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
Not only is this a visually stunning book, but the explanation of murmurations plays out beautifully as each page is turned. When we see these huge flocks of starlings shape shifting in the sky, we are always amazed and awed. This book helps us all to understand and appreciate nature. (Childrens)
“We Live Here: Poems for an Ojibwe Calendar Year” by Lois Beardslee
Don’t we all feel the pull of Spring differently than we feel the pull of Autumn, Winter or Summer? Local Author Lois Bearslee writes beautifully of nature as the year passes with lovely poetical lyrics. This is a group of poems that will calm and give joy to anyone’s hearts throughout the year. (All)
“The Hotel Balzaar” by Kate DiCamillo
Love, patience and trust are underscored by the social mores of WWII as a young mother and her daughter wait for their father’s return. Through the storytelling of a mysterious Countess who is staying at the hotel where young Marta’s mother works, she learns to use her imagination but also learns to believe. Incredibly charming tale with mysteries and hope throughout. Did I mention the Countess has a parrot? (Juvenile Fiction)
“Spirit Crossing: A Novel” by William Kent Krueger
Lives are at stake to the path of truth in this novel based on true events. Missing indigenous women finally start getting attention from law enforcement when the body of a missing white girl is found. This is a social issue that is gaining ground in the public eye. Krueger hits the mark with this one—a must read!
Nathan’s Pick
“Forgotten Warriors” by Sarah Percy
Percy dives into the culture, accomplishments, and sacrifice of the millions of women who have served their countries across over the last hundred years. From the First World War to Iraq, female soldiers have been ignored by history, and denied the recognition they earned. The part that stood out to me most was the segment on the women that fought for the Red Army in the Second World War. Due to the gendered nature of the Russian language, many feminine versions of words had to be invented during the war. Overall, this book is an excellent introduction to an often misunderstood part of history and should be considered by anyone interested in the roles women play in society.
Wendy’s Picks
“The Mighty Red” by Louise Erdrich
Louise Erdrich is one of my favorite authors and “The Mighty Red” is an outstanding addition to her oeuvre. Set in rural North Dakota during the economic recession of 2008-2009, we meet a cast of interesting, complex and very quirky characters (one of Erdrich’s hallmarks) – high school football star, goth-girl, awkward and brilliant homeschooled guy, truck driving mom, itinerant actor dad, and more. We follow the characters as they each deal with the impact of their decisions, budding/fading romance, coping with tragedy, and what it means to carry deep secrets. The story pivots on the responsibility they have for their individual choices, for each other, their larger community and the environment. Heartbreaking, tender and funny – this is a big story that will sweep you along, just like the Red River itself.
“The Boyfriend” by Freida McFadden
Ohhh – settle in with a cup of tea or a glass or wine and immerse yourself in this page turning mystery/thriller that takes us into the complicated world of looking for “Mr. Right” in the age of dating apps. Main character, Sydney, has been on too many bad dates to count. At 34, she thinks she has finally landed “the one” – a gentlemanly, handsome and kind doctor. But at the same time, young women are being viciously murdered in NYC (including one of Syd’s best friends), and the clues connect the murders to a single serial killer. The “perfect boyfriend” starts to exhibit some concerning and suspicious actions…is Sydney in line to be the next victim?!
Skye’s Picks
“The Games Gods Play” by Abigail Owen
Lyra is born cursed, thanks to the high and mighty Zeus. Given up by her parents as a toddle,r she is handed over to the order of thieves. When a moment of weakness overcomes her, she comes face to face with Hades. Lucky to have walked away from the god of death, she just wants to go back to her life… until she’s unknowingly forced into “The Crucible” , a challenge amongst the gods to see who will be the next ruler among them. Each god and goddess has a champion and a labor they must overcome, well except Hades, he has Lyra as his champion but because of his last minute entry he doesn’t have a labor. So why did he enter now?
I liked “The Games God Play” because it takes a different perspective of the Greek gods. Anyone who likes mythology and fantasy should look into this one!
“The School for Good and Evil” by Soman Chainani
One small town, two best friends and a mysterious string of missing children. Agatha is the town’s young “witch” pale and withdrawn while Sophie Is the towns “princess” bubbly and bright and wants nothing more than to leave their dreary village behind her. Stories have warned them of a man who drags you away In the night but they never suspected them to be true! Now Agatha and Sophie are trapped in a new world attending a new school. One side of the school is for Good and has princesses, princes, puffy dresses and tea times. The other side is evil and has ugly creatures, spell classes, and other nefarious things. Sophie finally thought she’d get her happily ever after but she’s at the wrong school! Agatha just wants to save her friend and go home not play dress up! Both friends face life lessons and challenges that test the bounds of friendship and who they’ll become. It’s up to them whether they escape or step into their new roles. “The School of Good and Evil” is a great young adult book that has different twists and turns that you wouldn’t expect. If you’ve watched the movie I definitely recommend the book because the movie changed and left out a lotof what made the original story.
