Eileen
Look For Me by Lisa Gardner
In Boston, four family members are murdered in their home. Missing – the 16 year old daughter and the family’s two dogs. Best selling NH author Lisa Gardner brings together two series leads, Sergeant Detective D.D. Warren and survivor turned vigilante Flora Dane to discover if the girl is victim or suspect. The new D.D. Warren book comes out on February 19.
Katherine
Hello World: Being Human in the Age of Algorithms by Hannah Fry
If you find data, computer science, or artificial intelligence even remotely interesting, read this book. Discusses a lot of what’s going on with that at the moment, where we’re headed, and ethical and practical implications.
Sarah
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
This introspective novel, written in verse, tells of Hà and her family as they escape Saigon to immigrate to Alabama during the beginning of the Vietnam War. Hà’s transition to American life is challenging and made worse by the fact that she is bullied in school and may never see her father again. Surrounded by the love of her family and the compassion of two of her neighbors, Hà finds a way to triumph, adjust, and eventually thrive in her new life. The author pulled from her own personal immigration and assimilation experience to fully illustrate Hà’s perspective. Recommended for all ages but is specifically written for middle grade readers.
Cheryl
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
I am delighted to share with you one of my very favorite books – one such fun one to share in the month of February while celebrating BPL’s very own Furry Valentines! Although written in 2008, The Art of Racing in the Rain stands the test of time with no threat of being bumped from my bookshelf! It is a story narrated by Enzo the dog as he approaches the passing of his life. Enzo has shared his life with his best friend and race car driver, Denny. He has been a vigilant observer throughout his life and feels that he is now prepared and deserving to be reincarnated in his next life as a human. An emotionally gripping story of life’s trials, tribulations and celebrations. If you have ever been loved by a dog, this “tail” is for you!
Kelly H.
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Mare Barrow is quite simply the lowest of the low. Among the lower class of a blood group known as “Reds,” Mare is a pickpocket and a thief. Even lower, she is no one’s apprentice, meaning she will be sent off to the long-fought war, controlled in the regiments of the dominant blood class: the Silvers, a blood type that results in mythical powers. Powerless, Mare steals for her family’s survival until she finds a young man by the name of Cal, who gives her enough money to satisfy her needs and offers her a job as a castle servant, at the beck and call of Silver royalty. Here, she discovers that she is not as Red as she once convinced herself she was.
Kelly R.
Biographies are always a favorite of mine, but throw in the setting of Europe 1937-1948 encompassing WWII and I am in! Madeleine Albright is also, in my opinion, a very good writer – keeping me captivated as she intertwined her own personal childhood history with political happenings in Europe during this time. I learned so many new things about the politics leading up to the war, enjoying her writing style with every turn of the page. This is one of those rare books I have recommended many times and would also count is as one of the few books I would read again. Prague Winter is a great winter read.
Belmont Public Library 