Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds by Brandon Sanderson
Title: Legion: The Many Lives of Stephen Leeds
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Review:
Stephen Leeds is not insane. Sure, he’s delusional, and he speaks to people who aren’t there; but he’s perfectly sane. Whenever Stephen learns a new subject, an ‘aspect’ appears to personify the information. Within hours he can master any subject just by creating a new aspect. This makes him an unmatched genius and to amuse himself he will solve difficult cases that few could even hope to solve. Legion is three of those cases, all culminating into a complete and satisfying character arc for the character of Stephen Leeds.
Review by: Chandler
The Bad Seed by Jory John
Title: The Bad Seed
Author: Jory John
Review:
This book is about a young sunflower seed who had a rough start in life resulting in his bad decisions. He gets labeled as a bad seed by his peers and ends up living up to that label. I love that this story introduces the concept that people aren’t just simply good or bad and that everyone has the capacity to change.
Review by: Rubi
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
Title: The Tattooist of Auschwitz
Author: Heather Morris
Review:
The story is one that should never be forgotten. It is based on the accounts of Lale and his time in Auschwitz. How he became a tattooist in Auschwitz since he knew several languages, and did what he could to help others survive the brutality of all that was there. Through it all he still found his one love Gita. Stories like this have been told over and over again but we should never forget. I cried through many of the pages of this book. I am amazed and inspired at the strength of the human spirit and the will to survive.
Review by: Julie
The Mortal Word by Genevieve Cogman
Title: The Mortal Word
Author: Genevieve Cogman
Review:
This book is the fourth in the invisible library series. It does not disappoint! Irene and Val and Kai are charged with having to figure out who killed a top dragon official in a top-secret peace conference between the Fae and the dragons. The backdrop is Paris and Victorian era. But what’s wonderful about the series is that it has a little bit of steam punk little of this and that to get you on a roller coaster and can’t wait to see how it ends!!!
Review by: Julie
Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
Title: Travelling Cat Chronicles
Author: Hiro Arikawa
Review:
As a cat owner who always wonders what my cat is up to while I’m away, I found this short read moving and endearing. Initially light and whimsical, the simple prose twists into a tale of love and kindness. The story centers around a journey taken by cat and cat-owner, filled with simple moments of contentment and loyalty. Arikawa’s imaginative and playful voice throughout the novel provides a refreshingly sincere take on the joys of life. This book is a truly heartwarming weekend read.
Review by: Allison
The Snuggle Is Real by Frida Clements
Title: The Snuggle Is Real
Author: Frida Clements
Review:
The Snuggle Is Real is a great gift for the pun lover in your family. The pages are filled with puny animals of all sizes. Laugh and cringe with this fun coffee table book.
Review by: Aly
The Lost Art of Reading by David Ulin
Title: The Lost Art of Reading
Author: David Ulin
Review:
Now, more than ever we need to be reading. And not the kind of reading you do on your phone, or while surfing Facebook. But real reading. David Ulin writes, "... we need a certain kind of silence, an ability to filter out the noise. That seems increasingly elusive in our over networked society,..." There is value in the long form, value in getting-lost-in-a-book. So why not give yourself that opportunity? Pick up a good book. You could start with this one.
Review by: Ben
Made Out of Stars by Meera Lee Patel
Title: Made Out of Stars
Author: Meera Lee Patel
Review:
This is a lovely guided journal. It’s perfect for the young woman who desires to know herself more fully, but isn’t sure how to begin. There are whimsical illustrations and inspiring thoughts on each page and thought provoking questions to ponder.
It would be a wonderful gift for the young women on your list.
Review by: Dianne
The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Title: The Book of Boy
Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Review:
The Book of Boy is, I have to say, a very enjoyable and endearing story. Set against the medieval backdrop of 1350, declared a Holy Year by the pope, the plot is a simple, ‘episodic’ adventure-quest written in a simple style and with an unforgettable cast of characters. Each chapter is a story unto itself, little insights about life are provided along the way.
This easy read is a perfect ‘break book’ (read amidst a series of heavier writing) and it can be finished in a sitting (tea or coffee recommended).
Review by: Kat
A Brush With Shadows by Anna Lee Huber
Title: A Brush With Shadows
Author: Anna Lee Huber
Review:
This is part of the lady Darby series.
One of my favorite winter cozy reading mysteries. Lady Darby and her husband Sebastian return to his childhood home to locate his missing cousin. He comes home to an ailing grandfather and a missing cousin. This may just be a cozy read but it will keep you guessing till the very end! These books definitely keep me up at night till I finish!
Review by: Julie
The Perfectionists by Simon Winchester
Title: The Perfectionists
Author: Simon Winchester
Review:
One should read Simon Winchester not only for the interesting history lessons, but because of the great writing, in my opinion. In the Perfectionists he takes us on a trip through the industrial revolution from the perspective of more and more precision. As our technology has advanced, we have become more exacting in our measurements. Without this, we wouldn’t have the world we live in today.
Review by: Ben
Concrete Mama now back in print
Concrete Mama: Prison Profiles from Walla Walla now in stock.
Originally published in 1981, Concrete Mama revealed a previously unseen stark and complex world of life on the inside, for which it won the Washington State Book Award. Long unavailable yet still relevant, it is revitalized in a second edition with an introduction by scholar Dan Berger that provides historical context for the book's ongoing resonance, along with several previously unpublished photographs.
Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
Title: Daring Greatly
Author: Brene Brown
Review:
Maybe due to social or cultural stigma, many of us see vulnerability as a weakness, but I dare you to read this book anyways. Brene Brown combines years of research and data as well as personal experiences to create quite a thought provoking book on how to grow from a place of authenticity and self-worth. She brings up how shame stops us from living a life of authenticity and whole-heartedness. In the chapters, she teaches that having the courage to show up as our imperfect selves creates an emotional resiliency that leads to a more fulfilling life.
Review by: Rubi
The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
Title: The Defining Decade
Author: Meg Jay
Review: I am a relatively young person in my mid-twenties. I know I don’t have all the answers, but this book helps me feel like a few of the answers are at least within reach. Dr. Jay has a doctorate in clinical psychology, and through this book has written about her experiences counseling and guiding young adults. She takes an in-depth look into how being deliberate about the choices made in work, love, the brain, and the body influence life satisfaction in later years. I completed this short read in two days, but I already know that I’ll be thinking about the impact this book has had on my life for a while. I would recommend this book to every young adult and to every person who has a young adult in their life – it’s that good.
Review by: Allison
Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy
Title: Marilla of Green Gables
Author: Sarah McCoy
Review:
Finally! The story of Marilla Cuthbert has been brought to life. Sarah McCoy does a lovely job of sharing the story of siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert before Anne arrives in the halls of Green Gables. I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Prince Edward Island to witness the childhood of Marilla.
Review by: Jannelle
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Title: Why We Sleep
Author: Matthew Walker
Review:
I love sleep! I especially love having a good night’s sleep and waking up feeling well-rested. Within the first few pages of his book, Matthew Walker doesn’t waste any time jumping into the science of sleep. Walker begins with theories on why we sleep, expands to talk about dreams, and concludes with discussion of how modern society has impacted our sleep. This can be read both as a self-help book and as a scientific exploration into one of the most important biological functions of the human body. I would recommend this book to just about anyone with a curious mind.
Review by: Allison
The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
Title: The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Author: Stuart Turton
Review:
Imagine waking up in the middle of the woods with no recollection of who you are, a woman screaming and one name – Anna - on your mind. This is the beginning of a crazy, twisty murder mystery that leads to the 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle! This is a mystery unlike any you’ve read by debut author Stuart Turton.
Review by: Jannelle
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Title: Strange the Dreamer
Author: Laini Taylor
Review:
Strange the Dreamer is a superb young adult novel full of adventure and magic. Laini Taylor breaks out of the traditional YA mold wit this refreshing addition to the genre. I recommend this book, not just to young adults, but for adults as well.
Review by: Aly
Sacra Gaea by Michael Carroll-Smith
Title: Sacra Gaea
Author: Michael Carroll-Smith
Review:
Today, more than ever in the history of humanity, we should consider the fate of our planet. It is the source of our food, our clothing, our shelter, our water and air. And it is home to so much natural beauty.
Take a few moments to read and reflect on the one and only place in the universe that is our home.
Review by: Ben
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Title: Where the Crawdads Sing
Author: Delia Owens
Review:
Set in 1969 in a small town on the North Carolina coast, Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of Kya Clark, or - as the locals call her – “Marsh Girl”. Abandoned by her family, Kya has raised herself in the North Carolina marshes, digging mussels and catching fish to trade at Jumpin’s Fish & Bait for basic necessities. When the local golden boy, Chase Andrews, is found dead, Kya becomes the primary suspect. I LOVED this book! It is impossible to not fall in love with Kya. Historical Fiction at its best.
Review by: Jannelle