) 
Things at school can be tough. Your roommate thinks you like her boyfriend, your friend won’t shut up about her sorority, and sometimes the faculty’s desire for flesh coincides inconveniently with graduation. What’s a kidnapped, devil-touched girl to do? Flee to the library, of course! Come for the body horror, stay for the revolutionary spirit
—Krista Feick, Columbus Metropolitan Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: The Library At Mount Char by Scott Hawkins

The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy: Book 1 of the Dearly Beloathed Duo by Brigitte Knightley (Ace)
In a world of amazing and strange magic, a healer and a killer make an unlikely alliance that may inadvertently save the lives of thousands. This debut is an absolutely delightful spin on enemies-tolovers with fantastic prose, intelligent characters, sarcastic and quippy conversation, and desperately denied pining.
—Brenna Timm, High Plains Library District, CO
NoveList read-alike: Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna (Berkley)
Sera had great powers until she performed a spell that cost nearly all of her magic. Now, there’s a chance she could get her magic back, and become more than just an innkeeper with a house full of quirky boarders under her (falling apart) roof. She will need the help of an attractive historian, a nefarious talking fox, and the rest of her hodgepodge found family. Utterly delightful, and a bit bittersweet.
—Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: The Crescent Moon Tearoom by Stacy Sivinski 

The Satisfaction Café by Kathy Wang (Scribner)
Taiwanese immigrant Joan realizes her childhood dream—a café where hosts ask diners questions and provide pleasant conversation. Wang brings up the issues of sadness, isolation, and loneliness in a quiet, restrained way, and offers a graceful pragmatic character in Joan. If cafés can offer cats to make people happier, why can’t true human companionship be offered?
—Donna Ballard, LibraryReads Ambassador, NY
NoveList read-alike: Rental Person Who Does Nothing by Shoji Morimoto

BONUS PICK

Maggie; or, A Man and a Woman Walk Into a Bar: A Novel by Katie Yee (Scribner)

NOTABLE NONFICTION

The CIA Book Club: The Secret Mission to Win the Cold War with Forbidden Literature by Charlie English (Random House)

JULY TOP PICK

The Enchanted Greenhouse by Sarah Beth Durst (Bramble)
On a remote island during a snowstorm, outside a magical greenhouse, Turlu the librarian wakes from her punishment as a statue—fully human again, and really cold. How did she get here? How was she freed? Who is the mysterious and attractive gardener, and can he help? Readers of cozy fantasy will be enchanted with this parallel story set in the world of The Spellshop.
—Crystal Faris, Kansas City Public Library, MO
NoveList read-alike: The Honey Witch by Sidney J. Shields

If none of the one dozen new books listed above are ringing any bells of excitement, please consider using Mead’s Your Next Five Books reader’s advisory tool. Provide us with your favorite books, authors, and genres and Mead staff will send you list of five books we suspect you will enjoy. Try also Your Next Five Movies for a list of film suggestions because Mead has a super bonkers DVD collection and I think you can benefit from it.

Posted in Adult, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Nonfiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thrillers

Library Reads May 2025

Posted on by Molly

There’s at least one thing I will never become tired of as a lover of books and libraries, and that’s learning what everyone has been reading lately. I also love to learn what everyone is excited to read in the future, which is why I find Library Reads so incredibly useful. This condensed ten-book list highlights some of the most unique and anticipated reading material for each month. The mission here is to promote inclusivity and diversity in a world that doesn’t always value these things. Amplifying emerging author voices via grassroots word-of-mouth is that pure library activism I signed up for in library school, so I am happy to be able to post the list here.

Below, I listed the top ten fiction books and non-fiction book of interest recommended by library workers and patrons all over the country. It’s early enough in the month that several titles have not reached their publication day at the time I am writing this blog, so keep checking back for their availability status.

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie (Tor Books)

In an alternative medieval Europe, a young monk is tasked to lead a disparate group of supernatural beings on a holy quest using very unholy methods. Abercrombie’s endlessly quotable wit, deft character work, crackling dialog, and gift for large cinematic action set pieces are on full display. This novel about found families will absolutely draw in new readers.

—Gregg Winsor, Johnson County Library, KS
NoveList read-alike: The Maleficent Seven by Cameron Johnson

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune (Berkley) 

Alice is more comfortable behind a camera than living her life. When her Nan has surgery, Alice takes her for rest and relaxation at their favorite lake cottage. Alice falls for their handyman neighbor Charlie, who brings her out of her shell and lets her discover who she really is in this fun and flirty romance.

—Jacquie Daddato, Cherry Hill Public Library, NJ
NoveList read-alike: Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan

Silver Elite by Dani Francis (Del Rey) 

In a grim future, a military dictator sends forces after modified humans with psychic powers. Most have a tell when they use their powers. Wren wants revenge on those who destroyed her family, but she has a secret: she has powers, but no tell. Nonstop action, great worldbuilding, and a blisteringly hot enemies-to-lovers romance make this a winner.

—Jayna McDaniel-Browning, Delaware Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole

The Names: A Novel by Florence Knapp (Pamela Dorman Books) 

This debut novel is told in three alternating storylines based on three different names that the main character could have been given at birth. What results is a beautiful and nuanced story of a family attempting to survive and overcome domestic abuse and forge their own identities in the process. 

—Jessica Sweetland, Manchester Public Library, CT 

NoveList read-alike: The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller 

A Fate Forged In Fire: A Novel by Hazel McBride (Delacorte Press) 

Stakes are high for the kingdom of Tir Teine. A toxic influence looms in the form of the True Religion, a patriarchal group that condemns magic. Aemyra is fierce, headstrong, and unapologetically ambitious as she prepares to claim the throne. Fast action, romantic drama, mythical creatures, and the sinister allure of a dangerous cult will pull readers in. 

—Marcie Fitzherbert, Fort Myers Regional Library, FL
NoveList read-alike: Fever series by Karen Marie Moning

Maine Characters: A Novel by Hannah Orenstein (Dutton) 

Two half-sisters meet for the first time at their father’s lake house after his passing. Lucy and Vivian have led very different lives and knew very different versions of their dad. Readers will enjoy the characters, setting, and the twists and turns this story delivers.

—Shelby, Thomas B. Norton Public Library, AL
NoveList read-alike: If We’re Being Honest by Cat Shook

Can’t Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan (Forever) 

Hendrix, a strong, intelligent Black woman, has big goals and no time for love. Then she meets billionaire Maverick, and everything changes. The characters are compelling and have strong chemistry. Ryan continues to excel at bringing big topics—in this case Alzheimer’s and racism—to her romances. 

—Laura, West Bloomfield Public Library, MI
NoveList read-alike: Forbidden Promises by Synithia Williams

The Busybody Book Club by Freya Sampson (Berkley) 

In this modern take on a classic small-town mystery, book club members get drawn into amateur sleuthing when money to repair the town’s community center goes missing. The characters are well drawn and likable, the setting is cozy, and the motives are plentiful. The mystery twists and turns with several reveals leading to a satisfying conclusion. 

—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: The Mystery of the Crooked Man by Tom Spencer

Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame by Neon Yang (Tordotcom) 

The tale of Yeva, a masked dragon slayer who has never felt truly at home, is both mythic and achingly human. Her journey to Quanbao sets the stage for an exploration of identity, duty, and love. The world building, storytelling, and representation has made Yang an author to watch in the realm of queer fantasy. 

—Addy, Montrose Regional Library District, CO
NoveList read-alike: Singing Hills Cycle series by Nghi Vo

BONUS PICK:

A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love by Alice Murphy (Union Square & Co.)

NOTABLE NON-FICTION:

The AI Con: How to Fight Big Tech’s Hype and Create the Future We Want by Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna (Harper)

PICK OF THE MONTH:

The Missing Half: A Novel by Ashley Flowers with Alex Kiester (Bantam) 

Nic has been messed up since her older sister went missing. Enter Jenna, who is searching for connections between her sister’s disappearance and Nic’s. They decide to work together to uncover what happened, but the deeper they get the harder it becomes. A twist ending completely turns the tables on this tightly written thriller. 

—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
NoveList read-alike: Night Will Find You by Julia Haberlin 

If this crop of Library Reads book picks is not causing you excitement, please consider using Your Next Five Books, Mead’s book recommendation tool. There is a team of voracious readers on staff who are at the ready. All we dream of is (metaphorically) hurling our favorite book picks at a receptive audience of readers. See you at the library, and happy reading.

Posted in Uncategorized

Library Reads April 2025

Posted on by Molly

According to the five-second Google search I just conducted, one book is published about every eight seconds, which equates to roughly 11,000 books per day. PER DAY. With those kind of numbers to contend with it’s a wonder any of us can push past the choice paralysis and pick out a single solitary book. 

Once again, librarians have you covered. Below, I listed the top 10 adult fiction and nonfiction books hand picked by library workers and enthusiasts across the country, and roundly agreed upon to be worthy of our time and attention. 

Book descriptions are contributed to Library Reads by working librarians around the country. Scroll all the way to the bottom to reveal this month’s top pick.

Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee (MIRA)
In the midst of the COVID pandemic of 2020, Cora’s haunted by her deceased sister and stalked by a serial killer as her chaotic life spirals further out of control. The journey to finding her way back to some semblance of normal won’t be easy. Readers seeking a book blending slasher and bio-horror need look no further.
—Jolie Hanlon, Girard Free Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones 

Cold Eternity by S.A. Barnes (Tor Nighfire)
Hiding out due to a political scandal, Halley decides to take a job in the most remote place she can find. That turns out to be a large space barge holding cryogenically frozen wealthy people. The horror begins as Halley starts hearing noises and notices a presence at the foot of her bed. Thrilling and downright scary, this is a must-read.
—Terri Smith, Cornelia Library, GA
NoveList read-alike: Crypt of the Moon Spider by Nathan Ballingrud

A Drop of Corruption: An Ana and Din Mystery by Robert Jackson Bennett (Del Rey)

Din and Ana return in a new sci-fi/fantasy mystery. This time an official in the Treasury delegation has gone missing from a locked room. Tense negotiations are ongoing between the Treasury and a small outpost kingdom. What Din and Ana find is a hidden hornet’s nest and extreme danger to the Empire. Can the two stop a terrorist from destroying everything?
—Michelle Ogden, Crawfordsville Dist Public Library, IN
NoveList read-alike: The Mimicking of Known Successes by Malka Older

Murder by Cheesecake: A Golden Girls Cozy Mystery by Rachel Ekstrom Courage (Hyperion)
Golden Girls plus cozy mystery equals match made in heaven! This novel is nostalgic fun for fans of the TV show and might even draw some new fans in with the atmospheric 80s Miami vibes. The story is over the-top silly at turns, but it’s all part of the fun. Readers will be left hoping the series continues with more mysteries for the ladies to solve.
—Elizabeth Motyka, Wheaton Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: The Excitements by C.J. Wray

The Correspondent: A Novel by Virginia Evans (Crown)
Sybil’s life has centered around her correspondence with both people she knows and with strangers. Why she finds writing easier than conversing soon becomes clear, and her sadness and remove are explained through the events of her past and in her encroaching blindness. The plot unfolds with wonderful character development.
—Mary Robinson, Vernon Area Public Library District, IL
NoveList read-alike: Olive Kittiredge by Elizabeth Strout 

I See You’ve Called in Dead: A Novel by John Kenney (Zibby Publishing)
In this sensational novel, Bud gets a new lease on life after he starts visiting wakes and funerals. With equal measures of laughter and tears along the way, this character-driven novel probes the psyche of the contemporary male mind and takes readers in unexpected directions, all leading to a very satisfying conclusion.
—Todd Krueger, Baltimore County Public Library, MD
NoveList read-alike: Keya Das’s Second Act by Sopan Deb 

Any Trope but You: A Novel by Victoria Lavine (Atria Books)
Margot and Forest are genuinely likeable, though flawed characters, and seeing through their perspective is a delight. The conflicts come from practical issues, and the couple is not kept apart by miscommunication, but by respect for each other’s priorities and values. A love letter to “romancelandia” and the tropes it celebrates.
—Katrina Dagenais, Bucks County Free Library, PA
NoveList read-alike: Unromance by Erin Connor 

How to Seal Your Own Fate: A Novel by Kristen Perrin (Dutton) 
This second book in the Castle Knoll series has Annie involved in another mystery of long past and current murders. Annie realizes she’s being set up when all of the clues point to her. Readers will love that this book builds so well on the last one, and wonder just how many secrets exist in this small rural town.
—Linda Quinn, LibraryReads Ambassador, CT
NoveList read-alike: Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Beaton 

The Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig (Del Rey)
Four friends are haunted when another climbs a mysterious staircase and never comes down. Years later, they decide to rescue the boy they lost. What they find is a haunted house preying on their personal nightmares. A coming-of-age story reminiscent of Stranger Things and It—plus all the perfect scary things that Wendig is known for.
—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
NoveList read-alike: The Children of Red Peak by Craig DiLouie 

BONUS PICK:

The Library of Lost Dollhouses: A Novel by Elise Hooper (William Morrow)

NOTABLE NONFICTION:

No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson by Gardiner Harris (Random House)

TOP PICK:

The Sirens by Emilia Hart (St. Martin’s Press)
In 1800s Ireland, twin sisters are taken from their father and put on a ship bound for Australia. During the voyage, they begin to change as they hear the call of the sea. In 2019, while Lucy looks for her missing sister, she reads her old diary full of strange stories of the sea. Spanning centuries, this novel casts its magic with the story it weaves. 
—Jennifer Winberry, LibraryReads Ambassador, NJ
NoveList read-alike: To The Sea by Christine Dibley

I am pausing to briefly note that all Wisconsin library users have access to the excellent reader’s advisory tool, NoveList, among dozens of other resources. We have these nice things provided to us from a variety of funding sources, including funding from the federal level. Learn more about the importance of these funds and how their distribution is changing by clicking HERE. To satisfy curiosity about NoveList click HERE and take a spin around the block.

The above titles I listed will start dropping throughout the month of April. Reserve your copy now, and avoid the wait. What to do if none of the library picks appeal? Consider using Mead’s Your Next Five Books service. Learn more by clicking HERE. Library staff are more than happy to connect our community with great books for any occasion, ritual, emergency, and ordeal. 

Posted in Adult, Award Winners, Film

Oscar Round-up: What to Watch While You Wait

Posted on by Molly

For me, it has been a year of folding inward and away from general awareness of the world at large. I have been keeping calm and sane dwelling on my interiority and reading dozens and dozens of cozy mysteries that take place in seaside bookshops and whatnot. Knowing this, perhaps my surprise that Oscar season was upon us can be forgiven. Not only had I not been aware that the big day was imminent until like, the day before the Oscars aired, I had no idea who and what the nominees were. Once I allowed myself the chance to emerge from the dank hole I live in, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and breadth of the nominees. 

Below, I listed all ten Best Picture nominees, along with films similar in tone to enjoy while waiting for Oscar 2024 holds to arrive. All listed films are available in the Monarch catalog in DVD and/or BluRay format, and often Academy Award winners in their own right. Blurbs sourced from IMDB.

Anora (Neon) starring Mikey Madison and Directed by Sean Baker
What to watch while you wait: Humanist explorations of people living on the fringe. Lucky for us, this is Baker’s bread and butter. 

Tangerine (2015) starring Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor; this film is notable for being the first feature-length film shot entirely on iPhones.
A hooker tears through Tinseltown on Christmas Eve searching for the pimp who broke her heart.

The Florida Project (2017) starring Brooklyn Prince, Bria Vinaite, and Willem Dafoe
A single mother and the manager of a roadside motel do their utmost to maintain the innocence of a six-year-old girl’s life.


The Brutalist (A24) starring Adrian Brody and directed by Brady Corbet
What to watch while you wait: Cinematic with a capital “C” period pieces.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) starring Noemie Merlant and Adele Haenel
On an isolated island in Brittany at the end of the eighteenth century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984) starring Robert De Niro and directed by Sergio Leone
A former Prohibition-era Jewish gangster returns to the Lower East Side of Manhattan 35 years later, where he must once again confront the ghosts and regrets of his old life.

A Complete Unknown (Searchlight) starring Timothee Chalamet and Elle Fanning
What to watch while you wait: Musician biopics, but maybe the musician is a big jerk.

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013) starring Oscar Isaac and directed by the Coen Brothers
A week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961.

Crazy Heart (2009) starring Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal
A faded country musician is forced to reassess his dysfunctional life during a doomed romance that also inspires him.

Conclave (Focus) starring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci
What to watch while you wait: Catholic church-adjacent thrillers and controversies.

The Name of the Rose (1986) starring Sean Connery and Christian Slater
An intellectually nonconformist friar investigates a series of mysterious deaths in an isolated abbey. 

Doubt (2008) starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams
A Catholic school principal questions a priest’s ambiguous relationship with a troubled young student. 

Dune: Part Two (Warner Bros.)
What to watch while you wait: epic, sprawling, and ambitious crowd-pleasers

Lawrence of Arabia (1962) starring Peter O’Toole and Alec Guinness
The Story of TE Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during WWI in order to fight the Turks.

Stargate (1994) starring Kurt Russell and James Spader
An interstellar teleportation device, found in Egypt, leads to a planet with humans resembling ancient Egyptians who worship the god Ra. 

Emilia Pérez (Netflix) starring Zoe Saldana and Karla Sofia Gascon
What to watch while you wait: stories that center on living an authentic life. 

I Saw the TV Glow (2024) starring Justice Smith and Jack Haven
A teenager just trying to make it through life in the suburbs is introduced by a classmate to a mysterious late-night TV show.

Joyland (2022) starring Ali Junejo and Rasti Farooq
The youngest son in a traditional Pakistani family takes a job as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque and quickly becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman who runs the show. 

I’m Still Here (Sony Classics) starring Fernanda Torres and directed by Walter Salles
What to watch while you wait: family dramas in times of war or conflict.

Roma (2018) starring Yalitza Cuaron and directed by Alfonso Cuaron
A year in the life of a middle-class family’s maid in Mexico City in the early 1970s.

Empire of the Sun (1987) starring Christian Bale and directed by Steven Spielberg
A young English Boy struggles to survive under Japanese occupation of China during WWII. 

Nickel Boys (Amazon/MGM) starring Ethan Herisse and directed by RaMell Ross
What to watch while you wait: reform school buddy films and coming-of-age pictures.

The 400 Blows (1959) starring Jean-Pierre Leaud and directed by Francios Truffaut
A young boy, left without attention, delves into a life of petty crime.

Crooklyn (1994) starring Alfre Woodard and directed by Spike Lee
Semi-autobiographical portrait of a school teacher, her stubborn jazz musician husband, and their five kids living in Brooklyn in 1973.

The Substance (Mubi) starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley
What to watch while you wait: mind-bending horror-adjacent and stylish thrillers. A smidge of body horror.

Mandy (2018) starring Nicolas Cage and directed by Panos Cosmatos
The enchanted lives of a couple in a secluded forest are brutally shattered by a nightmarish hippie cult and their demon-biker henchmen, propelling a man into a spiraling, surreal rampage of vengeance.

The Fly (1986) starring Jeff Goldblum and directed by David Cronenberg
A brilliant but eccentric scientist begins to transform into a giant man/fly hybrid after one of his experiments goes horribly wrong. 

Wicked (Universal) starring Cynthia Eriv and Ariana Grande
What to watch while you wait: eye-popping, crowd-pleasing musicals.

In the Heights (2021) starring Anthony Ramos and Corey Hawkins
In Washington Heights, a sympathetic New York bodega owner saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life.

Into the Woods (2015) starring Anna Kendrick and directed by Rob Marshall.
A witch tasks a childless baker and his wife with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse the curse put on their family tree. 

Did you notice how I did not include which film was nominated for which award or who won what? There are five million articles out there to this effect. Like the article HERE for instance, if one desired this information.

Not a big prestige/award season movie lover? Don’t worry, Mead owns copies of the highest art and lowest trash fit for the silver screen. Consider using our Your Next Five Movies tool, and be watching the movie of your dreams in no time. 

Posted in Adult, Audience, Biography & Memoir, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Horror, Mystery, Nonfiction, Romance, Science Fiction

Library Reads February 2025

Posted on by Molly

If you are anything like me, you love to know what books other people are reading. In particular, it’s interesting to learn what other library workers are excited about. Below, I have listed the top 10 fiction and nonfiction books hand picked by America’s library staff. Book blurbs sourced from publishers and selecting librarians.

TOP PICK: First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison (Berkley)

A cute story about Lucie, whose daughter calls into a radio show for people looking for love. Aiden, the show’s host, is taken by her honesty and invites her to the show to document her quest for love. It’s a bumpy ride, but Aiden is there the whole way! Readers will love the tension between Lucie and Aiden, and the secondary characters are chef’s kiss.
—Claire Schroeder, Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, OH;
NoveList read-alike: Is She Really Going Out With Him? by Sophie Cousens

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis (Bramble) 

This cozy romance features a librarian hiding out as a dark wizard, a witch queen who’d rather nerd out about experiments, and the most wonderfully supportive found family. This has all the tropes you love of romantasy with the added bonus of witty banter, snarky witch queens, and a heart-melting romance. Give this one to fans of The Princess Bride.
—Sarah Bean Thompson, Springfield-Greene Cty Library, MO;
NoveList read-alike: Sword Crossed by Freya Marske

The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens (Mulholland Books) 

Hana, a librarian in a small town in Minnesota, lives a quiet life until the day a detective informs her of her close friend’s murder. Knowing her friend’s death is tied to her, Hana’s afraid she’s next. This historical thriller alternates between present day and 1995 Bosnia with a plot that’s intense and gritty, and writing that’s moving and heartbreaking. 
—Connie Laing, Great River Regional Library, MN; 
NoveList read-alike: Groundskeeping by Lee Cole

Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (Liveright) 

Dark and diabolical, this is a tale of a governess pushed to the limit. Arriving at an estate to care for two spoiled brats, she must deal with a barrage of verbal and physical abuse, until Christmas arrives and she can take it no more. This gruesome gothic tale full of dark wit and horror is reminiscent of Sweeney Todd. 
—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin,TX; 
NoveList read-alike: Maeve Fly by CJ Leede

Isola: A Novel by Allegra Goodman (The Dial Press) 

This novel is based on the true story of Marguerite de la Rocque, an aristocratic French girl who was marooned with her lover on an island off of Canada in the 1500s. When her parents pass away, she’s entrusted to a guardian who seeks adventure and uses her fortune to finance his travels. Readers will enjoy her adventures as she makes a new life. 
—Claire Talbot, Greece Public Library, Rochester, NY;
NoveList read-alike: Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming (Berkley) 

When Dory Valentine is abducted and transported to another planet, she ends up falling for not one, but two sexy aliens. As you might expect, this book is funny, sexy, and very fast-paced. The subplot about her alien abduction—and the reasons behind it is interesting and intricate. Readers will absolutely look forward to more from this up-and-coming author.
—Dontaná M., Oak Park Public Library, IL;
NoveList read-alike: Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon

A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall (Flatiron Books) 

When Theo arrives at her new fiance’s family retreat, she realizes she has been there before. As the secrets this family has been holding onto for years start to come out, this drama goes in a dark, suspenseful direction. Just when you think you know where this is headed, it becomes full of twists and turns. Yes please! 
—Paige N., LibraryReads Ambassador;
NoveList read-alike: The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister (William Morrow) 

Cam can’t believe it when her husband Adam takes three hostages in an abandoned warehouse. Seven years later, Adam’s betrayal rears its ugly head again. Will Cam turn to amateur sleuthing, or put everything behind her and find closure? McAllister uses her standard smooth and emotional style to make sure all the puzzle pieces click together for a satisfying ending.
—Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, OH;
NoveList read-alike: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce (Minotaur Books) 

Mina, a newly minted child psychologist, meets Sam, a journalist, who seeks her help on a piece about Alice, a teenager who claims to be possessed by a witch. Mina agrees, and they find themselves in a very unsettling small town, experiencing strange things that they can’t explain. This book is just spooky enough that you may want to read it with the lights on!
—Melissa Turner, Maricopa Library & Cultural Center, AZ;
NoveList read-alike: The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister

The Strange Case of Jane O.: A Novel by Karen Thompson Walker (Random House) 

After Dr. Henry Byrd is summoned by police to see Jane O. at the psychiatric hospital, they want him to reveal her confidential information: has she really lost three days under a dissociative fugue, or is she faking it to cover up a crime? This unique novel explores the idea of alternate and parallel realities, grief, friendship, and trust. 
—Donna Ballard, LibraryReads Ambassador;
NoveList read-alike: The Possibilities by Yael Goldstein

BONUS PICK: A Forty Year Kiss by Nickolas Butler (Sourcebooks Landmark)

NOTABLE NONFICTION: Fearless and Free: A Memoir by Josephine Baker (Tiny Reparations Books)

Didn’t see anything that tripped your trigger on the above list? Take a look at the Library Reads archive by clicking HERE. They have been at this once a month since 2013. The assembled lists reflect our collective shifts in reading habits and desires, which I think is fascinating. Still at a loss for what to read next? Take a look at Mead’s Your Next Five Books tool by clicking HERE. Send us a list of your favorite books, authors, and genres, and we will send back a custom list of at least five books you might like. Happy reading!

Posted in Adult, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Horror, Mystery, Nonfiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Thrillers

Library Reads January 2025

Posted on by Molly

Did you ever wonder which new and upcoming book releases and authors librarians get excited about? Below, I listed the top 10 adult fiction and nonfiction books hand picked by librarians across the country, and roundly agreed upon to be worthy of our time and attention.

Book descriptions are contributed to Library Reads by working librarians around the country. Scroll all the way to the bottom to reveal this month’s top pick.

Out of the Woods: A Novel by Hannah Bonam-Young (Dell) 

In this follow-up to Out on a Limb, high school sweethearts Sarah and Caleb find that over a decade into marriage, their relationship has changed. They resolve to rekindle things through a weeklong couples retreat, camping in the wilderness. This second-chance romance features flashbacks and great character backstories that elevate it from the typical trope.

—Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, OH

NoveList read-alike: Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan

The Note: A Novel by Alafair Burke (Knopf) 

Three friends reunite in the Hamptons only to have chaos ensue after a night spent out drinking. The fast moving narrative features multiple narrators and lots of unexpected twists. Burke has delivered another excellent psychological thriller.

—Cyndi Larsen, Avon Free Public Library, CT 

NoveList read-alike: We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz

Babylonia by Costanza Casati (Sourcebooks Landmark) 

Semiramis was abandoned by a fragile mother and raised by a cruel stepfather. She grows up learning that to belong in a male dominated society, she has to think and fight like a man. The author’s research, vivid descriptions, and memorable characters make for a great read. 

—Linda Sullivan, Mission Viejo Library, CA 

NoveList read-alike: Wings of Fury by Emily R. King

The Favorites: A Novel by Layne Fargo (Random House) 

This novel looks at ambition and the elite figure skating world with a sharp eye and a fierce writing style. It’s a dishy story of an Olympic ice dancing couple with some truly romantic moments, the pacing of a thriller, and a documentary interview style that effectively propels the story along.

 —Jodi Prather, Bartholomew County Public Library, IN 

NoveList read-alike: Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia (St. Martin’s Press) 

Stephanie, heading to a work conference, meets Jasmine, who is running from an abusive relationship. They find themselves connected to Trent, a raging narcissist. When both women turn up missing, evidence is found at Trent’s house. This fast-paced plot will keep readers guessing until the very last page of the book.

—Melissa Turner, Maricopa Library & Cultural Center, AZ

NoveList read-alike: Leave the Girls Behind by Jacqueline Bublitz 

Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura (Berkley) 

This delightfully madcap adventure through dangerous jungles and beautifully realized relationships will appeal to fans of Segura’s first romance, but can be read on its own. Perfect for patrons who are looking for the quirky banter of India Holton or the academic wit of Ali Hazelwood.

—Clay Chiment, Ulysses Philomathic Library, Trumansburg, NY

NoveList read-alike: The Jewel of the Isle by Kerry Rea

Water Moon: A Novel by Samantha Sotto Yambao (Del Rey) 

At Hana’s pawnshop in Tokyo, people can sell their regrets. While Hana provides relief for them, she desperately seeks answers for her father’s disappearance. Enter Key and his scientific mind. A fascinating blend of magical realism, mystery, romance, and hope.

—Crystal Faris, Kansas City Public Library, MO 

NoveList read-alike: Sorcery and Small Magics by Maiga Doocy

The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill (Avon) 

In this aching “what if?” story, Darby goes back to his Midwest hometown and finds everything has changed but the In Between Bookstore—in fact, when he walks in, the person behind the counter is the sixteen-year-old version of himself. A tender look at how events change and create us— and how not even the closest people to us can know what’s going on in our heads.

—Jessica Trotter, Capital Area District Libraries, MI 

NoveList read-alike: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson (Poisoned Pen Press) 

Poe, a popular true-crime podcaster, has the tables turned on her when a caller claims to know her past. Poe took out her mother’s killer years ago, but the caller says she got the wrong person. This tightly wound cat-and-mouse game asks all kinds of moral questions, and readers will enjoy the many twists and turns.

—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX 

NoveList read-alike: Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Bonus Pick:

Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman (Quirk Books) 

Notable Non-Fiction:

Y2K: How the 2000s Became Everything (Essays on the Future That Never Was) by Collette Shade (Dey Street Books)

Top Pick of the Month:

Good Dirt: A Novel by Charmaine Wilkerson (Ballantine Books) 

When Ebby was a child, she witnessed her older brother’s murder. After being ditched at the altar years later, she escapes to France only to run into her exfiancé, Henry, and his new girlfriend. Ebby is forced to confront Henry and the trauma of her brother’s death. Through a treasured heirloom pottery jar, the novel chronicles the history of Ebby’s family and its resilience.

—Alison Zaya, Pollard Memorial Library, MA 

NoveList read-alike: Acts of Forgiveness by Maura Cheeks

The books listed above can be found in the Monarch catalog, often in a variety of formats. What to do if none of the library picks appeal? Consider using Mead’s Your Next Five Books service. Learn more by clicking HERE. Library staff are more than happy to connect our community with great books for any occasion, ritual, emergency, and ordeal.