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. All book descriptions are summarized from the back of the book, Goodreads, or the library catalog.
Want to participate in our Fall Reading Challenge? Read one book from three different genres before October 31 to get a free drink from our Chapter’s Cafe, a bookmark, and entry into a drawing for a Triple Dipple’s gift card. Pick up a reading log from the library or download and print your own here. Genres are noted in this post.
Banned Books Week: Book descriptions are shared from the American Library Association website. The most common justifications for censorship provided by complainants were false claims of illegal obscenity for minors; inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters or themes; and covering topics of race, racism, equity, and social justice.
All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M Johnson (memoir): In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. Both a primer for teens eager to be allies as well as a reassuring testimony for young queer men of color, All Boys Aren’t Blue covers topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, family, structural marginalization, consent, and Black joy. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book), Libby (audio), and Hoopla (audio).
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe (memoir): In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Now, Gender Queer is here. Maia’s autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears. What started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer has become a useful and touching guide on gender identity for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere. Available on Boundless (e-book), Libby (e-book), and Hoopla (e-book).
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (historical fiction): In Morrison’s acclaimed first novel, Pecola Breedlove—an eleven-year-old Black girl in an America whose love for its blond, blue-eyed children can devastate all others—prays for her eyes to turn blue: so that she will be beautiful, so that people will look at her, so that her world will be different. This is the story of the nightmare at the heart of her yearning, and the tragedy of its fulfillment. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book) and Libby (e-book).
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (contemporary): Follow observant “wallflower” Charlie as he charts a course through the strange world between adolescence and adulthood. First dates, family drama, and new friends. Sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Devastating loss, young love, and life on the fringes. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it, Charlie must learn to navigate those wild and poignant roller-coaster days known as growing up. This novel for teen readers (or “wallflowers” of more-advanced age) will make you laugh, cry, and perhaps feel nostalgic for those moments when you, too, tiptoed onto the dance floor of life. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book).
Tricks by Ellen Hopkins (contemporary): Meet five teens: Eden, Seth, Whitney, Ginger, and Cody. They’re from different walks of life, but regardless of upbringing, they share common needs: love, acceptance, safety, and family. All five are betrayed or “tricked” by someone they love and turn down brutal paths in which they experience even deeper deception. What will they do to be loved? To survive? Can they return home? Their stories begin in alternating vignettes and interweave into one explosive Las Vegas ending. Available on Boundless (e-book), Libby (audio), and Hoopla (audio).
Cozy up with a good book and get ready for fall! These books set the scene for Autumn.
Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore (romance): Jeanie is starting fresh as the owner of the Pumpkin Spice Cafe in the small town of Dream Harbor. Upon her arrival into town, she disrupts the routine of local grumpy farmer, Logan. Will Logan be immune to her charm, or find himself drawn to her? Available on Boundless (audio/e-book), Libby (audio/e-book), and Hoopla (audio/e-book).
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix (horror): After finding out her parents died, Louise dreads going home. She not only has to deal with life without her parents, but also with a house that may or may not have plans of its own. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book), Libby (audio/e-book), and Hoopla (audio).
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T Kingfisher (fantasy/horror): Cordelia lives under the strict control of her sorceress mother, isolated from the world except for a horse named Falada. After a mysterious death, they flee to a remote manor where her mother schemes to ensnare a wealthy man into marriage. Sensing danger, the man’s sister Hester realizes she must confront the dark magic at play to protect her brother and Cordelia. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book), Libby (audio), and Hoopla (audio).
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune (fantasy): Wallace has a suspicion he might be dead when a reaper comes for him at his own funeral. When Hugo, the owner of a peculiar tea shop promises to help him cross over, he’s pretty sure he’s dead. As a ghost, he finds he isn’t quite ready to abandon the life he barely lived. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book), Libby (audio/e-book), and Hoopla (audio).
Soul Searching by Lyla Sage (romance): Collins is back in her hometown of Sweetwater Peak, and secretly jobless and troubled by the sudden silence of the ghosts that have always surrounded her. She rents a room from newcomer Brady, and quickly finds herself entangled with a new set of ghosts. As they grow closer, both must confront the truths they’re hiding and the possibility that their temporary living arrangement might lead to something lasting. Available on Libby (e-book).
A book a day, keeps the MONSTERS away! Get ready for spooky season with these books featuring supernatural beings.
Witches
Vampires
Ghosts
Werewolves, Zombies, Demons, & More!
