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 provided by the publisher on the back of the book, on Goodreads, or through the library catalog.
Want to participate in our Fall Reading Challenge? Read one book from three different genres between September 1 and 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, with lots more options to choose from at the end!
Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month! Check out these books that feature libraries or have characters who work in libraries. And, check out the amazing superpowers your Chillicothe Public Library card has this month!
Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey (western, fantasy): The future American Southwest is full of bandits, fascists, and queer librarian spies on horseback trying to do the right thing. This short novella follows Esther through a story of poverty, toil, human terror, and revolution. Available on Hoopla (audio).
Next Best Fling by Gabriella Gamez (romance): Librarian, Marcela, has been in love with her best friend for years, and now he’s engaged to someone else. When she finds out her best friend’s brother is about to confess his feelings for his brother’s fiance, she is quick to stop him. They both need a cover for their unrequited feelings, so they roll with the lie that they are dating each other. Complicated feelings, messy family dynamics, and uncovered secrets come up as they begin to confront their feelings for each other. Available on Boundless (e-book).
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (fantasy): After finding a bewitched alchemical manuscript during her research at Oxford’s Bodleian Library, Diana stirs up a magical underworld. Daemons, witches, and vampires descend upon the library and Diana is the only person who can break the spell. A Discovery of Witches is the first book in the All Souls series. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book) and Libby (audio/e-book).
The Library Book by Susan Orlean (nonfiction): Starting with the story of the fire at the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986 that burned for over seven hours and ruined four hundred thousand books.. Take a journey through the stacks and explore the institutions that provide more than just books for their patrons, and why libraries remain an essential part of the country. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book) and Libby (audio/e-book).
How Can I Help You by Laura Sims (suspense): Margo works at a small town public library where her colleagues and patrons know her congeniality and charm. No one suspects that she is actually leaving a trail of countless premature deaths in her wake. Not until Patricia joins the library staff and quickly notices Margo’s sinister edge. When a patron dies in the library bathroom, Patricia begins digging into Margo’s mysterious past. Available on Hoopla (ebook), Boundless (e-book), and Libby (audio).
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles (historical fiction): The Paris Library follows two timelines and is based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris. A novel that explores the consequences of our choices and how they can shape who we are. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book) and Libby (e-book).
September 15-October 15 is recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month. Recognize and celebrate the culture and accomplishments by reading from these authors.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (poetry): Growing up as an Afro-Latina girl in her Harlem neighborhood, Xiomara has a lot to say, but isn’t quite sure if there is anyone there to listen. She begins writing her frustrations and passions down and reciting them back to herself. With crushes, family pressures, and religious questions fueling her poetry, Xiomara can’t wait to let herself be heard. Available on Hoopla (audio/ebook), Boundless (audio/e-book), and Libby (audio).
The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende (historical fiction): The newest novel from New York Times bestselling author Isabel Allende follows the ripple effects of war and immigration on a child in Europe in 1938 and another in the US in 2019. A testament to sacrifices parents make so their children can continue dreaming. Available on Boundless (e-book).
House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara (historical fiction): Seventeen-year-old Angel is new to the 1980s Harlem ball scene. With a traumatic past, Angel is yearning to create a family for those without. She soon falls in love with Hector, and together they form the House of Xtravaganza, the first all-Latino house in the circuit. What follows is a dynamic story of ambition, resilience, and determination to control their own fates. Available on Hoopla (audio/ebook).
Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (horror, fantasy, historical fiction): Follow women from three different eras as they encounter danger and witchcraft in this eerie multigenerational horror saga. Inspired by her great-grandmother’s stories, Minerva is studying the history of horror literature and researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay. She begins to uncover information that leads her to believe that Tremblay’s most famous horror novel is based on a true story. And that her stories strangely echo the same stories Nana Alba used to tell her. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book) and Libby (audio/e-book).
But Not Too Bold by Hache Pueyo (horror): The old keeper of the keys has been eaten by Anatema, an enormous humanoid spider with a taste for human brides. Dalia, the old keeper’s protegee must take up her duties and unravel the crime that led to her predecessor’s death, if she can survive that long. This short and sweet monster romance novella will keep you on your toes.
Solito by Javier Zamora (memoir): Javier tells the harrowing story of his migration from El Salvador to the United States at just nine years old. What was supposed to be a two week “trip” to reunite with his mother ends up expanding into two months of boat trips, desert treks, arrests, and deceptions. Available on Boundless (audio/e-book).
Young adult and Adult recommendations for the Fall Reading Challenge: Genre Exploration!
Historical Fiction
Romance
Fantasy
Suspense
Western
Mystery
Science Fiction
Horror
Biography/Memoir
