“New American” by Micheline Aharonian Marcom. This follows the story of an undocumented college student at UC Berkley who, after being in a car accident, is unable to produce a valid ID. He is turned over to ICE, jailed for months and then sent to Guatemala. The treacherous trip he has to make to get back to his home, his studies, his family and his girlfriend is compelling and reminiscent of a problem that is still ongoing in our country. Very interesting especially to compare it with

“American Dirt”. Good book club pick!

“The Edge of Everywhen” by A. S. Mackey (YA6 – 8). Books are one of the few things on this earth that truly speak, from the moment the first word is penned until the book’s last Reader has drawn their final breath. Let me show you.’ says the book Novus Fabula to grieving Piper, a 13-year old book lover and her autistic little brother Phoenix.  Wow, it was so fun to travel with them on their mysterious journey with this book. Fun read!

“Monogamy” by Sue Miller. I was drawn in immediately as this story centers around a bookstore owner who everyone seems to love, including his first wife and his current wife. But after his unexpected death, secrets upon secrets emerge and wreak havoc upon people. Pretty darn good reading.

“Transcendent Kingdom” by Yaa Gyasi. This is such a timely novel and a great follow-up to her first novel “Homegoing”. Such a raw, powerful story of racism, mental illness, and addiction told through the lens of a complicated family relationship. I loved her style of writing, so beautiful and descriptive, it paints pictures in your mind.

“The Exiles” by Christina Baker Kline. I have always been mesmerized by the transportation system that England used to punish people for their crimes, no matter how petty. This novel of historical fiction follows three women who are shipped to the convict colony of Australia, never to return. Their crime?  Petty theft. Amazing but I adored this book. 

“I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark” by Debbie Levy
Written for 4th – 6th graders, this is actually a great book for anyone! It shows the influence of Ruth’s mother on her character and how as a child, Ruth worked against injustices that she—-and any child today sees—-around her. It describes the great leadership she had of leading so that others will follow because they want to do so, not because they have to do so. Such a great book!