One of the best parts of being a librarian is seeing all the great books that come out. Our to read lists are huge! Here are a few of the ones we are hoping to get to this year.
Michelle:
The Book of Everlasting Things by Aanchal Malhotra
Though this epic story spans the years of the Great War to present day, its focus is the 1947 Partition separating India into two countries: India and Pakistan.
Samir Vij works for his uncle as a perfumer’s apprentice; Fidaus Khan is an apprentice to her father in calligraphic arts. Over the course of many years, they fall in love, only to be ripped apart when the fight for Indian independence results in the birth of Pakistan as a nation. Samir is Hindu; Firdaus, Muslim, and in light of the Partition, they are now on opposite sides.
EVERLASTING THINGS is gorgeously written and as a scholar of the Partition, the author is able to illustrate the narrative with detailed context.
Isabelle:
I’m very excited to explore “The Moth Keeper” by K. O’Neill, a graphic novel fantasy that I haven’t read because it hasn’t been published yet! Anya takes her Moth Keeper vows to protect the Moon-Moths and live a nocturnal life in the desert. Despite the honor and importance of her new position, Anya yearns for the sunshine and warmth of daytime. It was this description in the Kirkus review that so intrigued me: “Expressing quiet resilience, this story lifts up nature’s symbiotic relationships and the power of community.” How will it all play out? I guess I’ll discover that in 2023! Stay tuned.
Stephanie:
Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh
Barb:
The Red Palace by June Hur
Kelly:
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama
Emily:
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
I am interested in Seven Days in June because I have heard a lot of good things about it, and it is a part of the Reese Witherspoon book club and I have had good luck with the books she recommends!
Emily:
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
I am interested in Olga Dies Dreaming because it has gotten a lot of good reviews on Goodreads and I love a good romantic comedy, especially if it entails “political corruption, familial strife, and the very notion of the American dream―all while asking what it really means to weather a storm.”
Jeanine:
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
I have heard many good things about this book. Set in the early 1960s, chemist and single mother Elizabeth Zott, the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show due to her revolutionary skills in the kitchen, uses this opportunity to dare women to change the status quo.
Devin:
Godspeed by Nicholas Butler
Nicholas Butler is one of my favorite authors. His first book, Shotgun Lovesongs, was the first book I’d read that really captured the zeitgeist of the midwest. I’m looking forward to reading his new one!
