Welcome to the Poppy Fields, where thereβs hope for even the most battered hearts to heal.
Here, in a remote stretch of the California desert, lies an experimental and controversial treatment center that allows those suffering from the heartache of loss to sleep through their pain...and keep on sleeping. After patients awaken from this prolonged state of slumber, they will finally be healed. But only if theyβre willing to accept the potential shadowy side effects.
On a journey to this mystical destination are four very different strangers and one little dog: Ava, a book illustrator; Ray, a fireman; Sasha, an occupational therapist; Sky, a free spirit; and a friendly pup named PJ. As they attempt to make their way from the Midwest all the way west to the Poppy Fieldsβwhere they hope to find Ellis, its brilliant, enigmatic founderβeach of their past secrets and mysterious motivations threaten to derail their voyage.
A high-concept speculative novel about heartache, hope, and human resilience, The Poppy Fields explores the path of grief and healing, a journey at once profoundly universal and unique to every person, posing the questions: How do we heal in the wake of great loss? And how far are we willing to go in order to be healed?
Till We Have Faces, C.S. Lewis
A repackaged edition of the revered author's retelling of the myth of Cupid and Psyche -- what he and many others regard as his best novel. C. S. Lewis -- the great British writer, scholar, lay theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and bestselling author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics -- brilliantly reimagines the story of Cupid and Psyche. Told from the viewpoint of Psyche's sister, Orual, Till We Have Faces is a brilliant examination of envy, betrayal, loss, blame, grief, guilt, and conversion. In this, his final -- and most mature and masterful -- novel, Lewis reminds us of our own fallibility and the role of a higher power in our lives.
https://carverlib.ent.sirsi.net/client/en_US/default/search/results?qu=till%2Bwe%2Bhave%2Bfaces&te=
Before I Forget by Tory Henwood Hoen
(fiction, contemporary, magical realism)
β Our Rating: Girl Read it!
π Audio vision: π
πSpice:π·
Funny, heartfelt, late coming-of-age story that examines the role of memory.
(historical fiction, contemporary, family)
β Our Rating: Read
π Audio vision: π
πSpice: 0
This is a book that dives deep into family hardship and dynamics.Β
The Art Forger by Barbara A. Shapiro
(historical fiction, mystery)
β Our Rating: Read
π Audio vision: π
πSpice:π·
Lots of details into making of the art, it was a hit or miss for our group, but most agree that it is worth the read.Β
A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna
(fantasy, romance)
β Our Rating: Girl Read It!
π Audio vision: π
πSpice: πΆοΈπΆοΈ
Starts slow, people were split on the ending being good, but most agree it is worth the read.Β
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
(historical fiction, medicine)
β Our Rating: Read
π Audio vision: π
πSpice: 0
It is a big book, different from his others, still focused on detailed medical stuff.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid, historical fiction, romance
β Our Rating: Girl, Read It! | π Audio vision: π| π Spice: πΆοΈπΆοΈ
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson, historical fiction, mystery
β Our Rating: Girl, Read It! | π Audio vision: π| π Spice: 0
Credence by Penelope Douglas, dark romance
β Our Rating: We won't yuck your yum | π Audio vision: π | Spice: πΆοΈπ«£πΆβπ«οΈπ€¨
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman, sci-fi, dystopia
β Our Rating: 50/50 Read | Β π Audio vision: π| π Spice: 0
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite thriller, contemporary, mystery
β Our Rating: Girl, Read It!
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology by multiple authors, short stories, horror, fantasy, fiction
β Our Rating: Girl, Read It! (just not all at once) | π Audio vision: π| π Spice: 0
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg, nonfiction, psychology
β Our Rating: 50/50 Read | Β π Audio vision: π| π Spice: 0
Olivetti by Allie Millington, magical realism, family, middle grade reading
β Our Rating: Girl, Read It! | Β π Audio vision: π| π Spice: 0
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel, sci-fi
β Our Rating: Skip | Β π Audio vision: ? | π Spice: 0
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese, historical fiction, medicine
β Our Rating: Read | Β π Audio vision: π| π Spice: 0
The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement, by Sharon McMahon, nonfiction, history, politics
β Our Rating: Girl, Read It! | π Audio vision: π| π Spice: 0
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Garbrielle Zevin, contemporary, romance, historical fiction
β Our Rating: Girl, Read It!
When we meet as a group, we take turns sharing our thoughts on the book and then rate it 1-10. And the ratings change throughout the discussion, or sometimes, later the next month. So it is based on generally vibe and rating from the group.
β Our Rating
Girl, read it! = majority of the group gave the book 8-10 rating
Read = majority of the group gave the book 8-7 rating
50/50 Read = almost a perfect split in loving and not liking the book
Skip = group overall was βmehβ, not a strong rating or dislikedΒ
π Audio vision: πor π
π Spice rating:Β
π·= romantic interest
πΆοΈΒ = there is some physical loveliness
πΆοΈπΆοΈ = there is sex
πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ = there is sex with details
πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ = there is lots of sex with lots of details
πΆοΈπ«£πΆβπ«οΈπ€¨ = lots and lots of sex... some like, some don't... so "don't yuck my yum"
"If it is printed, we read it" ~ Melissa.Β
Generally we follow the yearly seasons/holidays for selecting books (romance for Feb), but we make quick selections based on what people are interested in or have read recently.
https://www.sweetsalonshoppe.com/contact
Our fearless leader Rachel owns the Sweet Salon Shop, so connect with us via her website form.
Cream & Amber, Hopkins : more information
Excelsior Bay Books, Excelsior : more information
Dream Haven Books, Minneapolis : more information
Find a list of independent bookstores at the Midwest Independent Bookseller Association (they make a cool map every year)
More places to find books...
Libby App (connects with local libraries for e-books & audio books)