Arresting August Staff Picks
Frolic in the late summer fields, immediately retreat indoors, take an antihistamine, and read one (or more) of our arrestingly interesting August Staff Picks! Check out the Audiobook Playlist HERE!
Ann Patchett is a hero of mine being both an author and the owner of an independent bookstore, Parnassus, in Nashville. In reading her new novel, Tom Lake, I know I have found a kindred spirit– the numerous dog-eared pages of underlined quotes are proof. The novel takes place during the summer of 2020 when the main character, Lara, finds her three 20-something-year-old daughters home for the pandemic on the family cherry farm in Michigan. Although the world is falling apart around them, Lara is secretly happy to have this time with her grown daughters– an internal conflict I also felt during the early days of the pandemic. The novel revolves around Lara telling her daughters about her first love who just so happened to become a famous actor the girls idolize. The book is nostalgic in both how it describes Lara’s young love and more importantly in how it describes her true love. This is the first book I have read about the pandemic that most closely captures how I felt during that time– delighted to have my family to myself and guilty that I had some pleasure during global suffering while at the same time being frightened for the future of humanity. If you, like Lara, “Love love,” you will fall in love with this book.
-Danielle
Available as eBook
If you are going to do something, it is better to do it quick - which is exactly how I read Inanna, the first book in Emily Wilson's Sumerians trilogy.
The story follows Inanna, the first Anunnaki born outside of the Anunnaki's ancestral realm of heaven to her godly parents on earth. Prophecies and predictions swirl around her, but Inanna is learning how to navigate the world the same as any other young girl. As she grows older and more powerful, we see her story intersect with Ninshubar, a fierce female warrior from another land, and the infamous Gilgamesh, but a teenage boy and already known around the ancient world for his exploits. This retelling of the Epic of Gilgamesh hooked me immediately!
-Megan
Available as an eBook
Colorado author Peter Heller has that mesmerizing style of writing that pulls the reader into the lush and wild environment of nature. Ren, a Yellowstone law enforcement officer, is tired of campground drama and tourists who impinge on wild animals in the park. His cohort, Hilly, is a famous wolf biologist, who almost died when she was caught in a suspicious leg trap set close to her observation post. Together, they focus on poachers in the area and set out to catch them in the act. If you’re ready for a good mystery or are interested in ecological balance, the history of wolves in Colorado, or poaching of animal parts for the black market, then you’ll surely find this book interesting.
-Virgie
Available as an eBook
David James Duncan has guided us on fantastic journeys to find meaning in his notable books The River Why and The Brothers K. He continues down that path in his latest, Sun House, in which we learn there are many different ways to provide and accept good deeds.
Sun House is an epic journey following multiple characters across more than 700 pages, two books, and seven “tellings”. For each significant storyline, we are reminded that there are many different ways to do good and affect others, some of which are grand gestures but most are subtle and come from those passionate about and committed to a particular idea.
It’s nice to be reminded that humanity, at its core, is good. Duncan has created a thorough exploration of that in Sun House.
-Mike
Available as an eBook
The Invisible Hour is an ode to the power of books and how they touch people’s lives. When Ivy becomes pregnant in high school, her parents send her away to give birth privately. In defiance of her parents’ demands, Ivy joins a puritanical cult, where her daughter Mia is born and raised, in a world that does not allow books or any type of imagination. When Mia is finally broken in spirit she escapes from the cult and finds the one thing that will save her delicate life; The Scarlet Letter, an old classic that speaks to her. Mia recognizes herself in this novel: a woman not able to control her own body, her own life. The fantasy begins when Mia is transported to a time and a place where author Nathaniel Hawthorn connects with her. I loved learning such interesting tidbits about the life of Nathaniel Hawthorn. This story is told in the enchanting Hoffman style, combining the present, the past and the possibility of the future. The Invisible Hour is a testament to “the bond between writer and reader is a cherished and mysterious one. A book doesn’t live when it’s written. It lives when it’s read.”
Virgie
Available as an eBook
Colorado author Sandra Dallas tells a riveting story about two sisters living in Colorado around 1918. This was during WWI, the Spanish Flu, bootlegging, and prostitution, when “death wagons” roamed the streets of Denver, retrieving dead flu victims that were thrown into the street. Orphans themselves, the two sisters have only each other for support, yet they reach out to the “little souls”, those individuals who were broken by the hard times of 1918. Author Dallas won the Colorado Book Award for this story, which enables the reader to envision a different perspective of war and pandemic, at another time in history, and to feel the power of sister-love.
-Virgie
Available as an eBook
People We Meet On Vacation is a wonderful and heartwarming book that centers around Alex and Poppy, two best friends with a complicated history, who reunite annually for adventurous vacations. Emily Henry’s writing style expertly weaves between past and present, gradually revealing the character’s bond and inner struggles. The book’s charm lies in its captivating blend of humor, nostalgia, and romantic tension, making it a compelling and addictive read. Alex and Poppy’s chemistry is palpable, and their witty exchanges create an engaging dynamic that keeps readers invested in their journey. People We Meet on Vacation features vivid descriptions of exotic locales, relatable characters, and a heartwarming love story. This novel offers a perfect escape into a world of laughter, love and, second chance romance.
-Reshida
Available as an eBook
Archer’s Voice is a captivating and emotionally charged novel that resonates deeply with readers for several reasons. First and foremost, the book masterfully delves into the complexities of human connection and the power of love to heal past wounds. The compelling storyline follows the journey of Archer, a mute man with a haunting past, and Bree, a woman seeking solace in a small town. Their heartfelt and genuine relationship beautifully unfolds, drawing readers into a rollercoaster of emotion. The author’s exquisite prose and rich character development allows readers to empathize with the protagonist, fostering a profound emotional investment in their well-being. This novel touches on themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the strength of the human spirit, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after the last page. This book is more than just a romance; it is a tale of healing, hope, and the transformative power of love that lingers in the hearts of its readers.
-Reshida
Available as an eBook
This book is a super fun, quick little contemporary romance with a trove of delicious, trope-y goodness packed away inside. We have mistaken identities. We have forced proximity. We have fake dating. If you want to fly through a novel and have a good time while doing it, look no further. I want to make sure the reader knows I do mean it when I say The Decoy Girlfriend is fast-paced. If you’re looking for something with sure deeply developed characters, this may not scratch that itch, but what we did get, I loved. If you’re a person who is good at expanding stories and visualizing mentally you’re in luck. Also perfect as a transition from young adult romance to the adult side of the genre. 2 chili peppers for fairly mild spice, but this is not a fade to black.
-Jenna
Available as an eBook
The Love Hypothesis is an exceptional book earning praise for a delightful blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth. The novel revolves around Olive, a quirky and brilliant scientist, and Adam, a charming jock professor, who enters into a fake dating experiment. The story unfolds with witty banter, endearing moments, and unexpected chemistry that entertains readers. This book challenges stereotypes and explores the complexities of relationships, providing a refreshing take on the enemies-to-lovers trope. Overall, the book’s perfect balance of humor, emotional depth, and genuine characters makes it an enjoyable and heartwarming romance that leaves readers with a smile and a desire to revisit pages.
-Reshida
Available as an eBook
If you love high stakes, high fantasy, and high romance novels, this is the book for you!
Violet Sorrengail is fragile. She has a chronic illness that affects her everyday life, making her breakable and constantly in pain. Extremely quick-witted and intelligent, Violet has been dreaming and working towards an introverted life as a scribe, recording events and studying history. When her mother, the general commander of Navarre, conscripts her against her will into the competitive and cruel world of Basgiath War College for dragon Riders, Violet must succeed, because the only other option is death.. Her biggest problem? “Dragons don’t bond with fragile humans. They incinerate them”.
This is the first book in a new series by Rebecca Yarros, and is such an exciting world to fall into. With many twists, turns, and surprises, this book will have you on the edge of your seat!-Annali
Available as an eBook
Foundation isn’t a typical sci-fi novel. Although it has every hallmark of classic science fiction (a Galactic Empire, the looming threat of an impending apocalypse, intergalactic political intrigue, etc.), Asimov instead chooses to focus on a surprisingly underrepresented aspect of the apocalypse: ameliorating the fallout. On Terminus, a remote planet in the farthest reaches of The Periphery, scientists have gathered to compile the Encyclopedia Galactica, an all-encompassing collection of humanity’s accrued knowledge, as commanded by a mysterious mathematical prophecy from the illustrious psychohistorian Hari Seldon. Though, establishing a scientific enclave in the shadow of total intergalactic collapse proves to be anything but easy. Threatened by overbearing space barons, internal conflict, and doubts about Seldon’s true intentions, the Foundation struggles to remain upright and achieve its true goal—however secret it may be.
~Bryce
Available as an eBook
This fast-paced thriller about a serial killer includes “mental violence” rather than the gore of physical violence (which suits me just fine!). The story revolves around Aiden, a mild-mannered, loved-by-the-community kind of guy. The three women in his life tell this story; Cecilia (his young daughter), Rachel (the woman held captive in his house for five years), and Emily (Aiden’s new girlfriend). How many women have been killed? Why was Rachel the one to be spared a violent death, and what causes her to balk when she could escape? Will Emily be the next victim? How does Cecelia fit into this psychological horror? Dive into this novel! It will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat with anticipation!
-Virgie
Available as an eBook
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is my favorite author of the last 5 years. So much so that I am not above begging for early copies from the publishers when she announces new work. Silver Nitrate again blends elements of suspense, horror, and romance up in the simmering heat of Mexico City, this time set in the 1990’s film industry, to riveting effect. My favorite part of Silvia’s writing is always the unrelenting atmosphere of it all, and her amazing ability to create characters and settings you cannot help but want to know intimately. If you liked Mexican Gothic, definitely pick this one up. If you are a fan of Stephen Graham Jones, this is for you. SMG is on a short list of authors who create stories that I am determined to pursue to an almost obsessive degree.
-Jenna
Available as an eBook
You might think the entitled, privileged families living on Harlow Street have it all. Yet, if you dig deeper you will find despair, uncertainty, and a place where women find security by living “diminished” lives. After all, “pretending” is just the life of a woman living on Harlow Street. There is a mystery to be solved; how did the child, now fighting for his life in the hospital, fall out of a second-story window? Weaving throughout the mystery is the messed up relationships of the neighborhood couples, and how each might play a part in the tragedy. If you want domestic drama, you’ll get it here! And beware of choosing this kind of community to live in! Reading about it is just enough!
-Virgie
Available as an eBook
If you haven’t seen Wes Anderson’s newest cinematic creation, Asteroid City, then this collection of essays might seem quite obscure. If you have seen the film then these essays will only seem moderately obscure.
Do Not Detonate Without Presidential Approval is a love letter to the time period and the cinema that inspired the film Asteroid City, a love letter to the playwrights and actors and cowboys who populated the screens of American Westerns in the 60’s. Within these pages, you will find snippets of history, moody portraits of eccentric writers, and behind-the-scenes looks at some of the most iconic stories of the era. Each of the essays contained within had me bookmarking pages and highlighting movie titles to put on my watch list - reading the book is almost like taking a crash course in movie history, and the passion with which the authors describe their favorite films is infectious.
Never heard of Wes Anderson? I recommend watching Rushmore first.
Megan
Available as an eBook
What’s death like around the world? How could our death practices change to accommodate shifting climates and emotional needs? Caitlin Doughty, a mortician and funeral industry reform advocate, travels the globe exploring all sorts of death practices. I found this book enlightening and filled with love. It’s clear that Doughty is passionate about helping people find the afterlife care they desire while helping the living process and keep on living. Her deep respect for every practice she encounters made me feel like a welcome observer invited to see and understand. This is intriguing and a truly lovely book to read.
-Izzy
Available as an eBook
I picked this up randomly one day and ended up really liking it! Now I’m asking you to choose it intentionally. This little memoir follows the author’s struggles with dysthymia, otherwise known as persistent depressive disorder. It bounces between transcripts of her sessions with her therapist and essays about lessons learned while digesting those sessions. A great read, and even if you don’t struggle with depression yourself, it is a poignant reminder that everyone struggles, even if it looks like they’re living the dream from an outside perspective. Read it for yourself, and then again for everyone you love. This memoir, originally written in Korean, is like a tiny practice in empathy!
-Jenna
Michael Finkel seems to have carved out a space for himself by writing about criminals who skirt the line between dangerous societal outliers and strangely sympathetic figures. I adored his writing in The Stranger in the Woods, and the story he presents in The Art Thief is just as captivating. Finkel’s narrative covers the strange story of Stéphane Breitwieser, in all other respects a failed-to-launch attic dweller still living with his mother, became known as the world’s greatest art thief, mostly pilfering his treasures with the assistance of a large peacoat, a pocketknife, and his girlfriend. Breitwieser has insisted many times over that he does not consider himself an art thief, but an elevated sort of art appreciator. He did not steal with the intention of selling, but instead covered his attic rooms head to toe in famous oil paintings, statues, ancient weapons, and priceless carvings. The philosophical and social questions Breitwieser’s antics raise are ones I’m sure you will enjoy pondering as much as I did.
Megan
Available as an eBook
Like so many worthwhile things, reading this might be a confusing mess of difficulty and ease. This is the story of Val, a young woman who is desperately trying to be perfect and live up to impossible expectations, all at the expense of her own mental well-being. You flip through these pages and watch Val struggle with her eating disorder, which also causes strife with her family and friends. Even though this is fiction, I felt the story was an accurate, and therefore painful, representation of fighting with an eating disorder. It kills me that young people are held to these horrible body standards, despite all the progress we’ve made in the last decade. While the protagonist of Hungry Ghost is a young woman, I think this story is valuable for anyone who has struggled with body image. Lastly, I’d add that I can certainly see how this book may be triggering to people who have survived eating disorders or are currently fighting one. I still think this is an important story to tell, so if you’re in a place where you can absorb the message presented here, I absolutely recommend it, and if not, add it to your list to come back to when you’re feeling like you can absorb it without pain.
-Jenna
Available as an eBook
A swashbuckling adventure following a red-haired lass and her female crew. Alosa, the daughter of the ruthless pirate king, has a job to do. She must sneak onto an enemy ship to steal a map. If she succeeds the map will lead to untold treasure and, unbeknownst to Alosa, the secret of her mother. However, finding the map proves difficult. As time runs out Alosa must hurry to complete her task or face the wrath of her father. A high seas adventure that's sure to whisk your mind away, filling your head with salty seas, clear skies, and flapping sails.
-Eva
Available as an eBook
Alosa and her crew return ready to find the treasure hidden at Isla de Canta. Alosa has been reunited with her crew, her enemies are behind bars and she completed her task. Everything is as it should be until Alosa steals something from her father. Defying the pirate king has consequences; stealing from him leads to certain death. Will Alosa beat her father to the treasure? Or will she and her crew die a horrible death at her father’s hand? This a thrilling second edition in this series. I enjoyed this journey as much as the first book. I was particularly drawn to the female pirates of Alosa's crew. Each has a backstory and personality that makes them unique and valued on the ship. The author does a great job incorporating many different people, personalities, and traits into the story.
-Eva
Available as an eBook
Icebreaker follows the journey of Mickey James III, who is navigating the first year of college hockey, accepting his mental health, and finding love. James has always followed in the footsteps of his father, and his father before him, trying to become the first pick draft within his first year of college in hockey. This pressure causes him constant distress. At first, he loved playing hockey, but eventually saw it as a way to live up to others' expectations. To add to this pressure, he struggles to manage his depression and confidence while constantly being compared to those around him, especially the second-draft pick (and his rival) Jaysen Caulfield. When James discovers he has to play on the same team as Jaysen and still come out on top, he loses confidence in his abilities. Throughout the story, James experiences depression and anxiety and learns to accept it as part of himself while branching out to those around him. This story is about falling in love, finding friends, and empowering yourself to choose your own path.
-Lauren
Available as an eBook
Alaska: cold, foreign, deVoid of life, and home to Katmere Academy. Cold stone walls and gothic architecture surround Grace. Her life was uprooted from sunny SAn Diego when her parents died in a car crash. Her only faMily left, live in Alaska. Her uncle is the headmaster of Katmere Academy and her cousin is a student. Grace struggles to find her place at the new school but a flicker of hoPe is found when she meets Jaxon Vega. A reclusIve student who may have experienced as much pain as her. Together they might be able to work thRough their grief and protect each other against a rising evil. A slow romance with fantasy filled with sEcrets and mystery waiting to be unraveled.
-Eva
Available as an eBook
The Inheritance Games is a captivating and thrilling novel that captures readers' attention with its intriguing mystery and dynamic characters. The story follows Avery Grambs, a struggling teen who unexpectedly inherits a vast fortune from a reclusive billionaire, Tobias Hawthrone. However, there’s a catch-Avery must compete against Hawthorne’s grandsons to claim her inheritance. This book excels in its skillful plot twist, keeping readers guessing until the very end. It weaves a web of secrets, puzzles, and suspense that keeps readers engrossed throughout. The characters are well-developed and diverse, each adding a unique dimension to the story. It is a page-turner that combines elements of mystery, romance, and family drama. It offers a thrilling ride filled with unexpected surprises and a satisfying resolution, making it a great read.
-Reshida
Available as an eBook
Two sisters and one curse. The eldest bears the burden of the curse while the younger glows with its power. However, they will both face many challenges. A story weaving together sisterhood, magic, demons, trauma, and tragedy. A perfect book if you are looking for a good standalone fantasy. I enjoyed the pacing of the book and the characters’ dedication to each other. I also appreciated the bonds between the sisters. I have three sisters and it made me rethink my relationships with them. The story's mythology is unique and encapturing. Above all else, this book taught me that we all bear burdens but we get to choose how they affect our life.
- Eva
Available as an eBook
Tokyo Aliens is a manga that feels like a Japanese Men in Black. In this world, aliens can live on Earth under certain regulations set by the government and enforced by the special forces unit. The main point of these laws is to allow aliens to live in peace among humans, but this means they also have to hide that they are not of this world. This is the story of Akira Gunji, a regular high school student, who gets dragged into this world by an alien breaking the law. Not only that, he finds out that not only is his classmate a part of the special forces unit, but so is his father. Read Tokyo Aliens to find out more and to follow Akira Gunji’s story to help keep the peace of the world.
-Lauren
Orphaned and kidnapped by a cult at a very young age, Ciel Phantomhive must turn to the only option available to him to escape. Summoning a demon and forming a contract with the beast in exchange for his soul! In this short first volume, the reader is transported back in time to England during the Victorian age when murder and foul play ran rampant through the streets. We follow Ciel and his new demon butler, Sebastian, as they solve crimes and follow leads to track down the cult that ruined the young master’s life. I would recommend this manga for anyone who enjoys dark stories without the typical happy ending.
-Isabella
Set in the mid-1940s-1990s, Spy x Family covers the story of three people who seemingly shouldn’t coexist, becoming a family to achieve their different goals. Starting with “Twilight,” a secret agent who works to try to prevent war with a neighboring country. He gets a mission to infiltrate an elementary school to investigate a politician and thus must create a fake family. To do this, he has to get married, have a child, and play family. “Twilight” takes the new alias of “Loid Forger” and adopts a child, Anya. Then when taking Anya out, he meets Yor Briar, who on the surface level is an absent-minded office worker, who readily agrees to be his wife. Unknownst to him, both Anya and Yor have secrets of their own. Anya is an esper and Yor is the lethal assassin, “Thorn Princess.” Follow the story of Spy x Family to enjoy the comedy of these three working together to complete their own agendas without the others figuring it out.
-Lauren
Tower of God is one of those unique worlds that can only be understood by reading it, especially when it comes to the main character, Twenty-Fifth Bam, who has spent most of his life completely alone. It was not until he met a girl, Rachel, that he had any path in life. She was his light, all he had, so when she disappears to go climb the Tower, Bam follows. Sadly, following her was not enough for them to stay together. Upon entry, he was marked as an “Irregular,” someone who was not chosen by the Tower, but still was allowed entry. Regardless, Bam still works towards his goals; whether it be wealth, glory, power, or finding Rachel, all desires will be realized at the top of the Tower. This series is for those who love a good action story with plot twists, suspense, and plenty of drama to keep readers hooked.
-Lauren
Ever since Cassidy Blake fell off the bridge after slipping on the ice and technically dying, she has been able to see ghosts. Somehow, she is still moving along with her best friend, a ghost, named Jacob. Ironically, her parents are the authors of The Inspectors, a series about ghost hunters, even though they cannot see ghosts themselves. The story's plot follows her parents creating a TV show on the most haunted locations in the world, starting with Edinburgh, Scotland. Cassidy has to navigate the ability to see ghosts while accompanying her parents…but what happens when she catches the eye of a serial killer ghost? Follow the story of Cassidy escaping near-death situations and learning how to use her abilities in more ways than she thought was possible.
-Lauren
Growing up can be tough, and Maddie McGinn has more than her fair share of obstacles! Living with her mom and stepdad during the school year, Maddie’s learned to be submissive to survive, feeling nothing but guilty, fearful, and worthless as she navigates her autism. Summer with her dad is quite the opposite! Her self-esteem escalates as she’s encouraged to speak out and act for herself! In this situation Maddie soars in self-confidence. This tender-hearted story for Tweens is powerful in many ways; it allows the reader to have a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with autism; it demonstrates the importance of being brave to ride the “waves of your life!”
-Virgie
Spider-Man: Miles Morales perfectly captures who a modern Spider-Man should be. Old villains return with a new twist, and the classic Spider-Man dilemmas loom large over Miles. As much as I love Peter Parker, Miles Morales is the perfect breath of fresh air in the Spider-Man story. Miles is immediately faced with an Avengers-level threat. Not only does he have some powerful villains to contend with, but he also has his parents and roommate to deal with too. This collection of comics is full of amazing art too! A must-read for any Spider-Man fan in my opinion!
-Ely
An easy read perfect for fans of fantasy. I loved the storyline. It's simple, funny, and easy to follow. The book follows a knight and his squire as they travel across the land, looking for adventure. The duo comes across a town that a dragon is terrorizing! The knight races off to slay the beast. But as the days pass the squire begins to worry for the knight and does some digging of his own. Will he be able to solve the town's mystery or will he be laughed at for foolish theories? I am very fond of this art style and it complements the story beautifully. If you enjoy this book I would highly recommend the author's other series Three Thieves.
-Eva
My first-grade granddaughter couldn’t wait to show me her FAVORITE book, and I can see why! The message of this book is like a children’s booster shot of confidence and permission to be who you are! It encourages kids to “be their own work of art” by being brave, thinking for themselves, being kind, being adventuresome, … and the list goes on! This is a true gem of a book!
-Virgie
If you know me, it shouldn’t take much to see why this book struck such a chord with me. For the rest of you (Let’s face it, all), this is the story behind the lesser known (and he preferred it that way!) creator of our favorite Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. In a world and industry that’s so enamored with fame, with the big names and lots of recognition, it’s truly a relief to see that some people remember those that create for the sake of it.
-Ryan
