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The Couple Next Door
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The Book of Lost Names
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
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Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth WareThis is another page turner by Ruth Ware. Hal is a twenty something young lady who is barely getting by emotionally and financially. She works on a pier reading tarot cards for a living, having taken over for her mother after her mother was killed in a hit and run. Her original plan was to attend university, but her financial situation changed that very quickly. Barely scraping by and in debt to a loan shark for rent money, she is beside herself and fears for her life.
Then one day, she receives a letter from a lawyer. To her shock, she is named as a beneficiary in the estate of Hester Westaway. She is named as her granddaughter. Hal knows this is a mistake. Her grandparents have been dead for some time, yet here it is. The letter has her name on it and came to her address. For a brief moment, Hal thinks she should go to the reading of the will. After all, she is Harriet Westaway. Clearly, she is the wrong Harriet Westaway, but nonetheless she is intrigued. Could she possibly do this? If she could get away with this, perhaps she could pay off the goons and still have some money left for expenses and university. This is crazy, she thinks until she realizes that she really has nothing to lose and also needs a place to hide out for a few days so the loan shark does not pay her a visit as he had at the pier just yesterday. After hitting the Internet and finding out as much as she can about the Westaway family, Hal braves her fears and decides to go for it. Little does she know the strange and mysterious path this will lead her down, and the secrets that lie within the Westaway family, secrets that can have a very dangerous ending for Hal. Christine Hartigan, Director |
Someone We Know by Shari LapenaIf you are looking for a quick summer read look no further!
In the book Someone We Know, the story takes place in a sleepy neighborhood where everything seems quite dull and ordinary. Meet Raleigh, the teenage boy who gets an adrenaline rush from breaking into neighbors homes to snoop on their home computers. Meet Olivia, Raleigh's stoic mom who tries to fix all her son’s mistakes. Meet Amanda Pierce, the beautiful, married woman on the block with many admirers, who is found murdered. Perhaps this town is not as quiet and virtuous as one might think. As the number of suspects grows in the case of finding Amada Pierce’s murderer, so do the number of secrets neighbors keep from one another. Families are ripped apart as they point the finger at each other. Will the deception and madness ever come to an end? The author does a great job building the suspense throughout the story. This book is an enjoyable mystery that keeps you guessing until the end! Liz Corwin, Library Asst. |
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The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah“If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: in love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.” Thus begins The Nightingale, a beautiful and emotionally gripping novel that tells the story of two sisters in German-occupied, war-torn France.
Having different ideals and passions, Vianne and Isabelle, born 10 years apart, are on divergent life paths. When the Nazis occupy their country during World War II, and the sisters’ lives are reshaped by the atrocities on the homefront, their responses lead them in differing directions as well. Vianne, in desperation, allows the requisition of her home to the enemy. Isabelle reacts with an uncompromising resistance From there, the sisters continue to embark on paths that will require difficult choices, strength, love, and courage. The events depicted in Nightingale are especially impactful as they embody the many stories of people who actually experienced similarly appalling events during World War II. C. Digsby, Library Asst. |
One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus"A sex tape. A pregnancy scare. Two cheating scandals. And that’s just this week’s update. If all you knew of Bayview High was Simon Kelleher’s gossip app, you’d wonder how anyone found time to go to class." -- Bronwyn Rojas
In this locked-door, fast moving mystery/thriller, the creator of a high school gossip app, Simon, ends up dead. There are only four other students in detention with him that day. So who killed Simon? The story is told through the narration of each main character, the same students you would find at any high school: the smart girl (Bronwyn, quoted above), the star athlete, the school delinquent, and the pretty girl. Each one of them has a secret. Being murder suspects, the four of them quickly find out who their real friends are and band together to find the killer. This story has a shocking twist you won’t see coming. This book is available on Libby. Terri Goldstein, Library Asst. |
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The Hate U Give by Angie ThomasIn this time of unrest, The Hate U Give is an important book, not only to young adults but to all. Author Angie Thomas tells the story of Starr Carter, who is witness to the shooting of her best friend Khalil by local police. At the time of the murder, he was unarmed; this sets into motion a series of national stories, hearsay about the character of Khalil. Headlines take aim at his character; some accuse him of being involved with local gangs, a thug or even a drug dealer. Starr knows the truth; she knows the real Khalil and what happened that night. However, telling the truth may target herself and her family.
Thomas' book is pertinent to the #blacklivesmatter movement. It's an emotional, realistic story that will tear at your heart and remind us all too well that justice does not come easily. Maria Russo, YA/Children's Librarian |
Immortal in Death by J. D. RobbVeteran Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas doesn't usually walk into a crime scene and know the prime suspect is absolutely innocent. Means, motive, and a boatload of forensic evidence all say Mavis Freestone killed the gorgeous model laying broken and bloody at her feet. But as Mavis is Eve's oldest and truest friend, Eve will stop at nothing to clear Mavis' name and find the real murderer. She ties the death to a new designer drug as the bodies start to pile up, and now has to fend off a glory-seeking Narcotics detective's bid to take over her case, all while the clock ticks towards an indictment on Mavis and, oh, yeah, Eve's whirlwind wedding is only days away.
Immortal in Death is the third book in the "In Death" series featuring Eve Dallas and her billionaire husband Roarke. (Side note: this could have been the last book, as this series was introduced as a trilogy when first published -- luckily for us, Robb didn't stop there; the 50th book was released this year.) The mystery is tightly plotted and the characters are well-developed, even this early in the series. Immortal can be read as a stand-alone, even without reading the two earlier books, but it's a pretty sure bet you'll want to make room on your To-Be-Read list for the other 49 titles. Caroline Dunsheath, Sr. Library Asst. |
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The Woman in the Window by A.J. FinnThis #1 bestseller is a psychological thriller.
Anna Fox, a former psychologist lives as a recluse in her NYC home. She hasn’t left her house in almost a year due to a post-traumatic stress disorder. Her days consist of depressed drinking, taking a plethora of prescription drugs, watching old movies and spying on her neighbors. One day, while looking out her window, she thinks she has witnessed a crime committed by her neighbor. This is the main mystery of the novel. You will be quickly drawn into this thriller and won’t be able to put it down. There are so many twists and turns, some predictable, some shocking, that it will keep you entertained. Definitely, one of the better thrillers out there and worth a read. Soon to be a released as a movie. Robin Offreda, Library Asst. |
Ten Big Ones by Janet EvanovichHumorous, irreverent and FUN.
Stephanie Plum is a bounty hunter in Trenton, New Jersey. Not a very good one, but she tries. She's in the wrong place at the wrong time -- something she is very good at --- when she witnesses a crime by a vicious Trenton gang. Now there's a contract out for her life, with a mysterious killer known as The Junkman gunning for her. She needs to track down this hitman before he makes her his next victim, so Stephanie hides out with Ranger, a fellow bounty hunter who also is one of her two love interests. But, it turns out, being that close to Ranger is equally dangerous. Lula, a gun toting ex-hooker-turned-file clerk and would-be bounty hunter, is back as Stephanie’s sidekick. All the regular characters in this series are amusing and always up for an adventure. Ten Big Ones is one of the best. Terri Goldstein, Library Assistant |
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Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman In his highly recommended and readable book Thinking Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman, distinguished psychologist and winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, explores the two systems our brain uses to process information and make decisions.
System One is fast, intuitive, and emotional--valuable, but it can also be prone to issues like biases, heuristics, and over-confidence. System Two is slower, effortful, logical, and often more reliable. As humans, we are typically drawn to making decisions using less effort, but that frequently leads to bad decision making. By becoming aware of how we think and recognizing when it's beneficial to think more deliberately and rationally, we can help ourselves in making better choices in both our personal and professional lives. Sunk Cost Fallacy, Anchoring Effect, Availability Bias, The Halo Effect, The Endowment Effect, and Prospect Theory are just some of the many topics addressed in this fascinating and accessible book. C. Digsby, Library Assistant |
The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up
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Stand Up, Yumi Chung! by Jessica KimThis entertaining middle grade book combines culture, comedy and Korean barbecue. Yumi is an aspiring comedian that is stuck between a dream and fulfilling the expectations of her parents. They want her to pursue a medical degree and get a scholarship; Yumi fills her journal with funny anecdotes and dreams of doing stand up comedy.
A twist of fate and a mistaken identity brings her closer to her dream; she stumbles upon a comedy camp hosted by her favorite YouTube star. But will Yumi jump and take the chance to pursue her dream or stay the course as expected by her parents? Author Jessica Kim writes a hilarious story that demonstrates the struggles of making your dreams come true and pleasing those around you. Maria Russo, Children's Librarian |
Mercy House by Alena DillonLooking at the outside of the century old house in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, you would never know what is inside the house with the angel door knocker.
Sister Evelyn and two other nuns have run Mercy House, the house for abused women for more than 20 years. Sister Evelyn has faith and devotion to justice and community service, all while hiding a dark history. When a bishop threatens to close down Mercy House, Sister Evelyn and her fellow nuns must pull together to save all they hold dear. At the heart of this story is the nature of mercy: those who grant it, who deny it, who live it, who deserve it, and those who will preserve it at all costs. Do you want to read a book about the power of women who are pushed beyond the breaking point and work together for a common goal? This is it. Robin Offreda, Library Assistant |
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The Light Between Oceans by M.L. StedmanThis is a beautifully written story about the unconditional love between a husband and wife. The choices they make, and secrets they keep have a way of unraveling.
This love story takes place on an island named Janus Rock off the coast of Australia. Tom and Isabel live on this remote island taking care of the lighthouse there. Isabel dreams and prays of starting a family but finds herself heartbroken time and time again. One day, a boat comes to shore. What they find in the boat changes the course of their lives forever. Is this the miracle Isabel prayed for? This emotional story was also made into a movie. Although I haven’t seen the movie, I can tell you that the book will not only pique your interest but will also cause you to consider the ramifications of the choices we make in life. This book is currently available as an eBook or eAudio book! Liz Corwin, Library Asst. |
Lady in the Lake by Laura LippmanI loved this book! Inspired by true crimes committed in the 1960’s, this novel is about two separate deaths, one a white girl and one a black woman.
The story is set in Baltimore where Maddie Schwartz, bored in her marriage, leaves her husband in her late thirties looking for more in her life. She winds up being a crime reporter and gets involved in researching these two deaths. For one of them she is even the person who discovered the body! Tracking down information as a woman in the 60’s was no easy feat, but Maddie wasn’t about to give up. Wanting to find the truth as well as make a name for herself, Maddie stops at nothing to get to the bottom of these deaths. It’s interesting to see how the story of the black woman did not seem to spark the interest that the death of the white girl did, and Maddie wanted to be sure this woman’s death got the attention it deserved. While Maddie is trying to build a career in a man’s world, she also has a love affair with a black police officer which they both keep a secret. Not wanting to be tied down again, Maddie enjoys the relationship for what it is and also enjoys some insider tips from him. Eventually, Maddie makes it in the journalist world and excels in her field. She is an independent woman in a time where that was not so easy to do! I found this to be a very engaging novel. Christine Hartigan, Director |
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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper LeeThis book is an American classic almost everyone has read, usually in high school or at some point in their lives. Its impact is so incredible that it is well worth reading again in later life.
To Kill a Mockingbird became an instant bestseller and a critical success when first published in 1960. This masterpiece of American literature won a Pulitzer prize in 1961 and was made into an Academy Award winning movie in 1962. Harper Lee co-wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay, and Gregory Peck won the award for best actor. . The plot of “Mockingbird” is loosely based on Lee’s experiences during childhood and on her family. Even though Lee downplayed the similarities, they are too close to events and people in her life to deny. The similarities are worth mentioning: the story takes place in the Deep South during the 1930s in a small town in Alabama, like the one Lee grew up in. Truman Capote, her life-long friend and neighbor was the basis for the character, Dill. The whole play was inspired by the racist attitudes in her hometown. Her father was a lawyer who defended two black men accused of murdering a white storekeeper. Unfortunately, both were hanged. Tom-boy Scout is the daughter of a respected small-town attorney. The story is depicted through the eyes of two children, Jen and Scout. Lee was very close to her brother growing up I think the book became such a classic because we can still relate to the irrationality of adult attitudes towards race and class. It is as timely today as it was in 1960. The theme of morals permeates throughout the book. This novel is one of our most fluent and persuasive appeals for tolerance and justice in American literature. As we read the book we can examine racism through Jem’s and Scout’s eyes. As children they observe their lawyer father defending a black man on trial for the rape of a white woman. It is no small wonder that in 1997, To Kill a Mockingbird was voted “best novel of the century.” Harper Lee’s magnificent study of human behavior is definitely worth a read or reread. It will never stop being an inspiring, wonderful book. Robin Offreda, Library Assistant |
Where the Crawdads Sing
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The Story of a New Name
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Love & Gelato by Jenny Evans WelchItaly, a mother's dying wish, romance, and, of course, gelato!
Love & Gelato is a whimsical tale of a young girl, Lina, who goes to live for the summer in Tuscany after the death of her mother. It was her mother's dying wish for her to go there and meet her father. But this is not how Lina wants to spend her summer, nor does she want to get to know this stranger of man. The tale weaves secrets, young love, and the romantic backdrop of Tuscany. This story will transport you to Italy and leave your mouth watering for some authentic gelato! Maria Russo, Children's Librarian |
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The Turn of the Key by Ruth WareAfter finishing my first book by Ruth Ware, The Lying Game (see review below), I was anxious to read another. This book was even better! Ms. Ware's writing style keeps you wanting more.
This book grabbed me right from the beginning. The main character, Rowan Caine, accidentally stumbles upon a job ad that seems too good to be true. At the time, Rowan was working in a daycare facility and feeling unfulfilled and usually broke. Just making ends meet, she sees a live-in nanny job with a salary that seems too good to be true, in a beautiful home that makes her own shabby apartment look pitiful. What does she have to lose? Perhaps her life. The book is written from a jail cell and is one long letter to a lawyer she hopes will represent her. Her dream job turned out to be a nightmare. Somehow she went from being a nanny to 4 children to the main suspect in a murder case. She is desperate to tell her story. She claims she is innocent, but also does not have any answers as to who the real murderer may be. This is a suspenseful quick read with an ending you will never see coming! Christine Hartigan, Director |
Before We were Yours by Lisa WingateThis is one book that I could not put down. A historical fiction book that is based on the true story of the horrible woman, Georgia Tann, director of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. This was a notorious Memphis-based adoption organization that kidnapped over 5000 poor children in the mid-1900s. After changing their names, they were sold to wealthy families all over the country, but not before being subjected to physical and mental abuse and malnutrition while waiting in the home.
I particularly liked the way the author told the story through the children that were abducted. The main character is Rill Foss, the twelve year old sister of four younger children all growing up on a houseboat. They lived very poorly but were raised with love. Life was going along, until one day, the father left to take the mother to the hospital to give birth to twins, leaving Rill in charge. By the time the parents came back the 5 children had been kidnapped and taken to the Tennessee Children’s Home. What ensued is a sad tale of siblings being separated and subject to abuse. The story weaves in and out over the course of 70 years and keeps you wondering how it will end and if the siblings will somehow reunite. It’s definitely worth a read, if only to reach the uplifting end. Before We Were Yours, really touches the heart on many levels. Robin Offreda, Library Assistant |
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The Lying Game by Ruth WareThe Lying Game is about four girls who meet at a mediocre boarding school and become fast friends, so much so that they dismiss everyone else and vice versa. The girls spent summer and holidays together at one of the girl’s (Kate’s) house near the English Channel. Every year they made memories with Kate and her bit of an eccentric father who taught art at the boarding school.
One of their favorite games was the lying game, where they made up lies, some big, some small, but never to each other. That was a hard and fast rule. But their fun ran out when they were all expelled in their senior year after Kate’s father Ambrose was found dead under mysterious circumstances. After graduation, and 17 years of separation, three of the girls get a text from Kate with only these 3 words. “I need you”.” Sadly, they all knew what it was about as they had been keeping a deep, dark secret for all of these years. Although a slow read at first, this book turned into a rather good read with a lot of twists and turns along the way. Christine Hartigan, Director |
A Home for Goddesses and Dogs
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Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
Somer is a successful doctor who is struggling to start a family. Far across the ocean lives an Indian woman named Kavita who is trying to save her newborn's life. As the story unfolds, we will come to see how a beautiful baby girl touches their lives and how they will never be the same.
This moving story discusses the struggles of love, family, loss and forgiveness. The author has the gift of detail in her story creating authentic settings and narratives that draw you in and tug at your heart strings. I enjoyed this book but recommend having a tissue box close by especially for the ending. Liz Corwin, Library Assistant |
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Witch Elm by Tanya French
I’ve been an avid admirer of author Tana French’s engrossing Dublin Murder Squad mystery series since it’s beginning; and her first stand-alone novel, The Witch Elm, has me equally enthralled.
The Witch Elm is the foreboding story of Toby, an easy-going, successful, and self-described “lucky” young man, who is surprised one evening by two burglars who beat him severely and leave him for dead. This incident turns the wheel on his charmed life and changes this once sharp, confident man into someone who now lives in a permanent state of anxiety and paranoia. After some time, he resolves to convalesce in his ancestral home. However, the discovery of a human skull on the property causes Toby to doubt everything he once believed about his past and himself. Tana French skillfully creates a mood of deepening peril throughout the unfolding narrative, but it’s the skull’s discovery and the ensuing investigation that accelerate the plot into a twisting suspense novel. Like other Tana French books, The Witch Elm is an engaging psychological thriller wrapped in an intriguing murder mystery. This title is available as an eBook or eAudiobook. C. Digsby, Library Assistant |
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An Unwanted Guest
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Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorrisSold on a Monday is a fascinating read. It is based on a real picture that first appeared in the Vidette-Messenger in 1948. This old newspaper photo of 4 siblings on the steps of an apartment building in Chicago was so troubling to author Kristina McMorris, she was motivated to write a story based on the "4 children for sale" sign.
In 1931, during the Great Depression, near Philadelphia, struggling reporter Ellis Reed takes a picture of the gut-wrenching scene of two siblings sitting on their porch next to a sign that says, "Children for Sale." With the help of a newspaper secretary, wannabe reporter Lillian Palmer, he writes an article to accompany the photo. The article quickly gains the attention of the nation. We join Ellis and Lillian as they start a relationship and begin a journey to set things right. Along the way we find out what would possess a mother to sell her children and finally solve the mystery of what happened to the children. Robin Offreda, Library Assistant |
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Short Story Collections
Sometimes it's difficult to keep your head in a book when there's too much going on around you. Too stressed, too busy, too tired --- too anything to focus long enough to enjoy a novel the way it was meant to be read. That's when short stories come to the rescue.
There are a number of story collections available through Libby, including some great humorous essays and, of course, the traditional short mysteries of Christie and Queen. If you're into horror, Joe Hill's Full Throttle offers plenty of creepy thrills (check out the one co-written with his dad, Stephen King). Jim Butcher's Side Jobs mixes mystery and the paranormal in a few quick cases with Harry Dresden, our favorite Wizard Detective. Want less thrills and more warmth? Try a the trio of novellas based on real women heroes in More Than Words: Stories of Hope or Tom Hanks' debut, Uncommon Type, and discover his personality comes through on the page as well as the screen. The shorter format may introduce you to a new-to-you writer and then you'll be able to fill your to-be-read pile or it may offer a brief escape and relight your literary fire. Caroline Dunsheath, Sr. Library Assistant |
My Brilliant Friend by Elena FerranteThis intriguing, genuine book, #1 in a bestselling Neapolitan quartet begins in 1950. Lila and Elena are both 10 years old and this novel follows their friendship through school years and adolescence. Elena is the narrator of the story.
The girls are growing up in a very poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples. Lila and Elena develop a very complex and at times conflicted friendship. Elena Ferrante has such an amazing grasp of language and emotions that she seems to reach down into their very souls. My Brilliant friend, is not an easy read, but a thought provoking one that makes you ponder the life altering effect a friendship can have on your life. I cannot wait to read book #2 in this lovely series. An interesting footnote: Elena Ferrante is a pseudonym. Only her publicist knows her real name. As I quote Ms. Ferrante, “her identity lives in her writing”. Robin Offreda - Library Assistant |
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The Little French Bistro by Nina GeorgeMarianne is stuck in an unhappy marriage. After forty-one years, she has had enough, and one evening she decides to leave her husband. Marianne leaves her former life behind in the hopes of something -- anything -- new. After all, it has to be better than what she has now. She meets many new people along the way who welcome her, and she finds there is still life in her to live. As she starts to return to her former self, Marianne learns it's never too late to start again. A story of self-discovery and new love, an uplifting read for us all. Christine Hartigan, Director |
Everything Everything by Nicola YoonThis book takes the pandemic we are experiencing to a new level! What if you couldn't EVER leave your house? Yoon's romantic tale of Maddy, a girl that is allergic to the outside world, and Olly, the boy next door will have you cheering, crying and laughing in between.
Read the book, then watch the movie! Maria Russo, Children's Librarian |
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The Diva Runs out of Thyme (Domestic Diva #1) by Krista DavisAn Agatha Christie award winner, this is a Cozy Mystery, so it is a fun read without graphic violence.
In this series, the amateur sleuth is Sophie Winston, a bright divorce who writes an advice column. She gives out a lot of down to earth, interesting advice, including recipes and tips for entertaining. Living with Sophie is her beloved dog Daisy, with whom she shares custody with her ex husband, and an Ocicat named Mochie. In this the first Domestic Diva book, Sophie is competing in a local cooking competition. While shopping for groceries she stumbles upon a dead body -- and then another one at the contest! When the police keep finding connections between Sophie and the murder victims, she undertakes investigating the crimes herself to clear her name. I love this series. Sophie and the other characters are definitely fun to spend time with. Sorting out the mystery is engaging and good entertainment. Terri Goldstein, Library Assistant |
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Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo
With a couple million fans following her podcasts and television show, this Jersey Girl turned Life Coach has become quite a sensation. The title is the core of Marie Forleo's philosophy: whatever the problem, you can figure out a solution. That's a comforting thought, especially in these times.
Be warned, however: this is not a "there, there" pat on the head or an instruction book on daily affirmations. It's more of a challenge to get out of your own way, stop making excuses, and get to work on making the necessary changes to dig your way out of whatever hole you might find yourself in. Caroline Dunsheath, Sr. Library Asst. |
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The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
If you are looking to read a suspenseful thriller look no more! The Girl on the Train will hook you in and take you on a psychological thrill ride that you cannot stop reading.
Commuter Rachel Watson travels daily on the train, catching glimpses of people’s lives along the way. One day she sees a glimpse of something happening in a stranger's yard. What she decides to do with that information spins her down a runaway path she never saw coming. Liz Corwin, Library Assistant |
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Brooklyn by Colm Tòibìn
Brooklyn is an absorbing coming of age story of a young Irish woman in the early 1950's who emigrates alone to Brooklyn in search of a better future. Despite experiencing immense homesickness, she settles in and finds love, until her former life in Ireland summons her back. From Ireland to America and back again, she becomes torn between the two worlds. This smoothly written novel tells of a young woman’s journey in finding herself, and in finding home.
Brooklyn can also be borrowed as an unabridged downloadable audiobook from OverDrive. C. Digsby, Library Assistant |
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