Great Speculative Fiction from 2024

Posted on January 3, 2025December 18, 2024 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.

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Fiction, Staff Picks, Uncategorized

Books by Several Japanese and one Korean author

Posted on December 20, 2024December 18, 2024 by Corrina

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.

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Adult, Audience, Contemporary, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, History, Horror, Mystery, New & Upcoming, Nonfiction, Romance

Library Reads December 2024

Posted on December 13, 2024December 12, 2024 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.

Fantasy, Film, Uncategorized

’80s Fantasy Movies

Posted on December 6, 2024November 14, 2024 by Sydney Anderson

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.

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Adult, Award Winners, Fiction, New & Upcoming

Library Reads November 2024

Posted on November 8, 2024November 7, 2024 by Molly

Here are the top new titles librarians are recommending all over the country for November, 2024. Book descriptions have been sourced from the publishers. Click each title to see the Monarch catalog listing:

Top Pick: Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage

Teddy Andersen doesn’t have a plan. She’s never needed one before. She’s always been more of a go with the flow type of girl, but for some reason, the flow doesn’t seem to be going her way this time. Her favorite vintage suede jacket has a hole in it, her sewing machine is broken, and her best friend just got engaged. Suddenly, everything feels like it’s starting to change. Teddy’s used to being a leader, but now she feels like she’s getting left behind, wondering if the life she lives in the small town she loves is enough for her anymore.

Gus Ryder has a lot on his plate. He doesn’t know what’s taking care of his family’s 8,000 acre ranch, or parenting his spunky six-year-old daughter, who is staying with him for the summer. Gus has always been the dependable one, but when his workload starts to overwhelm him, he slips up, and he has to admit that he can’t manage everything on his own. He needs help. His little sister’s best friend, the woman he can’t stand, is not who he had in mind. But when no one else can step in, Teddy’s the only option he’s got. Teddy decides to use the summer to try and figure out what she wants out of life. Gus, on the other hand, starts to worry that he’ll never find what he needs. Tempers flare, tension builds, and for the first time ever, Gus and Teddy start to see each other in a different light. As new feelings start to simmer below the surface, they must decide whether or not to act on them. Can they keep things cool? Or will both of them get burned?

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Adult, Fantasy, LGBTQI+

Fantasy Antiheroines for Fans of The Locked Tomb

Posted on November 1, 2024October 22, 2024 by Sydney Anderson

Tamsyn Muir’s Locked Tomb series has taken the SFF world by storm since the release of Gideon the Ninth in 2019, and it’s not hard to see why. The blend of snarky, idiosyncratic dialogue with a grim story that verges on horror is a totally unique reading experience. The series’ inclusion of LGBTQ+ themes and characters has won a host of loyal fans as well. But what stands out in my mind when I think about what makes The Locked Tomb so beloved is the characters. Muir is much more interested in her female leads being interesting and memorable than she is in them being morally upstanding or completely “likeable”, which is always a breath of fresh air in any genre. However, Muir is far from the only current SFF author to take this approach. The release of Alecto the Ninth, the Locked Tomb’s final installment, is still TBD, so here’s a selection of other titles featuring complex heroines that fans will love.

The Unspoken Name by A.K. Larkwood

As a teenager, Csorwe cuts a deal with the wizard Belthandros to escape being sacrificed to the Unspoken. As an adult, she serves as Belthandros’ right-hand woman. This throws her into the path of Shuthmili, a magic-user bound to a dark destiny not unlike the fate Csorwe gave up everything to escape. The Unspoken Name’s memorable female leads, spine-tinglingly visceral magic system, and opposites-attract romance should be familiar to fans of The Locked Tomb, but this is a book with its own identity. The Unspoken Name is told with gripping, cinematic pacing, and at times it’s reminiscent of classic sword and sorcery. The sequel, The Thousand Eyes, was released in 2022, so readers who fall in love with the characters and their world will be able to pick up the next installment right away.

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Adult, Award Winners, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Mystery, New & Upcoming, Thrillers

October 2024 Library Reads

Posted on October 11, 2024October 3, 2024 by Carol

Every month, librarians from across the country vote on which books by up-and-coming authors they’re most excited to read. This month’s selections include a detective thriller set in New Mexico’s indigenous community — with a seasonally appropriate paranormal flair; a pair of standalone novels rooted in dark academia vibes; and a whimsical, heartwarming novel about a children’s author who connects with a fan as she struggles to complete her final book.

Top Pick: Exposure by Ramona Emerson

In Gallup, New Mexico, where violent crime is five times the national average, a serial killer is operating unchecked, his targets indigent Native people whose murders are easily disguised as death by exposure on the frigid winter streets. He slips unnoticed through town, hidden in plain sight by his unassuming nature, while the voices in his head guide him toward a terrifying vision of glory. As the Gallup detectives struggle to put the pieces together, they consider calling in a controversial specialist to help.

Rita Todacheene, Albuquerque PD forensic photographer, is at a crisis point in her career. Her colleagues are watching her with suspicion after the recent revelation that she can see the ghosts of murder victims. Her unmanageable caseload is further complicated by the fact that half the department has blacklisted her for ratting out a corrupt fellow cop. And back home in Tohatchi on the Navajo reservation, Rita’s grandma is getting older. Maybe it’s time for her to leave policework behind entirely—if only the ghosts will let her.

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Adult, Film, Historical, Horror

The Films of Robert Eggers

Posted on October 4, 2024September 12, 2024 by Sydney Anderson

It’s October, which means horror fans are putting together their seasonal slate of chilling films. If you enjoy slow-burn horror full of haunting imagery, or if you like historical dramas just as much as you like horror, there’s no better time to get acquainted with the films of Robert Eggers. Eggers has a signature style, delivering dark fables full of memorable imagery. However, despite consistency in style, each of his films still feels completely one of a kind. If you’re curious, every feature film directed by Eggers can be found at Mead Public Library, and it’s an excellent time to give them a watch or rewatch. It’s perfect time of year, and Eggers’ fourth feature film, Nosferatu, hits theaters this December.

The Vvitch

Strange occurrences bedevil a puritan family exiled from their community in colonial New England. As eldest daughter Thomasin watches her family succumb to tragedy and paranoia, she becomes tempted to answer the dark forces calling out to her from the woods. This was the feature film debut of now-megastar Anya Taylor-Joy. It also launched a meme in the form of the diabolical goat Black Phillip and his siren call to reckless hedonism: “Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?”. This film established Eggers’ mastery of mounting dread and surreal, haunting imagery, and nearly ten years later, it definitely holds up.

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Adult, DIY & How To, Fantasy, Fiction, Staff Picks, Teen & Young Adult

The Cat’s Meow: All Things Cats!

Posted on August 30, 2024August 29, 2024 by Ryan

Recently, we welcomed a new addition to our house. His name is Juno, and he’s an adorable cat who’s added a lot to our lives.

Since then, I’ve found myself slowly becoming obsessed with anything related to cats. And because I work at a library, it’s only natural that one of the things I’ve been looking at are books on cats. Here are some of the more memorable ones I’ve found recently.

Total Cat Mojo by Jackson Galaxy

If you have ever watched My Cat From Hell, you know Jackson Galaxy, the musician by night/cat behaviorist by day. And, if not, first off you’re missing out on a good show. But more importantly, I’ll give you a quick summary: Jackson comes into homes where cats are acting like complete jerks. It could be they’re scratching up their owners. Or that they’re peeing outside of their litter box. Sometimes, it’s both of these things and more. But, no matter the issue, Jackson works on figuring out how to best help the owner(s) learn to change their cat’s behavior. The answer isn’t always the same, but he always brings peace to the home!

Jackson takes his decades of experience working with cats and crams it into this comprehensive book, sharing his tips and tricks on how to best take care of your cat. The book also explores how to create a space that allows your feline friend to have “Cat Mojo”, a confidence they get from feeling comfortable in their environment. It’s chock-full of information for both first-time cat owners and those who have grown up with cats like myself. Plus, the illustrations throughout the book are just so cute!

So, whether you skim it or read it from start to finish, you’ll surely learn something from this self-proclaimed Cat Daddy.

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Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, History, Kids 5-12

What Was Sheboygan Reading?

Posted on August 16, 2024August 12, 2024 by Zachary

Another summer reading program has come to an end. Thank you to everyone who participated this summer, in particular those of you who participated in the adult program! Every year, staff can see which books got logged the most when participants submitted their reading time. I thought seeing what Sheboygan was reading this summer would be fun. You’ll find the book’s description from our catalog under each title. I’ve also included a link to the large print version if Mead has a copy. We look forward to the community participating in 2025’s summer reading program!

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