Autumn’s Picks

Broken by Jenny Lawson

“Lawson’s knack for storytelling with honesty, vulnerability, comedy, self-kindness, and empathy kept me turning the page and alternating between laughing aloud and tearing up. She reminds me of my mother and also of myself, which made me feel less alone in our combined weirdness. I am now a loyal fan of Jenny, and I can’t wait to laugh and cry reading whatever she comes up with next.”

Vampenguin by Lucy Ruth Cummins

“This picture book is the perfect not-so-scary read for Spooky Season! With darling illustrations and charming language, we follow the Dracula family on a whimsical trip to the zoo, where Baby Dracula switches places with a penguin for the day. Silliness ensues!”

Tina’s Picks

Under the Whispering Door by T. J. Klune

A gentle but pointed story about how we can evolve and change as humans and how we face death and life. Told through Wallace, a prickly human being who acts like a robotic attorney, and those he interacts with during life (ugh!) and those he interacts with after his death (not so ugh!),  Both are learning experiences for all of us. Told with the traditional Klune wry humor and pithy observations of humanity, this is contemporary fantasy at its best and perfect for Young Adult Readers. It’s definitely a warm hug!  (warning:  language)

Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge

This is the first in a new historical mystery series set in the home of Agatha Christie but featuring her head of household, Phyllida Bright. I fell in love with Phyllida and her precise, no nonsense approach to solving the murder mystery while the local constables keep barking up the wrong trees, time and time again. A former army nurse, Phyllida is fond of detective fiction and her true hero in life is Hercule Poirot so it is not a surprise that she finds it necessary to investigate this murder in Mrs. Christie’s library. Indeed! Clues lie about everywhere but can you weave them together to solve the crime? Phyllida can!

Autumn’s Picks:

Monster, She Wrote by Lisa Kröger and Melanie R. Anderson

“Reading this book added so many titles to my tbr list! Smart, informative, and fun to read. This book is a great resource for learning more about the women who impact(ed) the gothic, horror, and speculative fiction genres. I can’t wait to read some of these authors this coming fall and winter!”

The Mad Women’s Ball by Victoria Mas

“This short gothic novel is a beautiful and heartbreaking read. It tells the story of the women institutionalized in an infamous Parisian asylum in the 19th century. Some are genuinely sick, and others have been thrown away because they defy social standards of the day. I was so taken with the story that I finished it in a single day. This book does a magnificent job of addressing the injustices against women in the late 1880s without pontificating. A dark piece of historical fiction that continues to haunt me.”

Witches of Brooklyn: What the Hex? by Sophie Escabasse

“I loved this sweet graphic novel, which is the second book in the ‘Witches of Brooklyn’ series. A delightful and magical tale of connection, friendship, and listening. I already can’t wait for the next volume to come out in 2022!”

Tina’s Picks:

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty

As usual, Moriarty pulls us in like a master weaver, adding information that fleshes out the characters as more and more twists, turns, spiral staircases, and hidden doors appear, just like a good mystery. And make no mistake, this is a mystery and a lesson in family relationships all in one. Sherlock Holmes once said that the obvious answer is usually the correct answer but not this time, Mr. Holmes, not this time.

Murder at Mallowan Hall by Colleen Cambridge

This reads like an excellent Agatha Christie novel and interestingly enough, the murder takes place right in her home! As housekeeper to Agatha Christie, Phyllida Bright finds a murdered body in the library. Oh dear! Such a mess but not only does she know how to remove the blood stains, she also knows how to solve the crime. She’s a marvelous character and I can’t wait for another book featuring Phyllida Bright comes out!

Join us on October 29th at Bay Books to meet the author, 4:00 – 6:00!

The Temps by Andrew DeYoung

They’re underemployed and underpaid but chosen to work for the most successful technological firm in the world, Delphi. Or were they? And what does Delphi actually do? None of the Temps seem to know and after a yellow mist falls upon all the permanent employees attending an outdoor meeting and killing them in a most savage way, the temps have to pull together and solve the problem….and survive.

I couldn’t put this book down and when I did, my heart was beating a little harder. Incredible segways of information that kept me puzzling the pieces to figure it out—and I could not! I love a book that is not predictable. A true comment on social structure, our basic human nature, technology, and possible solutions  to how we are destroying the earth—maybe.

Autumn’s Picks

The Moon Book by Sarah Faith Gottesdiener
“An informative guide on moon phases, cultural traditions that coincide with the moon, and instructions for putting together your own rituals for each phase. Written lyrically yet personally, there is something for everyone to learn within these pages. This book is full of practical magic for understanding the moon and getting to know her.”

Cultish by Amanda Montell
“Have you ever been sucked into an internet rabbit hole about cults and the folks who participate in them? Me too. This book, written by a linguist whose father grew up in an infamous 1960s cult called Synanon, breaks down what all cults have in common: language. Once you learn the shared language tactics used in groups from Jonestown to CrossFit, you will hear them everywhere. Turns out, a lot of things are pretty ‘cultish’.”

A Special Place for Women by Laura Henkin
“A genre-bending read that takes on tote-bag feminism, includes witches/cults, and involves fake-dating. A little Josie Grossie from Never Been Kissed, a little Practical Magic, and a whole lot of fun. A beach read that could easily be a great book club read.”

Robin’s Picks

Queens of the Crusades by Alison Weir
This book reveals the lives of the last five Plantagenet Queens.Dry? Absolutely not. As always, their stories can’t be told without the telling of the Kings, Heirs and the myriad men and women both allies and enemies, some both at different times. The ever-changing geography and manipulation of religion is ever present. Fascinating read!I give this book five stars.

The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams
Do you love words? And the beauty of language arts? The Liar’s Dictionary is about two generations of lexicographers in london. I began to question my own vocabulary! The word play is absolutely intoxicating, clever and sweet with a mystery to solve is a bonus to this hilarious cacophony of feelings. At it’s core it is a love story. I enjoyed this book tremendously.I give this one 4.5 stars.

Perestroika by Jane Smiley
Perestroika is a racehorse that lives outside Paris, France. One evening she finds her stall door opened and being curious she goes outside, ending up in Paris. With the help of some new friends;  a heart of gold street dog, a couple of joyous ducks, a seriously opinionated raven and lastly, a boy and his elderly grandmother. Paras and friends embark on an adventure. Heartwarming and beautifully written!
I give this book 4.5 Stars

Tina’s Picks

Friends and Strangers by J. Courtney Sullivan
I love books that have deep, hard to find themes and this book is full of them. The story line is propelled by the relationships between the women and the male characters seem superfluous to the plot, until you realize that they may be the mirrors that hold up the shortcomings of the women to the reader. Deep, right? Through the main characters, we see how we repeat patterns of manipulation and patronization while at the very same moment condemn them in others. Good intentions are the path to…….

A Hundred Suns by Karin Tanabe
A historical novel set in 1930’s Indochine, the suspense and fierce political struggle that was not so evident at that time is shown through the story of Jesse, young wife to the heir of the Michelin rubber fortune. As she becomes more and more involved with the workings of the plantations, she becomes torn between her married role and the injustices that she sees. Very well written and descriptive of the times. I loved it and it surely did keep me up late at night reading it.

Across the Great Lake by Lee Zacharias
Set in the 1936, this novel tells the tale of five year old Fern and her father, who is the captain of the ferry boat Manitou out of Frankfort, MI. When Fern’s mother refuses to move from her bed in the dead of winter after a miscarriage, Fern’s father takes her on the ferry to make the passage to Menominee, freeing vessels frozen in the ice on the way. At the end of the voyage, Fern must keep a secret that will be hers until the day she dies. Mesmerizing account of the cultural and historical settings of the Benzie-Frankfort time period as well as all that goes on to run a big ship on Lake Michigan in the winter. Between a little bit of a ghost story and Fern’s adventures on the ship as she looks back on that time period, I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. 

Autumn’s Picks

Female Husbands by Jen Manion (LGBTQIA+ History)

“This comprehensive study of trans pioneers from the colonial period through World War I sheds light on a group that has been kept in the shadows. Manion tells the stories of folks who trans gender, living as men in terms of dress and socioeconomic responsibility, and married women. The accounts are based on archival documentation, including photos and firsthand accounts. A perfect book to read for Pride Month!”

Think Little by Wendell Berry (Essays)

“A short but poignant read, this duo of essays compels the reader to confront their relationship– or lack thereof– with nature. In his usual poetic and honest narrative, Berry calls us all out on our collective disassociation with the natural world.  Impactful without being Romantic, urgent but not fear mongered, Berry uses this little book to call us to action, starting with a walk through the woods.”

Tina’s Picks

“Safe” by S K Barnett (Thriller)

A “Books & Wine” book club pick, this story is sure to provoke thought and reactions. Jenny Kristal reappears after twelve torturous years after having disappeared when she was six years old without a trace. But not everyone is happy to see her back. A very clever, twisty thriller that will keep you on your toes, S K Barnett writes a story that may or may not end the way you like it. But it will keep you focused as you try to figure out who is really safe and what safe mean. Once I picked this book up, I didn’t put it down until I was done—I just had to know!

“The Swan Thieves” by Elizabeth Kostova (Historical Fiction)

This book enthralled me from start to finish. After a respected artist viciously attacks a valuable painting at the National Gallery, psychiatrist and hobby artist, Andrew Marlowe is called in to treat this non-communicative patient. Obsession, history’s losses, and the power of art to preserve hope are the themes of this story. The writing style will remind you of Donna Tarrt.

“Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk” by Kathleen Rooney (Fiction)

This was such a fun read. As Lillian, a former New York career woman in her late 80’s begins to celebrate New Year’s Eve, we see the changes that our world and New York have undergone as she walks to places she has special memories of and meets the interesting underbelly of the city. She uses common sense and worldly knowledge to handle each situation and interspersed with each encounter, are memories of her lifetime, which are fascinating. I love stories of women who have ‘broken the glass ceiling’—they are each very individual and always a learning experience. Take this one to the beach.

Robin’s Picks

“Furiously Happy” by Jenny Lawson (Fiction)

This memoir is a hilarious” confessional” about a serious subject. Mental health is no laughing matter, yet I found myself going from chuckling to outright laughter reading it. The author’s prose is reminiscent of Sir Terry Pratchett of Discworld fame although an entirely different genre. Witty and dry but generous. If you have ever experienced depression, you will relate. If you have not, you will learn!

Thumbs up from me.

“The Eighth Key” by Laura Weyer (LBGTQIA+, Ages 16 and up)

Sorcery and romance abound in this lovely otherworld novel. The land is experiencing a magical drought. How did this happen? Is it gone forever? An erstwhile and very flirtatious mage sets out to answer these questions, finds allies for his quest and more.

Autumn’s Staff Picks

“The Secret History of Twin Peaks” by Mark Frost
A must-read for any Twin Peaks fan! This cross between a novel and a coffee table book is a fun, fascinating history of how the town fits into a larger story of conspiracies and government secrets. Frost was a co-creator of the cult classic show, and he continues to tell its story here. 

“Don’t Call Me Princess” by Peggy Orenstein
This thought-provoking essay collection covers everything from pink ribbons to the effects of princess-y girl culture. It is an examination of how the culture impacts women and girls and provides guidance on how that landscape can be bettered. This is a book you’ll want to take notes on.

Tina’s Staff Picks

“The Humans” by Matt Haig
I was drawn to read this book since I enjoyed Haig’s “The Midnight Library” so much. This book is very different but gives great insight into his mind and how creative he is. An alien from an advanced planet is sent to earth when an impossible-to-prove mathematical theory is solved by an arrogant, greedy, self centered mathematician. Believing all humans are this way, destruction of earthlings is sure to follow but no, the story takes a different path. A very humorous, tongue-in-cheek look at our own human foibles and self centeredness. Very entertaining!

“The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (as told to his brother)” by David LevithanTina
This is a sweet and mysterious story about the 6 days that Aidan just….disappears and the story that he tells seems near impossible to believe. A story geared toward middle graders, it underscores the importance of telling the truth and celebrates the special bond that siblings can have between one another. Rather than focusing on where Aidan was, it focuses on the aftermath and how those important in his life respond to his disappearance. A very engaging read.

Robin’s Staff Picks

“Odd and the Frost Giants” by Neil Gaiman (children’s fantasy). Odd is a 12 year old book who lives in a Norwegian village. Odd is well, odd! His father died during a Viking expedition and his mother remarried to a drunken oaf with many children. Odd feels forced out of the family. His village is experiencing a never-ending winter, which has made all the villagers grumpy and mean. You would think that Odd is also unhappy, but he is always optimistic and looking at the bright side. One morning, he rose earlier than anyone else, dressed in extra warm clothes, and steals off with half a smoked salmon. In the woods he meets magical animals who have tales to tell. They say that the reason for the never-ending winter are evil frost giants. Odd realizes that he alone can save the village. Written beautifully with Gaiman’s usual rich warmth, imagination, and cleverness. The book, inspired by Viking mythology, is brilliant. Five stars from me!

“The Scent of Distant Worlds” by W. D. County (YA sci-fi)    Exobiologist Cassie Clearwater gets an opportunity to explore a planet called Obsidian. Other scientists have concluded that it has all the components necessary to sustain human life. Her colleagues want to plunder the planet, but she had other ideas. We get both Cassie’s point of view and are introduced to the the society that might get plundered. This book is pure science fiction and is for anyone who thinks that we are not alone. Very well written. Dark and mysterious, magical and imaginative. I enjoyed reading it very much. 4 stars.

Autumn’s Staff Picks

Outlawed by Anna North

This queer, feminist Western was a quick read that I am still thinking about. In this alternative version of the Old West, women unable to bear children are ostracized, condemned as a witch, and sometimes killed. Ada, a midwife-turned-outlaw, joins the Hole-In-The-Wall Gang, a group of women and non-binary folks who have similar stories in their past. I’m not one for Westerns, but I am itching to find more books like this.

Dusk Night Dawn by Anne Lamott

I picked up this book just as I was desperate for just the kind of joy and peace that Lamott is known for. She talks about the pandemic, the climate crisis, and the general courage it takes to be a human during these times. I laughed, I cried… Reading this book feels like being hugged by hope.  

Tina’s Staff Picks

Unleash the Girls by Lisa Lindah

For historical knowledge, with some humorous shading, read this true account of a young artist with a disability who uses her creativity to solve a problem. I love this untold story of the invention of the sports bra in 1977!  She suddenly had a product on her hands that changed not just the sports world, but the world itself as women became more empowered regarding their own abilities. 

The Illness Lesson by Clare Beams 

Written in wonderful prose showing a powerful exploration of women’s bodies, women’s minds, and the time-honored tradition of doubting both. The time period is 1871 and the action revolves around Samuel Hood, who opens a school for young women, guiding their intellectual development. Soon, however, bizarre things begin to occur. Oh my. Isn’t that always the case? And it is what makes this such a good read!

Robin’s Staff Picks

Icebound: Shipwrecked At The End Of The World by Andrea Purser

The story of 16th Century Dutch Explorer William Barents and his crew of 16 is nothing short of astonishing. Exploring the Arctic when no one else dared to, this is the story of human curiosity, endurance, tragedy and glory. Icebound shows the Age of Exploration by one of Europe’s most famed and ambitious explorers at its apex. Masterfully researched and written by Andrea Pitzer. Five stars

The Last Flight by Julie Clark

This is a wild ride of a novel! From the very first page, I was intrigued. Two very different women meet by chance. Both looking to escape something. Everything you want in a thriller is here. The pace, the twisty turns, the reasons they both have. “The Last Flight” is thoughtfully and meticulously put together. Compelling. I eschewed sleep just to find out what happened. Thumbs up for this high wire act! It is also Bay Books “Books & Wine” book club pick for May.

Robin’s Picks

“Athena’s Choice” by Adam Boostrom

Set in 2099, Athena’s choice is a world without men. Scientists, at the beginning of this century, had determined that a certain type of DNA strand in men were the cause of all the world’s woes:  wars and violence, rape and depravity. So, a virus was created, originally designed to kill only the men with the highest frequency of this strand but it ended up killing all the men and some women. 

Flash forward to 2099 and not everyone feels the same any more about men. There is a movement to bring back men and a very specific scientific process to make that happen. Athena is a 16-year-old girl who is seemingly unconnected to this problem but in reality, she is at the heart of it. The world is run by an Artificial Intelligence AI beyond our imagining. There are rules and the AI does everything in its power to use a loophole to bring Athena to her because she has something very important to tell her, and only Athena can do it. 

“Echo Wife” by Sarah Gailey

Evelyn Caldwell has revolutionized the world with her cloning technology. As a result, the work force has never been fuller. Clones are not people; they do not have rights and they have a limited life expectancy. She went through a heart wrenching and difficult divorce, only to discover that her husband stole her technology and made a clone of herself. Disaster happens when Martine, her clone, contacts her. She is pregnant. 

Tina’s Picks

“The Last Garden in England” by Julie Kelly  

Told through three generations of women, all with ties to a beautifully and purposefully designed garden. A most enjoyable plotline, with lots of learning about gardens, designs and how social cultures can affect futures and how strong people can change those things. Oh, and a mysterious secret is slowly revealed, as only good writers can do. On our shelves now. 

 “We Had A Little Real Estate Problem” by Kliph Nesteroff

Initially, I was leary of this title and also because the author is White, but as I read about it in ‘Kirkus Review’, I gained a better understanding of what Kliph was presenting to us as readers. He is educating us and well we should be educated on this historical perspective of the untold story of Native Americans and comedy, pulling from contemporary Native American comedians speaking in their own voice and being quoted verbatim. He brings up knowledge that was new to me and shows how, despite having been denied representation in the entertainment industry, Native Americans have influenced and advanced the art form. We owe those of The First Nation much, much more than we thought. 

Amanda’s Pick

“An Unquiet Mind” by Kay Redfield Jamison

An Unquiet Mind is an auto-biography of Dr. Jamison’s ongoing struggle with manic depression, or more formally known as bipolar disorder. In a modern society with on growing awareness and de-stigmatization of mental health, there lies a paradox between various research, data, journals, and reports of mental illness, but it fails to allow much justification for the affected. Reading An Unquiet Mind, allowed me to grasp, to the best of my understanding, the true nature of what manic depression means.

Browse Our Selection

Check out our staff picks for January. You’ll definitely want to add them to your reading list. Give us a call to reserve a copy or shop online today.

Lifetime Picks :  “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho and “The Little Prince” by Antoine De Saint-Exupery

Grand Questions, beautiful philosophical images, these two books just become a part of you. Classic.

“The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig  –  Robin

Nora is having a BAD day! To be honest, bad years. She has become despondent with dark thoughts. Then, somehow she is in the Midnight Library, the place in between with infinite possibilities. Beautifully written, intuitive, compassionate. Lovely. I loved this book and couldn’t put it down.

Who You Were Meant to Be” by Joanna Gaines – Autumn

             Big thumbs up! Love the messages, rhymings and illustrations.

“Cold Millions” by Jess Walter  –  Tina

 A sweeping novel which follows two brothers who get caught up in free speech riots among miners in Washington during the early 20th century. History that I needed to know about and this book delivered. I love when human drama intersects with social realism—always a good read. 

You’ve asked and we answered. Check out these great books that will inspire you to curl up, cuddle up, and read all day. There’s nothing more magical than the snow falling outside, sitting by the window or in front of the fire place while being snuggled into a warm blanket with a cup of hot coco or coffee as you read a book. Here’s our December picks.

The Invisible Life of Addie Laue by V.E. Schwab. Addie runs to escape an unfortunate marriage in 17th century France. She prays for help but in the darkness, a voice answers that she knows has consequences. Addie accepts a deal without knowing the fine print and is destined to forever live but to also be forgotten. However, Addie is stubborn and clever as the darkness is relentless for the soul he can’t take without her permission. Run with her through the centuries as she does what she must to survive. We land in 21st century America when Addie meets what she lost…….hope. Surprising, complex—a study in human perseverance.

The Age of Skin by Dubravka Ugresic. With biting humor and a multitude of cultural references, the author takes on the dreams and fears of modern life. Also the hope, which we need especially now. I loved reading these essays and kept looking up in surprise to ponder thoughts and actually speak out loud to whomever was around. Fantastic writing and wonderfully translated into English from Ugresic native Croatian.

In the Country of Women by Susan Straight. A lyrical account of the complex system of kinship and clan told through the social history of the author, her husband’s family (and their struggles) and their strong female ancestors. Some women escaped violence in post-slavery Tennessee, some escaped  murder in Jim Crow Mississippi,and some struggling as immigrants from Switzerland. There are lessons here, and Straight’s stories give those to us. Good book club pick.

Refugee by Alan Gratz. Three young people, separated by continents and decades, search for freedom and refuge from prejudice, religious persecution, and threats of death. Their dangerous journeys and obstacles they must face to achieve refuge are all fueled by the drive for a better tomorrow. Surprising connections will tie their stories together in the end. Gratz is a master at writing historical fiction for young adults and this book is no exception. Timely and well written, it will help young people make sense of today’s refugee crisis.  

Something Happened in our Town by Marianna Celano. Following a police shooting, two families — one White and one Black — discuss the event, its aftermath, and what they can do to help. What makes this book unique are all the tips and suggestions for parents and caregivers to help with their own discussions as well as vocabulary and guidelines for those discussions. The illustrations also add a great deal to the storyline, giving emotion to the words that the page is presenting. Would be a super addition to a classroom library!

Wintercake by Lynne Rae Perkins. This will always be an annual favorite, especially as we approach the time to make wintercake! The charming story of friendship, jumping to conclusions, knowing you are forgiven and making new friends is a story that will never grow old. Add to the charming prose of Perkins are her equally charming illustrations that make you feel homey, even in the midst of a snowstorm which sends Lucy to a tearoom where she “jumps to her conclusion”!! You really want to be there with her, sipping hot cocoa and eating sweet nibbles. Also included in our signed copies is the recipe for wintercake, a cake that is becoming a tradition in our home. Wonderful gift for Christmas!