Kate B. recommends "No One Goes Alone"

If on a cold winter night you’re in the mood to listen to a ghost story try No One Goes Alone, by popular non-fiction author Erik Larson. Released only on audio and read beautifully by Julian Rhind-Tutt, this mysterious tale is Larson’s first published work of fiction. The story is set in 1905, when new inventions were expanding ideas of human capabilities and contact with “the other side” seemed almost within reach. A group of researchers from the Society for Psychical Research journey to an island in the North Atlantic to investigate strange occurrences at the island’s lone house. They are particularly interested in the disappearance of a whole family who had been vacationing there. As the characters explore all possibilities, natural and paranormal, the house and surrounding landscape seems to respond to their presence. This eerie story will keep you guessing to the end – and beyond!    

No One Goes Alone is best for adults and older teenagers. No swearing, no graphic violence or sexuality, however, some descriptions are frightening and the story is probably a bit complicated for most children.

 

 

 

Alicia recommends "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli: The Epic Story of the Making of The Godfather" by Mark Seal

I'm gonna make you an offer you can't refuse, you will enjoy this dramatic story of the making of the first movie of the Godfather trilogy.  Learn how the movie was almost not made, how the politics of Hollywood almost derailed the movie, and how the Mob was involved with the making of the movie and the actors in the movie.  Mark Seal compiles interviews with the cast and crew and primary sources to make a readable book. Take a walk back in time, almost 50 years ago, to learn how the movie's famous lines evolved, such as, "leave the gun, take the cannoli." 

Adult

Justine recommends "The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor"

One dark and stormy night, Haley sees a stranger drowning in the river. Since her greatest passion is Gothic romance novels, she knows her moment has come. But when Haley leaps into the water to rescue the stranger, she awakens in Willowweep. It certainly looks like the setting of one of her favorite books: A stately manor. A sinister housekeeper. Three brooding brothers. There's even a ghost. Except Willowweep is not what it seems.

The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor is a lighthearted parody of Gothic romance novels such as Rebecca, Wuthering Heights, and Jane Eyre.  It's a great Fall read for those who don't want to be scared, but enjoy a spooky atmosphere every so often.

Kate B. recommends "Small Cures"

 

Accessible and comforting, yet powerful and honest, these poems really might be “small cures” for a broken heart. Whatever the source of grief, the poet’s compassionate message of self-love can soothe the pain and remind readers of their own strength.

Here’s an example:

darling,

survival isn’t something you do.

survival is what your heart is made of.

Adult

 

Filippa recommends "The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle"

The book had me guessing from page one! It is great storytelling paired with an outlandish premise sprinkled with characters you love to hate and hate to love. If you are in the mood for a mystery thriller that doesn't stop, this is your book!

Uma recommends "Between Two Kingdoms"

Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad is a profound chronicle of survivorship explored in a fierce, tender, and inspiring way of what it means to begin again. It is an awesome, graceful and tear-jerking book that delivers a clear view into the kingdom of illness.  We plan many things in life and sometimes it doesn't go as planned. In this book Jaoud portrays her personal story of life and death and how she handled the situation with courage.

I recommend this book as a good memoir of a life interrupted.

ADULT

 

 

 

 

Natalie recommends "The Daevabad Trilogy"

I am someone who will always look for a good fantasy book or series to try.  Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmirilion, Game of Thrones, and the Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs to name a few.  I picked up The City of Brass because it sounded like a good story.  

Nahri's life is thrown into a world of magic, conflict, and a world of myths after she unintentionally summons Dara, a Djinn (or Daeva as he prefers to be called).  From there, she is pulled from her life in Cairo and brought to Daevabad, a place plagued by division.  Along the way she finds out that she is a Nahid, a magical healer, and a Shafit, someone who is half human and half Djinn.  She finds herself making through her life in Daevabad after she is forced into an arranged marriage with the king's eldest.  All the while, Dara finds himself on the side of his people, who wish to overthrow the king and hopefully save Nahri.  And then there's Prince Ali, who finds himself in a new situation after he is exiled.

The Daevabad Trilogy mixes Middle Eastern Myth, action, love, and a pinch of historical fiction and is recommended for anyone looking for a good fantasy series.

Adult/Fantasy