Every month we let you know what weâve been reading and our monthly recommendations. Youâll get to see new titles with fabulous reviews from the Bay Books team. Weâre sure youâll 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!
Nathan’s Pick
The Great Wall: China Against the World 1000 BC-AD 2000 by Julia Lovell
This intriguing non-fiction gives a meticulously researched exploration of China’s iconic stone wall. Lovell delves beyond the mere architectural marvel of the Great Wall, discussing its complex historical, cultural, and political presence through the ages. My favorite part is right in the beginning when Lovell discusses the etymological presence of the âWallâ concept in Chinese society. The writing is complex and deep, but never to the point of feeling pretentious, as some history books are. This makes it an engaging read for both history enthusiasts and casual readers. Lovell’s analysis sheds light on how the Wall has come to symbolize China’s enduring quest for security and identity in an ever-changing geopolitical landscape.
Skye’s Picks
Imagine your happy place, what does it look like? A calm beach with a summer breeze? A winter night with a good book and some cocoa? Well I can take a guess and say it’s probably not trapped in a cabin with your ex fiance while your entire friend group still thinks youâre together. If that’s not bad enough you have to share a room and pretend everything’s fine. As the days go by it takes less effort to fake your affections towards one another and harder to figure out what’s real and what’s pretend. As time passes the more this friend group realizes everyone has their own hidden problems, and it just gets worse as everyone keeps a tight hold on their secrets. Sometimes doing things on your own seems easier but always remember that good friends are always there when you need them.
The Wren In The Holly Library By K.A.Linde
When stealing a little old ring doesn’t go quite as planned, Keirse is face to face with an unknown monster. Instead of taking her life as payment for breaking the monster treaty he offers a deal. She helps him steal something he wants and he pays, protects, and teaches her new skills. What Keirse doesn’t understand is that she’s not all as human as she thinks. Will trusting this monster help or hurt her? If you enjoyed âA Court of Wings and Ruinâ and loved Bryaxis youâll probably like Graves, the monster who lurks in his own Holly Library.
Wendy’s Picks
One of the âhot booksâ of the summer, this novel was a five star read for me. Set in the Adirondacks (NY),youâll immediately be pulled into the story of two siblings who inexplicably vanish from a summer camp, many years apart. The two missing young people are part of an ultra-wealthy if dysfunctional, patriarchal family who built a lavish mansion in the wilderness along with an adjoining summer camp. The novel is a two-part mystery bouncing between past and present, with themes of complicated family and romantic relationships, and socioeconomic class comparisons/contrasts. Also woven in is the story of a serial killer who roamed the Adirondack woods – inspired by historical events that took place in the 1970âs. Post up with a cool beverage and dive into this one this August.
Tina’s Picks
Queer Ducks (and Other Animals): The Natural World of Animal Sexuality by Eliot Schrefer
Using conversational humor and personal anecdotes, as well as interviews with a variety of scientists, National Book Award winner author Schrefer breaks down commonly held beliefs to reveal this element of animal behavior. It’s full of little known facts about animal sexuality and asexuality that support the argument that science shows us that none of that is “unnatural”. Truly an interesting read. I’ve begun watching my birds more closely now!
We love the Hatchet series by Paulsen and now he gives us a captivating saga of survival and self-discovery of a levelheaded child in a Nordic archipelago landscape. The main character, Leif, is instructed to head north to safety after the camp he lives in becomes infected with cholera. Taking a canoe and finding himself alone, he must survive along the shorelines which teem with bears and whales. All of this is described with Paulsen’s characteristic attention to detail and survivalistic prose. A great adventure novel.
Cress Watercress by Gregory Macquire
The author of Wicked brings his skill to this lovely, descriptive animal story, weaving familiar elements of a cozy family, a treacherous woodland, mourning and growing pains in the style of Beatrix Potter and Kenneth Grahame. Beautifully illustrated, this novel is full of scene stealing nimal folk who will hold your attention from beginning to end. A real joy!
Finding Fire by Logan S. Kline
Wordless save for the five-line introduction, this picture book begins with a prehistoric child who sets out to find a new source of fire after a torrential rain douses a local cave hearth. Perfect for story telling, story starting, and engaging all reading levels. Teachers will love this and they will also love its cozy, brightly lit end. The illustrations truly tell a story with their beautiful design.
I truly adore this author and how he weaves so artistically history and culture through the stories of everyday people who represent all walks of life. My only misgivings is in regards to the ending. While this is a long book, it seemed he tried to bring the ending on too quickly by using conversation to bring out details that might have made the story and ending more fitting had it been done through advancing the plot line and existing characters.
Still—-his books are fantastic reads and great learning experiences. I highly recommend all of them. The first one I read was Sarum then Russka—I was hooked!
