Embedded Files
We love talking about books we've read and hearing about books you love! Scroll down for blurbs and videos from club members, and if you've got a recommendation, click below to send it along! And check out our tips on what to write in a book review/recommendation.
Click the book cover to view the book in the library catalog (or Goodreads if we don't have it, and if you want it, be sure to contact Kelly to request an ILL) and click the down arrow to read a short description from the recommender.
Realistic Fiction
Now Is Not the Time to Panic, by Kevin Wilson
A witty, incisive novel about two misfit teenagers who, one boring summer, make a collaborative piece of art that goes viral, but not on the internet, because this is 1996. I love this book because the characters feel real and inspire me to make art too.
Recommended by Amy
The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas
Everyone should read this often-banned book. It addresses the issues of systemic racism and police violence through a deeply personal and painful story, while showing the importance of family and community. An important conversation starter.
Recommended by Alma
Girl in Pieces, by Kathleen Glasgow
This book is really intense and soul-shattering but beautiful. It is an honest portrayal of one girl's journey to overcome severe trauma and mental health challenges.
Recommended by Sylvie
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
An uncensored and realistic account of the transition into high school, complete with social awkwardness and trauma and mental health struggles, but not just sad--also funny and hopeful and beautiful.
Recommended by Nyima
Nonfiction
Everything is Tuberculosis, by John Green
A moving book about the history of the deadliest infectious disease in human history, using humor and real world stories to illustrate the injustice of its continued existence. I love John Green; he has taught me most of US history...
Recommended by Liam
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
Trevor Noah is sooo funny. You learn a lot about the hardship and injustice of apartheid in South Africa and how he and his family overcame this. The audiobook is great.
Recommended by River
Tuesdays With Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson
This book taught me how to better love the people around me and what to value in life. The writing is accessible for teens too.
Recommended by Sylvie
Accountable: The True Story of a Racist Social Media Account and the Teenagers Whose Lives it Changed
This book details how a group of teenagers' lives were torn apart and how the attempts to heal the community were mishandled. Easy to read in short sections and brings up a ton of thought-provoking questions.
Recommended by Sam
Science Fiction and Fantasy
The Wild Folk, by Sylvia V. Lindsteadt
A magical adventure addressing the dichotomy between ultra-urban modernism and country old ways. There are a lot of lessons to be learned about human greed vs. compassion and love for the natural world.
Recommended by Mae
The Stormlight Archive, by Brandon Sanderson
The author does a wonderful job showing different cultures' and characters' perspectives and the interplay between them in war and peace and everything in between. These books are truly epic.
Recommended by Kinder
The Lord of the Rings Triology and The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkein
Tolkein is known for high fantasy and amazing worldbuilding. You really get immersed in Middle Earth in these books without being taken out of the story, which is a classic hero's journey with memorable characters.
Recommended by Bruce
Nine Princes in Amber, by Roger Zelazny
This one is epic. You've got to read it to believe it, and you won't be sorry you did.
Recommended by Miroslav
Mystery and Thriller
The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard Osman
This book has such a loveable cast of characters. They are British senior citizens living in a retirement community and solving crimes. Read it or listen to the audiobook and you'll want to devour the whole series. I hope Richard Osman never stops writing these.
Recommended by Kelly
One of Us is Lying, by Karen M. McManus
Five students walk into detention on Monday afternoon, but only four make it out alive. How far will each of them go to keep their secrets?
Recommended by Ruby
None of This is True, by Lisa Jewel
This author's mysteries are absolutely chilling because it feels like they could be real. In this one, a woman meets her birthday twin, and their lives become intertwined in an eerie and unsettling way. You won't be able to put it down.
Recommended by Jane
The Inheritance Games, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
A total page-turner with a little bit of everything: mystery, puzzles, maybe a love triangle, a really cool setting. If you like Knives Out, this is for you.
Recommended by Anders
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