Nathan Harris
[isbn]
Sweetness of Water is a beautiful debut novel. Nathan Harris has created a wonderful
story with richly portrayed characters. Gorgeous writing. Stunning!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Danny Trejo, Donal Logue
[isbn]
Brutal. And brutally honest. Fascinating life that seems like Trejo has lived many
lives in one. So much love in his heart! Love Danny Trejo! Tremendous memoir.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Ethan Hawke
[isbn]
Wow! I am suitably impressed with this wonderfully written book, A Bright Ray of Darkness by Ethan Hawke. Illuminating the actor's personal life and the theater world, especially the behind-the-scenes details of staging a play, Hawke does a splendid job. I really loved this!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Raymond Khoury
[isbn]
Intrigued by the synopsis of a mysterious naked man covered in tattoos of strange writings, I knew I had to read Raymond Khoury's Empire of Lies, a fascinating and
exciting thriller of alternate history and time travel.
I loved this book and absolutely loved Nisreen!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Chris Whitaker
[isbn]
Best Book 2021! Compelling mystery. Devastating!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Natsuo Kirino
[isbn]
I ventured into Out having gone on a detective murder mystery kick: the great Raymond Chandler, the invincible Dorothy L. Sayers... So it was no surprise that I next turned to Japan's queen of crime writing. Out is a can't-stop-reading, classy, well done, get-into-their-heads-type psychological you-know-whodunnit. Excellent translation, her first into English. I can't wait to read more by Kirino!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Flea
[isbn]
Acid For the Children is a megadose of wild and crazy!
Literary, intelligent, funny and sad. Flea's writing is eloquent, at times profound.
If you are locked down, life on hold, try this awesome memoir of Flea's.
I loved this book!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Phil Keith, Tom Clavin
[isbn]
Are you locked down? Life on hold? Read a biography of someone who really lived their life!
Incredible and fascinating, All Blood Runs Red is immensely enjoyable journey of
Eugene Bullard, boxer, pilot, soldier, spy. Bullard was also a jazz drummer and owner of a Paris nightclub in the 1930s, who was friends with Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, Langston Hughes, and many more. Born in Georgia in 1895, escaping the racism he hated, he... (read more)
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Holly George-Warren
[isbn]
Locked down? Life on hold? Read a biography of someone who really lived their life!
Janis: Her Life and Music by Holly George-Warren shows her wild side as well as her
tender side. I loved this excellent biography on Janis Joplin. Oh, Janis, I'm so sorry you died so young. I only knew a handful of your songs. Didn't know how smart you were, always reading books, since childhood. That you were a talented artist, who could have gone far... (read more)
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Rion Amilcar Scott
[isbn]
I innocently picked up The World Doesn't Require You by Rion Amilcar Scott due to
the striking cover. Though the writing was excellent and so creative, I was not enjoying it.
The flagrant use of the N-word made me uncomfortable and at one point I had to put it
down and read a different book. This book is dense, challenging and difficult, not an easy
read. Yet very intelligent, intriguing and incredible. So glad I did finish this powerful... (read more)
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Ernesto Quiñonez
[isbn]
Set in Spanish Harlem, Taína is a 15-year-old pregnant virgin. Julio believes her and has
liked her from afar, though she never notices him. Many Puerto Rican food and music references. I was so delighted by this endearing and enchanting story! This is a perfect Christmas-time read.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Kwame Onwuachi, Joshua David Stein
[isbn]
I loved Notes From a Young Black Chef, Kwame Onwuachi's memoir.
For such a young man, there is quite a lot of experiences packed into this book,
as he is hardworking, ambitious, and talented. If you're a foodie (I am not) or love
memoirs (I do!) this is an excellent read. Recipes included. Very impressive!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Stanley Crouch
[isbn]
Saxophonist and composer Charlie Parker is likely to remain the most important jazz
musician ever! His influence was huge, yet his life was tragic, lasting only 34 years. Crouch brings Parker's biography and times to life.
I enjoyed this so much! Sadly, the second volume, about Parker's years in New York, has yet to
be published. Bird Lives!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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JP Delaney
[isbn]
Wow! The Perfect Wife hooked me right from the start! Fascinating and suspenseful
throughout, this is a must-read. Super awesome and brilliant!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Shari Lapena
[isbn]
I loved The Couple Next Door, so I was excited to read Shari Lapena's new book. Someone We Know is a delicious domestic thriller, fast-paced and filled with lies,
secrets, suspicion, and gossip. So much fun! I really enjoyed this compelling, twisty, and highly entertaining mystery!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Craig Russell
[isbn]
Are you brave enough to read this novel of intense crime and horror?
In 1935, outside of Prague, is a castle that houses an asylum for the criminally insane.
With only six inmates, Dr. Kosarek desires to find the Devil Aspect.
At the same time, a serial killer stalks Prague.
A macabre and Gothic tale. Chilling!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Felicity McLean
[isbn]
The Van Apfel Girls Are Gone is a languidly told novel set in a sizzling long hot Australian summer, as Tikka, her sister, and their neighbor friends spend their time together.
Yet, like multi-layered onion skin, there is hidden subterfuge. Intriguing and atmospheric.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Casey Cep
[isbn]
Outstanding and impressive, Casey Cep masterfully takes on the true crime book
Harper Lee wanted to write. Furious Hours is like three books in one: the stories of the reverend, the lawyer, and the author of To Kill a Mockingbird. Excellent!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Willy Vlautin
[isbn]
Vlautin writes real. Real people living their lives. You feel that you know them. You care about them. Horace wants to be someone and sets out to become a boxer. A champion. You root for him. Don't Skip Out on Me made me so happy throughout yet broke my heart into pieces. A wonderful read!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Rene Denfeld
[isbn]
Like the iridescence of butterfly wings, dazzling and magical, Butterfly Girl is perfectly stunning.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Joe Hill
[isbn]
It's no wonder that Joe Hill is one of my favorite authors of horror. These electrifying, horrifyingly fantastical stories are mind-blowing! Huge imagination and strange creatures
make Full Throttle so good! Perfect for around the campfire!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Amor Towles
[isbn]
I am in LOVE with A Gentleman in Moscow! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! Allow the magic of Amor Towles to transport you to Count Rostov's rich and vibrant world at the Metropol Hotel. Charming and elegant, bringing so many smiles to my lips and some tears to my eyes, I was delighted from cover to cover. And you will be too!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Un-Su Kim
[isbn]
The Plotters by Un-Su Kim is a beautifully written dark-humored tale of a den of assassins based in an old library where the orphaned Reseng, now an assassin, was raised by Old Raccoon. Awesome characters are layered with little gems of delight throughout. This book is a sensational pleasure and a pure joy to read. Loved this!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Jo Nesbo
[isbn]
With Knife, Jo Nesbø, one of my favorite authors, delivers another explosive crime novel! Harry Hole, the tough, beat-up alley cat-type somehow attracts women like a magnet. And Nesbø is the best at creating human monsters! Will someone please tell Jo Nesbø and Walter Mosley to collaborate on a Harry Hole-Easy Rawlins international thriller?
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Lili Anolik
[isbn]
Loved this alluring bio of author and artist Eve Babitz, muse and lover of artists, writers, and musicians. Reads like a red hot exposé of the sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll scene in 1960s Hollywood.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Lucy Foley
[isbn]
Oh, I love the sound of breaking glass!
Take a New Year's party of friends, place them in a secluded Scottish lodge,
add high-octane drinking, buried secrets, resentments, and jealousies,
throw in a blizzard for good measure, mix well, and you may end up with
someone dead... just like in Lucy Foley's Hunting Party. A perfect weekend treat!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Anthony Horowitz
[isbn]
Magpie Murders was a magnificent masterpiece, and Anthony Horowitz's newest mystery is as
delicious as a fine bottle of wine... like the very expensive 1982 Château Lafite, the murder weapon
in The Sentence Is Death. Witty, enjoyable, and engrossing, Hawthorne and Horowitz are a
smashing duo!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Alex Michaelides
[isbn]
Whoa! This book. Brilliant! So psychological and immensely engaging. Criminal therapist Theo Faber puts on his detective hat to unravel why Alicia Berenson has not spoken a word
in the six years since she shot her husband. Compelling read.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Sophia Shalmiyev
[isbn]
Mother Winter by Sophia Shalmiyev is a poetic collage of a memoir, more like a work of art. Honest and fascinating. Gorgeous, stunning prose. Exquisite execution. Shalmiyev swept me away with her imagery and deep probing insight. Loved this book!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Shobha Rao
[isbn]
With heartrending scenes, lyrical prose, and Shobha Rao's masterful storytelling,
Girls Burn Brighter blazes forth a tale of perseverance and fate.
Poornima's and Savitha's strength and love shine through their friendship. I relished this compelling novel!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Delia Owens
[isbn]
Intrigued by the story of the Marsh Girl (fey, reclusive, hidden) and her possible involvement with two men (and the discovery of a dead body), I was excited to read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. But I was delighted by the paintings and collecting of shells and feathers and nests, the blending of art and science, poetry and nature studies. I absolutely loved this rich, superbly written mystery! Simply amazing!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Patrick deWitt
[isbn]
French Exit is SO fun! Confetti, champagne, and a little bit of "When the Party's Over." A cast of delightful, zany characters and deWitt's exquisite storytelling voice (expect no less)
make this a wonderful read.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Tao Lin
[isbn]
Trip by Tao Lin is a fascinating and well-researched book. Part Terence McKenna illuminations, part Tao's drug-taking diary. Full of interesting facts.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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James A. McLaughlin
[isbn]
Bearskin, a literary thriller, is thoroughly engaging. Set in the Virginia Appalachian forest, it makes a
great summer read. Rice Moore captivates as he deals with bear poachers, bikers, and other
locals, while keeping a look out for a Mexican drug cartel that's after him. True-to-life characters
and lush, gorgeous prose.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Rene Denfeld
[isbn]
Denfeld's masterful weaving of this beautiful tale moved me deeply, enveloped me in its arms and didn't let me go. Madison Culver won my heart!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Christine Mangan
[isbn]
Tangerine, a maddening mystery set in the '50s, simmers in the ambiance of the Moroccan city of Tangier. Surrounding secrets from the past, Tangerine is twisted and harrowing. Haunting.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Poe Ballantine
[isbn]
Whirlaway by Poe Ballantine is awesome! Eddie Plum, locked up in a psychiatric hospital for 14 years, escapes! What happened to his madhouse lover, Sophia? How did he meet
Sweets, a telepathic dog? What's up with his old buddy Shelly? Drinking, women, horseraces, and vintage record hunting all entwine in this jam-packed novel! Gorgeous prose throughout.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Dubow, Charles
[isbn]
How did this gem of a novel slip under the radar? Gorgeously rendered descriptions of
New York City, the Hamptons, Paris, and Rome. Deliciously infused scenes of intimate parties,
restaurants, picnics, food, and drink. A fun and sexy yet heartbreaking story of love, marriage, and friendships, I absolutely loved this unfolding tale!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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A J Finn
[isbn]
The Woman in the Window is an extremely enjoyable Hitchcockian thriller that I had been eagerly looking forward to reading. What the hell is going on here? Don't wait to find out!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Lily Brooks Dalton
[isbn]
Sweeping vistas of snow and icy terrain and vast panoramic expanses of space entwine with human lives and personal stories — I loved this book so much!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Mick Jackson
[isbn]
In his historical novel, The Underground Man, Mick Jackson tells the tale of an eccentric duke, his maze of underground tunnels, and his eventual madness. Who would have thought that such a slim volume could produce such great pleasure? This is truly an exceptional novel.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Magnus Hastings, Boy George
[isbn]
Do you love photography? Adore fashion, makeup, and fun? Why Drag is as gorgeous and fabulous as I thought it would be! Magnus Hastings's amazing photographs of exquisite drag queens is delicious with a dash of humor. Wonderful book!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Benjamin Percy
[isbn]
Benjamin Percy's The Dark Net is a thrilling ride of nonstop action and horror set in Portland (yeah!), with one of the best and spookiest scenes set in Powell's and the Rare Book Room after closing.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Claire Vaye Watkins
[isbn]
The immense southern California desert is the setting of the unforgettable story of Luz and Ray against the world. I loved the beautiful, lush writing and rich emotion of Claire Vaye Watkins's Gold Fame Citrus.
It left me breathless!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Tim Sultan
[isbn]
There's never a dull moment in Sunny's Nights! This is an amazing and fascinating history of historical Red Hook, interspersed with personal stories. I absolutely loved this fun book, and if you're from Brooklyn — or have a place for it in your heart — you'll love it, as well.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Jeff Vandermeer
[isbn]
Vandermeer's lush and Lovecraftian writing sends the reader into an other-worldly experience.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Smith Henderson
[isbn]
Characters bear out their frail existence in this deeply textured and enjoyable story.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Emma Cline
[isbn]
An intoxicating read with stunning writing. Evie's pensive thoughts and bold moves lead her down a dangerous path. Chilling and haunting!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Doerr, Anthony
[isbn]
In Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See, set in France in 1944, a 16-year-old blind French girl and a 17-year-old German soldier are on different yet converging paths. This is an amazing, masterfully executed tale. Each perfect word, each perfect sentence is magnificent. Gorgeously written scenes, whether tender or brutal, are told with precision. Characters resonate so true to their being. Read it for the sheer beauty of the... (read more)
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Marcy Cottrell Houle, Elizabeth Eckstrom
[isbn]
The Gift of Caring holds invaluable information simply stated and wrapped in a heartwarming tale of a family's experience with health care of the aging. I absolutely loved Marcy's story, and with Elizabeth Eckstrom's commentary, it is also a wonderful reference book!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Luis Alberto Urrea
[isbn]
Beautiful! This immensely enjoyable epic vividly brings to life the wonderful, endearing characters of Don Tomas and Teresita. Don't wait to read this!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Ha Jin
[isbn]
Ha Jin's finest work yet. A richer, deeper hue woven with emotion. It is perfect.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Jiro Adachi
[isbn]
I loved this book! Loved Yurika Song's fascination with the New York City bike messengers. Loved Yurika. An illuminating look at a corner of the Big City.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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James Tate
[isbn]
Intriguing. The most intense of Tate's works, with political and environmental themes. Such wonderful, imaginative writing.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Chelsea Cain
[isbn]
Sweetheart, a torrid thriller by Chelsea Cain, has classic characters — sassy reporter Susan Ward (my favorite character) and pill-popping police detective Archie Sheridan, who is obsessed with the stunning, cold-as-ice beauty (and killer) Gretchen. It's set amid the sights and scenes of Portland, which makes for a lovely backdrop and a good read.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Arundhati Roy
[isbn]
One of the best works of contemporary literature. This rare work of fiction by Roy is a gem. Her intensity and intellect are felt in both her nonfiction and her fiction.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Aleksandar Hemon
[isbn]
Great literary style. Expressive, deeply moving, and insightful. Perceptively intertwines past and present.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Michael Talbot
[isbn]
The Holographic Universe by Michael Talbot is one of my favorite books. Fascinating. Amazing! Physics, swamis, waves, and particles. Extremely readable.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Barbara Kingsolver
[isbn]
In The Poisonwood Bible, a Baptist missionary takes his family to the Belgian Congo in the late '50s, endangering the lives of his wife and four daughters. Alternating between the voices of the mother and daughters, Kingsolver successfully paints the emotional depth of their predicament and the insanity of the father and his deranged beliefs.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Gil Adamson
[isbn]
The Outlander by Gil Adamson is a wondrous vacation for your mind. With its eccentric characters and luminous prose, this novel is a romping escapade of big fun!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Robert E Howard
[isbn]
Robert E. Howard's The Coming of Conan was recommended to me by a friend who knows my love for H. P. Lovecraft. And though Lovecraft is in a class by himself, Howard's writing, which is both escapist and literary, is comparable. I especially love that the female characters — a pirate captain, a ruler of a kingdom, and the Frost King's daughter — are strong and alluring. The writing is a treat if you're accustomed to contemporary... (read more)
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Frances Osborne
[isbn]
This illuminating biography of Idina Sackville fulfilled my expectations, exploring the desires, wildness, and sadness of a woman enticed by an age of jazz dancing and intoxicants, from heights of euphoric delight to depths of tragedy. Bolter includes letters, diaries, and beautiful photos, and is exquisitely written. Lovely. I almost feel like I knew her.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Stieg Larsson
[isbn]
In The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, corporate intrigue, subtle psychology, explosive content, and a sensational heroine make for a high-caliber novel.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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David Grann
[isbn]
A true-life, amazing Amazon adventure-mystery. David Grann, mild-mannered reporter, treks into the Amazon to retrace the path of the legendary (and seemingly super-human) British explorer Percy Fawcett. Skillfully researched and written, The Lost City of Z is a fascinating read.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Karl Marlantes
[isbn]
Powerful. Words melt away, immersing me into a predator-infested jungle. As realistic as a nonfiction book.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Philipp Meyer
[isbn]
Poetic and visual, with stunning prose and startling violence, The Son weaves a multigenerational tapestry beginning with reminisces by Eli McCullough of being captured by the Comanches and living with them. The book spans through his 100-year life and beyond with chapters by his family members in future times. Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C. Gwynne inspired me to read this amazing novel.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Chelsea Cain
[isbn]
Heartsick is a riveting, intense thriller with amazing characters: Detective Archie Sheridan; Gretchen Lowell, the beautiful yet evil serial killer; and Susan Ward, the newspaper reporter who follows the story. I love that this novel is set in Portland with the sights of the local area.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Donna Tartt
[isbn]
This book is perfect. My reading of it was more of an immersion. I loved Theo and Boris. I felt I was there with the characters and in their heads. I could not stop reading this book!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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M R Carey
[isbn]
Do not read any reviews of this book. Just read it. And read it now. (The less you know from the start, the better the read.)
I loved Melanie! She loves books and reading and learning. She is really smart! This book is so enjoyable and is one of the best books I've read this season!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Chris Scotton
[isbn]
The Secret Wisdom of the Earth is a deep, lush novel with edge-of-seat excitement, emotional personal drama, and riveting scenes. Set in the beautiful mountains of Kentucky, Kevin befriends Buzzy Fink when he and his mom move in with his grandfather, Pops. Characters are vividly portrayed. A wonderful and amazing book! Pops gets my vote for Grandfather of the Year!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Victor Lavalle
[isbn]
I highly anticipated Victor LaValle's Devil in Silver and it surpassed my expectations! I absolutely loved his fantastic writing and amazing story. LaValle never lets up, one great chapter after another.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Tash Aw
[isbn]
The Harmony Silk Factory by Tash Aw is a sublime literary work. Marvelous characters reveal their inner depth. Faultless and flawless writing entices you.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Cynthia Bond
[isbn]
Bond weaves a web of madness and ghosts in this scary and very disturbing read. I feel like the book needs a warning label: explicit and devastating scenes! Yet the story and Bond's writing are so astonishingly volcanic. One of the best books I have read this year.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Ayana Mathis
[isbn]
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie is so emotional and deeply felt. I loved the stark concept yet in-depth portrayal of characters. The psychology of being human and realities of life illuminate this wonderful novel.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Isabel Wilkerson
[isbn]
The Warmth of Other Suns is a fascinating, epic narrative of the Great Migration by the brilliant Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Ta-Nehisi Coates
[isbn]
Sometimes a slim volume encompasses a huge narrative; this one certainly does. Between the World and Me is such an important book.
It is personal yet universal. And Ta-Nehisi Coates has a big heart. I wish everyone would read this.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Hanya Yanagihara
[isbn]
Tremendous. Devastating. Torturous. Hard-to-take hurts-your-heart scenes of the deep and dark sides of humanity. I could not stop reading this novel with its wonderful, flawless writing and memorable, haunting characters. I dare you to read A Little Life!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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