Lately I have been in a nostalgia mood and have been rereading through a series from my childhood: Animorphs. Revisiting science fiction books from my own childhood has engaged my curiosity to explore what kids are reading these days. Dear reader, though I speak of “kids books” I must point out that anyone at any age or stage in their life is welcome to enjoy and find pleasure in these pages. Not only do kids’ science fiction books contain heart pounding action (when done right) they also contain a humor that even as adults we can still enjoy. For this post I have chosen a couple books that I find nostalgic and will introduce you some of the new science fiction available on the shelves in the kids’ section. Enjoy!
Continue reading “Kids Read Science Fiction!”Category: Fiction
Library Reads February 2025
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!
Music, Magic and Mystery
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”Youth Award Books 2025
The American Library Association announced the winners of the 2025 Youth Media Awards on Monday. Materials for children and teens were selected by committees of literature and media specialists under different categories for their excellence. Take a look at some of this year’s winners below, which include publishers’ summaries. Be sure to click the link for any you’re interested in reading for yourself to reserve your copy through the Monarch catalog. The full list of this year’s winners is also linked at the bottom of this post.
John Newbery Medal
The John Newbery Medal is awarded annually by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. This year’s winner is The First State of Being, written by Erin Entrada Kelly.
Ryan’s Reads in 2024
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”Library Reads January 2025
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.
Great Speculative Fiction from 2024
‘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”Books by Several Japanese and one Korean author
Dear readers, that is a pretty self-explanatory title is it not? There is always great anticipation when it comes to books by foreign authors, as I believe I’ve mentioned before. First you need to wait for a translation to come out in your language, and then you have to figure out if your library system has it and place a hold on it. Is there a greater thrill than placing several on hold at once and seeing which come in first? It’s like Christmas! Usually, however, they all seem to come in at once, don’t they? Which is its own kind of thrill, but also slightly terrifying because they’re new books and thus you’re now in a time crunch.
Well dear reader, I have had several books by foreign authors come and go from my comfy reading chair, and I’m here to talk about them with you.
Mina’s Matchbox by Yoko Ogawa
In the spring of 1972, twelve-year-old Tomoko leaves her mother behind in Tokyo and boards a train alone for Ashiya, a coastal town in Japan, to stay with her aunt’s family. Tomoko’s aunt is an enigma and an outlier in her working-class family, and her magnificent home—and handsome foreign husband, the president of a soft drink company—are symbols of that status. The seventeen rooms are filled with German-made furnishings; there are sprawling gardens and even an old zoo where the family’s pygmy hippopotamus resides. The family is just as beguiling as their mansion—Tomoko’s dignified and devoted aunt, her German great-aunt, and her dashing, charming uncle, who confidently sits as the family’s patriarch. At the center of the family is Tomoko’s cousin Mina, a precocious, asthmatic girl of thirteen who draws Tomoko into an intoxicating world full of secret crushes and elaborate storytelling.
In this elegant jewel box of a book, Yoko Ogawa invites us to witness a powerful and formative interlude in Tomoko’s life. Behind the family’s sophistication are complications that Tomoko struggles to understand—her uncle’s mysterious absences, her great-aunt’s experience of the Second World War, her aunt’s misery. Rich with the magic and mystery of youthful experience, Mina’s Matchbox is an evocative snapshot of a moment frozen in time—and a striking depiction of a family on the edge of collapse.
Dear reader, this is one of those books that took me seemingly eons to finish. It never quite held my attention for a long span of time, so I could only read it in spurts. Why would I suggest a book to you that I essentially found boring? Because, dear reader, you may not feel the same way once you pick it up. In fact, I hope you don’t!
By the end of the book I felt like the climax passed me by like a distant thunderstorm. I also thought the matchboxes mentioned in the title would play more of a role in the story than they did. But even with all that, the atmosphere built by the author was very rich and descriptive. Having never grown up in one home during my childhood I found it fascinating how the family home in Mina’s Matchbox played such a role in each character’s life and identity. In turn, each character was well fleshed out and very real, which is important because so many books nowadays seem to write their characters names on the paper and leave it at that.
Continue reading “Books by Several Japanese and one Korean author”Library Reads December 2024
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.
’80s Fantasy Movies
When you think of a fantasy film, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many people, the answer will be Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, for good reason – those movies are great. However, there’s a whole history of beautiful, imaginative fantasy films that came out before that. As a fan of all forms of fantasy, I thought I’d take the opportunity to spotlight some of the great fantasy films of the 1980s available at Mead Public Library. For some readers, these will be nostalgic old favorites, but for others, they’ll be brand new discoveries. I hope you find both something old and something new to love on this list!
Labyrinth
When I say “1980s fantasy film”, there’s a good chance this is the first movie you think of, and it’s not hard to see why. David Bowie’s performance as The Goblin King, who punishes teenager Sarah for a careless wish by trapping her brother at the heart of a surreal and treacherous labyrinth, is nothing short of iconic. Bowie also lent his voice to the film’s soundtrack, from the playful “Magic Dance” to the dreamy “As The World Falls Down” to the haunting “Within You”, which in my opinion has got to be one of the most underrated cinematic villain songs of all time. The film is also visually gorgeous, from the costumes to the Jim Henson Company’s puppetry, which populates the Goblin King’s realm with a panoply of fantastical creatures. This film is incredibly rewatchable even if you nearly know it by heart, and if you haven’t seen it yet, you’ll be lucky enough to have the joy of experiencing it for the first time.
Continue reading “’80s Fantasy Movies”
Mead Public Library Blog 