If you like easy-to-read, immersive stories that give you 2014 nostalgia with trials and tests as well as great worldbuilding, this one is for you.
Category: staff recs
“Next of Kin” by Hannah Bonam-Young
An easy, flowing read that shows the struggles of adoption and the foster system and how important family is.
“Dewey” by Vicki Myron
A true biography of a library cat and those who loved him.
“Check & Mate” by Ali Hazelwood
An effortless and delightful young adult read about an older sibling taking on a lot of financial struggles for her family by playing in a chess tournament.
“Educated” by Tara Westover
Westover recounts overcoming her survivalist Mormon family in order to go to college, and emphasizes the importance of education in enlarging her world.
“Romancing Mister Bridgerton” by Julia Quinn
This spicy regency historical romance from the Bridgerton series follows Penelope and Colin as they start to become something more than friends.
“Bellweather Rhapsody” by Kate Racculia
All the brightest music students in the state are snowed in at a (possibly) haunted hotel, where a mysterious wedding-night murder occurred 15 years ago.
“It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth” by Zoe Thorogood
Zoe, in the throes of a quarter-life crisis, uses cartoons and storytelling to reframe how she views her life.
“Boxes for Katje” by Candace Fleming
One well-meaning child benefits an entire town in a foreign country.
“Privilege of the Sword” by Ellen Kushner
The eccentric Mad Duke of Tremontaine decides to teach his niece, Katherine, how to become a swordmaster rather than marry her off to an eligible nobleman.