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
“Who is that guy?”
“Just an old man.”
I LOVE that line because Dan Chase is anything but. Thirty-five years ago, he tried to return millions of dollars to the U.S. Govt. when a black op, overseas mission went wrong in the Middle East. But they didn’t want it back. And now they’re coming after him all these years later—but he has some mad, crazy skills still available to him. I read this in one night and simply couldn’t put it down. Great writing!
I’m not sure what I could say about Colm Toibin as a writer that hasn’t been said yet, except for chastising myself for not reading him sooner. Learning about Thomas Mann’s life and inner thoughts was compelling enough, but seeing WWI, the rise of National Socialism under Hitler, and America’s response to WWII through his eyes was a fabulous lesson in history. Toibin doesn’t neglect the personal details and demons that Thomas Mann struggled with either and as a result, has written a magnificent comment on cultural change as well. Pick it up and settle in for a book you can’t put down.
Skye’s Picks
Looking for a cute romance based in our lovely state of Michigan? Then this is a great book for you! The author did so well telling this story it was like I could have run into the main characters out on the street! Daphne had her life planned out and wanted nothing more than to be a librarian and marry her amazing fiance, that is until he leaves her for another woman the night of his bachelor party. Now stuck living with a man she doesn’t really know and who’s also facing the same heartbreak she has to figure out a way to reclaim her life. Her roommate being the ex boyfriend of her ex fiancé’s new girlfriend doesn’t help, but maybe it will because the tall bearded man has more to him than meets the eye. Emily Henry did an amazing job at making the characters relatable and I connected with this story in a few different ways. It’s heartwarming and gives hope that anyone can be what they want to be and sometimes you don’t have to look very hard to find what you’re looking for.
A lovely children’s story about a lost bat, found family, and friendship. When little Stellauna is separated from her mother and grows up with a family of birds, she is taught how to act like them but when she’s old enough to fly the nest with her feathered siblings she finds her original flock. Though they have their differences it doesn’t change how the birds feel about her and she is accepted as a bat but also still as their family member. A great story about how hard times can be brightened with friendship and how our differences may seem strange to others but true friendship conquers all. Perfect for anyone who also enjoyed “The Kissing Hand”.
Some Days Are Yellow by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Michelle Lee
A great book for introducing reading! “Some days are yellow” is focused on how some days may not be the best, but a new day is a new start. Sometimes we may have big feelings but we can work through them to find calm. A cute short book that can help children understand everyday emotions and everyday life that both children and even adults can relate to. This story features beautiful illustrations and is perfect for story time!
Nathan’s Pick
Empires of The Steppes: A History of The Nomadic Tribes Who Shaped Civilization by Kenneth W. Harl
Professor Harl’s depiction of life in the harsh climate of the Eurasian Steppes is as brutal and desperate as it is intriguing. Told as a narrative focusing on some of history’s most infamous figures, we learn about the ways horse-bound nomads shaped modern society from coastal China to the Middle East. Covering over 1500 years, the tale of the Huns, Mongols, Turks, Xiongnu, Goths, and many more are revealed through thorough yet accessible language. For any reader or enjoyer of history, this is a must read. As a student majoring in Geography and Anthropology, the spread of technology and language in this book is particularly interesting.
Wendy’s Pick
The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl
If you are a Francophile or simply dream of visiting Paris someday, you’ll enjoy this novel about fashion, food, art, family and self-discovery. The author is a best- selling memoir writer, internationally acclaimed food critic and longtime editor of Gourmet magazine. She knows Paris intimately and the book is an homage to the City and the transformative power of all that it offers.Though the novel is set in the 1980’s, before the gourmet food scene had really hit the USA, many of the iconic restaurants included in the story are still operating today, not to mention the famous bookstore, “Shakespeare and Company!” Follow Stella, a young woman who suffered a traumatic childhood, as she leaves her very secure, organized (if lonely and dull) life in NYC behind. She takes a trip to Paris at her insufferable, late mother’s bequest, and her life truly unfolds. But – the real main character is Paris itself!
