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May 2023 Staff Picks

May 9, 2023 | Book Lists, News, Staff Picks

Need a good book? Try one of our recent favorites. 

Michelle:

The Eden Test by Adam Sternbergh

“If you bury a body deep enough, eventually all that’s left is the secret. And the woods never tell.”

Daisy & Craig’s marriage is in trouble. In hopes of saving it, and as a surprise anniversary gift, Daisy signs them up for a weeklong retreat in the remote woods of upstate NY. The retreat is run by the Edenic Foundation and is billed as:

7 days
7 questions
Forever changed

…otherwise known as the Eden Test.

Campy allusions to apples and snakes aside, Edgar Award finalist Adam Sternbergh has written a creepy, suspenseful page turner (also very well-narrated by Carlotta Brentan) rife with themes of secrets, betrayals, and lies.

 

Barb:

Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison

This book is just enough – you’ll see what I mean

 

Isabelle:

Mushroom Lullaby by Kenneth Kraegel

If you are one of the few people left in the world who has never dreamed of living in your very own mushroom house in a cozy mushroom neighborhood, Mushroom Lullaby by Kenneth Kraegel will convert you. Snuggle in for the night after a lovely day of playing volleyball and checkers and drinking lemonade with your insect pals. Home sweet mushroom.

Emily:

The Forgotten Girls by Monica Potts

The Forgotten Girls by Monica Potts is a memoir about Monica and her best friend Darci as they grew up in the Ozarks, wanting more for their lives and above all to get out of Arkansas. Potts recounts her life and the different paths that she and Darci took, eventually taking her out of Arkansas, but leaving Darci behind. Heartbreaking, honest, and inspiring. 

Danielle

What’s Left of Me by Kat Zhang 

Eva and Addie are two souls sharing the same body. In their world, everyone is born with two souls and two identities. As they grow they “settle” and one soul fades away leaving the other in control. But sometimes there are souls who don’t settle, and the two souls continue to exist in one body. They are called “hybrids” and the government hates them, fears them, and hunts them down. Even as children. Officially, Eva and Addie have “settled” but it’s all a lie- Eva continues to live on as a passenger while Addie controls their body. Eva and Addie still communicate and Eva longs to be real and her own identity. Even though it could mean their worst fears come true, Addie lets Eva take over their body to experience the world.