Category: Adult

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 Adult, Audience, Fantasy, Fiction, Genre, Horror, LGBTQI+, Science Fiction

But What If?

Posted on by Sydney Anderson

I’m going to be talking about a somewhat niche subgenre today, so bear with me – I think these books are really interesting!  Retellings are a huge deal in genre fiction right now, unfailingly popular with fans.  Retellings of myths and fairy tales tend to get the most hype, but there’s another kind of retelling that tends to go overlooked: retellings of literary works in the public domain.  I think these are particularly interesting when they add genre fiction elements, such as science fiction, fantasy, or horror. Sometimes, they even elaborate on a genre fiction element that was present in the original work.  Who doesn’t love an old story made new again?  I’m here today to talk about four new-ish books that offer fresh takes on older works of fiction.  I hope you’ll love them just as much as I do.  Let’s get started!

The Stars Undying by Emery Robin

What if Julius Caesar and Antony & Cleopatra were set in space?


In a faraway galaxy, the fate of the Ceiao Empire and its neighbor Szayet rests on the shoulders of three extraordinary people.  Ceian military superstar Matheus Ceirran and his loose-cannon right-hand woman Anita become entangled with Altagracia, the charming and ambitious princess of Szayet.  What begins as a political alliance blossoms into genuine affection, but the machinations of Ceirran’s enemies will soon interrupt their plans.  You probably already recognize this story, and this first volume of a planned trilogy takes its characters all the way to the fallout of the Ides of March.  Reading this book was the pure pleasure of a good story well told.  I really enjoyed some of the twists Robin put on their historical and literary inspirations.  The second book in the duology, The Sea Eternal, released just this past month, and while I haven’t had the opportunity to read it yet, I personally can’t wait to spend more time with these characters.

Continue reading “But What If?” →
Posted in Adult, Award Winners, Cooking/Baking, DIY & How To, Kids 5-12, Nonfiction, Teen & Young Adult

Adventures Through Cookbooks

Posted on by abbiebourelle

One of my favorite sections in the whole entire library is the cookbook section. I get super excited whenever anyone stops by the desk and asks where the cookbooks are. At home I enjoy watching all the food shows on Discovery Plus and experimenting in my own kitchen. One of my favorite kind of cookbooks to play with in the kitchen are the themed cookbooks. In recent years there has been an uptick in cookbooks based off of TV shows or movies. There are even cookbooks based off of videogame worlds! I am only going to cover the ones I have actually cooked from in this post, but will include a bonus list of other titles we own at Mead Public Library at the end!

Tasting History by Max Miller

This themed cookbook is not based off of some fantastical made up world, but pulls recipes from our very own human history. Some readers may recognize Max Miller from his youtube show also titled Tasting History where he cooks up good eats from times long past. This book contains selected recipes all assembled in one volume. The cookbook is broken into chapters ranging from the ancient past to just a few decades ago. Max Miller takes you from recipes written on ancient Babylonian tablets to good old cafeteria pizza from the 90s. If you cannot get enough of the recipes in this book and are curious to embark on more culinary time travel-check out the website https://www.tastinghistory.com/ where there are many more recipes featured.

My featured recipe from this volume is straight off a Babylonian clay tablet and helpfully translated for us by Max Miller: Babylonian stew of lamb. I have always been a history buff. One of my bachelors degrees is in history. I feel like eating what the people of the past ate brings us a step closer to understanding who they were and how they lived. The author also includes a historical lesson with every recipe so that you can better understand the food you are eating. For this recipe I also found the video on his website so I could watch what he did before attempting as I was a bit nervous.

In addition to watching the video and reading through the history lesson (learning about the flat tailed sheep was interesting) I prepared by looking online as to where I could order Persian shallots. We do not have anything like them in America which is a shame. They have a very nice spicy taste as if they are a cross between a radish, garlic, and onion. I ended up ordering them from Amazon (a fellow reader of Tasting History left a review that made me feel confident in my choice of purchase.) I then went shopping to assemble the rest of my ingredients. I decided on a mix of beef and lamb even though the recipe calls for lamb. The author says you can substitute if you wish. Leeks also feature prominently in this recipe (I did unfortunately not take my husband on this shop so I missed out on his leek puns).

The cook. This stew is traditionally served with rinatsu (a crouton like cookie or bread prepared with olive oil). You are to serve this as a crouton over the stew and mix some of it in ground for texture. The crumbled portion is needed for the stew. However, it is optional if you want to eat your stew with the rinatsu croutons on top. (My husband liked them more than I). I was nervous about the taste as there is no seasoning in the recipe. Surprisingly, the Persian shallots more than made up for it! Their flavor sure packs a punch and hits all the right notes on your tongue. I wish they were available at my regular shops. All you need to do is soak them in water to rehydrate them for 30 minutes or so as they come dried. I then stuck them into the food processor to mince them down. The rest of the cook was rather straightforward and just a matter of following the directions. If you have made soup before the cook will seem a familiar dance. All in all this ancient recipe was a fun learning experience and a rather tasty meal. I can now say I have eaten like an ancient Babylonian! My husband also gave a thumbs up on this recipe which is saying a lot as he can be rather picky!

Click HERE to request Tasting History!

Continue reading “Adventures Through Cookbooks” →
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, Audience, Fantasy, Fiction

Music, Magic and Mystery

Posted on by Sydney Anderson

Ever since Thorin Oakenshield’s company of dwarves recruited Bilbo Baggins to their quest with a song in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, the fantasy genre has been intertwined with music.  It goes both ways as well – plenty of rock and metal bands have written songs or whole albums about their favorite fantasy novels!  My personal theory is that since just about everyone can relate to being moved by music, the incorporation of music into a fantasy story can help to ground the fantasy elements in something real.  This allows the reader to suspend their disbelief and become truly immersed within the story and world.  Today, I’ll be spotlighting a few books where music and dance are truly magic, sure to appeal to readers who are fans of fantasy, the fine arts, or both.

Nocturne by Alyssa Wees

Grace Dragotta has devoted her life to becoming a ballerina, enduring the scars left by personal tragedy to pursue her dream.  When she brings down the house in the starring role of The Firebird, she is suddenly on the cusp of everything she’s ever wanted.  But her talent attracts the attention of a mysterious and demanding patron, Master La Rosa, who is certainly not all that he seems.  This book has the feeling of a fairy tale retelling, but rather than putting a new twist on a single story, it incorporates elements of many.  Familiar motifs from Beauty and the Beast, the Phantom of the Opera and the myth of Eros and Psyche are all present.  The story feels strongly reminiscent of the myth of Hades and Persephone for the first half, but a plot twist reveals to both Grace and the audience that she is not in the story she thinks she’s in.  Combine that with beautiful prose excellently matched to the elegance of ballet, and you have a book worth treasuring.

Continue reading “Music, Magic and Mystery” →
Posted in Adult, Contemporary, Fiction, Staff Picks

Ryan’s Reads in 2024

Posted on by Ryan

Despite hundreds upon hundreds of books being published last year, I managed to only read one book that actually came out in 2024. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t read last year. As you can imagine, working at a library gives me access to more than enough books.

So, here are some of my favorites, starting with the one book I read published in 2024.

Rejection: Fiction by Tony Tulathimutte

A collection of short stories, Tulathimutte peers into the lives of people that are clearly in pain and do bad things because of it. From a women’s rights advocate-turned-incel to a girl that can’t get over a one-night stand, these people suck, but you just can’t look away. It might not be your cup of tea, so I’d recommend checking out the first story The Feminist before you grab the whole collection.

Continue reading “Ryan’s Reads in 2024” →
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.

Posted in Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Uncategorized

Great Speculative Fiction from 2024

Posted on by Sydney Anderson

‘Tis the season for year-end lists!  This is one that I’m super excited to share.  It’s been a truly incredible year for sci-fi, fantasy, and horror.  Some of these books have been getting well-deserved hype, whereas others have flown more under the radar. All of them and many more can be found in our collection at Mead Public Library.  A quick caveat before we begin: I’m only one person, and even with my book-dragon tendencies, it would be impossible for me to keep up with all the great new releases in a given year.  If I overlooked one of your favorites, give it a shoutout in the comments!  Sharing recommendations is one of the great joys of the reading life.  Now, without further ado, on to the list!

The West Passage by Jared Pechaček

For centuries, the Guardian and the women of Grey Tower have defended the rest of the enormous palace where they dwell from the invasion of the Beast through the West Passage.  But when the Guardian dies without passing on her name to her successor, the West Passage falls into jeopardy, and winter comes out of season.  Yarrow, the new Mother of Grey House, embarks on a quest to set the seasons right.  Meanwhile, the deceased Guardian’s successor goes to petition the Ladies of the palace for the right to take the Guardian’s place.  The West Passage is that true unicorn of a fantasy novel – reading it feels like reading fantasy when you were a kid, balancing the familiar and the completely new into a synthesis of enchantment.  You can see influences here from Lewis Carroll, Ursula K. LeGuin, Hayao Miyazaki, and more, but The West Passage remains its own beautiful and strange creation.  This was a privilege to read, and I can’t wait to see what Pechaček does next, whether in this imagined world or in a new one.

Continue reading “Great Speculative Fiction from 2024” →
Posted in Adult, Audience, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, History, Horror, Mystery, New & Upcoming, Nonfiction, Romance

Library Reads December 2024

Posted on by Molly

Here are the top ten new and upcoming books selected by library workers across the country. We know books, so trust that these titles will thrill. Blurbs sourced from the publisher. Titles linked to the Monarch Catalog.

Not In My Book by Katie Holt

If there’s such a thing as “light academia” this book embodies it, with collegiate setting-fueled banter in a cute, enemies-to lovers romance. As Rosie and her nemesis, the uppity Aiden, are forced to write a book together, opposites attract as they produce each chapter. Readers will love the chemistry between the two writers in this debut novel. 

I Might Be In Trouble by Daniel Aleman

When struggling novelist David wakes up next to a dead body after a hookup with a stranger, he realizes inspiration for his next book may have finally struck. But he’ll need his agent’s help to move the body and avoid the blame first. This mystery thriller is funny, suspenseful, and surprisingly touching.

Keep Me by Sara Cate

Killian is a brute who let his past dictate his life until he met Sylvie. She’s entitled and has a foul mouth according to Killian, but she is the only woman he’d consider entering into a fake marriage with. Sylvie agrees, knowing that 10 million dollars awaits at the finish line. What neither of them expected was to actually fall in love.

Eddie Winston is Looking For Love by Marianne Cronin (to be published Dec. 31, 2024)

Unexpected friendships and second chances come alive in this life-affirming story. 90-year-old Eddie, a volunteer in a resale shop, meets 24-year-old Bella, who brings in the things of her boyfriend who died last year. Through their friendship, Bella discovers Eddie has never been kissed. This read is hope and humanity in a book.

The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlop

This gothic novel is a delightfully atmospheric tale of a medical student turned grave robber, set amidst the dark alleyways of 19th-century Edinburgh. The combination of historical fiction and murder mystery with plenty of medical history will make this a crossover hit with several audiences. Readers will be looking for more from this author. 

Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon

Readers who follow this series will be happy to see Talasyn and Alaric work through their tension and angst and come together in order to save the world from being devoured. The slow burn of the enemies-to lovers romance really sets the pace for the entire book.

Booked for Murder by P.J.Nelson

Madelaine has to live in her late aunt’s home/bookstore for six months in order to inherit. It’s only her first night and she’s already putting out fires, getting threatening phone calls, and finding a body.Does she flee? Nope! She sets out to find the villain. Add in some eccentric women and small town characters for a great cozy mystery.

The Rivals by Jane Pek

Claudia works for a company verifying information for online matchmaking programs. As she digs deeper into a possible A.I. conspiracy, danger rises. With the uncomfortable feeling that the people she’s investigating are being eliminated, Claudia races to solve the case and to manage her complicated personal life. Readers will enjoy the banter, multifaceted characters, and interesting storyline.

North is the Night by Emily Rath

Finnish gods meet mortals in this journey to the underworld featuring two strong heroines, one captured by the Witch Queen of Death and the other determined to rescue her. Aina and Siiri’s bond intensifies even when they are separated. Rath’s world is peppered with gods, shamans, and assorted witches, pushing the story into new territory and making this a unique and original tale.

Rental House by Weke Wang

Keru and Nate decide to rent a summer house, inviting their parents on different weekends of their vacation. She is the child of Chinese immigrants, and he is the son of working class Appalachians. The novel’s dry humor focuses on how each family views Keru and Nate’s marriage compared with their more traditional ideas, making this an interesting study of contemporary marriage

Bonus Pick:

How to Steal a Galaxy by Beth Revis

How to Steal the Galaxy continues the sexy, rip-roaring good time that Beth Revis began in Full Speed to a Crash Landing, with the return of Ada, Rian, and all the tension, twists, and turns that made the first novella so much fun.

Notable Non-Ficiton:

Sisters in Science by Olivia Campbell

The extraordinary true story of four women pioneers in physics during World War II and their daring escape out of Nazi Germany.

If none of the books listed above don’t trip your trigger, consider using Mead’s Your Next Five Books service for a book list tailored to suit individual reading tastes. Not in the mood to read a book? Try Your Next Five Movies, and regret nothing.