Catherine recommends "Every Dog in the Neighborhood"

 

Louis and his grandmother believe it is important to go for a walk every day. Rain or shine, they set out together with their comfy shoes and open minds. While his grandmother uses her walks to focus on a mysterious project, Louis decides to find out how many dogs live in his neighborhood – a question for which neither his seemingly all-knowing grandmother nor the people who work at City Hall have the answer. In the course of his walks, Louis meets his neighbors and their dogs – big and small, old and young. He learns about engaging in and giving back to one’s community. But most importantly, he learns – and tells the fine people at City Hall – that “All the dogs are good dogs, even the bad ones.” And who can argue with that? A perfect story to share with your family.

Recommended for children, preschool and up.

 

Amy recommends "The Good Sister"

 

The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth is a family suspense novel. Fern and Rose are twin sisters who very different but very close. Fern is likely on the autism spectrum though that is never revealed, Rose looks after her as only a sister can. When Rose discovers she cannot get pregnant, Fern decides to have a baby for her. They are hiding a secret from their past that could ruin one of their lives. This book manages to be funny and character driven even while building suspense. Fern is so very likeable and you will find yourself rooting for her even as she makes decisions you know aren’t good.

This book is recommended for adults.

Kate recommends "Dilla Time"

Dilla Time by Dan Charnas tells the story of James DeWitt Yancey, otherwise known as Detroit's most innovative music producer, J Dilla.  The author connects facets of Detroit's unique history and culture to Dilla's equally unusual yet groundbreaking beats.  Though not a household name, he forever changed the sound of popular Hip-Hop music for the 21st century.  He worked with countless famous musicians to revolutionize their sounds until his death from a rare blood disease in 2006 at age 32.  This book blends biography, musicology, local history, music history, and the recollections of friends, family, and colleagues to produce a truly captivating life story.  It includes lots of diagrams to illustrate just how original Dilla's rhythms were in contrast to the standard rules of music.

After moving from Detroit, he even produced lots of music from his basement studio in Clinton Township - yes, THIS Clinton Township!

Recommended for Adults

Natalie recommends "Long Live the Pumpkin Queen"

A follow up to the 1993 stop motion animated move, Long Live the Pumpkin Queen was a pleasant surprise. It follows Sally, the now queen of Halloween Town. As she tries to get acclimated to change, she finds herself finding a long forgotten world, Dream Town. When that awakens the Sandman and curses all of the Holiday Towns to eternal dreamless slumber, it's up to Sally to stop him.  Along the way, she learns more about herself, and the truth about her past.

A good Young Adult read and if you like Nightmare Before Christmas, this is worth a read.

Justine recommends "A Lady for a Duke"

A Lady for a Duke, written by the author of Boyfriend Material, is a fun Regency romp that includes a trans heroine.

When Viola Carroll was presumed dead at Waterloo, she took the opportunity to live, at last, as herself.  But freedom doesn't come without a price, and Viola paid for hers with the loss of her wealth, her title, and her closest companion, Justin de Vere, the Duke of Gracewood.  Only when their families reconnect, years after the war, does Viola learn how deep that loss truly was. Shattered without her, Gracewood has retreated so far into grief that Viola barely recognizes her old friend in the lonely, brooding man he has become.  As Viola strives to bring Gracewood back to himself, fresh desires give new names to old feelings. Feelings that would have been impossible once and may be impossible still, but which Viola cannot deny. Even if they cost her everything, all over again.

This romance is perfect for Regency fans who prefer more modern takes and tropes in their historical fiction. I recommend to anyone who's a fan of Netflix's Bridgerton or the authors Evie Dunmore and Cat Sebastian.