Jousting July Staff Picks
Get ready for some of our favorite books, perfect for the summer!
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deWitt’s dedication to his style of writing and humor is admirable in that he does not waver from it, ever. The style occasionally produces some clunky passages and exchanges but generally, the perspective created by this style is engaging and highlights what he wants to, which in the case of this novel is the introversion of the protagonist, Bob Comet.
Comet has led a mostly solitary life, dedicated and passionate about books. He had a career as a librarian because “All his life he had believed the real world was the world of books; it was here that mankind’s finest inclinations were represented.” Circumstances early in the story allow Bob to reflect on parts of his entire life and through the unfolding of the story we see Bob has approached social interactions consistently, which is to say slightly detached and with a keen sense of observation. Bob is certainly an outcast but his journey reveals a rewarding and enjoyable life.
-Mike
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It’s been 18 years since Abraham Verghese’s bestseller Cutting for Stone was released, and his new book: The Covenant of Water, was well worth the wait! Inspired by his grandmother’s life story of growing up in the Kerala backwaters in southern India, Verghese tells the story of three generations of a family (1900-1977). Each generation is affected by the “Condition”. One person dies by drowning. Verghese goes deeply into the political history and culture of southern India while telling a story so engaging that it never seems academic. The vibrant characters take the reader on an intimate tour of Indian culture, with tales of misery, sacrifice, generosity, heroism, and a familial medical mystery. This story had a huge impact on me, providing a bird’s eye view of one family through three generations and making me wonder where I fit into my own family story. Don’t let the size of this book daunt you! I listened to the 31 hours of the story, narrated by Versghese himself, his passion delivered loud and clear. It was worth every minute!
-Virgie
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I feel like a lot of people missed this short story by the author of Circe and Song of Achilles, which is tragic. Now that I’ve brought it to your attention, if you skip it, it’s to your own detriment! Miller proves with this story that she is just as capable of writing a gut punch in 60 pages as she is at writing one in 400. Galatea is a new look at the classic story of the statue brought to life by her sculptor’s obsession. However, in true Madeline Miller fashion, this story is from the perspective of a woman, not a statue, who has been sealed away from the world by a man who is revealed to be capricious and jealous. I loved it, and when I finished the last page, I immediately began it again. A good short story is truly an art form, and Galatea is a veritable masterpiece.
-Jenna
Women in history are often spoken over or spoken for. Listening to the stories of women past and present is one of the most important things we can do! This story is about Haiti’s Queen Marie-Louise Coidavaid, who fled her country's violent revolution. She fled with her daughters to Europe with smuggled diamonds and built herself up to royal rank in Europe. This is an interesting piece of history everyone should hear!
-Izabel
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A chill runs through this whole novel, from the first page all the way to its haunting and triumphant climax. Protagonist Mackenzie has fled, from her grief, from her family, from everything she has ever known in an attempt to avoid her past. But the past has followed her and has no intention of letting her go. She is forced home to confront her family, the loss of her sister, and a demonic creature from Cree folklore, and ultimately come to a newfound sense of peace and closeness with the life she had left behind.
-Tom
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A required book for my English class that I loved! I even kept reading it after school was out. Murder, mayhem, and money shape this book. In the barren desert of Texas, Moss finds a drug deal gone wrong. Blood has been spilled and people are dead. There is also a large bag of money that Moss takes. This simple action sets off a chain reaction and could ultimately end in Mosses' demise. A dark noir brings together a bounty hunter known for his creative ways of killing people. A sheriff blinded by right and wrong. A man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Take a chance, flip a coin, for every decision in your life has led to this decision.
-Eva
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El primer libro que leí en Español, La Sombra Del Viento es una historia inmaculada, escrita con pasión, y con toda la melancolía que infusa las memorias de juventud. Tomando lugar en España en los años 40, La Sombra Del Viento se trata de Daniel y el libro misterioso, La Sombra Del Viento, que descubrió en la biblioteca que se llama “El Cementerio de los Libros Olvidados". Con caracteres inolvidables, un aire de magia y misterio, y un cuento de amor, La Sombra Del Viento (y el resto de la serie El Cementerio de Los Libros Olvidados) es una carta de amor a la literatura y a los libros en general.
(La Sombra del Viento es un libro de la antología El Cementerio de Los Libros Olvidados)
-Bryce
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In this short novel written as a long poem, Keiran Goddard explores the three parts of a relationship as told by a man in love with a woman. There is before, during, and after, and each part is more heartbreaking than the last. The writing is beautiful yet easy to read and is relatable to anyone who has ever felt heartbreak. Though filled with sorrow and heartache, reading this book felt very hopeful. I loved reading about the perspective a man has on his relationship.
-Lark
Author Allende has lived this novel, her own desperate life as a Chilean refugee, leaving behind her family, her home, everything! Her insight into the story of young refugee children being separated from their parents has depth and feeling. The story involves two children living 80 years apart; Samuel, age 5, flees Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938, and Anita, a 7-year-old blind child, is separated from her mother at the US border crossing. You might ask why a mother would think of putting her child in the path of danger, yet after reading this story, one understands the desperation of refugees “running for their life!” Although the individual stories occur 80 years apart, Samuel and Anita’s paths cross as they develop a bond nurtured by similar trauma. The story holds hope, revealing the thousands of volunteers, moved by compassion and decency, to alleviate the plight of refugees, then and now. This is more than just a story! It’s an opportunity to understand better the role we can play in our own country’s refugee dilemma!
- Virgie
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A mountain lion is watching the residents of ellay as they hike around the Hollywood sign. This puma is enthralled by the homeless encampment, the scare city that these hikers talk about, and humanity in all of its gracelessness. A fire eventually forces them into the streets of ellay and directly into all the dangers humans pose.
This book absolutely ensnared me. Whilst reading this, I wasn’t fully human; I existed as a part of this beautiful mind. Thought provoking, alien, and beautiful, Open Throat is a truly amazing book.
-Izzy
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‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is a captivating novel that delves into the intriguing life of Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo. Through vivid storytelling and compelling characters, this book explores themes of love, ambition, and the sacrifices made to pursue fame. It masterfully weaves together Evelyn’s complex relationships with her seven husbands, providing insight into the intricacies of love and the secrets that shape a person’s life. With its rich narrative, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking exploration of the entertainment industry, this book is a compelling and highly recommended read for those seeking a gripping tale of love, glamor, and self-discovery.
-Reshida
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After reading this book, I can confidently say I have a new heroine; Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of Franklin Roosevelt, and the First Lady of the United States. Right behind Eleanor, I hold high esteem for Mary McLeod Bethune, a Black political activist. Despite the rigid societal expectations for political wives, Eleanor aligned herself with Mary Bethune, and together they became a TEAM (unheard of in the 1930’s -40’s) fighting to defy racial segregation and promote equality for all. These two women were brazen and bold, disregarding societal norms and oftentimes doing the inconceivable! In today’s world, I’d call them BADASS WOMEN, and I cheered them on throughout this story! The stories of their efforts are a true inspiration. Interestingly, this book is co-authored by a white woman and a black woman, who, while researching and writing this story, mirrored the two heroines! If you want to learn about “gutsy” women who made a difference in our world, I suggest this read for you!
-Virgie
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As boring as an intrigue surrounding obscure American maps and the New York Public Library sounds, The Cartographers is anything but. Nell, a recently-terminated employee of NYPL is devastated when her harsh-but-loving father is found dead in his office. To her increasing confusion, the last project he seemed to be working on was an obscure fold-out gas station map from the 1930s. The same map that started the infamous Junk Drawer Incident–and consequently got Nell fired. It isn’t long before Nell finds out that the map is part of a plot much bigger than she could have ever imagined. A surreal whirlwind of maps, murder, and intrafamilial conflict, The Cartographers is a modern thriller that simply cannot be missed.
-Bryce
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Daisy Jones & The Six is an exceptional book that captivates readers with its immersive storytelling and richly drawn characters. Set in the vibrant music scene of the 1970’s, the novel takes us on a wild journey through the rise and fall of a fictional rock band. Through a unique interview-style format, the story unfolds as various band members and associates recount their experiences with raw honesty and authenticity. This unconventional narrative style - with its vivid descriptions, evocative atmosphere, and powerful portrayal of the music industry - adds depth and intrigue, allowing readers to witness the complexities of fame, love, and creative collaboration. This book feels like a real memoir, inviting readers to fully invest in the characters and their turbulent lives. It is a compelling and unforgettable book that beautifully captures the essence of a bygone era and the timeless pursuit of artistic expression.
-Reshida
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I laughed out loud at nearly every chapter in this book, and also shed some tears toward the end. It is such a crazy story yet deeply relatable and moving. This story is about Greta, a transcriptionist for a sex therapist, as she deals with love and sex issues of her own and even ones that involve some of her boss' clients. If you are looking for an unusually twisted but extremely fun book, this is for you!
-Lark
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American Ending is one of the most accurate historical fiction books I have read. A beautiful story sharing the struggles of a Russian immigrant family in the early 20th century in a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania. Our narrator Yelena is a curious, strong-headed girl, who we see experience the highs and lows of growing up. A strong historical fiction that doesn’t romanticize history, but tells it as it is. American Ending shows us the struggles of a family struggling to make ends meet while mining coal. Mary Kay Zuravleff is an amazing storyteller. Get ready for a book you can’t put down!
-Izabel
Journalist Byron Kidd’s daughter has vanished. As time passes with no trace of her and his wife begins to move on with her life, Bryon refuses to accept that his daughter is truly gone. Cynical and self-medicating, he begins to unravel a supernatural mystery that leads him to Los Angeles, to immerse himself in a supposedly-fictional fantasy series that his daughter - and other missing teens like her - are obsessed with. Each new discovery takes him deeper and deeper into the unknown, his commitment to saving his daughter driving him to see past his own beliefs, to find new perspective on himself, and follow the story all the way to another world.
-Tom
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World War II is an era from which many stories emerge. The stories of the people who lived through the war, not just of those who fought, are equally important. The Air Raid Book Club is a story of loss and healing with friends and community. Lyon’s characters are written beautifully and with depth. Lyon creates characters that you can relate to. The Air Raid book club is an amazing story of healing in a time of ruin. I highly recommend you check it out!
-Izabel!
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It Ends With Us is a powerful and thought-provoking book that resonates deeply with readers. The novel explores complex themes such as love, abuse, and personal growth. You'll be taken on an emotional journey as the main character navigates a tumultuous relationship and confronts her past. This book delves into the complexities of domestic violence and the difficult choices individuals face in such situations. The characters are well-developed and relatable, allowing readers to connect profoundly. This book is an important and brave exploration of difficult topics, shedding light on the complexities of human relationships and inspiring conversations about empathy, strength, and personal boundaries.
-Reshida
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I’ve written about this one before, but I’m doing it again because I think this is the perfect series to tide over all you folks who are patiently waiting for a copy of Fourth Wing to come back into stock! Seriously! It has magic, epic battles with serious consequences, a mysterious, romantic figure with a shady past (not spicy though.) It straddles the line between young adult and adult fiction and is just obscenely readable. If you like books with awesome, and I do mean AWESOME, side characters, I’m actually begging you to choose this book. This is the first in a series that all take place in the same world, with a different cast of characters. The setup is a bit like Leigh Bardugo’s GrishaVerse, but predates it by years. Does it have dragons? Kind of. And you’ll have to read it to find out what I mean by that.
-Jenna
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WARNING! DO NOT TAKE THIS BOOK TOO SERIOUSLY! The other 1984, Brave New World is a scathing indictment of socialism practically dripping with sarcasm and dark satire. In a distant, “utopian” version of the world, humans are no longer developed “viviparously” (inside a body), but within a factory that predetermines an individual’s place in society. In stark contrast to our society, promiscuity is encouraged, to its strangest, most deviant extent–and true intimacy is strictly taboo. Death is no longer a notable occasion, as the individual no longer matters. Intensely nihilistic, subversive, and surprisingly gross, Brave New World is the book that shocked and horrified an entire generation, and serves as a powerful warning to our current scientific trajectory (as any good work of speculative fiction does).
-Bryce
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Dragons y’all, they never fail to capture my attention and heart. To Shape A Dragon’s Breath recites the story of Anequs and Kasaqua. These two, Dragon and companion, must navigate a colonial world intent on wrenching their relationship into a rigid shape. Anequs arrives at a dragon academy ready to learn and become the best companion for Kasaqua she can be, but is met with a wall of ignorance and obstinate teachers.
Blackgoose is a truly gifted storyteller. I found myself enchanted by this story, mostly because reading it felt like I was listening. Stories written with elements of oral traditions demonstrate a mastery of writing I feel lucky to read.
-Izzy
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I will never ever tire of reading fairy tales from all over the world. This book is a more contemporary version of the storybook of folktales I grew up reading. It was one of those books that formed the way I saw the world at a young age, and taught me to believe in beauty, truth, and love. I know that sounds cheesy as hell, but I believe that the best way to know a place is to know the stories they tell and the food they prepare. If you want to raise strong, empathetic children, read them fairy tales. If you want to reaffirm your own sense of beauty and hope, read a couple for yourself. I promise you won’t regret it, and this is a perfect place to get started.
-Jenna
This story “creeped” me out, but for some reason I simply could not put it down! Lenora Hope is famous for her past history; brutally killing her family! In fact, the crime was so horrific that a chant was created about that event.
“At 17 Lenora Hope
Hung her sister with a rope,
Stabbed her father with a knife,
Took her mother’s happy life.”
Lenora is nearing the end of her life, mute and unable to move on her own, still living in the same elegant home she grew up in. Kit has begun a new assignment as a home healthcare aide, caring for Lenora, after the previous health aide went missing. Kit is suspicious, and is determined to learn Lenora’s whole story. You won’t believe it! If you liked The Silent Patient, if you need a good psychological thriller, then this book is for you!
-Virgie
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All her life, Chise has been able to see things others can’t. However, her connection with the other side has only brought her misfortune; she has lost everything she’s ever cared about because of it. Just when she has lost all hope of a happy life, a mysterious being comes to whisk her away to a world full of magic and danger. Along with this new life, Chise gains a new family full of inhuman characters that the reader is guaranteed to fall in love with. A great pick for anyone who loves the manga series The Girl from the Other Side!
-Isabella
Space is a complicated beast! This book explains Astrophysics and Cosmology in a way anyone can understand. Francfort’s use of graphics and straightforward wording makes understanding black holes and light years so easy. It does not feel condescending, speaking to the reader like they’re also a scientist! The illustrations are fun and colorful. The way the book walks you through complicated space stuff is amazing! If you’re curious about space, stars and the universe as a whole this book is for you!
-Izabel
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This is such a cool graphic novel. I love when people combine western stories and supernatural stories, and this is a prime example of that. You’re immediately introduced to a compelling cast of characters including a frontiersman, a lost little girl, Death, and death’s daughter. This volume is a self-contained story, and much like an old television special, it appears that this series will follow these characters through different adventures in each issue. I loved the art style in this volume, and found myself scouring the pages for little details. Be aware, there are a few panels that feature sexually explicit content for those who’d rather avoid it.
-Jenna
Come and Meet Finn Murphy on July 19th, 2023!
Finn Murphy, of long haul trucking fame, is back with this witty, eye-opening, and thoroughly enjoyable account of his experiences in the hemp industry. With an eye on the prosperity the hemp boom promised, Murphy settles on a Boulder County farm, ready to make the most out of this new and exciting market. Nothing can go wrong and most things do.
Murphy pairs uncanny insight with an excellent storyteller’s candor and sense of humor. Reading Rocky Mountain High is like sitting with that one uncle or uncle equivalent who lived more lives and done more things than you thought possible. Be sure to check this hempish adventure out!
-Izzy
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If you have ever taken a cruise, flown on an airplane, stayed in a beachfront hotel, or road-tripped across the country, this book is for you. Elizabeth Becker, former war reporter and award-winning journalist for the New York Times, Washington Post, and NPR, has the dirty details on the travel industry and what it means for us as a global community. Becker’s experience as a journalist gives her a unique perspective on what certain countries are and aren’t doing right when it comes to tourism, which involves everything from providing subsidies to traditional farmers to creating national parks and wildlife refuges. I was shocked at some of the things that end up attracting tourists to certain countries, especially the chapter on Cambodia and the “dark tourism” business that has sprung up around former Khmer Rogue torture sites. Perhaps the most interesting thing about this book is the fact that it was written in 2013, which means the reader is able to see how our tourism trajectory has and has not changed according to certain world events.
- Megan
If your life partner asked you to uproot your life in England and move to a remote town in Denmark, what would you do? Helen Russell will take you on an absolute riot of a journey as she learns to navigate living in Denmark; the cultural differences, the day to day nuances, the rhythms of the Danes. It is a beautifully written
-Gretchen
As a young creative in a rural town, my options for learning how to make art were limited. Countless hours were spent pouring over numerous “How to draw (x)” books written by well-meaning but misguided artists, borrowed from the local library. To spare you that unique joy, I’m just going to tell you to read this instead. This book is focused mainly on the visual arts with every chapter beginning with discussing a fundamental skill; and ending with several examples provided by modern artists. These “fundamentals in practice” sections also include a statement about the process in regards to the skill the editors felt their piece exemplifies. While not useful if you’re making an abstract echolocation piece, if you’re interested in learning how art work and not just to copy steps, this is the title for you.
- Ryan
The United States is home to many refugees, Minnesota being the home to more refugees per capita than any other state. Although one can often identify a refugee by appearance, that is as far as our knowledge goes, and some are quick to judge. Yet, do we know; what home countries have these humans left? what struggles have they survived? what is their story? Author Kao Kalia Yang, a Hmong refugee herself, residing in Minnesota, shares stories of refugees. Each chapter represents refugees from different ethnic and global areas, including Hmong, Tibetan, Somali, Burmese, Eritrean, Liberian, to name a few. In my opinion, this is a book every American should read. It will open your awareness, shape your understanding and inform your conscience.
-Virgie
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I love to eat, but I can’t lie, until I started learning to create food from other cultures, I really hated to cook. It was exhausting, and often disappointing, and the clean up was just awful. This cookbook is a perfect example of the kind of culinary work that pulled me out of that funk. Mediterranean and middle eastern foods are just…so dang good. These recipes range all over that region, where the mix of flavors and textures is so supremely satisfying every time. This book has a bit of everything for chefs of every ability, and covers meals of every type and occasion. It also got a glowing review from Yasmin Khan, who wrote another of my favorite cookbooks, Ripe Figs.
-Jenna
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Once there were twelve girls roaming the halls of Highmoor. Now there are eight. As Annaleigh buries her newly dead sister, whispers of a curse arise. Her family can’t be cursed, right? These deaths were just horrible accidents and bad luck. Annaleigh tries to convince herself nothing is wrong but she can’t shake the feeling that something or someone is watching her. Her sisters have died, a fact that can not be hidden in beautiful gowns, glittering balls, and warm smiles. She is determined to get to the bottom of the murders but shadows start whispering and spirits are appearing. Will Annaleigh solve the murders, or will she be driven mad by false realities and grief?
-Eva
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This thrilling addition to the Sister Of The Salt series follows Verity, who is now grown and ready to leave the nest of Highmoor. Camille, lady of the house and Verity’s older sister does not want Verity to leave. She wishes to protect her as long as possible and is hiding a secret from Verity. Verity is cursed and can see ghosts. After a falling out with her sister Verity leaves Highmoor and travels to the land belonging to the People of The Petals. There she meets the Laurent family who have commissioned her to paint a portrait of their son Alexander. However, the manicured lawns and extravagant fauna can’t hide that there is something twisted about this place. Join Verity in a hunt for love, ghosts, secrets and answers.
- Eva
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Welcome to the city of Ketterdam. As you wander down to the Barrel you'll pass the infamous Crow Club. Built by the notorious Kaz Brecker. A ruthless thief, magician, murderer - someone who gets the job done, no matter how dirty or risky. At his side is a sharpshooter who finds peace in the midst of battle. Kaz gets his information from the Wraith. She crawls around Ketterdam hearing rumors and learning secrets. Seen by none but known by everyone. Will the crew be able to pull off an impossible heist and collect a reward big enough to risk their lives? I absolutely loved this book. It fueled my love for pickpocketing antics and strategy to invade highly fortified walls. The characters make the whole story glow. I mean how good is the comeback “ it's not normal for a man to be as stupid as he is tall but there you stand.” With many more quirky moments and laughs you will enjoy this book! I am currently reading the second book Crooked Kingdom which is as amazing as the first. Make sure you have it on hand when you finish the first!
- Eva
There is a wholly unremarkable book on a forgotten shelf in the back of a library that no one wants to read, this is that book’s story. This quirky and delightful book is all about the stories we tell about ourselves and how silly they can be. Getting to know the book that no one wants to read, the narrator of this fantastic tale, we find that this book is witty, creative, and exceptionally clever.
If you are a kid who adores books, or an adult who dreamt of being a librarian/ bookseller, this is the book I promise you want to read.
-Izzy
Otilla has run away. Amongst the thick trees in an unfamiliar forest, she finds a magnificent house. In that house is a welcoming skull and the skeleton that chases it around at night. Otilla has no intention of letting the skeleton catch the skull.
This one is for the folklore lovers. It can seem a little creepy, but it remains beautiful. Klassen’s signature bold art style expresses the simultaneous darkness and light present in this story. Beautiful, witty, and a little eerie, this book is excellent all around.
-Izzy
Freeman is not the first children's author to tackle the subject of survival, but she is perhaps the first to explore the subject in verse. Alone earns a spot next to Hatchet, Sign of the Beaver, Island of the Blue Dolphin, My Side of the Mountain and other classic books that have explored the idea of children having to survive on their own for a multitude of reasons. It is a universal fear and a universal question: could I do it? Do I have the strength, the courage, and the mental toughness to survive on my own in the face of adversity? Or would I give in to fear and loneliness and despair? What do we learn about ourselves when all that we know is stripped away? Freeman answers these questions beautifully when her young protagonist Maddie focuses on hope, gratitude and grit to survive a deserted Denver. Alone is a great book to give a middle-grade reader or a perfect summer family read-aloud. Stop by the bookstore on July 30th to meet the author and have her sign your copy.
-Danielle
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Alice is insatiably curious, fantastically handy, and absolutely dedicated to learning and action. These traits combined make her the perfect person to explore the old house next door to her new home. When she slides down the coal chute to explore, she feels the house’s heartbeat. As she begins fixing this old home, she meets its ghostly residents and begins a journey to help them with unfinished matters of the heart. But will she be able to settle all of these ghosts before the house is demolished?
This is a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed every page. Alice’s courageousness and inquisitive nature are inspiring and encouraged me to take on new challenges and projects. This is an excellent book.
-Izzy
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Wow. What an incredible cover! A perfect book to explore issues like global warming, pollution, research and how they correlate to the ocean. Sharks are an incredibly important part of the oceanic ecosystem. This book shows sharks as beautiful creatures that are to be respected, not hunted and feared. Stunning pages will enthrall all who read it as a little crab takes you through gorgeous seas, beaches and coral reefs.
-Eva
This is the true story of how Mahani Teave, who grew up on the remote island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) found her love of music and the courage to pursue her dream of learning classical music and performing all over the world! It’s also the story of how she brought her success home, and along with a team of friends, used it to make the world a little bit better by building a music school out of the ocean garbage that was overwhelming her beautiful home. The gorgeous illustrations and hopeful message in this book really are proof that even the hardest problems can be solved with teamwork and love!
-Jenna
The beauty of the words and pictures flow seamlessly together in this book. The images are seemingly created out of pastels and have a lot of fluidity to them. The story itself teaches about listening to your heart and how your intuition is powerful, sustainability regarding foraging, and how our current actions affect future generations. It also touches on the idea of giving back to our children, so they also learn the knowledge and culture. It’s an extremely wholesome and sweet book that touches the heart. Written by Native authors, Suzanne Greenlaw and Gabriel Frey, whose daughters inspired the story, it holds a lot of wisdom and love.
-Cass
Not A Monster is the story of the very cute (but very weird looking) Axolotl (ak-suh-laht-ul.) The axolotl is named after the Aztec god of monstrous things, Xolotl, but it sure isn’t a monster! It is a salamander that keeps its gills and fins, and mainly lives in the water. I love this book for its mix of storytelling and facts, and the way it tells the story of this fantastic Mexican creature in a mix of English and Spanish words. If you don’t speak Spanish though, don’t worry - you’ll pick it up quickly! The context in the story and the glossary in the back make it easy to start learning. I’m convinced this is the perfect storybook for the curious, nature loving kid!
-Jenna
