All the books listed here are available at the library. Stop in, give us a call, or use the online catalog to place a hold and check one out.
National Science Fiction Day is Jan 2! Celebrate by reading a science fiction book this month. We’ve listed classic and contemporary titles for you to browse.
Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley: Considered the first science fiction novel by many, Frankenstein is a story of Victor Frankenstein and his obsession with the creation of life. This gothic horror was written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley when she was just 18 years old.
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishigoru: Klara and the Sun follows Klara, an Artificial Friend, observing how humans interact while browsing and passing by the store she waits in. This story explores the rapidly changing world and the true meaning of love.
The Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu (translated by Ken Liu): This fantastical science fiction with a large cast of characters takes place during China’s Cultural Revolution. If you are a fan of aliens and the fight to take over the world, this might be the book for you!
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline: While the planet is declining and falling apart, Wade Watts escapes into the OASIS, an expansive virtual reality universe created by eccentric James Halliday. After Wade finds the first clue to Halliday’s scavenger hunt, he learns that he might need to confront the real world in order to succeed.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir: With multiple awards won and from the author of The Martian, Project Hail Mary is a humorous, unforgettable story of survival set in outer space. Ryland Grace wakes up to find himself millions of miles from home and has to figure out how to save himself, and humanity.
Sherlock Holmes celebrates his birthday on January 6. What better way to commemorate his birthday than by reading a novel featuring a famous detective.
The Adventures and the Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle: Read all about the adventures of Sherlock Holmes through the eyes of Dr. Watson! This short story collection provides multiple mini-mysteries that you can try to solve along with Holmes.
Funerals Are Fatal by Agatha Christie: One of the later books from Agatha Christie, Funerals Are Fatal follows a retired Hercule Poirot as he tries to solve the murder of two wealthy members of the Abernathie family. Have a pen and paper ready to keep track of this large cast of characters as you try to deduce who is at fault.
No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith: The first in a 23 (as of right now) book series gives us a glimpse into the life of Precious Ramotswe, the only lady detective in Botswana. A quick and fun read with a rich glimpse into the culture of Botswana and plenty of mysteries to solve along the way.
Along Came a Spider by James Patterson: Join Alex Cross, a brilliant homicide detective and Jezzie Flanagan, the first female supervisor of the Secret Service as they try to outsmart a psychopathic serial killer. The first book in the iconic Alex Cross series. Patterson fills the story with plot twists and relatable characters to keep you coming back for more.
A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong: After unexpectedly traveling through time, Mallory Atkinson must find a way to solve the murder she’s been thrust into the middle of while also working to return to her modern life. Described as Outlander meets The Alienist, A Rip Through Time mixes mystery, romance, and fantasy into one century spanning book, to start off the unfinished series.
National Popcorn Day is January 19. Pop some popcorn, read the book, and then watch the movie! We’ve compiled some books that inspired popular movies.
Annihilation by James VanderMeer: Not knowing what to expect, we join the twelfth group on an expedition to Area X, an area cut off from civilization for decades, with mixed reports from groups prior. Secrets are uncovered about the area they are exploring and about the four women who make up the group.
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan: Rachel has no clue that her boyfriend is not just rich, but one of the most eligible bachelors in Singapore. Follow along as she finds a way to navigate the society she could have never imagined being a part of. A romantic comedy full of gossip, wealth, scheming, and love.
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones: You may have watched the Studio Ghibli film and not realized that it was actually based on a book. This young adult fantasy novel creates a whimsical atmosphere for young and old readers alike. Sophie works tirelessly to break a curse set upon her and might end up taking on more than she bargained for.
Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman: Gillian and Sally Owens have always been blamed for the mishaps in their hometown, with their elderly aunts encouraging the rumors of witchcraft from townspeople. In the process of attempting to leave these rumors behind, they are brought back as if by magic.
Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris: This well known psychological horror novel turned movie features Clarice, an FBI agent, who is forced to ask for assistance from a cannibalistic serial killer, Hannibal Lector. Lector has an intimate understanding of the killer and of Clarice, leading to a compelling and suspenseful book.
Happy Reading!