Every month we let you know what we’ve been reading and our monthly recommendations. You’ll get to see new titles with fabulous reviews from the Bay Books team. We’re sure you’ll love these fantastic books just as much as we do. We recommend a wide range of genres and themes. So get ready to explore more books!
Tina’s Picks
Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry by Austin Frerick
This is one of three books that I will always have on my bookshelves, not only as a reminder of where food comes from, but also as a reference book. This story follows the rise of seven major food brokers/producers and how they became financially successful because of their exploitation of workers, laws, and the eating habits of manipulated consumers. What are we eating? Where did it come from? At what cost to others and to our health? What price are we paying for convenience and at the same time, unknown health problems? Who, exactly, are we supporting with our purchases?
This well written book is not a simple muckraking exposure, but a well researched book that gives warning and information to us about what we are doing to our bodies, and to each other unknowingly.
Author Frerick shows his expertise in agriculture and antitrust policy by weaving the intricacies and histories of both to paint a compelling picture of how we are getting it wrong in our food industry.
She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica
An ICU nurse accidentally uncovers a patient’s frightening past in this chilling thriller and the witness who comes forward with shocking details about the fall, calls everything the authorities know into question. A real ‘whodunit’ based on what is the moral thing to do and when you have the power, do you do it?
Voodoo Shack: A Michigan Mystery by Terri Martin
Have you ever had a secret clubhouse? Iris has one in the woods and with her friends, uncovers an unsolved crime and a murder! What kid hasn’t dreamt of adventures and mysteries like this? We love its shout out to our childhoods. (YA ages 8 – 12)
Tallulah: Mermaid of the Great Lakes by Denise Brennan-Nelson
Sometimes a young child’s first mystery is finding out who they are and where they belong, and mermaids are no exception. Tallulah loves the ocean and her friends but finds that she doesn’t totally feel herself there, so she goes in search of her own identity. She solves her personal puzzle when she travels through the Great Lakes and locates a Petoskey stone, which makes her sparkle in her own special way. How sweet is this? (Ages 6 – 10)
Skye’s Picks
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
There weren’t too many things Clary Fray expected for her birthday. What she didn’t expect was that stumbling into a club would upheave her entire world and throw her into a completely different one. A world of demons, vampires and werewolves. The thing she was least prepared for was her mother being kidnapped. Alone with the help of her best friend Simon and a shadowhunter boy named Jace she must navigate her way into this new world full of dangers that are no longer hidden and unwind a tight web of secrets. The question is… is it all really that “new”. If you enjoy the paranormal and love the escape of fantasy this series is definitely a great option!
Wendy’s Picks
A riveting novel of magic and political intrigue, set in 16th century Madrid during the Spanish Inquisition. The author combines historical fiction, fantasy and gothic romance to spin a uniquely rich tale. Main character, Luisa, a lowly chambermaid in a pathetic household, must hide her magical talents and her Jewish heritage from the Inquisition spies. Once discovered, she is thrust into a glamorous and dangerous magical competition, held to gain favor with the Spanish monarchy. A satisfying read!
Notes From the Porch by Thomas Christopher Greene
This collection of heart warming essays are the perfect solution when you need a dose of “feel-good.” Written from his small town Vermont home during the pandemic, Thomas Greene provides a much needed reminder of the joys of simple pleasures, love and community. A wonderful bedside or coffee table go-to.
